The WBO will collaborate with the IBF to stage a convention in December.
When it comes to the problems that the sport of boxing has, one that is inevitably brought up is that there are–in the minds of a lot of fans–too many belts.
Many years ago, there was only one title in each weight class. This is a concept that remains ideal to plenty of people, because of course, only one man can be the best.
However, as time has gone on, as boxing has evolved, the number of belts has only increased. Instead of having just one, we now have four (alongside an unofficial fifth).
The WBC, WBA, WBO, and IBF all have their own set of rankings, none of which generally agree with each other on which fighter is ranked where.
The IBO, too, has its own rankings, though they aren’t considered as a major organisation.
The point is that a number of boxing fans think this is too much. Excluding bridgerweight, there are 17 divisions in the sport. With up to four champions possible in any given division, that means there could hypothetically be 68 world champions in boxing at the same time.
Companies like Zuffa Boxing have vowed to sort this out, yet it remains an aspect of the profession. And if these organisations are to exist all at once, it only makes sense that they would work together.
Well, two of them now will be.
Gustavo Olivieri (president of the WBO) has announced that his sanctioning body will be joining forces with the IBF to stage a “Unified Convention”, a “landmark initiative reflecting institutional collaboration, global unity, and a shared commitment to the continued advancement of professional boxing.”
The convention will be taking place from the 9th of December to the 13th at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, United States. It will be open to the public.
While further details shall emerge soon, Olivieri wrote on social media that, “This groundbreaking convention will ignite meaningful conversations, strengthen international partnerships, and unite the global boxing community under one shared vision of excellence, progress, and opportunity.”
Historic Announcement
For the first time in boxing history, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) will join forces to conduct a UNIFIED CONVENTION; a landmark initiative reflecting institutional collaboration, global unity, and a… pic.twitter.com/klBvJN1lTy
— Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. (@OlivieriLaw) May 27, 2026
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