Talk:List of current world boxing champions

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Contents

[edit] The Ring

Should Ring Magazine's champions should be included? Some people regard Ring Magazine's champion as the "true champion", I added originally added the WBO champions because of the progression over the recent years, and its basically regarded as the fourth belt at the current time.

Maya Levy the creator of this page (I dunno if I should be proud of that)

I suggest this article's name should be "List of current boxing world champions" because "Reigning boxing champions" sounds like that this article includes national, regional international, intercontinental and youth champions even if title is "boxing champions" only . Yappakoredesho 17:25, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

I think it would be better to list the Ring Magazine champions in the Ring Magazine article (and not here). But if you want to add (and maintain) the list here, then go ahead. Also, I agree with Yappakoredesho. ArcTheLad 18:27, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Format

The new table is cleaner looking, but... 1. Heavyweights should be at the top. 2. Why are the records gone? I was keeping them updated. ArcTheLad 21:08, 1 February 2006 (UTC)

Personally I have to agree, there is no mention of the WBA super champions, and i prefered it with the amount of weight also. Cleaner but not necessarily better.... Maya Levy

I have questions too.

  • Why Heavyweight should be at the top ? The reason why I put lightest weight on the top was that it looked natural for me.
  • Why record should be in this article? Records can be put in each boxer's article individually. I can not understand why champions records are in tables? I think it makes tables messy

By the way, I added ring magazine champions with removing weight devisions to sections because the area of boxes for champions becomes smaller if the weight devisions are included in the table. Yappakoredesho 20:08, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

I've been reading many boxing magazines and in the internet for years and they usually put the heavyweight champions on top because they generally garner more attention (therefore it doesn't look natural for me) and if you see the wba official website, ring magzine, boxrec.com (home page) and even espn.com they put all the heavier weights on top. As for the records, you do have a point, BUT not all of the titleholders have wikipedia articles, although I would suggest to link them to their boxrec.com page. Nice touch for the sentence on the top Maya Levy 2 February 2006

It makes more sense to place the more prestigious title first. People are more likely to scroll past the lightest 7 or 8 weigh classes, because there is not as much interest in them, and most of the fighters who weigh less than 125 lbs. don't have articles. So I think that the order should be reversed. The records should be restored to the table because about half of the champions don't have articles, and so there is no way to know their records. And it is more convenient than clicking on each fighter's article. Just put a line break between the name and the record in the table and it will look fine. The format is good though. ArcTheLad 21:37, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

I will start adding champions' records tomorrow. --Yappakoredesho 22:33, 2 February 2006 (UTC)

Sorry for the trouble, its much better now. Maya Levy 03:46, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

First of all, I absolutely love this article! One other thing that I would love to see that I wanted to run by everybody: can we list the amount of title defenses that each current champion has made? For example, after the win/loss record we could include something like "Defenses: 2" or "Def: 2" or "D 2". I think that is very pertinent info that could be added pretty easily without taking up too much room. Thanks! banzuke 03:10, 24 June 2006

---

Any thoughts on using the following format?

[edit] Super bantamweight (122 lb, 55.3 kg)

Title Champion Record Reign began Defenses
WBA Flag of Thailand Somsak Sithchatchawal
Flag of Panama Celestino Caballero[1]		 46-1-1-1 (37 KO)
24-2 (17 KO)		 March 18, 2006
October 15, 2005		 0
1
WBC Flag of Mexico Israel Vázquez 40-3 (29 KO) December 3, 2005 1
IBF vacant
WBO Flag of Mexico Daniel Ponce de León 29-1 (27 KO) October 29, 2005 2
The Ring Flag of Mexico Israel Vázquez 40-3 (29 KO) December 3, 2005 1

-ArcTheLad 23:11, 23 July 2006 (UTC)

Comparing with how a 'clean' division / 100% width looks:

[edit] Super middleweight (168 lb, 76.2 kg)

Title Champion Record Reign began Defenses
WBA Flag of Denmark Mikkel Kessler 37-0 (28 KO) November 12, 2004 2
WBC Flag of Germany Markus Beyer 34-2-1 (13 KO) October 9, 2004 5
IBF Flag of Wales Joe Calzaghe 41-0 (31 KO) March 4, 2006 0
WBO Flag of Wales Joe Calzaghe 41-0 (31 KO) October 11, 1997 18
The Ring Flag of Wales Joe Calzaghe 41-0 (31 KO) March 4, 2006 0

-ArcTheLad 05:26, 25 July 2006 (UTC)

I would do this for unified divisions:

Title Champion Record Reign began Defenses
WBA Flag of Denmark Mikkel Kessler 37-0 (28 KO) November 12, 2004 2
WBC Flag of Germany Markus Beyer 34-2-1 (13 KO) October 9, 2004 5
IBF Flag of Wales Joe Calzaghe 41-0 (31 KO) March 4, 2006 0
WBO October 11, 1997 18
The Ring March 4, 2006 0


