WBA = Absolute T!ts

[Ruthless-RKO]

So we know Gervonta Davis will fight Jesus Cuellar for the vacant WBA 'Super' title.. ( meaning they have just created a new title..) Cuellar has done nothing to earn a title shot.

I was looking through Boxerc website..

Lara is the WBA 'Super' champion at 154..

Now recently Brian Carlos Castano, who was the 'Interim' champion at 154 has been promoted to 'Regular' champion.. He recently beat Michel Soro.. Castano is defending his 'Regular' belt against Cedric Vitu this weekend..

On March 24, Michel Soro will fight John Vera for the now vacant 'Interim' championship..

And this is all after they said they wanted to reduce titles? Just a clusterf*ck organisation. What's the need for Michel Soro to fight for any title..

[Heretic]

I have stopped paying any attention to WBA belts. Cant be arsed to keep track which one is the "real one". I consider them all to be just toilet paper trinkets. Handy if you have shit stains but useless in other situations

[halfamill]

So we know Gervonta Davis will fight Jesus Cuellar for the vacant WBA 'Super' title.. ( meaning they have just created a new title..) Cuellar has done nothing to earn a title shot.

I was looking through Boxerc website..

Lara is the WBA 'Super' champion at 154..

Now recently Brian Carlos Castano, who was the 'Interim' champion at 154 has been promoted to 'Regular' champion.. He recently beat Michel Soro.. Castano is defending his 'Regular' belt against Cedric Vitu this weekend..

On March 24, Michel Soro will fight John Vera for the now vacant 'Interim' championship..

And this is all after they said they wanted to reduce titles? Just a clusterf*ck organisation. What's the need for Michel Soro to fight for any title..

You forgot to mention Arsen vs Ryad Merhy for the "vacant" wba cruiserweight title and Canizalez vs Reiya for the 108 wba title.

[Ruthless-RKO]

You forgot to mention Arsen vs Ryad Merhy for the "vacant" wba cruiserweight title and Canizalez vs Reiya for the 108 wba title.

You being serious?

[Kalan]

I have stopped paying any attention to WBA belts. Cant be arsed to keep track which one is the "real one". I consider them all to be just toilet paper trinkets. Handy if you have poo stains but useless in other situations

They're doing it for the sanctioning fees they can charge the promotion and the fighters... That money comes right off the top before anybody else gets paid... I loved it when the WBC created a special 10,000 dollar TItle Belt and "World Title" for the Canelo-Chavez Fight -- and both combatants said, "This is a non-title fight... We don't want your vacant title or your belt" because they didn't want to be charged the 200,000 dollar sanctioning fee.

[candyslim]

If they ceased to exist tomorrow would anyone mourn them or miss them? I'd cheer and my day would become a little brighter.

[nobleart1978]

The worst thing to ever happen to boxing was the alphabet belts.

Because of them many great fights never got made.

All you need is the Ring ratings.

The 1 and 2 ranked fighters fight to determine a world champion and a lineage starts.

More importantly fighters who deserve a shot get one.

[Ruthless-RKO]

The worst thing to ever happen to boxing was the alphabet belts.

Because of them many great fights never got made.

All you need is the Ring ratings.

The 1 and 2 ranked fighters fight to determine a world champion and a lineage starts.

More importantly fighters who deserve a shot get one.

TRBR rankings determine the Lineal title now. Since Ring got bought by GBP.

[jamamb]

there is no ultimate lineal authority where if they say lineal its lineal, and if they say its not lineal its not lineal, purely just because of there authority

right now going by the transnational 1 and 2s, mikey garcia vs lipinets is for lineal. lipinets imo is worse and no more proven then several other guys at 140 and garcia only fought broner there. now i think mikeys an elite fighter, but i dont think simply being better then the other guys makes you lineal. i think you have to actually beat the other top guys and i simply dont see lipinets as that. i think hed lose several fights to the other top 10 guys. i wont consider mikey lineal at 140 for beating lipinets.

also they bizarrly have nathaniel gallimore as a top 5 in the world fighter at 154

[Ruthless-RKO]

WBA Prez Vows To Continue Reducing Number of Titles in 2018

Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, the President of the World Boxing Association, says he will reinforce the organization's policy to reduce the number of championships despite how complicated it might be.

"The management of multi-titles has not been easy, there have been cases where it is beneficial and others where it has cost us a lot of work, but today we have 8 divisions with only one champion and we are going to keep on that same line, because that was a promise that I made," said Mendoza to ESPN Deportes.

The only weight category in which the WBA still has three champions is featherweight, with Mexicans Leo Santa Cruz (super) and Abner Mares (regular), and Puerto Rican Jesús Rojas (interim).

