Talk:List of current world boxing champions

IBO Champions

Should we start adding the IBO champions?. GoodDay (talk) 17:03, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

I raised the point already, talking with Caribbean and east718, both admins, and we think it is a little bit too early. Maybe in a year or so... claudevsq (talk) 15:50, 10 March 2008 (UTC)

The day we start adding the WBU we should start adding the IBO!--Vintagekits (talk) 20:31, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

We could always begin a second list of minor championships, but then again due to the nature of some of these organizations most of them would be vacant. - Caribbean~H.Q. 20:40, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

It takes enough time and energy to follow the recognised titles without the alphabets aswell - which they make up anyway. --Vintagekits (talk) 21:22, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, the IBO has seven vacant titles right now, in a week, it will still be 6. Let's wait another year and see what comes... claudevsq (talk) 11:54, 26 May 2008 (UTC)

Joel Casamayor

BoxingScene.com has been informed that WBO-interim lightweight Michael Katsidis (23-0, 20KOs) and current WBC-interim champ Joel Casamayor (35-3-1, 21KOs) have officially signed the contracts for their March 22 showdown. The venue has not been set, but the fight is expected to land in either Las Vegas or Atlantic City.

"We signed the contract. The deal is done," said Katsidis' agent, Sampson Lewkowicz.

By signing for the fight, Casamayor will be stripped of interim title by the WBC. The WBC president, Jose Sulaiman, told BoxingScene that Casamayor was ordered to defend his title in a rematch with Jose Armando Santa Cruz, and if he declined and then signed to fight Katsidis, a WBO titleholder, they would have no choice but to strip him.

“Joel Casamayor has to fight this one (against Santa Cruz) or he will lose the title. If Joel fights Michael Katsidis that means he’s leaving the WBC, and we would have only one champion - David Diaz,” Sulaiman said.

The decision of the WBC will not stop the fight. Casamayor's manager, Luis DeCubas Jr., tells BoxingScene that he's not concerned with his fighter being stripped. He's only concerned with securing the best possible opportunities for Casamayor.

"Last time they stripped him without even going to a purse bid. He doesn't even have the real title. Joel only wants to fight the best and if the WBC-interim title will hold him back, then we'll lose it. Katsidis is one of the biggest fights out there and Casamayor will be fighting for the WBO title," DeCubas Jr. said.

DeCubas says the public should not judge Casamayor on his performance against Santa Cruz last November. After being knocked down in the first round, Casamayor went on to win a very unpopular split-decision. Many labeled it was the worst decision of 2007. DeCubas attributes the long layoff and turmoil during training camp as the reasons why his fighter put on a less than stellar performance.

"Joel is main event fighter. A lot of things happened in that camp. We have no excuses, Santa Cruz put on a good fight that night. Joel looked like any other fighter who didn't fight in over a year. If you take anyone, even Floyd Mayweather Jr., and keep him out of the ring for over a year, he won't look the same. Casamayor will be a different fighter against Katsidis," DeCubas Jr. said.

So, the fight between Casamayor and Katsidis will be for the WBO interim lightweight championship and for the Ring's title. Calzaghe-Hopkins will be for Hopkins' Ring title, Pacquiao will probably be moving up in weight to fight David Díaz in June (Haye is also going to move up in weight), and the match between Adrian Diaconu and Chris Henry on April 19th will be for the WBC interim light heavyweight title. claudevsq (talk) 19:40, 15 March 2008 (UTC)

Danny Green has retired

Capt. Danny Green, longtime Brewer Police Department veteran, has announced his immediate retirement so he can go to Afghanistan and serve as a police adviser. His retirement will be announced officially in a few hours at a press conference in Perth. claudevsq (talk) 20:33, 24 March 2008 (UTC)

Here one of many links: http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/the-green-machine-hangs-up-the-gloves/2008/03/24/1206207020361.html

Fightnews.com:

WBA light heavyweight world champion Danny Green has confirmed he is retiring from boxing immediately, saying he wants to get out of the fight game to protect himself and his family. Green had looked impressive in sparring sessions with Lawrence Tauasa in Sydney last week while training for a mandatory defence of his WBA title against Argentina's Hugo Garay on April 27. Green returned to Western Australia over the weekend, telling his family he intended to quit. "I am getting out on my terms, with my dignity and respect intact," Green said. "I have made the decision of an intelligent man - looking to 25 years in the future. There was talk of me retiring after the Anthony Mundine fight. I knew I had more to offer and I am very glad I trusted my instincts." Green's decision to hang up his gloves means there will be no potentially lucrative rematch with long-time rival and verbal sparring partner Mundine.

Has it been 100% confirmed that he has vacated the title??? Maya Levy talk 14:51, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Yes, it has!! There was an official press conference about 3 weeks ago! claudevsq (talk) 21:23, 19 April 2008 (UTC)

Wladimir Klitschko

The WBO will name Wladimir Klitschko "WBO Super Champion" tonight in P.R. when Wlad belebrates his 32nd birthday! claudevsq (talk) 14:54, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, that means that there are two active WBO super champions, Ivan Calderon and Klitschko, we must note it after the ceremony is over. - Caribbean~H.Q. 15:46, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Everything's noted, even the third active WBO super champion, Joe Calzaghe... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 19:07, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Ah yes, Joe has been WBO champion for like forever, can't believe I forgot about that. - Caribbean~H.Q. 19:22, 25 March 2008 (UTC)

Even the two other WBO super champions are mentioned in the text above, B-Hop and De la Hoya. claudevsq (talk) 19:26, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

Yeah I know, Joe just slipped my mind for a moment there :-) but nevertheless I understand that De la Hoya is mentioned in the lead because he donesn't have a belt at the moment (or The Ring championship), but if the WBO recognizes Hopkins as super champ shouldn't we add the footnote next to his The Ring entry? - Caribbean~H.Q. 20:56, 26 March 2008 (UTC)

I thought about that, too. But imagine Hopkins losing his Ring Title next month to Calzaghe! No, I think, we let it be for the moment, I think it is good like it is... claudevsq (talk) 09:25, 27 March 2008 (UTC)

David Haye

UPDATE: See article on Haye below! claudevsq (talk) 14:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Haye gives up WBC title!

