The year 2025 has ushered in a significant milestone for the World Boxing Association’s (WBA) Future Champions program. This initiative, brainchild of WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, has been meticulously nurtured over the past seven years. Its mission is crystal clear: to equip budding boxers with essential tools and cultivate talent from the ground up.
The program’s evolution has been steady and purposeful. It has become a beacon of hope for young fighters worldwide, offering them a platform to hone their skills and showcase their talent. The WBA’s commitment to grassroots development is evident in the program’s structure, which focuses on training, mentorship, and competitive exposure.
In other news, the WBA has recently updated its rankings following a high-profile bout. Jake Paul, the popular American YouTuber turned boxer, has been removed from the cruiserweight rankings after a knockout loss to former heavyweight world champion Anthony Joshua. The fight, which took place on December 20 in Miami, saw Joshua secure a victory in the sixth round. This loss marks Paul’s second professional defeat, with his record now standing at 12 wins and 2 losses.
Despite the setback, Paul’s journey in the boxing world has been noteworthy. His unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June 2025 earned him a spot in the WBA’s cruiserweight rankings. However, the recent loss to Joshua has resulted in his removal from these rankings. Paul is currently not ranked by any other sanctioning bodies.
Looking ahead, the boxing world is gearing up for an exciting year. The first championship event of 2026 will feature an all-women’s card, headlined by Amanda Serrano defending her WBA and WBO featherweight titles against Reina Tellez. Serrano, a future Hall-of-Famer, has made history as the only Puerto Rican boxer to win world titles in more than four divisions. Her record of 47-4-1 with 31 KOs is a testament to her dominance in the sport.
The Serrano-Tellez fight is expected to be a major event, with the boxers making their ring walks around 11:00 p.m. ET. This bout is poised to set the tone for a thrilling year in women’s boxing, continuing the momentum generated by landmark events such as the 2022 Madison Square Garden main event between Serrano and Katie Taylor.
As the WBA’s Future Champions program continues to flourish, the boxing world can look forward to a new generation of talented fighters emerging on the scene. The program’s success is a testament to the WBA’s dedication to nurturing talent and promoting the sport at all levels.
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