In a dramatic move, the World Boxing Council has removed all but two Golden Gloves boxers from its top 40 rankings due to non-compliance with its “Clean Boxing Programme”.
Since May, the WBC has asked its top fighters to enrol in the drug-testing programme with failure to do so leading to removal from the rankings and disqualification from participation in any WBC-sanctioned events.
This has stymied promoter Rodney Berman’s attempts to obtain better rankings for Chris van Heerden, Johnny Muller, Simphiwe Konkco, Ryno Liebenberg and Kevin Lerena.
“This is the responsibility of their managers,” said Berman, who admitted to his great disappointment at the state of affairs.
Only Xolisani Ndongeni and Hekkie Budler have enrolled and consequently enjoy top 20 rankings in the WBC.
A raft of other top fighters find themselves similarly out in the cold, including David Haye, Gabriel Rosado, Amir Khan, Felix Verdajo, Yuriorkis Gamboa and Gideon Buthelezi.
