The World Boxing Association continues to prolong its regular champion program after allowing David Morrell to pick and choose his division.
Morrell is apparently a champion in two divisions, leading the WBA to urge the Cuban to choose between super middleweight and light heavyweight. However, Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol are the recognized titleholders in both those weight classes and the WBA has made no moves whatsoever to make Morrell face either belt holder.
It’s not Morrell’s fault, as the WBA had promised to eradicate all secondary titles from its roster. They seem happy to switch a ‘champion’ between weight classes, declaring him so when the vast majority of those who follow the sport know Morrell has never been a champion in his professional career.
The fact that the WBA keeps allowing that situation to happen is detrimental only to the boxers themselves.
Making a statement on Morrell’s designation, the WBA said, “Cuban David Morrell formally informed the World Boxing Association [WBA] that he will vacate his super middleweight belt to remain as champion in the light heavyweight category.
“The Cuban had requested permission to fight on August 3 at the Riyadh Season in a bout for the light heavyweight belt of the pioneer organization against Radivoje Kalajdzic, whom he defeated by unanimous decision.
“After obtaining the 175-pound belt and, in addition, holding the 168-pound belt, he had to choose the category in which he would fight from now on, and, in the end, he chose the light heavyweight, leaving the super middleweight belt vacant. Dmitry Bivol is the super champion and will fight Artur Beterbiev for the undisputed championship in October.
“The WBA replied to Morrell, thanking him for his personal and sporting qualities, wishing the best for his future, and ensuring that he continues to represent the colors of the pioneer organization, now in a new division.”
The fact that the WBA gives hope to titleholders who, in every sense of the word, are not bonafide champions continues to hold the sport back.
There should be one champion per division. Full stop.
The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay. Learn more, read all articles from the experienced boxing writer, and follow on Twitter @PhilJWBN.
