Earlier today, Sam Noakes vacated his European lightweight title with a view to facing Shakur Stevenson for the WBC title.

Noakes, who enjoyed a banner 2024, winning and defending the EBU title twice, has decided that it is time to step up again.

Noakes, who is the IBF No. 9, WBC No. 4 and WBO No. 2 at 135-pounds, is tabbed to return on the undercard of Anthony Cacace-Leigh Wood in Nottingham, England, on May 10, though is currently without an opponent but may use that opportunity to stay active ahead of a mooted world title fight.

The 27-year-old power-puncher won the vacant Commonwealth title in his 10th outing against Calvin McCord (TKO 4). Three fights later, he claimed the vacant British title by stopping Lewis Sylvester (TKO 4).

That lead to Noakes getting the chance to face former European lightweight titleholder Yvan Mendy for the EBU title in April 2024. Although Noakes won a shutout decision, he was unable to become the first man to stop Mendy and saw his 100 percent knockout ratio come to an end.

He turned back Gianluca Ceglia (RTD 8) and, most recently, dominated former British featherweight titlist Ryan Walsh (UD 12) in subsequent defenses.

Noakes (16-0, 14 knockouts) had been due to face France's Laid Douadi (26-0-1, 2 KOs), who will now face an as yet to be determined opponent to fill the vacancy.

The EBU No. 1 Zaur Abdullaev is not available because he will face Raymond Muratalla in San Diego for the Interim IBF title on May 10. The No. 2 is Joe Cordina, who is currently without a fight. The No. 3 Maxi Hughes will face Archie Sharp in Doncaster, England on May 23. The No. 4 Rafael Acosta won the EBU Silver title last month. The No. 5 Josh Padley is coming off a loss to Stevenson (TKO 9) and is scheduled to return against TBA in Sheffield, England, on April 19.