Resolution to vacate WBO Jr. Middleweight Title of Demetrius Andrade

Resolution of the WBO World Championship Committee to vacate the WBO Jr. Middleweight Title of Demetrius Andrade

WHEREAS, on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, Demetrius Andrade earned a split-decision victory over Vanes Martirosyan to become the WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion of the World; and,

WHEREAS, on Saturday, June 6, 2014 at the Barclays Center in New York— almost seven months after winning the vacant WBO Jr. Middleweight— Andrade defeated mandatory challenger Brian Rose via TKO in round 7 to retain his title; and,

WHEREAS, on September 10, 2014, this WBO World Championship Committee ruled in Mr. Andrade’s favor upon receiving a petition to allow him to move up in weight and immediately vie for the vacant WBO Middleweight Championship of the World against Matt Korobov, giving the parties fifteen (15) days to reach an agreement; and,

WHEREAS, at the end of that negotiation period on September 25, 2014, it came to our knowledge that Mr. Andrade was interested in defending his Jr. Middleweight title and, therefore, wanted to stay within his division and no longer compete for Middleweight title; and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Andrade was next scheduled to defend his belt against Jermell Charlo on December 13, 2014 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, but the agreement was never finalized and Andrade pulled out of the fight on November 17, 2014; and,

WHEREAS, on January 23, 2015, this WBO World Championship Committee wrote to Messrs. Pelullo and De Guardia— Andrade’s co-promoters— again, advising them that parties had thirty (30) days to negotiate an agreement for the WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship bout between Mr. Andrade and Jermell Charlo and stating that a purse bid would be ordered if an accord was not reached within the time frame; and,

WHEREAS, WBO President Valcarcel subsequently received email correspondence from Mr. Pelullo on February 19, 2015 notifying the WBO that Charlo elected not to fight Andrade, but that Stephen Espinoza of Showtime was looking into Erislandy Lara as a challenger to Andrade for a date in April or in any case no later than May; and,

WHEREAS, on April 15, 2015 WBO President Valcarcel once more wrote to Mr. Andrade’s promoters, asking for confirmation of his plans and updating that while the WBO was originally willing to allow a voluntary defense of the belt, the Jr. Middleweight division could no longer be kept inactive and that a mandatory defense was in order; and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Pelullo responded to the April 15 communication and advised that he was to meet with Mr. Andrade during that same week setting June 29 as a potential date to face Liam Smith in a voluntary defense, a fight that we were willing to sanction; and,

WHEREAS, President Valcarcel again followed up with Andrade’s promoters on May 12, 2015 advising them of Section 20 of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests; i.e. PROCEDURE WHEN A TITLE IS DECLARED VACANT, and requesting that they provide the WBO with contracts for the next Andrade bout within a period of forty-eight (48) hours; and,

WHEREAS, On July 15th 2015 this WBO World Championship Committee sent a letter giving Demetrius Andrade a period of ten (10) days or until July 25th 2015 to show cause as to why Mr. Andrade has not defended his WBO Jr. Middleweight Championship of the World under the terms of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests; and,

WHEREAS, on July 20th, the WBO received an email requesting “an additional 10 days to August 4th to respond to the letter [to show cause as to why Mr. Andrade’s title should not be vacated] as a lot of things are in motion that cannot be divulged at this time;” and,

WHEREAS, the WBO Championship Committee granted Mr. Andrade and his promoters an additional five (5) days or until July 30th as the final day to show cause, but adamantly expressed that further extensions would be granted; and,

WHEREAS, on July 29, 2015 the WBO World Championship Committee received a letter from Arthur Pelullo, from Banner Promotions, on behalf of Star Boxing’s Joe De Guardia and their fighter, Demetrius Andrade, advising us that “[t]his past fall, a rival promotional company misled and convinced Demetrius into not taking the Charlo fight that was scheduled for December 13, 2014 on Showtime in Las Vegas, Nevada at the MGM Grand” and that “[t]hat company tortuously interfered with the exclusive promotional agreement that Banner Promotions and Star Boxing have with Demetrius Andrade, which is still in full force and effect;” and,

WHEREAS, Pelullo further advised us that a complaint was filed against the other promotional company for alleged tortious interference with an existing contractual relationship; and,

WHEREAS, this WBO World Championship Committee has thoroughly reviewed all of the documents received on July 29, 2015, including letters from Mr. Pelullo, Andrade’s manager Edward Farris, Andrade himself, as well as the complaint filed in the New York Supreme Court, we are not moved to consider the reasons contained therein to constitute “just cause” for Mr. Andrade’s failure to comply with our Regulations of World Championship Contests; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO has been more than lenient with Mr. Andrade, but he has clearly been inactive and in the context of all of the above has defended his title only once— against Brian Rose— since first obtaining it 19 months ago on November 9, 2013; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO World Championship Committee has full authority, as per our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests to resolve this matter and may, within our powers and discretion according to Section 1 (b) (7) of the aforementioned Regulations, “recommend to the President and the Executive Committee that a Title should be vacated if a Champion fails to comply with the WBO World Championship Rules (Emphasis added); and,

WHEREAS, Section 1 (b) 21 provides that a title may be vacated regardless of cause or fault if the Champion has not defended within a nine (9) month period (Emphasis added); and,

WHEREAS, Section 20 outlines the procedure when a title is declared vacant, stating that “[a] World Championship may be lost for breach of contract, for disability to fight or make required weight, inactivity, or for any other reason established in the regulations that govern World Championships (Emphasis added);” and,

