The WBA created confusion over a possible 12-pound rehydration clause over the Gervonta Davis vs. Frank Martin fight on June 15.
This would have been a departure from the IBF rules, which include a 10-pound rehydration clause. Gilberto Mendoza, WBA President, made the suggestion based on ‘recent events,’ hinting that it could be done to prevent fighters from coming in much bigger. Devin Haney rehydrated to 165 pounds after hitting the 140 limit for his fight with Regis Prograis.
Ryan Garcia also missed weight by 3.2 pounds over the 140 limit. Since there was no rehydration clause, he came in at whatever weight. He beat Haney by dropping him three times, but there was controversy. This is especially true since Garcia has failed two VADA tests for Ostarine.
It is not clear if this would be for all WBA fights. WBA Featherweight Champion Raymond Ford, who will box Nick Ball on June 1, stated he has no rehydration clause. Dan Rafael has now confirmed that there is no rehydration for Davis-Martin. But the WBA will try to follow the IBF by doing morning weight checks. Since Davis-Martin was agreed, this fight won’t be a part of it, but it could happen for future fights. The confusion created mass controversy.
Been asked this a lot past couple days. Here’s the answer: No, there is no rehydration clause for #DavisMartin. WBA is planning to follow IBF by requiring fight morning weight check. But this fight was already done and it won’t be part of it. Possible for future WBA title bouts.
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
It has been ordered but WBA champ committee hadn’t notified Martin and fight was signed. Won’t be used. Not a controversy. Wasn’t like Tank was asking for one. He wasn’t, per those involved. https://t.co/DUwtd2Sqf0
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
Chris accurately quoted Gilberto, who thought it was done. But committee responsible had not yet notified Martin. So no second day weigh-in. Nothing nefarious. Relax. https://t.co/LPEuUHwFv6
— Dan Rafael (@DanRafael1) May 16, 2024
WBA has now confirmed two completely different versions regarding #DavisMartin alleged rehydration clause. This is just such a fantastic sport. pic.twitter.com/Bs26hlbc6i
— Jake Donovan (@JakeNDaBox) May 16, 2024
Elsewhere, Shakur Stevenson has slammed Tank Davis, telling the WBA Lightweight Champion to fight him. Stevenson makes the first defense of his title against Artem Harutyunyan on July 6. He hopes to perform better than his last fight, where he was booed during his win over Edwin De Los Santos. Shakur had a hand injury coming into the fight, making him fight on the back foot.
Shakur’s stock dropped as fights with Tank Davis and Devin Haney appeared less likely. The perception is that Shakur does not sell well due to his defensive style. And yet, one poor performance does not make him a poor fighter. He is an undefeated three-division champion. Davis, however, will face Frank Martin on June 15.
It will be the first defense of his WBA Title. Martin is not the biggest name. He was meant to box Shakur, but Martin pulled out. While Davis continues to talk down on Stevenson, saying he would beat him, Davis’ side has not sent an offer. Tank admitted that his new 6-7 fight deal includes a fight with Shakur. Stevenson wanted him to honor that word and make the fight.
“How many times is he going to say he is going to fight an elite fighter and not fight them. He [is] 30 years old now, bro is 30, talking about he is going to fight me. He said next, okay, well, do it. Are you really going to fight me or just going to keep saying what you are going to do to somebody.
“All you got to do is send an offer. You are the A-side, I know. I am not saying I am the A-side, you’re the [person] with all the notoriety, however it go – but I am right here though. I am not going nowhere as soon as you say let’s fight, I am right here, let’s fight,” Stevenson stated
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