David Haye, the WBC/WBA/WBO cruiserweight champion, has communicated to the WBC his plans for his future in boxing in a letter written to the WBC President Jose Sulaiman. Haye has relinquished his WBC cruiserweight championship and is requesting the WBC to rate him in the heavyweight division, hoping that his second dream, to win the WBC green and gold heavyweight championship, becomes true in the near future. The WBC's vacant cruiserweight title will be contested between Rudolf Kraj and Giacobbe Fragomeni.

Source: http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EkEpyFlkkyvmCrLccx.html claudevsq (talk) 03:12, 13 May 2008 (UTC)

Joan Guzmán

Arthur new WBO 130lb champ! It's official. Alex Arthur has been declared the full WBO world super featherweight champion after Joan Guzman vacated the belt and moved up to the lightweight division. The Scotsman was due to face Guzman on May 3 in Edinburgh, but the fight was delayed when Guzman applied too late for a visa. Arthur, 29, was waiting for the fight to be rescheduled - but had his "interim" world champion status upgraded by the WBO when Guzman decided to campaign at 135 pounds. "I'm delighted with the decision by the WBO to give me full world champion status but I felt that I won the title when I beat Koba Gogoladze last July," said Arthur. "I'm confident that I would have beaten Guzman had the fight been rescheduled but I believe that I am among the elite super featherweights and want to prove myself as the best out there, but I'm proud to be Edinburgh's first world champion for 30 years, and am looking forward to making the first defence of my title. My reign now begins!" Promoter Frank Warren added: "Britain has lost a few of its world champions over the last few months but we have got one back with Alex now declared as world champion. I believe he will be a long-term world champion. I'm working hard at the moment to deliver a new date and challenger for Alex." (talk) 08:30, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

I'm not entirely sure where the move leaves Juan Manuel Márquez (first contender) since there are rumors suggesting that Román Martínez (second contender) will be Arthur's next opponent. I assume Márquez is going to jump to 135 after Manny as well, leaving Martínez in the first contender's spot, any information about it? - Caribbean~H.Q. 11:41, 15 May 2008 (UTC)

I read on fightnews that it's almost a done deal that JMM will fight Casamayor on September 13th for the WBO interim lightweight and the Ring's belt... As for Campbell, he might fight Joan Guzmán or the winner of Juan Díaz-Michael Katsidis (Sep. 6)... That way, Roman Martínez should be ranked number one in the junior lightweight by the WBO, right behind champion Alex Arthur, and the NABO champ from Puerto Rico could get his shot at the gold maybe even this year... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 03:53, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, this has been a hot year for the prospects, first Orlando Cruz and Victor Fonseca won IBA "world" championships (which I place a step down from regional titles like NABO) and then Juan Manuel López destroyed Ponce de León. After all that, we still have Mario Santiago and Omar Soto with guaranteed title shots; combined with Cotto/Margarito all these make up for a terrific summer :-) - Caribbean~H.Q. 05:36, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Omar Soto a guaranteed title shot with a record of 13-2-1? Against whom? Sithsamerchai fights next Wednesday, and then vs. Den Junlaphan normally, Condes fights García and then Rachman, Nietes fights Reyes, so who is it? Do you know? I only know he's lost a WBC eliminator last year... N.B.: Concerning the terrific summer, don't forget Calderón-Cázares II on August 30 (JuanMa is going to fight the same day!) claudevsq (talk) 08:17, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

Soto protested his first loss against Oleydong Sithsamerchai last year, the WBC reviewed the tape and determined that the result was "localist", they recomended a rematch within a year's time but Sithsamerchai doesn't want to give him one, thus around two months ago it was announced that Soto will fight Juan Palacios for the WBC's interim title, according to the article Sithsamerchai will have one more volutary defense and then is forced to defend the "full" title against the winner of Soto-Palacios or face being stripped.(see article here) I expect Calderón-Cázares II to be an interesting matchup, but since Calderón says he is focusion on his speed this might end up like his last fight with Nelson Dieppa, (he trained with weights last time to "get used to this division") Juanma has said that he is interested in defending the title in this very card, but nothing seems official. - Caribbean~H.Q. 18:04, 13 June 2008 (UTC)

I read about it already, but I think the WBC has cancelled the possible match for an interim strawweight belt, as far as I know. As for JuanMa, the only thing which is not official, is his opponent... And don't forget Puerto Rican Mario Santiago who will take on Steven Luevano for the WBO belt this month... And Daniel Santos taking on Joachim Alcine next month... claudevsq (talk) 20:56, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

I thought the same thing for a some time after May came and passed without mention of it, however last week there was an update on WAPA America, the fight should go on August or early September. I'm not sure what was the reason behind the delay but it seems like Palacios is responsible for it since Universal Promotions has already said that they are ready. - Caribbean~H.Q. 02:33, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

Time will tell... But I think the bout won't be for an interim title, because as far as I know, Sithsamerchai defends his title not only this Wednesday, but also again in August or September. The interim championship was set up due to Sithsamerchai's inactivity, but as he's quite active again now... We'll see! claudevsq (talk) 06:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

The main issue is that the champion doesn't want to give the third contender a rematch and the WBC doesn't appear interested in forcing him to do it, thus it seems like this is their way of leaving everyone happy. I can predict a few moves along the way, maybe Palacios will serve as the next contender and Soto will end up fighting Eagle Den Junlaphan for an interim belt or mandatory first contender spot. - Caribbean~H.Q. 07:16, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

