Carl Frampton stripped of WBA title

Carl Frampton (22-0, 14 KOs) has been stripped of the WBA super bantamweight title.

The Northern Irishman won the WBA belt when he outpointed Scott Quigg, adding the strap to his IBF super bantamweight title, in an all British unification fight in February.

Following his win, the WBA ordered Frampton to face Guillermo Rigondeaux next. But after failing to negotiate a first defence against the Cuban, the organisation has decided to remove the belt from Frampton, who still holds the IBF title.

Frampton has suggested he might step up to featherweight to fight WBA champion Leo Santa Cruz or IBF champion Lee Selby.

Rigondeaux, who previously held the WBA belt before he was stripped by the organisation due to inactivity, will now fight Mexican Moises Flores for the vacant 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," said WBA Championships chairman Gilberto Jesus Mendoza.
"Rigondeux shall come out of recess and face interim champion Moises Flores as his mandatory defence on or before August 1, 2016. If Flores or Rigondeaux wish to face any other opponent, the WBA may consider an application for special permit consistent with the rules of the WBA."