WBO Strips Floyd Mayweather Of Welterweight Title

Floyd Mayweather has officially been stripped of his WBO welterweight belt, as he has failed to comply with Friday’s deadline to pay $200,000 and vacate his other two junior middleweight belts. Now, he received the WBO title by defeating Manny Pacquiao on May 2, but it is against the rules to hold belts in different weight classes, as boxers usually later decide which class to stay in.

Therefore, the WBC and WBA were technically breaking their own rules by allowing Mayweather to hold onto their belts. Now, the WBO was not as willing as they set last week’s deadline to force Mayweather’s decision. Instead, he seemed to ignore the date, leaving the organization no choice but strip him of the title on Monday.

WBO Strips Title From Mayweather

“The WBO world championship committee is allowed no other alternative but to cease to recognize Mr. Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the WBO welterweight champion of the world and vacate his title for failing to comply with out WBO regulations of world championship contests,” the WBO stated in a press release.

Originally, Mayweather talked about vacating all of his titles, to give other fighters a chance. But weeks after the fight, no decision was made. Therefore, the WBO made June 27’s bout between Timothy Bradley Jr. and Jessie Vargas for the welterweight belt. A decision that Mayweather objected to, resulting in the fight being for the interim belt. Mayweather was then given last Friday’s deadline to regain the title, yet did nothing.

“[The decision] is a complete disgrace,” Leonard Ellerbe, Mayweather Promotions CEO, told ESPN. “Floyd will decide what, or if any, actions he will take… he will not be dictated by any organization or person as it relates to his decision making.” He now has 14 days to appeal WBO’s decision.

Floyd Mayweather next plans to fight on September 12, which will be the final bout in his massive six-fight deal with Showtime and CBS. After, he allegedly plans to retire.

Article by Anthony Falco