So the 'Franchise' Champion is WBC 's best title

[SenorPipino]

Doesn't the ring still hand out belts?

Absolutely.

But I really don't pay attention to world title belts handed out by a magazine.

At one time, Ring awarded belts to the universally recognized champion.

Now they arrive at their own decision as to who the champion is, so it's just some publication's version of who's belt-worthy.

Playboy magazine might as well hand out belts too, for what it's worth.

And besides, I still haven't forgiven Ring for its role in that scandalous 1970's US Boxing Championship tournament where it partnered with Don King and falsified records and rankings.

Its been more than 40 years, but Ring's credibility remains suspect ever since.

[fanman]

ring's not perfect, but it's the best there is. its top 10 rankings at least give a good sense of the true positions.
you could say that the abc belts are a joke, but are at least prizes for entering top 10 level.