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The WBO has sent a "show cause" letter to super bantamweight titleholder Guillermo Rigondeaux, giving the fighter 10 days to exhibit reason that he has been inactive, having not fought in over nine months and having made just three title defenses since beating Nonito Donaire in April 2013, none against mandatory challengers.
Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KO) will be stripped of the WBO belt if he does not comply. The 35-year-old Cuban fighter has had a terrible time getting fights since beating Donaire, as he was showcased once more on HBO against Joseph Agbeko in December 2013, followed by a pair of fights last year in Macau and Japan. Following the fight in Macau, he was no longer co-promoted by Top Rank.
Recently, Rigondeaux declared himself a free agent, having split from manager Gary Hyde. He described the relationship with Hyde as "terrible," saying he was now free to pursue better opportunities. He is still with Caribe Promotions.
If Rigondeaux does give up the WBO belt, or is stripped if he can't give satisfactory cause, he would still hold the WBA "super world" super bantamweight title.