I just saw on the WBO Junior Lightweight rankings, where Alex Arthur is the champion, that (once JMM goes up to fight Casamayor) the Int-Cont champion Kevin Mitchell from Great Britain has been put in front of Roman Martínez... ??? claudevsq (talk) 18:50, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

I must say that it shouldn't be fair that Warren let Guzman hanging like that, just to get his fighter a belt. Maya Levy talk 00:24, 16 May 2008 (UTC)

I must say I see that absolutely the same way... It's a shame! claudevsq (talk) 02:09, 16 May 2008 (UTC) Guzmán will be the next mandatory defense for Nate Campbell, it just went to purse bid. claudevsq (talk) 19:05, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

David Haye, and the WBA and WBO titles

UPDATE: I just had the WBO on the phone, and that is indeed the only title Haye didn't give up yet. He's definitely still the WBO cruiserweight champ, but no more the WBA, WBC and Ring's champ (see respective official pages!) claudevsq (talk) 14:49, 16 June 2008 (UTC)

When did he relinquish these? Can anyone provide a link saying he did?--69.131.125.220 (talk) 05:24, 25 May 2008 (UTC)

See the official pages of: WBA, WBC and The Ring

claudevsq (talk) 19:46, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Haye moves up to heavyweight

May 27, 3:52 pm EDT LOS ANGELES (TICKER) —David Haye will be promoted by Golden Boy Promotions as he sets his sights on becoming the heavyweight champion.

The Englishman on Tuesday signed with Oscar De La Hoya’s company, which is one of boxing’s top promoters on the strength of its owner and the numerous star fighters it has in its stable.

Haye (21-0, 20 KOs) relinquished his WBC, WBA and WBO cruiserweight titles earlier this year in order to move up to the lackluster heavyweight division.

“Golden Boy Promotions is a powerful and forward-thinking company that is in this sport to protect the well-being of boxers,” Haye said. “One of their main goals is to empower the boxer, which is something I believe in too.

“Golden Boy is the perfect company for me to sign with in order to advance my career in and at the same time help to improve the state of boxing with my own promotional company. That is my ultimate intention as both a world champion boxer and a promoter.”

Golden Boy, up to this point, has rarely been involved in the heavyweight division.

“Golden Boy Promotions has been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to get involved with the heavyweight division and in signing David Haye, that time has come,” De La Hoya said. “David is not only a great champion but with his personality and charisma, I know that he will take the heavyweight division by storm.

“He will give this once glorious division a much-needed facelift and give fight fans around the world heavyweight fights to look forward to just like the great Muhammad Ali once did. All heavyweights out there should beware as there is a new sheriff in town.”

Haye will launch his assault on the heavyweights this year after branding the division a “disgrace” populated by “fat slobs.”

Haye also signed a lucrative four-fight deal with Setanta Sports, the third of which is expected to be a showdown with Wladimir Klitschko.

The 27-year-old will meet two top 10-ranked opponents, with Hasim Rahman likely to be first up, before challenging IBF and WBO king Klitschko in the middle of next year.

“I’ll fight two top-10 heavyweights and obliterate them. I’ll show the world what heavyweight boxing really can be,” Haye said. “At the moment, you have one fat guy fighting an even fatter guy for the world title. It’s a disgrace.

“Boxing has become a joke in the heavyweight division, and it’s time for me to come in lean, sharp, heavy and as a real athlete. I’m going to show these fat slobs what real boxing is about. This will be an exciting ride.”

Cruiserweight world champion David Haye, who plans to move up to the more lucrative heavyweight division, relinquished his WBC version of the title on Monday.

"David Haye has relinquished his WBC cruiserweight championship and is requesting the WBC to rate him in the heavyweight division, hoping that his second dream, to win the WBC green and gold heavyweight championship, becomes true in the near future," WBC president Jose Sulaiman said. "The WBC wishes David Haye the best of luck in the heavyweight division and confirms complete support to him as well."

England's Haye, the Ring magazine champion, has not yet relinquished his WBO and WBA titles in the 200-pound division.

Haye, 27, knocked out Ring champion and unified titleholder Jean-Marc Mormeck in the seventh round on Nov. 10 in Paris to win the recognized championship.

On March 8, Haye stopped Wales' Enzo Maccarinelli in the second round in London to further unify the division before his anticipated move to heavyweight.

The vacant WBC belt will be filled by the winner of a match that will be scheduled between Rudolf Kraj (14-0, 10 KOs) and Giacobbe Fragomeni (25-1, 10 KOs), whose lone loss came via ninth-round TKO to Haye in a 2006 title eliminator.

The winner of the Kraj-Fragomeni mandatory fight must face former titleholder Krzysztof Wlodarczyk (41-2, 31 KOs) in his first defense.

Haye (21-1, 20 KOs), a promotional free agent, has been negotiating a deal with Golden Boy Promotions, visiting with company officials last month in Las Vegas during the week of the Joe Calzaghe-Bernard Hopkins light heavyweight championship fight.

Adam Booth, Haye's manager, did not respond to an email from ESPN.com seeking comment.

Mundine to give up belt!

Anthony Mundine plans relinquish his WBA super middleweight belt after tonight's bout against the Contender's Sam Soliman in Melbourne, Australia. According to Team Palle, promoter of Mikkel Kessler, the WBA has reconfirmed that the June 21 clash between Kessler and Dimitri Sartison will be for the vacant 168lb title. A Soliman win, however, could upset those plans.

Anthony Mundine has decided to give up his WBA super middleweight belt after he defends against Sam Soliman on May 28. This means he will not have to face former conqueror Mikkel Kessler who is the mandatory contender for the championship. Mundine was ordered by the WBA to fight Kessler after Sam Soliman defense. Mundine stated he wanted to become a world champion in three weight divisions and will go after the world's best middleweights Arthur Abraham, Kelly Pavlik and Felix Sturm. "I want to become middleweight champion and then eventually the light heavyweight champion," Mundine said. "I can be a six-time world champion in three different weight divisions. I will definitely finish a great fighter. I won't put myself up there with [Muhammad] Ali and [Sugar] Ray Robinson, but I will be the best athlete ever overall. I didn't come to boxing till I was 25. In my previous sport, I was the best and I will be the best in boxing. I'll be the best combined athlete ever, a six-time world champ, because that's my favorite number. The [WBA] title means a lot but it wasn't a very viable decision [to fight Kessler]." It has already been announced that Kessler will face Dimitri Sartison for the vacant WBA title on June 21.

