By Hilmar Rojas

The WBA World Championships Committee issued a resolution regarding Ruslan Chagaev, who until now held the organization's 'regular' heavyweight title. Chagaev has not to fulfilled his mandatory commitments within the division.

Chagaev was reinstated as champion, as indicated by the rules of the WBA, after getting knocked out Lucas Browne of Australia. Browne failed a post-fight drugs test and the outcome was annulled.

 Upon regain the status of champion, he was immediately notified of his obligation to fight with mandatory challenger Fres Oquendo.

Oquendo became the the mandatory challenger to Chagaev by way of legal battle and an issued court order. However, Chagaev never fulfill ed the mandatory obligation of this fight.

Chagaev was notified several times of the situation by the WBA, but the Championships Committee received no response from the fighter. Therefore, as indicated by the WBA rules, Chagaev has been stripped of his belt.

Meanwhile, Oquendo maintains his mandatory status within the WBA's title tournament to establish a single champion in heavyweight division.

Other fights in the tournament include the showdown between WBA interim-champion Luis Ortiz and Alexander Ustinov on September 17, and the rematch between WBA 'super' champion Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko on October 29th.