The governing bodies are ramping up efforts to replace Terence Crawford at the summit of the super middleweight division.
Crawford announced his retirement last month and subsequently relinquished three of the four belts he claimed in a historic win over Canelo Alvarez three months prior.
Earlier this week, the IBF ordered a vacant title fight between Alvarez and undefeated Cuban, Osleys Iglesias.
Now the WBA have made their move, elevating Armando Resendiz from interim titlist to full world champion.
Resendiz won the interim crown with a shock split decision victory over former world champion, Caleb Plant in May, a win which was voted third place by Pro Boxing Fans in the 2025 upset of the year awards.
“We woke up to this new year news, now as WBA REGULAR CHAMPIONS!!” the Mexican posted on Instagram.
“Feeling very grateful to God for so much, I will continue to do my part and trust in what he has for me 
“Happy New Year to all!! 
.”
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Armando Resendiz
(@toro_resendiz1)The 26-year-old already has his first defence lined up, with Bektemir Melikuziev reportedly his maiden challenger.
The WBO are yet to make a decision on their belt situation, but could in theory order a bout between number one contender, Alvarez and Diego Pacheco, who is ranked at two.
The WBC stripped Crawford for not paying sanctioning fees before he called time on his illustrious career.
Christian Mbilli holds the WBC interim championship and could see himself elevated to full titlist, although no decision has yet been made.
Mbilli retained his belt with a split decision win over Lester Martinez in a frantic battle on the Canelo-Crawford undercard.
Crawford became a five-weight world champion after defeating Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium and insists he will not reverse his decision to retire.
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“I’m 38,” he said to Adin Ross.
“38 is old in boxing.
“I been boxing since I was 7.
“I have nothing else to prove.
“I have nothing else to accomplish. What more can I do?
“They’re not gonna give me the credit anyway, so it really doesn’t even matter.”
