WBA orders Jarrett Hurd-Erislandy Lara rematch

This month’s battle between Jarrett Hurd and Erislandy Lara turned out to be one of the year’s more entertaining bouts. So much so, apparently, that the WBA wants to see it again.

The sanctioning body, whose belt Hurd now holds alongside the IBF title, has ordered the two to begin negotiations for a rematch. As usual, they have thirty days to hammer together a deal before they go to a purse bid.

Jermell Charlo is not impressed.

It’s worth noting that Hurd can apply for an exception to face Charlo in a unification bout should Charlo defeat Austin Trout on June 9th.

I generally dislike instant rematches unless there’s either a straight-up robbery or some manner of shenanigans like a freak injury, but this one’s understandable. Hurd (22-0, 15 KO) and Lara (25-3-2, 14 KO) put together a fun, competitive fight that came down to a crucial knockdown in the twelfth round.

While I agree with Forbes that the Charlo unifier is the better option, I’m happy to see them run this one back.