WHEREAS, the WBO acknowledges Mr. Andrade’s qualities as a fighter, his outstanding amateur background as a two-time national Golden Gloves champion, winner of the world championships in 2007, that he represented the United States in the 2008 Olympics; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO further recognizes Mr. Andrade’s potential as a professional fighter, his ability to be a champion for a long time, and that he may, in fact, have been misadvised during his WBO Championship reign, we are invariably bound by and must enforce our Rules and Regulations.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the WBO World Championship Committee according to our Regulations that:

1. The WBO World Championship Committee is allowed no other alternative but to recommend that the WBO Executive Committee immediately cease to recognize Mr. Demetrius Andrade as the WBO Jr. Middleweight Champion of the World and vacate his title, for failing to comply with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
2. This is a final decision of the WBO World Championship Committee. The affected WBO Participant may appeal to the Complaint and Grievance Committee, pursuant to WBO World Championship Section 34, which as per Rule 3(e) of the WBO Appeals Regulation, must be submitted in writing to the WBO President within fourteen (14) days of the date of this decision as its sole and exclusive remedy.

Dated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on this 31st day of July, 2015

Luis Batista Salas, Esq. Chairman WBO Championship Committee

PDF File: 150706 RESOLUTION TO VACATE DEMETRIUS ANDRADE

WHEREAS, on Saturday, May 2nd 2015, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. earned a unanimous-decision victory over Manny Pacquiao in one of the most highly anticipated boxing matches ever to become the Unified WBO/WBA/WBC Welterweight Champion of the World; and,

WHEREAS, during the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Post-Fight Press Conference at the MGM Grand on the night of the historic bout, Mr. Mayweather spoke at length about affording the opportunity to other fighters, particularly those of a younger generation and specifically stated that “Other fighters need to get a chance” and “I’m not greedy. It’s time to let other fighters fight for the belt.” (See, e.g., Floyd Mayweather will relinquish all his title belts before final fight); and,

WHEREAS, pressed on the issue of vacating the championship belts, Leonard Ellerbe, CEO of Mayweather productions, added: “Floyd has been in the sport 20 years and has accomplished everything in the sport.” “What else can he accomplish? There are younger guys up and coming and they’ll get an opportunity;” and,

WHEREAS, due to Champion Mayweather’s statements that he would relinquish all titles and his expressed desire to fight one non-title 12-rounder bout before retiring to allow for the development of young fighters, the WBO World Championship Committee approved the June 27th 2015 bout between Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Jessie Vargas for the Vacant WBO Welterweight Championship of the World; and,

WHEREAS, on May 20th 2015, having heard boxing commentators talk of an upcoming Bradley-Vargas bout for the Vacant WBO Welterweight title, a concerned letter is received from the Mayweather camp through his attorney, John Hornewer, stating that Mr. Mayweather had no definite plans for the future other than the September 2015 bout and specifically, desired to have a written confirmation from the WBO that he remained the WBO/WBA/WBC Unified Welterweight Champion of the World; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO, having acted on the previous statements of Mr. Mayweather in sanctioning the June 27th 2015 bout between Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Jessie Vargas for the Vacant WBO Welterweight Championship of the World, nonetheless, due to the WBO’s and Timothy Bradley, Jr.’s and Jessie Vargas great respect for Mr. Mayweather, the status of the June 27th 2015 bout between Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Jessie Vargas for the Vacant WBO Welterweight Championship of the World was amended to an Interim WBO Welterweight Championship of the World to allow Mr. Mayweather additional opportunity to make his determination whether he wished to retain the WBO Welterweight Championship in conformity with the WBO Rules; and,

WHEREAS, on May 22nd 2015, the WBO World Championship Committee sent a letter requesting that Champion Mayweather convey in writing -on or before Monday, June 1st 2015— his unequivocal intent to retain his WBO Welterweight title, in accordance with the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests; and,

WHEREAS, the letter sent to Mr. Mayweather advised that Section 15 (b) of said regulations would require that he relinquish his WBA/WBC 154 lb. title, for “no WBO Champion may hold a non-WBO Championship in a weight class that is different from the weight class of his WBO Championship;” and,

WHEREAS, on June 1st 2015, a friendly reminder letter was sent to Mr. Mayweather, Jr. stating that his letter relinquishing the WBA/WBC titles was due on the same day; and,

WHEREAS, on the afternoon of June 1st Mr. Mayweather, Jr. sent a letter asking that the WBO World Championship Committee utilize its power and discretion conferred upon it as per Section 1 (b) (20) of the WBO Regulations in order to grant an exception or variation from the Rules and allow him until August 1st to respond to the May 22nd letter on whether he would relinquish his titles; and,

WHEREAS, Mayweather Jr. further stated on the June 1st missive that “entered the bout [on May 2nd 2015 against Manny Pacquiao] holding the WBA and WBC Welterweight and Super Welterweight Division titles,” respectively; and,

WHEREAS, Mayweather, Jr. furthermore expressed that “he is pleased and proud to be recognized and acknowledged as a WBO Champion” and that although “it has taken almost two decades for him to cross paths with the WBO, he is proud and honored to have done so;” and,

WHEREAS, on June 3rd, WBO President Francisco Valcarcel advised Mr. Hornewer that a request was made to the WBO Championship Committee to render a decision on Champion Mayweather’s request no later than Friday, June 5th 2015; and,

