The World Boxing Council (WBC) has recently provided clarity on the status of David Benavidez’s world title at 175lbs as he prepares to face unified cruiserweight champion Gilberto Ramirez in May. This announcement comes on the heels of controversy surrounding Shakur Stevenson’s lightweight title, which has since been vacated.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman has been proactive in addressing various title situations across multiple weight classes. In addition to Benavidez’s status, Sulaiman has shown support for a cruiserweight unification bout between Jai Opetaia and Noel Mikaelian. Mikaelian, the current WBC belt-holder, has already had a face-off with Opetaia, setting the stage for a potential unification showdown.
In the heavyweight division, Oleksandr Usyk, who holds the WBC, WBA, and IBF titles, is expected to make a voluntary defense of his WBC title. Agit Kabayel, the WBC interim title holder, is slated to become the mandatory challenger for Usyk, provided he retains his interim title. This strategic move by the WBC allows Usyk the opportunity to solidify his position as the elite champion.
Meanwhile, the heavyweight landscape continues to evolve with both established stars and rising contenders vying for supremacy. Deontay Wilder is set to return to the ring in April to face Derek Chisora in the UK. Moses Itauma, a 21-year-old rising star with an impressive record of 13-0 and 11 KOs, could potentially earn a shot at the WBA title later this year if he emerges victorious in his upcoming fight against Jermaine Franklin on March 28.
Anthony Joshua, another prominent figure in the heavyweight division, is expected to be in a title fight later this year. Despite potential setbacks against Usyk or other contenders, Joshua’s prospects remain bright, with a highly anticipated fight against Dubois potentially on the horizon.
The boxing world is also abuzz with updates in the pound-for-pound rankings. Stevenson’s recent move up the ranks has caused a significant shake-up in the top 10. In the women’s division, Turhan has managed to retain her spot at 135 pounds, while new entries in the lower divisions are making waves.
As the boxing landscape continues to shift and evolve, fans can look forward to a series of high-stakes matches and potential title unifications that promise to deliver excitement and drama in the ring.
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