Rolly Romero elevated to WBA Super Champion; Giyasov-Catterall now for full title

The WBA has promoted Rolly Romero to Super World Champion despite the fact he has not fought in a year and has no bout scheduled, Boxing Scene reports.

The move clears the way for Jack Catterall's fight with Shakhram Giyasov in Egypt on Saturday to be upgraded from a regular title bout to a full championship. Romero must face the winner within 180 days of Saturday's fight, according to the sanctioning body's resolution.

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How the WBA justified Romero's promotion

The WBA Championships Committee said the decision followed a formal request from Romero's team and came after reviewing his run as a three-division champion. The body said its rules grant the committee and president authority to designate Super Champions under exceptional circumstances and in the sport's best interest.

Romero is 17-2 with 13 knockouts. He has won his last two fights since Isaac Cruz stopped him one-sided, beating Manuel James and Ryan Garcia at junior welterweight and welterweight respectively.

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Catterall enters as the mandatory challenger after three straight wins following his controversial loss to Josh Taylor. Giyasov, an unbeaten Uzbek prospect, was scheduled to fight for the regular strap before the committee's intervention pushed both men into a vacant title fight.

Source: boxingscene.com