JOSE PEDRAZA will defend his IBF world super-featherweight title against Gervonta Davis on January 14 as a part of the James DeGale-Badou Jack undercard at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The unbeaten Puerto Rican last fought in April when he defended his title against Liverpool’s Stephen Smith.

Cromer’s Liam Walsh recently became mandatory challenger for Pedraza’s title by defeating Andrey Klimov, however Pedraza has been granted special permission from the IBF to fight Davis, who is promoted by Floyd Mayweather.

Davis, who has only gone the distance once in his 16 wins, recently signed with Mayweather Promotions, a move which is clearly paying off, though Pedraza represents a serious step up in class for the American.

The match-up leaves Walsh high and dry for the time being. He was hoping his shot at the title would come in February, though now must wait significantly longer.