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American world title holder in race to lock down opponent as mandatory order looms
Richardson Hitchins is running out of time to secure a voluntary defence after an order to face Lindolfo Delgado was briefly rescinded.
The American, who holds the IBF super-lightweight crown, had been instructed by the governing body to face the Mexican next.
But following an appeal by his team, Hitchins has been handed a stay to secure a bout of his choice, though he has little time to do so.
A bout with Frank Martin had been mooted after the latter's repeated call-outs, with the ex-WBA lightweight challenger chasing a dance.
Hitchins responded on social media earlier this week, agreeing to a fight, and the pair could well seek to strike a deal in the next few days.
A failure for any bout to be settled for the former, however would likely see the IBF move to place Delgado back at the top of the queue.
Discussions come as WBC champion Subriel Matias prepares to defend his title against Dalton Smith this weekend in New York City.
Teofimo Lopez will meanwhile defend his WBO strap against Shakur Stevenson at The Ring 6 in the Big Apple next month, live on DAZN.
Can Hitchins strike deal before time runs out?
DAZN News correspondent Andrew Steel
The clock is ticking for Richardson Hitchins after his team managed to get the IBF off their backs for a mandatory contest to start 2026.
But the stay of execution will be limited, and the star will need to work fast to settle on securing the opponent - and payday - he wants.
If the star is serious about taking on Frank Martin - and vice versa of course too - then you'd expect a flurry of action to secure a deal.
But if one of them does not want the other, despite the latter's posturing for a clash, then Hitchins needs to pivot fast to find someone else.
Either way, the IBF won't wait for long - and ahead of what could be a very busy year for their title-holder, he'll need to decide soon enough.
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January starts with a heavyweight bang as Agit Kabayel takes the next steps towards a world title shot as he face Damian Knyba on Saturday, January 10, exclusively on DAZN Watch with a subscription, monthly and annual options available.
