1. The Rising Count of WBA Champions
The WBA, notorious for its multitude of titles, is poised to crown its 26th champion in the super-welterweight division soon. This comes amidst growing criticism and skepticism from the boxing community and fans.
2. The Collapse of Ortiz vs. Tszyu
The collapse of the highly anticipated Vergil Ortiz vs. Tim Tszyu fight has not deterred the WBA from its title proliferation. The sanctioning body plans to add the belt to another fight shortly, further complicating the title landscape.
3. A Brief History of Reform
Back in 2021, WBA President Gilberto Mendoza earned applause for eliminating all interim champions as part of a significant reform. At that time, the WBA had 55 champions across 17 weight divisions. This move was welcomed by the boxing community, and the WBA was reinstated as a recognized sanctioning body by World Boxing News (WBN).
4. The Return of Bad Habits
Despite the reforms, the WBA has reverted to its old ways. The controversial WBA Gold title has resurfaced at the top of the rankings, contradicting previous commitments to streamline the championship structure.
5. Bridgerweight and Super-Welterweight Additions
Following the WBC’s introduction of the bridgerweight division, the WBA is on track to have 27 champions. This includes recent decisions such as awarding Michael Hunter the gold belt at heavyweight and the upcoming addition in the super-welterweight division.
6. WBO President’s Criticism
World Boxing Organization (WBO) President Paco Valcarcel responded to the WBA’s title inflation with a single word: “Unbelievable!” This reaction underscores the frustration within the boxing community regarding the WBA’s actions.
7. Sergio Mora’s Perspective
DAZN analyst and former boxer Sergio Mora highlighted a critical issue with modern boxing titles. He pointed out that the majority of boxers will never win a legitimate world title, emphasizing the oversaturation of interim and secondary belts.
8. The Numbers Game
With over 25,000 boxers worldwide, less than 1% (approximately 250) will win a world title. The WBA’s actions dilute the prestige of being a world champion, creating confusion and diminishing the significance of legitimate titles.
9. Media and Fan Backlash
The WBA’s title inflation is expected to draw significant backlash from both media and fans. The return to having multiple champions in each weight class undermines the clarity and credibility of the sport.
10. The Downward Spiral
Currently, the WBA has four regular champions, two gold, and three interim champions, signaling a troubling downward spiral. The organization risks losing its credibility and support from the boxing community if this trend continues.
Editor’s Value
The resurgence of the WBA’s title inflation reflects a broader issue within professional boxing: the dilution of championships. By creating numerous titles, the WBA not only confuses fans but also undermines the achievements of genuine world champions. It is imperative for the integrity of the sport that sanctioning bodies adhere to stricter guidelines and resist the temptation to proliferate titles for financial gain.
