Recent conflict between BoxRec.com, an important resource for boxing records, and the World Boxing Association (WBA) has resulted in its fights and titles being excluded from BoxRec’s database, leading to confusion and frustration among boxing fans who rely on BoxRec for comprehensive championship information.
BoxRec’s significant changes have created a gap, rendering fans unable to easily keep tabs on who currently holds WBA titles. First brought up by Mike Coppinger of ESPN without specific reasoning, these developments have triggered outrage within the boxing community and caused widespread panic among its membership.
Rachel Donaire, wife of the former bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire, expressed her disdain for the situation on social media, questioning the rationale behind BoxRec’s decision to omit WBA records, suggesting that it undermines the achievements of fighters who have earned their titles. Rachel emphasized the importance of historical accuracy and recognition for champions’ hard-earned victories.
Rachel Donaire’s comments also alluded to a potential motive behind BoxRec’s decision, suggesting it as a retaliatory measure though without detailing specifics. Mike Coppinger shed some light on the matter, suggesting the rift may stem from the WBA initiating a competing boxing record site, which BoxRec alleges has used their data without permission.
Nonito Donaire himself joined in, noting his concern over WBA title fights being classified as regular bouts on BoxRec and thus wiping away some of his professional legacy. Donaire boasts over 50 fights in four weight classes during a lengthy career spanning 50 bouts on BoxRec – effectively erased.
This ongoing dispute raises serious concerns over the responsibility and capacity of record-keeping entities and sanctioning bodies to maintain accurate historical records, not only for statistical but also honoring legacy purposes of athletes involved. Fans, fighters, industry insiders debate over its implications on combat sports history.