A rift has developed between the World Boxing Association (WBA) and BoxRec, the widely used boxing record-keeping site. In recent months, BoxRec has stopped listing WBA titles and records for fights, leaving fans puzzled as they rely on the site for up-to-date information on championship status. 

This dispute has led to a noticeable gap in BoxRec’s listings, making it a challenge for fans to track which fighters currently hold WBA titles. It was first reported by ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, but no reason was provided for the drastic step taken by the record-keeping site. However, that seems to have changed.

Former bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire’s wife, Rachel Donaire, unleashed her fury on X earlier today, questioning the sanctioning body’s decision. “[Why] would you erase @WBABoxing titles from those who fought to get the belt? What gives [you] the authority to erase history,” Rachel demanded. 

Rachel then delves into the reasons behind BoxRec’s drastic decision, hinting that they may be repeating the same actions that led them to remove the WBA from their platform. “@BoxRec [you] furthermore state that ‘25 years of hard work being taken from me (in regards to another website)’. Yet, you don’t understand that you are doing the same disservice to the past and current @WBABoxing champions,” she wrote. 

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Although Rachel didn’t directly state the main reason, Coppinger quickly jumped in with his perspective, revealing details that would unravel the entire situation. “Remains absurd that BoxRec isn’t recognizing the WBA. We understand the reason. It still makes zero sense when the sole purpose of BoxRec is for record-keeping and research,” Coppinger wrote. 

However, when a fan asked the journalist to elaborate on the ‘reason,’ the ESPN writer explained, “WBA started a BoxRec competitor and BoxRec has accused them of scraping their data.” While this would explain BoxRec’s decision, fans were far from satisfied. Before long, Nonito Donaire also joined the conversation.

Nonito Donaire joins wife in voicing concerns for WBA record & its history

With 50 professional fights to his name, Donaire boasts a decorated career, having held world titles across four weight classes from flyweight to featherweight. At 38, he made history as the oldest boxer ever to claim a bantamweight title. Of course, he also held WBA titles—he won the WBA bantamweight title in November 2018 by defeating Ryan Burnett. 

He also had the WBA interim super flyweight title at one point, so seeing BoxRec deprive him of his history on their record didn’t quite sit well with him. Responding to a tweet from his wife, ‘The Filipino Flash’ wrote, “According to @boxrec Inoue isn’t a 4 belt champion. My WBA fight looks just [like] a regular fight and not for a title. Lamont Roach doesn’t have [the] world champion next to his BoxRec either.”

It’s hard to pinpoint who’s truly at fault here, given the complexities of the situation. But one thing remains clear: regardless of blame, it’s the fans and the champions who have worked hard that are ultimately paying the price. What’s your take on it?