Ghanaian boxer Emmanuel Tagoe, popularly known as "Game Boy" has lost his IBO lightweight belt after he failed to comply with rules set by the body.
Tagoe was mandated by IBO to defend his belt against mandatory challenger Fedor Papazov not later than June 17th, but the James Town native failed to comply with the body’s order.
The IBO Championship Committee warned Tagoe that he may lose his title if he fails to arrange a bout against Papazov and they have now acted.
The Baby Jet Promotions boxer will now have to start all over by challenging for the belt.
A letter from IBO to the Ghana Boxing Authority, which was signed by the body’s President Ed Levine read:
“I regret to inform you that on May 21st the IBO Championships Committee ordered that the IBO World Lightweight title held by Emmanuel Tagoe be vacated due to his failure to comply with the requirements of the IBO Championship Rules and Regulations.â€
Emmanuel Tagoe won the belt in 2016 when he defeated Mzonke Fana of South Africa.
Read also:Ghanaian boxer Emmanuel Tagoe ordered to fight Fedor Papazov by IBO
He defended the title in January this year by knocking out Argentina's Fernando Saucedo.