Mundine has won, and is now expected to give up his belt!

Source: Fightnews.com claudevsq (talk) 11:51, 28 May 2008 (UTC)

Anthony Mundine Gives Up WBA Title

May 29, 2008 - Through a letter dated May 28th, 2008, and directed to the WBA Australian Anthony Mundine has officially resigned as WBA Super Middleweight champion. The WBA is proud of the way Mr. Mundine has represented the WBA as a great champion all these years and wishes him the best for his next steps of his career.

Source: Official WBA page

claudevsq (talk) 13:05, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Klitschko and Abraham receive IBF Champion's Ring!

Klitschko just received the IBF Champion's Ring by Marian Muhammad, for three successful defenses of his IBF title. His next defense will be against Tony Thompson on July 12 for Klitschko's IBF/WBO/IBO titles.

IBF middleweight champion King Arthur Abraham also received two special awards. Just like former super-middleweight champion Sven Ottke, he was given the IBF championship ring which is a special present to world champions who have made at least three successful title defences. Furthermore, King Arthur also won the 'Jersey Joe Walcott Award.' "To receive these two awards from the IBF really means a lot to me," King Arthur (26-0, 21 KOs) said. "It is something very special." To join the annual banquet, King Arthur took a quick break from his ten-day training camp at the Baltic Sea. He is currently shaping up for the rematch with Edison Miranda, which will be aired live by SHOWTIME on June 21.

claudevsq (talk) 13:21, 30 May 2008 (UTC)

Mayweather vacates WBC belt!

Mayweather retires again! Dear Media: It is with a heavy heart that I write you this message today. I have decided to permanently retire from boxing. This decision was not an easy one for me to make as boxing is all I have done since I was a child. However, these past few years have been extremely difficult for me to find the desire and joy to continue in the sport. I have said numerous times and after several of my fights over the past two years that I might not fight again. At the same time, I loved competing and winning and also wanted to continue my career for the fans, knowing they were there for me and enjoyed watching me fight. However, after many sleepless nights and intense soul-searching I realized I could no longer base my decision on anything but my own personal happiness, which I no longer could find. So I have finally made up my mind, spoken to my family, particularly my mother, and made my decision. I am sorry I have to leave the sport at this time, knowing I still have my God-given abilities to succeed and future multi-million dollar paydays ahead, including the one right around the corner. But there comes a time when money doesn't matter. I just can't do it anymore. I have found a peace with my decision that I have not felt in a long time. Finally, I want to personally thank all of my fans for their loyalty and dedication as my career comes to a close. I always believed that their enthusiasm and support helped carry me to victory with every fight I ever had. It was a great joy to have fought for all of you. Now I hope you understand my decision and wish me well with the rest of my life. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

claudevsq (talk) 08:18, 7 June 2008 (UTC)

Margarito has vacated IBF belt, match vs. Cotto for WBA title is on!

Joshua Clottey To Box For Margarito's Vacated IBF Title on August 2nd

by James Slater: Joshua Clottey has been waiting patiently for his shot at the IBF welterweight championship. After having beaten the then undefeated Shamone Alvarez in a final eliminator for the title back in December of last year, the 31-year-old Bronx native has been anxious to box for the IBF 147 pound belt..

Well, according to sources including BoxRec.com, Clottey will get his chance on August 2nd. As fans know, Antonio Margarito has vacated his reign as IBF champ in order to engage in a huge showdown with current WBA welterweight king Miguel Cotto. This leaves the strap open for Clottey and a suitable opponent. There is no official word yet as to who the 34-2 (20) Clottey will face, but rumours persist that it will be either Zab Judah or former IBF belt holder Kermit Cintron. Either fight would be great for Clottey, as hungry and ambitious as he is. UPDATE: The opponent will be Zab Judah! C. Vesque.

Judah, of course, was scheduled to fight "Sugar" Shane Mosley, but that fight fell through when Zab fell through a shower door, an accident that resulted in Judah needing over fifty stitches in his arm. As stated, it is in no way official who Clottey will box for the vacant IBF belt, but whoever the 31-year-old faces it should be a top quality match.

Clottey, an African fighter who learnt his trade in Accra, Ghana, before relocating to the U.S, has boxed for a world title before. Losing on points to Margarito, who was then the WBO champ at welterweight, Clottey claims only a hand injury stopped him from winning. Instead, however, Clottey lost via a fairly close points decision. Ever since, "The Hitter" has been desperate to prove he is genuine world class material.

Since the loss to Tony back in December of 2006, Clottey has won three fights. A win over the recently deceased Diego Corrales in April of last year was particularly impressive, and now Joshua will at last get his second, well earned crack at world glory.

Whoever it is he eventually faces in August, in a fight set to be shown on HBO, Clottey can be relied upon to give his absolute best. A good, more than capable and tough fighter, the 31-year-old truly feels he will one day become a recognised world champion. And though most fans will only consider either Floyd Mayweather or the winner of the Cotto-Margarito clash as the real king at 147 pounds, no-one can deny the fact that Joshua Clottey has more than earned his chance to be at least considered as the very best.

Come August 2nd, Joshua Clottey will very likely be holding a version of the welterweight championship of the world.

claudevsq (talk) 20:13, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Guerrero vacates IBF belt!

