Quote Originally Posted by Rantcatrat View Post

Per the WBO, Wlad has 12 months to defend his title against a mandatory challenger, but as always, the WBO has the ability to grant an exception to that time frame.

http://www.ibf-usba-boxing.com/userfiles/File/RulesGoverningChampionshipContestsEffectiveSeptemb er1_2006with10_21_10amendments.pdf The IBF also gives Wlad 12 months to defend his title against the mandatory challenger. The IBF does not mention any possibility of exception.

It's been six months since his mandatory defense against Sam Peter so that means he has another six months to defend it against a mandatory. Given the WBO's rules regarding exceptions, because of injuries, he may be permitted more time than that. One more thing, I'm pretty sure there are exceptions for unification fights (e.g. with David Haye). I hope this helps.
i am sure there are exceptions

so the champ only has to fight once a year?