The World Boxing Association (WBA) Championships Committee elevated Russian Dmitry Bivol to World Light Heavyweight Champion. The decision to elevate Bivol, who was Interim Champion until then, was made after the belt was vacated by the resignation of Badou Jack.

According to WBA Rule C.28, when there is a vacant title, the Committee may elevate the Interim Champion at discretion or order a match between the division’s two best ranked boxers to define the champion. In this case, it was decided to elevate to Bivol since the Committee considered that he meets all the requirements to be named regular World Champion.

Bivol will have to have his first mandatory fight before July 25, 2018, and can make voluntary defenses up to 60 days before that date. Thus, the 175-pound division has only one World Champion and the Interim Championship for this weight class has been eliminated.