Manny Pacquiao is no longer a welterweight titleholder, at least not the one he had been.
The WBA reportedly has stripped its belt from Pacquiao and designated him “champion in recess” because he hasn’t fought since he outpointed Keith Thurman to win the title in July of 2019, the WBA announced. Pacquiao has no fight scheduled.
Yordenis Ugas, who had been the sanctioning body’s “regular” titleholder – which Boxing Junkie doesn’t recognize – has been elevated to champion.
The WBA cited a particular rule in making its decision. It reads:
“The WBA, according to its rule C.14, dictates that champions and their teams are required to know the WBA rules and regulations. 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.”
Pacquiao is in talks to face lightweight contender Ryan Garcia this spring but it’s not clear whether the prospective bout would be sanctioned or an exhibition.
Ugas (26-4, 12 KOs) is 3-0 since he was outpointed by Shawn Porter in his only genuine title fight in March 2019. The Cuban defeated Abel Ramos by a split decision to win the vacant “regular” belt this past September.