Two-time world champion, Robert "The Ghost" Guerrero (22-1-1, 15 KOs) has made the decision to vacate his IBF featherweight title and move up to junior lightweight. The decision came about as Guerrero, who stands at 5'8-and-a-half, struggled to make weight in his last two championship bouts. Now 25, he has been fighting at 126 lbs since he was eighteen years old. "My goal now is to become a world champion at the junior lightweight and lightweight divisions," said Guerrero. "I want to challenge all the big names, guys like Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. I feel confident in my ability to accomplish my new goals."

claudevsq (talk) 14:37, 24 June 2008 (UTC)

Francisco Lorenzo vs. Humberto Soto

He won the WBC interim SFW title against Humberto Soto on June 28, 2008. Due to the controversial ending of the fight, the WBC chose not to award the interim belt to Lorenzo. After reviewing the tape of the fight on July 2nd, the WBC ruled the bout a no contest. HOWEVER: The WBC decided today that they will decide next Thursday if they are going to award Humberto Soto the interim superfeatherweight belt or not, despite his loss to Lorenzo! They didn't, the WBC rules it a no contest. claudevsq (talk) 20:34, 14 July 2008 (UTC)

WBA Heavyweight Title

Nikolay Valuev will fight John Ruiz for the vacant WBA heavyweight title before August 31. After Ruslan Chagaev pulled out of his mandatory defence against the Russian Giant for the second time in a row, the WBA decided in Buenos Aires on Thursday that the two ex-champions will face each other. After rupturing his Achilles tendon last week, Chagaev was forced to cancel the title fight against Valuev, which was due to go down on July 5. Since it is uncertain when he will be fit again, the WBA gave him a special status. After overcoming his injury, Chagaev, the “champion in recess”, will be given the chance to challenge the new, regular champion until June 26th, 2009. claudevsq (talk) 18:27, 4 July 2008 (UTC)

Joachim Alcine is Canadian

Joachim Alcine came to Canada when he was 9 years old and has been living there for 22 years or so, he has Canadian citizenship, he is based there for his career. Futhermore, Haiti does not support dual citizenship so he lost his Haitian when he received his Canadian one. This is not the case of a fighter who came to Canada to pursue his career, this is a pure emigrant who has full citizenship and so is a full member of the country. Also, the WBA also recognize him as a Canadian. Why did Claudevsq undid my change?? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.203.221.133 (talk) 21:48, 8 July 2008 (UTC)

Not only on BoxRec, but also on the WBA's subpage called "Champions", it is clearly stated that Alcine is "HAITI"an. See:

http://www.wbaonline.com/wchampionships/Champions/champions.htm Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 20:24, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

On the same WBA's webpage, they list him as Canadian: http://www.wbaonline.com/ratings/rankings/2008/wba0508.pdf

This guy is living in Canada since he was a small kid, has the Canadian citizenship and doesn't have the haitian one, he's clearly Canadian. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 209.202.93.5 (talk) 20:57, 9 July 2008 (UTC)

Well, I guess Santos resolved this for us ;-) - Caribbean~H.Q. 05:34, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Yeah... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 17:41, 13 July 2008 (UTC)

Vacant belts

October 23: IBF Featherweight: Orlando Salido (MEX) - Cristóbal Cruz (MEX)

October 24: WBC Cruiserweight: Rudolf Kraj (CZE) - Giacobbe Fragomeni (ITA) (The winner's first mandatory will be Krzysztof Włodarczyk (POL))

December 5: WBO interim Junior Bantamweight: José López (PRI) - Z Gorres (PHI)

December 6: WBC Super Middleweight: Carl Froch (GBR) - Jean Pascal (CAN) (On November 15th, Jermain Taylor (USA) and Jeff Lacy (USA) are scheduled to fight a WBC Super Middleweight title eliminator)

WBO (&IBO) Cruiserweight: Johnathon Banks (USA) - Enzo Maccarinelli (GBR)

IBF Junior Welterweight: Herman Ngoudjo (CAN) - Juan Urango (COL)

WBC interim Lightweight: Edwin Valero (VEN) - Antonio Pitalúa (COL)

WBA Super Featherweight: TBA

claudevsq (talk) 06:43, 12 October 2008 (UTC)

David Haye

The Hayemaker has officially relinquished his WBO Cruiserweight belt. I would edit the page but one of you guys have taken it upon yourself to be in charge of this page so feel free to edit it. Cheers. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 62.173.119.59 (talk) 16:19, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, but don't believe everything on the net! I just had the WBO on the phone, and they confirmed me that David Haye is indeed still their junior heavyweight champion. He surely will lay down his belt soon, but hasn't yet!!! claudevsq (talk) 20:42, 17 July 2008 (UTC)

Today, David Haye gave up his WBO belt. See: www.wbo-int.com/ claudevsq (talk) 19:01, 24 July 2008 (UTC)

Valuev-Ruiz in Berlin

Team Sauerland wins purse bid for Valuev-Ruiz II! Nikolay Valuev (48-1-0-1, 34 KOs) will fight John Ruiz for the vacant WBA heavyweight title in Berlin on August 30, it was revealed today. Team Sauerland won the purse bid in Panama with an offer of $2.100.000, edging out Universum by $100.000 ($2.000.000). “I am happy my team won and that the fight will be staged in Germany,” the Russian Giant said from his home in St. Petersburg. “Berlin is very special to me. That is where I defeated Ruiz in 2005 to become world champion. Fighting in the Max-Schmeling-Halle again will be like a home match.” After Ruslan Chagaev had pulled out of his mandatory defence against Valuev for the second time in a row, the WBA set up the clash between Ruiz (43-7, 29 KOs) and the Russian Giant, the two top-ranked challengers. “Nikolay is eager to win back his title,” Sauerland managing director Chris Meyer said. “He has gone through the full preparation twice and can´t wait to get back into the ring.” Back in December 2005, Valuev became the tallest and biggest boxing champion of all time when he closely edged Ruiz on points. Meyer is confident the 34-year-old Russian can do the same trick again. “Nikolay has improved a lot under the guidance of his new coach Alexander Zimin,” he stated. “I am sure he will beat Ruiz.”

claudevsq (talk) 18:53, 21 July 2008 (UTC)

Jorge Linares

It seems that Linares will give up his WBC featherweight title, because interim champion Óscar Larios is slated to fight Takahiro Aoh for the WBC featherweight championship on October 16th!

