The first is for the super championship between the Russian Fedor Chudinov and Brits George Groves, and the second the rematch between German Tyron Zeuge and Nigeria Isaac Ekpo for the regular title of the division.
As for Chudinov-Groves, the fight is ordered because of the unsolved case of the division super championships belonging to the German Felix Sturm.
Sturm won the title on February 20, 2016 defeating Chudinov by majority decision (115-113, 115-113, 114-114), so the Russian team requested a direct rematch. While the WBA was reviewing the request, German Professional Boxing Commission released the German’s result of a positive anti-doping test.
According to the WBA rules Chudinov should be reinstated as champion. Although, the German had to comply with a defense that was not carried out because Sturm relinquished the title due to an injury. The championships Committee ratified the decision on October 2, 2016.
Since Chudinov had right to fight for the WBA Super championship the Championships Committee appointed the best leading contender to respect the Russian´s the right to fight for the title.
Groves, Nº 2 rated contender of the division and WBA international champion was the contender selected to fight Chudinov.
Chudinov and Groves are expected to fight on May 27th and the winner will face the regular champion of the division.
WBN Note: Promoters Sauerland have already confirmed Groves v Chudinov will take place on the Kell Brook v Errol Spence undercard at Bramall Lane on May 27.
Zeuge-Ekpo Rematch
As for the Tyron Zeuge and Isaac Ekpo, the WBA ordered a direct rematch, after their last fight ended with a technical decision in the round 5.
When the fight ended, the scores were 49-46, 48-47, 49-47 for the European. This shows how close the fight was and, for that reason, Ekpo representatives requested its review for a rematch.
The decision is based on rule 26, which allows the Championships Committee, upon request or on its own account, to review the outcome of a title fight and order a rematch.
Both teams were notified and were given 30 days to negotiate. Should they fail to reach an agreement, the WBA will call a Purse Bid.
The winner of the bout has to fight super championship Chudinov –Groves winner to keep with the reduction of world titles, the WBA began in 2016.
