Luis Nery Suspended Until September 1

The WBC has issued a six-month suspension to former bantamweight champion Luis Nery after failing to make weight for a title defense.

The suspension is retroactive to March 1, the day Nery was scheduled to defend his title against Shinsuke Yamanaka in Tokyo. Nery missed weight by three pounds and was stripped of the title. The WBC allowed the fight to go on anyway — with Nery knocking out Yamanaka in the second round — and then immediately suspended the Mexican southpaw. The Japan Boxing Commission banned Nery from competing in Japan for life after the bout as well.

In the announcement of the Nery’s suspension, the WBC outlined the conditions, stating the following:

“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. 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.”

The nutritionist in question will report Nery’s status to the WBC, and if Nery does not follow through with the guidelines, he will be suspended indefinitely and fined.

Nery’s promoter, Zanfer Promotions, attempted to have the fighter compete in a non-WBC bout on June 9, but pressure from the organization caused the bout to be canceled.

Original Story: ESPN