MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao was named as the World Boxing Association’s “champion in recess” for its welterweight division after being inactive for more than a year, the sanctioning body announced on its website Saturday.
WBA’s decision to relegate Pacquiao meant that Cuban boxer Yordenis Ugas, who won the “regular” version against Abel Ramos in September 2020, was elevated to Super champion status.
Pacquiao became the WBA (Super) champion belt in July 2019 when he defeated Keith Thurman, a year after he defeated Lucas Matthysse for the regular belt.
“The WBA, according to its rule C.14, dictates that champions and their teams are required to know the WBA rules and regula…
Keep on reading: WBA relegates idle Pacquiao as ‘champion in recess’