via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 09: Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Timothy Bradley Jr. by unanimous decision in their welterweight championship fight on April 9, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 09: Manny Pacquiao celebrates after defeating Timothy Bradley Jr. by unanimous decision in their welterweight championship fight on April 9, 2016 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao is no longer the WBA welterweight Super champion. The sanctioning body announced that the Filipino boxer would now be the ‘Champion in Recess. They also confirmed that Yordenis Ugas will be the new super champion.
The concept of super champions is one of boxing’s biggest controversies. The fact that the same body has multiple champions only increases the complications in the sport. And the idea of ‘Champion in Recess’ only adds to this.
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 20: Manny Pacquiao celebrates his split-decision victory over Keith Thurman in their WBA welterweight title fight at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Pacquiao is a multi-weight champion, having won titles in eight weight classes. The WBA welterweight super title was his most recent, and he won it by beating former champion, Keith Thurman. However, as he never defended the belt since that fight, he has now had to settle for ‘Champion in Recess’.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In his place, the WBO has promoted Yordenis Ugas, who held the WBA regular welterweight title. He won his belt against Abel Ramos last September. As the news broke, Ugas gave his honest reaction and promised his fans unification fights.
Pacquiao took Thurman belt off.He had the opportunity of him.He was not going to give me the opportunity,nor did he want unification. It's the difference. my next fight I want unification.Looks like I'll have the fight that I've been chasing for years. Do not hate me.Congrats me. pic.twitter.com/swHLQHSdjk
— Yordenis Ugas (@YordenisUgas) January 30, 2021
READ: Who Defeated Floyd Mayweather?
What is a champion in recess, and how will it affect Manny Pacquiao?
According to the WBA’s official rules, “Rule C.22-24 states that when a champion is unable to defend the belt for medical, legal or other reasons beyond his control, he may be named champion in recess…”
“The medical reasons must be documented before the WBA Medical Committee, while the legal reasons must be evidenced before the legal director and the Championships Committee.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This means that ‘Pac-Man’ and his team have cited one of the above reasons as an explanation for his inactivity. If he is to return, he will have to face Ugos to become the super champion again. Although, it entirely depends on the reported fight against Ryan Garcia.
In Pacquiao’s case, he may have cited his political involvement or the COVID-19 pandemic as a reason for his inactivity. Either way, the committee has accepted it and declared him as a champion in recess. However, whether he returns to face Ugos to claim the status of super champion back is anyone’s guess.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you make of this news? Do you think this will stop Manny Pacquiao from fighting Ryan Garcia?
READ: Analyzing Errol Spence Jr.’s Training Videos: Is He the Same After the Car Crash?
