WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán just announced during a weekly Martes de Café meeting that Irish superstar Katie Taylor will now be recognised as the Champion in Recess at super-lightweight by the World Boxing Council.
55-year-old Mexican, Mauricio, explained why Taylor was being given the status of Emeritus, “She let us know that she plans to take some time away from the ring to attend to personal matters.
“The fight she was obligated to take was against Chantelle Cameron; by naming her Champion in Recess, we will order Sandy Ryan to fight Cameron to ratify the WBC super lightweight world title.”
34-year-old Brit, Chantelle Cameron, is the WBC Interim super-lightweight champ, who has been pushing for a trilogy decider with Taylor.
The Northampton star became undisputed in May 2023 when she upset Taylor in Dublin, outworking the Bray boxer to win via mixed decision to spoil the Irishwoman's homecoming.
Six months later, Taylor exacted revenge to win all her belts back, again via mixed decision in Dublin.
Now trained by Stephen "Swifty" Smith, Cameron has won all three fights since that sole career defeat, firstly winning then defending the WBC Interim 140lbs belt twice.
Derby's Sandy Ryan, 32, first won the WBC International title as super-lightweight, but won her world title at welterweight via the WBO in 2023.
She lost that belt to Mikaela Mayer when they shared a brace of bouts in 2024 and March this year. Ryan recently bounced back with a win in September, outpointing unbeaten Brit Jade Grierson widely.
Cameron vs Ryan for the WBC super-lightweight world title would be worthy of a headlining slot in the UK, if Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn is able to come to an agreement with Jake Paul's MVP to promote the event.
What does it mean to be a Champion in Recess?
A Champion in Recess is a special recognition granted by the World Boxing Council to boxers who have had an outstanding career and achieved elite status in the sport.
It is not a regular championship title defended in the ring, but rather a lifetime honour given in specific situations, such as injuries, personal issues that will keep them away from the sport for a period, or moving up in weight class.
The Champion in Recess designation allows the title to be vacated so other fighters can compete for it and keep the division active, while granting the boxer a special status and the possibility of returning to fight for the belt in the future.