The WBC Celebrates a Landmark Week for Boxing

The World Boxing Council has concluded one of the most dynamic and consequential weeks in its recent history. From the historic return of boxing to elite U.S. university campuses to the crowning of new world monarchs and the launch of life-changing social programs, the WBC reaffirms its commitment to athletic excellence and social responsibility.

History at USC: The First WBC Collegiate Champion is Crowned

After a years-long absence, boxing made a triumphant return to the University of Southern California (USC). In an event sanctioned by USA Boxing, a historic milestone was reached with the awarding of the first-ever WBC Collegiate Amateur Championship belt.

The honor of becoming the inaugural champion went to Gabriel Ponce, a freshman Aeronautical Engineering major and straight-A student. Ponce personifies the “scholar-boxer” ideal: combining intellectual rigor with athletic discipline. This event, driven by the leadership of Latinas in boxing, also served as a platform to award the Los Angeles Collegiate Boxing Scholarships to standout talents Marlen Rodriguez, Noah Rosales, and Francisco Maldonado Velasquez, thanks to the support of Acrisure, Supreme Boxing, and the Rodriguez family.

New Monarchs and Glorious Defenses

Action inside the professional squared circle was vibrant, delivering results that shook the boxing world:

Ryan Garcia Conquers the Welter Division: In a career-defining performance, Ryan Garcia defeated Mario Barrios to claim the WBC World Welter title, ushering in a new era for his career at 147 pounds.

Claressa Shields Maintains Her Reign: The “GWOAT” once again demonstrated her technical superiority with a clear victory over Franchon Crews-Dezurn, consolidating her legacy as one of the greatest of all time.

Sandy Ryan is Crowned: In a display of power and strategy, Sandy Ryan defeated Karla Zamora to become the new WBC World Welter Champion.

Camila Zamorano Retains Her Crown: The youngest WBC World Champion, Camila “Magnífica” Zamorano, successfully defended her Atomweight title against the gritty Claudia Ruiz, proving her meteoric rise is a solid reality.

Innovation and Social Commitment

The WBC continues to extend its influence beyond the ring, focusing on the champion’s legacy and community health:

Crown Series™: A Permanent Legacy: The organization unveiled the expansion of the Crown Series with a spectacular white gold, emerald, and diamond chain and pendant (valued at $40,000 USD). This artifact will be awarded exclusively to “Main Event” winners, allowing champions to carry their glory beyond the traditional belt.

“Boxing for Peace” Alliance: In a joint effort to rebuild the social fabric, the President of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, and the WBC founded the “Boxeando por la Paz” (Boxing for Peace) program. This initiative aims to steer youth away from violence and addiction through sports, fostering the discipline and values that only boxing can provide.

With these achievements, the WBC closes a week that bridges the academic future of athletes with the brilliance of global superstars and the well-being of society.