Saturday 18 October 2014 12:33, UK
The WBO has denied Paul Smith the chance of an immediate rematch with super-middleweight champion Arthur Abraham.
Smith was beaten on points by the German last month in Kiel but the one-sided nature of the result came in for widespread criticism.
The Liverpool boxer pushed Abraham all the way but the veteran kept hold of his belt, scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 119-109 causing outrage from supporters and pundits alike after what was seen to be a relatively close match.
A probe into the scoring was ordered by the WBO, who have been public in their criticism of official Fernando Laguna for his 11 rounds to one verdict, deeming it to be 'outrageous'.
Smith's promoter Eddie Hearn wanted Smith to be lodged as mandatory challenger for Abraham's belt but his appeal has been rejected.
A series of tweets from WBO president Paco Valcarcel read: "Resolution on #AbrahamSmith to be notified on Monday. Rematch petition is DENIED. What caused controversy was margin of scores, not result.
"Furthermore, due to @PaulSmithJnr's inspired performance Championship Committee recommends he retain his Top 5 position in the WBO Rankings.
"More on #AbrahamSmith, we are the first ones to condemn scoring of this fight, particularly Laguna's outrageous 119-109 for Abraham card."
Since learning of the verdict Smith has vowed he will earn a rematch with Abraham in the ring.
He said on Twitter: "Gutted that the WBO aren't making a straight rematch. I do believe I'll get the rematch voluntarily, though. I've proved I belong up here."
