The WBC has expanded its Crown Series™ with a new 2026 “Main Event” World Championship Chain and Pendant valued at $40,000.
On the surface, the timing in Las Vegas makes it look like a direct response to the noise surrounding Zuffa Boxing and the wider debate about sanctioning bodies.
But knowing Mauricio Sulaimán as we do, World Boxing News understands something like this would have been in the pipeline for some time.
The Chain Itself
The pendant features a WBC green boxing glove sculpted in white gold and set with approximately 18.9 carats of emeralds and diamonds across more than 800 stones.
A diamond-studded crown sits above the glove, while the official WBC globe emblem with international flags forms the centerpiece. The pendant is paired with a 22-inch, 7-millimeter rope chain.
The WBC said the piece was conceived and designed by Rasheen Farlow. Official jewelry partners for the 2026 Crown Series™ rollout are Iced Out By K LLC, Devon Milan, and HOUSEOFARTGRFX.
Las Vegas Optics
Sulaimán met with newly minted WBC titleholder Bruce Carrington in Las Vegas to present the first award.
Later, during the Mario Barrios vs. Ryan Garcia press conference, Oscar De La Hoya made a point of thanking Sulaimán publicly.
With Zuffa positioning itself as a streamlined alternative to the traditional sanctioning structure, that moment carried weight. Public alignment in boxing is rarely accidental.
Not A Knee-Jerk Reaction
At the same time, Sulaimán has long built a reputation for rewarding his champions and pulling out all the stops when it comes to presentation. Specialty belts, commemorative pieces, and now the Crown Series™ have been part of that philosophy for years.
The WBC’s move may look reactive on the surface, but internally it fits a pattern. Adding what is essentially the WBC’s version of a Super Bowl ring is consistent with how avid NFL fan Sulaimán operates.
For fighters, that attention to detail matters. A permanent artifact tied to a headline win adds another layer of incentive. It gives competitors one more reason to chase the green and gold.
Starting in 2026, the chain will be awarded exclusively to WBC world champions who win designated World Championship Main Events — the headline bout with the highest global visibility on a card.
At a time when boxing’s structure is being openly questioned, the WBC is reinforcing its identity rather than stepping aside.
About the Author
Phil Jay is the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN), a veteran boxing reporter with 15+ years of experience. He has interviewed world champions, broken international exclusives, and reported ringside since 2010. Read full bio.
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