Michael Spinks will probably be stripped of...

Michael Spinks will probably be stripped of his International Boxing Federation heavyweight title if he makes his first defense against Gerry Cooney in March, IBF president Bob Lee said.

Lee said Cooney, who is unranked and hasn’t fought since Dec. 8, hasn’t been presented yet to the IBF as Spinks’ first title defense. But a source close to Cooney’s manager Dennis Rappaport Saturday said an agreement has been reached for a Spinks-Cooney bout in March.

“Once it’s brought to us, the championship committee will make a decision,” Lee said. “But it’s my gut feeling the bout will not be sanctioned. By sanctioning that fight, we will be running in violation of our rules and regulations.

“We would consider declaring the title vacant. It’s the only option open to us.”