World Boxing Association#Title reduction plan
{{Short description|Sanctioning organization for professional boxing bouts}}
{{Use American English|date=June 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Infobox organization
|name = World Boxing Association
|image = World Boxing Association logo.jpg
|image_border =
|size = 250px
|alt =
|caption = WBA logo
|map =
|msize =
|malt =
|mcaption =
|abbreviation = WBA
|motto =
|formation = {{plainlist|
{{start date and age|df=yes|1921||}} (as NBA)
{{start date and age|df=yes|1962|8|23}} (as WBA)
}}
|extinction =
|type = Non-profit institution
|status =
|purpose = Boxing sanctioning organization
|headquarters = Panama City, Panama
|location =
|region_served = Worldwide
|membership =
|language =
|leader_title = President
|leader_name = Gilberto Mendoza Jr.
|main_organ = General Assembly
|parent_organization =
|affiliations =
|num_staff =
|num_volunteers =
|budget =
|website = {{URL|www.wbaboxing.com}}
|remarks =
}}
The World Boxing Association (WBA), formerly known as the National Boxing Association (NBA), is an international professional boxing organization based in Panama. The WBA awards its world championship title at the professional level.
Founded in the United States in 1921 by 13 state representatives as the NBA, it is the oldest major organization regulating fights. In 1962, it changed its name in recognition of boxing's growing popularity around the world and began to admit other nations as members. By 1975, a majority of its members were Latin American nations and the organization headquarters was moved to Panama City, Panama. It moved again in the 1990s to Venezuela before returning to Panama in 2007.
Alongside the World Boxing Council (WBC), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organization (WBO), it was one of four major organizations which sanctions professional boxing bouts. As of August 2024, boxing website BoxRec no longer recognizes WBA world title fights or world champions.{{Cite web|url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2024/08/10/boxrec-wba-dropped-recognition-wbn-similar/|title=Boxrec drops WBA title recognition as WBN considers similar|first=Phil|last=Jay|date=August 10, 2024|website=World Boxing News}}
History
The WBA can be traced back to the original National Boxing Association, organized in 1921. The first bout it recognized was the Jack Dempsey–Georges Carpentier heavyweight championship bout in New Jersey.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
The NBA was formed by representatives from 13 American states, including Sam Milner, to counterbalance the influence that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) wielded. The NBA and the NYSAC sometimes crowned different "world champions" in the same division, leading to confusion about who was the real champion.{{cite book
| last = Mullan
| first = Harry
| title = The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Boxing
| publisher = Carlton Books
| year = 1996
| location = London
| page = 121
| isbn = 0-7858-0641-5}}
The International Boxing Research Organization describes the early NBA as follows:
Originally more comparable to the present American Association of Boxing Commissions than to its offspring and successor, the NBA sanctioned title bouts, published lists of outstanding challengers, withdrew titular recognition, but did not attempt to appoint its own title bout officials or otherwise impose its will on championship fights. It also did not conduct purse bids or collect "sanctioning fees."{{Cite journal| title = Boxing Bodies: A Brief Chronology and Rundown
| journal = International Boxing Digest
| volume = 40
| issue = 1
| page = 58
| date=January 1998
}}
The NBA officially became the WBA on 23 August 1962.[http://www.wbaboxing.com/wba-history/world-boxing-association-history "World Boxing Association History"]. WBA. Retrieved September 2, 2018. Gilberto Mendoza was the President of the WBA from 1982 until his death in 2016, after which Gilberto Mendoza Jr. took over as president. In the 1990s, the WBA moved its central offices from Panama City, Panama, to Caracas, Venezuela. In January 2007, it returned its offices to Panama.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
Controversies
As has been the case with all major boxing sanctioning organizations, the WBA has been plagued with charges of corrupt practices. In a 1981 Sports Illustrated article, a boxing judge claimed he was influenced by WBA President Gilberto Mendoza to judge certain fighters competing for their titles more favorably. The same article also discussed a variety of bribes paid to WBA officials to obtain championship bout opportunities, or higher placement within the organization's rankings.{{cite book
| last = Heller
| first = Peter
| title = Bad Intentions: The Mike Tyson Story
| publisher = New American Library
| year = 1988
| location = New York
| pages = [https://archive.org/details/onlyinamericalif00newf/page/141 141–142]
| isbn = 0-688-10123-2
| url-access = registration
| url = https://archive.org/details/onlyinamericalif00newf/page/141
}} In a 1982 interview, boxing promoter Bob Arum claimed that he had to pay off WBA officials to obtain rankings for his fighters.{{cite book
| last = Mullan
| title = The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Boxing
| page = 122}} Further support for allegations of this nature came in the 1980s and 1990s as two other organizations would have similar corruption exposed, including the conviction and imprisonment of IBF President Bob Lee and Graciano Rocchigiani's successful civil prosecution of the WBC that resulted in the organization briefly filing for bankruptcy before reaching a settlement that saved it from collapse.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
=Fragmented championships=
Until the autumn of 2021, the WBA recognized up to four world champions in any given weight division, to the point of rendering it technically impossible under certain conditions for a WBA world champion to even hold sole recognition from the organization as its champion in a division.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
