> World Boxing Association

The World Boxing Association (WBA), originally the National Boxing Association (NBA), is one of the world’s oldest and largest boxing sanctioning organizations. Founded in 1921 in the United States by representatives from 13 states, it was renamed the World Boxing Association on August 23, 1962 to reflect its expanded international scope. The WBA is headquartered in Panama City, Panama, and is led by president Gilberto Mendoza Jr. It is one of four major sanctioning bodies recognized by the International Boxing Hall of Fame. The WBA sanctions professional boxing matches across multiple weight divisions for men and women, maintains championship rankings, and designates mandatory challengers. It maintains affiliated regional organizations across Asia, Oceania, Latin America, and North America. In August 2024, BoxRec discontinued recognition of WBA world titles amid ongoing criticism of the organization’s fragmented championship structure.

Note: The WBA is a sanctioning body, not a promotional company. It grants title recognition and governs rules; events are staged by independent promoters.