Alphabet belts - the scourge of modern boxing? by Steve Wellings Sep 17th 2008

Of all the many problems in boxing, one subject is bound to stir up debate amongst any ardent fans discussing the sport. Unaffectionately known by many as “Alphabet Belts” in reference to the mind boggling jumble of letters, the minor organisations are now part of boxing, whether we like it or not. Aside from the trivialities of knowing the IBA from the WBU, the argument rests on a more serious note of whether these titles really do irreparable harm to the state of the game. Representative of the World Boxing Empire (WBE) Mark Chang doesn't agree with all the negativity surrounding minor belts. “While we agree that it is easier from a fan's perspective to recognize a single champion, with the infrequency of title defences, this is not a model that allows worthy contenders to fight for a title in a timely manner. “More sanctioning bodies mean more opportunities for boxers, which is why we rarely hear the boxers themselves complaining about too many sanctioning bodies.” But it is the likes of the WBE that are milking the sport by raking in sanctioning fees. Individual boxer's views on sanctioning bodies would certainly vary depending on whose opinion you were seeking. The chance for a lower ranked fighter to proclaim himself a “world champion” would hold significant appeal, not to mention potential financial benefits. Veteran Rob Calloway has held his fair share of trinkets during a sixteen year pro career. “Basically these belts are just a stepping stone to bigger things,” admits Calloway. “If for example you are fighting out in the Midwest then the promoter can bring in a title and it makes things a little more interesting for the fans. They aren't much good for anything else though.” Australian middleweight Jamie Pittman generally agrees, but used the WBF belt as a learning process. “The WBF is not really worth much but it was a stepping stone fight and it was the first time I had trained to fight 12 rounds. I never classed myself as a world champion though.” In a break from the general consensus, Ed Levine's International Boxing Organisation (IBO) use computerised rankings to determine their ratings. Furthermore they do not impose mandatory defences on champions and sternly announce “We are not controlled by promoters.” The latter comment is a clear backbite at the political relationships between some promoters and sanctioning bodies. Aiming to become established as a credible organisation, IBO representative Jeremy Levine states, “Boxing doesn't need more titles, but it needs an honest one.” While the lesser outfits are widely chastised, it is hard to suppose the so called “Big Four” are indeed any better for boxing. The WBC's famous u-turn in the late nineties involving Roy Jones Jr and Graciano Rocchigiani almost put them out of business. Like many of their esteemed contemporaries, the organisation is beset with a swarm of splintered belts, ranging from Emeritus status and FECARBOX champions to the bewildering CABOFE. Acronyms aside, this just serves to confuse the casual fan even more. The WBA, another member of the valued foursome, offers a confusing “Super Champion” which allows a boxer to fight for their “world championship” whilst the true champion is elevated to a higher status. It kicks in when the WBA wishes to retain a champion who has unhelpfully unified one or more of the other belts at the weight! Incidentally the Japanese Boxing Commission only sanctions ‘world' title bouts when either the WBC or WBA are involved. Charismatic president of the Atlanta, Georgia based International Boxing Union (IBU) Don “Moose” Lewis set about re-forming the IBU in 1997 out of the ashes of the former European organisation. Lewis feels he has a key role in the sport. “The IBU aims to give the fighters a chance at a world title belt but without the politics involved in boxing. That's what we need to eliminate.” Similar to others from such bodies that I spoke too, Lewis' reasons for creating an organisation are admirable, but his presence is just adding to the clutter. The search for a stable, reputable source of ratings is ongoing and the famed Ring magazine is seen as a silent authority on the world scene. The presence of the Ring belt often eclipses other minor straps on show. Although their ratings mostly coincide with the general consensus, the fact remains they are another list of opinions by a group of people admittedly untouched by the political influence of promoters (What about the magazine's new owners though...Golden Boy Promotions?