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Do We Really Need Extra WBA Titles?

Are you tired of all the BOGUS Boxing Organizations around today?

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wba-logo-488x488By Jose “Silensachi” Batista

It is difficult enough in boxing to separate title holders from the true champions of each division, sometimes the answer is not clear cut. Every sanctioning body handles their titles differently. The WBA (World Boxing Association) has been known to have multiple title holders within the same division.

Recently the WBA implemented a plan in which they would reduce the number of title holders within a division. Each respective weight class has multiple WBA champions. There are “super” champions, “regular” champions and also interim titlist. This is a lot to keep up for even some of the most diehard fans let alone casual observers of the sweet science.

The WBA has recently approved a bout between Shannon “The Cannon” Briggs against Lucas “Big Daddy” Browne of Australia. On the WBA’s official website it announces their upcoming scheduled bout.

“Lucas Browne, currently ranked #3 by the WBA, must fight former heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs for vacant WBA World Heavyweight vacant title before December 31, 2016.”

What the WBA did not state is that the bout will be for their “regular” title. The “super” title will be decided between Wladimir Klitschko and Anthony Joshua this upcoming Spring in 2017.

Browne, 24-0, 21 KO’s is rated #9 in the world according to Boxrec, his opponent however is nowhere near the top 20. Briggs, 60-6-1, 53 KO’s is rated #37 according to Boxrec. It is pitiful that Briggs would be in line for the WBA title, even if it is a secondary title.
The Brooklyn native, Briggs, is a former WBO champion and is way past his prime. One thing he has going for him is his charisma which is probably at an all-time high with his legion of fans chanting, “Let’s Go Champ.”

“The winner of that fight must face Fres Oquendo, who by court order from the State of New York is the mandatory to fight for the WBA World heavyweight title within 120 days”, according to the WBA.

The question at hand becomes why do we need so many titles? If Briggs wins he will have beaten a legitimate top 10 heavyweight which makes the win credible, however he probably shouldn’t get the title shot in the first place. There is no knock-on Briggs he brings entertainment to a fight, but there are just other opponents who are more deserving.

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