The World Boxing Association (WBA) has reversed its decision to implement a 12-pound rehydration clause for WBA lightweight titleholder Gervonta Davis’ upcoming title defense against Frank Martin.
WBA president Gilberto Mendoza initially intended to enforce the rehydration limit, as he revealed in a conversation with DAZN’s Chris Mannix, who posted the details on X.
“WBA president Gilberto Mendoza confirms that there will be a WBA-mandated rehydration clause in the Tank Davis-Frank Martin fight. In a text message to @SInow, Mendoza says there will be a 12-pound rehydration limit that was ‘based on recent events.’ Mendoza did not respond when asked if this was WBA policy for all sanctioned fights.”
Mannix’s post led to significant scrutiny and accusations that the rehydration clause was Davis’s idea rather than the WBA’s, which Davis vehemently denied.
“I didn’t know about this sh&t until yesterday on Twitter. But why’s everybody mad? We have to weigh-in the same weight and come into the fight at the same weight? What the f&%k is the problem?”
The sanctioning body ultimately dropped the clause because it failed to inform challenger Frank Martin of its intention to incorporate it into the bout. Boxing insider Dan Rafael confirmed this on X, also stating the WBA’s intention to implement second-day weigh-ins in the future.
“Been asked this a lot past couple of days. Here’s the answer: No, there is no rehydration clause for Davis vs. Martin. WBA is planning to follow IBF by requiring fight morning weight check. But this fight was already done, and it won’t be part of it. Possible for future WBA title bouts.”
Image Credit: X