Tuesday 4 April 2017 10:28, UK
Leo Santa Cruz has been ordered to face Abner Mares next by the WBA, dealing a setback to Carl Frampton’s hopes of a third fight with his only conqueror.
Frampton (23-1) hoped to tempt Santa Cruz (33-1-1) to Belfast for a third fight but must now wait as the WBA plot to unify their 'super' and 'regular' championships.
Santa Cruz initially lost his WBA 'super' featherweight title to Frampton in New York City last summer, but regained the belt by winning their rematch in Las Vegas in January.
Santa Cruz first won the organisation's 'super' title when it was vacant against Mares (30-2-1), winning via majority decision in 2015, a fight that is now set for a rematch.
Mexico's Mares, after losing to Santa Cruz, rebounded by winning the WBA 'regular' featherweight title against Jesus Cuellar in December.
"The WBA continues its policy of reducing titles in every weight division," the organisation said, having recently ordered middleweight champions Gennady Golovkin and Danny Jacobs to decide one title-holder.
Santa Cruz and Mares have 30 days, from April 3, to agree a fight before the WBA will order purse bids.
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