World Boxing Association President Gilberto Mendoza informed WBN over the weekend that the upcoming heavyweight clash between interim champion Luis Ortiz and Tony Thompson is “very unlikely” to be sanctioned.
Luis Ortiz vs Thompson
Ortiz and Thompson are due to lock horns on March 5 at the DC Armory in Washington. According to Golden Boy Promotions, the Cuban puncher’s fringe title WBA belt will be on the line.
As Thompson lost his last fight against Malik Scott in October, eyebrows got raised when the fight was announced. However, Mendoza has confirmed that approval is doubtful and may not be forthcoming.
WBA sanction unlikely
“It is very unlikely that the WBA will sanction Luis Ortiz v Tony Thompson,” Mendoza told World Boxing News on Sunday night.
That means Ortiz will probably have to make do with a non-title fight. That’s until his mandated fight against Alexander Ustinov comes to fruition later this year.
A seven-man tournament was set by the WBA earlier this year in a bid to crown one sole top division belt holder. Ortiz is expected to face Ustinov before meeting the Tyson Fury v Wladimir Klitschko winner for the ‘super’ title.
Golden Boy could ask for special dispensation for Ortiz to defend against Thompson. But as of now, the WBA has not given next month’s fight the green light.
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