Will Segolene Lefebvre Capitalize on Unification Options After Retaking WBO Title?
In the super bantamweight division, Segolene “Majestic” Lefebvre (17-0, 1KO) has regained the WBO title she never lost in the ring over “La Gurisa” Debora Dionicius (35-5, 6KO). Now a champion once again, Majestic can go looking for unification.
A QUICK LOOK BACK
In 2022, Lefebvre was supposed to defend the title against former light flyweight champion Alondra Garcia. However, she suffered an injury while training and posted a picture of her in the hospital before having surgery. Unfortunately, the WBO decided to strip the champion of the title but gave Majestic the first crack at regaining the it upon returning to the ring.
In December 2022, Dionicius won the vacant title against former champion Marcela Acuna. The Argentinian’s celebration was short-lived as she was ordered to defend the title against Lefebvre. On April 29, Lefebvre became a two-time champion after recapturing the title in front of the French crowd. She boxed beautifully en route to a unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring it 97-93 in her favor.
IS A UNIFICATION NEXT?
There are two leading unification options on the table for Lefebvre. IBF champion Cherneka Johnson is unavailable at the moment as she has an appointment with Ellie Scotney on June 10.
WBC champion Yamileth Mercado is coming off a fifth successful title defense after defeating Kudakwashe Chinwandire on March 18. Moreover, she scored the most satisfying victory of her career against living legend Mariana Juarez. She has no fight plans on the horizon, so unification is possible.
WBA champion Maylin Rivas is free as well, and was last seen in the ring defending the title against Karina Fernandez in June 2022. The Venezuelan won the vacant title after defeating Laura Ledezma in 2020. Furthermore, she fights under the Matchroom Boxing banner, so a unification with her would be profitable.
Whatever the next move is going to be, one thing is for certain: at super bantamweight, the time to march toward undisputed is now.
