Japanese champion Takanori Hatakeyama will fight designated challenger Julien Lorcy of France in July in his third defense of the World Boxing Association lightweight title, boxing officials announced Thursday.

Hatakeyama, who successfully defended his title for the second time following a draw with third-ranked Rick Roberts in Tokyo in February, will face off with top-ranked Lorcy, 28, a former WBA lightweight champion, at Saitama Super Arena on July 1. The 25-year-old Hatakeyama, who has a record of 24 wins, including 19 knockouts, against one loss and three draws, will head to Los Angeles to train from May 19.