Distinguishing WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBA, IBO … Why are there so many boxing belts?

In fact, WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBA, IBO … are the names of associations and boxing associations in the world. Because the associations and the Federation organized separate boxing matches, they will give their own belt. WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF are the 4 biggest boxing organizations and therefore, the belts given by this organization are the most prestigious. Besides, there is the title of The Rings given by the magazine of the same name that is also very important.

Distinguishing WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBA, IBO ... Why are there so many boxing belts? - Photo 1
Martial artist unified 4 championships Canelo Alvarez – Getty

Distinguish organizations and boxing belts

World Boxing Association (WBA) Founded in 1921. This was originally only an American boxing association but then renamed and now headquartered in Panama. WBA is currently the oldest boxing organization in the group 4 of the strongest organizations.

World Boxing Council (WBC) Founded in 1963 to create an international organization to unify all committees in the world to control the expansion of boxing. At that time, WBA changed its name from NBA (US). The WBC can be considered to compete with the WBA and these two organizations are the largest federations and boxing associations in the world.

International Boxing Federation (IBF) Founded in 1983 in the US. After the first 2 years of struggling, the champions of this organization resonated, creating a reputation in the world boxing village and becoming the third largest boxing federation, competing with WBA and WBC.

World boxing organization (WBO) Founded in 1988 in Puerto Rico. WBO has more difficulties to be recognized by other organizations but is still recognized by all three federations and The Rings magazine.

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Distinguishing WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, IBA, IBO ... Why are there so many boxing belts? - Photo 2
Oleksandr usyk and Tyson Fury agreed on heavy championships – Getty photo

In short, we can distinguish the boxing belts as follows:

Historical: WBA first, but initially only organized matches in the US. WBC was later founded in Mexico to compete with WBA and expand to the world. Some senior members of WBA then left the organization for disagreements, established IBF and WBO.

In terms of organization/reputation: WBC is an organization that offers many disciplines about the law, changing in boxing. WBA originally held the 'eldest' position, now the organization has a loud voice. IBF and WBO have now strengthened their reputation in the press and other organizations.

The reason that all 4 organizations exist in parallel: All 4 organizations want to attract their own financial and promote matches. In addition, at present, all 4 organizations have recognized each other, so they do not need to be consolidated. Martists can hold many different belts at the same time. Organizations separate to create a separate attraction for each match, thereby attracting funding.

About the championship belt: It can be considered that all 4 championship belts are equally famous, along with the belt to The Rings magazine awarded. However, boxers often target 3 titles, WBA, WBC and The Rings.

The champions of organizations smaller than IBO, IBA … are not recognized by the World Federation and press, often 'ignoring' these events. However, these belts still have encouragement to each separate region.

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