WHEREAS, on June 5th 2015 this WBO World Championship Committee resolved that while no future precedent was to be construed of the Resolution, that Section 1 (b) (20) of the WBO Regulations did in fact allow for certain extraordinary exceptions and flexibility, but that under no circumstances could it be interpreted as rendering any of our WBO Rules ineffective, and finally, that an extraordinary extension to allow Champion Mayweather to advise the WBO of his position within the WBO Welterweight division was granted until 4:30 PM EST on Friday, July 3rd 2015, under the following conditions:

1. Mr. Floyd Mayweather Jr. ’s legal representatives had to confirm within the next five (5) days that they were in agreement with the conditions set forth on the June 5th Resolution.
2. The WBO reserved the right to protect its Welterweight Division from stagnation, and to proceed in accordance with our Rules and Regulations and to afford the opportunity to other fighters, particularly those of a younger generation, in the spirit of Mr. Mayweather’s statements on May 2nd 2015; and,
3. If Mr. Mayweather were to fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the June 5th Resolution and his legal representative not notify the WBO World Championship Committee of his intention to vacate titles in other weight divisions by the July 3rd deadline, the WBO would cease to recognize him as the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World.
4. Finally, that the WBO Championship Committee would not grant any further extension on the matter.

WHEREAS, on June 10th 2015 WBO President Valcarcel and members of the WBO Championship Committee received an email communication from John Hornewer on behalf of Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Mayweather Promotions LLC, confirming the acceptance of the four conditions set forth in the June 5th Resolution and thanking the WBO for accepting their request for an exception; and,

WHEREAS, the July 3rd 4:30 p.m. EST deadline passed, and the WBO received no response from Mr. Mayweather or his legal representatives advising of his intent to vacate titles in other weight divisions and complying with WBO Rules and Regulations of World Championship Contests, the matter has been referred to this WBO World Championship Committee; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO Championship Committee has full authority as per our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests to resolve this matter and may, within our powers and discretion according to Section 1 (7) of the aforementioned Regulations, “recommend to the President and the Executive Committee that a Title should be vacated if a Champion fails to comply with the WBO World Championship Rules (Emphasis added); and,

WHEREAS, the WBO acknowledges Mr. Floyd Mayweather’s undeniable place atop the “pound for pound” lists as well as his notable performance on May 2nd 2015 to capture the WBO Welterweight Championship of the World against another extraordinary fighter in Manny Pacquiao; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO has the utmost respect for Floyd Mayweather Jr. and all that he has accomplished during his storied career, and that Mr. Mayweather has always agreed with and understood that World Championships have both privileges and responsibilities and that status as WBO Champion is subject to and conditioned on compliance with the WBO Rules; and,

WHEREAS, Section 16 (1) of our Regulations stipulates that the WBO shall be paid a “Sanction Fee” (both Champion and Challenger) of a rate equal to three percent (3%) of their purses with a minimum of $1,000.00 and a maximum of $200,000.00 per boxer; and,

WHEREAS, it is expressly against our Rules (Section 15 (b)) for boxers to hold world titles in multiple weight classes and if a WBO Champion wins a title in a higher or lower weight division, the WBO Champion shall have ten (10) days to determine which weight division the WBO Champion will retain.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the WBO World Championship Committee according to our Regulations that:

1. In the present case, Mr. Mayweather, Jr. failed to pay the $200,000.000 fee required of him as a participant of a WBO World Championship Contest.
2. Despite affording Mr. Mayweather Jr. the courtesy of an extension to advise us of his position within the WBO Welterweight Division and to vacate the two 154-pound world titles he holds, the WBO World Championship Committee received no response from him or his legal representatives on this matter.
3. The WBO World Championship Committee is allowed no other alternative but to cease to recognize Mr. Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World and vacate his title, for failing to comply with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
4. This is a final decision of the WBO World Championship Committee. The affected WBO Participant may appeal to the Complaint and Grievance Committee pursuant to WBO World Championship Section 34, which per Rule 3(e) of the WBO Appeals Regulation, must be submitted in writing to the WBO President within fourteen (14) days of the date of this decision as its sole and exclusive remedy.

Dated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on this 6th day of July, 2015

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman

WBO Championship Committee

PDF File: 150706 RESOLUTION TO VACATE – FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR (1)

Kosei Tanaka (田中 恒成 Tanaka Kōsei?) is a Japanese professional boxer. He is the current WBO Minimumweight champion. Winning a world championship belt in 5 fights, Tanaka set the Japanese record for winning a world title in the fewest number of fights.

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.
Chairman
WBO Championship Committee

Re: WBO Interim Welterweight Championship Title Timothy Bradley, Jr. vs. Jessie Vargas

Dear Bob:

The World Boxing Organization Championship Committee sanctions the abovementioned WBO Interim Welterweight World Championship Contest between Timothy Bradley, Jr. and Jessie Vargas, to be held at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA, on June 27, 2015, subject to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

As per Section 1(b) (18) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, the World Championship Committee has the power and discretion to determine if an Interim Championship is warranted and to sanction an Interim Championship Bout. However, the approval of Interim Championship Bouts is the exception, not the norm, and this Committee may, according to Section 19 (d) of our Regulations, order them under rare and extraordinary circumstances.

