World Boxing Council

Founded in Mexico City in 1963 by representatives of eleven national federations seeking an alternative to the WBA, the World Boxing Council operates 18 weight divisions (it added the bridgerweight class above heavyweight in 2020) and is recognised by many fans as the most prestigious of the four major belts thanks to its iconic green-and-gold strap. The Sulaimán family — first José, then his son Mauricio — has run the body since 1975.

Ranking methodology

Twelve-monthly rolling rankings revised after every championship-level event. The WBC publishes a uniquely transparent points system that scores fighters on activity, level of opposition (with multipliers for world title bouts), and round-by-round head-to-head outcomes when applicable. The WBC also designates "Franchise" and "Diamond" champions outside the regular line.

Super-title criteria

The WBC reserves the "Franchise Champion" designation for elite, undefeated long-reigning titlists (Canelo Álvarez, Tyson Fury, Saúl Álvarez at various points) — a status that exempts them from mandatory challenges and allows them to defend the green-and-gold belt while opening the "regular" lineage to other contenders.

Notable controversies

• ▸Creating the "Diamond" and "Franchise" titles outside the formal sanctioning ladder, criticised as a way to extract additional sanctioning fees without adding lineage value.
• ▸The 2020 introduction of the 224-pound 'bridgerweight' division between cruiser and heavyweight, ridiculed by other bodies for splitting an already thin talent pool.
• ▸Repeatedly granting the green belt to favoured fighters in disputed decisions (e.g., Whyte vs. Povetkin I; Fury vs. Wilder III scoring on one card).