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Home » USA move could backfire badly amid WBA “cash for rankings” row

USA move could backfire badly amid WBA “cash for rankings” row

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  • 3 min read

WBA President Gilberto Mendoza announced plans to move headquarters to the USA from Panama. The trouble is they might not be welcome.

The World Boxing Association is currently under review over allegations of corruption in a “cash for rankings” row.

WBA Cash for Rankings row

A stunning turn of events saw the WBA subjected to accusations of taking payments to rank certain fighters.

The Association of Boxing Commissions, based in the USA and overseeing sanctioning bodies, warned the WBA over the claims.

“If these allegations against the WBA are confirmed, ABC will take action,” ABC CEO Mike Mazzulli told Kevin Iole of Yahoo Sports.

“The WBA will no longer have the right to do business in the United States. If the accusation is confirmed, ABC will take drastic action and issue a press release stating that no one from the WBA will be able to be in the United States.

“The U.S. government created ABC to protect integrity and safety.”

Scrutiny of WBA President

Mendoza is under scrutiny again, months after starting a clean-up of the title belts. The WBA also re-hired a judge who posted racist tweets without revealing whether they’d gone through any awareness course.

The latest problems stem from the ratings. Several questionable rankings over the years, like Joe Fournier, Bermane Stiverne, Christopher Lovejoy, and many more, are getting linked to the allegations.

With a reputation already under fire, the WBA faces a fight to gain a foothold in the United States after confirming plans to move.

“Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, president of the World Boxing Association (WBA), announced that the pioneer organization is in the process of moving its office to the United States,” said the WBA.

“The body, which has been headquartered in Panama in recent years, will have its main office in Houston. It’s a city with great tradition, allowing the WBA to return to U.S. soil after so many years.”

World Boxing Association – U.S. move

Mendoza added to Fight News: “After 100 years, the pioneer sanctioning body shall be back in America. It’s the right time to settle back in the most influential boxing market of the sport.”

The president talked about the WBA’s objectives on U.S. soil and how he wants to work: “Besides seeking to bond with every single member of the American boxing community, we come to support the systematic development of boxing. It needs to be from its roots.

“The USA has talent in every corner. Boxing has proven to be a path of success for many athletes.

“The headquarters will be in the city of Houston, Texas. A great sports town that witnessed great human beings and champions of the world.

“Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz and Jermell Charlo were motivation to choose the Space City as the WBA’s new hometown.”

The ABC may advise them not to get their feet under the table just yet.

The views expressed in this article are the opinions of Phil Jay.

WBN Editor Phil has over ten years of boxing news experience. Follow WBN on Facebook @officialworldboxingnews and Twitter @worldboxingnews.