Talk:List of current world boxing champions/Archive 1

Archive 1

Archive 2

Archive 3

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)

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?

Super bantamweight (122 lb, 55.3 kg)

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

Super middleweight (168 lb, 76.2 kg)

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

Super Middleweight (168 lb, 76.2 kg)

WBA	WBC	IBF	WBO	The Ring
Mikkel Kessler 37-0 (28 KO)	Markus Beyer 34-2-1 (13 KO)	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)

Middleweight (160 lb, 72.6 kg)

WBA	WBC	IBF	WBO	The Ring
Jermain Taylor 25-0-1 (17 KO)	Jermain Taylor 25-0-1 (17 KO)	Arthur Abraham 21-0 (17 KO)	Jermain Taylor 25-0-1 (17 KO)
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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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.

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)

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

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

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

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Mosley stripped by the WBC

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

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	Miguel Cotto	30-0 (25 KO)	def. Carlos Quintana on December 2, 2006 to win vacant title def. Oktay Urkal on March 3, 2007 def. Zab Judah on June 9, 2007
WBC	Floyd Mayweather Jr.	38-0 (24 KO)	def. Carlos Baldomir on November 4, 2006 to win title
IBF	Kermit Cintron	28-1 (26 KO)	def. Mark Suarez on October 28, 2006 to win vacant title def. Walter Matthysse on July 14, 2007
WBO	Paul Williams	33-0 (24 KO)	def. Antonio Margarito on July 14, 2007 to win title
The Ring	Floyd Mayweather Jr.	38-0 (24 KO)	awarded title on August 10, 2006 def. Carlos Baldomir on November 4, 2006

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

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)

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)

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)

I believe that all minor belt champions should be listed on their own page. Eg. the IBO page. The minor belts will get less attention if it had its own page. Maya Levy talk 04:54, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Joel Casamayor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Danny Green has retired

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

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

Fightnews.com:

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

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

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

Wladimir Klitschko

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Haye

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

Haye gives up WBC title!

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

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

Joan Guzmán

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Haye, and the WBA and WBO titles

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

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

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

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

Haye moves up to heavyweight

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mundine to give up belt!

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

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

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

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

Anthony Mundine Gives Up WBA Title

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

Source: Official WBA page

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

Klitschko and Abraham receive IBF Champion's Ring!

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

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

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

Mayweather vacates WBC belt!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guerrero vacates IBF belt!

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

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

Francisco Lorenzo vs. Humberto Soto

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

WBA Heavyweight Title

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

Joachim Alcine is Canadian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

David Haye

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

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

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

Valuev-Ruiz in Berlin

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

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

Jorge Linares

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

He just vacated:

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

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

Bradley vs. Cherry

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

Answer by the ABC:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Answer by the WBC president:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOE CALZAGHE SAYS: I’m giving up WBO belt

11:40am Friday 26th September 2008

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I think fake animosity is absolutely pathetic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calzaghe vacates SM titles

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

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

Margarito named undisputed champion!

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

Follow-up

I just noticed this edit while clearing my watchlist, shouldn't we be refering to the IBHOF instead? - Caribbean~H.Q. 01:09, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

OK, you're the second one... I'll take it away. No hall of fame at all, then! claudevsq (talk) 18:27, 21 October 2008 (UTC)

Arthur Abraham

Arthur Abraham was born in Armenia. His nationality is Armenian. Yes, he resides in Germany now, which makes him an Armenian-German (not a German-Armenian), but it's only fair that the little flag next to his name remains an Armenian flag, not a German flag. Please stop changing the flag to a German flag. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 03:49, 3 November 2008 (UTC)

He's got the german nationality, the german anthem is played when he fights, he enters the ring under the german flag, is that enough? claudevsq (talk) 10:01, 4 November 2008 (UTC)

His nationality is not German, it's Armenian. He was born and raised in Armenia, he moved to Germany. He also carries the Armenian flag, he also speaks Armenian words to his fans during post-fight interviews. But most importantly, he is Armenian nationality.

