The WBA Championships Committee has stripped Mexican Emanuel Lopez of his interim WBA World super featherweight championship because he hasn’t defended the title against mandatory challenger Jazreel Corrales of Panama in the past 180 days. “El Pollo” has been entangled in a legal dispute involving his manager and promoter, each side claiming the right to negotiate Lopez’s fights. In addition, he claims an injury has prevented him from engaging in the required title defense. The WBA, however, doesn’t offer the “champion in recess” option to interim titleholders.

Corrales (18-1, 6 KOs, 1 NC) will fight for the now-vacant title against the highest-rated contender. A southpaw, “El Invisible” won the vacant WBA Fedecaribe super featherweight title by stopping Felix Sabez via second-round TKO in July.

Lopez (19-4-1, 8 KOs) had won the title in March by stopping Carlos Padilla via ninth-round TKO. He’ll have the right to contend for the title once his legal problems are resolved and he’s fully recovered from his injury.

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.