FAQ’s

General Questions

Q: What is the World Boxing Organization (WBO)?
A: The WBO is a private non-profit organization that regulates professional boxing around the world; its jurisdiction is limited to sanctioning title bouts and ranking fighters within 17 different weight classes. The WBO is one of the four major internationally recognized governing bodies in professional boxing.

Q: When was the WBO founded?
A:The WBO was founded in Puerto Rico in 1988 and has become the most respected governing body in professional boxing.

Q: What makes the WBO different from other boxing organizations?
A: The WBO is known for consistently enforcing its governing rules and regulations; transparency regarding their operational procedures; social initiatives, and its world champions.

Championships & Rankings

Q: How does a boxer become a WBO world champion?
A: There are multiple scenarios to fight for a WBO world title:

1. A fighter must be rated within the top 15 WBO world-rated contenders in a particular weight class for eligibility.
2. ⁠The Champion may be allowed a voluntary defense against any of the top 15 WBO World-rated contenders in his weight class, or a mandatory defense against the highest top 15 WBO World-rated available contender in the  division.
3. ⁠Vacant Title – When the highest two top 15 WBO World-rated contenders are eligible to fight to fill the vacancy.

Q: How are WBO rankings determined?
A: The WBO’s rankings committee evaluates on a monthly basis all petitions submitted for consideration. Ratings are solely based on wins/loss records, and level of competition and activity.

Q: What are the different WBO championship titles?
A: The WBO awards titles in all professional weight classes, there are world and regional championships:

• World Champion (the highest honor)
• Regional Titles (such as Africa, Europe, Latino, Intercontinental, NABO, etc.)

Rules & Sanctioning

Q: How are WBO title fights sanctioned?
A: A licensed WBO Promoter must file a formal request via email with the following information:
1. Proposed fight with the professional records of each fighter
2. ⁠The  bout date
3. ⁠The venue or bout site
4. ⁠The executed bout agreements to certify the reported purses of each boxer.

The WBO reviews each petition and determines eligibility, including which title is available for sanctioning.

Q: What happens if a champion fails to defend their title?
A: If a champion does not defend their title within the required timeframe, they may be stripped of the belt in accordance with WBO rules.

WBO and Fighters

Q: Can any boxer fight for a WBO title?
A: To compete for a WBO title, a fighter must be ranked within the organization’s top 15 in their weight division and meet other eligibility criteria.

Q: What is a WBO Super Champion?
A: A Super Champion is a distinction conferred to a WBO Participant for his accomplishments and professional merits. It is NOT a title rather a distinction granting the recipient rights and privileges.

Events & Partnerships

Q: How can I watch WBO title fights?
A: WBO title fights are broadcast on major sports networks, pay-per-view, and streaming platforms. Check our official schedule for upcoming fights.

Q: Does the WBO support amateur boxing?
A :While the WBO primarily focuses on professional boxing, we actively support grassroots programs, youth initiatives, and other amateur boxing development programs worldwide.

Other Questions

Q: How can I contact the WBO?
A: You can reach us through our official website’s Contact Us page, or email us at infonews@wboboxing.com.

Q: How can I become a WBO official (referee, judge, or supervisor)?
A: WBO officials undergo rigorous training and certification. Interested candidates should apply through the WBO and have relevant experience in boxing officiating.

Q: What happens when a fighter failes to make weight for a title fight?

A: When a WBO champion fails to make weight, the consequences depend on whether it is a title defense or a vacant title fight:

For a Champion Defending Their Title:

• If the reigning champion fails to make weight, they are stripped of the title.
• The fight can still proceed, but only the challenger (if they make weight) is eligible to win the title.
• If the challenger also fails to make weight, the fight proceeds as a non-title bout.

For a Vacant Title Fight:

• If one fighter fails to make weight, they become ineligible to win the title.
• If the other fighter makes weight, they can still win the vacant title.
• If both fighters fail to make weight, the title remains vacant, and the fight is treated as a non-title bout.

Regional Titles

Q: How many regional titles does the WBO recognize?
A: The WBO sanctions several regional titles to help boxers climb the rankings before competing for world championships. These include:

1. WBO Intercontinental Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from different continents.
2. WBO International Title: Fighters with outstanding amateur record; outstanding professional recors; world rated-contenders; former world title challengers; former world champions, etc.
3. WBO European Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from European countries.
4. WBO Asia Pacific and Oriental Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from the countries of Asia and Oceania.
5. WBO Africa Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from the African continent
6. WBO Latino Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
7. WBO NABO (North American Boxing Organization) Title: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from Canada, United States, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
8. Youth Title: Fighters with positive records; at least 10 pro bouts and under the age limit of 25.
9. Greater China and China Zone: Fighters with nationality or citizenship from the Republic of China.

These titles help fighters gain experience, improve rankings, and secure opportunities for world championship bouts.

Fees & Membership

Q: Are there fees involved in becoming a WBO member?
A: Yes, the WBO requires annual membership fees for promoter and officials’ licensure. Please contact the WBO for specific details.

Q: How much does a WBO title fight cost?
A: Please contact the WBO for specific details.