After ordering Hitchins, its junior welterweight champion, to take on Delgado, his mandatory challenger in late February, negotiations have failed to progress. As a result, the IBF has scheduled an April 21 purse bid to resolve the matter.

Hitchins was scheduled to face Oscar Duarte on February 21, on the undercard of "The Ring: High Stakes: Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios" at T-Mobile Area in Las Vegas. However, on the day of the fight, Hitchins pulled out; citing illness.

The Brooklynite bounced back, however, by signing what he called a lucrative multi-fight deal with Zuffa Boxing at the beginning of April.

It’s unclear what Hitchins (20-0, 8 KOs), who hasn’t fought since beating George Kambosos via eighth-round stoppage last June, will do now. Although he holds the IBF’s 140-pound title and is The Ring's No. 2-ranked junior welterweight contender.

For Delgado, he just wants his chance on the big stage. The 2016 Olympian may have a spotless record, but Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela nearly derailed him last November. Delgado (24-0, 16 KOs) picked himself up off the deck in the 12th and final round to win a close split decision.