The WBA’s potential new ruling on a 12-pound rehydration clause after the weigh-in for their fights has caused some confusion in the boxing community.
Reports indicated the WBA wanted such a clause for the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin bout on June 15. Under the IBF, fighters are required to abide by a 10-pound rehydration clause. The President of the WBA suggested a rule was needed due to ‘recent events.’
It implied that fighters were rehydrating too high. Devin received criticism when he rehydrated to 165 pounds after weighing in under for 140-pound limit for his bout with Regis Prograis. However, other fighters with the WBA were taken aback by this news.
WBA Featherweight Champion Raymond Ford denied this was the case. He will defend his belt against Nick Ball on June 1. Dan Rafael has now cleared up the confusion. There is no rehydration clause for the Davis-Martin bout. Since the fight was already agreed before this new suggestion, it won’t happen. But this could change moving forward.
It has been ordered but WBA champ committee hadn’t notified Martin and fight was signed. Won’t be used. Not a controversy. Wasn’t like Tank was asking for one. He wasn’t, per those involved. https://t.co/DUwtd2Sqf0
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
No, @GilberticoWBA thought it was done but it was not and the fight had been signed. https://t.co/Y1nlAZgsvz
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
He made an error. Wasn’t done. https://t.co/XqHGWy55uU
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
Been asked this a lot past couple days. Here’s the answer: No, there is no rehydration clause for #DavisMartin. WBA is planning to follow IBF by requiring fight morning weight check. But this fight was already done and it won’t be part of it. Possible for future WBA title bouts.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
WBA has now confirmed two completely different versions regarding #DavisMartin alleged rehydration clause. This is just such a fantastic sport. pic.twitter.com/Bs26hlbc6i
— Jake Donovan (@JakeNDaBox) May 16, 2024
Reaction
I think I’ll go with the WBA president on this one 🤝🏾
— yousa’ FAT FAIZON LIE🦭 (@Cutty757) May 16, 2024
You want drama? Boxing got it
— Ricardi Martinez (@RicardiMaestre) May 16, 2024
Bruh.. is there a rehydration clause or is there not 🥴😵💫
— Alexia (@Alexia972347) May 16, 2024