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Erislandy Lara is still in line to receive a shot at the WBC junior middleweight title, but Vanes Martirosyan is not. Martirosyan has been removed from an eliminator matchup by the WBC for failing to "agree to a bout date compliant with WBC Rules & Regulations," according to the sanctioning body.
Martirosyan and Lara met in an eliminator in November, going to a technical draw in an HBO main event. A rematch was ordered and went to purse bid, which Golden Boy (Lara's promoter) won earlier this month. With Martirosyan promoted by Top Rank, a deal was not reached for the fight. Top Rank promoted the first bout, with Golden Boy approving Lara's participation for a fee.
In the latest ratings, Sergey Rabchenko of Hatton Promotions was the No. 3 rated contender at 154 pounds. Lara-Rabchenko isn't a bad fight at all, other than finding a TV outlet and venue for the bout.
Canelo Alvarez, of course, holds the WBC junior middleweight title.