In the present case, we have determined that this Interim Championship is warranted due to WBO Champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s statements that he would relinquish all titles, his expressed desire to fight one non-title 12- rounder bout before retiring to allow for the development of young fighters and his subsequent request under Section 1 (b) (20) of our Regulations (See: June 5, 2015 RESOLUTION OF THE WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE TO GRANT CHAMPION FLOYD MAYWEATHER AN EXTRAORDINARY EXCEPTION OR VARIATION FROM ITS RULES).

As stated in the June 5, 2015 Resolution, the WBO reserves the right to protect its Welterweight Division from stagnation, and requires that all of its champions comply with our Rules and Regulations. For this reason, should Mr. Mayweather not comply with the terms and conditions of the referenced Resolution, the winner of the June 27, 2015 Bradley-Vargas WBO Interim Welterweight Championship will be considered the WBO Welterweight Champion of the World, subject to the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. Should he, in turn, comply with our Regulations, agree with the terms set forth in the aforementioned Resolution and decide to retain his WBO World Welterweight Championship, we will proceed and duly resolve in accordance with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

A copy of this letter has been notified to Mayweather, Jr.’s legal representative, John Hornewer.

Yours truly,

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

C/c Carl Moretti
Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.
John Hornewer, Esq.

PDF File: 150627 S Interim Welterweight Timothy Bradley vs. Jessie Vargas

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) sigue ganando simpatías entre los mexicanos luego de que ayer por la mañana la Universidad AMAUTA de la Ciudad de México en medio de una ceremonia hizo entrega de reconocimientos al presidente del organismo con sede en Puerto Rico, Francisco Valcarcel, al representante en México Rafael López Santos y al ex campeón mundial Moisés Fuentes.

Rafael López Santos fue el encargado de recibir el reconocimiento del presidente de la OMB, estando acompañado de Moisés Fuentes en las instalaciones de la Universidad AMAUTA cuyo significado en peruano es maestra.

Vale la pena destacar que quienes iniciaron la Universidad son de origen peruano y por ello es que la bautizaron con ese nombre, siendo una institución en la cual se da clases desde kínder hasta profesional.

Rafael López Santos agradeció el gesto y dijo que la Organización Mundial de Boxeo es una empresa reguladora de boxeo que se preocupa con programas sociales alrededor del mundo.

Synopsis

American professional boxer Floyd Mayweather was born on February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He won three national Golden Gloves and an Olympic bronze medal in 1996, and became a professional boxer that same year. By 2007, he was considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and had 38 undefeated bouts. He retired in 2008, but returned to the ring in September 2009.

Early Years

Widely considered the greatest boxer of his era, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was born February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Boxing is in his blood. His father, Floyd Sr., was a welterweight contender, and his uncle Jeff Mayweather is a former IBO super featherweight champion. Another uncle, Roger Mayweather, is a former World Boxing Council super-lightweight champion.

His father introduced Mayweather to the gym not long after he started walking, holding his young boy in front of speed bags whenever they visited. Soon, Mayweather was throwing punches at anything that came in his view. At the age of seven he was fitted for his first pair of boxing gloves.

Little Floyd, as he was known, became a staple at his neighborhood gym, which was conveniently located just five doors down from his family’s home.

His family life was complicated. His father had a violent temper, and drifted in and out of danger. In 1978, while holding his son, he was shot in the leg during a dispute with the brother of a girlfriend. In 1993, the elder Mayweather was sentenced to prison on cocaine trafficking charges. Mayweather’s mother has also dealt with substance abuse issues.

Boxing Success

Away from the circus of his family, Mayweather found peace and control in the ring. Known as Pretty Boy early in his career for his unmarked face, Mayweather, with his fast, precise style, won the National Golden Gloves in 1993, 1994 and 1996.

While he finished a claimed 84-8 as an amateur, his pre-professional career ended bitterly at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta when he lost a controversial decision and was forced to settle for a bronze medal.

Mayweather turned professional on October 11, 1996. As a pro, Mayweather continued to win at an astonishing rate. With his father serving as both manager and trainer, he won several easy bouts during his first two years, which he capped off by capturing his first world title, the WBC junior lightweight championship.

His career greatly accelerated even more beginning in 2000, when Mayweather embarked on a seven-year stretch that had many fight fans talking about him as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

During this period, he moved up in weight class four times, taking home Ring magazine and WBC lightweight titles in 2001, the WBC super lightweight title in 2005, and Ring magazine and WBC welterweight titles in 2006. In 2007 he defeated Oscar De La Hoya for the WBC super welterweight crown.

His success garnered increased earnings. In 2010 he was the third highest-paid American athlete, with income of more than $60 million for the year.

The victories and paychecks only fueled Mayweather’s already sturdy ego. In a sport built on bravado, he has proven to be one of boxing’s most polarizing figures.

“My goal has always been to be one of the best fighters who ever lived,” Mayweather has said. “My career and legacy are very important to me.”

So is his crossover appeal. In recent years Mayweather has brought his star power to television.

In the buildup to his much-anticipated 2007 match with De La Hoya, Mayweather took center stage in the four-part HBO documentary 24/7, which led to new pay-per-view and live-gate records. Later that year he appeared as a contestant on ABC Television’s Dancing with the Stars.

Recent Years

In 2007, Mayweather stunned the sports world when he announced his retirement. He returned in September 2009 and won a bout against Juan Manuel Marquez by unanimous decision, for a purse of nearly $60 million. Eight months later, he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Shane Mosley in Las Vegas to up his professional record to 41-0.

In May 2013, Mayweather made headlines when he won a 12-round bout against Robert Guerrero in a unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, taking the WBC welterweight title. The fight bumped Mayweather’s record to an undefeated 44-0 (with 26 KOs).

