Former WBO president Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel has called on the Association of Boxing Commissions to act against the WBA’s continued use of “regular” and “interim” world titles.
Valcarcel criticized the WBA after another run of confusion around secondary belts, champion-in-recess rulings and title situations that have left fighters and fans struggling to follow who the real champion is. The WBA has repeatedly promised to reduce the number of titles in circulation, but the problem has continued across multiple divisions.
“When will the Association of Boxing Commissions grow a spine and force the WBA to kill the stinking ‘regular’ and ‘interim’ titles?” Valcarcel said. “Enforce the Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act already.”
The comments come as proposed Ali Act changes from TKO Group and Zuffa Boxing include a rule that would allow only one champion per division in the United States. Valcarcel also pointed out that the WBA had previously promised the ABC it would end secondary titles, warning that failure to do so could affect sanctioning fees for fights held in the U.S.
The issue has stayed alive because the WBA continues to create complicated title pictures. Gervonta Davis was moved to “Champion in Recess” before later being ordered to face Floyd Schofield, while Murat Gassiev holds the WBA “regular” heavyweight title and Tony Yoka recently appeared in the rankings in time for a title fight after years outside the top 15.
Image Credit: NotFight