The World Boxing Association (WBA) has ordered mandatory fights in two of the hottest divisions in boxing, Featherweight and Super Lightweight. Newly crowned two time WBA Featherweight Champion Leigh Wood (27-3 16KOs) was order to fight his mandatory Otabek Kholmatov (11-0 10KOs) and Rolando 'Rolly' Romero (15-1 13KOs) the WBA Super Lightweight Champion was ordered to face his WBA mandatory O'Hara Davies (25-2 18KOs).
Wood 34, regained his title by unanimous decision in a rematch against Mauricio Lara over the weekend. Kholmatov 24, became mandatory in March when he stopped Thomas Patrick Ward in five rounds. There are strong indicators that Wood will vacate the title and pursue a mega UK showdown against the former World Champion Josh Warrington. If that happens, the WBA will likely call Kholmatov to fight the #2 ranked contender Raymond Ford for the vacant title.
Romero 27, is coming off a controversial 9th round stoppage victory over Israel Barroso for the vacant title. O'Hara Davies 31, became mandatory in March by stopping Lewis Ritson with a vicious body shot in the 9th round. This fight is also under rumors of not being made. Romero and Ryan Garcia have agreed to fight each other on social media but nothing has been made official. If Romero-Davies is not next, Romero will likely be stripped and the WBA will order Davies to fight the next leading contender. The new WBA Rankings will be updated on May 31st.
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