Josh Taylor has given up his WBA super-lightweight title after turning down a fight with mandatory challenger Alberto Puello.
Taylor has been forced to vacate the belt after for failing to comply with an ordered title defence against Puello, who is unbeaten in 20 fights. Taylor had 20 days to agree to the fight to avoid being stripped after a purse bid was won on April 22.
"The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee, in accordance with the organisation's rules, has decided that the super-lightweight title, which was held by the Josh Taylor, is vacant," a tweet from the WBA read. Taylor won the 140lb WBA belt by outpointing Regais Progais in 2019. He defended it against Apinun Khongsong, Jose Ramirez and most recently Jack Catterall in a controversial fight.