The most prominent designation is that of the WBA Super champion, which was created in 2000 following a suggestion by Lennox Lewis after he was forced to relinquish his WBA heavyweight title prior to his defense against Michael Grant. This distinction was initially reserved for WBA champions who are simultaneously recognized by the WBC, IBF or WBO. A WBA Super champion is afforded special consideration by the organization with respect to meeting mandatory defense obligations to maintain championship recognition, but it also has opened the door for the organization to recognize a separate world champion, commonly referred to as the Regular champion; creating confusion among fans as to who holds the de facto championship title. Some world champions have been upgraded to WBA Super champion status without winning another organization's title, among them Floyd Mayweather Jr., Chris John, Anselmo Moreno and Manny Pacquiao; or upon defending their WBA title five or more times.{{cite web
|url = http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chocolatito-is-the-latest-wba-super-champion-151184
|title = "Chocolatito" is the latest WBA super champion
|date = November 30, 2012
|access-date = November 30, 2012
|author = Gabriel F. Cordero
|publisher = Fightnews.com
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121202012326/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chocolatito-is-the-latest-wba-super-champion-151184
|archive-date = December 2, 2012
|url-status = dead
|df = mdy-all
}} Upon awarding a WBA Super championship, the regular world champion status is deemed vacant, whereupon it is filled by the organization as a separate championship. On March 5, 2021, Claressa Shields became the inaugural WBA Super women's champion at light middleweight.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
The WBA further complicated this from time to time by recognizing an interim champion, ostensibly in cases where a designated world champion is, for some reason, prohibited from making a timely defense of their title. Under such conditions, the interim title holder is to be the next person to compete for one of the full championship titles once the champion is in a position to compete. In practice, however, this actually occurred rarely if ever and in 2019 the organization began awarding the WBA Gold title, for which no provision exists even within the organization's own governing documents. In December 2019 for example, they simultaneously recognized a WBA Super champion (Anthony Joshua), WBA champion (Manuel Charr), WBA interim champion (Trevor Bryan) and WBA Gold champion (Robert Helenius) in the heavyweight division.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}}
There have even been instances where different WBA World Champions have defended versions of the same title, in the same weight class, on the same date, and even within the same event. On September 14, 2024 for example, Caleb Plant defeated Trevor McCumby to earn recognition as the WBA's Interim World Super Middleweight championship in an event that was headlined by Canelo Alvarez, who defended his WBA Super World Super Middleweight championship against Edgar Berlanga.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
Following the controversial decision in the Gabriel Maestre vs. Mykal Fox fight on August 7, 2021, amid immense public pressure, the WBA finally began eliminating all interim titles in the attempt to return to a single champion per weight division. They reverted to issuing interim championships in 2024.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}
=Boxer rankings=
The organization has further garnered negative attention with respect to its ranking of boxers, in spite of having adopted a complex, documented rating formula in the 2000s. In 2015 for example, Ali Raymi had been rated number six when, in his service as a colonel in the Yemeni armed forces, he was killed. His death did not significantly hinder his rating position in the WBA however, as in a subsequent ranking he had only dropped to number eleven.{{cite web |url=http://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/wba-ranking-update-leaves-questions-and-criticism |title=WBA ranking update leaves questions and criticism |work=Asian Boxing}}
Title reduction plan
In August 2021, a letter sent by the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) stated that the WBA having multiple titles was "misleading to the public and the boxers". The ABC also stated that if the WBA fails to do a satisfactory action regarding the issue, they would recommend to its members:{{cite news | last=Iole|first=Kevin |date=12 August 2021 |title=Boxing commissions holding WBA's 'feet to the fire' with scathing letter, threatening not to sanction belts|url= https://sports.yahoo.com/boxing-commissions-try-to-hold-wb-as-feet-to-the-fire-with-scathing-letter-threats-not-to-sanction-belts-011130383.html|url-status=live |work=Yahoo|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812011816/https://sports.yahoo.com/boxing-commissions-try-to-hold-wb-as-feet-to-the-fire-with-scathing-letter-threats-not-to-sanction-belts-011130383.html|archive-date=12 August 2021|access-date=15 May 2022}}
{{bulleted list|Not to honor the WBA belt as sanctioned within the U.S.|Not to accept WBA official recommendations.|Not to allow a WBA supervisor in the controlled area around the ring.}}
This could result in the WBA being blocked in the U.S. and will heavily impact WBA's business.
The WBA in turn responded by declaring all of their Interim titles vacant.{{cite news | author=Press WBA|date=25 August 2021 |title= WBA interim championships will be vacated|url= https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-interim-championships-will-be-vacated#.YSbKJaTLeEc|url-status=live |work=WBA|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210825225421/https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-interim-championships-will-be-vacated#.YSbKJaTLeEc|archive-date=25 August 2021|access-date=15 May 2022}} They then ordered tournaments to determine a single champion of their weight classes.
