The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has formally instructed the camps of Mizuki Hiruta and Carla Ayelen Merino to begin negotiations for a mandatory junior bantamweight championship bout.

In a letter dated November 15, the WBO granted both camps 15 days to reach an agreement. If no deal is reached within the allotted time, the bout will proceed to purse bid proceedings under WBO regulations. The minimum bid for WBO women’s world title fights is $25,000. Either party may request a purse bid at any stage of negotiations.

Hiruta, 28, from Tokyo, claimed the title in December 2022 with a unanimous decision over Kanako Taniyama. She has defended her belt twice, both by knockout, including a sixth-round stoppage of Ji Hyun Park in January, Hiruta’s most recent fight.

Hiruta, who fights exclusively at Tokyo's Korakuen Hall, has a perfect professional record of 6-0 (2 KOs).

Merino, 25, from Argentina, is riding a 10-fight win streak. In October, she stopped Daiana Jackeline Ortiz via knockout in her home country. Merino, 15-2 (3 KOs), is set to compete Saturday, per BoxRec, though further details of that bout remain unclear.