I know, but he's got both nationalities, and the flags don't indicate where the boxers are born, but more what country they represent for the moment. BoxRec lists him as german, and they also play the german anthem when he fights. He's meanwhile more "german" than "armenian"... Don't be mad, you have Vic as a triple champion, what you want more? We had the armenian flag for Abraham up to beginning of 2006, if I remember well... Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 08:03, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

Yes and you have Felix Sturm as your WBA champion. Look, this constant editing back and forth is going to get us both banned. I have Arthur Abraham on my friends list on myspace. On myspace he lists both Armenia and Germany as his country, but he does have the Armenian Anthem as his background music. I see only one logical thing to do: I'm going to contact Arthur Abraham on myspace and ask him which flag he would rather have on this wikipedia article. If he says German, we'll put German, if he says Armenian, we'll put Armenian. Fair enough? Until then, let's stop editing back and forth shall we? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 09:28, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

I don't know what Sturm has to do with this, but I'm doing 99% of the edits in this list for 2 years now, and we use to display the flags as BoxRec lists them. If you have any problem with this, please contact east718 or Caribbean H.Q., both admins. claudevsq (talk) 18:08, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

I've protected the article so neither of you get blocked; please try and find some sources that explore Abraham's nationality, one way or the other. I got into a similar dispute at another sportsperson's page a while ago and it was settled when we found an interview where he self-identified as one nationality, despite regularly representing two in the ring. east718 // talk // email // 20:51, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

Just because BoxRec has the German flag doesn't mean every other place should have the German flag. I've sent an e-mail to Arthur Abraham to see which flag HE would rather have to represent him. I'm waiting for a response. If he wants to be represented with the German flag, out of respect for that fighter, I will leave the German flag and not argue, however, if he chooses the Armenian flag I'm going to change it and I think you (Claud) should drop the argument and leave the Armenian flag. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 21:14, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

Asking the subject for their opinion is original research and won't really fly (plus, we have no way of telling whether editors are being truthful or not). It's best to stick to looking for news articles, interviews, etc. that meet the burden of verifiability that discuss Abraham's nationality or self-identification. east718 // talk // email // 21:26, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

Fair enough, east718. I did some research and found some interviews of Arthur Abraham. It turns out, that he is actually a duel-citizen. A citizen of Armenia and a citizen of Germany. In an interview, when asked "Why do you perform for Germany?", this was Abraham's response "... I am bound by a contract and I can't always do what I want to do". Abraham also said "Germany is my office. My home is Yerevan." Yerevan is the capital of Armenia. So, to sum it all up, he was born in Armenia, both of his parents are Armenian, he is a citizen of Armenia as well as Germany, and he claims Germany as his office, but Armenia as his HOME. He moved to Germany due to poor living conditions in Armenia, but he identifies himself as an Armenian. I think that's all the reasons we need to conclude that he should have the Armenian flag. The interview took place in Moscow, and is by a credible source. Here is the link: http://english.sport-express.ru/articles/9_130/

Edit: I have one more point to make. Here is the definition of "nationality": a relationship between a person and their state of origin, culture, association, affiliation and/or loyalty. In Arthur Abraham's case, his state of origin is Armenia, his culture is Armenian, his loyalty is to Armenia, and association and affiliation can go both ways.

OK, but then, I could see it the other way round too. I would be exactly the same. If you are able to watch his match next Saturday, just look which anthem is being played, you will see that they announce him as german. He was BORN in Armenia, of course, but Germany is his home now, and I think we changed the flag back in early 2006. The flags DON'T represent where the fighters have been born, because then, we would have to change much of the flags... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 01:00, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

You're making a poll on boxingscene.com? LOL!!! N.B.: I vote for German, the IBF has him as "German Middleweight Champion"... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 01:34, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Look, he identified himself as Armenian. It's obviously for political and/or other reasons why they play the German anthem. Like he said, they tied that into part of his contract. Just because he lives in Germany, it doesn't mean his nationality is German. Vic Darchinyan lives in Australia, yet he represents Armenia. Abraham is Armenian born, has citizenship in Armenia as well as Germany, and he clearly identified himself as Armenian in an interview. I don't know what more you want. Let's see what east718 thinks about it, because with all the facts I've presented I think it should be pretty obvious that we should use the Armenian flag. And yes, I did make a poll on boxingscene, and as you can see majority voted Armenian. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 06:54, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