At minimumweight, Regular champion Vic Saludar was ordered to face former Interim champion Erick Rosa on 26 August 2021,{{Cite web |title=WBA Championships Committee orders Saludar-Rosa fight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-championships-committee-orders-saludar-rosa-fight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 26, 2021 |language=en-US}} with Rosa winning the Regular title via split decision on 21 December.{{Cite web |title=Rosa fought hard and dethroned Saludar in Santo Domingo |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/rosa-fought-hard-and-dethroned-saludar-in-santo-domingo |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=December 22, 2021 |language=en-US}} it was not until 29 September 2022, until the WBA officially ordered Rosa against Super champion Knockout CP Freshmart,{{Cite web |title=WBA Championships Committee ordered Niyomtrong-Rosa |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-championships-committee-ordered-niyomtrong-rosa |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 30, 2022 |language=en-US}} however, after multiple failed attempts to make the fight, Rosa officially vacated his Regular title on 15 January 2024 to move up to light flyweight, leaving CP Freshmart as sole champion.{{Cite web |last=Donovan |first=Jake |date=2024-01-15 |title=Erick Rosa Vacates WBA 'Regular' Strawweight Title, Will Now Campaign At Junior Flyweight |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/erick-rosa-vacates-wba-regular-strawweight-title-now-campaign-junior-flyweight--180733 |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=BoxingScene.com |language=en-us}}
At light flyweight, Super champion Hiroto Kyoguchi and Regular champion Esteban Bermudez had already been ordered to fight prior to the ABC letter on 10 June 2021,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Kyoguchi-Bermudez fight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-kyoguchi-bermudez-fight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=June 10, 2021 |language=en-US}} but complications meant it was not until 28 January 2022 when purse bids were due to be held, however injury to Kyoguchi meant the WBA instead approved the rematch between Bermudez and former regular champion Carlos Cañizales 2 days earlier on 26 January.{{Cite web |title=WBA approves Bermúdez-Cañizales due to Kyoguchi's injury |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-approves-bermudez-canizales-due-to-kyoguchis-injury |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=January 26, 2022 |language=en-US}} Bermudez vs Cañizales did not end up happening due to the latter's short-lived decision to move up to flyweight, and thus Kyoguchi-Bermudez took place on 10 June, with Kyoguchi winning by TKO.{{Cite web |title=Kyoguchi demolished Bermudez and is the only WBA junior flyweight champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/kyoguchi-demolished-bermudez-and-is-the-only-wba-junior-flyweight-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=June 11, 2022 |language=en-US}} Former Interim champion Daniel Matellon was ordered to face Cañizales on September 30 in a final eliminator for the Super title,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders final eliminator between Matellon and Cañizales |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-final-eliminator-between-matellon-and-canizales |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 20, 2022 |language=en-US}} with Cañizales winning via technical decision on 9 June 2023, becoming mandatory to Kenshiro Teraji, who defeated Kyoguchi by TKO on 1 November 2022.{{Cite web |title=Kenshiro knocked out Kyoguchi to become new WBA champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/kenshiro-knocked-out-kyoguchi-to-become-new-wba-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=November 2022 |language=en-US}} Teraji defeated Cañizales via majority decision on 23 January 2024 to become sole champion.
At flyweight, the removal of Interim champions meant Artem Dalakian was left as sole champion of the division. Despite never being upgraded to Super champion, Dalakian had been the WBA's primary champion since winning the title in 2018, due to the absence of a Super champion since 2015. Dalakian was ordered to face former Interim champion Luis Concepción on 19 August 2021,{{Cite web |title=Dalakian-Concepción was ordered by the WBA Championships Committee |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/dalakian-concepcion-was-ordered-by-the-wba-championships-committee |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 19, 2021 |language=en-US}} whom he defeated by TKO on 20 November to remain sole champion.{{Cite web |title=Dalakian retains his WBA flyweight crown with knockout over Concepcion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/dalakian-retains-his-wba-flyweight-crown-with-knockout-over-concepcion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=November 20, 2021 |language=en-US}}
At super flyweight, Super champion Juan Francisco Estrada was ordered to face Regular champion Joshua Franco on 9 February,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Estrada-Franco |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-estrada-franco |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=February 9, 2022 |language=en-US}} with the fight going to purse bid on 19 April.{{Cite web |title=Golden Boy won the Estrada-Franco fight at purse bid |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/golden-boy-won-the-estrada-franco-fight-at-purse-bid |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=April 19, 2022 |language=en-US}} Despite it being announced on 17 May that the fight would take place on 16 July,{{Cite web |title=Estrada-Franco will be on July 16 |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/estrada-franco-will-be-on-july-16 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=May 17, 2022 |language=en-US}} Estrada was disowned and stripped by the Championships Committee on 11 August for pursuing a rematch with Román González,{{Cite web |title=Championships Committee disowns Juan Francisco Estrada |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/championships-committee-disowns-juan-francisco-estrada |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 12, 2022 |language=en-US}} leaving Franco as the sole champion of the division.
At bantamweight, Regular champion Guillermo Rigondeaux was stripped of his title on 14 August 2021, after facing then WBO champion John Riel Casimero.{{Cite web |last=Jay |first=Phil |date=2021-08-12 |title=Guillermo Rigondeaux to be stripped of non-exisent belt due to WBO move |url=https://www.worldboxingnews.net/2021/08/12/guillermo-rigondeaux-wba-wbo-belt/ |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=WBN - World Boxing News |language=en-US}} The WBA announced its refusal to sanction the fight on 23 July, in respect of restrictions placed on Regular titles by the WBO, and declared Rigondeaux would have to request to be ranked in order to follow through with the fight, in which his Regular title would be declared vacant.{{Cite web |title=The WBA has not approved Rigondeaux-Casimero title fight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/the-wba-has-not-approved-rigondeaux-casimero-title-fight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=July 23, 2021 |language=en-US}} Super champion Naoya Inoue then became sole champion.
At super bantamweight, Brandon Figueroa was stripped of his Regular title on 2 December 2021, after facing Stephen Fulton in a WBC and WBO unification on November 27.{{cite news |last=Milano|first=Jesús|date=2 December 2021 |title=Murodjon Akhmadaliev becomes sole WBA super bantamweight champion
|url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/murodjon-akhmadaliev-becomes-sole-wba-super-bantamweight-champion |url-status=live |work=WBA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203091841/https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/murodjon-akhmadaliev-becomes-sole-wba-super-bantamweight-champion |archive-date=3 December 2021|access-date=3 December 2021}} This was due to restrictions imposed by the WBO who refuse to sanction fights involving the Regular title, with the WBA respecting this and announcing on 17 August (before the ABC letter) that Figueroa would be stripped.{{Cite web |title=Figueroa's belt will be vacant once he steps into the ring to face Fulton |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/figueroas-belt-will-be-vacant-once-he-steps-into-the-ring-to-face-fulton |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 17, 2021 |language=en-US}} This came after Figueroa was allowed to "unify" in his previous fight with then WBC champion Luis Nery on 15 May, as the WBC do not impose the same restrictions on the Regular title.{{Cite web |title=Figueroa knocks out Nery in Carson to become unified Super Bantamweight Champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/figueroa-knocks-out-nery-in-carson-to-become-unified-super-bantamweight-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=May 16, 2021 |language=en-US}} This left Super champion Murodjohn Akhmadaliev as sole champion. Former Interim champion Ra’eese Aleem did not move forward any with WBA sanctioned fight and was subsequently dropped from the initial mandatory position.
