IBF, WBO unite as Zuffa pressure grows

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

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

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

“There will be provocative things discussed, judging, referees and the administration of boxing in general.

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

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

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 apparently failed.

WBO Vice President Leon Panoncillo also stressed the importance of sanctioning bodies continuing to work together as pressure from Zuffa mounts.

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

“We are very happy that we are working together with the IBF. We are going to make boxing bigger; the belts matter.”