The WBC meted out its punishment on Monday to former bantamweight world titlist Luis Nery for failing to make weight for a March title defense, suspending him for six months from participating in any bouts the organization is involved in.
Nery was due to defend his 118-pound belt in a rematch with former titlist Shinsuke Yamanaka on March 1 in Tokyo. However, Nery missed weight. He was 121 pounds, three over the limit, and was stripped of the title.
The bout went on anyway with Yamanaka eligible to win the vacant title but Nery (26-0, 20 KOs), 23, a southpaw from Mexico, knocked him out in the second round. The WBC then suspended him indefinitely.
Zanfer Promotions, Nery’s promoter, arranged for him to box in a non-WBC bout on June 9 but bowed to pressure from the Mexico-based sanctioning body, which holds tremendous sway with Mexican fighters, managers and promoters, and canceled the fight against Filipino southpaw Jetro Pabustan (29-5-6, 9 KOs).
On Monday, the organization finally outlined the terms of the suspension.
“The WBC Board of Governors hereby suspends Mr. Nery from participating in any WBC-sanctioned activities for six months from the date he failed to make weight or through September 1, 2018,” the WBC wrote in its resolution. “Mr. Nery shall undertake a complete mass index examination given by a health care provider approved by the WBC to confirm if he is suitable to compete in the bantamweight division.
“The WBC ratings committee shall consider Mr. Nery for inclusion in the WBC’s ratings for the month immediately following Mr. Nery’s comeback fight, based on his pugilistic merits and record. The WBC shall select a nutritionist who shall work with Mr. Nery to establish a nutrition program and supervise Mr. Nery’s (diet) at Mr. Nery’s own cost for a period of six months from the date of this ruling. Mr. Nery shall strictly follow the WBC-selected nutritionist’s indications and recommendations.”
According to the terms of the suspension, the nutritionist shall report to the WBC Nery’s status. If Nery does not follow the program, the WBC said he will be suspended against indefinitely and fined an amount to be determined.