Although I do not mind the current format whatsoever its clean and simple. The ladder is more specific but a little more complicated. Maya Levy 04:18, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

  • That looks fine too, although champions such as Bell and Taylor would have their titles divided in the table. After comparing them, I think the current way is nicer than any of these anyway. ArcTheLad 05:53, 26 July 2006 (UTC)
    • How about using the above in the weight class pages? for example for the Super Middleweight article it can have the above in it. Maya Levy 17:54, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

Another Suggestion for unified titles:

[edit] Super Middleweight (168 lb, 76.2 kg)

WBA WBC IBF WBO The Ring
Flag of Denmark Mikkel Kessler
37-0 (28 KO)		 Flag of Germany Markus Beyer
34-2-1 (13 KO)		 Flag of Wales Joe Calzaghe
41-0 (31 KO)

In this format, some people could mistakenly think that Calzaghe is only WBO champion and that no one holds the IBF/Ring titles. ArcTheLad 17:27, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Middleweight (160 lb, 72.6 kg)

WBA WBC IBF WBO The Ring
Flag of the United States Jermain Taylor[1]
25-0-1 (17 KO)		 Flag of the United States Jermain Taylor
25-0-1 (17 KO)		 Flag of Armenia Arthur Abraham
21-0 (17 KO)		 Flag of the United States Jermain Taylor
25-0-1 (17 KO)
Flag of Spain Javier Castillejo
61-6 (41 KO)

Although for interim titles in a division may render this method worthless as seen in the middleweight example. Maya Levy 21:38, 30 July 2006 (UTC)

  • One thing I like is the stronger separation between two champions of the same sanctioning body (e.g. Taylor/Castillejo). I think something like that should be placed wherever there are world/interim and super/world champions. ArcTheLad 17:27, 31 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Alphabet troubles

How did Zab Judah get his IBF title back? Maya Levy 23:04, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

  • IBF championship chairman Lindsey Tucker has cleared up some confusion concerning the status of Zab Judah after his loss to Carlos Baldomir on January 7 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Judah is still the IBF welterweight champion because his title was not on the line as Baldomir did not comply with IBF rules for sanction.
  • Baldomir did not pay IBF sanction fees. Rule 2.B: Sanction Fees – In each title contest, the promoter must submit payment of the entire sanction fee for promoter and contestants to the IBF/USBA Bout Supervisor at the Rules Meeting.
  • Baldomir did not participate in the second day weigh-in. Rule 1.F: Second Day weigh-In – There shall be a second weigh-in on the morning of the event. At this weigh-in, boxers cannot weigh more than 10 pounds over the weight limit. If either boxer does not make the weight, the fight cannot proceed as a Championship bout.
  • As an aside, a condition of sanction is that all boxers fighting for IBF titles must become a participant in the IBF retirement and trust plan. This is a savings plan for boxers to ensure that they have some money put aside when they retire from boxing. Baldomir refused to join the plan.

Additionally, I've read that Jermain Taylor was stripped of his WBA super champion status, but I haven't been able to verify it. ArcTheLad 23:26, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

Jermain has a mandatory against Winky Wright for his WBC belt I read here, although (my opinion,only) he'll probably duck him. Oh yeah, and thanks for the clarity I understand 100% now. Maya Levy 23:44, 7 February 2006 (UTC)

  • That is true. What I'm referring to, however, is something that I read on this boxing forum:

In fact, if you look at the current WBA ratings on their website, you will see that they no longer list Jermain Taylor as their middleweight champ. This has gone unreported in the press, but Jermain didn't pay them for the first Hopkins fight and this wasn't settled before the second fight so when that fight went off without the WBA receiving payment from the first fight, they stripped Jermain.

I think Janosik is right, it's all about getting paid with the sanctioning bodies. However, the WBA stripped Judah and declared the title vacant because he lost at weight, even though their title wasn't on the line. Generally, when the fighters make weight - the title is on the line. If you don't pay the sanctioning fee and you lose - the title should be vacant. In Taylor's case, he didn't pay the sanctioning fee - he won - and still got stripped. ArcTheLad 00:56, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

So basically by the IBF standards, Judah-Baldomir was considered a non-title bout, similiarly to Corrales-Castillo rematch when Corrales kept his belts after Castillo missed weight.

