WBA Mandates 12-Pound Rehydration Clause For Davis Vs. Martin, Sparking Confusion

The WBA has confirmed that a 12-pound rehydration clause will be in effect for World Boxing Association ‘regular’ lightweight champion Grevonta ‘Tank’ Davis vs. Frank Martin on June 15th.

It’s unclear why the WBA’s new rule doesn’t include a 10-lb rehydration clause like the one the IBF uses, which would make more sense.

WBA president Gilberto Mendoza told Chris Mannix on X that his organization made the decision to have a 12-round rehydration clause for the Davis-Martin fight “based on recent events.” However, Mendoza didn’t say if the New rule would be in play for all WBA fights sanctioned by the organization.

The New WBA rule caught Tank Davis (29-0, 27 KOs) by surprise because he didn’t know about it until yesterday. Fans on social media are calling it the ‘Tank rule,’ believing he’s behind it to ensure that his opponents are drained enough for him to win.
Tank also has to abide by the 12-pound rehydration rule, so it’s not like it’s something that only applies to his opponents.

Confusion and Inconsistency

Mannix states that there’s also confusion about the new rule, as other champions, like WBA featherweight champ Raymond Ford, haven’t been told about the rehydration rule. Ford’s title defense is next month on June 1st against Nick Ball.

If the WBA is going to use the rehydration clause for all fights, it needs to start notifying the champions. This rule can’t just apply to Tank Davis’ fight because that wouldn’t make sense.

Some fighters who are considered weight bullies won’t be happy about the WBA’s new 12-pound rehydration clause because they’ll have to withhold fluids until the morning of their fights.

Call for Uniformity and Stricter Monitoring

Of course, that won’t stop them from rapidly rehydrating if they have ‘special tricks’ to infuse the fluids into their system. But fighters who don’t turn to illegal measures to rehydrate will be forced to move to weight classes designed for their frames or target the WBC or WBO titles, which don’t have rehydration clauses yet.

If the sport is going to be conducted fairly, the rehydration clauses need to involve all four sanctioning bodies, be no more than 10 lbs, and there needs to be a way to monitor fighters to prevent them from using IVs to rehydrate.

If the secondary weight check were in the evening on the night of the fight, it would make it more difficult for unscrupulous fighters to turn to IVs to rehydrate rapidly, putting on 20+ lbs or whatever weight they come in at.

I didn’t know about this shit until just now well yesterday when I got out of the gym (on twitter) but I’m for sure I have to abide by it too..but why everybody made we have to weigh in the same weight and come in the fight at the same weight? wtf is the problem??? https://t.co/gPCtVTxVxm

— Gervonta Davis (@Gervontaa) May 16, 2024