With uncertainty surrounding Jorge “Locomotora” Castro’s intent to come back from life-threatening injuries for a WBA light heavyweight title shot against Fabrice Tiozzo, reports out of South America say that the WBA has strongly reaffirmed that no one can take away Castro’s opportunity just yet, even though the warrior was recently in a very serious automobile accident that left him comatose and required him to use an artificial respirator to breath.

“Tiozzo has to face me because I’ve proven myself in the ring. I am going to fight regardless,” said Castro, as reported by Argentine news agency Agencia DyN. Castro stated that he would only sign off on a Tiozzo defense against Silvio Branco if the WBA promised him a world title shot in four or five months. “Maybe they think I’m injured—it’s not like that. I have recovered my full weight, I’m doing sit-ups and working out in the gym. I can now move my right arm though it’s not 100% yet. Perhaps things were not clear last time I spoke with WBA representatives in Argentina,” said the former champ.

WBA executive vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza responded from Las Vegas saying, according to Contursi “I told him to stay calm, that his recovery is what is most important. Whenever he’s fully recovered, then he will get his opportunity, which no one can take away from him.”  Castro won an elimination bout by stopping Derrick Harmon to earn the title shot, but soon after he was in a single-car accident.  Tiozzo’s mandatory defense is on November 26 and Castro will not be ready by then, so it seems likely that

Tiozzo will be allowed another defense while Castro continues to recover.