The WBO has ruled that champion Arthur Abraham will not be forced into a rematch with British super-middleweight Paul Smith.
Controversy surrounded the result of the first fight after Abraham was awarded the win by scores of 117-111, 117-111 and 119-109, despite many deeming that the fight could have gone either way.
Promoter Eddie Hearn appealed for the bout to take place a second time, but WBO president Paco Valcarcel has announced that Abraham is under no obligation to defend his belt against the Liverpudlian.
The ruling effectively means that Smith could have to register a couple of significant victories to get another world title shot unless a deal can be agreed between Hearn and Abraham's promoter Kalle Sauerland.
