The WBO has ruled that champion Arthur Abraham will not be forced into a rematch with British super-middleweight Paul Smith.
Controversy surrounded the result of the first fight after Abraham was awarded the win by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 119-109, despite many deeming that the fight could have gone either way.
Promoter Eddie Hearn appealed for the bout to take place a second time, but WBO president Paco Valcarcel has announced that Abraham is under no obligation to defend his belt against the Liverpudlian.
Resolution on #AbrahamSmith to be notified on Monday. Rematch petition is DENIED. What caused controversy was margin of scores, not result.
— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) October 17, 2014
Furthermore, due to @PaulSmithJnr's inspired performance Championship Committee recommends he retain his Top 5 position in the WBO Rankings.
— Paco Valcárcel, Esq. (@PacoValcarcel) October 17, 2014
The ruling effectively means that Smith could have to register a couple of significant victories to get another world title shot unless a deal can be agreed between Hearn and Abraham's promoter Kalle Sauerland.
Darren Plant