It's funny because Khoren Gevor also lives in Germany and is a German citizen, yet we have the Armenian flag representing his nationality on Wikipedia. That should be exactly the case with Arthur Abraham. It's been Armenian up until 2006, once he became well known and a favorite of the Germans, it got changed to a German flag and has gone unnoticed since. This isn't right, it's misrepresentation. Oh and as far as boxrec, I can see why they put the German flag, they have 3 editors from Germany, none from Armenia. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 07:11, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, I still see it differently. If we put the Armenian flag, we put the bosnian flag for Sturm and so on... And then comes an Australian and claims the Aussie flag for Vic and so on and on... This would be endless. If east718 changes the flag, I won't revert it. Maybe you also ask the opinion of Miss Maya Levy, who is the creator of the "List of current world boxing champions". Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 10:54, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Actually, there are many Australians on boxingscene that are fine with the idea of Vic having the Armenian flag, because they know his nationality is Armenian. It should be no different with Arhtur Abraham, unless he identified himself as German, but he didn't. I showed proof that he identified himself as Armenian. The flag isn't supposed to represent what country they live in, but what nationality they represent. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 20:15, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Right. Me, I will let east718 decide... claudevsq (talk) 18:54, 7 November 2008 (UTC)

I see some interesting debates have come up lately... Personally, I'm inclining towards changing the flag to that of Armenia, he was born and raised there and both are interchangeably used in the media, the anthem thing might just be a matter or merchandising his image. Boxrec is somewhat inconsistent listing pugilist that hold dual citizenship, they might be listing him as German just to appease his larger fanbase. Then again, I wouldn't want to begin another chapter of the "flag wars" either, east what do you say? - Caribbean~H.Q. 22:30, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

P.S. lets just hope that Abraham doesn't pull a Joachim Alcine on us in his fight against Raúl Márquez... ;-) - Caribbean~H.Q. 22:30, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

He didn't! ;-) claudevsq (talk) 22:31, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

Aw, I should have posted that earlier... But still, the old man lasted six rounds. - Caribbean~H.Q. 22:43, 8 November 2008 (UTC)

Yep. Who would've thought that?!? ;-) claudevsq (talk) 03:34, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

I saw the fight, and it turned out as i expected it. Caribbean, I am very pleased that you think the same way I do about the flag. Unfortunately east718 hasn't been around it looks like. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 21:56, 9 November 2008 (UTC)

Carribean only said that he hoped Abraham would not lose, nothing more. He didn't say anything about the flag. If one of the admins changes it, it will be OK for me... claudevsq (talk) 13:22, 10 November 2008 (UTC)

No, this is what Carribean said, "I see some interesting debates have come up lately... Personally, I'm inclining towards changing the flag to that of Armenia, he was born and raised there and both are interchangeably used in the media, the anthem thing might just be a matter or merchandising his image. Boxrec is somewhat inconsistent listing pugilist that hold dual citizenship, they might be listing him as German just to appease his larger fanbase." —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 20:48, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

Sorry, I must have missed that! But he says "I don't want to start another flag war" and asks east718 "East, what do you say?", so let's wait for east's final decision... claudevsq (talk) 10:45, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

Yea, let's wait. So stop changing the flag. You got one admin who agrees it should be an Armenian flag, and you have solid proof by me showing Arthur identifies himself as Armenian. That's what east asked for, that's what I gave east. In the mean time, stop changing the flag to German, it should be Armenian unless proven otherwise. —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 22:32, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

By the way, the IBF lists him also as German. claudevsq (talk) 20:45, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

<- Agree with Caribbean HQ, especially on the point of claiming German descent for the purposes of marketability. I think that the Armenian flag is appropriate here. east718 // talk // email // 00:33, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Thanks east, I'm sure you saw the proof I provided where Abraham claims Armenia as his home town. I was also getting ready to upload a picture I took on TV, where showtime wrote in the description of the Abraham vs Miranda II fight; "the Armenian fighter Arthur Abraham." —Preceding unsigned comment added by Garo925 (talk • contribs) 06:25, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Well, we seem to have a consensus (Damn, I'm really late). - Caribbean~H.Q. 18:16, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

