Manny Pacquiao camp fuming after WBA refuses to reinstate "super" title

The WBA has refused to restore Manny Pacquiao’s status as “super” welterweight champion, which isn’t sitting well with his camp.

The sanctioning body in January designated Pacquiao its “Champion in Recess” and named Yordenis Ugas its “Super Champion” or primary champion. Many speculated Pacquiao would regain his earlier status before his fight with IBF and WBC champ Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 but the WBA is sticking with the status quo.

ESPN reported that WBA officials say that “the regulations do not allow Manny Pacquiao to be reinstated as WBA super welterweight champion.”

Pacquiao won the WBA belt by upsetting Keith Thurman on July 20, 2019 and hasn’t fought since in large part because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he has fought to contain as a senator in the Philippines.

Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions, said the WBA gave Pacquiao no advance notice that his title was in jeopardy.

“I can tell you what Manny didn’t receive – due process and respect,” Gibbons said. “It took two years to get the world title belt he earned inside the ring by beating the undefeated Super Champion Keith Thurman.  Hell, Manny only received that belt on Saturday.

“The WBA never inquired about Manny’s title defense plans. The WBA never warned us Manny’s ‘Super Champion’ status could be in jeopardy.  The WBA never informed us that Manny had been designated its ‘Champion in Recess’.  We had to read the WBA’s press release on that on the internet.

“And speaking of Keith Thurman, the WBA had no concern about his lack of activity when he went over 22 months between title defenses. Recess is over. The two best fighters in the welterweight division are facing each other.  It should be celebrated and properly recognized.

“The Ring [Magazine] is even blessing the winner as its welterweight champion. This is not a sanctioning group. It is a used car lot. Take my advice. Before paying the WBA a sanctioning fee, kick the tires and read the warranty.  Perhaps their new slogan should be ‘Caveat Emptor.'”

Only Spence’s titles will be at stake when he and Pacquiao meet on pay-per-view at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.