The World Boxing Association will no longer list Jermain Taylor as middleweight champion. According to WBA officials Taylor hasn’t been stripped of the title, but  he has been removed from the rankings until an investigation requested by Felix Sturm is completed.

According to Robert Mack, the WBA’s legal director, “It is my understanding that there was a request by representatives of Felix Sturm questioning whether Taylor had met all the requirements necessary to be the unified champion.

“The Sturm people raised the issue of whether Taylor had technically met the requirements such as having his last defense actually sanctioned before the bout, having a supervisor at the bout, a number of matters,” Mack added.

Essentially, Sturm and his people are alleging that Taylor’s claim as champion is illegitimate.

Jermain Taylor will fight Winky Wright in Memphis on June 17.

4-27-2006