Teofimo Lopez has been ordered to defend his WBA welterweight title against Brit Jack Catterall in his next fight, the governing body confirmed Tuesday.
Lopez (23-2, 13 KOs) had seemingly been intent on fighting Ryan Garcia in a potential unification bout after attempting to climb in the ring following Garcia's win over Conor Benn in Las Vegas earlier this month.
However, Catterall (33-2, 14 KOs) will be next for Lopez, unless the American decides to vacate his title.
The fighters' teams have 30 days to negotiate a deal before purse bids are ordered.
Catterall had established himself as mandatory challenger with the WBA after beating Shakhram Giyasov in April.
Rolly Romero was champion at that time before he lost to Lopez in August.
Catterall's promoter, Eddie Hearn, insisted that Catterall was still mandatory despite the belt changing hands.
On Tuesday, the WBA confirmed that Lopez will have to defend his title against Catterall next.
"On August 22, 2026, Teófimo López defeated Romero by majority decision to become the WBA Super Champion. López therefore succeeded Romero as champion and assumed the obligations previously established by the Championship Committee," the WBA said.
"As a result, the WBA has ordered the bout between Lopez and Catterall.
"The WBA has established a 30-day negotiation period, beginning on September 22, 2026, and concluding at the close of business, Eastern Time, on October 22, 2026.
"If the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established period, or if either party notifies the WBA of its decision to discontinue negotiations, the Championship Committee may, with the approval of the WBA President, order a purse bid in accordance with the organization's rules and regulations."
