WBA strips Manny Pacquiao of his title due to ‘inactivity’
The World Boxing Association (WBA) has designated Manny Pacquiao a “champion in recess” after removing his super welterweight title due to inactivity.
It can be recalled that the boxer-turned-senator bagged the belt in July 2019 when he beat Keith Thurman in a match. Since then, he has not defended it.
“The WBA, according to its rule C.14, dictates that champions and their teams are required to know the WBA rules and regulations,” the organization said in a statement. “Rule C.22-24 states that when a champion is unable to defend the belt for medical, legal or other reasons beyond his control, he may be named champion in recess.”
“The medical reasons must be documented before the WBA Medical Committee, while the legal reasons must be evidenced before the legal director and the Championships Committee,” they said, adding that they are willing to resolve problems and inconveniences that may occur in the process, “under the guidelines of the WBA regulations.”
The WBA decided to give the title to Cuban professional boxer Yordenis Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs), who gratefully announced the news on his Twitter account. He also said he is open to fighting Pacquiao in the future.
, behind your history, hijack a championship. This gives fans a chance to see a great unification fight at 147lbs. I don't want this position for easy fights. My team has my consent for my next fight to fight Pacquiao if he wants to show who he is the true WBA champion or another
— Yordenis Ugas (@YordenisUgas) January 29, 2021
Article thumbnails from Manny Pacquiao’s Instagram account
