WBA Could a Throw Monkey Wrench on Pacquiao's Plan for Early 2020
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 02 Dec 2019
The World Boxing Associaion (WBA) could throw a monkey wrench on any intermediate plan of WBA welterweight super champion Manny Pacquiao even as he still vacillates between Danny and Mikey Garcia (no relations) as his first opponent for 2020.
This becomes a distinct possibility after it crowned Russian Alexander Besputin as new WBA welterweight regular champion following his unanamous decision win over fellow Russian Rabzhad Butaev in Monaco Saturday night.
With the victory, Besputin did not only win the belt Pacquiao himself once held but also made the Russian the mandatory challenger for the super title held by the Filipino.
In this scenario, the WBA could mandate Pacquiao to fight Besputin next regardless of whatever plan the Filipino has in the offing and without even having the Russian make an initial title defense of the regular title.
It is worth noting that while Danny and Mikey are both rated by the WBA, they are just numbers 4 and 5, respectively in the latest ranking behind Cuban Yurdenis Ugas who could even claim to have precedence to any title crack.
The two Garcias have previously been more identified with the rival World Boxing Council (WBC) with the two once holding titles under that organization, hence the WBA might not look kindly to their bid to fight Pacquiao for its welterweight super title. Not after the two were soundly defeated in their last title fights outside of the WBA.
Besputin and Butaev, being the top two rated contenders were made to fight for the WBA regular title which was removed from Pacquiao after he defeated Keith Thurman last July for the WBA super title. Besputin defeated Butaev by unanimous decision to claim the title.
Curiously, American Vergil Ortiz fought and defeated fellow American Antonio Orozco supposedly for the same regular belt last October. It will now appear that it did not have the official sanction of the WBA.
The WBA traces its roots to the original National Boxing Association which was the lone world boxing authority and sanctioning body in the early years. But it lost some of its sheen and clout with the emergence of the WBC in early 1960s. And the IBF as well as the WBO in the 80s and the 90s.
The WBA is now at times infamously known for its multiple world titles which however suits well with many fighters, managers and promoters as pro boxing becomes more and more a business proposition.
However, the WBA could be as officious and strict like its forerunner NBA in exacting compliance to its policies, orders, rules and regulations.
Not even the great Muhammad Ali was spared from the WBA throwing its weight around in his heydays.
Manny Pacquiao could defy the WBA but only at the risk of losing his world title as Ali did in his time.
Perhaps it would be advisable for Pacquiao to make known his definite plan for early 2020 as early as possible to preclude any WBA move to pair him against Besputin or whoever it may grant its favor.
The author Teodoro Medina Reynoso is a veteran boxing radio talk show host living in the Philippines. He can be reached at teddyreynoso@yahoo.com and by phone 09215309477.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Teodoro Medina Reynoso.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxing Golden Age Comparison - Philippines and Japan
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kittipong, Magdalena, Kim, Kritiphak Claim Wins in Brico Santig's Show in Bangkok
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Kremlev, Crawford, Fury Launch IBA's Golden Era of International Boxing
Fri, 04 Jul 2025International Master Angelo Young stays on course for GM norm
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 04 Jul 2025Robby Gonzales and Yoseline Perez Progress to Semifinals at World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Fri, 04 Jul 2025Fireworks Ahead: Magsayo vs Mata in Prelims of Pacquiao vs Barrios
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Japan's Boxing Golden Age Remains Limited to the Lower Weights
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 03 Jul 2025No issues with fight ref
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimàn: Grand Muay Thai event in Verona
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Thu, 03 Jul 2025Morelle McCane and Rene Camacho Advance to Quarterfinals of World Boxing Cup: Astana 2025
Thu, 03 Jul 20253 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Marco Antonio Barrera Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
Thu, 03 Jul 2025ESPN Original Series The Fight Life Returns for Season Two on July 7
Wed, 02 Jul 2025TOP-RATED LIGHTWEIGHT KO ARTIST ARMANDO MARTINEZ RABI RETURNS
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Amazing Muay Thai WBC Festival 2025
Wed, 02 Jul 2025Borromeo Leads Winners of the Philippine Speedcubing Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 02 Jul 2025