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The third time’s a charm for the WBA, although an industry celebration is hardly expected to come from its latest ruling.
The now vacant WBA “World” heavyweight title is officially at stake for Friday’s bout between Trevor Bryan and Bermane Stiverne, the sanctioning body revealed in its final decision on the lingering matter. The winner will be forced to next face prior title claimant Mahmoud (Manuel) Charr, who has been demoted to “Champion in Recess” while he attempts to resolve any lingering visa issues currently preventing him from fighting outside of Germany.
“This is for the big one,” Bryan told BoxingScene.com upon learning the news. “I’m just so happy to be back in the ring and now fighting for the “World” heavyweight title. All these people are supporting me, knowing that something great is going happen.”
Their scheduled 12-round bout tops a three-fight Pay-Per-View show, airing live from behind closed doors at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
Under the terms of the agreement—a copy of which has been obtained by BoxingScene.com—the winner of the vacant title fight will be immediately ordered to next face Charr. That bout much take place by no later than May 30, 2021.
MORE TO COME…
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox