Josh Taylor is looking back at the 140-pound division

 

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Taylor’s rise to the top of the 140-pound division had been backed by years of hustle and tussle. Clinching the IBF belt against Ivan Baranchyk in 2019 marked the Scotsman’s climb to the undisputed throne.

In the same year, Taylor secured the WBA (Super) belt with a majority decision win over Regis Prograis, becoming the unified two-belt champion. After a one-sided title defense against Apinun Khongsong in 2020, Taylor became the undisputed monarch in May 2021, clinching the WBC and WBO belts from José Ramírez.

However, Taylor’s reign as the undisputed 140-pound champion did not last for too long. After a close call against Jack Catterall in February last year, which ended in a split decision, Taylor suffered his maiden professional defeat against Teofimo Lopez on June 10th this year and lost the WBC belt in the process.

Josh Taylor wishes to face Devin Haney before making the welterweight jump

After the Lopez fight, while Taylor expressed that he wanted to jump up to welterweight, the 140-pound division started to get more exciting with the entry of Devin Haney, the former undisputed at 135, winning the WBC super lightweight belt against Regis Prograis on December 9 in his divisional debut.

 

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Needless to say, Taylor was impressed to see Haney dominate his opponent from four years back, which might have postponed his welterweight plans for a bit, as Taylor is openly expressing his desire to lock horns with Haney, and that too, at catchweight.

And Mauricio Sulaiman, President of the World Boxing Council (WBC), has set the deadline for the title fight.

Mauricio Sulaiman wants Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez done by March 2024

A former WBC super middleweight champ and the current interim champion of the council, David Benavidez, has been longing for a shot at Canelo for quite some time, but there has been little interest on the Mexican champion’s part.

While Canelo continued his reign as the divisional champ, defeating the likes of Gennadiy Golovkin, John Ryder, and Jermell Charlo as the WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF champ, many believe that the undefeated 168-pounder in Benavidez can dethrone him.

 

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Although Canelo had been little keen to fight him in the past, Benavidez has now solidified his position as the next contender for the undisputed belts, and Mauricio Sulaiman has announced a deadline of March next year so that the two can finalize their contract.

“In March 2024 is the deadline of Benavidez, no type of injustice has been committed before,” Sulaiman recently told ProBox TV. “Benavídez decides to fight Demetrius Andrade and he is told that he will be ratified as the official challenger, he wins it, shows that he has the merits and is the official challenger for Canelo.”

“From now until May there are six months left, so we are in the process, the parties are talking, but definitely Benavidez is an official challenger and the Council is clear about it in that sense and he will lead the process so that the fight takes place,” the WBC prez added.

David Benavidez’s rise to becoming the undisputed title challenger

 

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While his callouts to Canelo had been counterproductive, Benavidez continued to make an impact in the squared circle. After winning the vacant interim WBC belt against David Lemieux in May last year, “El Bandera Roja” made two back to back title defenses this year, against Caleb Plant in March and then against Demetrius Andrade in November.

Do you think David Benavidez will finally be able to dethrone Canelo Alvarez? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

ALSO READ: NASCAR Veteran Shane Van Gisbergen all set to compete at ARCA Daytona season opener.

Regis Prograis to make his second WBC title defense against Devin Haney

Matchroom made the official announcement of the fight, which has been heavily discussed for several weeks, as well as an official date and venue. The 140-pound fight for the green and gold belt will take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco when Haney and Prograis will lock horns.

💭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓶 𝓿𝓼 𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓾 👹@Realdevinhaney challenges for @RPrograis WBC World Super Lightweight Title, Dec 9 at @ChaseCenter!#HaneyPrograis | @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/SL00MpiEhg

— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) September 26, 2023

“🥊 ANNOUNCED: Regis Prograis will defend his WBC super-lightweight world title vs Devin Haney on Dec 9th in San Francisco,” Michael Benson wrote on Twitter.

🥊 ANNOUNCED: Regis Prograis will defend his WBC super-lightweight world title vs Devin Haney on Dec 9th in San Francisco.

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) September 26, 2023

Haney, the current undisputed champion at lightweight, moves up to super lightweight for the first time to challenge Prograis, who is the current WBC champion in the division.

Haney, who was born in San Francisco but grew up across the bay in Oakland and later Las Vegas will be fighting in his own home and regarding the announcement of the fight, stated that it had always been his dream to return to his birthplace.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Haney stated. “It’s been a dream of mine to fight in my hometown. I’m excited for the opportunity to become two-division world champion in the city [The Bay] where it all started. The energy in the building is going to be electric. I haven’t fought at home since I was an amateur, so I’m looking for my city to show up and show out.”

“As a kid, I always envisioned fighting at The Oracle in Oakland,” he went on. “Now with Chase Center, I have two dream locations with a bridge between them. So, my first order of business is to blow the roof off Chase Center on December 9 with an amazing event. I picked a focused and hungry champion to invite to my hometown. Regis is going to be trying to knock me out and that’s exactly what I need him to be TRYING to do. This is what you do when you are the youngest promoter in boxing. I’m the real face of boxing. December 9. Legacy and Money.”

“On paper this is a tough fight because it’s my first fight at a heavier weight division. I’m comfortable with the plan have. God willing, I’m going to be stronger and faster than ever. I’m going to dominate him, and the welterweight division will be put on notice,” added Haney.

Prograis, who won the WBC belt in November last year, courtesy of an 11th-round KO of Jose Zepeda, insists that Haney won’t have an easy welcome to the 140 pound division.

“Finally, we’re ready to go on Saturday, December 9 and I can’t wait to put on a show,” Prograis said. “I’ve already started training camp and I’ll be more than ready to do what I do best. Devin has done well at 135lbs but I’m the best in the world at 140lbs and I will prove that once again!”

“Since my last fight they mentioned Devin’s name and that’s the only person I’ve had on my mind. I will not only beat him, but I will beat him up. I will hurt this kid. It’s nothing he can do that’s going to stop me from dominating. It’s going to be a massacre. Again, I will hurt him,” the champ added. [H/T DAZN]

The WBC has officially announced the commemorative title that will be up for grabs at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this 30th September, when Canelo and Charlo lock horns for the former’s undisputed titles at 168.

The WBC began with this tradition in 2017 and thus recognizes the winner of the most important fight of the weekend of 5th May 5th and 16th September. The belts are made by the hands of Mexican artisans, each dedicated to Mexican culture. Back in May, it was for Puebla and Jalisco, and now only for the former.

It was designed by Angélica Moreno at the workshop in the city of Talavera de la Reyna, and two artisan techniques from the state of Puebla were used, which are Talavera and embroidery.

The Talavera was created in the workshop and the embroidery was done by the Pueblan artist, Matilde Juárez. The Cathedral of Puebla is painted on the Talavera, one of the most representative monuments of the State, supported by two angels. On the sash, there are diamond-shaped Talavera pieces, which stand out among the colorful embroidery.

The WBC Presents Puebla Belt
Commemorative belt to be presented to the winner of #CaneloCharlo

Powered by #YaocaBoxinghttps://t.co/TzDymWhJhl pic.twitter.com/BD0qyVC4wa

— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) September 25, 2023

“For the development of the belt, two of the most important craft techniques in the State of Puebla were used, talavera and embroidery. The embroidery was done by Matilde Juárez, a craftswoman and artist from Puebla who shows through embroidery and applied colors the most representative patterns of different locations in the state of Puebla,” read an official statement from the WBC.

“The Talavera frames the belt plate with a traditional, exquisite and ornate Puebla design. The feathering, which is representative of Puebla, in this edition, was done and wonderfully accomplished in black, with the intention of depicting and highlighting an ancient design, managing to transmit and preserve and glorify the Puebla tradition. Significantly, the Cathedral of Puebla, which is one of the most representative monuments in this beautiful State, is prominently portrayed, supported by two soaring angels, who are a focal point plus part of the history of Angelopolis,” the statement further added. [H/T Boxing Scene]

Marshall, the former undisputed super middleweight world champion, has been forced to vacate her WBC belt as the governing body names her “Champion in Recess” as the boxer is expected to be out of action till spring of next year due to an undisclosed injury.

In turn, Green will contest for the vacated green and gold belt, with the WBC set to name an opponent for the unbeaten 33-year-old.

“The WBC Board of Governors has decided to place Savannah Marshall as Champion in Recess and will order a fight for the vacant Super Middleweight world title between Green and an opponent to be designate by The WBC Women Championship Committee,” read an official statement from the WBC on Thursday. [H/T Boxing Scene]

During her majority decision win over Franchón Crews-Dezurn on 1st July which made her undisputed at 168, “Silent Assassin” sustained an injury to her right hand, and underwent surgery. Marshall is expected to return only after April 2024. Even though she’s now WBC’s champion in recess, Marshall is still the WBA, WBO and IBF champion.

“Savannah Marshall defeated Crews-Dezurn and unfortunately sustained an injury which will keep her outside of the ring at least until April 2024. We wish a prompt and successful recovery to Savanah Marshall,” the statement added.

Green, who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Olivia Curry on 5th August at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, has remained the WBC’s mandatory challenger at 168 since February after defeating Elin Cederroo. Back then, the WBC belt belonged to Crews-Dezurn. Now, the 33-year-old is one step away from achieving her dream.

“Anyone who knows me understands that this has been a lifelong dream of mine. We came close to making it a reality a few months back, but this time, I won’t allow anything to block my path to that title fight,” Green told ESPN.

“I want to express my gratitude to the WBC for giving me this opportunity, MVP for all of their support and my personal team for all they have done and been through with me. I’ve fought hard and earned my place, and I can’t wait to remind the world of my strength as I aim to become a world champion,” she added.

135 or 140? Devin Haney must decide by the 21st of July 

The American boxer has the option of facing WBC Super Lightweight champion Regis Prograis, although he could also choose to defend his undisputed championship against mandatory challenger Shakur Stevenson.

Mauricio Sulaimán, president of the WBC, has affirmed to Broadway Joel that Haney has until Friday, July 21 to make a decision about his future, whether to remain at lightweight or make the jump to 140 pounds.

“Regarding Devin Haney, how much time does he have to decide whether he’s going to fight Shakur or he’s going to move up to 140? Is there a time limit?” Joel asked the WBC prez.

“July 21 is the deadline for Devin Haney to confirm if he will fight Prograis or if he will stay in the Lightweight division,” Sulaimán responded.

Sulaiman assured that if Haney (30-0, 15 KO) decides to stay at 135 pounds, he must face Shakur Stevenson.

“He will not have a voluntary defense. He has to face Shakur Stevenson, who is the mandatory challenger in the Lightweight division,” added Sulaimán.

Sports and politics should not be mixed: Dmitry Bivol

When the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, the WBC issued a directive that it would not allow any Russian or Belarusian fighter to fight for a WBC title while the war continued.

However, with Artur Beterbiev, already reigning as the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, an exception was made. Mauricio Sulaimán argued at the time that although Artur is also Russian, he is allowed to fight for the WBC title because he has lived in Canada for 15 years, has a Canadian passport and residence, and a boxing license in Canada.

On the same notion, Sulaimán also indicated that Dmitry Bivol will not be allowed to unify against Canelo or against Beterbiev, while the WBC penalty is in force against Russian fighters.

Bivol addressed that argument, noting that he doesn’t spend that much time in Russia either, but also stressed that this should not be the essential argument.

“Of course, it’s not fair,” Bivol said in an interview with Seconds Out. “How can you call yourself a world champion if someone from a certain country cannot fight for the title, even though that someone may be better than you? It’s not fair. And that someone trains, spends time in the gym, and is not allowed to fight. He is just like you. The only problem with him is that he lives in another place, but he works just like you, he trains, he fights and his mentality is similar to yours, but why isn’t he allowed to fight? It’s not fair”.

“I could ask that they let me fight against Beterbiev because I haven’t spent a lot of time in Russia. To be honest, last year I was not in Russia for more than four months. I went all over the world. But I don’t want that to be my argument for asking for the fight. No, the reason is that sports and politics should not be mixed. Don’t mix it up.”

Bivol noted that he has never been interested in politics and has never been involved in politics.

“All my life, I have only watched sports news on TV” he went on, “I love watching sports. I am not involved in politics. I’m not interested in those topics. For example, I never got involved in the coronavirus issue when it happened. I did not give recommendations to anyone when the coronavirus was in the world, because I am not a doctor. And I’m not a politician to say anything about politics either. I’m an athlete”.

WBC won’t allow Dmitry Bivol to contest for Canelo Álvarez’s WBC belt at 168

Bivol, the WBA titlist at Light Heavyweight, assures that he is only interested in fighting Canelo at 168 pounds and not at 175, because he wants to challenge the Mexican for the four super middleweight world title belts, including the WBC gold.

However, the body maintains a sanction against Russian fighters due to the war that Russia is experiencing with Ukraine. And that way, no Russian fighter, including Bivol, is eligible to fight for a WBC title.

