World Boxing Association (WBA) has ruled that its minimum weight champion Etsuko Tada of Japan must face interim champion T&T's Ria Ramnarine in a re-match before she could take on any other fighter. This is according to local match-maker Boxu Potts.
This ruling has not dashed the hopes of Tada's camp which was pressing for a voluntary defence before she meets the T&T fly weight champion.
Joe Koizumi, a representative of Tada reportedly sent correspondence to WBA official George Martinez requesting permission for her to meet another fighter before she meets the T&T champion in the rematch in Japan. Martinez was the man in charge of the April 24 bout, which was ruled a majority draw at the Jean Pierre Complex.
Potts said in an attempt to force Etsuko Tada's camp back to the bargaining table the WBA has agreed with their position that such a move is not part of the governing body's laws and by-laws. "Therefore Tada has no other choice but to fight Ria Ramnarine or run the risk of being stripped of her world title. Once again I have successfully negotiated in my fighter's best interest and have won my case. So now Tada must put up or shut up," said Potts.
He said Tada has tried to run but could not hide and found herself boxed into a situation where she must fight Ria. On the other hand he said Ria must fight Tada. "If Ria does not fight Tada she will run the risk of being stripped of her interim champion title," said the match-maker.