Josh Taylor-Jose Zepeda ordered by WBC, purse bid on May 24

The undisputed reign of Josh Taylorat junior welterweight.

The WBC has ordered Taylor to commence negotiations with their mandatory challenger, former title contender Jose Zepeda.

Last week, the WBA held a purse bid for Taylor's mandatory bout with Alberto Puello. Unsurprisingly, TGB Promotions, which represents Puello, won the bid as they were the only bidder present. The reason is that Taylor, who retained his belts via disputed 12-round split decision over WBO mandatory challenger Jack Catterall in February, is expected to move up to welterweight.

If Taylor and Zepeda fail to reach an agreement, and it's likely the negotiations won't even get off the ground, they will head to purse bid.

"As per prior communications and with the agreement which all four presidents (of the WBC, WBO, IBF, WBA) confirmed in the meeting held in Puerto Rico, the WBC mandatory defense is next, followed by the IBF," the WBC said in a statement.

"The WBC is hereby advising of the beginning of the free negotiations period for the Josh Taylor´s mandatory title defense versus Jose Zepeda. If no agreement is reached the WBC will conduct a purse bid on Tuesday, May 24th."