By Daily Sports on November 23, 2017

It’s the title that nobody seems to want but it should finally have a home on Saturday night.

The WBA regular heavyweight title has been vacant for more than 18 months and after several failed attempts to crown a new champion 40 year Russian Alexander Ustinov 34-1 (25) takes on Manuel Charr 30-4 (17) in Germany this Saturday night to resolve the issue.

The vacant strap has been something of a comedy sketch during this period.

It should be recalled that, the last official champion of the title was Ruslan Chagaev. He lost the title in an enthralling fight against Australian Lucas Bowne. Chagaev was ahead on all cards when Browne rallied to stop him in the 10th round. It was a great but short lived moment. Browne was the first Australian to win a heavyweight title but he failed a PED test for a diuretic.

Upon the news of Browne’s alleged guilt the WBA did the sensible thing and gave it back to Chagaev.

But, the Uzbek refused the belt stating he had retired.

Meanwhile Browne protested his innocence, blaming contaminated meat, conspiracy theories and horseplay. He wrote open letters and eventually the WBA believed his story and decided to give him another crack at it.

Chagaev didn’t want a rematch. Plenty of fighters were throwing their hat into the ring but a fight could not be staged for the title.

So a fresh new pair of opponents with no history of drug use. Ustinov and Charr have been in the mix for a long time and although not elite they are respected opponents.

With this development, a champion for the vacant WBA Regular should be crowned come Saturday.

Ustinov had 18 months out of the ring before he battered Raphael Zumbeano Love in one round in May this year. Charr has flirted with top level but losses to Johann Duahaupas and a brutal ko defeat to Cruiserweight champion Meiris Breides looked like the end for Charr.

A strong win against previously unbeaten Sefer Seferi 22-1 (20) puts him back in the mix.

•Photo shows Alexander Ustinov.

Source Daily Sports

Posted November 23, 2017

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