MANILA – The World Boxing Association’s (WBA) decision to strip off Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao’s world “super” welterweight championship left the slugger’s camp stunned.
In a short statement, the Manny Pacquiao (MP) prootions expressed its confusion on the WBA’s move that then named Yordeis Ugas of Cuba as the new title holder.
“I have no idea what that shit means,” stressed MP promotions president Sean Gibbons.
In a resolution released over the weekend, WBA declared Pacquiao as a “champion in recess” for his failure to defend his WBA world super welterweight title for a year.
“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 boxing organization explained.
The 42-year-old Pacquiao captured the WBA world super welterweight title via a split decision victory against American Keith Thurman at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, United States on July 20, 2019.
Pacquiao was unable to defend his world championship last year due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
The senator is reportedly eyeing a return to the ring versus 22-year-old American Ryan Garcia, but it was said that the showdown would be a 10-round exhibition.
Pacquiao was also rumored to be eyeing a crossover match against MMA superstar Conor McGregor, but the bout fell through when the Irishman lost his UFC match against Dustin Poirier two weeks ago./PN
