VASYL LOMACHENKO NAMED 2017 RING MAGAZINE FIGHTER OF THE YEAR

In the 89-year history of THE RING’s Fighter of the Year award, no boxer has ever earned the honor with as few fights under his belt as Vasyl Lomachenko has. Then again, few have achieved as much as the Ukrainian amateur star did after only 11 pro bouts.

Lomachenko (10-1, 8 knockouts) was selected as THE RING’s Prospect of the Year in 2013 after only one fight – his Oct. 12 pro debut against Jose Ramirez. Eight months after that impressive fourth-round KO, the wizardly southpaw won his first world title, the vacant WBO featherweight belt, by taking Gary Russell Jr. to school over 12 rounds. (Lomachenko’s boxing clinic against the highly touted unbeaten U.S. Olympian was performed in his third pro bout, just three months after he received his own education in gritty pro tactics via 12-round split-decision loss to grizzled veteran Orlando Salido.)

Two years and three title defenses later, he won his second world title in a second weight class, the WBO 130-pound belt, with a fifth-round KO of Roman Martinez. His first defense – an embarrassingly one-sided mastery of Nicholas Walters that forced the unbeaten former featherweight titleholder to pull a “No Mas” after seven rounds – was so impressive that he instantly jumped into the top half of most pound-for-pound lists by the end of 2016.

So, what made Lomachenko’s 2017 so special? Why was he selected as THE RING’s Fighter of the Year over worthy candidates such as Terence Crawford, Anthony Joshua, Mikey Garcia and Srisaket Sor Rungvisai?

For starters, he fought more than the other standouts in 2017 – three times – continuing to outclass and bewilder opposition to between-rounds retirements, but he also made large strides toward transitioning from a boxing-world phenom to the kind of general sports standout recognized by casual fans and mainstream media.

Lomachenko (left) tags Jason Sosa. Photo courtesy of HBO

Lomachenko’s humiliating brand of dominance was expected against his first two opponents of 2017, Jason Sosa and Miguel Marriaga, both solid contenders that will give any other world-class featherweight or junior lightweight a grueling night. Lomachenko forced the battle-tested scrappers to remain on their stools after nine and seven rounds, respectively, and he didn’t mind showboating as he gradually picked them apart from every conceivable angle.

Although Lomachenko was favored to beat his third opponent of 2017, fellow two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux, he wasn’t expected to have his way with the counter-punching master.

Rigondeaux, who carried a 17-0 pro record into their anticipated showdown at The Theater inside Madison Square Garden, was the older of the two savvy left-handers (37 to 29) and moving up from the 122-pound division, but the Cuban also brought with him a style that many believed was impossible to dominate or look good against.

Lomachenko did both en route to Rigondeaux’s inglorious retirement after six rounds.

Lomachenko downplayed the victory during his post-fight interviews, basically stating that he did what he was supposed to do, but there can be no downplaying of his boxing ability or his rising stature in the sports world.

Lomachenko appears to be on his way to becoming a bona-fide attraction. It was literally standing room only inside the 5,000-seat Theater (with no space for comps or auxiliary media and tickets rumored to be going for three times face value on the secondary market prior to the ESPN-televised card). Promoter Bob Arum says the two-division titleholder will fight at least three times next year, perhaps once in the “big room” of Madison Square Garden. Lomachenko is clearly done with small venues and fighting in front of limited TV audiences.

Lomachenko (right) took Guillermo Rigondeaux apart. Mikey Williams/Top Rank

Lomachenko-Rigondeaux was watched by 1.73 million on ESPN (twice the number of viewers that tuned into a UFC offering on FS1 that was broadcast during the same time slot). It was ESPN’s highest-rated show on December 9, exceeding viewers for the Heisman Trophy presentation and the MLS Cup.

Lomachenko’s future fights will be televised on Top Rank’s new network partner, ESPN, which contributed to his crossover appeal in 2017 and will undoubtedly enhance his popularity in the U.S. in coming years.

For now, he’s the toast of the boxing world, where hardcore fans use his name as an adjective or verb when expounding on their favorite sport via social media. A talented prospect like Josh Kelly might be described as having “Lomachenko-esque” moves. A fighter who is bewildered into submission might be said to have been “Lomachenko’d.”

Lomachenko’s reputation has been established enough in 2017 that boxing geeks now argue how he would fare in a mythical matchup with a prime Floyd Mayweather Jr. at 130 pounds.

However, Lomachenko isn’t interested in the future hall of famer, but rather one of the standouts of Mayweather Promotions, former IBF 130-pound beltholder Gervonta Davis. His “call out” to Davis, which was directed at Mayweather’s official Twitter account, attracted a lot of attention and eventually pulled Mikey Garcia into the social media conversation.

Lomachenko eventually Tweeted a poll of four potential opponents – Miguel Berchelt, Garcia, Davis and Jorge Linares – which has garnered more than 40,000 votes. Garcia and Davis received the most votes, but if he can get any two of the four in the ring in 2018 he’ll likely be a strong candidate for back-to-back Fighter of the Year honors.

RUNNERS UP:
Anthony Joshua
Terence Crawford
Mikey Garcia
Srisaket Sor Rungvisai

Following “Fighter of the Year” tradition, Vasyl Lomachenko will feature as cover star in the next issue of RING Magazine.

Vasyl Lomachenko named 2017 RING Magazine Fighter of the Year

Pound for pound star Guillermo Rigondeaux has moved to withdraw his appeal against the World Boxing Organization stripping the Cuban of his WBO super bantamweight title.

The 35 year-old was initially hoping to reverse the decision which the WBO stated was due to lack of activity as champion, although ‘Rigo’ has now decided to focus on his career moving forward.

