As reported by Boxingtalk on Monday, the WBA annunced its plan for the 154-pound division. [Julian Williams is listed as the super champion, and Brian Castan was stripped of the regular title]. Michel Soro, who is #1 in the rankings, will face Magomed Kurvanov on July 20th for the regular title, while #2 Erislandy Lara will step into the ring on August 31st against Ramon Alvarez for the interim belt. But there is a twist: According to the WBA, "the winners of both fights will face each other for the super title" but that title already belongs to Williams. 

 

Previously, the WBA ordered that Soro and Lara must fight for the vacant title in a resolution published on June 24th. However, one day later, on June 25th, the company Univent Promotions, on behalf of Soro, requested a special permit for their fight against Kurvanov to be carried out for the regular title. The WBA sent the request to the Lara team to receive comments and the Cuban representatives made several requests, among which was the request for the interim title in its fight against Alvarez.

 

Rule C.14 of the WBA says that all boxers and promoters “are required to know and be familiar with all the rules of the Association,” including those for special permits. For its part, rule C.47 explains that the president of the WBA can grant special permits and make requests to the promoters or fighters.

 

After applying these rules, Soro’s request was approved but with several conditions. The winner of Soro-Kurvanov must fight against the winner of Lara-Alvarez within a period not exceeding 120 days after the August 31st match. In the event that the fight goes to an auction, the purse will be divided into 55% for the regular champion and 45% for the interim.