The Ring's No. 9-rated contender will doubtlessly look to step into world class and advance his claims for a world title shot.

The EBU acted quickly and matched a pair of Italians, when they called for the official challengers Alessio Lorusso and Francesco De Rosa to fill the vacancy.

The two sides have until March 10 to come to a deal or the fight will go to purse bids.

Lorusso (31-5-2, 10 KOs) has been a professional since 2017. The southpaw lost four of his first 11 but went on to win the Italian national title and then the European title but surprisingly lost it in his first defense against Thomas Essomba.

The heavily tattooed 30-year has won 10 consecutive fights to earn a second opportunity to become European champion.

The man in his way is compatriot, De Rosa (12-0, 8 KOs), who made his debut in 2021 and though hasn't fought anyone of note but did go to England and stopped previously unbeaten Nyall Berry (TKO 8) in June 2024.

The 28-year-old is coming off a stoppage win over perennial contender Geram Eloyan (TKO 10) on December 5.