However, one of those belts will be eliminated with the scheduled clash between Abner and Leo on June 9 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. And the winner will face to contender with Rojas.
------------------------------------------------------------------

So in order to reduce world titles, he has to also add some.. Like sanctioning Davis vs. Cuellar for the 'Regular' title when they already had a super featherweight champion.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Oh Yeh, The light middleweigh situation.

Oh and I just found out..

Arsen Goulamirian vs. Ryad Merhy this weekend in France for the vacant WBA cruiserweight title.

[Enlightened-One]

On the 20th January, 2016, ESPN published an article claiming that the WBA were actively working on reducing the amount of world titleholders.

At that moment in time, 41 men held belts of various types (i.e. super, regular, unified and interim):

• Heavyweight: Tyson Fury; Ruslan Chagaev; Luis Ortiz
• Cruiserweight: Denis Lebedev; Beibut Shumenov
• Light heavyweight: Sergey Kovalev; Juergen Braehmer; Felix Valera
• Super middleweight: Fedor Chudinov; Giovanni De Carolis
• Middleweight: Gennady Golovkin; Daniel Jacobs; Alfonso Blanco
• Super welterweight: Erislandy Lara; Jack Culcay
• Welterweight: Keith Thurman; David Avanesyan
• Super lightweight: Adrien Broner; Jose Benavidez
• Lightweight: Anthony Crolla; Ismael Barroso
• Super featherweight: Takashi Uchiyama; Javier Fortuna; Jezreel Corrales
• Featherweight: Leo Santa Cruz; Jesus Andres Cuellar; Carlos Zambrano
• Super bantamweight: Scott Quigg; Moises Flores
• Bantamweight: Juan Carlos Payano; Jamie Mcdonnell; Zhanat Zhakiyanov
• Super flyweight: Kohei Kono; Luis Concepcion
• Flyweight: Juan Francisco Estrada; Kazuto Ioka; Yutthana Kaensa
• Light flyweight: Ryoichi Taguchi; Randy Petalcorin
• Minimumweight: Hekkie Budler; Thammanoon Niyomtrong

According to the same WBA website, as of February 2018, there are only 25 titleholders from their list of seventeen weight-classes, with Featherweight considered the “worst” division (i.e. super = Leo Santa Cruz; regular = Abner Mares; and interim = Jesus Rojas):

• Heavyweight: Anthony Joshua; Manuel Charr
• Cruiserweight: Murat Gassiev
• Light heavyweight: Dmitry Bivol
• Super middleweight: George Groves; Tyron Zeuge
• Middleweight: Gennady Golovkin; Ryota Murata
• Super welterweight: Erislandy Lara; Brian Carlos Castano
• Welterweight: Keith Thurman; Lucas Martin Matthysse
• Lightweight: Jorge Linares
• Super featherweight: Alberto Machado
• Featherweight: Leo Santa Cruz; Abner Mares; Jesus M Rojas
• Super bantamweight: Daniel Roman; Moises Flores
• Bantamweight: Ryan Burnett; Jamie Mcdonnell
• Super flyweight: Khalid Yafai
• Flyweight: Artem Dalakian
• Light flyweight: Ryoichi Taguchi
• Minimumweight: Thammanoon Niyomtrong

There used to be sixteen interim titleholders in January 2016, but now there are only two. Unfortunately, there is currently only one fewer “regular” champion than there was over the equivalent time frame.

Overall though, the situation has clearly improved significantly and no one can possibly deny that, but it’s also clear that WBA have failed to meet the expectations of fight fans.

That being said, the WBC probably have more so-called "champions" than the WBA currently has, but they have named their secondary titles differently (i.e. emeritus, diamond, silver etc.), so they shouldn't be immune from receiving criticism.

[Ruthless-RKO]

According to the same WBA website, as of February 2018, there are only 25 titleholders from their list of seventeen weight-classes, with Featherweight considered the “worst” division (i.e. super = Leo Santa Cruz; regular = Abner Mares; and interim = Jesus Rojas):

• Heavyweight: Anthony Joshua; Manuel Charr
• Cruiserweight: Murat Gassiev
• Light heavyweight: Dmitry Bivol
• Super middleweight: George Groves; Tyron Zeuge
• Middleweight: Gennady Golovkin; Ryota Murata
• Super welterweight: Erislandy Lara; Brian Carlos Castano
• Welterweight: Keith Thurman; Lucas Martin Matthysse
• Lightweight: Jorge Linares
• Super featherweight: Alberto Machado
• Featherweight: Leo Santa Cruz; Abner Mares; Jesus M Rojas
• Super bantamweight: Daniel Roman; Moises Flores
• Bantamweight: Ryan Burnett; Jamie Mcdonnell
• Super flyweight: Khalid Yafai
• Flyweight: Artem Dalakian
• Light flyweight: Ryoichi Taguchi
• Minimumweight: Thammanoon Niyomtrong

There used to be sixteen interim titleholders in January 2016, but now there are only two. Unfortunately, there is currently only one fewer “regular” champion than there was over the equivalent time frame.

