Timothy Bradley vacates WBO belt
Timothy Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KOs) has vacated his WBO welterweight title.
The WBO ordered the American to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Sadam Ali, but Bradley instead opted for a more lucrative third fight with Manny Pacquiao and relinquished the title.
Ali will now face former WBA light welterweight champion Jessie Vargas for the vacant title on March 5.
Vargas previously challenged for the WBO belt, losing on points to Bradley last June.
Bradley and Pacquiao, who will fight on April 9 in a scheduled 12-round bout, are tied at one win each and they will meet in a decider, but without a world title at stake.
However, the WBO will honour the winner of the fight with a “special recognition”. Both previous fights had the WBO welterweight belt on the line.
Bradley wrote a letter to WBO president Paco Valcarcel and informed the sanctioning body of his position.
"As you know I will be fighting Manny Pacquiao on April 9, 2016 in Las Vegas, NV," Bradley wrote. "To accept this fight invariably means I cannot comply with my mandatory obligation and must forgo the mandatory against Sadam Ali, as ordered by the WBO. This is a difficult decision, but one I have to make to give fans the best fights as well as allow myself the toughest and biggest fights possible from both a competitive and financial perspective."
"I'd like to thank the WBO and its president Paco Valcarcel for their support throughout the years and for allowing me to represent the organisation as a two-time world champion."
Valcarcel replied: "You have been an outstanding, honourable and loyal WBO junior welterweight and welterweight champion of the world and the doors of the WBO will always be open for you.
"Finally, I am pleased to inform you that we are preparing a special recognition for the Pacquiao vs Bradley III winner - two remarkable fighters and worthy ambassadors to the WBO. Wishing you all the best."