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:
WBC president Mauricio Sulaimán on Barcelona-Real Madrid La Liga finals
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Tue, 12 May 2026Canadian Cruiserweight Contender Ryan Rozicki Fires Warning Shot at Chris Billam-Smith Ahead of Zuffa Boxing 07 showdown on June 6
Tue, 12 May 2026Judgement Day coming this Friday In Germany for Paddy Donovan
Tue, 12 May 2026Six Rounds to Silence the Magic Man: Why Rolando Dy is Malignaggi’s Worst Nightmare
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Mon, 11 May 2026The Eternal Contender: Inside Nonito Donaire’s Record-Breaking Title Run
By Dong Secuya, Mon, 11 May 2026Boxing trio reunited up there
By Joaquin Henson, Mon, 11 May 20261st CK Ingles Chess Kings Set to Kick Off
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 11 May 2026Zhu Outguns "The Assassin" Ian Abne in Cebu Thriller, Earns Shot at IBF Champ Taduran
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 10 May 2026Arañas Survives Harsh Knockdown, Stops Noynay to Claim WBF Strap in Cebu (Fist of Fury X Results)
By Carlos Costa, Sun, 10 May 2026Mindoro faces strong Mexican opponent
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 10 May 2026Blood, Grit, and Iron: Zhu Outlasts Abne in a Cebu War
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 10 May 2026Tickets ON SALE NOW for Abdullah Mason-Joe Cordina at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center
Sat, 09 May 2026IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia bags gold in ASEAN E-Sports chess qualifying round
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 09 May 2026Wardley vs Dubois: Heavyweight Tussle in Manchester
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 09 May 2026Fireworks Expected as Cebu's Arañas and Noynay Rumble for WBF Silver Belt
By Carlos Costa, Sat, 09 May 2026