WBA Orders Mandatory Bout Between Santiago and Kira – World Boxing Association

The Championships Committee of the World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially ordered the mandatory bout between light flyweight champion René Santiago and the division’s top-ranked contender, Daiya Kira.

The pioneer sanctioning body has issued formal notification to the respective teams of both fighters, granting a thirty (30) day negotiation period to reach terms for the bout. Said period will expire on June 2, 2026.

Pursuant to Championship Rule C.10, a champion is required to defend the title against the next leading available contender within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date the title was obtained.

In Santiago’s case, the title was won on December 17, 2025. Accordingly, the mandatory defense has been overdue since April 16, 2026, and he is therefore required to face Kira.

Furthermore, under WBA Rule C.13 —Bout Limitations—, a champion may not engage in a contest against a boxer who is not the official challenger within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period.

The negotiation period shall commence from the moment the official communication was sent to both camps. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the established timeframe, or if either party refuses to execute the contract, the WBA shall reserve the right to proceed to a purse bid in accordance with its internal regulations.