The World Boxing Association has instructed representatives of WBA World flyweight champion Kazuto Ioka and interim WBA World flyweight titlist Stamp Kiatniwat to begin negotiations for a championship bout. The parties have 30 days from October 6 to come to terms. Should they fail to do so, the bout will go to purse bid.

Fighting out of Osaka, Japan, since 2009 (20-1, 12 KOs), 27-year-old Ioka scored the title in April 2015 by beating Juan Carlos Reveco via majority decision. In his rematch with the durable Argentine in December 2015, the Japanese won by 11th-round TKO, the only time Reveco has been stopped in his 12-year career. Ioka last fought this July, knocking out never-before-stopped Keyvin Lara in the 11th, his third successful title defense. Never kayoed himself, Ioka has only lost once, beaten in his quest for the IBF World flyweight title by Amnat Ruenroeng via split decision in May 2014. Ioka has also been the WBA and WBC World minimumweight champ, as well as the WBA World light flyweight champ, titles he ultimately vacated.

Eighteen-year-old Kiatniwat is a three-year, undefeated pro (15-0, 6 KOs) who won the title in July 2015 by beating Gregorio Lebron via controversial majority decision. In a rematch this February, he again beat Lebron by majority decision. First-ranked by the WBA, the Thai won the title at 17, boxing’s second youngest champ after Wilfredo Benitez.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.