As the belt remains vacant and number one Nonito Donaire faces number two ranked Cesar Juarez this Friday night, the WBO’s Jose Izquierdo was asked to clarify if the bout would be sanctioned for the vacant belt in light of recent events.

“Guillermo Rigondeaux withdrew his appeal. However, we have not yet received any request for Donaire-Juarez. As it stands, the fight is for the WBO International Title,” Izquierdo exclusively told World Boxing News.

That could still change in the run-up to Friday’s fight and would seem to be a no-brainer for the WBO as the pair would certainly have been ordered to face-off for the vacant championship under any other circumstances.

For Rigondeaux, the talented ex-champion can continue a new dawn in his career following victory over Drian Francisco on what was his debut under new promoters Roc Nation in Las Vegas, Nevada at the back end of last month.

http://www.worldboxingnews.net/2015/12/09/news/rigondeaux-gives-up-on-wbo-title-no-change-yet-for-donaire-v-juarez

THIS CAUSE coming to be heard by the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee upon the complaint of Mr. Patrick C. English of Dines and English. L.L.C., on behalf of Guillermo Rigondeaux from the October 26, 2015 determination of the WBO World Championship Committee, the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee having received the Ruling of the WBO World Championship Committee, having afforded the Interested WBO Participants ample opportunity for submittals— both written and oral — having considered the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, and being fully advised in the Premises,

IT IS ORDERED: the Appeal is Dismissed

THE FOLLOWING is established as the Record of Proceedings in this Cause:

1. 10/7/2015, Letter from WBO World Championship Committee to Rigondeaux and his promoter, Caribe Promotions, ordering them to show cause as to why Rigondeaux has not defended the WBO Junior Featherweight Championship under the terms of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.
2. 10/16/2015, Letter from Jared Lopez on behalf of Mr. Rigondeaux and his promoter in response to the show cause order issued by the WBO World Championship Committee.
3. 10/26/2015, Resolution of the WBO World Championship Committee to vacate the WBO Junior Featherweight Title of Guillermo Rigondeaux.
4. 11/9/2015, Guillermo Rigondeaux’s appeal letter of the WBO World Championship Committee Resolution of October 26, 2015.
5. 11/10/2015, Letter from WBO President Francisco Valcarcel forwarding and referring appeal received on November 9, 2015 to Alberto Rodriguez, the Chairman of the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee.
6. 11/10/2015, Letter of Notification from WBO President Francisco Valcarcel to Attorney Patrick English stating that the appeal had been forwarded to the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee.
7. 11/12/2015, Notice and Order Setting Docketing Conference from the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee.
8. 11/17/2015, Second request from Mr. Patrick C. English for additional time to respond or until Friday, December 4, 2015.
9. 12/4/2015, Letter from Mr. Patrick C. English on behalf of Mr. Rigondeaux to withdraw the appeal.

INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS

In preparation for this Resolution, this Committee has evaluated Mr. Rigondeaux’s record as WBO Junior Featherweight Champion, examined news reports and commentaries to gain insights as to the reasons behind his inactivity. Taken as a whole, this Committee confirms that the WBO World Championship Committee was more than lenient with Mr. Rigondeaux, choosing not to exercise their discretion to order a Mandatory Defense and instead affording him great latitude and the opportunity to face any of the top 15 classified contenders, but that he was clearly inactive, defending his title only three times during the (31) months prior to the October 26, 2015 Resolution.

DISCUSSION

Mr. Patrick C. English of Dines and English, L.L.C., on behalf of Guillermo Rigondeaux, petitioned this WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee on November 9, 2015 to (1) Reverse the October 26, 2015 determination of the WBO World Championship Committee to vacate Rigondeaux’s WBO Junior Featherweight Championship, arguing that the fighter’s inactivity was “in major part caused by the WBA’s failure to enforce its rules and what, sadly, appears to have been a conspiracy to do so in order that a unification between Messrs. Frampton and Quigg could be held,” further adding that “[t]his chronology was not known at the time Mr. Rigondeaux’s response was due to the WBO’s Championship Committee,” and that “[i]t became known only after the WBA’s recent action and upon discussion with IBF officials.” Finally, on December 4, 2015 this WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee received communication from Mr. English unequivocally stating that upon consultation with their client it was their intention to withdraw their appeal.

It is important to note, that this Committee is not swayed by arguments pertaining to the WBA, their rules and activities- they have no bearing whatsoever on the decision of the WBO World Championship Committee or this WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee. Ours is a simple application of our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. Also, because this Committee believes so strongly in the importance of Due Process, the Interested WBO Participant was given the opportunity to address us via telephone conference on Tuesday, November 17, 2015, provide additional information for our consideration and to testify under oath and confirm any prior written statements. At that time, Mr. English requested an additional period to reply in light of Mr. Rigondeaux’s bout scheduled for November 21st. On November 21st. English then wrote to this Committee asking for a final extension until Friday, December 4, 2015. On that date, Mr. English sent us communication via email stating that after “consulting Guillermo, we intend to withdraw our appeal.” The letter further added:

It was never our contention that the WBO violated any of its rules. Rather, we were requesting that the WBO exercise its discretion not to adopt the Championship Committee recommendation in light of the circumstances which were discovered and which are set forth in my letter of November 9, 2015. Those circumstances primarily involved the WBA and not the WBO.

Rigondeaux’s letter withdrawing their appeal, finally asked that:

While we still request that the President, in his discretion, not adopt the Recommendation of the Championship Committee, we do not believe that the exercise of discretion is an appealable issue and thus, this withdrawal.

