Mauricio Sulaimán wants to reshape the ranking process
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán is disappointed in the performance of former mandatory challenger Avni Yildirim (21-3, 12ko) and has suggested revamping the mandatory process.
On February 27, Mexican mega-star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez defended the most prestigious belt in boxing against the unworthy Turkish fighter in a horrific mandatory defense.
Yildirim didn’t even bruise the WBC champion, and he was getting outclassed on so many levels. Moreover, Yildirim was coming off a two-year layoff and was defeated in his last fight against former WBC champion Anthony Dirrell in 2019.
Some inside the boxing community felted buyer’s remorse and the feeling of being duped after the disgraceful performance. The way they promoted the fight was a complete con job. The mandatory challenger never stood a chance. Furthermore, what did he do to earn being in that position?
WHAT HAPPENED TO FOLLOWING THE RULES
The WBC went against their own rules in this situation. When former champion David Benavidez lost the belt on the scale, the WBC immediately took his belt. This was the right thing to do, but they placed him as the number one contender. What made that decision so interesting is that when the same Benavidez failed a drug test in 2018, which is way more egregious, the WBC labeled him champion-in-recess. This made him next in line to face the winner between Dirrell and Yildirim for the vacant title.
Benavidez bounced back by defeating J’Leon Love and quickly ran up on then WBC champion Dirrell and took back his title. This brings up the question of what happened. Moreover, why did the system fail in this situation when it came to Alvarez?
A CHANGE IS COMING
During an interview with Boxing Social, Sulaimán discussed the possibility of changing the mandatory process.
“I am sorry for Avni, sometimes what’s on paper doesn’t reflect the action and it’s very unfortunate. We had great expectations and it’s a matter that we need to look into the process that is not working with some rules.”
Sulaimán would not elaborate on what or how things will change but admitted the organization needs to change things.
“Definitely there are things that we have to go back and look at what is happening, how things have evolved.”
By: Garrisson Bland
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