The WBC has stripped Carlos Cañizales of its 105-pound championship because he is unable to leave his troubled nation of Venezuela to fulfill his mandatory defense. Former WBA champion Thammanoon Niyomtrong a/k/a Knockout CP Freshmart as scheduled to face Canizalez, but Canizalez was quickly replaced with Argentina's Junior Zárate, who will face Niyomtrong (28-1) for the vacant tile. The fight will take place during the WBC Annual Convention 2025, which is being held in Bangkok, Thailand. Zarate is 26-5, with two wins since a failed IBO 108-pound title bid vs. Mpumelelo Tshabalala.

 

Cañizales was demoted to champion in recess. Zárate, one of the rising names in the division, arrives at his first world title opportunity after a series of victories elevated him in the rankings. According to the WBC, "the bout will determine the undisputed monarch, while Cañizales retains the right to face the winner once his situation is resolved."