David Tua has settled his legal dispute with the International Boxing Federation - which has guaranteed him another crack at the heavyweight title provided he beats American Chris Byrd before April 20 next year.
Byrd, 28, is a southpaw with a 33-2 record. He was the Olympic silver medallist behind Cuban
Ariel Ascuy in the middleweight division at Barcelona in 1992. (Byrd's father, Joe, was the US head coach).
Tua's manager Kevin Barry and promoters America Presents are already talking to Byrd's manager Cedric Kushner, who until recently also had new champ Hasim Rahman on his books.
If the Byrd fight cannot be settled for a date in late July or early August, Tua's camp is likely to target a bout with South African "White Rhino" Frans Botha, then chase Byrd. The American cannot side-step Tua if he wants to maintain his ranking.
"It's always been our desire to win the title in the ring," said Barry after the withdrawal of the lawsuit against the IBF.
"This secures our opportunity. It's a fantastic result for us."
The obligation will be carried over to any fighter who beats IBF champ Rahman between now and April next year, meaning Tua is not subject to a new 12-month mandatory timing that would start the day of Rahman's defeat.
"Now we have a date, we have to get Dave in the best shape of his life," Barry said.
He rated the 33-year-old Botha, not ranked in the top 10 of any of the three major organisations, as a "good bet" if Byrd could not be signed.
One deal or the other is likely to be announced within 48 hours.