At featherweight, Regular champion Leigh Wood was ordered to face former Interim champion Michael Conlan on 27 August 2021,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Wood-Conlan: and the winner will go vs. Santa Cruz |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-wood-conlan-and-the-winner-will-go-vs-santa-cruz |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 27, 2021 |language=en-US}} with Wood winning by KO on 12 March 2022.{{Cite web |title=Wood retained his WBA belts in dramatic bout against Conlan |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wood-retained-his-wba-belts-in-dramatic-bout-against-conlan |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=March 14, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 6 April, the WBA ordered the bout between Wood and Super champion Léo Santa Cruz.{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Leo Santa Cruz against Leigh Wood |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-leo-santa-cruz-against-leigh-wood |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=April 6, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 19 July, the WBA rejected a request from Santa Cruz to unify with WBC champion Rey Vargas, insisting he had to fight Wood,{{Cite web |title=On the road to a single champion: Resolution about Santa Cruz and the Featherweights |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/on-the-road-to-a-single-champion-resolution-about-santa-cruz-and-the-super-featherweights |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=July 20, 2022 |language=en-US}} which Santa Cruz accepted 2 days later on 21 July.{{Cite web |title=Santa Cruz will fight Wood |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/santa-cruz-will-fight-wood |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=July 21, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 12 August, it was announced that Santa Cruz and Wood had reached an agreement, and thus purse bids were canceled.{{Cite web |title=Santa Cruz and Wood reached an agreement and the auction is suspended |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/santa-cruz-and-wood-reached-an-agreement-and-the-auction-is-suspended |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 12, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 24 August, the WBA announced they had approved the previously rejected unification between Santa Cruz and Vargas, as well as a title defense for Wood against Mauricio Lara, with the winners set to fight each other.{{Cite web |title=WBA Approved Santa Cruz-Vargas and Wood-Lara |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-approved-santa-cruz-vargas-and-wood-lara |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 24, 2022 |language=en-US}} Wood, who was due to fight Lara on 24 September,{{Cite web |title=Wood-Lara to go to war in Nottingham |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wood-lara-to-go-to-war-in-nottingham |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 6, 2022 |language=en-US}} pulled out with an injury on 19 September,{{Cite web |title=Prompt recovery to Leigh Wood |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/prompt-recovery-to-leigh-wood |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 19, 2022 |language=en-US}} and on 30 September the WBA ruled Wood must face Santa Cruz in his comeback fight, and refused to grant any additional exceptions.{{Cite web |title=Leigh Wood must fight Santa Cruz in his comeback |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/leigh-wood-must-fight-santa-cruz-in-his-comeback |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 30, 2022 |language=en-US}} Purse bids were scheduled for 12 December, however did not take place due to Santa Cruz relinquishing his Super title and leaving Wood as the sole champion of the division.{{Cite web |title=Leigh Wood is the only WBA featherweight champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/events/leigh-wood-is-the-only-wba-featherweight-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=December 12, 2022 |language=en-US}}
At super featherweight, Gervonta Davis vacated his Super title on 28 August 2021,{{Cite web |date=2021-08-28 |title=Davis relinquishes title, plans to vacate second |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/boxing/story/_/id/32102656/gervonta-davis-vacates-wba-130-pound-title-mulling-future-135-140 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}} leaving then Regular champion Roger Gutiérrez as the sole champion. Gutiérrez had been ordered to face former Interim champion Chris Colbert on 15 August,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Gutiérrez-Colbert |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-gutierrez-colbert |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 15, 2021 |language=en-US}} but following Gutierrez's withdrawal, replacement Héctor Garcia defeated Colbert via unanimous decision to become mandatory challenger on 26 February 2022.{{Cite web |title=Garcia upset Colbert in Las Vegas |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/60837 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=February 27, 2022 |language=en-US}} The WBA thus ordered Gutiérrez vs Garcia on 27 June,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Gutierrez-Garcia negotiations |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-gutierrez-garcia-negotiations |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=June 27, 2022 |language=en-US}} with Garcia winning a unanimous decision victory to become champion on 20 August 2022.{{Cite web |title=Garcia dethroned Gutierrez and is new WBA champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/garcia-dethroned-gutierrez-and-is-new-wba-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 21, 2022 |language=en-US}}
At lightweight, Regular champion Gervonta Davis was due to face former Interim champion Rolando Romero on 5 December 2021,{{Cite web |title=Gervonta and Romero will fight on December 5 for the WBA belt |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/gervonta-and-romero-will-fight-on-december-5-for-the-wba-belt |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=October 7, 2021 |language=en-US}} but following withdrawal from Romero instead faced Isaac Cruz, winning by unanimous decision.{{Cite web |title=Gervonta Davis defended his WBA lightweight belt against Cruz |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/gervonta-davis-defended-his-wba-lightweight-belt-against-cruz |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=December 6, 2021 |language=en-US}} The WBA then formally ordered Davis Vs Romero on 24 January 2022,{{Cite web |title=The WBA ordered Davis-Romero |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/the-wba-ordered-davis-romero |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=January 24, 2022 |language=en-US}} with Davis winning via TKO on 28 May to retain the Regular title.{{Cite web |title=Gervonta defended his WBA belt with a dramatic knockout over Romero |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/gervonta-defended-his-wba-belt-with-a-dramatic-knockout-over-romero |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=May 29, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 30 November 2023, Super champion Devin Haney relinquished his title ahead of his clash against WBC super-lightweight champion Regis Prograis, thus leaving Davis as sole champion.{{Cite web |first= Michael |last=Benson |date=2023-11-30 |title=Gervonta Davis to become world champion again after Devin Haney announcement |url=https://talksport.com/sport/1660067/gervonta-davis-world-champion-devin-haney-vacates-belts/ |access-date=2023-11-30 |website=talkSPORT}}
