Armando ‘El Toro’ Reséndiz
The year 2026 has kicked off with historic news for Mexican sports. In the very first hours of the new year, Armando “El Toro” Reséndiz was officially announced as the new WBA Super Middleweight World Champion. The native of Nayarit received this extraordinary news following a major shakeup in the boxing division. The WBA decided to elevate him to absolute champion after Terence Crawford retired in December.
According to The Ring Magazine, this was a surprising strategic move. Many experts expected a tournament or a title eliminator among top contenders. Instead, the association crowned the 28-year-old immediately. Consequently, Mexico adds another prestigious monarch to its legendary list of boxing greats.
The Rise of ‘El Toro’
Armando Reséndiz earned this spot through grit and determination. In June 2025, he faced the skilled Caleb Plant. It was a grueling battle for the interim belt. Ultimately, Reséndiz won via a tight split decision with scores of 116-112, 116-112, and 113-115. That massive victory secured him the interim WBA title.
Known affectionately as ‘El Toro,’ he was already on the path to absolute stardom. However, the sudden retirement of the undisputed champion accelerated his destiny. Now, the interim label is gone. Reséndiz is officially the undisputed king of the WBA strap, and his reign begins now.
Crawford Leaves a Void
The landscape of the division changed drastically on December 17. Terence Crawford declared he had nothing left to prove in the ring. He vacated the WBA, IBF, and WBO titles alongside the WBC belt. Despite fans hoping he might reconsider, Crawford confirmed he is finished. He even asked for travel recommendations for 2026, signaling he is done boxing.
The WBA analyzed the situation quickly. They saw the young talent from Nayarit as the rightful heir. Therefore, they wasted no time in solidifying his status as the primary champion of the organization.
Future Challenges Await
Hailing from Guayabitos, Nayarit, the new champ holds a professional record of 16 wins, 11 knockouts, and only two losses. Since a 2023 defeat to Elijah Garcia, he has been unstoppable. He has won his last two bouts decisively.
Now, the real test begins. Dangerous fighters like Osleys Iglesias, Edgar Berlanga, William Scull, and Jaime Munguia want his belt. Even a mega-fight with Canelo Alvarez is a potential option. Armando Reséndiz has the crown, but the world is coming for it.