Jermain Taylor is stuck in alphabet soup. I didnt realize it was that hard to be undisputed champion in your division. Maya Levy 03:49, 8 February 2006 (UTC)

Wow I guess i was wrong on the Wright-Taylor fight not going to happen Maya Levy 17:23, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Jermain Taylor's WBA title

On Jermain's boxrec.com's link seen here It has his next bouts against Wright and Soliman only fighting only for the WBC and WBO title....... Unless this was mistaken or not sanctioned by the WBA Maya Levy 18:36, 11 February 2006 (UTC)

  • The WBA recently updated its list of champions, and it has restored its listing of Jermain as super champion. (But it still lists Zab Judah as super champion, mistakenly?) ArcTheLad 22:09, 12 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Weight Limits

i like the way this page is formatted. can the weight limits be added next to the weight class names in the Level 2 Headlines, e.g. "Super Middleweight (168 lbs)"? Streamless 14:54, 10 February 2006 (UTC)

wow, thanks for listening!! Streamless 13:39, 14 February 2006 (UTC)

[edit] WBO Heavyweight Champion

Boxrec.com calls him Serguei Lyakhovich, but I've also seen it spelled Sergei Lyakhovich (by AFP), Serguei Liakhovich, and Sergei Liakhovich (by AP). -ArcTheLad 18:32, 2 April 2006 (UTC)

  • Also, the WBO lists him as Sergui Lyakhovich. -ArcTheLad 19:08, 2 April 2006 (UTC)

Slavic names are usually disputed due to the Cyrillic alphabet, no surprise that there several spellings. Wladimir Klitscko had the same problem earlier in his career, although its universally now Wladimir possibly due to the German V pronounciation of W. Nicolai Valuev has also various versions of his first name. Let the smoke pass through before there is a definitive spelling of his name. Maya Levy 07:01, 4 April 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Uniqueness of this page

The history portion of the article serves a useful purpose as you can see the past champions of the four major divisions. Maya Levy 07:25, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

  • True, it's nice if you want to see who all the champions were on a specific date. ArcTheLad 20:57, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Female world champions

I suggest that this article should include list of female world boxing champions. IWBF, WIBF and WBC Female champions can be added. Yappakoredesho 13:17, 1 June 2006 (UTC)

  • Should be in a separate article, like List of current female world boxing champions. ArcTheLad 20:57, 1 June 2006 (UTC)
  • I agree, although it would be hard to decide on the dominant women's boxing organizations. I have yet heard of any undisputed or unified women champions. Maya Levy 05:30, 6 June 2006 (UTC)
If List of current female world boxing champions was made, the name of this article should be List of current male world boxing champions. Or, we can put each table of current female champions under each table of male champions.
  • examle:Light heavyweight
WBA WBC IBF WBO Ring Magazine
Fabrice Tiozzo
47-2 (31 KO)		 Tomasz Adamek
30-0 (21 KO)		 Clinton Woods
39-3-1 (24 KO)		 Zsolt Erdei
24-0 (15 KO)		 Bernard Hopkins
47-4-1-1 (32 KO)
WBA Women's WBC Female WIBF IWBF Ring Magazine
Vacant Vacant Gwendolyn O'Neil
12-4-1 (7 KO)		 Laila Ali
22-0-0 (19 KO)		 vacant

This is just an example. Please do not take seriously. We can decide which organizations should be in the columns later. By the way, second problem is the weight devision system has not been unified yet. For example,

  • WBA Women's: 16 classes
  • WBC Female: 13 classes
  • WIBF: 17 claases
  • IWBF: 17 classes

--Yappakoredesho 12:32, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Editing

Is there anyway to make this page uneditable to non-members? Miss Maya Levy 15:45, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

  • An admin has to add {{sprotect}}. Mr. ArcTheLad 18:14, 24 June 2006 (UTC)
Just why would you like to do that? -- Rune Welsh | ταλκ 16:23, 15 August 2006 (UTC)
Request withdrawn. There were a few minor acts of anonymous vandalism a few months ago, but there haven't been any problems since then. ArcTheLad 17:13, 15 August 2006 (UTC)
Alright, just checking. -- Rune Welsh | ταλκ 09:49, 16 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] WBO Super Champions

Calzaghe, Taylor and Calderón are currently WBO Super Champions, meeting the requirements as stated on WBO's homepage, www.wbo-int.com Couldn't we include this fact in the list of world champions?

  • I disagree it makes it confusing to decipher from the WBA Super Champions. There isn't a telling difference between a WBO regular champ and super champ. Maya Levy 17:22, 22 January 2007 (UTC)
  • I have to say, Maya, I was afraid someone would say so, but you are right. The list is "long" enough... One method to become WBO "Super Champion" is for example that you defend your title at least I don't know how many times.

