Dmitry Bivol has relinquished his WBC light-heavyweight world title after just six weeks as undisputed champion in order to pursue a third fight against Artur Beterbiev.
The Russian defeated Beterbiev on 23 February to gain revenge over his fiercest rival and claim the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBF world titles.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman confirmed Bivol had vacated the title because the 34-year-old is seeking another fight against his fellow Russian Beterbiev.
The first two fights between Bivol and 40-year-old Beterbiev had been for the undisputed title.
But in the wake of Bivol’s victory, the WBC had ordered him to fight its top contender David Benavidez next and a purse bid was scheduled for Tuesday.
American fighter Benavidez, who is unbeaten in 30 bouts, has been upgraded to world champion status.
Liverpool’s Callum Smith will be among those vying to fight Benavidez after he beat top contender Joshua Buatsi in February.