The bridgerweight (224-pound) division continues to sputter as meanginful fights are few and far between. The WBA version of the title has been held up for months, with the sancioning body announcing today that a purse bid for a bout between WBA champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and WBA interim champion Julio César La Cruz, hs been postponed after both camps requested additional time to continue negotiations. The purse bid was scheduled for today (May 18th). Gadzhimagomedov vs. La Cruz is an attractive rematch between two highly accomplished but little-known amateur stars, with Gadzhimagomedov having defeated La Cruz in the amateurs about three years ago. The WBA ordered a pro bout between the two rivals back in January but it has seemingly gone nowhere. According to the WBA, representatives of both fighters asked for an extension in order to finalize the remaining details and work towards an agreement. The WBA Championship Committee approved the additional negotiating period, stating, "The WBA will now await the outcome of the negotiations before making any official announcement regarding the championship clash." Both boxers have been going back and forth between pro and amateur competition. La Cruz has not had a pro fight in more than a year.
The only other sanctioning body to recognize bridgerweight is the WBC. That organization's title has not been defended for more than a year, as chapion Kevin Lerena has taken heavyweight bouts instead. However, Lerena is going to defend the WBC bridgerweight title on May 30th vs. Ryad Merhy.
PRIOR BOXINGTALK COVERAGE
JAN. 18, 2026: The WBA Championships Committee has ordered a mandatory bout between bridgerweight champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov and interim titleholder Julio César La Cruz. The negotiation period officially began on January 16th, when formal notice was sent to both camps. It will run through February 15th. Gadzhimagomedov last fulfilled a mandatory defense on October 17, 2024, and his next one was required to take place before July 16, 2025. With that deadline now expired, the WBA has ruled that the Russian champion must face the Cuban contender without delay. Should the parties fail to reach an agreement within the prescribed timeframe, or if either side declines to sign, the WBA reserves the right to call a purse bid
Aug. 29, 2023: This Saturday, the IBA held a “Night of Champions” amateur show in the city of Serpukhov, Russia. In the main event, two-time world amateur champion Muslim Gadzhimagomedov won a decision over two-time Olympic champion Julio La Cruz of Cuba. There were constant exchanges and many moments did not have a clear winner, but the judges saw a slight victory for Gadzhimagomedov.
