WBO ‘Champions Tournament’ on October 5 @ San Juan, Puerto Rico, as prelude to ‘WBO 32nd Convention’ @ Tokyo, Japan later in December

WBO ‘Champions Tournament’ on October 5 @ San Juan, Puerto Rico, as prelude to ‘WBO 32nd Convention’ @ Tokyo, Japan later in December

Boxing event on Saturday October 5 when Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment present with DIRECTV the special edition of the “WBO: Champions Tournament” in a great event that will serve as a prelude to the 32nd convention to be held in Tokyo, Japan later in December 2019. ( Convention Information )

Top prospect Danielito Zorrilla will headline to go for his first title against the dangerous Mexican Jesus Pérez (23-2 with 18 KO’s) for the Interim WBO NABO Jr. Welterweight.

Zorrilla vs. Perez will be the main event of the successful series DIRECTV Boxing Nights and will be live from the Pedrin Zorrilla Coliseum in San Juan. The event will go exclusively to all DIRECTV customers in Puerto Rico through OnDIRECTV, channel 161.

Zorrilla (12-0, 10 KOs) comes from a tremendous KO victory over the previously undefeated Juan Carlos Cordines (14-1, 9KOs) in last August 21 at San Juan.

This super card will also feature a second title brawl when Nicaraguan Carlos ‘El Chocorroncito’ Buitrago (31-5-1 with 17 KO’s) faces Israel Vázquez (10-3-1 with 7 KO’s) for the vacant Latino championship of WBO at 108 pounds.

Buitrago is a veteran who has four world championship fights in his resume and comes from a very close setback against world class contender McWilliams Arroyo during his 112-pound experiment last June.

In addition, the event will include the promising Juan Carlos ‘El Indio’ Camacho (11-1 with 6 KO’s) in duel with the Argentine Lucas Fernández (12-2-1 with 9 KO’s), which is scheduled to a maximum of 8 rounds at 115 pounds and that will serve as an opening bout for the exclusive transmission of the event.

“We are very excited about this great event dedicated to the fans and that serves as a prelude to the 32nd convention of the WBO in December in Tokyo, Japan is a great initiative of Paco and the WBO for boxing, the fans are going to enjoy we are honored to be part of this great tournament,” said Héctor Soto, vice president of Miguel Cotto Promotions and H2 Entertainment.

“The WBO: Champions Tournament is an excellent opportunity for quality and rising fighters to face each other,” said Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, the president of the World Boxing Organization.
“This is the first test for Danielito Zorrilla, who is probably one of the best three prospects coming out from Puerto Rico. And starting with this kind of fight gives brightness to the tournament,” said Valcarcel.

“Danielito Zorrilla goes to a great test against Jesus Pérez. He is a young tough Mexican this fight promises fireworks, and even more is for NABO interim championship of the WBO in the beginning of this exciting champion’s tournament, this is great for boxing!. In addition, the clash of Buitrago vs. Israel Vazquez promises great action clash and, as if that were not enough, we will have the fight of “Indio” Camacho vs. Lucas Fernández, who also promises a lot of fist flying around. On October 5 at the Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla will host a great night with the kind of competitive fights that the fan can’t miss”, said promoter Miguel Cotto.

Tickets will go on sale on Monday September 9 at 10:00am they have a price of $25 General Entrance. $30 Ring Side and $35 VIP tables. They will be available at TICKET PLUS calling at (787)808-5000 or visiting www.ticketpluspr.com

Cd. de Panamá.- El sinaloense Fernando Montiel vivió uno de los momentos más emotivos y especiales de su vida, al visitar por primera vez la tumba de Pedro “Rockero” Alcázar, quien falleció a causa de un derrame cerebral dos días después de la pelea que sostuvieron el 22 de junio de 2002 en el MGM Grand de Las Vegas.

El “Cochulito” Montiel, visiblemente invadido por la nostalgia, cargó la corona de flores que depositó en la tumba del panameño en el cementerio Amador, acompañado por el presidente de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo, Francisco Valcárcel, y también por el ex campeón puertorriqueño Iván Calderón y el actual monarca superpluma de la WBA, Alberto Machado.

