The International Boxing Federation (IBF) caught a lot of flack from Dana White and also Jai Opetaia’s legal team for not taking part in sanctioning Opetaia’s title fight against Brandon Langton a few weeks ago due to the fact that the Zuffa belt — which IBF does not acknowledge as a boxing sanctioning body — was on the line.
Now, it seems we have the same type of drama brewing for the major upcoming cruiserweight title fight between Gilberto Ramirez and David Benavidez, which is set to go down on
May 2, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada for what was initially set to be for Ramirez’ WBA (Super) and WBO Cruiserweight titles.
According to Boxing Scene, WBO isn’t fully onboard with sanctioning the bout. That’s because WBC has decided to get into the mix — despite not having an official title on the line — by creating a special commemorative belt for the winner dubbed the “Tollan Tlatequi” belt
“The winner of the fight between David Benavidez and Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramírez will take home the commemorative Tollan Tlatequi Belt,“ explained WBC. ”
“Benavidez, as the WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, has sought and been granted permission to challenge Zurdo’s WBA and WBO Cruiserweight Titles. This is the first time two fighters of Mexican heritage will fight for the cruiserweight crown. To mark the occasion, the WBC has created a special commemorative belt, dedicated to the state of Hidalgo and designed by Imperio de Metal.“
Take a look at the belt below:
Of course, WBC is spearheaded by Mauricio Sulaiman, who has been front and center of a lot of backlash from fighters such as Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, both of whom were stripped of their respective WBC belts after their most recent wins as a result of sanctioning fee disputes.
Meanwhile, WBO isn’t feeling the made up strap, saying WBC violated regulations in creating the belt for the winner.
“The World Boxing Organization has clearly established the conditions under which sanction approval could be granted, including the championship belts to be contested, displayed and awarded,” WBO President Gustavo Olivieri told BoxingScene. “We expect full adherence and compliance by the relevant parties, including the promoters of record, which have been duly notified.”
Per the report, WBA is on board (for now).
The reluctance from both IBF and now WBO in recent weeks doesn’t do the sanctioning bodies any favors in Dana White’s argument that there are too many belts floating around, further complicating the crowning of champions in boxing despite it being the norm for years now.
Of course, should WBO stand firm in its stance Ramirez will likely be stripped of the title, much like IBF did Opetaia, which proved to be a more complicated move than expected.
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