BADOU JACK has vacated his WBC super-middleweight title just days after retaining it in a thrilling draw with IBF champion James DeGale.
The WBC confirmed last night that they had received official notification from Jack that he has vacated the title because he will now operate at light-heavyweight.
A few days ago, negotiations were ordered between Jack and the WBC super-middleweight mandatory challenger Callum Smith.
“The WBC has received official notification from WBC super middleweight champion, Badou Jack, who has decided to move up in weight and compete in the light heavyweight division; consequently, the super middleweight championship of the world has been declared vacant,” read a WBC statement.
“The WBC is extremely proud of Badou Jack who is our Ambassador of Good Will and Peace, he has been a role model outside the ring with his exemplary behavior and his beautiful family, his wife Jasmine, and his baby daughter, Malaniyah.
“The WBC wishes Badou Jack continuous success and the best of luck in his boxing career hoping that one day he will compete for the light heavyweight championship of the world.”
Prior to the DeGale fight, Jack and his promoter, Floyd Mayweather, had stated he would move to 175lbs due to his struggles making the super-middleweight limit. Mayweather wants Jack to face WBC light-heavy champion Adonis Stevenson.
At super-middleweight, the vacant WBC title is up for grabs and Smith is likely to be matched with the next highest contender, Anthony Dirrell – who previously held the belt.
However, Smith and DeGale’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has spoken about matching the pair together anyway, provided he can get permission from the IBF. They may even be able to have the vacant WBC strap also on the line in such a fight.
DeGale is taking a break for a couple of weeks to let his injuries heal before plotting his next move.
