I used to think that in terms of defending your world title you were obligated to make a mandatory within 12 months which is correct. But I also thought that voluntary defences had to be with an opponent inside the governing bodies top ten rated boxers? Then I read this: Qualified Challengers. Champions shall defend their titles, either in a voluntary or mandatory defense, against a challenger (each, a “Qualified Challenger”) in one of the following categories: (a) any of the top ten (10) rated contenders; or (b) with the approval of or ratification by a majority of the Board of Governors, i. any boxer rated 11 to 15; ii. a champion or a highly-rated boxer of another weight division; iii. another WBC champion, such as a WBC Diamond or Silver Champion, Champion Emeritus, or Champion in Recess; iv. a former world champion or other elite challenger; v. a champion of another boxing organization recognized by the WBC; or (c) under special circumstances and with the approval of or ratification by two-third (2/3rd) of the Board of Governors, a contender not otherwise listed in one or more of the above categories. They seem to be covering all bases here. Does this then mean so long as you make your mandatory you can basically box any motherf**ker out there? Also surely now Klitschko has vacated the number 1&2 should contest the title Stiverne-Arreola. Why are other names being thrown in the mix?
