The World Boxing Association has revealed the details of that, writes
WBNwhy the absolute champion of the first welterweight (up to 63.5 kg) Josh Taylor (19-0, 13 KOs) decided to part with the WBA belt and thus lost the status of the absolute division.
The Scot has previously said he is going to fight mandatory challenger Alberto Puello for just $120,000.
But then, according to the WBA, he sent them this message: “I am proud to be the WBA champion in 2019. Unfortunately, due to my wedding and honeymoon this summer, I will not be able to complete my defense obligations against Puello in a timely manner. I don’t want to stop a colleague from fulfilling his dream. For this reason, I must respectfully step aside. I wish all the best to the fighters who will challenge the title. I hope to be WBA champion again in the future.”
Taylor fell, barely defended the title of the absolute: video
Josh also backtracked on a promise to rematch Jack Catterall, who had a highly controversial split decision loss to him. Taylor said that he could no longer do weight normally and therefore could not give the Briton another chance.
Be that as it may, Taylor will fight Jose Cepeda in the WBC line in the same super lightweight for significantly more money than he would have received for the fight with Puello.
“Josh has already confirmed that he remains at this weight. We are very pleased,” WBC chief Mauricio Suleiman rubs his hands.
Another top is moving into this weight: Lopez has not yet moved to super lightweight, but is already “taking control of the division”. He says, “we are negotiating a fight with Taylor.”
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