- Ed.). But as Moose Lewis points out, “They are not bound by the same set of rules like the rest of us.” Based out of Australia and in function since 2004, the World Boxing Federation (WBF) has a comprehensive and balanced ratings system on their website. The top ten of each weight class appears fair and many fans would probably be in agreement. The issue usually lies in the man at the top of the tree; the WBF belt holder, sitting above the world's best fighters and often only a domestic level operator in his own right. After starting life in the US, the WBF relocated to the Pacific under current president Mick Croucher, a former pro during the 1960's. “The sanctioning bodies provide opportunities for boxers and promoters to pick and choose who they want to work with. It is not uncommon for a promoter to seek and ask bodies for a price to sanction a bout and often go to the cheapest supplier (sanctioning body),” states the Aussie veteran. “I know there are multiple titles out there but they are usually filled by boxers, not all of which are in the elite class. Like tennis and other games they have B, C & D class competition and a lot of bodies provide for this. It gives a chance for a boxer to achieve a title and end up with a belt.” Croucher appears far removed from the stereotypical image of a greedy businessman trying to make a quick buck. The WBF heavyweight title (once in the capable hands of Audley Harrison) is now cared for by Albert Sosnowski. Interestingly enough, Sosnowski's number one contender is Wladimir Klitschko. In the boxing mainstream with its multimillion dollar television rights and sold out arenas, it is easy to forget about the promoters at the grass roots level, trying to break even on a local show. Ken Purchase, the head of UK based Ringside promotions argues that a title, no matter how frivolous, can bring in vital extra revenue come fight night. “It's important for boxers to be fighting for titles to encourage the public to come along to these spectacles,” says Purchase. “Professional boxing at grass root levels is going to be about the boxer being able to put bums on seats because the promoter can't do it all for him. Part of the negotiation about his pay is going to be about how many tickets he can sell.” Purchase is shrewd enough to know that the belts on offer may mean little, but that matters not when it comes to selling out a small hall. “I know the hardcore boxing people understand that it's not much of a title, but to the fighters, who are selling tickets to people that know them, like family and friends -not necessarily boxing fans- it allows more money to come into the promotions. “You used the word ‘minor' titles but Ricky Hatton held one for a very long time, as did many of Frank Warren's fighters, so they're not minor to the boxer,” adds veteran manager Jack Doughty, who guided featherweight Choi Tseveenpurev to WBF and WBU title successes. “It would be simpler of course if we could all say who the world champion is, but we can't anymore so we need to face reality. These titles are important for the boys who win them because they can earn some money. Even with the WBF title, Choi became a big hero in Mongolia, so in the long term they're a good thing.” Now all too familiar to British boxing fans, the WBU have recently been up for sale and proclaim on their website: “The WBU has a reputation for honesty and integrity throughout the sport of which it is rightly proud."  (I don't know about WBU but this should win the WTF belt - Ed.) “Every title is a good title and I want to win as many as I can,” states WBU lightweight champion Lee McAllister. “The WBU is obviously not recognised as much, I want to be a WBC or IBF champion. Ricky Hatton made a lot of money off it though and if it's good enough for him then it's good enough for me.” The road to a “genuine” world title is even more blurred than ever and while some still tread the traditional route, others now take a shortcut. The quality of the boxer still makes the belt and this fact will remain. The perceived threat of the MMA and UFC shook boxing out of a deep sleep in 2007, making it a year to remember, where great fighters fought one another and the appearance of any belt was relegated to the sidelines. Boxing is a lucrative business and it seems everybody wants a piece of the pie. Perhaps with the established organisations straining the patience of the fans, it is time for us to embrace the new members of the boxing world. “Just because they have been around a long time, does not mean they are any better,” Jeremy Levine comments, in response to the “Big Four”. As long as bodies continue to get licensed, sanction fights and hold a purpose amongst promoters and television companies alike, then they will continue to play a part in the business of boxing.

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Great work Sep 18th 2008, 09:03:45 by davidpayne Not forgetting the other sanctioning bodies the HBO, PPV and P4P which appear to predominate proceedings at the elite level. After all, to which body are the Hopkins v Pavlik, Jones v Calzaghe and DLH v Manny bouts being attributed? Enjoyed the article, well researched and interesting inputs mate. Great stuff.   you forgot.... Sep 17th 2008, 15:16:32 by gkt999 and then there is the Northern Ireland Area Title. "Boxing is a lucrative business and it seems everybody wants a piece of the pie. Perhaps with the established organisations straining the patience of the fans, it is time for us to embrace the new members of the boxing world." Is that not the time that things start to head towards the Non - BBBoC route ? and in my opinion things just are not run as professionally and the safety and medical needs of the boxers are not foremost in the "New" boards minds ?