The WBA’s Title Controversy
The World Boxing Association (WBA) finds itself in the spotlight once more, facing criticism for the overwhelming number of world titles it currently recognizes; a staggering four heavyweight champions are now listed under its banner. This ongoing saga raises eyebrows, particularly given the WBA’s prior commitments to streamline its championship classes and minimize the number of titleholders in each division.
Heavyweight Division Champions
In the heavyweight division alone, the WBA has designated Oleksandr Usyk as the ‘Super’ champion, while Kubrat Pulev holds the ‘World’ (or Regular) title. Additionally, Fabio Wardley is classified as the ‘Interim’ champion, and Michael Hunter is recognized as the ‘Gold’ champion. This multiplicity of champions not only involves four from one sanctioning body but also comes amid an existing plethora of titles within boxing—each division often features multiple versions awarded by various organizations.
Questions of Legitimacy
The perplexing scenario raises questions and frustrations among boxing enthusiasts and commentators alike, sparking debates about who the ‘true’ champion is in the heavyweight category. Fortunately for fans, Oleksandr Usyk has unified many titles, providing some clarity. The skilled Ukrainian has solidified his position as the top contender after securing victories over prominent fighters like Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury. However, the continued recognition of three other titleholders beneath him adds to the complexity and confusion that boxing fans grapple with.
Historical Context
This dilemma is not a new phenomenon. In 2021, the WBA was previously downgraded as a legitimate sanctioning body by World Boxing News for a span of nine months due to its complicated title situation. They may soon reconsider this status if new titles introduced by Zuffa Boxing and TKO’s roster prove to complicate matters further.
Wider Title Recognition Issues
A look beyond the heavyweight division illustrates a similarly cluttered landscape. The bantamweight division also features four champions, while other divisions like bridgerweight sport three champions. Super flyweight, super middleweight, and several other classes each have multiple titleholders as well, culminating in 34 recognized world, interim, or gold champions across all male weight classes under the WBA banner. Notably, this tally excludes numerous female, regional, or special belts, despite there being only eighteen recognized weight classifications—seventeen of which are typically seen.
Conclusion
As boxing fans continue navigating through this intricate web of champions, the World Boxing Association remains at the center of an ongoing narrative regarding legitimacy and clarity in title recognition.
