Boxing people: When did the WBO become a real TOP title?

[emurgencee]

Was it when "Prince" Naseem Hamed held the belt?

[The Big Dunn]

Was it when "Prince" Naseem Hamed held the belt?

I still don't consider it top. Its WBC and WBA for me. IBF is legitimate but when I started watching boxing there was no IBF.

[AlwaysOnTop]

Was it when "Prince" Naseem Hamed held the belt?

When HBO started pretending it was real..

[bojangles1987]

I'm not sure, sometime around the early 2000s I guess. Nowadays lots of big time fighters hold the WBO title. Pacquiao, Wlad, Bradley, Marquez, Salido, Viloria, and Pirog all hold the WBO title, and they are considered the best or among the best in their division.

[Flab]

WBO is one of the better major titles imo. Much better than WBA.

[Emon723]

The WBO before has become a stepping stone for their champions to challenge for the WBC belt. Vitali Klitschko and Dela Hoya are prime examples.

[Zerwas1]

Nowadys the wbc and wba turned into jokes with their 3-4 champions per weightclass.

[-Antonio-]

Eubank and Barrera were two really good fighters in the late 90's early 2000's who carried the WBO title and were considered among the best in their division. That's when it really got going...

[IMDAZED]

The WBO President (I forget his name) continually represented himself and his organization well at conferences and conventions, working steadfastly at making the title credible. He was able to get European promoters to align with him and then got some big American name fighters as well, which helped turn the perception around 2001-2002 ish.

[Uncle Rodge]

The WBO President (I forget his name) continually represented himself and his organization well at conferences and conventions, working steadfastly at making the title credible. He was able to get European promoters to align with him and then got some big American name fighters as well, which helped turn the perception around 2001-2002 ish.

A la Calslappy who held one for 10 years plus!