The World Boxing Organization (WBA) through its Women’s Championship Committee has decided to invalidate the super bantamweight championship belt due to Mexican Erika Cruz’s positive test for prohibited substances.

In the same resolution it is decided that Nazarena Romero, ranked number one in the ranking, must fight for the vacant crown against the next available competitor from the list in that category.

On May 11, Cruz, then the champion, faced Romero herself in Mexico to defend her crown. The fight ended in a draw, and Cruz won the belt. However, on May 31, the champion’s positive drug test result was revealed.

Based on the obtained results, two tests of “A” samples were performed, both giving a positive result for the presence of 3 different substances (stanozolol metabolites: 16b-hydroxystanozolol/3′-hydroxystanozolol and furosemide) at concentrations higher than those permitted by WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).

The fighter was informed of the decision taken by the WBA on June 5 in anticipation of the opening of the “B” sample, which Cruz had 15 days to do, following the report of the second analysis of the “A” sample, which was received on May 31. As this step had not been taken, and the World Boxing Association had not found convincing support for the requests for review submitted by the fighter, which the World Boxing Association had considered, it was decided to suspend the world super bantamweight ranking and leave the title vacant in Cruz’s hands until then.

According to WADA, the “B” sample will be available in the laboratory for 180 days, and if Erika Cruz does not report for the sample opening during this time, the suspension may be extended for another 6 months.

As the No. 1 super bantamweight, Nazarena Romero will be eligible to fight for the title again, but now with the next in the ranking, Mayerlin Rivas. The period of the dispute between them for the crown will be 120 days, which began on June 5 and will last until October 20.

The World Boxing Association will stage a fight for the vacant 175-pound world title between Che Kenneally and Angie Paola Rocha on July 20 in Brisbane, Australia.

Kenneally, 29, of Sydney, Australia, has a distinguished amateur career that began with boxing at the age of 15. She has competed in elite world championships, including against Olympian Lauren Price.

After the pandemic and lack of competition, Kenneally made the decision to turn professional. So on March 18, 2023, she made her pro debut, winning by technical knockout in the fourth round over Rhianna Arnold.

She managed to win two more fights in her debut year and on March 23rd she defeated Sequita Hemingway again in a rematch. This was her first 8 round fight and now being the #1 WBA lithe heavyweight, she earned a shot at the world in what will be her 10 round debut. She has an unblemished record of 4 wins and 1 knockout.

On the other hand, the Colombian Rocha comes with more experience, having won 14 times, 7 of which by knockout, 4 losses and 3 draws. She has never fought in 10-round fights, so this will also be a challenge for the Colombian.

Argentine boxer Jennifer Meza once again successfully defended her World Boxing Association FEDELATIN atomweight belt after unanimously defeating Venezuelan Roxana Colmenarez at the mythical Luna Park stadium in Buenos Aires.

Meza had a tough challenge against the Venezuelan fighter who knew how to operate her physical conditioning and her arm length was put to good operate looking to push Meza away from distance.

Colmenarez showed dominant technical boxing that allowed her to take control of some rounds. However, Meza, who never stopped moving forward even though she had difficulty finding her space, began to leave Colmenarez without a chance to think and narrowed the space for her, giving her a well-deserved advantage that led her to victory.

In this way, Meza is still the holder of the FEDELATIN WBA Atom belt and increases his tally to 9 victories, with 3 knockouts and 3 defeats.