An Interested WBO Participant may no doubt withdraw an appeal at any time during the established process. On the other hand, the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee considers it necessary to discuss the request that the President not adopt the Recommendation of the WBO World Championship Committee to declare Mr. Rigondeaux’s WBO Junior Featherweight Title vacant. Section 34 of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests establishes that:

Any WBO Participant, including, but not limited to a Boxer, Manager, or Promoter who is or could be affected by a determination of the World Championship Committee who wishes to contest such a determination must, as his or her sole and exclusive remedy, file a Complaint pursuant to the WBO Appeal Regulations. In all cases the complaint shall be referred to the WBO President, who may attempt for a reasonable period to resolve the complaint amicably. The WBO President may reject a complaint or he may refer it to the Complaints and Grievance Committee which shall determine the complaint or grievance in accordance with the WBO Appeals Regulations.

In this case, WBO President Francisco Valcarcel opted not to participate of the complaint process, instead choosing to refer the matter immediately to this WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee. That is to say, the November 10, 2015 letter from President Valcarcel to the Chairman of this Committee, and that same date’s letter of notification to Mr. English, proves that the Rigondeaux matter no longer fell within his purview and no longer had jurisdiction in the matter. In light of this rule, this Complaint and Grievance Committee is forced to conclude that Mr. Valcarcel is no longer in a position revise his determination to adopt the recommendation of the WBO World Championship Committee, per their October 26, 2015 Regulation.

CONCLUSION

The Appeal is dismissed upon request of the petitioning party. The October 26, 2015 determination of the World Championship Committee is sustained. This Committee also concludes WBO President Valcarcel may no longer revise his determination to adopt the recommendation of the October 26, 2015 WBO World Championship Committee Resolution. This Decision is the Final Action of the WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee. It constitutes the Final Arbitration of the issue per 32 LPRA Section 3201 et. seq. and the US Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code, and the Inter- American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration of July 30, 1975 and the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitration Awards of June 10, 1958 under WBO Rule 35, which in relevant part provides:

• d) These Regulations are to be interpreted in conformity with the Laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All WBO Participants agree and consent that any or all action in which the WBO is made a party, whether it is to enforce, interpret or declare the application of these Regulations or to appeal from any determination of the WBO, including, but not limited to a determination of the Complaint and Grievance Committee, may be maintained only in the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or, if applicable, in the U.S. District Court for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
• e) All WBO participants acknowledge and agree that the mandatory resort to the WBO Appeals Regulation is the sole and exclusive remedy for any claim, appeal or contest that arises from any right or status that is subject to these Regulations or which results from or relates to the interpretation or application of these Regulations. These WBO Appeals and Grievance Committee determinations are Arbitrations within the contemplation of 32 LPRA Section 3201 et. Seq. and the US Arbitration Act, Title 9 of the United States Code, and the Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration of July 30, 1975 and the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitration Awards of June 10, 1958. All WBO participants stipulate and agree that the nature of the sport requires a prompt, final and uniform resolution of all disputes concerning application of these Regulations by a tribunal experienced with the application of these Regulations and with special knowledge and experience in world championship professional boxing.
• f) These Regulations apply to all WBO Participants. The term WBO Participant includes any and all person or company who participates in any WBO activity, including, but not limited to any and all current or former WBO World Champions, WBO Regional Champions, World Championship or WBO Regional Championship contenders, all WBO World or Regional ranked or rated boxers, Manager and/or Promoters of any of the foregoing, all WBO Members, and all WBO Officials. The WBO is a voluntary not-for profit organization. All WBO Participants who participate in any WBO sanctioned activity do so on the express condition that such WBO Participant is bound by and subject to these WBO World Championship Rules and all WBO Rules and Regulations.

All WBO Participants are reminded that the sole remaining WBO appeal of this determination is to the WBO Executive Board, which may be initiated only by written application to the WBO President per Article 7 of the WBO Appeals Regulations:

The decision of the Complaint and Grievance Committee is final unless an appeal is granted pursuant to this Article. In the sole discretion of the President, a decision of the Complaint and Grievance Committee may be reviewed by the Executive Committee of the WBO. This extraordinary review may be ordered by the President upon the independent decision of the President after receipt and consideration of a written Appeal by a WBO Participant affected by the decision within five (5) days following the date of the decision. The effect of a decision of the Complaint and Grievance Committee will not be affected by an Appeal unless the President determines to stay the decision pending Appeal.

On December 8, 2015

Respectfully Submitted,

World Boxing Organization

ALBERTO RODRIGUEZ

Complaint and Grievance Committee

PDF File: 151208 WBO Complaint and Grievance Committee Resolution G. Rigondeaux

The WBA Championships Committee has redesignated WBA super bantamweight “super” champion Guillermo Rigondeaux as “Champion in Recess.” The move was made in light of Rigondcaux’s impressive record and accomplishments, the delays associated with his various managerial/promoter disputes, and the loss of his unification status (he was stripped by the WBO for inactivity earlier this week). Rigondeaux must come out of recess and face the reigning champion on or before May 1, 2016.