“No, not at this time”, Mauricio Sulaimán said in a recent interview about endorsing the Canelo vs. Bivol rematch at 168. “The definition that was made is clear. It is a constant and consistent position. Bivol has not approached the process that was left open for fighters who wanted to apply to have their specific case reviewed. Bivol has not, so at the moment, Bivol cannot participate in a WBC fight.”

Sulaiman emphasized the position that the WBC maintains in the face of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and that he had already reported when there were negotiations for a fight between Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed light heavyweight title.

“Until there is no boxing in Ukraine, there will be no boxing that the WBC can recognize in Russia”, said Sulaimán reiterating what he had already said a few months ago.

However, the WBC’s ban on Bivol in a fight against Canelo would only apply if the fight takes place at 168 pounds with the Mexican’s super middleweight titles on the line. On the contrary, if the fight is agreed at 175, there would be no such impediment since only the WBA title held by Bivol would be at stake.

Sulaiman reacts to boxing fights in the underground metro in Ukraine

Earlier this week, news of an amateur boxing tournament that was organized in Ukraine in an underground metro station to protect itself from bombing, in the city of Kharkov, made headlines. Sulaiman expressed his satisfaction that the sport is returning to Ukraine after almost 15 months at war.

“The something dramatic, but that is the sport” Sulaimán stated. “The need to practice boxing, the need to be active, to bring out what one carries inside. God wants peace to come, it seems far away, but miracles happen.”

This belt will be a commemorative symbol of Juneteenth Day, a celebration that remembers the day the enslaved African-Americans were freed. On the occasion of this important day, the WBC will award its themed belts to Mayweather, as well as to Robert Smith, James McNair and Deon Taylor for their contributions to society.

“Juneteenth is a national holiday and Floyd Mayweather is the best representative for success and glory through hard work and dedication,” Sulaimán told TMZ Sports. “The WBC will thank and support these four great men who make life better for all every single day.”

Floyd Mayweather Jr. returns on June 11 against John Gotti III.

Since retiring from professional boxing, Mayweather has continued to box in exhibitions that allow boxing fans to enjoy Floyd’s unique and incredible talent.#wbcboxing @FloydMayweather @lunaypr1 @ozuna pic.twitter.com/VtlN2lPGCZ

— World Boxing Council (@WBCBoxing) May 12, 2023

The last time the WBC presented a belt commemorating to Juneteenth, was back in 2021, when they presented the commemorative championship to Jermall Charlo in his victory over Juan Macias Montiel on the 19th of June 19 that year.

This upcoming Mayweather vs. Gotti bout, heading to the LA Live Arena in Sunrise, Florida will be for show only and will not have an official winner, it will only be for the purpose of entertainment.

The fight will take place on 11th June, eight days before Juneteenth, where Mayweather will lock horns against Gotti III, who is the grandson of former American crime boss John Gotti.

This will be the seventh exhibition bout for Mayweather since his retirement fight against Conor McGregor back in 2017. Gotti, on the other hand, has a 2-0 boxing record and also has MMA experience.

Earlier, the council had stated that it would not commission fights in either Russia or Belarus, due to the Russian military operation in Ukraine with aid from Belarus, as part of their joint action with other governing bodies such as the WBA, WBO, and IBF.

“The WBC Board of Governors met and reviewed a specific situation, a specific case,” said the council President Mauricio Sulaiman.

“The WBC has reached a determination after analyzing the current situation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. All fighters from Russia and Belarus are being removed from the WBC rankings. The WBC will not sanction fights in those two countries and no national citizen of those two countries may compete for a WBC championship title. I wish to express our deep sorrow for the athletes, for the promoters, for the members of the Russian and Belarusian boxing industry who will suffer the consequences of the actions outside the ring,” he added. [H/T Sky Sports]

The ruling targets any boxer who is a Russian or Belarusian citizen, but exceptions will be considered for Russian-born boxers living elsewhere or those who have denounced or spoken out against the military operation in public.

“At the Board of Governors meeting on November 6, 2022, the board unanimously approved the resolution to remove all boxers from any of those countries from the world rankings,” the governing body was quoted in an official statement. “Any specific cases of nationals of any of those countries who are permanently residing in other countries, whether they are citizens of other countries or are refugees, who have publicly rejected Russia’s actions in the current situation will have the right to request the WBC to reconsider. The WBC ruling is effective immediately and will remain in effect until such time as Ukraine can resume normal boxing activities or the WBC reviews its decision.”