Ivan Baranchyk has withdrawn from the World Boxing Super Series, his manager, David McWater, told The Ring on Thursday.
The 140-pound titleholder’s exit from the tourney comes amid growing concerns that organizers possess the proper funds to see the WBSS through to completion. The Ring previously reported that many fighters, promoters and managers received payment late amid squabbling between partners at Comosa, the group backing the tourney.
The semifinals were slated to take place in either January, February or March, according to the contract. As organizers sought to find new financial backing, that timeline was pushed back, angering some boxers (along with their handlers) who didn’t want to miss out on a cycle and the lost funds that would accompany it. Fighters at the championship level typically compete two to three times a year.
Ivan's manager is still insisting his fighter has withdrawn..
What now for Taylor? How long do you see him hanging around at 140? I can see him making the step up to 147 soon.
It's hard to say at the minute! If the tournament goes ahead and a replacement is drafted in for Baranchyk then the semi-final will most likely lose all of it's prestige (not to mention the IBF 140 title along with a battle of two good unbeaten fighters). Prograis has also been rumored to be considering pulling out which would leave the Super-Lightweight tournament without it's two front-runners (as per the seeding).
If the 140 season was scrapped then maybe Taylor will look towards a shot at another champion at his current weight class before considering a move up? Both Ramirez and Hooker are fighting in March I think so that would cause further inactivity unless he met Relikh?
Hope it gets sorted and the tournament continues but doesn't look good.
Nah it's not looking promising at all is it mate! Kick in the sacks for Taylor as he was progressing well.
