Frank Warren is in discussion with the WBO after they refused to sanction Nathan Cleverly's proposed title defence against Robin Krasniqi.
Cleverly told he must now defend title against mandatory opponent
Frank Warren is in discussion with the WBO after they refused to sanction Nathan Cleverly's proposed world title defence against Robin Krasniqi.
It was announced on Tuesday that Cleverly would put his WBO light-heavyweight belt on the line against the Germany-based Serbian at the Royal Albert Hall on April 28.
But the WBO president Francisco Valcarcel reacted swiftly by claiming that having beaten Tommy Karpency last month, Cleverly must face a mandatory opponent.
"Francisco Valcarcel commented that the bout between Nathan Cleverly and Robin Krasniqi can't and won't be sanctioned," read a statement.
"Nathan Cleverly's fight with Karpency was sanctioned with the provision that the winner meet his mandatory opponent 120 days from the day of the bout."
A spokesman for Warren confirmed the promoter is in talks with the WBO in the hope of resolving the impasse.
Hard test
Earlier, Cleverly spoke of the challenge posed by little-known Krasniqi and his delight at the prospect of boxing at the Royal Albert Hall.
Germany-based Serbian Krasniqi, 24, has won 37 of his 39 fights with both losses coming on points at the start of his career.
Twelve years ago the 25-year-old Welshman's compatriot Joe Calzaghe defeated Stephen Wilson at the famous London venue.
"Krasniqi's got a good record and he's bound to be a hard test for me," Cleverly stated.
"The better the opponents the better I perform and Krasniqi will bring out the best in me.
"It's great to be the first boxer in over 10 years to open up the doors to the Royal Albert Hall again.
"It's a who's who of boxing who have fought at the Albert Hall and to add my name alongside greats like Lennox Lewis, Naseem Hamed, Nigel Benn and Joe Calzaghe is a real honour and dream."
