IBF, WBO unite as Zuffa battle intensifies

“We have something that is somewhat provocative and new,” said IBF president Daryl Peoples.

“The IBF and the WBO share, approximately, 85 percent membership. Gustavo and I had had some discussions; with both of our organizations being based in the United States, we decided that together we could address a whole bunch of issues affecting boxing.

“So, in the first time in the history of all four organizations, the IBF and the WBO have decided to hold a joint convention.

“There will be provocative things discussed, judging, refereeing, and the administration of boxing overall.

“We’re also going to address one of the bigger challenges called Zuffa.”

The comments are significant because Zuffa Boxing has repeatedly signaled that it wants a UFC-style system with fewer belts and less influence from sanctioning bodies. Many boxing fans have long criticized the current structure because of multiple champions, sanctioning fees, interim titles, and conflicting mandatory obligations.

The growing friction between Zuffa and sanctioning bodies became more visible earlier this year when Jai Opetaia was stripped of his IBF cruiserweight title after choosing to fight for the inaugural Zuffa belt instead. Attempts to have both titles recognized together reportedly failed.

WBO vice president Leon Panoncillo also stressed the importance of sanctioning bodies continuing to work together as pressure from Zuffa increases.

“We’re all family and trying to establish the same thing, and that’s to give the opportunities to the fighters,” said Panoncillo.

“We’re very happy that we’re collaborating with the IBF. We’re going to make boxing bigger; the belts do matter.”