Even though the World Boxing Super Series is still advertising IBF junior welterweight champion Ivan Baranchyk's next fight to be against Josh Taylor in May, Baranhcyk's manager still claims he is not in the tournament.
Recently, the World Boxing Super Series put out a press release that quotes Baranchyk's trainer Pedro Diaz saying that he is currently preparing for his fight against Taylor. McWater was shocked to see that release as Baranchyk is still out of the tournament and spoke with ESPN about that release and what it means for the 140-pound champion.
"We're mad as hell about that release. It's just horses---," McWater said. "We have adamantly told (tournament owner Comosa AG) that we are no longer in the tournament. Out of respect for them we haven't made any statements but then they called our trainer, Pedro. Woke up him and just started asking him questions about Ivan's training. Pedro is Ivan's trainer but he is not involved in the business side of things. It was just a horses---, a bush-league move by them."
Originally, Baranchyk and McWater decided to withdraw from the tournament due to financial issues, including late payments, and a lack of communication from tournament officials. One day after ESPN released the initial report of Baranchyk leaving the tournament, the WBSS announced that he would face Taylor for the IBF title and a spot in the tournament finals on May 18 in Glasgow, Scotland. The winner of that fight would take on the winner of the Regis Prograis vs. Kiryl Relikh fight at a venue to be announced in the United States at a later date.
The other tournament fight that was supposed to take place on May 18 on the same card would be a bantamweight tournament semifinal fight. On that tournament bout would be IBF champion Emmanuel Rodriguez taking on WBA "Regular" champion Naoya Inoue.