Josh Taylor is no longer the undisputed super-lightweight champion.
The 31-year-old became the owner of all four world 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 organisation’s rules, has decided that the super lightweight title, which was held by Josh Taylor is vacant.”
The champion responded tonight on Twitter saying, “FYI, I vacated it the belt. I want stripped.”
Taylor retained his undisputed status in February with a controversial split decision over WBO mandatory challenger Jack Catterall. Last month the WBA called for purse bids between Taylor and number one contender Albert Puello following a negotiation period which expired. On Friday, April 22 TGB Promotions won the rights to stage the fight with a six-figure bid. Taylor’s promoters Top Rank did not place a bid. ‘The Tartan Tornado’ was then given 20 days to agree to the fight or be stripped. That deadline has now passed.
The future of Taylor at 140lbs has been up in the air since the win over Catterall. The lacklustre performance prompted the Scot to declare he was moving to welterweight but since then nothing has been confirmed. And in between various Twitter spats with his former opponent Taylor has indicated that he may remain at 140lbs.
Another purse bid, this time called by the WBC, has been set for May 24. The governing body has ordered Taylor to face their mandatory challenger, Jose Zepeda.
As of tonight (Saturday) though Josh Taylor is no longer undisputed super-lightweight champion.
With Puello now expected to fight for the vacant title the next challenger is former Anthony Crolla opponent Ismael Barroso. The Colombian is ranked at two with former Taylor foe Ohara Davies at three.