Antes de tomar la palabra el mochiteco, respiró hondo, se persignó y en medio de un cúmulo de emociones, expresó: “Es un momento inolvidable estar en la tumba del “Rockero” Alcázar, su muerte cambió mi carrera y mi vida también. Fue algo que me pegó bastante y aquí estoy para rendirle un reconocimiento junto a Paquito Valcárcel y grandes campeones”.

El ex campeón del mundo en tres distintas divisiones recordó que cuando su padre le dio la noticia de la muerte del panameño, rompió en llanto, incluso llegó a pensar en dejar el boxeo ante el estremecimiento emocional que atravesó en esos días.

“Uno nunca se prepara para la muerte, esa noticia me impactó mucho. Recuerdo que él le dedicaba mucho sus peleas a Dios, todos lo hacemos, pero él lo hacía de una manera especial.

“Fueron momentos muy difíciles los que viví, llegué hasta pensar en dejar el boxeo, pero sus manejadores y su familia me alentaron a seguir adelante. Me dijeron, ‘en este deporte los dos están expuestos, te pudo pasar a ti, sigue adelante, mucho ánimo’; todo eso me reconfortó para mantenerme como boxeador. En parte también mi carrera se la debo a él”, manifestó, remontándose a aquel momento del combate en el que salió vencedor por KOT en el sexto asalto, conquistando esa noche el cetro supermosca de la WBO.

“Me siento bendecido de estar en su tumba, más que en un rival, era mi amigo. Tenía muchas ganas de estar aquí con él, tengo muchas emociones en este momento. Sé que está descansando en paz”, remató el mochiteco.

Por su parte, Paco Valcárcel, externó: “Venimos a hacerle un tributo a nuestro segundo campeón panameño, era una persona extraordinaria, él ayudó a que la WBO se estableciera en este país al tenerlo como campeón. Dios lo tenga en su santa gloria”.

El mismo presidente de la entidad boxística calificó este momento como el más emotivo y especial de esta 31era convención anual de la WBO que se realiza en este cálido país.

PANAMA CITY – The 31st WBO Annual Convention formally opens here Tuesday morning at the iconic Hotel El Panama & Convention Center located in Panama’s downtown and financial district with WBO president Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel presiding.

Participants squeezed in to the jampacked Salon Topacio during the morning’s general assembly with than 300 delegates from all the world are expected to attend throughout the week’s activities.

Below are the summary of the day’s proceedings:

• WBO president Valcarcel requested to do his report later in the afternoon or Wednesday morning after other committee members reports. He then requested WBO treasurer Adolfo Flores Munge to proceed with his report

• WBO treasurer Adolfo Flores Munge emphasized the strength of WBO’s financial condition with $1.7 million dollars cash on hand to comfortably sustain the organization’s operations; Flores also revealed that a 200,000 dollars fund has been reserved for litigation purposes. Legal adviser Andrew Horn commented more on the fund and emphasized that the WBO hasn’t lost a legal case in the last 25 years.

• WBO vice-president for Latin America Jorge Molina then made his report highlighting the increase of the number of WBO Latino title fights in the past year

• Association of Boxing Commission’s (ABC) Sean Wheelock spoke briefly about the rule of the commission and invite participants to attend the ABC seminar and certification

• Video presentation / tribute to the deceased former WBO president Ramon Pina Acevedo, a lawyer and political figure of the Dominican Republic, who died at age 96 last February.

• WBO Europe vice-president made his report for the past year highlighting the continued growth of the WBO in that part of the world

• Japanese boxing journalist and matchmaker Joe Koizumi introduced to the assembly WBO junior flyweight champion Kosei Tanaka who will be recognized by the WBO for his achievement as a WBO three division world champion joining an exclusive group that includes Oscar de la Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Terence Crawford.

• WBO vice-president for North America Richard De Cuir was next to report and first talked about the change of rule by ABC regarding the weight gain limit on fight day for championship fights that could potentially affect world title fights going forward.

• Paco Valcarcel adjourned the meeting for lunch break and reminded the participants for the evening’s scheduled tour of the Panama Canal.

WBO opens, Executive Committee members (L-R): Officials Chairman Michael Pernick, 2nd VP Erno Labega, 3rd VP Geno Rodriguez, Founder/Championship Committee Chairman Luis Batista Salas, President Francisco ‘Paco’ Valcarcel, 1st VP John Duggan, Legal Adviser Andrew Horn and NABO/WBO-Intl Executive Director Diana Melendez.