The WBA has also authorized a special permit for champion 122lb “regular” champ Scott Quigg to participate in a unification bout with IBF champion Carl Frampton, subject to compliance with all other WBA rules and payment of all applicable fees.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/wba-makes-rigondeaux-champion-in-recess-oks-quigg-frampton-unification-311816

By Dave Spencer

WBA super bantamweight “super” champion Guillermo Rigondeaux was stripped of the WBO title earlier this week and lost the WBA belt today (although he remains champion in recess). The reason for both moves was inactivity. However, Rigo does apparently have a fight lined up against TBA on December 4th in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and tickets are on sale. James “Lights Out” Toney is also scheduled to appear. The last time they had boxing in Ottawa was 1998 with Otis Grant defending his WBO title.

http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/rigondeaux-aiming-for-december-4-return-311820

Resolution of the WBO World Championship Committee to vacate the WBO Jr. Featherweight Title of Guillermo Rigondeaux

WHEREAS, on April 13, 2013 Guillermo Rigondeaux became the WBO Junior Featherweight Champion of the World by earning a unanimous decision victory over Nonito Donaire in New York’s Radio City Music Hall; and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Rigondeaux’s first defense of the title took place nearly eight months after he first obtained it, in a wide unanimous decision victory against Joseph Agbeko on December 7, 2013 at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and,

WHEREAS, on July 19, 2014 Rigondeaux defeated Sod Kokietgym via KO in the first round of a fight held at the Cotai Arena, in Macao, China and finally earned another victory against Hisashi Amagasa on December 31, 2014 at the Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka, Japan; and,

WHEREAS, in summation, since becoming the WBO Junior Featherweight Champion of the World nearly thirty-one (31) months ago, Guillermo Rigondeaux has defended his title only three times, the last one almost ten months ago; and,

WHEREAS, on October 7, 2015 this WBO World Championship Committee sent a letter to Mr. Rigondeaux and his promoter, Boris Arencibia of Caribe Promotions, ordering them to show cause as to why Rigondeaux has not defended his WBO Junior Featherweight Title under the terms of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests, and in spite of our particular leniency in allowing him the opportunity to face any of the top 15 classified contenders in the division; and,

WHEREAS, on October 16, 2015 we received written communication from Jared Lopez on behalf of Mr. Rigondeaux and his promoter, Caribe Promotions, in response to the show cause order issued by this Committee; and,

WHEREAS, Rigondeaux’s show cause response raises two main arguments: 1) That “Mr. Rigondeaux should be granted an exception under sections 1 (b) (20) and (5) (a) of the WBO Rules, as he has sought to remain active in compliance with WBO Rules but there is a lack of appropriate opponents available and willing to fight” and 2) that “it would be an abuse of discretion to vacate because Mr. Rigondeaux has never failed to defend against the mandatory challenger;” and,

WHEREAS, in support of these arguments, the letter adds that “the WBC and IBF Champions [have been] unavailable” and that “Mr. Rigondeaux previously requested the WBA order [a] mandatory defense with Scott Quigg to no avail;” and,

WHEREAS, this WBO World Championship Committee has thoroughly considered the written representation made during the show cause period on behalf of WBO Junior Featherweight Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux, and we are not moved to consider the reasons contained therein to constitute “cause” for Mr. Rigondeaux’s failure to comply with our Regulations of World Championship Contests; 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 championship 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, in making determinations of this sort, the WBO World Championship Committee is guided by the principles set forth in the preamble to our Rules, namely, that:

The World Championship has been established for generations as the highest objective in professional boxing. A World Championship is not the property of any boxer. The Championship is a trust, subject to the conditions defined herein, for the use and benefit of all boxers and boxing fans, who through their contribution of time, effort, risks and resources sustain the existence of the profession.

WHEREAS, this Committee shares Team Rigondeaux’s opinion that he is a fighter of utmost skill and pedigree, a gifted athlete that is not only perhaps the greatest amateur boxer ever, but also one of the top pound-for-pound professionals in the world; and,

WHEREAS, we also recognize that Mr. Rigondeaux’s talent, record of accomplishment and complicated style, invariably pose difficulties securing premium fights on the top-tier stage, but that it is the boxing promoter’s paramount responsibility— not ours or that of any sanctioning organization for that matter— to secure, organize, and produce such fights; and,

WHEREAS, “[seeking] to remain active in compliance with WBO Rules,” a mere desire and willingness to fight, is not sufficient cause, for Mr. Rigondeaux and his promoter cannot shield themselves from their responsibility to remain active, particularly not by invoking this Committee’s power to order a Mandatory Defense, a rule itself designed as discretionary; and,

WHEREAS, it is hardly an “abuse of discretion” for this Committee to take into account all of Mr. Rigondeaux promotional complications and in his best interest and that of all of the WBO Junior Featherweight Division, choose not to exercise the discretion to order a Mandatory Defense and instead afford him great latitude and the opportunity to face any of the top 15 classified contenders; and,

WHEREAS, we can sympathize with Mr. Rigondeaux aspiration “to face only the very top competition in the 122lbs division,” his show cause response to this Committee misconstrues Section 14(a) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contest; and,

WHEREAS, Rule 14(a) states that, “it is the policy of the WBO to encourage its Champions to pursue recognized status as undisputed World Champions and to unify the Championships of the four major world sanctioning organizations (the WBO, WBA, WBC and IBF),” it speaks to cases in which a Mandatory Defense is due but an opportunity to unify championships is also present; and,

WHEREAS, in this context, Rule 14(a) cannot be construed as unhindered license for a fighter to exclusively purse unification contests, as such, we are not at all persuaded by the argument that, “WBC Champion Leo Santa Cruz and IBF Champion Carl Frampton, are not available or willing to fight Mr. Rigondeaux […] because Messrs. Santa Cruz and Frampton are fighters under the direction of boxing advisor Al Haymon and as such they have refused to negotiate unification bouts with Mr. Rigondeaux;” and,

WHEREAS, Mr. Rigondeaux’s letter also asserts that he unsuccessfully petitioned the WBA to order a mandatory defense against Scott Quigg, although this Committee understands that under WBA Rule 18 the president and committee of that organization may have forced that match with the so-called “regular” champion, that they didn’t, has no bearing on our decision; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO again acknowledges Mr. Rigondeaux’s qualities as a fighter, his outstanding amateur background as a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist; and,

WHEREAS, the WBO further recognizes Mr. Rigondeaux standing as a top pound-for-pound fighter, his ability to be a champion for a long time, 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 denies Mr. Rigondeaux petition for an exception under sections 1 (b) (20) and (5) (a) of the WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests in consideration of all of the above, and in particular the fact that since becoming the WBO Junior Featherweight Champion of the World nearly thirty-one (31) months ago, Guillermo Rigondeaux has defended his title only three times, the last one almost ten months ago.
2. The WBO World Championship Committee is allowed no other alternative but to recommend that the WBO Executive Committee immediately cease to recognize Mr. Guillermo Rigondeaux as the WBO Jr. Featherweight Champion of the World and vacate his title, for failing to comply with our WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests.