At super lightweight, Gervonta Davis vacated his Regular title on 8 December 2021,{{Cite web |title=Gervonta Davis vacates 140-pound title, will remain at lightweight |url=https://www.badlefthook.com/2021/12/8/22824589/gervonta-davis-vacates-140-pound-title-remain-lightweight-boxing-news-2021 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Badlefthook.com |date=December 8, 2021 |language=en}} leaving then Super champion Josh Taylor as sole champion. Taylor was then ordered to face former Interim champion Alberto Puello on 9 March 2022,{{Cite web |title=WBA mandates Josh Taylor – Alberto Puello |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-mandates-josh-taylor-alberto-puello |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=March 9, 2022 |language=en-US}} but was stripped on 14 May for failing to sign the contract.{{Cite web |title=WBA Super Lightweight title is now vacant |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-super-lightweight-title-is-now-vacant |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=May 14, 2022 |language=en-US}} Puello was then ordered to face Batyr Akhmedov on 12 June following a panel to determine the next challenger,{{Cite web |title=WBA Championships Committee orders Puello-Akhmedov super lightweight title fight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-championships-committee-orders-puello-akhmedov-super-lightweight-title-fight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=June 12, 2022 |language=en-US}} with Puello winning via split decision on 20 August to become champion.{{Cite web |title=Puello dominated Akhmedov to win the WBA super lightweight belt |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/puello-dominated-akhmedov-to-win-the-wba-super-lightweight-belt |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 21, 2022 |language=en-US}} The Interim title was contested by Ohara Davies and Ismael Barroso on 6 January 2024, following an injury sustained to champion Rolando Romero. While it was expected that Romero would face the winner as soon as he was able, he instead defended his title against Isaac Cruz on 30 March, losing via TKO.
At welterweight, the WBA ordered a 4-man box off on 16 September 2021, consisting of Super champion Yordenis Ugas against Eimantas Stanionis and Regular champion Jamal James against Radzhab Butaev, with the winners set to face each other to determine one champion.{{Cite web |title=The WBA initiates the move to a single welterweight champion with Ugas-Stanionis and James-Butaev |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/the-wba-initiates-the-move-to-a-single-welterweight-champion-with-ugas-stanionis-and-james-butaev |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 16, 2021 |language=en-US}} On 20 October, the WBA initially rejected permission from Ugas to unify with WBC and IBF champion Errol Spence Jr.,{{Cite web |title=WBA ratifies Ugas vs Stanionis |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-ratifies-ugas-vs-stanionis |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=October 20, 2021 |language=en-US}} while Butaev defeated James via TKO on 30 October to become Regular champion.{{Cite web |title=Butaev stops James to take the WBA welterweight title |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/butaev-stops-james-to-take-the-wba-welterweight-title |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=October 31, 2021 |language=en-US}} On 8 February 2022 it was announced that Ugas and Spence Jr. would indeed unify on 16 April,{{Cite web |title=Ugás-Spence to unify on April 16 |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/ugas-spence-to-unify-on-april-16 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=February 8, 2022 |language=en-US}} followed by the announcement of Butaev vs Stanionis on the undercard on 21 February.{{Cite web |title=Butaev defends his crown against Stanionis on April 16 |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/butaev-defends-his-crown-against-stanionis-on-april-16 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=February 21, 2022 |language=en-US}} Stanionis would go on to defeat Butaev via split decision to become Regular champion,{{Cite web |title=Stanionis showed his quality to the world |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/stanionis-showed-his-quality-to-the-world |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=April 18, 2022 |language=en-US}} while Spence Jr. defeated Ugas via TKO to become Super champion.{{Cite web |title=Errol Spence is the man to beat at welterweight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/errol-spence-is-the-man-to-beat-at-welterweight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=April 18, 2022 |language=en-US}} Following this on 21 November, the WBA granted special permission for Spence Jr. to defend his titles against former unified champion Keith Thurman, while Stanionis was instead ordered to face Vergil Ortiz Jr., with the winners set to meet.{{Cite web |title=WBA grants permission for Spence-Thurman. Stanionis faces Vergil Ortiz Jr. |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-grants-permission-for-spence-thurman-stanionis-faces-vergil-ortiz-jr |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=November 21, 2022 |language=en-US}} However, an undisputed title fight between Spence and WBO champion Terence Crawford was announced on 25 May 2023, taking place on 29 July, with Crawford winning via TKO. Stanionis Vs Ortiz Jr. was scheduled to take place on 8 July following a delay from 29 April, but was again called off following medical issues with Ortiz Jr. Stanionis instead faced former Interim champion Gabriel Maestre, who was not included in the WBA's initial box off despite being the final Interim champion before the ABC Letter. Stanionis defeated Maestre via UD on 4 May 2024. On 31 August, Terence Crawford vacated his welterweight WBA Super title after winning the WBA super welterweight title on 3 August, leaving Stanionis as the sole champion.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-31 |title=Crawford keeps WBA super welterweight belt |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/crawford-keeps-wba-super-welterweight-belt |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=World Boxing Association |language=en-US}}