Mayweather, who is the father of four children (two sons and two daughters), resides in Las Vegas.

Programa especial de Paliqueando. Un documental que explora la pelea de las leyendas del boxeo Floyd Mayweather Jr y Manny Pacquiao. En se plantean los objetivos primordiales de llevar a cabo esta pelea, se contrastan los estilos y las capacidades de ambos púgiles, el factor tiempo en el boxeo, el mega evento y el legado de ambos.

Una producción como ninguna otro, con un repertorio de primer órden. Desarrollado en su totalidad en la Universidad del Este y su New Media Center. Escrito y producido por el Dr. Jorge F. Figueroa y dirigido y editado por el Prof. Radamés Barreto.

The WBO laid down the law this week and, believe it or not, this is a rare occasion where I wholeheartedly endorse what a sanctioning organization has done.

Bantamweight titleholders Tomoki Kameda (31-0, 19 KOs), 23, of Japan, and Jamie McDonnell (25-2-1, 12 KOs), 29, of England, are scheduled to meet in what was supposed to be a title unification bout on May 9 on a CBS-televised “Premier Boxing Champions” card in Hidalgo, Texas. The bout is the co-feature on the show headlined by the Omar Figueroa-Ricky Burns junior welterweight fight.

However, because McDonnell holds a secondary title — the WBA’s “regular” belt — the WBO formally refused to sanction the fight as a unification match for a variety of reasons it detailed in its ruling and a letter sent to Kameda.

In the letter, the WBO outlined its rules pertaining to unification bouts and concluded with this:

“The WBO world championship committee will not authorize your proposed bout with Jamie McDonnell as a unification contest, as it is our position not to recognize the ‘secondary titlists’ of organizations that opt to have more than one champion per division — as is the case with the WBA, which has Juan Carlos Payano as its so-called ‘super champion’ in the bantamweight division and Yonfrez Parejo as its ‘interim’ titleholder.

“Simply put, the WBO only recognizes the highest titleholder of other sanctioning organizations as legitimate champion for unification purposes (in this case Payano). In addition to this, the WBO World Championship Committee may only sanction contenders that are rated within the top 15 of the WBO. In this case, McDonnell does not meet the criteria of the WBO ratings committee and is not rated.

“Finally, please note that should you decide to participate of the aforementioned bout in spite of this warning and without our authorization, this committee may order you to show cause as to why the WBO bantamweight championship of the world should not be declared vacant or, in the alternative, it may declare the title vacant without further hearing you.”

That is logical, which is not a word often used when discussing sanctioning bodies. There are already too many titleholders with the WBA being, by far, the worst offender.

If Kameda wants to unify 118-pound titles, great. That means fighting Payano if he wants a WBA title, not a secondary titleholder who is technically the mandatory challenger for Payano.

Common sense and a sanctioning body in the same sentence? Next you’re going to tell me that the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight was made.

Original Post

April 20, 2015

Via E-mail: kameda-pro@nifty.com

Tomoki Kameda
1-6-18 Takaramachi Katsushika-ku Tokyo, Japan
Dear WBO Bantamweight Champion Tomoki Kameda:

We write to you in response to the various press reports that make mention of a proposed Unification Championship contest with Jamie McDonnell. This matter falls under the purview of the WBO World Championship Committee, as per our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. Specifically, the following is within our power and discretion:.

1. (1) To determine the format and venue for making any determination that is the subject of the WBO World Championship Rules; and,
2. (2) To determine if there is good cause to extend the time during which a champion must make a Mandatory Challenge; and,
3. (3) To approve the terms and conditions under which a Champion may extend the time for a Mandatory Challenge so as to compete in a Unification Bout or a Unification Tournament; and,
4. (4) To recommend to the President and the Executive Committee that a title should be vacated if a Champion fails to comply with the WBO World Championship Rules (Emphasis added); and,
5. (5) To determine whether a Champion is entitled to a disability extension to make a Mandatory Challenge, and the terms and conditions for such a disability extension; and,
6. (6) To sanction all Championship Contests and Eliminatory Bouts; and,
7. (7) To make or recommend exceptions or variations from the Rules as the World Championship Committee determines are necessary; and,
8. (8) To vacate a championship Title regardless of the cause or fault, if the Champion has not defended within a nine (9) month period; and,
9. (9) To recommend to the President and the Executive Committee amendments to these Rules.

The WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests also authorize the application of our WBO Champion to unify World Championships with the WBA, the IBF and the WBC,

pursuant to SECTION 7: UNIFICATION BOUTS AND UNIFICATION TOURNAMENTS AS MANDATORY TITLE BOUTS:

• (a) The World Championship Committee has the power and authority to sanction a Unification Bout or participation in a unification tournament as a Mandatory Title Bout. A Unification Bout is a championship bout with the champion of another world sanctioning organization recognized by the WBO, including the WBA, the WBC and the IBF. A Unification Tournament is a tournament of single elimination bouts involving 4 Champions or top contenders of 2 or more WBO recognized world sanctioning organizations.
• (b) […]

In addition to this, Section 15 of said rules (on NONCHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS or
NON-WBO CHAMPIONSHIP FIGHTS) state that:

1. (a) A WBO champion shall not participate in any fight that is not for the WBO Championship without the prior authorization of the WBO World Championship Committee. This authorization shall be subject to such conditions as the WBO World Championship Committee determines. In addition, this authorization will be granted only on the condition that the WBO Champion pay a fee to the WBO that is the equivalent of the amount that the WBO Champion would have paid to the WBO as a WBO Championship fight.
2. (b) […]
3. (c) The WBO Championship Committee may vacate the title of any Champion who conducts a contest in the Champion’s Weight Division or any other division without the authorization of the WBO Championship Committee (Emphasis added).