I would also go with the Armenian flag.--Vintagekits (talk) 21:41, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Yeah, most seem to go with that one... claudevsq (talk) 13:06, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Yes Claude it is about time that you stopped editing against the concensus.--Vintagekits (talk) 15:45, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

Claude - you state that you agree with this yet here you changed AA's flag from Armenian to German! Can you please explain this edit? Also it is pretty sneaky to try and cover up this move along with your revert of some vandalism - sneaky - and noted for the future.--Vintagekits (talk) 15:53, 11 December 2008 (UTC)

OK! claudevsq (talk) 13:04, 12 December 2008 (UTC)

OK what?--Vintagekits (talk) 14:15, 12 December 2008 (UTC)

Stop it, will you? claudevsq (talk) 19:27, 13 December 2008 (UTC)

Vintagekits, thank you for catching that sneaky move. Unfortunately, Claud is still editing it back to German.

Claud, you need to stop this, we had a consensus that the flag remains Armenian, and ANYONE ELSE who is changing it back to German, you NEED TO STOP. PS the Ring magazine also has him as Armenian, http://www.thering-online.com/ratings/middleweight/

Humberto Soto

I believe he's been promoted to WBC regular world champion. When I find a source I will change. Maya Levy talk 22:58, 5 November 2008 (UTC)

On the official WBC page, they list him as "interim champion" under "Current Champions" for a week now... I would be happy if he got promoted, although, I don't think so... They also told me on the phone that he was the interim champion, that was two days after the match... Where have you seen such an article? I think as long as the WBC has him as "interim" on their page, we can't do nothing. Maybe, they'll decide who will fight for the full title at their convention, which is being held right now, or maybe, they may indeed promote Soto. Look here: http://www.wbcboxing.com/WBCboxing/Portal/cfpages/contentmgr.cfm?docId=2&docTipo=8 claudevsq (talk) 00:55, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Look also the article on this page "WBC Convention Update". claudevsq (talk) 17:45, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

Soto will fight again Francisco Lorenzo on December 20th for the FULL vacant WBC Superfeatherweight title. Meanwhile, he keeps his interim belt up to that date. claudevsq (talk) 09:20, 18 November 2008 (UTC)

WBC Convention Update

Feather: Champion Oscar Larios is recovering from his October 16th Tokyo defense against Japan's Takahiro Aoh in which he was knocked down and hurt, winning a narrow split decision. It is recommended that #1 Elio Rojas and #2 Yuriorkis Gamboa fight for the interim title while Larios recovers. Super Feather: Vacant Interim champ Humberto Soto has not paid his sanctioning fees from his last fight with Francisco Lorenzo. The WBC will insist that those fees be paid within fifteen days otherwise Soto will be stripped. In the meantime, #1 Urbano Antilon will meet #3 Thong Por Chokchai for the first mandatory position and #4 Rocky Juarez will meet #5 Humberto Mauro Gutierrez for the second mandatory. Light: Manny Pacquiao must first pay his past due $30,000 sanctioning fee from his title winning effort against David Diaz withing fifteen days from now. Secondly, he is required by WBC rules as a reigning champion fighting above the weight, to pay a 1% fee from the purse for his upcoming fight with Oscar DeLaHoya on December 6, 2008. If he fails to pay the $30,000 fee first and on time, he will be stripped. In the meantime, #1 Edwin Valero and #2 Antonio Pitalua will clash for the interim title. Middle: Kelly Pavlik has also not paid his past sanctioning fees from both the optional defense against Gary Lockett and the catchweight fight versus Bernard Hopkins. The 15 day deadline will apply for Pavlik to pay, lest he be stripped of his title. His mandatory is Marco Antonio Rubio. claudevsq (talk) 17:45, 6 November 2008 (UTC)

calendar of games

Hi guys. I will badly need a list of incoming events in boxing. And even a list of past events.

I dont know if there were recently matches only when I see the owner of a title changed. This will be a place where people could came from time to time and check if there were some important fights - a very important source of information.

Maybe to be organized by belts lets say or somebody propose another criteria. It will be nice to have there all major games from the beginning of history :) but at least from now on we should have one.

