The World Boxing Association (WBA) continues working to reduce the amount of world champions and, in accordance with that objective, it ordered the mandatory cruiserweight bout between the Super Champion of the category, Arsen Goulamirian and the champion, Ryad Merhy.

The Championships Committee sent the communication to both parties and requested a response in the next 24 hours to know if they are available to fight in the next 30 days.

Goulamirian had a mandatory fight against Aleksei Egorov on February 11, 2021. On August 23 of that year, a purse bid was held for that fight, which was scheduled for December 10.

However, a day before that fight, Goulamirian tested positive for Covid-19 and had to be suspended. On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine and the WBA made the decision not to sanction fights of Russian fighters, so Egorov cannot fight Goulamirian.

Therefore, Goulamirian must face Merhy in a fight that will leave the division with only one champion. The Committee will await the response of both parties in accordance with the deadline.

In case the Russia-Ukraine conflict has ended by then, the winner of the bout will have to face Egorov within 90 days; otherwise, the Committee will select the next official challenger.