Based on the above dispositions, the WBO World Championship Committee will not authorize your proposed bout with Jamie McDonnell as a Unification Contests, as it our position not to recognize the “secondary titlists” of organisms that opt to have more than one champion per division— as is the case with the WBA, which has Juan Carlos Payano as its so-called “Super Champion” in the Bantamweight division and Yonfrez Parejo as its “Interim” titleholder. Simply put, the WBO only recognizes the “highest” titleholder of other sanctioning organisms as legitimate champion for unification purposes (in this case Payano). In addition to this, the WBO World Championship Committee may only sanction contenders to the WBO World Championship title that are rated within the top 15 of the WBO. In this case, McDonnell does not meet the criteria of the WBO Ratings Committee and is not rated.

Finally, please note that should you decide to participate of the aforementioned bout in spite of this warning and without our authorization, this Committee may order you to show cause as to why the WBO Bantamweight Championship of the World should not be declared vacant or, in the alternative, it may declare the title vacant without further hearing you.

Very truly yours,
WBO World Championship Committee

Luis Batista Salas, its Chairman

Cc: Francisco Valcarcel, Esq.
Tom Brown/Goossen Tutor Promotions Eddie Hearn/Matchroom Boxing

PDF File: 150421 Tomoki Kameda vs. Jamie McDonnell

RE: WBO JR. FEATHERWEIGHT ELIMINATION BOUT NEGOTIATIONS GENESIS SERVANIA vs. JUAN CARLOS SANCHEZ, JR.
Gentlemen:

Please be advised the parties have Fifteen (15) days to negotiate an agreement for the above referenced WBO Jr. Featherweight Elimination bout between Genesis Servania, rated #1 and Juan Carlos Sanchez, Jr., rated #6. If an accord is not reached within the time frame, a Purse Bid will be ordered.

Any one of the parties involved may call for a purse bid at any time during the negotiation process.
Yours truly,

This cause coming to be heard upon the Application of Kenia Enriquez for a Direct Rematch against Melissa McMorrow to their February 28, 2015 WBO Female Flyweight Championship contested in Rosarito, Mexico, the WBO World Championship Committee having considered the Complaint of March 13, 2015 submitted on behalf of Kenia Enriquez by Attorney David Gutierrez, the WBO Supervisor’s Report, the Referee’s Report, having reviewed the video of the match on Azteca TV, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaO-y2YGbLY, having considered the press reports of the Championship, and having received on April 10 and evaluated declarations offered as evidence, and being full advised in the Premises, it is determined:

WHEREAS WBO Female Flyweight Champion Kenia Enriquez contested her Championship against Melissa McMorrow on February 28, 2015 in Rosarito, Mexico; and

WHEREAS the WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE recognizes Kenia Enriquez as an excellent Champion and congratulates Melissa McMorrow and Kenia Enriquez for their exceptional Championship Contest of February 28, 2015.

WHEREAS Melissa McMorrow was awarded the Championship by a split decision, and

WHEREAS Kenia Enriquez filed a Complaint on March 13, by Attorney David Gutierrez,

WHEREAS Rule 18 of the WBO Rules provides:

‘SECTION18. RETURN FIGHTS

The WBO shall not allow direct return fights, unless recommended by the World Championship Committee and authorized by the Executive Committee. A direct return fight is a fight between the new Champion and the former Champion from whom the new Champion won the title (or between a new Champion and the losing Contestant in a Vacant Title Fight), before the new Champion defends his title against any of the other fighters classified in his category. If the World Championship Committee determines either that the resolution of a Championship Contest was substantially irregular, or that there was a clear misapplication of the rules of boxing resulting in a manifest unfairness, such that in either case the World Championship Committee determines that the Championship was substantially unresolved, the World Championship Committee may, in its discretion, recommend a direct return fight, which may be authorized only by the majority vote of the Executive Committee. The World Championship Committee may recommend a direct return fight for any other circumstance; in that event a direct return fight shall only be authorized by the affirmative vote of not less than 75% of the Executive Committee.’

WHEREAS, the World Championship Contest between Kenia Enriquez and Melissa Mc Morrow was a highly technical, closely competitive match that was cleanly fought by both Contestants at the highest level of skill, and in the opinion of the Committee, was well-officiated and fairly resolved in accordance with the Rules of Boxing and substantially in compliance with the WBO World Championship Rules, and it reflected great credit upon Kenia Enriquez and Melissa McMorrow, the new WBO Champion

NOW THEREFORE IT IS RESOLVED by the WBO World Championship Committee that it does not recommend to the WBO Executive Board that a direct return fight should be ordered pursuant to Rule 18.

April 16 , 2015

WBO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE

By: Luis Batista Salas, Esq. Chairman

PDF FILE: RESOLUTION OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE RE KENIA ENRIQUEZ PETITION FOR DIRECT REMATCH (2)

Pacquiao begins training with Roach at the Wild Card.