This year’s convention improved on the optics with large photo displays at the hotel lobby of important fights and a parade of portrait photos of the current WBO champions decorating the alley going to the conference rooms.

In the afternoon session, WBO Grievance Committee lawyer Fernando Gierbolini discussed about the role of the committee in regards to cases within the WBO.

Next up VP Asia-Pacific, China and Africa head Leon Panoncillo Jr did his report for the past year with a great turn around in Africa’s number of regional fights and sanction fees. Panoncillo reported a total revenue of $278,994.33 for the year, a considerable increase from the previous year’s revenue of $190,346.61.

The next discussion was about the proposed Trans-Oceanic regional belt that will cover Australia, New Zealand, Russia and Europe proposed by Executive member Danny Leigh. The discussion consumed the remaining time of the afternoon as officials weighed in the pros and cons of having a new belt and the appropriate name of the belt. Representatives from Europe headed by Koko Kovacs voiced out their reservations about the new title while Leigh and president Valcarcel pushed the need to have another belt for the up-and-comers for the region. With the issue unresolved, championship committee chairman Luis Batista Salas moved to adjourn the proceedings and suggested for the members of the committee involved to continue to discuss the issue and settle it out during the next meeting.

Manos de Piedra Roberto Duran (R) attends the convention.

Japan’s Joe Koizumi introduces WBO world champion Kosei Tanaka.

Delegates from Asia was headed by Leon Panoncillo Jr, WBO vice-president for Asia-Pacific.

Other delegates coming from Asia include Games & Amusement Board of the Philippines chairman Abraham Mitra, Japan JBC inspector general and WBO executive committee member Tsuyoshi YasuKochi and China’s Professional Boxing Commission’s Samson Iu; other Asian delegates who have arrived so far were: from the Philippines judge/referee Danrex Tapdasan, judge Edward Ligas, promoter Kenneth Rontal with his lawyer wife Amabelle; from Japan: Journalist and matchmaker Joe Koizumi, former world champion and now boxing judge Tetsuya Iida and world champion Kosei Tanaka; and from China, matchmaker Aku Zhang. 

http://philboxing.com/news/story-140294.html

Corría el día 4 de septiembre del año 2000 en Manchester, Inglaterra, la mirada de los panameños estaban puestas en el televisor, pues desde el viejo continente estaba por escribirse una noche gloriosa en el Wythenshawe Forum.

Ese día, el panameño Mauricio ‘El Ñañara’ Martínez se levantó de las cenizas para hacer historia en el boxeo profesional al consagrarse campeón mundial de peso Gallo de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), siendo el primer canalero en colgarse la faja del organismo presidido por Francisco Valcárcel.

Fue por eso que en el primer día del arranque de la agenda de labores de la 31 Convención Anual de la OMB, llevada a cabo en el salón del Hotel Panamá, se celebró el triunfo del panameño ya retirado y se le hizo entrega de un cinturón por la gesta lograda en el año 2000.

Luis Batista Salas y Francisco Valcárcel le hicieron la entrega de la correa, previo anuncio de la presencia del ex pugilista que el 4 de septiembre venciera en cinco asaltos Lester Fuentes en la disputa del cinto Gallo que se encontraba vacante.

La pelea en sí estaba cargada hacia el lado del nicaragüense, quien en el primer asalto mandó dos veces a la lona al panameño, y luego la pelea se estaba emparejando en los siguientes dos asaltos, pero en el cuarto volvió a caer bajo los puños de fuentes que inclusive su esquina quería detener la contienda.

‘Ñañara’ les hizo la seña de que no la detuvieran, la pelea siguió y casi al terminar el quinto round se dio el desenlace cuando Martínez con una combinación mandó a las cuerdas a Fuentes, que recibipo un tremendo cruzado a la quijada, cayendo desmadejado al ring para ya no levantarse.

Ahí terminó la batalla y ‘El Ñañara’ se coronó campeón mundial Gallo de la OMB, abriendo el camino a otros panameños para alcanzar la gloria.

http://boxaldia.com/reconocen-gesta-de-mauricio-nanara-martinez/?fbclid=IwAR2JvG4-mLpWd_P2g8h-V6eDvx7y6kiMjxaEU8pbdbttveFzAu84pw0lmW4