The lack of communication continued right up to the release of the WBC’s February rankings revision. With no accompanying statement, the organization merely designated the lightweight championship as empty. It remains unclear whether the WBC officially removed the title from him or if Shakur voluntarily relinquished the belt. There was no official declaration or public statement, only an empty slot where a titleholder once stood.
The chronology of events presents an intriguing aspect. Shakur carried the WBC lightweight championship with him as he transitioned to a heavier division, then effectively departed without a clear transfer of the title. As he occupied himself in the 140-pound category, the remaining competitors in the lightweight division found themselves in an unresolved state. Had the WBC announced the vacancy the instant Shakur committed to a bout against Lopez, the weight class might have progressed. Instead, all contenders were forced into an inactive period.
Despite this recent announcement, the WBC continues to exhibit sluggishness. Jadier Herrera, who secured the 135-pound interim championship by defeating Ricardo Nunez via knockout in January, was not elevated to undisputed champion status. While this action resolved a minor query regarding the rankings, it left the most significant issue unresolved.
William Zepeda has regained the premier position, heading a group that comprises Lamont Roach Jr, Andy Cruz, and Dzmitry Asanau. The remainder of the leading fifteen contenders include Sam Noakes, Justin Pauldo, Ricardo Nunez, Joe Cordina, Shu Utsuki, Bakhodur Usmonov, Lucas Bahdi, Jordan White, Alan Abel Chaves, Armando Rabi, and Albert Bell.
Presently, the WBC championship belt exists merely as an entry on a record. The distinction between its vacation or its forceful removal holds no bearing on the actual situation: the title is no longer held, and the division is merely receiving clearance to advance at this point.
