As first reported by Fight Freaks Unite, the WBC has ordered Carlos Adames, its middleweight champion, to begin negotiations for a fight against Nursultanov, its No. 1-ranked contender. Both sides have until October 20 to come to terms or purse bids will be ordered.

Jesus Ramos, the WBC interim champion, gave the sanctioning body no other choice after pulling out of his scheduled clash with Nursultanov because of illness on Saturday at Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

The winner of Ramos (24-1, 19 KOs) vs. Nursultanov (20-0, 11 KOs) was mandated to face Adames next.

Kazakhstan's Nursultanov has been waiting patiently for his opportunity. The 33-year-old earned his WBC mandatory position following his lopsided points win over Julio Alamos in November 2023. He hasn’t fought since then.

Adames (25-1-1, 18 KOs) is coming off a wide points win over Austin “Ammo” Williams on March 21 at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.