Teofimo Lopez has been ordered to make the next defence of his WBA welterweight title, with Jack Catterall now standing in the way of the American's plans for a potential blockbuster unification fight. 

Lopez became a three-division world champion last month when he defeated Rolando 'Rolly' Romero by majority decision to claim the WBA welterweight title. 

However, the 29-year-old has now been instructed by the governing body to face Catterall, who holds the WBA's secondary welterweight championship. 

Catterall secured his mandatory position earlier this year after defeating Shakhram Giyasov in May. The British fighter was expected to face Romero next, but Romero was permitted to make an optional defence against Lopez. 

Following Lopez's victory, the mandatory obligation was transferred to the new champion. 

The WBA has given both camps until October 22 to reach an agreement, with a purse bid potentially ordered if negotiations fail. 

The order could now complicate Lopez's plans for a potential showdown with WBC welterweight champion Ryan Garcia. 

Lopez had been linked with Garcia after confronting him at the final press conference for Garcia's recent fight with Conor Benn, with Garcia subsequently calling for the two champions to meet. 

Catterall, meanwhile, has already made his intentions clear and has challenged Lopez to put his title on the line. 

For now, Lopez must decide whether to negotiate with Catterall or find another route as the WBA deadline approaches.