The world’s only eight division champion and Filipino legislator Manny Pacquiao was declared “Champion in Recess” by the World Boxing Association (WBA) and thus lost his “Super Champion” status by virtue of inactivity.
One of the world’s three-letter boxing bodies stated that this is because Pacquiao was not able to defend the Super Champion belt he won in July 2019 after beating American Keith Thurman.
The WBA stated that according to Rule C.22-24, “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.”
As a result, promoted to WBA Welterweight Super Champion is Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas, who expressed delight over the news via a Twitter message.
He thanked the WBA for the promotion and at the same time expressed willingness to rub mitts with the legendary Pinoy world boxing champion should Pacquiao agree to it.
Also suffering the same fate as Pacquiao’s is heavyweight boxer Mahmoud Charr, who also failed to defend the world title after 38 months, and Kazakhstani pugilist and Cruiserweight champ Beibut Shumenov, who cited health reasons in failing to defend his title.
(Photo credit: Manny Pacquiao Facebook page)