“In light of Frampton’s announced intention to face an opponent other than his mandatory, and for failing to respond to WBA inquiries as to his intent, Frampton’s recognition as champion is removed.”
Carl Frampton has been stripped of his WBA world super-bantamweight title less than two months after taking it from rival Scott Quigg in February on points in Manchester.
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The governing body have made the drastic decision because Frampton has not yet negotiated a first defence of the belt against their champion in recess, unbeaten Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux. Ironically the WBA did the same thing to Rigondeaux before Quigg claimed the vacant title in 2013.
The WBA say they ordered the Belfast boxer to enter talks with Rigondeaux days after his triumph over Quigg but because they had no response they decided to take the belt away from Frampton. – Rigondeaux is now expected to take on Mexican Moises Flores for the vacant title.
Frampton who still holds the IBF world crown has an obligatory mandatory defence to make against Japan’s Shingo Wake, but the ‘Jackal’ may cut his ties at super-bantamweight all together and could move up a weight, with massive match ups in the featherweight division against IBF champion Lee Selby or WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz.
“In light of Frampton’s announced intention to face an opponent other than his mandatory, and for failing to respond to WBA inquiries as to his intent, Frampton’s recognition as champion is removed.” confirmed the WBA chairman Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.
“Rigondeux shall come out of recess and face interim champion Moises Flores as his mandatory defence on or before August 1, 2016. If Flores or Rigondeaux wish to face any other opponent, the WBA may consider an application for special permit consistent with the rules of the WBA.”