I am willing to support this initiative albeit I dont know much about adding pages. Raffethefirst (talk) 09:34, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

For upcoming fights, see: http://www.boxrec.com/schedule.php and select sanctioning body. claudevsq (talk) 15:54, 11 November 2008 (UTC)

Yes thanks that is of help, but a list with the past games wont be useful? I have no idea what fights I missed.Raffethefirst (talk) 07:22, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

On BoxRec, under names, when you type in the name of a fighter, you can see all his professional fights listed. Sorry if this isn't exactly what you want, but I have no better idea... ;-) claudevsq (talk) 10:44, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

How about we add this info in List of current world boxing champions? we currently have date when he became champ. how about we to have the dates when he had fights to defend his title? You could take a quick look and see if there were some important games lately.

Or maybe to make a separate such list so the present list dont became cluttered with too much data? This could be a new page or a new list in this page. What you think? Thus you can easily see without any search all the important games that were lately.Raffethefirst (talk) 11:59, 12 November 2008 (UTC)

Talk to east718, please. claudevsq (talk) 12:53, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

I will talk with him, but what is your opinion please. Since I am checking this page you are the man that works most here so I think your opinion counts.Raffethefirst (talk) 13:02, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

Thanks, but I would then vote for a separate list! claudevsq (talk) 18:44, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

<- If I'm not mistaken, these lists already exist (see list of WBA world champions)... please advise if this is not what you were talking about. east718 // talk // email // 00:33, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

This is not what I am looking for. And I dont say we do something only I need. I am talking about a list where somebody can see all the current boxing events organized in some manner - easy to follow. If we do a list by belts, you wont know where to look because fighters move from one belt to another so you will have to look in many pages. I think a list exactly like the one that we have now is what we need with some new things added.

So in a new page maybe I think we should have a list with the major belts. For each belt and weight we should have lets say previous 5 games listed and future fights if a certain date is set. There should be fighter1 vs fighter2 (name in red for winner) and date of event. The fight that settled the current champ this row should be signaled somehow or this should be written after the fighter name like "fighter1 (current champ)". And maybe foreach belt and weight there should be a separate page with all the previous fights until the beginning :). But what I think is most important is to have this list where to see what and when were last events and maybe future events in a very simple manner.Raffethefirst (talk) 08:12, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

If we were to do a list of current events in boxing, I suggested, in a seperate page, to do a list of seperate years in boxing, eg. 2008 in boxing taken from the idea of pages like 2008 in basketball. Maya Levy talk 06:11, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

Good idea, I like it! claudevsq (talk) 20:01, 17 November 2008 (UTC)

I am starting to build this page in my user accoount ... to see what could came out of this. Please help.Raffethefirst (talk) 09:30, 9 December 2008 (UTC)

Cool. I'll help if I'll have the time... claudevsq (talk) 21:25, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

Williams and Phillips relinquish titles!

By Fightnews.com:

Video Q&A: "Paco" Valcarcel! By Karl Freitag Fightnews.com caught up with WBO President Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel to talk boxing during the 2008 WBO Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. During the conversation, he revealed that Top Rank and Sports Network have reached a deal to match Miguel Cotto and Michael Jennings for the vacant WBO welterweight championship. claudevsq (talk) 20:49, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

From ESPN:

Paul Williams, who wants to shuttle back and forth between various weight divisions for the biggest fights possible, vacated his welterweight title Friday, promoter Dan Goossen told ESPN.com.

Williams (35-1, 26 KOs) defeated Antonio Margarito to win the WBO version of the 147-pound title in July 2007, lost a clear decision to Carlos Quintana in his first defense and then regained the belt by knocking out Quintana in the first round of their rematch in June.

But unable to lure any big names into the ring -- including offering Margarito $4 million to fight him in a rematch that would have been his biggest payday -- Williams fought as a middleweight on Sept. 25 and knocked out Andy Kolle in the first round. That victory set up a Nov. 29 HBO-televised bout with Verno Phillips for the WBO's vacant interim junior middleweight title.

Williams and his handlers believe he can effectively move between welterweight and the 168-pound super middleweight division.

