However, Eggington ultimately decided to face his fellow Brit Conah Walker on May 2, leaving Prat seeking a new opponent in his maiden defense.

The EBU have announced Prat's next challenger would be another French fighter in the form of unbeaten Victor Yoka (8-0, 3 KOs). Both parties have until noon CET on March 31 to conclude a deal or the bout goes to purse bids.

At the time of writing, Yoka is slated to return in a six-rounder as part of a local show in Caen, France on March 27.

It's unclear whether this update prompts him to withdraw, or seek a quick turnaround if injury-free. That bill will be headlined by super middleweight contender Kevin Lele Sadjo, who returns to action after his Diego Pacheco defeat in a 12-round contest against Syria's unbeaten Alaa AlMahmoud (12-0, 9 KOs).

"Eggington chose not to try his luck for the European title, which is understandable," Prat told The Ring.

"The EBU designated Yoka as an official challenger. It does not have much impact on my way of seeing things, I have to beat anyone put in front of me in order to get a little closer to a world championship. Eggington, Yoka or anyone, my work and goal remains the same."

Prat (29-1, 23 KOs) represented France internationally as an amateur before turning professional in October 2019. He caught the eye on his way up winning the national titles, regional sanctioning body titles and the European championship against Stephen Danyo (KO 2) in November 2022.

The 26-year-old was stopped two fights later by Slawa Spomer (TKO 10) in October 2023 but has rebounded with eight wins before regaining his European strap against Jan Helin with a ninth-round finish on November 22.

Yoka (8-0, 3 KOs) was a talented amateur, who fought internationally before turning over into the paid ranks in May 2022. He won the French title with a 10-round points win over Romain Lehot last March, before closing out the year in October with an eight-round decision shutout against Benoit Demik.