Should turning down a title shot result in being removed from the rankings?

I think so, think it would actually be common sense to do so. the sole purpose of being in the rankings is to fight for the title, and as you say, they're taking up a position that someone else could take

 

No, I don't think so. If you're number 1 and you turn it down, then maybe you should be dropped lower. But not removed completely

 

I think being dropped 10 places in the ranking for atleast 1 year after the rejection is sufficient

This would clear space for more ambitious fighters to occupy the top 10 in the rankings.

 

That pad work session alone deserves being kicked out of all rankings!

WTF is that about?

 

Let them drop 10 places. No shame in saying you aren't ready but in that case you should not be number 2. Let a fighter who wants the shot have that spot.

 

Yes they should be penalised provided they are in the top 5. Anyone below should not be obliged to fight the champion. Ranking penalty should be enforced for refusing to fight within 2 places of your current rank.

Anyone who has sold their shot through stepaside money should also be demoted.

 

I agree with the 10 place drop.

 

Is it me or do a lot of frank Warren fighters just seem to skip commonwealth/British titles and fight for thes s intercontinental and WBO European titles to get higher rankings and then don't fight the world champions?? I maybe wrong but always seems the case!

I prefer the British fighters going down the traditional route. Better learning fights and more rounds.

 

Its a shame really, as the british title should be contested by all, a lot of great fighters over the years have fought for it and won it, even outright.
Those that dont go for it altogether are a little forgotten really, especially when people in years to come look in to the history of certain divisions etc and many names will be missing.

 

The british has been a sought after belt since its beginnings. At one time and probably stil tbf, the british lonsdale belt is the one they all drreamed of when starting as a pro

 

Yes or at least dropped down a set number of places.

 

Seems sensible to me

 

The best belt ever...

 

My own personal favourite was when the IBF had both Fidel Castro Smith and Slugger O'Toole ranked at super-middle, despite them being the same person. I only wish old Fidel had got the nod against Wharton, and he may have found himself in line for a title shot. If he had won that, he could then have defended against himself (and then presumably later unified against some dead guy for the WBO belt).

There's absolutely no reason to take boxing rankings seriously, as the organisations don't themselves. However, any fighter who is unwilling to fight the champion has no place in the top 10, as they are taking up the spot of someone who would be willing to take the fight if they were ranked.