Williams gave up the welterweight belt, according to Goossen, because "the WBO rules would not allow him to walk into the ring [to fight for a junior middleweight title] with his welterweight title. The other reason is there was nobody at 147 that was willing to fight him for the title, so this all goes back to what I've said all along, that Paul Williams is the really the most feared man in the world."

Goossen said the move was not because Williams has trouble making weight at 147, despite constant speculation that he has a lot of trouble squeezing his 6-foot-1 frame down to the class.

"He can make the weight," Goossen said. "He still wants to fight at welterweight. He'll fight anybody but nobody will fight him. But what this move does is show that Paul will be able to stand on his own in these different weight divisions regardless of what belts are around his waist."

The vacant title could be filled by a match between the WBO's leading contenders, former titlist Miguel Cotto and England's Michael Jennings, although it remains to be seen if either side is interested in the fight. claudevsq (talk) 16:03, 18 November 2008 (UTC)

Phillips relinquishes IBF title By B. Artest

Junior middleweight champion Verno Phillips officially relinquished his IBF title earlier today. Phillips vacated the strap he won by defeating Cory Spinks in St. Louis to face Paul Williams on HBO next Saturday night. The Phillips-Williams bout will take place for the interim WBO junior middleweight title.

Verno has held the IBF jr. middleweight world title on two occasions and is very proud of his association with the organization. Unfortunately, he was not able to take this fight against Williams and continue to hold the title.

In a letter to IBF President Marian Muhammad and IBF Championships Chairman Lindsey Tucker dated November 19, Verno’s promoter, Art Pelullo, wrote, in part: “This letter is to confirm that Verno Phillips will relinquish the IBF jr. middleweight world title.... In doing so, he will open up the opportunity for two younger fighters to fight for the IBF world title and hopefully have the same success that Verno has had with the IBF.

“The IBF title that Verno was able to win versus Cory Spinks in St. Louis has been very instumental in putting Verno in a position to make a very significant payday for him and his family at this late stage of his career. You have helped him earn the opportunity....

“Verno Phillips and his family would like to thank you and the entire IBF family for giving him the opportunity to win the IBF title not once, but twice.” claudevsq (talk) 19:50, 21 November 2008 (UTC)

Israel Vázquez

Vázquez will be named Emeritus Champion by the WBC this year, laying down his belt and making Nishioka ascend to full champion status. Nishioka will defend his belt against mexican Genaro García on January 3rd, 2009, and after, Jhonny Gonzalez or Rafael Márquez will be the first mandatory, whoever will be available. Vázquez may return whenever he's healthy again and fight immediately for his old title. 88.207.157.110 (talk) 19:08, 19 December 2008 (UTC)

Vazquez should remain WBC Super Bantamweight champion until the WBC officially declares Nishioka the full time champ. We haven't seen any declaration by the WBC indicating such. Based on news reports so far, Nishioka still has to defend his interim belt on January 3 against Genaro Garcia. Then the actual championship fight will be between the winner of that interim fight and either Jhonny González or Rafael Márquez, depending on their availability. We have to put Vazquez back as the WBC champ and Nishioka as interim. I don't mind doing it but if someone else might change it back, it'll be a waste of time. I'd rather wait for a veteran members of this article to concur. --Denniscmc (talk) 06:00, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

That's right!

The WBC has announced that Mexican superstar and 122lb titleholder Israel "Magnifico" Vázquez will be declared "champion emeritus." The distinction gives Vazquez the WBC's backing to immediately fight for a world title once he is approved for action by doctors following retina surgery. In the meantime "he will be an ambassador of peace of the WBC," said WBC President José Sulaimán. "Israel Vázquez will be named emeritus world champion and we are going to see where can we deliver him that distinction, either in the United States or here in Mexico." Either Jhonny González or Rafael Márquez "according to the availability," will fight for the WBC super bantamweight title next year against the winner between current interim champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Genaro "Poblanito" Garcia, who meet on January 3 in Japan. 88.207.204.92 (talk) 11:43, 20 December 2008 (UTC)

See also here: http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=17571 88.207.155.188 (talk) 10:29, 21 December 2008 (UTC)

