Floyd Mayweather’s Warning About WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF Still Stands True 3 Years After His Viral Rant

Among the various combat sports, boxing is often considered to be one of the most lucrative ones. There are several reasons behind such expression as boxers are able to make a fortune through their fights. However, there are also some costs hidden behind the glitz and glamor of the lavish lifestyle that casual fans might not be aware of.

Apart from the apparent logistics and preparation expenses, a significant burden falls on the boxers in the form of sanctioning fees paid to the governing bodies. The four major sanctioning bodies, the WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF each possess their coveted belt. These bodies impose fees for every title fight, creating an additional financial hurdle for the fighters. An old clip featuring boxing legend Floyd Mayweather talking to a Showtime Sports reporter on the sidelines of the Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz fight in October 2020 is gaining viral attention for a crucial point it highlights.

Floyd Mayweather Asserts: “Y’all Gotta Clean This Sh** Up”

The clip, which was recently reposted by boxing reporter Michael Benson, features Floyd Mayweather Jr. expressing his frustration about what he perceives as unfair fees imposed by boxing commissions. Additionally, Mayweather discusses his concerns about the excessive number of championships within each weight class.

In the clip, Mayweather emphasized the negative impact of the mandatory sanctioning fees on the sport’s credibility. “People don’t know you have to pay, for every belt you win, there’s a sanctioning fee. If a fighter has an interim belt, he needs to pay a sanctioning fee. If a fighter has just the regular belt, he has to pay a sanctioning fee. Then, if a fighter is a super champion, then he has to pay a sanctioning fee. This is not good for the sport of boxing.”

Moreover, highlighted the proliferation of champions, diluting the prestige associated with the title. He expressed his concern, stating, “Every fighter is a champion now… Belts are now like a fighter winning an amateur trophy…The WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, y’all gotta clean this sh** up…. We gotta clean this sport of boxing up. This sh** don’t look good.” 

Considering how much the boxers need to pay the sanctioning body, Mayweather’s concern seems understandable, and things have not changed.

How much do these sanctioning bodies charge?

In the realm of professional boxing, understanding the World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF), and World Boxing Organization (WBO) sanctioning fees can be a complex task. Each organization has its own set of rules and charges, impacting both promoters and boxers financially.

The WBC’s guidelines stipulate an annual registration fee for promoters, ranging around $7,000. Fight-specific fees vary between $5,000 and $25,000, depending on title type and weight category. Minimum payments for champions and challengers in earnings up to $100,000 are $3,000 and $1,000, respectively, while vacant belts require both parties to pay $2,000 each.

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Transitioning to the WBO, their fee structure is more straightforward. Promoters face no charges, and champions contribute 3% of their fight purse, with a set minimum of $1,000 and a cap of $200,000. Unification fights alter this slightly, with a 2% fee on the purse while maintaining the same minimum and maximum limits.

What do you think about Floyd Mayweather’s concern? Do you think the situation will change anytime soon?

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