The World Boxing Association (WBA) has stripped eight division world champion and senator Manny Pacquiao of his super welterweight title that he won in 2019 because he was unable to defend it.
The WBA announced on its website on Friday that Pacquiao is now a “champion in recess” and the belt was subsequently given to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas.
“Filipino Manny Pacquiao has been named Champion in Recess by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in a resolution issued by the Championships Committee, while Cuban Yordenis Ugas was promoted to Welterweight Super Champion,” the WBA said.
WBA rules and regulations state that a champion who cannot defend his title may be named a champion in recess.
“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.”
Ugas, in an Instagram post on Saturday, called Pacquiao a legend but tells him not to “hijack a championship.”
“Manny Pacquiao is a legend, and he will always be a champion, but you cannot, according to your story, hijack a championship,” the Cuban boxer wrote. “This gives fans a chance to see a great unification fight at 147 pounds. I don’t want this position for easy fights. My next fight, I want a unification. I am a warrior committed to his career and his hobby, that he has fought and won every penny and every opportunity.”
Ugas has also thanked the WBA for elevating him to the super welterweight title.
“Thank God; today is a great day for me, my team, my family, fans and for Cuban boxing,” he wrote. “Thanks to the WBA for elevating me to Super Champion and doing the best for the sport.”
Pacquiao won the WBA Welterweight Super Champion belt back in July 2019 after defeating American boxer Keith Thurman.
Source: ManilaTimes
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