I see that but the keyword here is "would" (...would be stripped of the title and elevated to the status of "champion emeritus."). So technically Vazquez still holds the title until such time that the WBC officially announce it or declares that the Nishioka fight on Jan 3 is for the full title not interim. I believe it's fair to put Vazquez back up. Once the WBC makes the official announcement then I promise that I will remove it myself. Is that fair enough? --Denniscmc (talk) 06:00, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

As it seems, Vázquez will be stripped off his title within the next 10 days, and Nishioka will stay interim champion all the same. He will defend his interim belt on January 3rd against García, and the winner will then fight González or Márquez for the vacant full title. Remember, Soto also won the INTERIM belt against Gamaliel Díaz despite the fact that the full title was vacant. 83.99.35.195 (talk) 17:39, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

Point taken about the interim. My only contention is that we have to leave Vazquez in the list until such time that he gets stripped or vacates. Some contributors are just too trigger happy in removing him even though there are no official announcements yet from the WBC. By the way, can you please provide a link to the 10-day stipulation you mentioned. Thanks. --Denniscmc (talk) 20:38, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

No, I just read that it will happen this year. Just leave him in until there will be an official announcement. 83.99.38.189 (talk) 23:32, 22 December 2008 (UTC)

From Saddoboxing:

Vázquez was named Champion Emeritus and thus lost his title, Nishioka, with that move, became the full champion.

By the way, BoxRec has Nishioka-García also for Nishioka's FULL title. 88.207.155.125 (talk) 10:55, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

Having Vazquez declared as Champion Emeritus does not necessarily mean Nishioka is elevated from interim to full. The only info that's been out so far is that Vazquez is Champion Emeritus then Nishioka and Garcia will fight for the interim title and the winner against Marquez or Gonzales for the actual full title. There's nothing that declares Nishioka as the full title holder. And btw also, boxrec's schedule can not be relied on. Check their disclaimer. I'd rather rely on ESPN (http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?page=boxing/schedule/index) since they don't publish until it's signed or at least the info is concrete enough to be published. So let's not be trigger happy and wait for something explicit enough, ok bud? --Denniscmc (talk) 02:54, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

This is from the BoxRec "Scheduling"-forum, with the answer from an editor.

Sorry... but it could indeed also be for the full title, I read that Vázquez has been named "Champion Emeritus" and been consequently stripped off his title, and with that move, Nishioka became the full champion.

This is correct. GreyJ

88.207.155.158 (talk) 10:47, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

The fact that Vázquez has been named "Champion Emeritus" means well that he has been stripped. The WBC confirmed in an E-Mail ( info@wbcboxing.com ) that Nishioka was elevated to full champion status and defends January 3rd against García. The winner's first mandatory will be González or Márquez. Whenever Vázquez will get medical clearance again, he has the right to become mandatory challenger immediately in whatever weight class he wants. Phone the WBC, whoever doesn't believe it. Number is on their home page. An admin of BoxRec furthermore confirmed these facts. 88.207.221.36 (talk) 18:30, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

If you don't mind, can you please forward that email to dennis_cmc@yahoo.com. I will put this debate to rest if you can provide me a copy of that email. I actually tried to get a confirmation from the WBC but I don't have the same clout as you since you got an email. I just want the same thing as every Wikipedia contributor wants, provide the most accurate information to readers. --Denniscmc (talk) 19:25, 31 December 2008 (UTC)

See also here: http://www.fightnews.com/?p=402 83.99.33.113 (talk) 16:22, 2 January 2009 (UTC)

You are referring to an article written by Joe Koizumi. C'mon man, you're better than that. Do you have any idea how biased Joe's articles are for his fellow Japanese? He even consider Edwin Valero and Jorge Linares as Japanese. With that, do you still trust his articles? I can go hours poking holes on Joe's articles but that ain't the point. I believe the only way to settle this debate is an actual press release from the WBC. Nothing concrete's been announced yet. I am not a Vazquez fan nor do I detest Nishioka. Just an avid follower of the sweet science. I just thought that in fairness to the readers and whoever started this Wikipedia article, we need to post only what's confirmed. --Denniscmc (talk) 17:07, 2 January 2009 (UTC)

By the way, 88.207.221.36, where's the email you were claiming that the WBC sent you? Like I said, I will put the issue to rest if you prove your claim. Unless, the email is just a product of your imagination :) --Denniscmc (talk) 17:07, 2 January 2009 (UTC)

