WBA Reverses Decision on Rehydration Clause for Davis-Martin Lightweight Title Fight
In a recent development, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has reversed its decision to implement a 12-pound rehydration clause for the upcoming WBA lightweight title defense between champion Gervonta Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) and challenger Frank Martin (18-0, 12 KOs), scheduled for June 15 in Las Vegas.
The initial plan was disclosed by WBA president Gilberto Mendoza in a conversation with DAZN’s Chris Mannix, who subsequently shared the details on social media. Mendoza had stated that the rehydration limit was “based on recent events,” but failed to clarify if this was a WBA policy for all sanctioned fights.
“I didn’t know about this s*** until yesterday on Twitter,” Davis protested. “But why’s everybody mad? We have to weigh-in the same weight and come into the fight at the same weight? What the f*** is the problem?”
The announcement sparked widespread scrutiny, with accusations that the idea to implement the clause originated from Davis himself, which the champion denied.
The WBA ultimately decided to drop the rehydration clause, as they had not yet informed challenger Frank Martin of their intention to incorporate it into the bout. According to veteran boxing journalist Dan Rafael, the sanctioning body is still planning to follow the IBF’s lead and require a fight morning weight check, but this will not be a part of the Davis-Martin matchup, which was already finalized. Rafael also defended Mannix’s initial reporting, stating that he “accurately quoted Gilberto, who thought it was done,” but the WBA committee had not yet notified Martin.
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