Mendoza Jr. on interim world titles and more

By Gabriel F. Cordero

WBA executive vice-president Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, Jr. explains the WBA’s position on multiple titles, interim titles and super champions…

Boxing and its complexities can be a trite expression, but makes perfect sense when discussing boxing’s peculiarities. One of the most discussed flash points today is undoubtedly the criticism of multiple titles, as they can be confusing to the fans.

The anarchic and dissident nature originates from the roots of the world sanctioning bodies. Commercial interests has always been held in high regard in sports, the creation of the WBC, IBF and WBO was a product of divergence to meet the needs of various boxing promoters.

The first sanctioning body in history, before the World Boxing Association, was the National Boxing Association (NBA) made up of 17 commissions in the U.S. and countries with the greatest boxing activity also created two titles per division, but under different letters. As an example, on February 16, 1970, Joe Frazier won by technical knockout against Jimmy Ellis to become undisputed heavyweight champion unifying the WBA, WBC and the now defunct world title of the New York State Athletic Commission, the boxing Mecca, power and money of the time. Modernization requires challenges. As any managerial organization does, the world sanctioning bodies must apply themselves to the fundamental objective of livelihood, which depends a lot on the ability to adapt to the new demands of sports marketing. Failing to do do, they are at risk of disappearing.

Most of the attacks on the interim champions or super champions come from the same actors with hidden interests in every situation. If they benefit they keep quiet, otherwise they raise their voices of criticism. They never worry about investigating the reasons for the existence of the aforementioned titles.

They overlook that is a way to adapt the business to the sport, as well as to guarantee activity and balanced opportunities to all ranked boxers from around the world. It is a way of balancing the talents of those who for lack of financial support have no opportunities to develop in lucrative markets. It also makes it possible to sustain the validity of boxing as a sport, seeks to popularize it, and promotes longevity and stardom in the champions, as in the case of the super champions, without intervening in their commercial affairs.

The most important thing within the organization isn’t the simple payment of a sanctioning fee, it’s to seek the common good of every member of the international boxing community.

February 10th, 2012

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