He just vacated:

Akihiko Honda’s Teiken Promotions on Tuesday announced a doubleheader featuring world title bouts in Tokyo, Japan, on October 16. WBC bantam champ Hozumi Hasegawa (24-2, 8 KOs), making his seventh defense, will risk his belt against WBC#2 Mexican Alejandro Valdez (21-2-1, 15 KOs), NABF 118-pound ruler, over twelve. At the press conference, WBC feather kingpin Jorge Linares, handled by Teiken, officially announced that he would renounce his belt to outgrow the 126-pound category and invade in the 130-pound class from now on. Then, unbeaten Japanese feather prospect Takahiro Aoh (16-0-1, 8 KOs) will have an ambitious shot at the WBC full championship against Oscar Larios (62-6-1, 39 KOs), a Mexican warrior unbeaten here in Japan, over twelve. Teiken will stage a world title tripleheader in Yokohama, Japan, on September 15. Teiken that handles no less than eight world, OPBF and national champs seems so busy that it will have all of them active in the second half of this year. Fight-News.com

claudevsq (talk) 18:18, 12 August 2008 (UTC)

Bradley vs. Cherry

The WBC has announced that it will not officially sanction Saturday's fight between WBC super lightweight champion Timothy Bradley and challenger Edner Cherry, or the final featherweight eliminator between Elio Rojas and Hector Velazquez, which are scheduled to be held on September 13 in Biloxi, Mississippi. The action was taken because the commission appointed local judges for the bouts instead of WBC-approved judges. “The WBC Board of Governors and I cannot be responsible for any verdict resulting from local officials whose names we don’t even know as of today, and are not registered in the WBC by any boxing commission," stated WBC President Jose Sulaiman. "Consequently, the WBC has decided to buy three ringside tickets for three judges of the highest certification who are registered in the WBC by specific boxing commissions and appointed by the WBC, and these judges will provide the final and official result for the world of boxing for the WBC world championship fight and elimination fight. The WBC will respect the scoring of the Mississippi commission due to their right to do so in their state, but it will not count for the WBC world championship recognition or in the final elimination fight. We truly regret to have been forced to take this action and we would give anything to obtain friendship, mutual reciprocity and an agreement with the local commission, which extended to us no acceptance, nor courtesy for even a conversation."

Answer by the ABC:

Reference is made to your September 9, 2008 “open” letter, published on the website of the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) as “World Boxing Council News,” regarding the appointment of officials for the boxing matches scheduled to be held this Saturday, September 13, 2008 in Biloxi, Mississippi. In the letter, you take exception to the Mississippi Athletic Commission’s selection and appointment of the three judges for: (1) the WBC super lightweight world title fight between Timothy Bradley, Jr. (the current WBC champion) and Edner Cherry, and (2) the WBC “elimination” fight between Elio Rojas and Hector Velazquez in the featherweight division; and you insist that two of the judges in each of these boxing matches be “WBC judges.” In protest, you, as the President of the WBC, proclaim that the WBC will purchase three “ringside” seats for three WBC judges (“registered in the WBC”); and that the awarding of the WBC super lightweight championship belt, as well as the winner of the WBC “elimination” bout in the featherweight division, will be determined by the scoring of the three “WBC judges” regardless of the scoring by the judges licensed, appointed and selected by the Mississippi Athletic Commission.

The United States Congress, in enacting what is now codified in the United States Code as 15 USC §6307h. (Judges and referees), expressly provided that:

“No person may arrange, promote, organize, produce, or fight in a professional boxing match unless all referees and judges participating in the match have been certified and approved by the boxing commission responsible for regulating the match in the State where the match is held” (emphasis added).

Contrary to your characterization, the Mississippi Athletic Commission is not merely “hosting” the WBC title fight and elimination fight; instead, the Mississippi Athletic Commission is the governmental regulatory body that is sanctioning, regulating and otherwise overseeing these bouts. As such, the selection of officials is within that governmental body’s sole and exclusive prerogative which is not to be influenced by “reciprocity” with a proprietary, unregulated sanctioning body.

The Association of Boxing Commissions (“ABC”) acknowledges, and continues to endorse, the practice which has evolved whereby a sanctioning body submits to the boxing commission responsible for regulating a championship (or eliminator) fight a list of officials the sanctioning organization is desirous of “working” the fight, and that boxing commission, in its discretion, selecting one or more of the four officials (referee and three judges) from the sanctioning body’s list. I have been in contact with Jon Lewis, Chairman of the Mississippi Athletic Commission to consider this request, but at this time, the commission plans to stand firm on the appointment of officials. The ABC also acknowledges, however, the efforts of the WBC, on more than one occasion, to substitute a “WBC judge” for a judge selected by a boxing commission, only minutes before the national broadcast of a WBC title fight, with the threat of withdrawing the WBC sanction of the bout as a “title fight” if its demands were not met. In short, the practice which has evolved is no more than that – a practice – and is not a mandate or requirement under the law. If a state or tribal boxing commission member of the ABC chooses not to apply this practice, it is within that commission’s prerogative.

Your declaration that the WBC will buy three ringside tickets for three judges “registered in the WBC,” and that these three judges will provide “the final and official result for the world of boxing for the WBC world championship fight and elimination fight,” is untenable. It not only potentially lends confusion as to the legitimate winner of the bout, but demeans and diminishes the validity and credibility of WBC title holders (arguably, making the validity of the WBC belt, at best, questionable and, at worst, non-existent); and brings into question the propriety of the WBC ratings. Further, it is important to note that Fight Fax, the only boxing registry certified by the ABC [15 USC §6301(3)], obtains bout results exclusively from authorized governmental boxing commissions. If another boxing registry records, and reports, the result of a bout as submitted by a sanctioning organization (or promoter or manager or others) based upon the scores of “ringside-ticket-holding-WBC-registered judges,” the consequences would be severely detrimental to the sport of professional boxing. I encourage you as the President of the WBC to withdraw your mandate to place three WBC selected officials ringside to score the bout.

