From the reactions that have been pouring in, to many it might appear that the WBC has served the fans a solid reason to roast them on a platter. The sanctioning body, reports suggest, has introduced a commemorative belt for next weekend’s Canelo Alvarez versus Edgar Berlanga clash. However, a few followers do not appear too pleased with the move.

One by one, many joined the comments box, jeering WBC’s latest move. Alvarez and Berlanga square off at the T Mobile Arena on September 14 for the super middleweight champion’s unified titles. The much-anticipated bout falls on the back of the Mexican icon’s Cinco de Mayo title defense against Jaime Munguia.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga: ‘Belted’ in traditions

“The WBC have created a new special WBC ‘Tamaulipas II’ belt, which will be awarded to the winner of Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga on September 14th,” read Michael Benson‘s latest tweet. According to WBC’s official website, ‘the beautiful Cuera Tamaulipeca, a typical costume that represents this beautiful state’, has been the inspiration behind making the belt. ‘Tamaulipas’ is one of the states in Mexico famous for its traditional embroidered jackets.

Given that his parents came from the state capital, Ciudad Victoria, Mauricio Sulaiman highlighted how ‘Tamaulipas’ is so dear to his heart. The WBC President said, “This September edition of the Commemorative Belt is magnificent. This special recognition will be given to the winner of the Canelo vs. Berlanga fight, who star in a new chapter of the greatest boxing rivalry between countries: Mexico vs. Puerto Rico.”

The suede belt, decorated with beautiful leather embroidery, follows its predecessor. The all-Mexican clash between Canelo Alvarez and Jaime Munguia saw the release of ‘Tamaulipas’. At the time, Mauricio Sulaiman revealed that more than 10 skilled workers participated in the process to make the belt made at the famed workshop, ‘Haeberi Piel Artesania Tamaulipeca’.

But why?

But despite the reasons, few users appeared satisfied with the justifications present for introducing the new belt. Let’s check what a few of them had to say.

“WBC have more belts than there are fighters. Lmao, WBC was once the most sought-after belt; now it’s a joke belt!”” said this fan. Perhaps they feel that the sanctioning body’s excessive number of belts might have diminished the value and respect associated with their championships.

The next fan believes the WBC shouldn’t exhibit preferential treatment. They should be consistent, and the belt system should be applicable across the divisions rather than selectively applied. “Really? Why not make it for all divisions? Why the treatment?” the fan asked.

“Can we please stop making new belts?” The following fan requested halting such practices of issuing new belts. The constant introduction of new ones is rather diminishing the significance and prestige of the existing ones; they seem to believe, “It’s taking away how special they are.”

The next user highlighted WBC’s inability to have their way around Canelo Alvarez. They mocked whether WBC would have stripped Canelo Alvarez of his titles had David Benavidez activated his mandatory status. “But Canelo fans will say “all Benavidez had to do was activate his mandatory and the WBC would have stripped Canelo.”. They aren’t forcing Canelo to do anything he doesn’t want to,” the user said.

This follower also criticized the overabundance of belts and suggested how it has diluted their significance. Alvarez has won so many titles in his life. Hence they wondered whether he would even remember when a particular belt came. The follower said, “Canelo [is] not even going to remember which fight this was from where he won this belt.” LMAOOOO, dude got one from the Munguia and Munguia fight too.”

To be fair on WBC, it has a history of introducing special belts for major fights. Who can forget the ‘Maya I’ for Canelo Alvarez versus Daniel Jacobs, 2019? Or, for that matter, ‘Chiapaneco II for the Golovkin rematch.

Outside of the WBC, fans may remember the special ‘Undisputed’ belt for the undisputed battle between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The September 14 card features some exciting lineups. The event will witness the return of Danny Garcia, who fought two years ago. Then Caleb Plant, Stephen Fulton, and Rolando Romero also join, all looking to bounce back from recent losses.

What is your take on the WBC belt? Do you also go with the fans’ opinions?