Kostya Tszyu has been stripped of his WBA super lightweight "super" world title for not agreeing to make a mandatory defence of his title within the time WBA rules allow.
Tszyu who also holds the IBF and WBC "champion ameritas" titles, has been idled by injuries since January 2003, and is expected to face IBF interim champion Sharmba Mitchell next.
With Tszyu's title vacated, Vivian Harris, who held the organization's "regular" version of the title, becomes the sole 140lb WBA belt-holder.
According to a letter from WBA attorney Robert E. Mack addressed to Tszyu attorney John Ajaka and Main Events attorney Patrick English, Renzo Bagnariol (Chairman of the WBA World Championships Committee) has made the decision to vacate Tszyu's title, although Tszyu has the right to appeal the determination.
Meanwhile the October 2 showdown between Felix Trinidad and Ricardo Mayorga at Madison Square Garden was officially announced yesterday by promoter Don King at a press conference in New York City. Trinidad was in attendance, while Mayorga - unable to leave Nicaragua owing to troubles with the law - participated via remote hook-up. "No matter what you do, Tito, you are a loser and you're going to fail," stated Mayorga. "I'll even give you a video for free so you can see how you lose." Trinidad responded by saying, "I don't want him to make any more excuses. Keep him out of trouble [alluding to Mayorga's recent legal troubles in Nicaragua]. I just want him in the ring on October 2." Trinidad and Mayorga will be battling in a twelve-rounder for the WBA International middleweight title. It was also announced that welterweight Zab Judah will face an opponent to be named and WBC cruiser- weight champion Wayne Braithwaite and WBA champion Jean Marc Mormeck will likely meet in a 200lb unification matchup, although that bout isn't yet signed. (Fightnews.com)