World Boxing Council President Mauricio Sulaiman says the forthcoming World Boxing Super Series cruiserweight semi-final will no longer be for their currently vacant title.
Following Oleksandr Usyk’s decision to campaign at heavyweight, WBC chiefs ratified this Saturday’s bout would have the green and gold belt on the line.
This will not be the case, according to Sulaiman. He cited an ‘abuse of power’ and WBSS disregard of their rules as part of their reasoning.
As things stand, Mairis Briedis and Krzysztof Glowacki will battle it out solely for the World Boxing Organization belt in Riga, Latvia.
“WBC withdraws it’s sanctioning of the Briedis vs Glowacki fight,” confirmed Sulaiman.
“The administrators of the WBSS tournament have failed to maintain the integrity of the bout. They have disregarded the WBC rules and regulations.”
Continuing with the possibility that the WBC may also withdraw involvement in future tournaments, Sulaiman added: “The WBC strongly rejects the unfortunate discrimination and abuse of power that has been directed against the integrity of our institution.
“The WBC will evaluate its continuing participation in the remaining WBSS bouts in Season II. We will announce its decision soon.”
WBSS
Since it’s inception in 2017, the WBC has stood side-by-side with WBSS officials, including Comosa Chief Boxing Officer Kalle Sauerland.
It seems the two bodies no longer see eye-to-eye on key issues involved in the competition. The WBC will look to sanction elsewhere for the vacant strap.
Sunday’s clash between Ilunga Makabu and Dmitry Kudryashov could be given a timely boost. The fight is already for the WBC Silver title.
At least the interim, or potentially the full belt, could be sanctioned before the first bell.
As far as the super-lightweight tournament goes, Regis Prograis status as Diamond champion may come into question.
Prograis faces Josh Taylor in the final later this year and is currently in possession of the WBC’s stepping stone to the full version.
Phil Jay is Editor of World Boxing News. Follow on Twitter @PhilDJay
