Anthony Cacace, the WBA super-featherweight champion, has been promoted to ‘super’ champion status ahead of his title defense against Nick Ball. The winner of their December 19 bout at The O2 in Belfast will be required to face Russia’s Elnur Samedov next, who has been elevated to ‘regular’ champion.
The 37-year-old from Belfast received a special exemption from the WBA to defend his belt against Ball, a challenger from Liverpool. Earlier in June, the WBA had mandated a fight between Cacace and the then ‘interim’ champion Samedov. Although Cacace’s team offered to host the match in Belfast, the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) declined to allow Samedov to fight in the UK due to concerns relating to his citizenship and residency status. This decision halted negotiations between the fighters’ promoters.
Since an agreement could not be reached quickly, the WBA agreed to Queensberry Promotions’ request to allow Cacace a voluntary defense until the mandatory fight can be arranged. According to the WBA’s ruling, the winner of the December 19 showdown must decide within 12 days whether they will face Samedov on neutral ground. No further exemptions will be permitted, including any potential unification bouts, until there is a single recognized champion in the division.
Cacace claimed this title by defeating James ‘Jazza’ Dickens on points in Dublin on March 14, marking his second world championship after previously holding the IBF belt. Ball is looking to join the ranks of two-weight champions with this opportunity. Meanwhile, Samedov, who can fight before challenging for the full title, secured his interim belt by stopping John Lenon Gutierrez in the 11th round back in February.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for fight fans as it sets up an exciting chain of high-stakes matches that could unify the super-featherweight division. The resolution of the complicated championship landscape promises to bring clarity and heightened competition, which is always great news for the sport’s growth.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