Photo Credit: Chris Farina / Top Rank

El día de ayer en la Ciudad de Mexico, la OMB participó de una magna conferencia de prensa en el Hotel Sheraton Maria Isabel, en la cual PROMOCIONES ZANFERBO anunció sus planes para Latinoamérica. El evento contó con la presencia de nuestro presidente Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel así como los excampeones mundiales Juan Manuel Márquez, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera y Julio César Chávez.

En el día de hoy se anunció oficialmente el combate entre el campeón mexicano Orlando “Siri” Salido, quien expondrá su cetro de las 130 libras de la OMB, y el puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez. Salido vs Martínez, el próximo 11 de abril en San Juan, Puerto Rico, en lo que sin dudas será un combate lleno de emociones.

LA ORGANIZACIÓN MUNDIAL DE BOXEO RECONOCE A DELEGACIÓN DE BOXEO AFICIONADO DE PUERTO RICO QUE PARTICIPÓ EN VERACRUZ 2014, A LOS OFICIALES GENARO RODRÍGUEZ Y MIKE PERNICK,  AL EX CAMPEÓN PUERTORRIQUEÑO JOHN JOHN MOLINA Y AL ANALISTA DE BOXEO MARIO RIVERA MARTINÓ

SAN JUAN, PR– Durante la mañana de hoy, en una ceremonia celebrada en el Restaurante Zipperle de San Juan, Puerto Rico, la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) y su Presidente Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel ofrecieron un reconocimiento a la Delegación de Boxeo Aficionado de Puerto Rico que participó en los Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe Veracruz 2014, al igual que a los oficiales Genaro ‘Gino’ Rodríguez, árbitro internacional, y Mike Pernick, juez internacional, por su trayectoria. Además, reconocieron la excelencia como analista boxístico a Mario Rivera Martinó y le entregaron una nueva faja al ex campeonato de las 130 libras, John John Molina.

“Hoy la Organización Mundial de Boxeo se honra en poder reconocer a tantos baluartes de este deporte. Estamos entregándole un incentivo educativo a estos muchachos de la Delegación de Boxeo Aficionado de Puerto Rico por su gran esfuerzo de representar dignamente a su Isla. También, reconocemos la excelente trayectoria de dos grandes amigos y grandes profesionales del boxeo como Gino Rodríguez y Mike Pernick. Estamos entregándole un nuevo campeonato al ex Campeón Mundial John John Molina y reconociendo su gran labor con la juventud. Igualmente, estamos reconociendo la excelente trayectoria de uno de los más grandes conocedores y analistas del boxeo a nivel mundial, Mario Rivera Martinó”, manifestó el Lcdo. Francisco Valcárcel.

“Para nosotros es un honor recibir este incentivo educativo por parte de la OMB. La labor que ha estado realizando la OMB no solamente con el boxeo profesional sino con nosotros en el boxeo aficionado, ha sido muy importante. Nuestro compromiso es seguir dando el máximo dentro y fuera del cuadrilátero,”, dijo la medallista de oro de los Juegos Centroamericano y del Caribe Veracruz 2014, Kiria Tapia.

Mientras, Genaro ‘Gino’ Rodríguez, árbitro internacional, y Mike Pernick, juez internacional, aprovecharon la ocasión para anunciar su retiro y aceptar una nueva faceta profesional dentro de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo.

“Estoy muy agradecido por este reconocimiento. Decidí tomar la decisión de retirarme como árbitro y estar un poco más de tiempo con mi familia. Ahora tengo una nueva tarea en la OMB y trabajaré con la misma pasión que siempre lo he hecho”, dijo el ahora Vicepresidente del Comité de Campeonatos Mundiales de la OMB, Genaro Rodríguez.

Por su parte, el nuevo Director de Oficiales de la OMB, Mike Pernick mencionó: ‘mi visión siempre ha sido clara. Hay que darse cuenta cuando uno comienza a bajar la cuesta. Ahora estoy listo para dejar de realizar mi trabajo como juez y comenzar mi nueva función dando el máximo como siempre lo he hecho”.

Entre tanto, el ex Campeón Mundial John John Molina mencionó sentirse honrado y dispuesto a seguir aportando todo lo que esté a su alcance en beneficio de la juventud puertorriqueña. Molina recibió su nueva faja de la mano de los ex Campeones Mundiales Ángel ‘Cholo’ Espada, Alfredo ‘El Salsero’ Escalera, Víctor ‘Luvi’ Calleja, Nelson Dieppa, Samuel ‘El Torbellino’ Serrano, Álex ‘El Nene’ Sánchez e Iván Calderón.

El final de la ceremonia, amenizada por el Presidente de la OMB Francisco Valcárcel y el periodista Roberto Arias, contó con un emotivo reconocimiento al legendario analista boxístico, Mario Rivera Martinó por su aportación invaluable al mundo del boxeo. Martinó tuvo el respaldo de los periodistas Rafael Bracero y José Sánchez Fournier.

Los contendores Víctor Bisbal y Jonathan ‘Bomba’ González, los prospectos Félix ‘El Diamante’ Verdejo, John Karl Sosa, Chistopher ‘Pitufo’ Díaz y Adan Zorrilla, los integrantes de la Delegación de Boxeo Aficionado de Puerto Rico Jeyvier Cintrón, Danielito Zorrilla, Nicklaus Flaz, Michael Narváez, Luis Aponte y Mercedes Alicea estuvieron presentes en la ceremonia.

