The World Boxing Association took the decision on January 1 remove Saúl El Canelo Álvarez from his Super Middleweight title, a division he has not competed in since defeating Daniel Jacobs on May 4, 2019 and in which he already warned, he will not participate this year as his goal is to win all tires in the super middleweight division.
Last Wednesday, the authority also took the decision to promote the Japanese Ryota Murata, who was a Regular Champion, a title that now remains vacant, and will from now on be the owner of the belt left by the Mexican. With this change, Murata will have a fairly long time before having to make his first mandatory defense.
As the main challenger to the title that the Japanese now hold appears on the horizon Chris Eubank Jr, who holds the interim WBA title and is expected to be elevated to regular champion soon, according to the order and logic of the moves.
“Based on Rule C.18, which states that the President and Championship Committee can recognize a fighter as a Super Champion in special circumstances, the WBA considers Murata’s career and track record to be a creditable circumstance for the appointment.”, was expressed by the World Boxing Association.
And added: “Murata’s appointment will not cause too many changes to the classification and it was created to bring dynamism and activity to the division. The only relevant change is that Murata’s mandatory defense period from 9 months will be extended to 18 months“.