Less than two months after adding the WBA Super-Bantamweight title to his IBF belt, Carl Frampton has been stripped of one of his titles.
Frampton defeated Scott Quigg in February to win the Manchester fighter's WBA belt. On Thursday night the WBA confirmed the Belfast fighter would not be given the chance to defend his belt.
Cuban fighter Guillermo Rigondeaux is the mandatory challenger for the belt and Frampton's management team have confirmed that the 29-year-old fighter hopes to fight Leo Santa Cruz in his next bout.
Carl Frampton won the IBF title in 2014. Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Presseye/Kelvin Boyes
The news of Frampton's plans forced the WBA's hand. WBA Championships Chairman Gilberton Jesus Mendoza confirmed the the Belfast fighter will lose his title.
“In light of Frampton’s announced intention to face an opponent other than his mandatory, and for failing to respond to WBA inquiries as to his intent, Frampton’s recognition as Champion is removed.”
The news will come as a blow to 'The Jackal', but he still remains the IBF Champion. Frampton has defended his belt three times since beating Kiko Martinez to win the title in September 2014.
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