También asistieron a la actividad los entrenadores Félix Pagán Pintor, Ricky Márquez, Ángel Rosario, Genaro Castellanos y Peter Fuentes, los manejadores Margaro Cruz y Orlando Piñero, los promotores Peter Rivera y Anthony Rivera, los jueces César Ramos, Gerry Martínez, Luis Ruiz, Fernando Steidel, Raúl Nieves, José Roberto Torres y Nelson Vázquez, los árbitros Roberto Ramírez Sr., José Hiram Rivera, Ramón Peña, Roberto Ramírez Jr. y Melva Santos.

Además de Valcárcel, por parte de la OMB dijeron presente el Presidente del Comité de Campeonato Luis Batista Salas, el Presidente del Comité de Quejas y Agravios Alberto Rodríguez, el Secretario General José Izquierdo, el Presidente del Comité de Clasificaciones Luis Pérez, el Tesorero Adolfo Flores y el Asesor Administrativo Manuel Marrero Hueca.

Naoya Inoue received his WBO belt last Friday in Tokyo, Japan at the JBC’s award-giving ceremony.Inoue expressed to all present that he is honored to be WBO Junior Bantamweight Champion of the World.

SAN JUAN, PR-  In a ceremony held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) and President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel honored Russian champion, Sergey Kovalev, awarding him the WBO’s Light Heavyweight Super Championship.

“The title of Super Champion is one of great significance. Iván Calderón, Manny Pacquiao, Oscar De La Hoya, Wladimir Klitschko and Joe Calzaghe are among the elite few who have received this distinction. Sergey Kovalev is a complete fighter with big punching power and great boxing skill. He is a dedicated family man and a gym enthusiast. He will defend his championship on March 14 and as you can see he is almost at his fight weight. We are honored to have him as our champion. He is undoubtedly one of the best fighters in the history of his division,” stated President Francisco Valcárcel.

“I am very happy to be in Puerto Rico and delighted by the warm reception. For me, it is an honor to receive the title of WBO Super Champion. I have to thank the World Boxing Organization for giving me the opportunity to defend for the first time a world title. You can be assured that I will defend my titles against anyone, anywhere. I’ll keep showing I am a Super Champion”, said Kovalev.

Naoya Inoue is a Japanese boxer. Current WBO Super Flyweight champion. He was born in Zama, Kanagawa, and is currently managed by Hideyuki Ohashi’s Ohashi Boxing Gym in Yokohama, Kanagawa.

Amateur career

Inoue won the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting and the Japanese Junior National Championships in 2009. In 2010, he took the bronze medal in the Asian Youth Championships in Tehran, Iran, and won the Japanese Junior Selection Tournament. He then participated in the AIBA Youth World Championships, but lost to Yosvany Veitía in the third preliminary round. He finished in the second place at the Japanese National Championships in the same year.

In July 2011, he took the gold medal in the 21st President’s Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia. He subsequently won the first place in the Japanese Interscholastic Athletic Meeting in that year. However, he was eliminated in the third round by Yosvany Veitía in the 2011 World Amateur Boxing Championships at the Heydar Aliyev Sports and Exhibition Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan, and lost to Birzhan Zhakypov in the final at the 2012 Asian Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament in Astana, Kazakhstan.[4] His amateur record was 75-6 (48 KOs and RSCs).

Professional career

Inoue turned professional in 2012. When he registered with the Ohashi Boxing Gym, he signed up with Ohashi never to fight against easy opponents, on his own will. His past fights and opponents have brought him confidence and courage.

On October 2, 2012, he fought against Filipino champion Crison Omayao, and won his debut via a fourth round knockout. After this victory, he won two straight victories over Thai champion Ngaoprajan Chuwatana and Japan’s number one-ranked boxer Yūki Sano.

In November 2014, he vacated his light flyweight title in order to challenge WBO Junior Bantamweight Champion Omar Andrés Narváez.

On December 30, 2014 at the Metropolitan Gym in Tokyo, Japan and in just his eight professional fight, Japanese prodigy Naoya Inoue claimed the WBO Jr. Bantamweight Championship of the World, scoring four knockdowns over future Hall of Famer and WBO Super Champion Omar Narvaez of Argentina. Naoya Inoue, WBO Champion. Boxing’s newest star!

Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

Oficial weights from Tokio, Japan: Omar Narvaez (114.5 lbs) vs. Naoya Inoue (115 lbs) for the World Boxing Organization Junior Bantamweight title.

Photo Credit: Naoki Fukuda

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/372525-photo-gallery-omar-narvaez-naoya-inoue-weigh-in#/slide/1

After his dramatic win over Matt Korobov this past Saturday, Andy Lee returns home to Ireland to a hero’s welcome. Once again, congratulations to Andy Lee on becoming the WBO Middleweight Champion of the World.

Photo Credit: Ricardo Guglielminotti

Como parte de su ya tradicional actividad de navidad en el Centro Sor Isolina Ferré de Ponce, la Organización Mundial de Boxeo y su presidente, Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcárcel, junto a ex campeones mundiales y los mejores prospectos puertorriqueños llevaron alegría a cientos de niños del área sur de Puerto Rico, obsequiándoles juguetes, artículos deportivos y bicicletas, esto como parte de su exitoso programa mundial “Kids Drug Free”.

Alien vs. Krusher: Hopkins vs. Kovalev is a 12-round unification bout for the IBF, WBA and WBO Light Heavyweight World titles,  The HBO World Championship Boxing telecast begins at 10:45 p.m. ET/PT.

Photo Credit: Hogan Photos/Golden Boy Promotions