[edit] Vandalism

There's recently been a high level of IP vandalism that's been messing with the flags, does anybody else think something should be done about it? east.718 03:21, 30 April 2007 (UTC)

Semi-protection. -凶 03:24, 30 April 2007 (UTC)
I was thinking about that, but most of the updates also come from IPs. east.718 06:19, 30 April 2007 (UTC)
Who put the dates under all the champions? This is not overlookingeable anymore... I did most of the updates these last weeks, but I quit now... Also, there are people like MartinBot who consistently put Floyd Mayweather as the Ring's champion in welterweight, whereas Mayweather moved to superwelterweight... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 83.99.39.72 (talk • contribs)
And also, he put a bot for M.A. Cotto to show 29-0-0 instead of 29-0. ?!?!?!?!? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.135.226.99 (talk • contribs)
I added the dates because they are relevant and useful information. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the Ring champion until the Ring magazine removed him - see WP:NOT and WP:CRYSTAL. MartinBot is also not a person, but a bot that automatically repairs vandalism. east.718 17:57, 7 May 2007 (UTC)

I see December 2006 as dates for both Cotto and Margarito! This is not correct, Margarito has been the WBO Welterweight Champ since January 31, 2004. And why do you put 38-0 for Mayweather and then 38-0-0 again? And Briggs' date should be November 4, 2006. Not April 11, 2007.

Margarito has never been the WBO Lightweight champion at any point. He currently has held the WBO Welterweight championship since March 13, 2002. He fought for the WBO Junior Middleweight title on September 11,2004, but the WBO decided to still recognize Margarito as their welterweight champion. Maya Levy 00:16, 12 May 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Dates & other changes

The dates are fine and fit to the article, but it should've been discussed in the talk page first before editing it. Most of the other revisions were discussed. Please keep this in mind for ANY other future changes. Maya Levy 00:16, 12 May 2007 (UTC)

Yeah, but Mikkel Kessler 2007? I don't think so... Revise these dates please! (UTC)
I think Virgil Hill is still the WBA Cruiserweight world champion until June 16, when Interim Champion Valery Brudov will fight German Firat Arslan in Hungary for the regular title that will then be vacated by Hill who suffers an injury and is seeking for a third match against Maske. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 213.135.224.14 (talk • contribs)
According to the WBC, Mayweather's champion status is to be revised, whether he is champion in superwelter- or welterweight.
Julio Díaz is not a mexican, but an US-american fighter, living in California. Although he was born in Mexico, he has got the US-nationality. Also, he's the IBF lightweight champ for more than three months... —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.207.203.35 (talk • contribs)
I decided to be WP:BOLD in updating the article; if you dispute an edit, feel free to revert and leave a message on the talk page. And yes, I introduced a few errors because I was going by Boxrec's records and did not take non-title fights into account—hopefully those have all been fixed by now. east.718 03:23, 15 May 2007 (UTC)

UPDATE: Fightnews.com wrote two days ago that Brudov and Arslan are going to fight for Brudov's interim title. Hill is called "Champion in recess" and has to fight the winner of Brudov-Arslan by October, 15. See: http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EEZAVlpVFAbpcYbTZV.html

[edit] Nationalities

NATIONALITIES: I think that the flags of England and Wales should be replaced by the flag of Great Britain and the flag of Puerto Rico by the U.S. flag.

Puerto RIco may be a commonwealth of the US, but they are not Americans. They represent themselves as their own country in the Olympics, and have thier own culture. Maya Levy 03:21, 22 May 2007 (UTC)

SOMEONE REVERTED THE RECORDS OF DZINZIRUK, SPINKS AND SOLIS!!! JUST TELL ME WHY, PLEASE? SPINKS IS 36-4, AND NOT 36-3, DZINZIRUK IS 34-0 (22 KO) AND NOT 33-0 (21 KO) AND SOLIS ETC. ETC. I QUIT!!! I'LL MAKE MY OWN LIST... THIS IS SIMPLY STUPID VANDALISM TO REVERT RECORDS!!!!!

YOU SPEAK ENGLISH? THEN LOOK: http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=101&docTipo=4&orderby=docid&sortby=ASC

Note: Juan Díaz, David Díaz and Julio Díaz are listed by all three major sanctioning bodies as US-Americans.


They are both American citizens (Juan and Julio), but they are certainly not Mexican-American they were both born in Mexico to Mexican parents neither of them have any American blood, that and the fact that Juan Diaz represented Mexico in the Olympic games should put an end to this silly argument. -凶 13:53, 27 May 2007 (UTC)

To Dark_Dragon_Flame: Silly? Is it my fault that the WBC, the WBA and the IBF consider them as "Nationality: USA"?

