WBA orders Gutierrez to face Colbert

The pair have until September 15th to come to terms

I don’t trust WBA President Gilberto Mendoza’s pledge to finally reduce the number of belts in play one bit, but at least one of them will be gone soon. The sanctioning body has ordered “world” super featherweight champion Roger Gutierrez to face interim champion Chris Colbert, giving the pair until September 15th to come to terms and avoid a purse bid.

As far as “super” champion Gervonta Davis, it’s unclear whether he’ll continue to campaign at 130. Julius Julianis reports that he must either face the winner of this or vacate.

Venezuela’s Gutierrez (26-3-1, 20 KO) claimed the belt in January by riding three knockdowns to a narrow decision over Rene Alvarado, avenging a 2017 stoppage loss in the process. Seven months later, he proved it wasn’t a fluke with a comfortable decision in the rematch.

Still, he figures to be a major underdog against Colbert (16-0, 6 KO), who’s coming off of dominant victories over Jezreel Corrales, Jaime Arboleda, and Tugstsogt Nyambayar. “Prime Time” looks like a potential world-beater at 24 years old, and if he gets past Gutierrez, it’s hard to argue he’s not ready for one of the big shots at 130.