Sulaiman Confirms WBC Involvement In Garcia vs Benn

WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman says Zuffa Boxing will comply with sanctioning body rules when Ryan Garcia meets Conor Benn for the organisation's welterweight title.

Speaking to reporters this week, Sulaiman addressed the promotion's decision to announce the fight without mentioning the WBC by name or displaying the belt in promotional materials. "The fight is for the WBC world championship," he said, per Bad Left Hook. "If a promotion is not putting WBC letters, WBC logo, WBC belt, that's a problem. I'm sure they will comply with all the rules and let's keep all the attention for the fighters."

Sulaiman Defends Benn's Welterweight Path

The WBC chief also pushed back on criticism of Benn's positioning as a title contender after campaigning above 147 pounds in recent years. Sulaiman said the body has monitored Benn's weight for several years and that the British fighter told officials his ultimate goal remained the welterweight championship despite taking fights at higher weights. "Things that are built have foundations," Sulaiman said. "Our decisions are not something that I just take and I make a decision, we have a board of governors."

Sulaiman welcomed Zuffa's entry into boxing but said the promotion came in "like a bulldozer" with an aggressive posture that boxing does not need. He said the WBC hopes everything the new league does benefits fighters and the sport.

In other WBC business, Sulaiman confirmed David Benavidez will defend his heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight title against Noel Mikaelian in a fight that is reportedly close to being finalised. The winner of Jesus Ramos vs Meiirim Nursultanov will get the next mandatory shot at Carlos Adames' middleweight belt.

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• Bad Left Hook — ‘I’m sure they will comply’: Mauricio Sulaiman talks WBC involvement in Ryan Garcia vs Conor Benn