WBA current situation in the Philippines:

The first major boxing event in the Philippines will happen on February 20, 2021, at the Binan stadium for the World Boxing Association World Minimumweight Championship fight between Robert Paradero against Vic “Vicious” Saludar.

WBA recently got the attention of the Philippine media when they tag Senator Manny Pacquaio as “Champion in recess” due to boxing inactivity and elevate Yordenis Ugas as the “Super Champion”.

On Wednesday, GAB Chairman Baham Mitra announced that they have sent a letter of appeal addressed to WBA president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza asking for the restoration of Senator Manny Pacquiao’s WBA Welterweight Super Championship belt.

“GAB is mandated by law to champion the rights of every Filipino professional boxer at all times. That is why we are appealing to WBA to reconsider its decision,” according to Mitra.

“We would like to help the 8-division champion to return from being Champion in Recess to Full Champion,” said Mitra.

Senator Manny Pacquiao also made an announcement last Wednesday that he is back in training, but has not decided yet who the opponent is.

With a lot happening in the WBA in the Philippines, FightnewsAsia asks the veteran WBA Referee and Judge Silvestre Abainza about his opinion on this matter.

“I will no longer be part of the upcoming WBA World Minimumweight Championship this coming February 20. I will give way and trust the decision of the young WBA Ring officials,” said abainza

“WBA Philippine ring official is still positive with WBA’s current situation on Manny Pacquiao’s fight and hoping that they consider a match with Yordenis Ugas to get back the WBA Super Welterweight Champion belt,” said Abainza.