There is about to be another Interim champion at 154.. and regular champion at cruiserweight.. Why add more before removing them. Thing is, WBA regard their Interim champions as world champions too.

That being said, the WBC probably have more so-called "champions" than the WBA currently has, but they have named their secondary titles differently (i.e. emeritus, diamond, silver etc.), so they shouldn't be immune from receiving criticism.

I don't mind this format.. Emeritus is rarely used. Vitali will likely never box again. Bellew is the only other boxer with this status and it's not really a belt.

Diamond is WBC's cheeky way of ordering a mandatory between their full champion against another orgs world champion. It was done when Kovalev and Pascal fought for the Diamond title, then they tried to unsuccessfully enforce the mandatory.

A more recent ongoing one is Linares, who was stripped of the WBC title, but then fought for the vacant Diamond belt as well as the WBA's lightweight title vs. Crolla. Now he's mandatory for Garcia's WBC full belt.

It's going to be the same with Callum Smith. He or Groves will become mandatory to Benavidez's belt, whilst holding the WBA title.

The Silver belt is just like WBC's way of saying you are likely the next mandatory and #1 ranked.

[Enlightened-One]

There is about to be another Interim champion at 154.. and regular champion at cruiserweight.. Why add more before removing them.

The amount of world titleholders is likely to fluctuate on an ongoing basis.

I do feel that a reduction from 41 titleholders (as of January 2016) to the current figure of 25 is a significant improvement, but perhaps not as much as anyone would like. The WBA clearly needs to do better.

Thing is, WBA regard their Interim champions as world champions too.

I included them in my statistics and even listed the names of the men that held these belts. You even quoted my explanation of interim titleholders.

I don't mind this format.. Emeritus is rarely used. Vitali will likely never box again. Bellew is the only other boxer with this status and it's not really a belt.

This belt serves no purpose, but it does cloud the issue, since more titles equals more confusion from mainstream casuals.

Diamond is WBC's cheeky way of ordering a mandatory between their full champion against another orgs world champion.

The WBC haven’t ordered fighters like Callum Smith or Sergey Kovalev to challenge for their titles.

The WBC will bestow upon the winner of the WBSS a diamond championship, even though Oleksandr Usyk already holds their world title (assuming he wins the tournament).

Here are the WBC’s own words in relation to the purpose of this belt:

“The WBC Diamond Championship has been created as an honorary championship for the winner of a historic fight between two elite boxers... Hence, we are proud to put the WBC Diamond Championship on the line, which marks the biggest honour the WBC can grant.”

The Silver belt is just like WBC's way of saying you are likely the next mandatory and #1 ranked.

I can’t endorse world title challengers having their own championship belts.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Diamond is WBC's cheeky way of ordering a mandatory between their full champion against another orgs world champion.

The WBC haven’t ordered fighters like Callum Smith or Sergey Kovalev to challenge for their titles.

The WBC will bestow upon the winner of the WBSS a diamond championship, even though Oleksandr Usyk already holds their world title (assuming he wins the tournament).

Here are the WBC’s own words in relation to the purpose of this belt:

“The WBC Diamond Championship has been created as an honorary championship for the winner of a historic fight between two elite boxers... Hence, we are proud to put the WBC Diamond Championship on the line, which marks the biggest honour the WBC can grant.”

I think you've confused yourself as you've mentioned Usyk?

WBC will quote why they create certain titles.. but we know they create them.

[Enlightened-One]

Diamond is WBC's cheeky way of ordering a mandatory between their full champion against another orgs world champion.

The WBC haven’t ordered fighters like Callum Smith or Sergey Kovalev to challenge for their titles.

The WBC will bestow upon the winner of the WBSS a diamond championship, even though Oleksandr Usyk already holds their world title (assuming he wins the tournament).

Here are the WBC’s own words in relation to the purpose of this belt:

“The WBC Diamond Championship has been created as an honorary championship for the winner of a historic fight between two elite boxers... Hence, we are proud to put the WBC Diamond Championship on the line, which marks the biggest honour the WBC can grant.”

I think you've confused yourself as you've mentioned Usyk?

