Full Breakdown
David Jiménez Elevated to WBA Super Flyweight Champion
6/14/2026, 4:55:46 AM
Elevation and Mandatory Challenger
The World Boxing Association announced that David Jiménez, 34, has been promoted from interim to full WBA Super Flyweight champion. The promotion follows Jesse Rodríguez’s relinquishment of the belt to move up to bantamweight for a bout with Antonio Vargas. The WBA’s Championships Committee simultaneously named John Ramírez as the mandatory challenger, initiating negotiations for a title fight between Jiménez and Ramírez.
Context: Vacated Title and Interim Crown
Rodríguez, the reigning WBA, WBC and WBO junior-bantamweight champion, vacated the Super Flyweight belt in early April 2024. Jiménez had captured the interim version of the same belt in April 2024 by defeating Ramírez via unanimous decision, positioning him as the natural successor.
Profiles & Records
David Jiménez (18-1, 12 KOs), nicknamed “Medallita,” is a Costa Rican who now holds the full title. John Ramírez (17-1, 9 KOs) is a Mexican contender who lost to Jiménez in the interim-title bout and has been named mandatory challenger. Jesse Rodríguez, former Super Flyweight champion, is preparing for a bantamweight debut against Antonio Vargas.
Official Statements
The WBA confirmed Jiménez’s promotion and Ramírez’s mandatory status, stating that negotiations will begin immediately and that specific conditions and deadlines will be released per internal regulations. The organization also said Jiménez is expected to “carry the championship belt with pride, honor, and responsibility.”
Gaps in Information
Sources do not disclose the negotiation timeline, purse split, or venue for the Jiménez-Ramírez fight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Championships Committee also named John Ramírez as the division’s mandatory challenger. As a result, negotiations must begin for a world title showdown between Jimenez and Ramirez. The conditions and deadlines governing the mandatory championship bout will be announced in the coming days in accordance with the WBA’s internal regulations.” — WBA statement
- “The pioneering organization expects “Medallita” to carry the championship belt with pride, honor, and responsibility.” — WBA announcement
- “Jimenez (18-1, 12 KOs), a 34-year-old from Costa Rica, has held the interim title since beating John "Scrappy" Ramirez (17-1, 9 KOs) by unanimous decision in April 2024.” — The Ring
Upcoming Negotiations
The WBA will publish detailed negotiation terms in the coming days, after which Jiménez and Ramírez are expected to sign a contract for a title defense. The fight will be Jiménez’s first defense as full champion and could influence future unification plans in the division.