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:

SECTION 34. COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCES

Any WBO Participant, including, but not limited to a Boxer, Manager, or Promoter who is or could be affected by a determination of the World Championship Committee who wishes to contest such a determination must, as his or her sole and exclusive remedy, file a Complaint pursuant to the WBO Appeal Regulations. In all cases the complaint shall be referred to the WBO President, who may attempt for a reasonable period to resolve the complaint amicably. The WBO President may reject a complaint or he may refer it to the Complaints and Grievance Committee which shall determine the complaint or grievance in accordance with the WBO Appeals Regulations.

ARTICLE 3. WBO APPEAL REGULATIONS

Any Appeal, Complaint, or Grievance (hereinafter referred to as a “Complaint”) shall be submitted in writing to the President. Any WBO participant may submit a Complaint. The President is authorized to attempt to resolve any such Complaint by alternative dispute resolutions such as negotiation or mediation. If, after ten (10) days of attempting methods of alternative resolution, the President determines such methods of alternative dispute resolution will not fully and finally resolve the Complaint, he shall submit such Complaint for determination to the Complaints and Grievance Committee. 

[…]

1. e) Any Complaint must be filed as soon as reasonable after learning of a dispute and in no event shall be filed later than 14 days after the occurrence of the event that gives rise to the complaint.

 Dated in San Juan, Puerto Rico on this 26th day of October, 2015

By:

Luis Batista Salas, Esq.

Chairman

WBO Championship Committee

7 de octubre de 2015

Campeón Guillermo Rigondeaux

p/c Boris Arencibia

Caribe Promotions

Vía E-mail:

Estimado Campeón Guillermo Rigondeaux:

El 13 de abril del 2013 usted se coronó Campeón Junior Pluma de la OMB en el Radio City Music Hall de Nueva York, tras derrotar por decisión unánime al hasta entonces campeón Nonito Donaire. Su primera defensa del título de la OMB la realizó el 7 de diciembre de 2013, casi ocho meses después en el Boardwalk Hall de Atlantic City, Nueva Jersey ante Joseph Agbeko, derrotándolo por amplia decisión. El 19 de julio de 2014 venció a Sod Kokietgym vía nocaut en el primer asalto de un combate en el Cotai Arena, en Macao, China. Finalmente, resultó victorioso ante Hisashi Amagasa el 31 de diciembre de 2014 en el Bodymaker Colosseum en Osaka, Japón.

Desde que se convirtió en el Campeón Junior Pluma de la OMB hace treinta (30) meses, usted ha realizado únicamente tres defensas de su título habiendo celebrado la última alrededor de nueve meses y siete días.

El Comité de Campeonatos de la OMB reconoce sus grandes habilidades y todos sus logros como boxeador aficionado y profesional que lo ha llevado a ser reconocido ampliamente como uno de los mejores púgiles en la historia del boxeo. Sin embargo, es nuestro deber y obligación velar por que nuestras Reglas sean cumplidas. En su caso ni siquiera hemos ordenado una pelea mandatoria para darle más oportunidad de que pueda competir contra cualquiera de los 15 peleadores clasificados en su división de las 122 lbs. A pesar de la flexibilidad que el Comité ha tenido en su caso, usted permanece inactivo.

La Sección 20(a) de las “WBO World Regulations of World Championship Contests” establece en su parte pertinente lo siguiente:

“20(a) A World Championship may be lost for breach of contract, for disability to fight or to make the required weight, inactivity, or for any other reason established in the Regulations that govern World Championships…”

La Sección 1(b)(7) y 1(b)(21) confieren poder al Comité de Campeonatos de la WBO para recomendar al Comité Ejecutivo que un título se declare vacante. Las citadas disposiciones establecen lo siguiente:

“SECTION 1. WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMMITTEE

(b) The World Championship Committee shall have the following powers and discretion:

…(7) 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; and…

…(21) To vacate a championship title regardless of cause or fault if the Champion has not defended within a nine (9) month period.”

Tomando en consideración todo lo informado anteriormente le estamos concediendo un término de diez (10) días calendario para que muestre causa por la cual su título de las 122 lbs. no deba ser declarado vacante.

Se le apercibe que de usted no comparecer en el término concedido, el Comité de Campeonatos podrá resolver este asunto sin más citarle ni oírle.

Cordialmente,

cc   Louis Fonseca, Lcdo. Francisco Valcarcel

PDF File: 151007 Show Cause Guillermo Rigondeaux

El doble campeón mundial súper gallo de la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo (AMB) y de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), el invicto cubano Guillermo “El Chacal” Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) en una entrevista con el programa A Los Golpes de ESPN Deportes Radio arremetió con todo contra el también imbatido campeón mundial del Consejo Mundial de Boxeo (CMB), el mexicano Leodegario “Leo” Santa Cruz (29-0-1, 17 KOs) incitándolo a que unifiquen títulos.

El oriundo de Santiago de Cuba, y radicado en Miami, Florida, tuvo una larga plática en vivo desde la capital del sol con el mencionado programa, y hablo fuerte contra Santa Cruz. Esto sucede en el momento en que Oscar de la Hoya (presidente de Golden Boy Promotions), que es la empresa de Leo Santa Cruz, y el presidente de Caribe Promotions Boris Arencibia, que es la promotora del Chacal, iniciaron conversaciones para montar dicho combate.