At super welterweight, Regular champion Erislandy Lara was forced to vacate on 31 August 2021,{{Cite web |title=Erislandy Lara Vacates WBA "World" 154 Title, Calls For Middleweight Clash With Murata - Boxing News |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/amp/erislandy-lara-vacates-wba-world-154-title-calls-middleweight-clash-with-murata--160249 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Boxingscene.com}} leaving Super champion Jermell Charlo as sole champion.{{cite news|last=Donovan|first=Jake|title= Erislandy Lara Vacates WBA "World" 154 Title, Calls For Middleweight Clash With Murata|date=31 August 2021|url=https://www.boxingscene.com/amp/erislandy-lara-vacates-wba-world-154-title-calls-middleweight-clash-with-murata--160249 |url-status=live|work=Boxingscene|access-date=26 November 2021|archive-date=26 November 2021|archive-url= https://archive.today/20211126020501/https://www.boxingscene.com/amp/erislandy-lara-vacates-wba-world-154-title-calls-middleweight-clash-with-murata--160249}}
At middleweight, Super champion Gennady Golovkin was ordered to face Regular champion Erislandy Lara on 23 September 2022.{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Golovkin-Lara fight |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-golovkin-lara-fight |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=September 23, 2022 |language=en-US}} On 9 March 2023, it was announced that Golovkin had vacated the Super title, leaving Lara as sole champion.{{Cite web |author=WBA Boxing |date=March 9, 2023|title=Kazakh Gennady Golovkin formally resigned his world champion position and will not face the mandatory fight ordered by the WBA championships committee. |url=https://twitter.com/wbaboxing/status/1633937967822635008|access-date=2023-03-09 |website=Twitter |language=en}} Former Interim champion Chris Eubank Jr. did not move forward with any WBA sanctioned fight and was thus dropped from the initial mandatory position.
At super middleweight, Regular champion David Morrell opted to vacate his title on 31 August 2024 after winning the vacant Regular title at light heavyweight on 3 August, after the WBA stated he could only hold one belt. This left Super champion Canelo Alvarez as sole champion.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-31 |title=Morrell will remain as WBA light heavyweight champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/morrell-will-remain-as-wba-light-heavyweight-champion |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=World Boxing Association |language=en-US}}
At light heavyweight, the removal of Interim champions meant Super champion Dmitry Bivol became sole champion. Former Interim champion Robin Krasniqi lost in a rematch to Dominic Boesel on 10 October 2021,{{Cite web |title=Dominic Boesel Beats Robin Krasniqi By Split Decision in Fireworks Fight - Boxing News |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/amp/dominic-boesel-beats-robin-krasniqi-by-split-decision-fireworks-fight--161123 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Boxingscene.com}} with Boesel becoming #1 challenger for Bivol. Boesel fought #2 ranked Gilberto Ramirez in a final eliminator to determine the mandatory challenger on 14 May 2022, with Ramirez winning by knockout. Bivol Vs Ramirez was then ordered on 11 July,{{Cite web |title=WBA Championships Committee orders Bivol-Ramirez |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-championships-committee-orders-bivol-ramirez |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=July 11, 2022 |language=en-US}} with Bivol winning via unanimous decision on 5 November.{{Cite web |title=Bivol gave a masterful performance against Ramirez and retained his WBA belts |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/bivol-gave-a-masterful-performance-against-ramirez-and-retained-his-wba-belts |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=November 6, 2022 |language=en-US}}
At cruiserweight, Super champion Arsen Goulamirian and Regular champion Ryad Merhy had been ordered to fight on 19 July 2022 (a rematch of their 2018 Interim title fight).{{Cite web |title=Cruiserweight: Goulamirian and Merhy to define the only WBA champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/cruiserweight-goulamirian-and-merhy-to-define-the-only-wba-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=July 20, 2022 |language=en-US}} Merhy instead pursued a fight with WBC champion Illunga Makabu,{{Cite web |last=Wainwright |first=Anson |date=2022-07-14 |title=Ilunga Makabu-Ryad Merhy set for September 30 in Kinshasa |url=https://www.ringtv.com/641711-ilunga-makabu-ryad-merhy-set-for-september-30-in-kinshasa/ |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=The Ring}} however, after concerns with making the cruiserweight limit, Makabu vs Merhy was called off on 8 August,{{Cite web |title=Ryad Merhy May Move Up in Weight, Fight With Makabu is Now Off - Boxing News |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/amp/ryad-merhy-move-up-weight-fight-with-makabu-now-off--168203 |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Boxingscene.com}} and Merhy sent a formal letter to the WBA vacating his title 4 days later on 12 August, leaving Goulamirian as the sole champion.{{Cite web |title=Goulamirian is the only WBA Cruiserweight champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/goulamirian-is-the-only-wba-cruiserweight-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=August 12, 2022 |language=en-US}}
At heavyweight, Regular champion Trevor Bryan was ordered to face former Interim champion Daniel Dubois on 31 January 2022,{{Cite web |title=WBA orders Bryan-Dubois negotiations |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-orders-bryan-dubois-negotiations |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=February 2022 |language=en-US}} with Dubois winning via KO on 11 June.{{Cite web |title=Dubois knocked out Bryan and is new WBA champion |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/dubois-knocked-out-bryan-and-is-new-wba-champion |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=June 13, 2022 |language=en-US}} Following this, Dubois was ordered to face Super champion Oleksandr Usyk on 12 December,{{Cite web |title=WBA ordered Usyk-Dubois during the Convention |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/events/wba-ordered-usyk-dubois-during-the-convention |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=World Boxing Association |date=December 13, 2022 |language=en-US}} with the fight taking place on 26 August 2023, where Usyk won via KO to become sole champion.