Either way Juan and Julio are Mexican by the definition of the term, David is American by birth and his citizenship is clearly American, that about it in a nut shell. -凶 02:18, 29 May 2007 (UTC)


The WBC has just been informed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. that he will keep his welterweight title and they made him the Emeritus Champion and they vacated their junior middleweight title. So, the match between Carlos Baldomir and Vernon Forrest on July 28th will be for the newly vacated title as announced on fightnews. It seems as well as Floyd will clash in a non-title match with Ricky Hatton on November 11th before having to defend against maybe Shane Mosley?

http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EElFZFyEyuWMFsiIru.html

[edit] Emeritus champions

@East718: Why did you add the Emeritus Champions? This is getting too much confusing... At least, we could have discussed that issue with others here on the talk page. And where did you read Vitali Klitschko is still the Emeritus Champ?!? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Claudevsq (talk • contribs)

I just decided to be bold, if someone didn't like it they could revert and discuss, which is what you're doing. :) I think it's important to display the emeritus champions since they are no less significant than the interim champions and champions in recess. Additionally, they have an automatic fight guarantee against the "true" champ, so the importance is even more underscored. Here's a source for Mayweather's emeritus championship, [1] and here's one for Klitschko's. [2] Kostya Tszyu is also a champion emeritus, but since he's retired I figured it would be best not to include him. east.718 06:44, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
That's OK, but I thought Klitschko lost his status as Emeritus Champion though it seems that Maskaev will first fight Peter, and the winner then has to take on Klitschko. But one thing: You put Mayweather atop as Emeritus Champ, atop of what will be Baldomir or Forrest, but you put Klitschko UNDER Maskaev. I think I put Mayweather also "under" the vacant title which will not be vacant for a long time... Sincere greetings, -claudevsq 10:28 WEST
Putting Mayweather under a vacant spot seemed quite strange; plus it was done like that for Juan Diaz and the WBA. I agree that we should put him under the winner of Forrest-Baldomir. east.718 08:33, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
Thanks, it's done. Besides, Vitali Klitschko is my favorite boxer and I have no doubts about that he will be the WBC regular champion again this time next year or earlier... -claudevsq
Just a reminder, you can sign your name automagically by typing in ~~~~. There's no need to type out your name and the time all the time. east.718 08:36, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
OK. Claudevsq 08:38, 15 July 2007 (UTC)

(deindent) To east.718: I thought about all this, and I think it's getting a little bit confusing, especially for people who don't know the list as well as we do... It gets more and more unoverseeable, we have now numbers from 15 to 20, indicating emeritus, unified, interim and super champions etc., next week, there will be two more interim champions, and you surely know about Chagaev-Ibragimov and eventually Cotto-Williams. And when Kessler fights Calzaghe, we will have another number, that of "Undisputed Champion". That will be 7 (!!) numbers, then... Think about it: Do we really need to include the emeritus champions, WBO Super Champions and even Ring "Champions"? What if Wright beats Hopkins next Saturday, will he then be the Ring's Champion? Yes, but only if they fight in light heavyweight, right? I'm afraid we're soon gonna have 136 champions in the list instead of 68... What do others think about this issue, please? We're a community, I want to hear from people like MayaLevy, ArcTheLad, Dark_Dragon_Flame etc... N.B.: I do NOT want to discredit your work in any way, east.718. Just a few thoughts, maybe... Greetings from Luxembourg to everyone, Claudevsq 15:16, 15 July 2007 (UTC)

The topic is certainly confusing to newcomers, but I feel the information is presented in a way that's easy to digest—and I feel we shouldn't leave out information for the sake of immediate readability. One suggestion I have is to use the note system instead of the ref system, so we can set up a seperate series of numbers for the footnotes such as "interim champion." As far as Hopkins-Wright, yes, the Ring 175 lb championship is on the line even though the fight is at catchweight. east.718 18:04, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
ArcTheLad and Maya Levy also don't contribute to Wikipedia regularly anymore. east.718 23:37, 15 July 2007 (UTC)
OK with me, so far! Claudevsq 04:38, 16 July 2007 (UTC)
The WBC just announced at their convention that they have 7 emeritus champions now. I agreed with east718 on the fact that we should only list those who are listed on the official WBC website, though. Otherwise, the list of "world champions" gets too confusing. Any thoughts? claudevsq 14:16, 14 November 2007 (UTC)
The problem is that the WBC's website is not the be-all, end-all when it comes to reliable sources... if more interim champs exist and verifiable sources can attest to that, then they belong in the article. I agree that inactive fighters should be left out; this puts Morales, Tszyu, Lewis, and Klitschko on the outside; Mayweather's already included; so should Hopkins and Pacquiao. east.718 at 20:08, 11/14/2007

[edit] Injin Chi

INJIN CHI RETIRES FROM BOXING AND ENTERS K1


July 26th 2007 The World Boxing Council has received a note containing that former Featherweight World Champion INJIN CHI had announced his retirement from professional boxing and his entrance to K1 in South Korea, in order to set himself up for MMA fights, fact that would indicate both, a piracy act and a direct action against professional boxing and against the World Boxing Council.

[edit] Chi renounces WBC 126lb belt!

