The WBC is set to continue its tradition of introducing a commemorative belt for certain fights, but Gervonta Davis has made it clear that there will be no fresh sanctioning fees coming out of his purse.
Davis is set to take on fellow undefeated southpaw Frank Martin on June 15 in Las Vegas for his WBA Lightweight World Title. The bout, as with all of ‘Tank’s, has enough ingredients to be a fight of the year contender. Still, the WBC has looked to add more ceremony.
The sanctioning body has reintroduced its ‘Freedom Belt’ for the winner. It has been on the line in the past, notably for Jermall Charlo vs Juan Macias Montiel in June of 2021. The belt highlights Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating emancipation of people who were enslaved in the USA.
Upon hearing of the new strap, Davis took to social media to announce that he won’t be “paying s**t” when it comes to extra sanctioning fees.
I’m not paying shit..😒 https://t.co/7P5p3TIp8C
— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) June 4, 2024
WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman caught wind of the ‘offensive comment’ and set the record straight.
“Dear champion, I am extremely disappointed about your misleading and offensive comment. You have always been treated with respect and absolute support as a WBC champion. No – the WBC doesn’t charge anything. This is a homage commemorating the victory over discrimination … [I am] sad to read your post.”
Dear championI am extremely disappointed about your misleading and offensive comment . You have always been treated with respect and absolute support as a WBC champion . No – the WBC doesn’t charge anything. This is a homage commemorating the victory over discrimination https://t.co/mYaue3Vrgt
— Mauricio Sulaiman (@wbcmoro) June 5, 2024
The WBC charge 3% to all its titlists getting in the ring. Since the Lightweight belt is currently held by Shakur Stevenson, there will be nothing in this fight for Davis outside of his WBA fees.
As of writing, Davis has not responded to Sulaiman. The Martin bout will be his first time in the ring since a body shot stoppage victory over Ryan Garcia back in April of 2023.