From Fightnews:

Latest Hall of Famer, Akihiko Honda, influential impresario of Teiken Promotions, presents a world title doubleheader tomorrow (Saturday) at the Pacifico Yokohama, Yokohama City, Japan. WBC super-bantam champ Toshiaki Nishioka (32-4-3, 19 KOs), a hard-hitting and slick-punching southpaw veteran, will make his initial defense against Mexican warrior Genaro “Poblanito” Garcia (38-6, 22 KOs) in the main event. Today Nishioka, a handsome champ, tipped the beam at 121.5 pound, while Garcia, with a “macho” appearance, scaled in at the 122-pound class limit though still wearing tee-shirts. Both looked fine and well-prepared. The WBC officials are as follows: Referee Bruce McTavish (Philippines); judges Maximo de Luca (US), Gene del Bianco (US) and Thanawuth Pluemsamran (Thailand); supervior Edward Thangarajah (Thailand). 83.99.32.199 (talk) 01:24, 3 January 2009 (UTC)

The list looks fine now. The Vázquez thing is just silly, he isn't holding any title at the moment. The point of the "champ emeritus" label is so he can get an immediate title shot once he returns (march?) in order to set up that superfight against López in June. Pacquiao is already in negotiations with Hatton, so it was going to happen sooner or later. He isn't going back to 135, keeping him listed there until a official announcement is made seems sensible but quite pointless. - Caribbean~H.Q. 08:32, 3 January 2009 (UTC) @Denniscmc: Original on my talkpage. claudevsq (talk) 11:47, 3 January 2009 (UTC)

I just read Vester's article about the Nishioka fight and Vester's one of the reliable boxing writers out there so I rest my case on the Vazquez-Nishioka issue. Besides, like I said earlier, I will abide by the veteran contributors opinions since they know better. As for the Pacquiao case, I may not agree but if removing him from the WBC lightweight title is the consensus then I have no choice but go with it. I still belive that he should remain since he officially has the title until June or until he relinquishes. --Denniscmc (talk) 02:49, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

See this: http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=17719 claudevsq (talk) 10:35, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

@claudevsq: Didn't I just mention that I just read Vester's article? Kindly comprehend prior entry. --Denniscmc (talk) 17:45, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

Margarito - Mosley

This match WILL NOT BE for the vacant Ring magazine's welterweight championship. See Ring online page. 88.207.155.125 (talk) 10:56, 30 December 2008 (UTC)

Vacant belts chatter

The February 14 contest isn't official yet, even tough the WBO approved it during their convention. Word has been going around that since the Mosley match wasn't fulfilled, Cotto might seek to fill that vacancy. The January 31 bout is going to be for the "full" title if Montiel formally announces his move in time. - Caribbean~H.Q. 18:23, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

You're right, I know, I just wanted to point out the possibilities... I'll change the title... Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 22:30, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

The Cotto-Jennings match seems to be set now, for Feb. 21st. See WBO page. Now, Margarito WILL fight Mosley in January, and if Marga and Cotto both win their respective matches, their June rematch will be for the undisputed WBA/WBO world championships. Greetings, claudevsq (talk) 20:49, 1 December 2008 (UTC)

If Herman Ngoudjo wins the IBF Junior Welterweight title next week, it should be under the Cameroon flag not Canada. Ngoudjo was born and raised in Cameroon. He even represented Cameroon in the Sydney Olypics. He only acquired his Canadian citizenship in 2007. It's just fair that he is considered Cameroonian not Canadian. Hopefully there won't be any extended debates on this one just like the Abraham case. So, let's just put the Cameroon flag on the left and the Canadian flag on the right. That is if he wins of course. Juan Urango might settle this issue anyway. He is Colombian no doubt :) --Denniscmc (talk) 22:15, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

That precisely is being discussed here. - Caribbean~H.Q. 23:09, 19 January 2009 (UTC)

As you can see, Chad Dawson's IBO title defence on November 7th has also been approved by the WBC for their interim title, with the winner getting a shot at the upcoming Pascal-Diaconu winner... claudevsq (talk) 18:01, 13 August 2009 (UTC)