Russian cruiserweight boxer Denis Lebedev has been recognized as the WBA regular champion, his manager told R-Sport on Tuesday.
Lebedev was awarded the title that had belonged to Panamanian champion Guillermo Jones at the World Boxing Association congress in Jakarta on Tuesday, Vlad Hrunov said.
The decision was made because Jones pulled out of a December 17 fight against Lebedev, Hrunov said.
"It's just happened," Hrunov said. "I presented my arguments" to the congress in favor of awarding Lebedev the title, he said.
Hrunov said he had been in talks since June with U.S. promoter Don King to save the Jones fight, which was originally slated for October 27 and postponed two months, but to no avail.
Lebedev has a record of 24 wins, 18 via knockout, and one defeat. Jones has 38 victories with 30 knockouts, three defeats and two draws.