Contrary to your assertion, the appointment of the judges by the Mississippi Athletic Commission, some of whom are “registered” with the WBC, for the Bradley-Cherry bout and the Rojas-Velazquez bout does not constitute “an infringement or violation of the law by using the WBC championship accolade …” Instead, a violation of the law may be found in three “ringside-ticket-holding-WBC-registered judges,” unlicensed by the Mississippi Athletic Commission, judging a fight and determining its outcome.

Finally, the ABC notes that the fighters involved in these bouts should be notified that the results, according to the scorecards of the judges appointed by the Mississippi Athletic Commission, may not be recognized by the WBC; so that the fighters can determine the propriety of paying, respectively, a sanctioning fee to the WBC for a title they may have earned, but may be denied.

On behalf of the ABC, its Officers, and its Directors, for all of the above reasons, I strongly encourage you again, not to effectuate the actions you propose on behalf of the WBC.

Answer by the WBC president:

On the occasion of WBC super lightweight world champion Timothy Bradley Jr.’s title defense against challenger Edner Cherry, scheduled to be held in Biloxi, Mississippi, on September 13, members of the World Boxing Council have been threatened with imprisonment by the Mississippi State Athletic Commission, disregarding the rights that the WBC has of free association and free speech, as well as their denial of due process guaranteed by the United States Constitution.

It has been the customary practice among the boxing commissions of the U.S. and the rest of the world to reach amicable mutual agreements with boxing organizations like the WBC in regards to rules and the selection of ring officials, to accommodate the legal rights of the local boxing commissions to be the authority for the fights in their state, with the WBC, which is the legal officially-registered owner of its trademark and its WBC championship accolade.

The WBC, complying with the instituted system, started more than a month ago with a very courteous and amicable communications by phone and by email with the Mississippi commission, trying to establish open communications and even sending the agreed list of ring officials, which are certified, registered and agreed to by the ABC, as well as the WBC.

But regarding our courteous communications, we got only the following letter from Mr. Jon Lewis, chairman of the MSAC:

“We have already appointed the officials for this event. We have extremely competent officials and they are not going to be fired from their job assignment for next week. The rules in Mississippi state that the commission appoints the officials. We do not allow outside parties to be involved in this process. We consider this practice unethical. There will be no further discussion on this matter. Jon Lewis.

We consider this answer a definite refusal to the due process as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. The three judges selected by the Mississippi commission, as respected and nice gentlemen as we think that they are, are not registered with the Association of Boxing Commissions, have never judged a world title fight, and have judged only eight, 16, and 18 fights respectively, which in most boxing countries mean that they are judges with experience in only four and six round bouts. They have had no training with the ABC, much less with the WBC.

The WBC was founded in 1963 and its infrastructure is based on an organization of 10 Continental Boxing Confederations, representing the 164 countries that are affiliated with the WBC, which has sanctioned 1,612 WBC world title fights in 63 different countries of the world, of which 1,336 have been under the tenure of the present president, José Sulaimán.

Those bouts have been fought by the very best boxers of the last half century, with all selected by the WBC in the world ratings to reach the top according of their results and merits. Among its champions, the WBC has had Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Roberto Durán, Tommy Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Alexis Arguello, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar de la Hoya, and Timothy Bradley, who is fighting on September 13, as well as many other great champions who have used the WBC’s championship accolade to become heroes and live a life of dignity.

As the WBC has as its backbone the respect of the rights of others, especially those that have done so much for boxing like the Showtime network, promoter Don King, promoter Gary Shaw, and all the other participants in this the boxing show, the WBC is not going to put into risk the celebration of the match as the promoters sold and Showtime bought world championship fights.

This is the reason why, once again, we are respectfully, humbly and amicably requesting the Mississippi commission to appoint our recommendations of judges Tom Kaczmarek and Max de Luca, both of whom are highly respected and considered among the best in the world.

Otherwise, and for the full respect of champion and challenger and putting their destiny in the hands of experienced and competent judges, as well as for the respect of the boxing fans of the world, the managers and representatives of the boxers, the promoters and Showtime themselves, if the MSAC continues refusing to accept the WBC’s humble request, then we will strongly consider exercising our rights to purchase our tickets and sit in the audience to judge the fights. We will respect the local boxing judges for local decisions, but we will have to exercise our responsibility for the world recognition, given to us by a fight that has our trade mark and championship accolade, and upon which Mississippi has no legal authority.

In regards to our incarceration, the United States of America is a great country that exercises human rights and its laws. Many people in the stands score fights for their own interest, just as TV networks use their own judges for the benefit of their TV audience, just as we can use our own for the good of our members, including boxers and promoters.

The WBC - and it is meant the WHOLE BOARD OF GOVERNORS - are in support of begging the MSAC to come to their senses and reach a goodwill agreement, or proceed to protect the interests of boxers and world members.

The WBC has the highest respect and admiration for the Governor of Mississippi, Haley Barbour, and applaud his extraordinary efforts and determination in Mississippi’s recovery after the devastating damages done by hurricane Katrina. Just as he is so highly respected for his leadership, the WBC is not withdrawing recognition of the bout in respect to him.

claudevsq (talk) 18:41, 11 September 2008 (UTC)

Joe Calzaghe gives up WBO belt, says he's given up WBA belt already!

Article from: http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/general/3705050.JOE_CALZAGHE_SAYS__I___m_giving_up_WBO_belt/

JOE CALZAGHE SAYS: I’m giving up WBO belt

11:40am Friday 26th September 2008

It feels like something is missing. Because something is missing. After 10 years, 11 months and two weeks, I am no longer WBO super middleweight champion of the world.