Campeón, gracias por aceptar nuestro llamado.
“Muchas gracias por haberme hecho esta entrevista, estamos listo para lo que sea”

¿Cómo tomas el hecho de Oscar de la Hoya ya esté dispuesto a montar esa pelea con Santa Cruz?
“Bueno, nosotros estamos al cien por ciento, estamos esperando, estamos listos, yo nunca he dicho que no a ninguna pelea, y bueno, estamos esperando a que Leo SantaCruz, o el papa, se decidan y que se haga la pelea, eso es lo que queda, mas nada”.

¿Cómo se le pelea a Leo Santa Cruz?
“Yo soy un peleador que depende de cómo el contrario salga a pelear también, pero si hay que pelearle al cien por ciento, al rojo vivo, nosotros estamos preparados para lo que sea, nosotros siempre estamos listos, siempre estamos en el peso que es lo principal, y esperando que él diga que si nada más”.

¿Crees que tu victoria sobre Nonito Donaire te cerró las puertas a otras peleas grandes por la forma en que le ganaste?
“No tanto así no, pero yo me preparo siempre a conciencia cien por ciento, y peleo con el que tenga que pelear, no sé lo que está pasando, que los demás campeones no quieren mis títulos, no los quieren, no quieren unificar conmigo, por eso espero que Leo Santa Cruz diga que sí, para que se concrete todo y pelear, eso es lo que estamos esperando”.

¿Crees que Santa Cruz es sincero cuando dice que él quiere pelear contigo?
“Realmente eso no lo sé, pero nosotros siempre estamos listos esperando que se concrete, yo nunca digo que no, cien por ciento, nomás que digas que sí, y vamos a pelear, porque no queda más nada”.

¿Qué le dices a Santa Cruz?
“Bueno Leo Santa Cruz con lo que dijo De La Hoya pienso que ya se debe hacer la pelea y unificar los títulos, porque tú para ser súper campeón tienes que pelear conmigo, tu tiene que pelear conmigo si o si, si no, no eres súper campeón de las 122, estoy esperando que se concrete, y a pelear, al rojo vivo”.

¿Está tan obligado como Mayweather a pelear con Pacquiao para no perder seguidores?
“Si, es la misma situación, ya está bueno de que le estén echando a todos los muertos esos, está cobrando 750 mil dólares contra los muertos esos que en el ranking están ubicados en el número 500, ya!!, Vamos a pelear y que no se hable más, olvídate de tu papá y vamos a pelear, porque tu papá no va a pelear, el que vas a pelear eres tú”.

¿En tus planes esta subir a 126 y enfrentar a los mejores plumas?
“Yo no tengo ningún tipo de problemas, yo soy 122, pero si les ponen un límite que no pases de 136 libras el día del combate, a pelear con cualquiera, mientras me paguen, yo peleo con cualquiera, yo nunca digo que no, soy un boxeador que a la hora de pelear resuelvo los problemas”.

¿Qué le dices a Santa Cruz sobre sus declaraciones que eres un correlón, y será una pelea aburrida?
“Eso es lo que él está pensando, como le dije a Nonito que también lo tenían inflado, yo le tengo un regalito, yo no voy a correr, no me voy a mover, eso es lo que él no sabe, el piensa que yo voy a salir a correr, eso es lo que está pensando, déjenlo que se haga a esa idea, que me voy a parar en el centro del ring y le voy a romper la cabeza”.

¿Es verdad que dijiste que todas esas yeguas de las 122 no hacen un caballo como tú?
“Por supuesto, son como cien yeguas que no hacen un caballo como yo, estamos esperando que algunos se decidan a unificar conmigo, y en especial con Leo Santa Cruz, esperando que le dé permiso su padre, el piensa que yo voy a correr, pero lo que no sabe es que le tengo lo último del 2015”.

¿Qué es lo último del 2015?
“Lo último del 2015, son salsa, cerveza y manguito, y al último, una cerveza
Tecate, qué onda guey, decídete, que los mexicanos se han caracterizado por tener gran valor, y nunca dicen que no, hay que esperar si la mexicana esta se decide, porque es una mexicana, qué onda guey, que pinche guey, que vas a hacer”.

¿Dices que Julio Cesar Chávez te espantó a Santa Cruz, porque?
“Si claro, yo respeto mucho a Julio Cesar Chávez, porque el si es un gran campeón, y una gran persona, pero me está asustando a Leo, y no va a pelear conmigo, no me lo asustes más Julio, porque cada vez que haces una declaración me lo pones a 100 metros, y así no lo voy a alcanzar nunca, espero que se dé la pelea para unificar, él dice que es campeón mundial, por eso le digo que vamos a unificar y no siga peleando con muertos, está peleando con sus sparring, imagínate”.

¿Qué va a pasar si le ganas el cinturón del WBC a Santa Cruz?
“¿Como dijiste, que que le qué? No haber si le gano, afírmalo cien por ciento, le voy a ganar, me falta ese, el verde de la WBC, y el de la FIB, y no los tengo porque no quieren pelear conmigo”.

¿Se están oxidando tus cinturones?
“Se están oxidando, se están poniendo más negros que yo, tengo 5 cinturones, y los tengo de adorno en la casa, nadie los quiere, nadie quiere pelear conmigo, nadie quiere ser campeón”.

¿Qué paso en los Juegos Panamericanos de Rio de Janeiro cuando desertaste, y luego regresaste a Cuba?
“Sucedieron algunas cosas, las cosas no salieron como las planeamos, no nos dieron la cantidad de dinero que nos prometieron, y decidimos regresar a Cuba Erislandy Lara y yo, nos sacaron de la selección nacional, y después nos venimos a Estados Unidos por nuestros propios medios”.

