Australian boxer Jason Moloney will earn another world title shot after the WBC ordered his camp to reach terms with Nonito Donaire to fight for the vacant bantamweight belt.
And it could be the first of many opportunities for the 32-year-old, after undisputed champion Naoya Inoue announced a move up in weight that vacated all four belts.
Donaire and Moloney have until February 17 to lock in the fight's details before it becomes a purse bid.
Moloney's manager Tony Tolj told AAP they will push for a title shot on home soil, but said the United States was a likely option.
The opportunity presented to Moloney is the latest chance afforded to an Australian boxer.
Queenslander Liam Wilson will fight for the super featherweight world title next month, Tim Tszyu is locked in for a WBO super-welterweight clash in March, and Jai Opetaia is the holder of The Ring and IBF cruiserweight belts.
Japanese boxer Inoue, the division's first undisputed champion in 50 years, knocked Moloney out in the seventh round when they fought for the belt in 2020.
The NSW talent (25-2, 19 knockouts) has not put a foot wrong in four fights since.
Moloney and former champion Donaire were declared the WBC's top two contenders, despite the US-based Filipino considering a drop back in weight class after a heavy loss to Inoue.
Moloney is also the WBO's No.1 contender, leaving him well-placed to benefit after Inoue's departure flipped the class on its head.
Donaire (42-7, 28KOs) has not fought since a second-round knockout loss to Inoue in June in Japan.
