The WBA is making progress towards achieving the goal of having only one champion.
The controversial ‘regular’ title has divided fans ever since it was introduced in 2011. And now President Gilberto Mendoza has promised to eliminate the ‘regular’ championship in boxing.
“The WBA path to Zero multiple champions report: Out of five divisions left, heavyweight and minimumweight are in the works. There will be announcements made soon,” Mendoza
The varying titles have plagued boxing in more ways than one. Not only do the extra titles dilute the division with the introduction of many so-called champions, but it also adds further politics within the sport of boxing.
Naturally, there are additional sanctioning fees that have to be paid as part of the fighters’ obligations to hold on to the belt.
Not only that, but this can cause difficulties in the creation of mega fights. This was most recently seen when Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury failed to fight for undisputed.
Despite the Ukrainian agreeing to a 70-30 split against him, which saw his status as a unified heavyweight champion being brushed aside, the deal could not get done.
And since Daniel Dubois was the WBA ‘regular’ champion, Usyk had no choice but to proceed with that fight as it was his mandatory.
“[Talks] will start this April 4 and will end next May 2 at the end of the day (-5 GMT). The WBA ordered the fight that corresponded in line with its world title reduction plan.
“If an agreement for Usyk-Dubois is not reached by May 2 or either side refuses to negotiate, the WBA could send the fight to an auction,” WBA
If the big fights cannot be made, then the calls for the regular titles to go will only increase.