¿La pelea con Santa Cruz es una pelea de nocaut, o se va a los 12 rounds”
“Nosotros nos preparamos diferente para cada pelea, dependiendo de los rivales, el piensa que vamos a salir a correr, pero me le voy a parar en el medio del ring, y lo voy a tirar, pero primero que me haga el peso, porque él tiene problemas de peso, y yo estoy en peso ahora mismo, y puedo pelear mañana, yo estoy en las 122, no tengo problemas, y a eso también le está huyendo, yo con el peso ya gane la primera pelea”.

¿También le tienes mucho respeto a Juan Manuel Márquez dijiste?
“Si claro, le mando un saludo a Juan Manuel Márquez, un tremendo peleador que habla muy bien de nosotros los cubanos, y siempre nos está apoyando en todos los sentidos, aunque él es mexicano, y siempre se expresa muy bien de nosotros los cubanos”.

¿Te gustaría que la pelea con Santa Cruz sea en el respaldo de Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao si se dan los dos combates?
“Por supuesto, cien por ciento, y ahí voy a brillar, porque a mí cuando me dan la oportunidad yo siempre la aprovecho, yo nunca dejo la oportunidad que se me vaya”.

¿Cuál es tu mensaje para Leo Santa Cruz por ultimo?
“Mira Leo Santa Cruz, yo he tenido buena opinión de todos los mexicanos, y tú has dicho que quieres pelear con los mejores, y escucha bien, el mejor que hay en 122 libras ¿tú sabes quién es?, Guillermo Rigondeaux, y tengo dos títulos, y estoy esperando por el tuyo, vamos a unificar para saber quién es el mejor de las 122. No se vayan a equivocar como paso con Nonito Donaire, que lo tenían también inflado, y para ti tengo lo último que trajo el barco, así es que prepárate y espero que estés bien preparado para que no pongas excusas como Nonito, y ahora dice que va a bajar otra vez a las 122 para pelear conmigo, aquí estoy esperando por las yeguas de las 122 que entre todas no hacen un caballo como yo”.

De esa forma el invicto doble campeón mundial súper gallo cerró una larga e interesante entrevista en ESPN Deportes Radio.

http://notifight.com/rigondeaux-arremete-contra-leo-santa-cruz

Date:  Wednesday, December 31, 2014

WBO/WBA JR. FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE BOUT

Location:  Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Osaka, Japan

Promoter:    Kyoei Promotion / Keichiro Kanehira

Supervisor:   Istvan Kovacs

Referee:   Mike Ortega

Judges:   Chalerm Prayadsab (107-99);  Zoltan Enyedi (105-101); Ferlin Marsh (107-99)

Results:   The Champion Guillermo Rigondeaux retained his WBO Jr. Featherweight Title against Hisashi Amagasa who retired  in the 11th round.

TV:

Unified junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux survived a pair of stunning seventh-round knockdowns but retained his 122-pound belts when Hisashi Amagasa, the left side of his face badly swollen, retired on his stool after the 11th round on Wednesday at the Bodymaker Colosseum in Osaka, Japan.

The fight was just one of five world title bouts at two locations on Wednesday in Japan, where major New Year’s Eve cards have become something of a tradition. There was a third card on Tuesday that included three more world title bouts.

Rigondeaux, a two-time Cuban Olympic gold medalist who defected and now lives in Miami, was making his sixth title defense and seemed to be in command of the fight through the sixth round as he pumped his right jab and continually moved to the side to keep Amagasa away from him. But the 5-foot-10½ Amagasa, who owned a 6½-inch height advantage, was aggressive, put a lot of pressure on Rigondeaux and had his moments.

His biggest came in the seventh round, when he broke through and knocked Rigondeaux down twice.

With about 30 seconds left in the round, Rigondeaux was backing up when Amagasa caught him on the chin with a right hand. Rigondeaux went down, but he got up quickly and did not appear badly hurt. When the fight resumed, Amagasa, who was facing a top opponent for the first time, went right at him. He landed a right hand and a left during a flurry that sent Rigondeaux to the mat again, this time face-first. Again, Rigondeaux rose quickly and tried to convince referee Michael Ortega that he had slipped.

The 29-year-old Amagasa (28-5-2, 19 KOs), of Japan, a featherweight who dropped down in weight to challenge Rigondeaux, did not have a chance to get off another punch after the second knockdown because the round ended.

Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs), 34, quickly took control of the fight again in eighth round, and midway through the 10th round, he connected with a straight left hand that dropped Amagasa to his rear end in the center of the ring. By that time, Amagasa had swelling around his right eye and the left side of his face was also beginning to look disfigured from what appeared to be a possible broken jaw or cheek.

Rigondeaux dominated the 11th round as the swelling on Amagasa’s face got even worse. After the round, Amagasa retired on his stool.

Rigondeaux was winning easily on all three scorecards at the time of the stoppage: 107-99, 107-99 and 105-101.

Rigondeaux was fighting in Asia for the second consecutive time, having also defended his title in Macau, China, in July. That fight was the final one on his contract with promoter Top Rank, which declined to renew his deal because none of the American television networks were interested in putting on Rigondeaux’s fights thanks to his cautious and technical style that generally led to boring fights. His performance against Amagasa, however, was much more entertaining than many of his past fights.

Rigondeaux, who survived a knockdown to unify two belts in a decision win against 2012 fighter of the year Nonito Donaire in April 2013, would like to further unify titles and has called out Leo Santa Cruz to no avail.