In January 2024, the WBA once again began to sanction fights for the Interim and Regular titles in weight divisions which already had a sole WBA champion. In August 2024, David Morrell won the vacant Regular title at light heavyweight, before vacating his Regular super middleweight title. In April 2025, Jaron Ennis became the first fighter to be upgraded to Super champion since the ABC letter after he defeated Eimantas Stanionis, as the WBA sanctioned the Regular title for a fight between Ryan Garcia and Rolando Romero.{{Cite web |date=2025-04-22 |title=Ryan Garcia and “Rollie” Romero Set to Clash for WBA Welterweight Title |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/ryan-garcia-and-rolly-romero-set-to-clash-for-wba-welterweight-title |access-date=2025-04-23 |website=World Boxing Association |language=en-US}}
''Man of Triumph'' belts
Since 2015, the WBA awards a customized version of their WBA Super champion belt to big fights involving a WBA championship. The WBA called this the Man of Triumph belt, named after the trophy awarded to the winner of the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight. The plate of the belt has the images of the two boxers fighting. Floyd Mayweather Jr. received the first gold-plated version of the belt while Manny Pacquiao was awarded a one-time rhodium-plated version.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-the-man-of-triumph-trophy|title=WBA "Man of Triumph" Trophy|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=April 30, 2015 }} Other recipients of the custom gold-plated belt are Anthony Joshua,{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-special-belt-for-the-klitschko-joshua|title=WBA special belt for the Klitschko-Joshua|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=April 26, 2017 }} Vasyl Lomachenko,{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/lomachenko-and-linares-special-super-belt-made|title=Lomachenko and Linares Special Super Belt Made|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=May 10, 2018 }} Manny Pacquiao,{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/paccquiao-and-matthysse-special-super-belt-made|title=Paccquiao and Matthysse Special Super Belt Made|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=July 13, 2018 }} Oleksandr Usyk,{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/gilberto-jesus-mendoza-culminates-a-successful-tour-of-europe|title=Gilberto Jesus Mendoza will travel to Russia|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=July 18, 2018 }} Canelo Álvarez{{Cite web|url=https://fightnews.com/special-wba-belt-ggg-canelo-winner/4819|title=Boxing News: Special WBA belt for GGG-Canelo winner » December 4, 2019|website=Fightnews.com|date=September 14, 2017}} and Callum Smith.{{Cite web|url=http://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/the-wba-will-make-history-in-saudi-arabia|title=The WBA will make history in Saudi Arabia|website=Wbaboxing.com|date=September 27, 2018 }}
Cooperation with IBA
The WBA signed a cooperation agreement with the Russian-led amateur governing body International Boxing Association in 2022.{{Cite web |last=Milano |first=Jesús |date=2022-11-28 |title=WBA signs cooperation agreement with IBA |url=https://www.wbaboxing.com/boxing-news/wba-signs-cooperation-agreement-with-iba#.Y4eYh5rMKUl |access-date=2022-11-30|website=Wbaboxing.com}} The WBA also reinstated Russian and Belarusian boxers to its rankings after they were initially removed after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite news |last1=Songalia |first1=Ryan |title=Sanctioning bodies to bar Russian, Belarusian boxers from championship fights |url=https://www.ringtv.com/635529-sanctioning-bodies-to-bar-russian-belarusian-boxers-from-championship-fights/ |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=The Ring |date=1 March 2022}}{{cite news |title=Wladimir Klitschko Upset With WBA-IBA Pact, WBA Reinstating Russian, Belarusian Boxers |url=https://www.boxingscene.com/wladimir-klitschko-upset-with-wba-iba-pact-wba-reinstating-russian-belarusian-boxers--171313 |access-date=6 June 2024 |work=BoxingScene.com |date=20 December 2022 |language=en-us}}
Current WBA world title holders
As of {{CURRENTDAY}} {{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}
=Male=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" |
| Weight class
!Champion !Reign began !Days |
|---|
| data-sort-value=1 |Minimumweight (105 lbs)
|align=left|Oscar Collazo (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|11|16}} |16 November 2024 |{{age in days|2024|11|16}} |
| data-sort-value=2|Light flyweight (108 lbs)
| align=left|Erick Rosa | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|12|19}}| 19 December 2024 |{{age in days|2024|12|19}} |
| data-sort-value=3|Flyweight (112 lbs)
|align=left|Kenshiro Teraji | data-sort-value={{age in days|2025|3|13}}|13 March 2025 |{{age in days|2025|3|13}} |
| rowspan=2 data-sort-value=4|Super flyweight (115 lbs)
| align=left|Fernando Martínez | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|7|7}} |7 July 2024 |{{age in days|2024|7|7}} |
| align=left|David Jiménez (Interim)
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|04|20}} | 20 April 2024 |{{age in days|2024|04|20}} |
| data-sort-value=5|Bantamweight (118 lbs)
| align=left|Antonio Vargas | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|05|17}} | 17 May 2025 |{{age in days|2025|05|17}} |
| rowspan=2 data-sort-value= 6|Super bantamweight (122 lbs)
|align=left|Naoya Inoue (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2023|12|26}} |26 December 2023 |{{age in days|2023|12|26}} |
