Mayweather named 'Emeritus Champion' by WBC

The WBC, who is holding its annual convention in China, has officially announced that Floyd Mayweather has been named its 'Emeritus Champion,' while also awarding Mayweather with their Lifetime Achievement Award -- the highest honor given by sanctioning body.

This move officially vacates both the 147 and 154lb titles that Mayweather has been holding, with the caveat that if he decides to fight again he can immediately challenge for both belts. WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman spoke to ESPN Deportes on the move.

"The titles are vacated, [Mayweather] is Emeritus champion, was given the 'Lifetime Achievement' recognition, and given one the largest and most dignified farewells in history. He is the only one with five championships in five WBC divisions," said Sulaiman.

"It's official, we gave him time to make this official presentation here at the convention. We are proud to do it this way. He is a champion for eternity with the WBC and he knows that this is his family. We are celebrating one of the greatest. If he leaves and comes back, it is secondary, I would not want to speculate."

Sulaiman has not yet announced who will be fighting for Mayweather's now-vacant titles, but Amir Khan and Danny Garcia are the top two rated welterweights by the WBC, with Jermell Charlo and John Jackson the top two at junior middleweight.