That’s not bad for a column exclusive is it?

It was a tough decision to make, relinquishing the belt, I can tell you that without hesitation.

I know people question the importance of alphabet titles, but I would like to think I have given this particular title some extra importance.

I did my best to unify the division, I held all the titles at one time or another, but I owed it to the WBO to be totally honest with them.

The truth is, it’s just too hard for me to get down to the 12 stone super middleweight limit, and I can’t do it anymore.

I put myself through hell to make the weight for the Peter Manfredo and Mikkel Kessler fights and I can’t do it anymore, my natural weight is about 14 stone and it’s too much of a stretch at my age!

Obviously I will never forget beating Chris Eubank for the title way back in 1997, but I feel like that chapter of my life has closed.

The ten-year anniversary was a wonderful marker for me and I feel it’s an appropriate time to end any doubt about me fighting at that weight again.

I received my promoter’s license this week, Calzaghe Promotions is up and running and I feel like I am entering a new phase, not just in my career, but in my life.

I had a great relationship with the WBO and although it was painful to give up the title, I know I have made the right decision.

If I do say so myself, there is going to be quite a void now in super middleweight boxing and I can’t wait to see who will step up and fill it.

I have already given up the WBA title, so you can consider me a 100% light heavyweight fighter from this point onwards.

I did think that this would be a quiet week, bearing in mind I did press events in Los Angeles, New York, London and Cardiff last week all in the space of five days, but it has been anything but.

My dad is back to his sadistic best, training is as intense now as it will be four weeks before the Roy Jones fight and I am absolutely bloody knackered!

Not only have we had the training, but I have also been filming the first instalment of HBO’s 24/7 series, which they are running for this fight.

There are going to be three episodes, we’ve filmed the stuff for the first one and the HBO crew return on October 11 and stay until I fly out for the fight.

I am a big fan of the show and HBO did a great job hyping the Kessler and Bernard Hopkins fights, so I have no doubt this one will be equally good.

You’ll be able to catch it on Setanta in the run up to the fight and maybe even on terrestrial TV as well.

I wanted to say a massive thank you to those fans who came to Cardiff on Saturday and supported me; it was a brilliant feeling after such a hectic week.

I understand that hundreds of people couldn’t get in and I feel awful about that and am really sorry.

I had suggested we use Cardiff Castle as the venue as lots more people would have been able to get in, but unfortunately it wasn’t possible to arrange that.

I think it’s great that the crowd were so receptive to Roy Jones, to be fair he does sound more Welsh than Joe Calzaghe anyway!

It was a real pleasure doing co-promotion with him, but I couldn’t believe it when I read people saying we were too friendly.

I think fake animosity is absolutely pathetic.

Why pretend to hate someone when you clearly don’t?

My good mate Steve Bunce did a great job hosting the event, but he can certainly talk can’t he?

If I had known Steve was on stage I would have turned up for 1pm instead of midday!

I took a bit of stick from some papers (including one in Wales) for choosing to fight Jones instead of Kelly Pavlik, but I think I’ve been clear on this.

I don’t believe for one second that Kelly Pavlik is a great fighter and Roy Jones definitely was and on the evidence of his last three fights, still is.

If some writers don’t agree then that is their prerogative, but ultimately I am 36-years old and capable of making my own decisions.

Finally, I just want to mention the brilliant firefighters at Abercarn fire station.

I spent the day with the firefighters on Tuesday and it was a brilliant experience.

I hope I have helped in raising their profile and awareness of what they do, it’s such an important job.

My missus was pretty happy to see me put on the uniform as well, so at least she was pleased!

I took part in as much as I could, but I drew the line at climbing the ladder.

I am not the best with heights to be honest and I don’t think I would have got too much sympathy from HBO or Setanta if I fell off and hurt myself!

claudevsq (talk) 17:31, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

Calzaghe vacates SM titles

Just to clarify for the people editing this page without knowing the facts, as outlined above, Joe Calzaghe has officially relinquished his remaining Super middleweight titles. This obviously includes the Ring Magazine's belt at SM also. The Ring's rules state that a fighter cannot hold their belt at 2 different weight classes simultaneously- in finally announcing his decision to fight at Light heavy from now on (and winning the Ring's LH title against B-Hop) this means Calzaghe is no longer the Ring's champion at SM. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 82.32.110.42 (talk) 21:15, 26 September 2008 (UTC)

What you stated is not true, sorry. He held both Ring's belts, and I talked to Mr. Collins of the Ring magazine, and they will name him their SMW champion until he officially relinquishes the title, which hasn't been the case for now. As a private member of the Ring Rating's advisory panel ("Panelist"), I will make such a proposal though, on Monday. claudevsq (talk) 01:13, 27 September 2008 (UTC)

Margarito named undisputed champion!

Margarito named Super Champ! By Boxing Bob Newman / Photo: Boxing Bob Newman In a special ceremony during the midst of the WBA medical seminar in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, the WBA presented Antonio “Tony” Margarito with it's Super Championship belt. According to the rules of its bylaws, under special circumstances the organization can appoint its current world champion in a division as Super Champion, an accolade normally bestowed upon unified champions who hold the WBA belt along with any other. The WBA felt that Margarito met those conditions to merit the Super Champion status. His mandatory defense will not be required for 18 months. In addition, Yuri Nuzhnenko, up until now the WBA interim champion (as former WBA champ Miguel Cotto was signed to fight then IBF champ Margarito), will now ascend to full WBA welterweight champion. His mandatory defense status and opponent will be soon determined. Pictured in the photo from L to R are Margarito's manager Francisco “Pancho” Espinoza, WBA 2nd VP Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Margarito, and WBA president Gilberto Mendoza. claudevsq (talk) 09:18, 4 October 2008 (UTC)