By Hilmar Rojas
The super featherweight champion of the World Boxing Association, Japan's Takashi Uchiyama, have been promoted to the status of "super champion."
The decision was endorsed by the WBA Championships Committee, chaired by Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, and communicated to Uchiyama (18-0-1, 18 KO’s). Uchiyama has been the owner of the 130 lbs super featherweight belt since January 11, 2010 when he defeated Juan Carlos Salgado by knockout in Tokyo.
Since then, the Japanese boxer has made nine title defenses. Four of them won by TKO, two by KO, two technical decisions and a draw.
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The Championships Committee of of the World Boxing Association also promoted 126-lbs featherweight champion Nicholas Walters to the super champion status.
Walters, undefeated in 25 fights with 21 KO’s, has been champion since December 8, 2012, when he beat Colombian Daulis Prescott by knockout in his home country.
During this time, the boxer has defended his title three times - one with former champion Vic Darchinyan and Nonito Donaire - both finished before the limit.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, WBA Vice President and Chairman of the Championships Committee, made the official announcement.
In addition, Argentinean Jesus Cuellar, who was the featherweight interim champion, was promoted to 'regular' champion.
Cuellar's record is 26-1, 20 KO’s. He won the title on August 23, 2013, when he defeat Claudio Marrero by KO 2 in Verona, New York.
