WBA Orders Romero vs. Giyasov!
By: Jesús Milano
(October 14th) The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee has ordered the welterweight world title bout between champion Rolando Romero and mandatory challenger Shakhram Giyasov, as confirmed through an official communication sent to both parties on Monday, October 13.
The Committee granted the standard 30-day negotiation period, starting October 13 and concluding on November 13.
Romero, who captured the title on May 2 by defeating Ryan García in New York, must defend it within 120 days from the date of acquisition, as established in Championship Rule C.11.
That period expired on September 1, prompting the Committee to issue the mandatory bout notice for Romero, whose next opponent must be the official challenger, Giyasov. Additionally, Championship Rule C.13 stipulates that a champion cannot engage in a non-mandatory fight within 60 days following the expiration of the mandatory defense period.
If both camps fail to reach an agreement within the allotted timeframe, or if either party refuses to negotiate, the Committee may call for a purse bid in accordance with WBA regulations.
WBA Championships Committee Orders
Ball vs. Figueroa Mandatory Fight!
By: Jesús Milano
(October 14th) On Monday, October 13, the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee officially ordered the mandatory featherweight bout between champion Nick Ball and his official challenger, Brandon Figueroa. The Committee issued the communication for the British champion to face Figueroa in the near future.
As customary in mandatory bouts, a 30-day negotiation period has been granted, running until November 12.
In accordance with Championship Rule C.10, Ball must defend his title against the next leading available contender within nine (9) months from the date he became champion. Having won the title on June 1, 2024, the mandatory defense became due on March 1, 2025, meaning he must now face Figueroa.
The WBA has sent official notification to both parties and will await the outcome of negotiations. Should an agreement not be reached within the prescribed timeframe, the Committee may call for a purse bid pursuant to the Association’s internal regulations.
Historic Night In Las Vegas:
Crawford Topples Canelo
To Become Three-Division Undisputed Champion!
By: Rowerth Goncalves
(September 15th) Terence “Bud” Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) carved his name deeper into boxing’s record books on Saturday night at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Omaha native defeated Mexico’s Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs) by unanimous decision (116-112, 115-113, 115-113) to become the first fighter in history to claim undisputed status in three separate weight classes.
Crawford climbed two full divisions to face Álvarez, the longtime pound-for-pound star, and from the opening bell it was clear this wouldn’t be just another fight—it was a chess match at the highest level.
Canelo controlled the early rounds, cutting off the ring effectively and forcing Crawford into defensive mode. Though the Mexican didn’t land many telling blows, his pressure and ring generalship gave him the edge through the first three frames. By the third round, however, Crawford began to let his hands go, showing flashes of the offense that has carried him through an unbeaten career.
From the fourth to the sixth, Crawford’s jab took over. The southpaw stance, the timing, the slick footwork—everything combined to neutralize Canelo’s counters. Crawford’s rhythm, speed, and shoulder-roll defense frustrated the Mexican star, who struggled to find clear openings.
Round by round, Crawford’s intelligence separated him. He varied his attack, mixed movement with well-placed shots, and proved once again why his boxing IQ is among the best of this generation. Canelo pressed forward with his trademark grit, but couldn’t crack the puzzle in front of him.
By the championship rounds, Álvarez fought with urgency, while Crawford—still fresh on his legs—closed strong, slipping punches, scoring clean counters, and making history in the process.
Crawford’s leap up two weight classes was a gamble, but on this night it paid off in full. He walked through fire against one of boxing’s modern greats and came out with his hand raised, becoming the new WBA Super Champion at 168 pounds.
Respect was mutual afterward. Canelo acknowledged Crawford’s brilliance; Crawford acknowledged the risk. But the result is indisputable: the man from Omaha is now a three-division undisputed king.
Rodolfo Puentes Shines
At WBA Future Colombia!
(Rodolfo Puentes Shines at WBA Future Colombia - photo El Rincon Deportivo)
By: Jesús Milano
(September 1st) The spotlight of the WBA Future of Colombian Boxing Program belonged to Rodolfo Puentes, who stopped Andrés Peñaloza by technical knockout this past Saturday at the Gimnasio Cuadrilátero Élite in Barranquilla. It was a dominant showing in the evening’s main event.
The WBA Future initiative, designed to give young fighters opportunities across the globe, once again delivered an entertaining card that streamed live on the official YouTube channel of the World Boxing Association.
Puentes, a 24-year-old super bantamweight, impressed with a sustained body attack that steadily wore down Peñaloza. In the third round, he scored a knockdown with a left hook to the midsection. Though Peñaloza bravely rose, he was clearly diminished and ultimately did not come out for the fourth.
On the undercard, Leider Galvis stopped Wallington Orobio in a rugged third-round battle filled with exchanges, while Edinson Álvarez made quick work of Yeiner Gómez with a first-round knockout.
The card also featured more than ten amateur bouts showcasing young talent from Colombia’s Atlántico region. Each fight streamed live, giving these aspiring fighters an invaluable platform to display their skills.
With each new edition, the WBA Future project continues to grow—building allies, creating opportunities, and paving the way for the next generation of boxing’s stars.
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