A 12-YEAR-OLD boxing prodigy’s controversial professional debut in Mexico has been cancelled after the World Boxing Council stepped in to block the fight.
Romina ‘La Bambita’ Castan - fresh out of primary school - was due to make on Saturday night in Veracruz by becoming the youngest professional boxer ever.
The fight scheduled for four rounds at atomweight (102lbs/46kg) was billed as a world-record-breaking event.
But the plans have sparked international outcry with WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman branding the move an “atrocity” and personally intervening to prevent it.
Sulaiman said in a statement: “The WBC is absolutely against a proposed fight in which a 12-year-old girl is to make her pro debut.
“We all thought it was a joke, we will fight to the bitter end to stop this atrocity.”
He said he contacted the event promoter directly and accused Castan’s father, former boxer Isaac ‘Bamba’ Castan of issuing “all kinds of threats” to push the fight through.
The WBC confirmed late Friday that the bout had been officially cancelled, with Sulaiman pledging to support Castan’s in the amateur ranks and guide her journey responsibly.
He added: “I’m happy to inform that 12-year-old Romina Castan will not fight tomorrow.
“The WBC will guide her father and support her amateur career.”
Tigre’s Boxing Promotions who organised the event also confirmed the cancellation and thanked Sulaiman for stepping in.
The company said in a statement: “We appreciate the intervention of Mauricio Sulaiman and the support he will provide to the young boxer.
“Romina Castan Lara continues her boxing career with our promoter and now with the full support of the WBC.”
Castan began boxing at the age of eight and has already fought over 50 amateur bouts.
But while professional debuts under 18 are banned in the UK and US, some fighters have turned pro earlier in countries like Mexico and Thailand.
Mexican superstar Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez made his debut at 15.
Critics have argued 12 is far too young for the pro ranks, with concerns over safety and ethics taking centre stage.
The WBC’s intervention now looks set to prevent Castan’s entry into the record - at least for now.
