The WBC Belt
The World Boxing Council, set up in Mexico City in 1963 and still headquartered there, sanctions the green-and-gold belt that many regard as boxing's most prestigious. This guide covers what the body is, its quirks, and what its title means for your bet.
History and prestige
Founded in 1963, the WBC is widely seen by purists as the most prestigious of the four bodies and has historically aligned with lineal recognition — the idea of an unbroken chain of champions. The green-and-gold belt carries weight because of that history, not because any rule ranks it above the others.
The Diamond and Franchise quirks
Two WBC oddities are worth knowing. The "Diamond" belt is a ceremonial one-off for marquee historic fights, not a divisional title, so it does not change who the real champion is. The "Franchise champion", introduced in 2019, is an elite designation that holds no actual divisional belt, faces no mandatory challengers and cannot be lost in the ring — it was widely criticised for muddying the picture. When you bet a WBC fight, check exactly which title is on the line. For how the result itself pays, see method of victory and round betting.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Diamond belt a world title?
No. It is a ceremonial belt created for selected high-profile fights and does not replace or affect the standard WBC divisional title.
What is a Franchise champion?
A WBC designation introduced in 2019 for elite fighters. A franchise champion holds no divisional belt, has no mandatory defences and cannot lose the status in the ring, which is why it drew criticism for confusing the title picture.