The IBF has contacted super-middleweight title holder Carl Froch to instruct him to hold talks with mandatory challenger James DeGale within the next 30 days.
Froch is obligated to face DeGale in the near future, but after defeating George Groves at Wembley Stadium in May, the Nottingham boxer has reiterated that his priority is to agree a deal to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in Las Vegas.
However, with a fight against the Mexican reportedly hitting the rocks, Froch faces losing his IBF strap without another bout being confirmed if he doesn't open talks with DeGale during January.
The IBF Championships chairman Lindsay E Tucker told Sky Sports News: "We sent him a letter on December 31, ordering him to start negotiating with mandatory challenger James DeGale.
"They have 30 days to negotiate. If they don't reach a decision, then we call for a purse bid."
If no deal can be reached, a contest between DeGale and American Andre Dirrell is likely to be made for the spring.