Wednesday, August 1 2007

By Joe Koizumi

WBC featherweight champ Injin Chi, Korea, yesterday (Tuesday) officially renounced his belt as Major Lee Wonbok of Korea Boxing Commission sent the official letter to WBC president Jose Sulaiman. Accordingly, Jorge Linares who defeated Oscar Larios via impressive tenth round stoppage to acquire the interim belt in Las Vegas on July 21 has become the legitimate WBC 126-pound titlist. Where will Chi go from now on? It is not certain whether he will fight on as a 130-pounder or participate in MMA events as rumored. Anyway, Chi was a good fighter who showed a very good performance against Erik Morales in Los Angles, and gained the vacant WBC belt by dismantling Michael Brody in Manchester. (seen on fightnews.com) Claudevsq 14:27, 1 August 2007 (UTC)

You have to be kidding me! Maya Levy 15:32, 2 August 2007 (UTC)

I'm afraid not... Claudevsq 02:32, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] WBO weights

The WBO, as stated on their page, have changed their weight classes equal to those of WBC, WBA and IBF. Claudevsq 09:43, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Robert Guerrero

His fight against Orlando Salido has been changed from a loss to a non-contest by the Nevada State Athletic Commission this week due to a positive testing of some illegal substance in Salidos blood... (seen on boxrec.com). Claudevsq 09:00, 10 August 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Cotto-Mosley and Pacquiao-Barrera

Hey, does anybody know what will happen to Mosley's WBC interim title when he will fight Cotto? Does he keep it when losing or will there simply be no more WBC interim welterweight champ after that match? The match is officially for Cotto's WBA title...

And, for the Pacquiao-Barrera bout, if they will still be the Ring's number one and number three, will that match be for the Ring's champion title, does anybody know the answer to that one (a tough one, I know)? Claudevsq 08:40, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

If (when :P) Cotto defeats Mosley he becomes the WBC champion, so Mosley's WBC interim title will be on the line on November 10. - Caribbean~H.Q. 09:19, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

I'm generally thinking that Barrera/Pacquiao is going to be for the Ring belt, unless they have issue with his draw with Juan Manuel Marquez. Mosley and Cotto is only fighting for the WBA belt. The listing in boxrec was originally incorrect, an interim champion cannot unify. Maya Levy 15:54, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

Thank you, Maya. To Caribbean: No, if Cotto wins, he keeps his WBA belt, and that's it. The WBC champ is Floyd Mayweather, and Mosley's interim title will not exist anymore after the match. Claudevsq 18:14, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

Shouldn't have trusted boxrec back there, oh well curse the WBC and their bizarre rules. - Caribbean~H.Q. 20:54, 12 August 2007 (UTC)

The Márquez-Juarez card just has been officially cancelled. So, Robert Guerrero won't fight, too. It's just as with Vargas-Mayorga and Cintron-Feliciano. Well... first, Barrios gets injured, then Márquez. Good for Pacman, bad for boxing in general... At least, Guzman-Soto in November is still on... Claudevsq 18:52, 8 September 2007 (UTC)

So, for the Pac-Barrera match in 10 days, I still don't know if this will be for the Ring's champion title. They didn't answer my mail. Could it be, that, when Pac wins, he stays number one, but if Barrera wins over the number one-rated Pac, he could be the Ring's champ? Claudevsq 09:48, 26 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Jermain Taylor

As Jermain stated some weeks ago, he will move to supermiddleweight after his match with Pavlik. That would mean he won't be the WBC/WBO champ after this match anymore. Does anybody know if this is for sure or...?!? Claudevsq —The preceding signed but undated comment was added at 18:13, August 20, 2007 (UTC).

This seems to indicate that he will relinquish his titles.  east.718 at 05:14, August 26, 2007 

Yes, but what if the fight will be at catchweight? Won't it be a titlefight then? Claudevsq 12:29, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

I'd have to check the ABC sanctioning bodies' rules for that.  east.718 at 07:43, September 3, 2007 

The titles will be up for grabs as the fight will be at 160. I heard that, however, in the contract, there's a clause for a rematch at catchweight should Taylor lose. Claudevsq 14:24, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

Yep, it'll be contracted at 166 lbs. That's when stuff will start to get really confusing with the belts.  east.718 at 16:48, September 6, 2007 

You're right again, because when he moves up to supermiddleweight, the titles will be declared vacant... Only chance for Pavlik to get the belts: Win both fights! Claudevsq 18:30, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

If Pavlik loses either fight, the Ring belt will be vacated, right? And what implications will a 166 lb. fight have?  east.718 at 23:08, September 8, 2007 

If Pavlik loses the first fight, Jermain's going to lay down his titles (WBC, WBO and Ring) and move to supermiddleweight. If Pavlik wins, there'll be a second fight at 166 lb., with Pavlik being the WBC, WBO and Ring Champion. But I dunno what will happen then, if the titles will be up for grabs at catchweight. Claudevsq 06:17, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Joe Calzaghe

