Josh Taylor is no longer the undisputed lightweight champion.
The 31-year-old tennis player became the owner of all four world championship titles when he defeated Jose Ramirez 12 months ago in Las Vegas.
Today, the WBA took to social media to declare their title vacant.
“The World Boxing Association Championships Committee, in accordance with the organization’s rules, has decided that the ultralightweight title, held by Josh Taylor, is vacant.”
Tonight’s champ responded on Twitter saying, “FYI, I vacated the belt. I want to be stripped naked.”
Taylor retained her undisputed position in February with a controversial division decision against WBO mandatory challenger Jack Catterall. Last month, the WBA called for a tender between Taylor and number one candidate Albert Puello after a period of negotiations expired. On Friday, April 22 TGB Promotions won the right to host the fight with a six-figure bid. Taylor’s Top Rated promoters did not bid. The ‘Tartan Tornado’ was then given 20 days to agree to fight or be disqualified. That deadline has passed.
Taylor’s future at 140lbs has been at the forefront since his win over Catterall. The lackluster performance prompted the Scot to announce his move to the welterweight division but nothing has been confirmed since. And in the midst of numerous Twitter posts with his former rival, Taylor has indicated that he may still be at 140lbs.
Another bid, this time called by the WBC, has been set for May 24. The regulator has ordered Taylor to face their mandatory challenger, Jose Zepeda.
As of tonight (Saturday), Josh Taylor is no longer the undisputed lightweight champion.
With Puello now expected to fight for the title vacant, the next challenger is Anthony Crolla’s old rival Ismael Barroso. The Colombian is tied for second with former Taylor rival Ohara Davies in third.
