JOSH Taylor has been ordered by the WBC to begin negotiations with Jose Zepeda over a title defence - but the bout is unlikely to happen.
Zepeda is next in line for a shot at the WBC crown but undisputed super lightweight champion Taylor looks set to vacate all four belts as he eyes a move up to welterweight.
Should an agreement fail to be reached with Zepeda, a purse bid will take place.
Taylor has made it clear that he is likely to step up to 147lbs following his controversial points win over Jack Catterall in Glasgow in February.
Last week, the WBA held a purse bid for Taylor's mandatory fight with Alberto Puello and it was won by TGB Promotions, on behalf of the Dominican.
Confirming that American Zepeda is the number one contender, the WBC said: “As per prior communications and with the agreement which all four presidents (of the WBC, WBO, IBF, WBA) confirmed in the meeting held in Puerto Rico, the WBC mandatory defence is next, followed by the IBF.
"The WBC is hereby advising of the beginning of the free negotiations period for the Josh Taylor mandatory title defence versus Jose Zepeda.
"If no agreement is reached the WBC will conduct a purse bid on Tuesday, May 24th."
