The IBF has scheduled a March 24 purse bid between their No. 3 and No. 5 welterweight contenders. However, that won’t be needed if they agree on a deal before then.

The bout's winner would become the IBF’s No. 1 contender and next in line for Lewis Crocker’s 147-pound strap. Ricardo Salas, who’s ranked No. 4, was unable to compete against either man as he recently defeated Jesus Saracho on March 8. The sanctioning body's top two spots remain vacant when there is no mandatory challenger.

For Ukraine’s Chukhadzhian, if he were to beat Donovan and go on to fight Crocker, it would be his third time fighting for a IBF world title.

Chukhadzhian (26-3, 14 KOs) lost a lopsided decision against Jaron Ennis in January 2023, then for the IBF interim title. Ennis repeated the trick, this time as full IBF champion, with a tougher decision in November 2024.

Chukhadzhian has beaten Cristian Javier Ayala and Joel Marcos Mafauad in his two appearances since a repeat defeat by Ennis.

As for Ireland’s Donovan, victory over Chukhadzhian would put him in position to fight Crocker for a third time.

Crocker (22-0, 11 KOs) won their first fight by eighth-round disqualification a year ago in Belfast, the now-champion's hometown.

Crocker was dropped in the eighth and on his way to a stoppage defeat first time around. Donovan (14-2, 11 KOs) was deducted a point in rounds six and eight for using his head before being disqualified for dropping Crocker after the bell sounded to end round eight. Donovan was ahead 69-63, 69-63 and 67-65 at the time of the stoppage.

Crocker dropped Donovan in the third and fifth rounds of their rematch September 13 in Belfast and won a split decision. He took home the IBF welterweight title Ennis relinquished three months earlier.

The 29-year-old is now recovering from a hand injury that postponed what would have been the first defense of his title against Australia's former 140-pound champion Liam Paro.

They were originally scheduled to meet in early April. Now a date in May or June is being targeted, in Australia.