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The World Boxing Association (WBA) stripped senator and eight-division world champion 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 awarded to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.
“Filipino Manny Pacquiao has been named Recess Champion by the World Boxing Association (WBA) in a resolution issued by the Championships Committee, while Cuban Yordenis Ugas was promoted to Super Welterweight Champion,” said the WBA.
WBA rules and regulations state that a champion who cannot defend his title can be named champion in the break.
“Rule C.22-24 states that when a champion cannot defend the belt for medical, legal or other reasons beyond his control, he may be named champion at recess. Medical reasons must be documented before the WBA Medical Committee, while legal reasons must be accredited to the legal director and the Championships Committee ”.
Ugas, in an Instagram post Saturday, called Pacquiao a legend but told 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,” wrote the Cuban boxer. “This gives the 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, who 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, the 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 in July 2019 after defeating American boxer Keith Thurman.
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