Gary Hyde, Rigondeaux’s manager, said before Wednesday’s fight that if Rigondeaux won, he already had an offer for his next fight to also be in Japan.

http://espn.go.com/boxing/story/_/id/12102580/unified-junior-featherweight-champion-guillermo-rigondeaux-survives-hisashi-amagasa-japan

Osaka, Japón. El boxeador cubano Guillermo Rigondeaux ya entrena en Japón para defender su título mundial supergallo. El titular de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo y la Asociación Mundial de Boxeo hará su defensa este 31 de diciembre ante Hisashi Amagasa, en el Bodymaker Colosseum de Osaka. Rigondeaux entrenó en público, ayer, y se encontró con Amagasa, un peleador que le aventaja aproximadamente por 10 centímetros de altura (foto). El cubiche, considerado el mejor 122 libras del mundo, tiene marca de 14-0 y 9 nocauts; mientras que Amagasa figura con 28 triunfos (19 KO), 4 derrotas y dos empates.

http://www.elmeridianodesucre.com.co/deportes/item/52580-rigondeaux-defiende-el-titulo

RING/WBO junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux will face Hisashi Amagasa on Dec. 31 before the latter’s partisan fans at the Bodymaker Colosseum, Osaka, Osaka, Japan, Rigondeaux’s manager, Gary Hyde, informed RingTV.com on Monday.
Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 knockouts) was last in action for a first-round knockout of Sod Kokietgym on a Top Rank Promotions card in Macau, China in July.

Amagasa (28-4-2, 19 KOs) has won 13 consecutive fights, seven by knockout, including stoppages in his past three bouts. Amagasa, 29, is coming off last month’s 12th round technical knockout of Ryo Takenaka. Amagasa last suffered defeat by unanimous decision to Ryol Li Lee in June 2010 but avenged that loss by unanimous decision in October 2013.

Rigondeaux, 34, ended a 36-0-1 unbeaten streak for Kokietgym and was coming off consecutive unanimous decisions over Nonito Donaire in April 2013 and Joseph Agbeko in December.

Rigondeaux won the RING and WBO titles against Donaire and the WBA title against Rico Ramos in January 2012 in his ninth pro bout.

Hyde said he would much rather see Rigondeaux against Carl Frampton, Leo Santa Cruz or Scott Quigg, all ranked Nos. 1, 2 and 3 by THE RING behind Rigondeaux at 122 pounds. Frampton is the IBF titleholder and Santa Cruz, the WBC beltholder. Quigg is 30-0-2 with 22 knockouts.

“Unfortunately the only fighters who are prepared to challenge ‘Rigo’ are Asian fighters,” said Hyde during an interview with RingTV.com. “Santa Cruz. Frampton and Quigg want no part of him so, Asia, here we come again.”

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/367803-guillermo-rigondeaux-to-face-hisashi-amagasa-on-dec-31

• TO: ALL BONA FIDE PROMOTERS
• FROM: LUIS BATISTA SALAS, ESQ.
• DATE: SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

Re: WBO Jr. Featherweight Purse Bid Guillermo Rigondeaux-Chris Avalos

As per Section 11 through 13 of the WBO Regulations for World Championship Contest (www.wboboxing.com) and as promoters were not able to reach an agreement, please be advised a purse bid will be held at 10:00 AM EST on September 9th 2014 at:

WBO HEADQUARTERS 1056 Muñoz Rivera Avenue Suite 711-714 San Juan, PR 00927-5013

The minimum acceptable bid for the Jr. Featherweight Title is $100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Dollars).

The WBO President, Francisco Valcarcel, will preside.

Date:  Saturday, July 19, 2014

WBO Jr. Featherweight Championship Bout

Location:  Cotai Arena, Venetian Resort, Macao, Macao S.A.R., China

Promoter:  Top Rank

Supervisor:  Leon Panoncillo

Referee:  Mark Nelson

Judges:  Dennis Nelson, John Poturai, Glenn Feldman

Results:  WBO Junior featherweight champion Guillermo Rigondeaux retains his titles by knocking out Sod Kokietgym at 1:44 minutes into the first round.

TV:  USA HBO 2, Hungary Sport 1, USA UniMas

The Thai protested the stoppage. The crowd in Macao booed. (Chris Farina/Top Rank) – By Robert Ecksel –

With history as a guide, everyone expected Rigondeaux to waltz his way to a decision or late round stoppage…

Guillermo Rigondeaux will defend his RING, WBA and WBO junior featherweight titles against Sod Kokietgym on July 19 in Macau, China, Top Rank announced on Saturday.

Rigondeaux (13-0, eight knockouts) is coming off back-to-back unanimous decisions over Nonito Donaire last April and Joseph Agbeko in December. Rigondeaux won the WBO belt in the Donaire fight.

The 36-year-old Kokietgym (63-2-1, 28 KOs) has had only two fights of note in his long career, losses to Daniel Ponce de Leon in 2005 and 2006. Ponce de Leon won the vacant WBO 122-pound title in the first fight and successfully defended it in the second.

Kokietgym is 36-0-1 since that second fight but has faced obscure opponents only in his home country of Thailand during that stretch.

Also on the card will be two-time Chinese Olympic champion Zou Shiming (4-0, 1 KO), a flyweight; former flyweight titleholder Brian Viloria (33-4, 19 KOs); Mexican super middleweight Gilberto Ramirez (28-0, 22 KOs); and 2012 Russian Olympic gold medalist Egor Mekhontsev, a light heavyweight. None of their opponents has been determined.

In addition, junior bantamweight Rex Tso (12-0, 8 KOs), lightweight Ik Yang (13-0, 8 KOs) and junior middleweight Ng Kuok Kun (4-0, 2 KOs) are in separate bouts.

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/341173-guillermo-rigondeaux-returns-in-july-in-macau