TYSON FURY could be forced into a mandatory title fight against undefeated heavyweight Frank Sanchez.
Fury will face Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Saudi Arabia in the first four-belt fight in heavyweight history.
But contenders are vying for the right to challenge for the WBC title later.
Sanchez, who is 24-0 with 17 knockouts, recently stopped Junior Fa in seven rounds on Anthony Joshua’s undercard in December.
That same evening, Agit Kabayel defeated Arslanbek Makhmudov 24-0 and now the German has been ordered to a fight with Sánchez.
The winner will then line up to challenge the WBC champion.
Sánchez’s co-manager Mike Borao said Air sports: “For our part, we are trying 100 percent to fight Kabayel.
“Both fighters have had fantastic performances in Saudi Arabia so it is a natural fight to make with the added bonus of the eliminator being called by the WBC.
‘I know PBC [Premier Boxing Champions] would stage the fight in the US, but wherever it ends up being will be a good fight – this is likely the quickest route to a world title for both fighters.
“Kabayel looked fantastic against Makhmudov, but Frank wants to become world champion, so he is prepared to face a tough challenge in Kabayel.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
Fury, 35, was scheduled to fight Usyk, 37, on February 17 until a sparring cutback two weeks earlier caused the fight to be postponed.
The pair are still contracted for a two-fight series, meaning a rematch should happen immediately.
The undefeated champions therefore seem to be tied for a year, meaning that the contenders will have to wait a long time for a chance at the title.