By Jhonny Gonzalez

BoxingScene.com has been advised that the World Boxing Association has received a request to sanction Marcos Maidana (31-3, 28KOs) vs. Jesus Soto Karass (26-7-3, 17KOs) as a WBA welterweight eliminator. The Showtime televised fight takes place on the Saul Alvarez-Josesito Lopez undercard at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Maidana recently sent the WBA an official notification to indicate his intention to vacate the WBA "regular" title at 140-pounds.

The WBA champion at 147 is Paulie Malignaggi, who returns on October 20th, likely against Pablo Cesar Cano at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.