Calzaghe lives in Wales, but was born in Hammersmith, ENGLAND. Claudevsq 14:42, 25 August 2007 (UTC)

Personally I prefer the UK flagicon. Expect it to get changed again. Maya Levy 01:31, 26 August 2007 (UTC)
It would be best if we found a source for this. I was involved in a dispute as to whether Fedor Emelianenko is Russian or Ukrainian, and it was solved by referencing an ESPN article that talked about his pride with his Russian heritage.  east.718 at 02:58, August 26, 2007 
I dunno if this may help you in that situation, but I have a good friend from the Ukraine, and he still consider himself Russian and Ukranian also (he was born when the USSR was still intact). He compared it if the US and state pride, if a state seceded from the union and you can have dual prides or separate ones. Maya Levy 18:24, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Fedorowitsch and Alexander Emelianenko are both Russian, definitively... Claudevsq 18:35, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

Right, and I agree with Maya. I'll change it to the UK flagicon... Claudevsq 05:06, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

I don't really care. This may be relevant though.  east.718 at 05:11, August 26, 2007 

OK, so what? He's sportsman of the year in Wales... What's the relevancy? ;-) Claudevsq 05:15, 26 August 2007 (UTC)

I would assume if the BBC considered Calzaghe English (provincially), they would nominate him for the English or British sportsman of the year.  east.718 at 07:41, September 3, 2007 

I'd say you become sportsman of the year where you LIVE... Claudevsq —Preceding unsigned comment added by Claudevsq (talk • contribs) 09:34, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

Exactly my point. Also, see [3]: "I am proud of being Welsh... [and] Italian."  east.718 at 16:52, September 6, 2007 

You're right, east718, but that changes nothing to the fact that he's born in England to a Welsh father and an Italian mother. He may consider himself as what he wants since we use the UK flagicon in our list anyway... ;-) Claudevsq 18:28, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Iván Calderón

Calderón will keep his 108 lb. belt and defend it and therefore, the WBO 105 lb. title has been vacated. Info by the WBO. Claudevsq 13:35, 29 August 2007 (UTC) The vacant WBO strawweight title will be on the line September 30th, when Donnie Nietes fights Pornsawan Kratingdaenggym (seen on boxrec.com). Claudevsq 09:02, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

I learned today from a phone call with the WBO that Iván Calderón is still considered "WBO Super Champion" in junior flyweight because of his winning streak in strawweight. Claudevsq 18:24, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Juan Díaz

Juan Díaz is born to mexican parents, but in America. He's born in Houston and lives in America. Here are the sources (where he states it himself):

http://www.saddoboxing.com/547-diaz-boxer-schoolwork-curfew-and-world-title.html

http://www.doghouseboxing.com/chee/chee_1019b06.htm

Julio's born in Mexico, but lives in America and has american citizenship. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Claudevsq (talk • contribs) 14:31, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

Julio is Mexican, that last revert changed all of them to American. - Caribbean~H.Q. 18:49, 14 September 2007 (UTC)
Thank you for correcting, Caribbean. In fact, he's got both nationalities! Claudevsq 02:15, 15 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] The Ring Magazine

Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions acquired "The Ring"-Magazine and others... under these circumstances, I don't know if it should be better to show the IBO champions in the fifth column instead of the Ring Champions, because in a few years, the IBO will anyway be what the WBO is today... Your comments? Let it be? Replace Ring by IBO? Remove Ring and do not replace? What shall we do... Maya, east, Caribbean, etc. etc. Claudevsq 08:42, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

Let's see what happens with The Ring's credibility first, and how the IBO evolves. Remember, there's no rush here. :)  east.718 at 09:43, September 13, 2007 
That's absolutely right... Let's wait and see... or sit and wait... ;-) Claudevsq 12:07, 13 September 2007 (UTC)
I vote no on the IBO. If the Ring loses total credibility, it would just have to do without, leaving just the big 4. Maya Levy talk 03:25, 19 September 2007 (UTC)
The International Boxing Organization will be what the World Boxing Organization is today? I don't get what you mean by that, please explain further so I can offer a more clear point of view. I believe you mean that IBO is going to evolve to the level WBO is today wich might be true but by then WBO would have climbed up the ladder itself, I believe the desicion to replace The Ring with IBO should be based on how the magazine manages itself, if they lose credibility then we may have no choice, but for now its a nearly a hundred years old institution wich holds better credibility than IBO, I would not have anything aganist adding IBO to the list without removing The Ring though, but that would probably mess up the format. - Caribbean~H.Q. 03:31, 19 September 2007 (UTC)
Right, let's leave the IBO out for the moment and see how the Ring evolves... I wrote a mail to the Ring magazine to know if the Pac-Barrera match will be for their champion's title, but no answer so far... Claudevsq 08:18, 19 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Mosley stripped by the WBC

