The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has determined that Alberto Puello and Batyr Akhmedov will fight for the vacant super lightweight championship, formerly held by Josh Taylor. After meeting with six teams of the top-ranked fighters days ago, the panel analyzed all the reasons of those involved and ordered the title bout, which must be negotiated in 15 days (until June 25) or it will be open to purse bid on July 5. The winner of Puello-Akhmedov will have to face Ismael Barroso in a period of no more than 90 days after the fight.
Meanwhile, Sandor Martin and Ohara Davies were also ordered to negotiate an eliminator fight, for which they will have a period of 50 days from the sending of the official communication from the WBA.
Former champion Regis Prograis will be eligible to substitute for any of the fighters involved if any of them do not want to comply or cannot due to medical or any other reasons.
There will be no special permits for any of the boxers involved in the decision. The decision was made by the head of the WBA Championships Committee after extensive deliberation with the panel that participated in the meeting with the fighters’ teams.
The alternate is the best fighter in this tournament thing – whatever it is.
Regis Prograis should have been first in line. If not Catterall. Taylor can make some huge money if he can get a few wins at 147. Would like him against Victor Ortiz.
The WBA are bang out of order for stripping Taylor. Regardless of his performance against Jack Caterall & the valid calls for a rematch, the rules of unified championships state that the WBC was next in line for his next fight, so yet again we have a greedy sanctioning body ruining our sport.
CHON ZEPEDA GETS SCREWED OVER AGAIN BY THE WBA
Zepeda’s fine. He’s probably getting Josh Taylor in his next fight.