The Bristolian won the vacant 118lb interim belt by defeating Japan’s Ryosuke Iwasa in June last year, while full title holder Randy Caballero recovered from a foot injury.
Haskins and Cabellero were supposed to fight in November on the Canelo Alvarez-Miguel Cotto undercard in Las Vegas, but the American weighed in five-and-a-half pounds overweight. The bout was therefore cancelled and Haskins was elevated to full titlist.
Haskins has won 32 of his 35 career fights, 14 of those by knockout and is relishing the battle with Mexican Morales.
“I’m delighted to be defending my world title in front of my fans,” he said.
“To be defending my belt at home, in the UK, live on Channel 5, is absolutely brilliant – I can’t wait!
“Ivan Morales is a young and hungry challenger who comes from a family of champions, so I know I will have to be at my best. It’s going to be a cracking fight.”
Morales is the younger brother of Hall of Famer Erik, the former four-division title holder.
The 24-year-old has declared it a ‘dream’ to fight for a world title and is determined to go all out to show what he is about.
“I feel grateful to my team and Golden Boy Promotions for the opportunity to fight for the IBF bantamweight world championship,” Morales said.
“Fighting for a world title has been my dream and now I am going to show the world who Ivan Morales is as a fighter. I feel very prepared for this opportunity. It is something I have been working for my whole career.
“The fans can expect a great night of boxing from two fighters who will give it their all in the ring. I will give 110 percent of myself, apply the pressure on fight night to earn another world title for my family.”
Haskins will defend his crown live on a Channel 5 this Saturday (10pm).
