A deadline has been established for newly-crowned European super-lightweight champion Pierce O`Leary to reach an agreement for his first title defense.
The 25-year-old secured the EBU belt earlier this month at Portman Road, home of Ipswich Town Football Club, by outpointing Liam Dillon, a naturally smaller fighter.
Despite facing a significant size difference, Dillon showed impressive durability and determination to go the distance, ultimately losing by unanimous decision.
This victory marked O`Leary`s (17-0, 9 KOs) first significant professional title, potentially paving the way for a return to Dublin later this year.
His promoter, Frank Warren, has expressed a strong desire for the Irishman to fight in Dublin, hinting that plans for his next contest are already underway.
While the Queensberry Promotions head has been hesitant to name potential opponents, it now seems O`Leary could face mandatory challenger Jon Fernandez.
The EBU states that both fighters have until July 15 to reach an agreement, otherwise a purse bid hearing will be held.
Fernandez (27-3, 22 KOs), creditably, has only lost to high-level opponents such as O`Shaquie Foster and Michel Rivera, maintaining his strong credentials at European level.
Now competing at 140lbs, the Spaniard`s last fight was a third-round disqualification win against Ricardo Nunez, a tough super-lightweight, after knocking him down in round two.
Ultimately, it remains uncertain if O`Leary will indeed face the 29-year-old, as his highly anticipated return to Dublin appears to be a simultaneous priority.