| align=left|Murodjon Akhmadaliev (interim)
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|12|14}} | 14 December 2024 |{{age in days|2024|12|14}} |
| data-sort-value= 7|Featherweight (126 lbs)
|align=left|Nick Ball | data-sort-value={{age in days|2024|6|1}} |1 June 2024 |{{age in days|2024|6|1}} |
| rowspan=2 data-sort-value=8|Super featherweight (130 lbs)
|align=left|Lamont Roach Jr. | data-sort-value={{age in days|2023|11|25}} |25 November 2023 |{{age in days|2023|11|25}} |
| align=left|Albert Batyrgaziev (Interim)
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|7|12}} | 12 July 2024 |{{age in days|2024|7|12}} |
| Lightweight (135 lbs)
| align="left" |Gervonta Davis | data-sort-value="{{age in days|2019|12|28}}" |28 December 2019 |{{age in days|2019|12|28}} |
| data-sort-value="10" |Super lightweight (140 lbs)
|align=left|Gary Antuanne Russell | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|3|1}} | 1 March 2025 |{{age in days|2025|3|1}} |
| rowspan=2 data-sort-value=11|Welterweight (147 lbs)
|align=left|Jaron Ennis (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|4|13}} |12 April 2025 | {{age in days|2025|4|12}} |
| align=left|Rolando Romero
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|5|2}} | 2 May 2025 |{{age in days|2025|5|2}} |
| data-sort-value=12 |Super welterweight (154 lbs)
|align=left|Terence Crawford | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|8|3}} |3 August 2024 |{{age in days|2024|8|3}} |
| data-sort-value=13|Middleweight (160 lbs)
|align=left|Erislandy Lara | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2021|5|1}} |1 May 2021 |{{age in days|2021|5|1}} |
| rowspan=2 data-sort-value=14 |Super middleweight (168 lbs)
|align=left|Canelo Álvarez (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2020|12|19}} |19 December 2020 |{{age in days|2020|12|19}} |
| align=left|Armando Reséndiz (interim)
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|5|31}} | 31 May 2025 |{{age in days|2025|5|31}} |
| data-sort-value=15 rowspan=2|Light heavyweight (175 lbs)
|align=left|Dmitry Bivol (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|2|22}} |22 February 2025 |{{age in days|2025|2|22}} |
| align=left|David Benavidez
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2025|2|1}}|1 February 2025 |{{age in days|2025|2|1}} |
| data-sort-value=16|Cruiserweight (200 lbs)
|align=left|Gilberto Ramírez | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|3|30}} |30 March 2024 |{{age in days|2024|3|30}} |
| data-sort-value=17 |Super cruiserweight (224 lbs)
|align=left|Muslim Gadzhimagomedov | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|7|12}} | 12 July 2024 |{{age in days|2024|7|12}} |
| data-sort-value=17 rowspan=2|Heavyweight (224+ lbs)
|align=left|Oleksandr Usyk (Super champion) | data-sort-value= {{age in days|2021|09|25}} |25 September 2021 |{{age in days|2021|09|25}} |
| align=left|Kubrat Pulev
| data-sort-value= {{age in days|2024|12|07}} | 7 December 2024 |{{age in days|2024|12|07}} |
=Female=
| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align: center" | |
| Weight class
!Champion !Reign began !Days | |
|---|---|
| Light minimumweight (102 lbs)
|align=left| Tina Rupprecht |23 November 2024 |{{age in days|2024|11|23}} | |
| Minimumweight (105 lbs)
|align=left|Yuko Kuroki |21 January 2025 |{{age in days|2025|01|21}} | |
| Light flyweight (108 lbs)
|align=left|Sara Bailey |26 April 2024 |{{age in days|2024|4|26}} | |
| Flyweight (112 lbs)
|align=left|Gabriela Fundora |2 November 2024 |{{age in days|2024|11|02}} | |
| Super flyweight (115 lbs)
|align=left|Jasmine Artiga |22 March 2025 |{{age in days|2025|03|22}} | |
| Bantamweight (118 lbs)
|align=left|Cherneka Johnson |12 May 2024 |{{age in days|2024|05|12}} | |
| Super bantamweight (122 lbs)
|align=left|Nazarena Romero |24 August 2024 |{{age in days|2024|8|24}} | |
| Featherweight (126 lbs)
|align=left|Amanda Serrano |4 February 2023 |{{age in days|2023|02|04}} | |
| Super featherweight (130 lbs)
|align=left|Alycia Baumgardner |4 February 2023 | {{age in days|2023|02|04}} |
| Lightweight (135 lbs)
|align=left|Stephanie Han |22 February 2025 | {{age in days|2025|2|22}} |
| Super lightweight (140 lbs)
|align=left|Katie Taylor |25 November 2023 |{{age in days|2023|11|25}} | |
| Welterweight (147 lbs)
|align=left|Lauren Price |11 May 2024 |{{age in days|2024|5|11}} | |
| |Super welterweight (154 lbs)
|align=left|Mary Spencer |5 September 2024 |{{age in days|2024|09|05}} | |
| Middleweight (160 lbs)
|align=left|Claressa Shields |22 June 2018 | {{age in days|2018|06|22}} |
| Super middleweight (168 lbs)
|align=left|Franchón Crews-Dezurn |25 March 2024 | {{age in days|2024|3|25}} |
| Light heavyweight (175 lbs)
|align=left|Che Kenneally |20 July 2024 | {{age in days|2024|7|20}} |
| Heavyweight (175+ lbs)
|align=left|Claressa Shields |2 February 2025 | {{age in days|2025|2|2}} |
Affiliated organizations
- WBA Asia
- WBA Oceania
- Federación Latinoamericana de Comisiones de Boxeo Profesional (WBA Fedelatin)
- Federación Bolivariana de Boxeo (WBA Fedebol)
- Federación Centroamericana de Boxeo (WBA Fedecentro)
- Federación del Caribe de Boxeo (WBA Fedecaribe)
- North American Boxing Association (NABA)
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website}}
- [http://www.boxingtitlefights.com/index.php?menu=winners&act=GetWinnersBoxingU&id_org=1&id_division=17&id_nation=0/ All-time WBA World champions – reference book]
{{World boxing champions}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:Professional boxing governing bodies
Category:Sports organizations established in 1921