After reviewing Fernando Vargas’ protest against the WBC, the ABC (Association of Boxing Commissioners) has announced today that they are in agreement with Vargas that the WBC was incorrect to “anoint” Ricardo Mayorga as the 154 lb mandatory challenger without forcing him to compete in an elimination bout.

Fernando Vargas and former champion Javier Castillejo argued that since there was no legitimate mandatory contender, Castillejo should have been allowed an optional defense against Vargas. The WBC stripped Castillejo for refusing to recognize Mayorga as his mandatory challenger.

Below are a few of the comments contained in the ABC’s letter. Attached is a copy of the letter in its entirety.

Applying these WBC Rules and Regulations it becomes clear that Mayorga, as the number 2 rated challenger in the division (not "the highest rated challenger of the division" or "the number one rated challenger") cannot be designated as the mandatory challenger by approval of the WBC Board of Governors. . .; and the only means by which Mr. Mayorga could be designated as the mandatory challenger is by winning an elimination bout.

In view of the above, the Association of Boxing Commissions opines that it is inappropriate for a sanctioning organization to "anoint" a mandatory challenger; instead such a status must be earned. Under the rules and regulations of the WBC, status as a mandatory challenger can be earned by way of winning an elimination bout or by being rated as the number one rated challenger and having the Board of Governors either approve, or vote, that number one rated challenger as the "mandatory".

While the ABC does not opine herein on the propriety of Mr. Mayorga being ranked No. 2 by the WBC, it is noted that, since December 13, 2003, Mr. Mayorga has lost two of his last three bouts; that one victory was against an unranked boxer; and that Mr. Mayorga has been inactive since October 2, 2004.(fn.4)

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