WBA refuses to return title to Pacquiao

Contrary to previously unofficial information, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza announced that the leadership of the World Boxing Association will not restore Manny Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) welterweight championship status. Due to prolonged inactivity, the Filipino was named the champion in recess several months ago, and Yordenis Ugas received super champion title.

Mendoza said that despite the request made by Pacquiao's team, there is no clause in the WBA regulations that would allow a favorable solution to such a situation. Pacquiao will return to the ring on August 21 in Las Vegas, where he will face Errol Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs).

The bet in the fight will ultimately be the American's IBF and WBC belts and the vacant belt of The Ring magazine. For the Filipino, this will be a return to the ring after a two-year hiatus. In the US, this night of boxing will be streamed as a pay-per-view.