WBC will quote why they create certain titles.. but we know they create them.

Perhaps I am confused, so you’ll have to clarify what you mean?

The WBC lists Oleksandr Usyk as their world champion, a title he captured from Mairis Briedis.

The WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, said the following in the article contained within the hyperlink:

“The World Boxing Council (WBC) will honour the [WBSS] by awarding its prestigious WBC Diamond Belt for both the Cruiserweight as well as the Super-Middleweight tournament...

“The WBC Diamond Championship has been created as an honorary championship for the winner of a historic fight between two elite boxers, such as the blockbuster between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. ‘This tournament is all about the best fighting the best,’ said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman. ‘There will be no easy fight and whoever wins will clearly be recognised as one of the most extraordinary and elite boxer in the sport. Hence, we are proud to put the WBC Diamond Championship on the line, which marks the biggest honour the WBC can grant. The WBC is proud to support and fully embrace the tournament...”

So Floyd Mayweather Jr. already held the WBC world welterweight title, but was given the diamond belt after he defeated Manny Pacquiao.

Similarly, Oleksandr Usyk already holds the WBC world cruiserweight title, but will be given the diamond belt if he wins the WBSS.

What have I got wrong? Why do you think I’m confused?

[Ruthless-RKO]

What have I got wrong? Why do you think I’m confused?

All in all.. I think the WBC are confused and need to get their facts right.

First they say Diamon belt is an honourary title for a big fight?

Then Smith vs. Skoglund wasn't exactly a big fight. They agreed to sanction he bout because Smith the was mandatory and Dirrell refused to participate in the WBSS..

I'm not saying you're wrong. You've provided links to back up what you've said. My head hurts with all this to be honest.

[Ruthless-RKO]

FFS!!!!

[Lackeos]

I regret not keeping a running list of all the ridiculous sh*t the big 4 have pulled. By now, it would have been several hundred items long.

[tiny_acres]

I regret not keeping a running list of all the ridiculous sh*t the big 4 have pulled. By now, it would have been several MILLION items long.

Sorry but I had to fix your post kind sir

[Ruthless-RKO]

I regret not keeping a running list of all the ridiculous sh*t the big 4 have pulled. By now, it would have been several MILLION items long.

Sorry but I had to fix your post kind sir

WBA more than the others. IBF are known for their crap mandatories. The odd times they get it right but majority are crap!

[tiny_acres]

I regret not keeping a running list of all the ridiculous sh*t the big 4 have pulled. By now, it would have been several MILLION items long.

Sorry but I had to fix your post kind sir

WBA more than the others. IBF are known for their crap mandatories. The odd times they get it right but majority are crap!

I Hate the WBA more than the others.I always felt like they were the most corrupt.

And yes the IBF has the worst mandatories

[candyslim]

It beggars belief to think being more corrupt than the WBC is even possible, but yes Tiny I do believe you're right.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Once again, President Gilberto Mendoza has come under fire. His continued disregard of what’s in the best interests of the sport is simply dumbfounding.

Mendoza told World Boxing News in February 2013 he would do all he can to reduce the number of world title belts in his organization.

The WBA had introduced the ‘regular’ title a few years prior. An extra strap boxing didn’t want, need or ask for. Fast forward four years, and Mendoza began tentative steps to at least unify the heavyweight division.

After several failed fights, Mendoza completely gave up. Then, just as punters were unsuspecting, the WBA brought in their ‘gold’ title belt in 2019.

CHAMPIONS

This means there are now up to FIVE CHAMPIONS in each division with the WBA alone. Not to mention the International and Inter-Continental versions.

WBA ‘Super’, WBA ‘Regular’, WBA ‘Gold’, Interim and Emeritus champions are active and present in the current cruiserweight climate.

Add to that the lack of faith in the justice system as displayed more recently with Miller, who unlike Canelo in 2018 freely admitted his guilt, some have asked for boxing to take their own stance.

One fan said: “Maybe if championships don’t back their belts. Boycott fights, maybe the WBA would be forced into action. Until then these cheats will carry on.”

Others added: “WBA and Gilberto Mendoza, you and your organization are a disgrace to boxing #BoycottWBA!” and “Escaped with a loophole. The WBA are a disgrace. Promoters and fighters should boycott Jarrel Miller.”

It’s now down to VADA to do what’s right and order a two-year minimum suspension for Miller. Six months is not going to put a dent in Miller’s career and will certainly won’t deter any other fighter from doing the same in the future.

Hopefully, sense will eventually prevail. Or at least steps will finally be taken to put together an independent panel who can dish out REAL punishments.