Miguel Cotto stripped of WBC middleweight belt

The World Boxing Council stripped boxer Miguel Cotto of his middleweight championship belt Tuesday.

Cotto, who was scheduled to defend his title next against Canelo Alvarez, was stripped of his championship due to a failure to adhere to unspecified rules.

"The WBC’s decision is premised on the fact that Miguel Cotto and his camp are not willing to abide by the governing WBC Rules & Regulations, and the specific conditions the WBC established to sanction the fight," a statement on the WBC’s official website read. "Simply put: they are not willing to respect the very same rules and conditions which applied to Cotto becoming WBC champion."

While it’s not clear what rule Cotto violated, it’s likely he refused to pay the exorbitant sanctioning fee associated with defending his belt.

Cotto, 35, won the title in 2013, defeating Sergio Martinez after a 10th-round stoppage. 

Cotto is still scheduled to face Canelo Alvarez Saturday Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. Regardless of the WBC's decision Tuesday, the winner of the matchup will be recognized as the middleweight champion of the world.