On May 28th, 2019, a purse bid was held for Castano’s mandatory defense against the leading available contender in the division, Michel Soro in Panama City, Panama. Univent Production won the purse bid with $810,000.00. As part of its bid, Univent Production proposed a bout of July 20, 2019 in Marseille, France.

On June 5th, 2019, Univent Production sent proposed bout contracts to Castano and Soro for the fight on July 20, 2019 in Marseille, France. On June 19th, 2019, Soro returned the signed bout contract. On June 22nd, 2019, the WBA sent a second reminder (the first being on June 18th), granting Castano an additional 24 hours to forward the bout contract. Castano did not reply or return the bout contract.

As per WBA rules, most notably D.11 and D.12 pertaining to purse offer contracts and timing of bouts, the decision has been made by the sanctioning body to withdraw Castano’s recognition as World Champion and thus declares the Super Welterweight title Vacant.

WBA Gold Champion and certified mandatory contender Michel Soro and WBA next available contender, No 2 Erislandy Lara shall fight for the now vacant title of the division.