From rds.ca:
The IBF on Friday ordered the organization of a playoff bout between Quebecer Jean Pascal and Briton Joshua Buatsi, Mathieu Boulay of the Journal de Montreal reported on Friday.
This information was also reported by Mike Coppinger of the ESPN network.
The winner of this duel would become the mandatory challenger of light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev.
“I can't wait to organize this fight with Eddie Hearn (Buatsi's promoter, editor's note). He has already been informed of our interest,” Pascal’s manager, Greg Leon, told Coppinger.
Pascal (36-6-1, 20 KOs) got in the way of Beterbiev last May, when he defeated Meng Fanlong by unanimous decision to become the first contender for the IBF crown owned by Beterbiev. Since that fight, Beterbiev has added the WBO belt to his collection which also included the WBC belt.
Before facing Meng, Pascal had not fought since December 28, 2019 against Badou Jack, in particular due to a six-month suspension due to sports doping.
Buatsi (16-0, 13 K.-O) is undefeated among professionals.