In a curious move that is sure to be rife with speculation, Erislandy Lara has requested to be removed from the WBC’s Clean Boxing Program, forcing the Cuban standout to also be removed from the WBC’s ratings. Lara was rated #2 at 154lbs with the sanctioning body and was thought to be closing in on another world title opportunity.
The WBC’s official statement on Lara’s move reads, in part:
“Cuban boxer Erislandy Lara, currently ranked number two at super welterweight by the World Boxing Council, has asked through his representative, Luis de Cubas Jr, to be removed from the “Clean Boxing Program of the WBC.
“This is the first time that a boxer has resigned from the Program.
“The WBC has an agreement with VADA, which is the voluntary anti-doping association in charge of administering the Clean Boxing Program. VADA coordinates the collection of samples, the chain of custody and the analysis in laboratories. The WBC is in charge of the results.
“The WBC regrets the decision of Erislandy Lara and wishes him success in his future plans.
“Due him ceasing to be enrolled in the CBP, Lara will be removed from our ratings.”
Lara (25-3-2, 14 KOs) is most recently coming off a thrilling split decision loss against Jarrett Hurd in April, in a fight where he lost his WBA title. At age 35 Lara still looks like he has something to offer at the top of the 154lb division, but the optics of this particular move certainly doesn’t look good.