“Extorting Boxing by Introducing Fake Belts”: Fans Go Wild as a WBC Title Once Held by Canelo, Lopez, Lomachenko, and Others Maybe Gone “Forever”

In 2018, the world met the first ‘franchise’ champion Saul’ Canelo’ Alvarez. The future Super Middleweight undisputed title holder received the elevated status from WBC. The latter wanted to recognize a boxer, a reigning WBC champion, ‘who has achieved and maintains the highest of stature in the sport.’ The questionable move invited widespread criticism at the time on account of creating unwarranted muddles within divisions. Now speaking to Chris Mannix, WBC head Mauricio Sulaiman hinted at scrapping the dubious belt.

Michael Benson tweeted yesterday on Sulaiman calling a halt to the WBC ‘franchise’ title. During the conversation with veteran Sports Illustrated journalist Chris Mannix, the latter reportedly said, “We don’t have any petitions right now, maybe there will not be any petitions, maybe it’s gone forever, I don’t know yet.” Soon a barrage of comments followed. Most appeared harmonious with the step.

Mauricio Sulaiman hints, and Fans respond – One less in a heap of belts

The following user stipulates the main reason the latest development sprung from. According to him, Errol Spence Jr. questioned the presence of too many belts. Moreover, the champion enquired about the whereabouts of the 3% as well. Using bogus belts, the WBC head avoids embarrassment as he flees the sport, the user lamented.

Oliver highlighted the sheer stupidity behind the franchise belt. He observed how a few so-called champions are undisputed title holders despite not having the legitimate WBC belt.

Claiming that two of the biggest names in WBC, ‘Canelo’ and Tyson Fury, barely fought a genuine fighter in their careers, Juan Neal believes that the franchise champions lived a life of luxury cherry-picking their opponents.

The following user believes the franchise champion set up cheated Teofimo Lopez out of the undisputed championship when he held every justification to claim it.

The following user highlighted that boxers receive franchise belts for no reason other than preferences and to avoid necessary potions. Most importantly, the user contends they are not equivalent to world titles. It contradicts the belief a few boxers, such as Teofimo Lopez, hold.

According to a 2021 article in ‘boxingscene.com,’ Mauricio Sulaiman explained the concept of a ‘franchise’ title. He said, “The WBC introduced the Franchise boxer concept and rule, a couple of years ago. The Franchise boxer is a special designation and privileged status [that] the WBC may bestow to a current WBC world champion, who is also an elite boxer, and who has achieved and maintains the highest [of] stature in the sport….”

According to the governing body, it’s purely honorary and cannot be transferred from one boxer to another. However, many fans are yet to forget that soon after Vasiliy Lomachenko became the ‘franchise’ champion, the defeat to Teofimo Lopez resulted in him losing out the ‘franchise’ belt.

Read More: Post WBC’s Order for a Heavyweight Eliminator Fight, Deontay Wilder’s Coach Announces That a “Helluva Offer” Was Made to Andy Ruiz Jr

What’s your take on the reactions? Please share your thoughts and views with us in the comments below.

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