ACCRA — In a major shakeup to the global boxing landscape, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially announced the dissolution of its bridgerweight division, effectively stripping its champions of their titles as part of a sweeping initiative to streamline its weight classes.
The division—which the WBA initially introduced as “super cruiserweight” to bridge the gap between the 200-pound cruiserweight limit and the unlimited heavyweight ranks—is being completely phased out. According to an official statement from the sanctioning body, the move is part of their ongoing commitment to reduce the inflation of championship belts and simplify the sport for fans.
The decision directly derails the immediate plans of reigning WBA World Bridgerweight Champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov. The undefeated Russian star had been locked in tense mandatory title defense negotiations with Cuba’s multi-time Olympic gold medalist and WBA interim titleholder, Julio César La Cruz. That highly anticipated professional rematch is now left in limbo.
While the WBA notes it will allow a brief transition period to honor a select few previously contracted bouts, it confirmed that three recently proposed matchups have already been denied approval. Moving forward, no future contests will be sanctioned, and the official rankings will be permanently dismantled.
The decision deals a massive blow to fighters who spent years campaigning to establish themselves in the 224-pound “tweener” landscape. With the WBA bowing out, the World Boxing Council (WBC)—where Ryad Merhy recently captured the title from Kevin Lerena—is left as the only major sanctioning body still recognizing the division.
Fighters currently stranded in the WBA’s version of the class now face a crucial career crossroads: cut down to a highly competitive cruiserweight limit or bulk up to brave the giants of the heavyweight division. While the decision brings much-needed clarity to boxing’s cluttered landscape, it leaves a field of elite athletes without a division to call home.