ACAPULCO, MEXICO – November 10, 2026 – The WBC presented its official ratings during its 64th Annual Convention in Acapulco, following an open session in which boxers and promoters were given the opportunity to speak, present their arguments, and ask the committee to review rankings across various divisions.
The review process began on Saturday and continued in private sessions. This included a meeting with promoters held one day before the open session. During the proceedings, the committee heard the requests and approved adjustments in several divisions.
WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán said: “Boxing could not exist without promoters, so I am pleased to see so many companies from around the world represented here. It has been a complicated year, with many distractions. I believe boxing can be its own world and that we can work together. Boxing is bigger than any one entity. We are always here, working to improve boxing. We are open to hearing any recommendations.”
Among the key decisions and announcements of the day were the following:
- Super Bantamweight: Carl Martin, who recently won a WBC Silver title, will vacate the belt to return to his natural division, super bantamweight.
- Featherweight: Kevin Walsh, WBC International Champion and ranked No. 13, will face Albert González, NABF Champion and the No. 3 contender.
- Super Featherweight: Khalil El Hadri, WBC Silver Champion and the No. 2 contender, requested to move up to the top position, currently held by Emanuel Navarrete. The Board of Governors voted 12–8 in favor of maintaining the existing order of the rankings, following Navarrete’s defeat against WBC World Champion O’Shaquie Foster.
- Lightweight: Jordan White moves up from No. 6 to No. 4, while Justin Pulido drops from No. 4 to No. 6.
- Super Lightweight: Óscar Duarte, ranked No. 7, will vacate the WBC Silver title to move up to welterweight, where he will face Arnold Barboza.
- Middleweight: Wilkens Mathieu moves up from No. 7 to No. 6, while Bektemir Melikuziev drops from No. 6 to No. 7.
- Light Heavyweight: Imam Khataev moves up from No. 4 to No. 3, while Radivoje Kalajdzic moves into the No. 4 position.
- Cruiserweight: It was announced that the WBA Regular Champion will vacate his title to compete under the green and gold banner. The Board of Governors approved his entry at No. 2 in the WBC rankings.
- Heavyweight: Mourad Aliev, WBC Silver Champion, moves up from No. 7 to No. 5, while Joseph Parker drops from No. 5 to No. 7.
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