WBC Convention Highlights
The heavyweight division remains abuzz following developments at the World Boxing Council’s (WBC) 63rd annual convention, taking place in Bangkok, Thailand. Among the notable announcements is Conor Benn’s potential shot at the WBC title, which could materialize in 2026.
Heavyweight Division Updates
The event, spanning six days, is pivotal as the WBC examines all weight classes, setting the stage for mandatory bouts, interim title matches, and eliminations. In heavyweight news, reigning champion Oleksandr Usyk holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, and is expected to defend his WBC title voluntarily against Deontay Wilder, as rumors circulated during the convention. Additionally, a final eliminator has been ordered where Moses Itauma will face Lawrence Okolie, while interim champion Agit Kabayel is set to defend against Damian Knyba on January 10.
Light Heavyweight and Super Middleweight Developments
In the light heavyweight division, David Benavidez has received approval to retain his WBC title while he pursues a challenge in the cruiserweight category against Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez for the unified WBA and WBO titles. The WBC has arranged for a bout between Joshua Buatsi and Ben Whittaker, the organization’s No. 2 and No. 3 contenders, as a final eliminator.
Further changes at super middleweight saw Terence Crawford stripped of his WBC belt due to unpaid sanctioning fees, leading the council to order an encounter between interim champion Christian Mbilli and No. 2 contender Hamzah Sheeraz for the now-vacant title. The victor will have Lester Martinez as the next challenger.
Super Welterweight and Welterweight Title Fights
In the super welterweight category, Sebastian Fundora is slated to defend his WBC title against Keith Thurman, with the bout potentially featuring in a Premier Boxing Champions show on January 31. Interestingly, Golden Boy Promotions has confirmed that interim champion Vergil Ortiz Jr. is in negotiations to take on WBA champion Jaron “Boots” Ennis, with discussions expected to reach a conclusion soon. Bakary Samake is also set to fight Ermal Hadribeaj in a title eliminator.
The WBC has scheduled a welterweight title defense for Mario Barrios against Ryan Garcia on February 21, where the winner will then be mandated to face Conor Benn, the top contender for the belt. In an unexpected development, Subriel Matias’ explanation for his recent failed drug test due to contamination was accepted, allowing him to proceed with his defense of the WBC super lightweight title against Dalton Smith on January 10. The winner of this clash will face Alberto Puello for the title next.
Lightweight and Other Divisions
Shakur Stevenson is permitted to retain his WBC lightweight title even as he steps up to challenge Teofimo Lopez for the WBO super lightweight championship on January 31. Also, the WBC has elevated the fight between Jadier Herrera and Ricardo Nunez from a final eliminator to an interim title bout. Moreover, new eliminations have been confirmed in both the super featherweight and featherweight divisions, with Michael Magnesi squaring off against Mark Magsayo and Nathaniel Collins rematching Cristobal Lorente, respectively. Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington will defend his interim featherweight title against Carlos Castro on January 31, marking another anticipated bout.
Future Superfights
Finally, plans are on track for a highly anticipated superfight in May 2026 between Naoya Inoue and Junto Nakatani, slated to take place at the Tokyo Dome. Ricardo Sandoval and Galal Yafai, champions in the flyweight categories, have both been allowed voluntary defenses of their titles after the WBC rescinded an earlier order for a mandatory defense between the two fighters.
