On October 12, 2015, the WBA Championship Committee issued a Resolution clarifying the status of the super middleweight division and ordering WBA World Champion Fedor Chudinov (14-0, 10 KOs) to face #3 ranked Felix Sturm (39-5-3, 18 KOs) in a rematch before January 30, 2016. The winner of the rematch, or Chudinov if the fight was ruled a draw, was to face Interim Champion Vincent Feigenbutz on or before April 30, 2016.
While waiting for his opportunity to fight the winner of Chudinov/Sturm, Feigenbutz (21-1, 19 KOs) won a highly contested bout against WBA #14 ranked Giovanni De Carolis (23-6, 11 KOs) on October 17, 2015. Feigenbutz won a razor thin unanimous decision and a rematch is scheduled for January 9, 2016.
In addition, on November 10, 2015, Andre Ward relinquished his Super Champion super middleweight title to campaign as a light heavyweight.
In light of Ward having vacated his title, and taking Chudinov’s unbeaten record and accomplishments to date into consideration, the unbeaten 28-year-old fighting out of Serpukhov, Russia, has been elevated to Super Champion of the super middleweight division. Chudinov shall face Sturm in a rematch provided the bout takes place by February 20, 2016.
With Chudinov’s designation as Super Champion, Interim Champion Feigenbutz has been elevated to Champion of super middleweight division.
“The winner of Chudinov vs. Sturm, or Chudinov is the fight is ruled a draw, shall face Feignebutz no later than May 20, 2016,” says WBA Championship Chairman Gilberto Jesus Mendoza. “If Chudinov or Sturm cannot meet the May 20 deadline to fight Feigenbutz for any reason, including but not limited to injury, the title will be vacated and Feigenbutz will fight the leading available contender as a mandatory defense of the title.”
If Sturm defeats Chudinov and no voluntary agreement is reached with Feigenbutz, the WBA will issue a call for a purse bid to take place no later than March 12, 2016. The purse bid split shall be 50/50.
“While awaiting his opportunity to face Chudinov or Sturm,” continued Mendoza, “Feigenbutz may participate in voluntary defenses of his title against ranked opponents, including the January 9th rematch with De Carolis. If De Carolis defeats Feigenbutz, the terms of this Resolution will apply to the new champion.
This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.
