THE WBC have announced that Floyd Mayweather’s September 13 rematch with Marcos Maidana will be for both their welterweight, and middleweight titles. Below is the organisation’s statement they released to justify their decision.
The WBC has decided to step forward and support yet another pinnacle in the history-making career of Floyd Mayweather Jr. Floyd is the only fighter ever to conquer WBC championships in five different weight categories as well as winning the WBC Diamond Belt and Solid Gold Belt. Further, Floyd has the distinction of being one of the few champions who has received the WBC “Emeritus Champion” status.
Marcos Maidana is without a doubt a fighter who has created his own history in the sport. This past May, Marcos performed like no Mayweather opponent had in many years. That makes the September 13 rematch a very attractive event where Maidana could become the WBC Welter and Super Welter Champion of the world.
There is a rich history behind the uncommon situation this great battle presents. It has been 26 years since it last happened, when Sugar Ray Leonard defeated Donny Lalonde to claim the super middleweight and light heavyweight WBC World Championhsips.
Other examples are:
- 130 years ago, Jack Dempsey, known as “Nonpareil” (not the better known heavyweight legend who later took after this name), defeated George Fulljames after 22 rounds in Staten Island, New York, claiming the welter and middleweight championships of the world.
- On April 24, 1931, at the “Chicago Stadium,” Tony Canzoneri defended his lightweight title while winning the super lightweight title held by his opponent Jack “Kid” Berg, from the U.K. Both fighters weighed in within the lightweight limit.
- In 1933, Barney Ross defeated Canzoneri, winning both the light and super lightweight world titles .
- In the late 1930s, Henry Armstrong was recognized as the featherweight, lightweight and welterweight champion of the world simultaneously .
- In 1988, Sugar Ray Leonard conquered the vacant super middleweight championship as well as the light heavyweight championship in possession of Donny Lalonde in a memorable ninth-round knockout.
The WBC is proud to be part of this historic promotion. The WBC wishes the best of luck to both fighters and great success to the promoters of the event.
