The World Boxing Association (WBA), has been removed from BoxRec, the sport’s official record keeper. This came about following the WBA’s controversial decision to take fight data and fighter photos from BoxRec to establish a new relationship with Fight Fax, a lesser-known competitor.
The WBA announced this shift during the WBA Asia Convention in Vietnam, marking a significant change in the boxing landscape. Fight Fax, which had been dormant since 2011, relaunched its social media accounts and website earlier this year, sparking speculation about its return.
Adding to the intrigue, the WBA has partnered with Turki Alalshikh, a prominent Saudi sports promoter, raising questions about the future of boxing record-keeping. Critics have noted that the new Fight Fax website bears a striking resemblance to BoxRec, leading to accusations of data theft and concerns about the integrity of the information.
Since its inception, BoxRec, although has good working relations with the major sanctioning bodies, operates independently, thereby solidifying an unjaundiced and reliable reputation.
Neither the WBA nor BoxRec has responded to the controversy thus far.
Interestingly Saul Alvarez who's ranked #1 on BoxRec in the 168lbs category has a rating of 36 on Fightfax.
Such discrepancies might go a long way to affect boxing business and a middle ground should be found soon
John Sheppard started BoxRec around the year 2000 and the it has since grown to become boxing's official record keeper. Having very strong rapport with the Association of Boxing Commissions ( ABC).
The World Boxing Association ( WBA) founded in 1962 is the oldest major sanctioning body. It used to be known as National Boxing Association (NBA)
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By Samuel Opoku Amoah
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