For more, see: http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EEAplVyplkCKKWqjhi.html Claudevsq 03:33, 27 September 2007 (UTC)

[edit] New format

What does everybody think about a new format which indicates defenses, much like List of UFC champions does? Here's my mockup for the 147 lb. division:

Organization Champion Record Defenses
WBA Flag of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto 30-0 (25 KO)
WBC Flag of the United States Floyd Mayweather Jr. 38-0 (24 KO)
IBF Flag of Puerto Rico Kermit Cintron 28-1 (26 KO)
WBO Flag of the United States Paul Williams 33-0 (24 KO)
The Ring Flag of the United States Floyd Mayweather Jr. 38-0 (24 KO)

east.718 at 12:05, 10/20/2007

I have to say no, especially since there are four different belts, plus this page had gotten its current featured list status for the current format . Personally, I think the UFC page is a bit cluttered despite its featured list status, and what happens if a fighter like Joe Calzaghe who has defended his title 20x? Another thing is that the UFC is a list of chronological champions, this is a list on CURRENT world champions. We discussed changes before, I just think it gets a bit cluttered, especially due to interim champions/super champions etc.(which would add even more confusion) I think cleansiness has to be taken to a huge consideration.... Maya Levy talk 14:32, 20 October 2007 (UTC)
Sorry, me too, I don't think we should change the format. Feel free though to do so on the specific pages ("Champions per organisation") like "WBA champions", "WBC champions" etc. Plus, Maya is right about cleansiness and featured list status... it has to remain a LIST. Cheers, Claudevsq 12:21, 24 October 2007 (UTC)
I agree with both of you, especially concerning Calzaghe-like situations; I've abandoned any hope of this happening. east.718 at 20:03, 11/14/2007

[edit] Haye relinquished belts?

See under the photo: http://www.laprovence.fr/articles/2007/11/11/153534-FRANCE-Foudroyant-David-Haye.php claudevsq 14:12, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

No, he hasn't: "Contrary to previous reports according to agent Don Majeski, new champ David Haye will stay at Cruiser and defend his title, but has a year to make a mandatory as he was the mandatory challenger coming into his clash with deposed champ Jean Marc Mormeck." http://www.fightnews.com/fightnews_2/headlines//EEAVpyAuFuerTGOWaX.html —Preceding unsigned comment added by MKil (talk • contribs) 21:57, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Puerto Rico?

Do we need a mini history of Puerto Rico under WBO in the introduction? I am keen to remove... WingedPig (talk) 22:59, 23 November 2007 (UTC)

Don't remove please! We did so to use the Puerto Rico flag instead of the U.S. one, so... Thanks! claudevsq (talk) 05:35, 24 November 2007 (UTC)

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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)

[edit] David Haye

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)

[edit] 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."

claudevsq (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)
No, sorry. I only know Campbell - Casamayor went to purse bid and Pacquiao will fight David Díaz at 135 on June 28, the same date when Soto and Francisco Lorenzo will compete for the (then) vacant 130-lb WBC title... I can't tell you where that leaves JMM or Juan Díaz, but I think Juan Díaz has very good chances to get a rematch sometime in fall against the winner of Campbell - Casa IMO. For Mártínez, I don't know, but if he's the WBO No. 1 at 130, then he should get his shot. Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 13:27, 15 May 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)

[edit] Vacant belts

June 21: WBC Welter: Andre Berto (USA) - Miguel Á. Rodríguez (MEX)

June 21: WBA Supermiddle: Mikkel Kessler (DEN) - Dimitri Sartison (GER)

June 28: WBC interim Superfeather: Humberto Soto (MEX) - Francisco Lorenzo (DOM) (Pacquiao will fight David Díaz the same day for the WBC lightweight belt).

July 3: WBA Light heavy: Hugo H. Garay (ARG) - Yuri Barashian (UKR)

July 26: WBA Superfly: AJ Banal (PHI) - Rafael Concepción (PAN)

August 2: IBF Welter: Zab Judah (USA) - Joshua Clottey (GHA) (Margarito will fight Cotto one week before, but only for the WBA title. He will soon vacate the IBF belt in order to fight Cotto.)

WBC Cruiser: Rudolf Kraj (CZE) - Giacobbe Fragomeni (ITA)

claudevsq (talk) 18:41, 1 June 2008 (UTC)

[edit] David Haye, and the WBA and WBO titles

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

Well, it's like this: On Fightnews, they recently said on an article that, since moving up to HW, he relinquished all of his belts. But I've also heard only of the WBC belt. Maybe they made a mistake. You're right, I'm gonna put him back into the list until we know for sure that he laid down his WBA/WBO belts as well... claudevsq (talk) 10:41, 25 May 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 cruiserweight title 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.

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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)

[edit] 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)