Michael Zerafa's (31-4) long-awaited world title shot has edged closer after the WBA ordered middleweight champion Erislandy Lara (29-4-3) to face the Australian.
The 31-year-old has been out of action since late-2022, originally under the impression he would face the winner of a fight between Lara and Danny Garcia.
That fight never materialised, and with Zerafa in the mandatory position with the WBA, the sanctioning body has kicked the wheels into motion for a fight with the Cuban-born Lara.
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The WBA confirmed the pair's camps have until February 15 to reach an agreement before a purse bid will be ordered.
"Erislandy Lara has been champion since May 1, 2021 and the rules state that he must defend against the mandatory opponent after a period of nine months, which expired on February 1, 2022," the WBA's statement read.
"For this reason, his fight against Zerafa, who is ranked No. 1 and earned the right to fight for the world title, has been ordered.
"In the event that the parties cannot reach an agreement or one of them refuses to do so, the committee may call for an auction under the internal rules of the WBA and with a purse split of 75% for the champion and 25% for the challenger."
Lara, now 40, has been even less active than Zerafa, having not fought since May, 2022.
Zerafa will be hoping the WBA ordering the fight for a second time will force Lara into a defence, though his opponents camp could still opt to head down the Garcia route.
Last year, Zerafa had taken a step-aside deal which would see him guaranteed a fight with the Lara vs. Garcia winner, as well as a spot on the undercard of their bout.
The Victorian recently revealed on Tha Boxing Voice podcast that he had yet to receive any financial compensation and had essentially been contractually forced to sit out all year.
If Lara doesn't face Zerafa, he could be stripped of his title, leaving "Pretty Boy" in line to fight for the vacant title.