The four top sanctioning bodies in boxing – WBC, WBA, WBO and IBF – are subject to considerable criticism from fans, media and fighters, often for good reason.
Too many belts, not enforcing mandatories and questionable ranking decisions are some of the most common grievances aired.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman found himself on the receiving end of a grilling recently, to the point where he almost cut the interview short.
Broadway Joel pressed Sulaiman on why WBC middleweight champion Jermall Charlo had not been stripped of his title, given he has not boxed in over two years.
The interviewer asked why Charlo had not been named ‘champion in recess’, as per the WBC’s rules, considering his last defence was against Juan Macias Montiel in June of 2021.
Sulaiman said the circumstances were different.
“The WBC has full authority to take every single case and address it as we deem necessary. So we are handling and administering this case, and we will support Charlo.”
“He has had an injury last year, and then he has had [a] mental wellness situation and we’re supporting him.”
Sulaiman was asked about ‘documentation’ on the status of Charlo.
“I don’t need to provide any documentation, but we have it. Absolutely [we have it] and I met with him.”
Pressed on the idea that there was “documentation for the mental issue”, Sulaiman considered cutting the interview short.
“Man, what are you trying to get out of this? I don’t like your style.”
“If you continue this, I’m going to end the interview. You think you’re an attorney? I don’t know what you think you are.”
Charlo had been heavily tipped to take on Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez this autumn, however withdrew from negotiations at the last hour.
His twin brother, undisputed super welterweight champion Jermell, stepped in and will face Alvarez on September 20th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
There have since been increased calls for Jermall to be stripped of his middleweight strap and for interim champion, Carlos Adames, to be elevated to the full title.
However, Sulaiman’s comments would indicate this is unlikely to happen any time soon.