YEREVAN, OCTOBER 18, ARMENPRESS. 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.

Smith’s position in the standings therefore keeps alive hopes of Abraham granting him another voluntary shot at the 12st title.

WBO president Paco Valcarcel tweeted: “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.”

An official announcemet is due on Monday.