LETTER FROM TOP RANK

RE:  WBO Jr. Lightweight Title

 

5/23/18

Mr. Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel
President/WBO
San Juan, PR

Dear Paco;

Hope all is well.

I am writing you on behalf of Team Lomachenko. As you are well aware on May 12 Vasiliy moved up in weight to challenge WBA Lightweight champion Jorge Linares.

As you saw he was successful in capturing the lightweight title. Vasiliy wishes to continue to campaign in the lightweight division, therefore, we respectfully relinquish our WBO Junior Lightweight title so that an opportunity may be given to the ranked contenders to compete for the vacant belt.

Paco, we are so grateful to you and the WBO family for affording us the privilege of being a WBO World Champion from the start of his career. We hope in the near future we will once again be afforded the chance to fight for another championship with the WBO.

As always, we thank you for your continued support and friendship.

Sincerely;

Carl Moretti
Vice President/Boxing Operations

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By Karl Freitag
Photos: Mikey Williams / Top Rank –

WBO junior lightweight world champion Rocky Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) faced off with WBO featherweight world champion Vasyl Lomachenko (5-1, 3 KOs) in advance of their HBO-televised world title showdown on Saturday night in The Theatre at Madison Square Garden, New York City. In the HBO co-feature, WBO #2 rated lightweight champ Felix “El Diamante” Verdejo (21-0, 14 KOs) faces WBC #11 Juan Jose “Piquet” Martinez (25-2, 17 KOs) for the WBO Latino championship. Also, two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming (7-1, 2 KOs) meets Jozsef Ajtai (15-2, 10 KOs) for the WBO international flyweight chmpionship.

Rocky Martinez: “If you want to beat me, than you have to kill me, but to kill me you have to prepared to be killed in the ring too.”

Vasyl Lomachenko: “I’m ready to put up $300,000 of my purse as long as Rocky Martinez will put up $300,000 if I win.”

Felix Verdejo: “In Muhammad Ali’s honor, I will give a great fight.”

JJ Martinez: “We will take that title to Mexico.”

Bob Arum: “We will probably have a bigger audience in China than all of the HBO fights for the last three years combined. We expect an audience of perhaps as many as 50 million homes will be watching the Chinese star Zou Shiming.”

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www.fightnews.com/Boxing/martinez-lomachenko-clash-heats-up-341340

Rocky Martinez trains

DORADO, PUERTO RICO- Puerto Rico’s Roman “Rocky” Martinez, World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight champion, is working hard for his first title defense against Mexican Miguel “El Alacran” Berchelt, to be held on March 12th at the Poliforum Zamna in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.

Martinez (29-2-3, 17 KOs) worked before the media at the Dorado Municipal Gym in Dorado, Puerto Rico, completing a full training session with trainers Raul Torres and Freddy Trinidad.

“I’m always training and when plans changed, there was no fight against (Orlando) Salido and they told me the fight was against Berchelt – there was no problem because I have three or four months of training, and now we are working for Berchelt,” Martinez said. “I am relaxed, because I have traveled to China, Scotland, many places to fight, so we are now going to Mexico. I have the experience and I’m prepared.”

Martinez said he has studied Berchelt (28-1, 25 KOs), ranked #1 by the WBO at 130 pounds, and knows Berchelt is a young and brave fighter, but that he is going to put pressure on him from the first round.

“I know Berchelt is a guy who comes to fight, but I know when I put my hands on him, he will fall. He is a good fighter, but he always fights in Mexico,” said Martinez.

In 2015, Martinez fought twice against Orlando “Siri” Salido, beating him in the first bout by unanimous decision and the second time ended in a draw. Berchelt, meanwhile, won his four fights by KO in 2015.

http://www.boxingscene.com/roman-martinez-confident-drilling-miguel-berchelt-mexico–101644

WBO_logo

Purse Bid Minutes

WBO JR. LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT
ROMAN “ROCKY” MARTINEZ vs. MIGUEL BERCHELT

Purse Bid was convened for January 12, 2016 on 12:00 Noon at Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, USA

Purse Bid Attendees:

  1. Representing Zanfer Promotions, a member of their staff, Mr. Aldo Barba
  2. Representing All Star Boxing, Inc, Mr. Felix Zabala
  3. Also present, Mr. Sean Gibbons, Orlando Salido’s Manager; and,
  4. Mr. Peter Rivera, PR Best Boxing DBA The Brothers Entertainment’s Vice-President

Prior to commencing the Purse Bid, Mr. Peter Rivera made note that a Complaint had been sent regarding the designation of Miguel Berchelt as Mandatory Challenger for Roman “Rocky” Martinez in the 130 pound division because such designation did not meet the requirements of WBO Regulations of World Championship Contests. He also stated that Roman Martinez had a contract with the Showtime Network for a match facing Orlando Salido on March 12, 2016.

The intention was to stop the Purse Bid.

President Francisco Valcarcel presided the Purse Bid and stated for the record that the designation of Miguel Berchelt as the 130 lbs. Mandatory Challenger had been made during the WBO Convention on October 29, 2015 in Orlando, Florida. Furthermore, he stated that Mr. Peter Rivera, representing Roman Martinez, as well as Mr. Sean Gibbons, representing Orlando Salido, had accepted the Mandatory Challenger designation and had pledged that the winner of the bout between Roman Martinez and Orlando Salido would face within 120 days of the bout the Mandatory Challenger, Miguel Berchelet.

That at the time, neither Mr. Rivera nor Mr. Gibbons, protested the appointment of Mr. Berchelet as Challenger.

That the Championship Committee voted and approved Mr. Peter Rivera’s request for a Martinez-Salido III bout and that the winner had to face the designated Mandatory Challenger, Miguel Berchelt, within 120 days.

President Valcarcel stated for the record that Mr. Peter Rivera did not have any commitment with the Showtime Network for a March 12, 2016 bout, nor had he had one for February 20, 2016.

Mr. Valcarcel added that both Sean Gibbons, Orlando Salido’s manager, as well as Promoter Fernando Beltran, had advised him that Peter Rivera had not offered them the necessary guarantees that Showtime Network had given PR Best Boxing DBA The Brothers Entertainment the March 12, 2016 date to hold the Martinez-Salido III bout. That Mr. Peter Rivera had not sent the P.R. Professional Boxing Commission any letter stating that they committed themselves to the WBO appointing the officials of the bout and that these could not be Puerto Rico officials.

For the reasons stated above, Attorney Francisco Valcarcel proceeded with the Purse Bid given that sufficient time had been allotted to finalize negotiations, without reaching the necessary conditions for the bout to take place.

Mr. Peter Rivera announced that he would not bid.

The Purse Bid proceeded in accordance with the conditions established therein by the WBO Championship Committee regarding the 10% deposit in a certified check or cash and that the balance amount had to be deposited by the Purse Bid winner no later than 15 days after the Purse Bid.

It was stated for the record that both parties gave proof that they were World Boxing Organization Bona Fide 2016 promoters.

All Star Boxing, Mr. Felix Zabala, handed Mr. Valcarcel his first envelope containing a certified check in the amount of $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) to cover the Purse Bid Service Fee. Zanfer Promotions presented the first envelope that contained the cash amount of $1,000 (One Thousand Dollars) for the Purse Bid Service Fee.

All Star’s second envelope contained a certified check in the amount of $20,150 (Twenty Thousand One Hundred Fifty Dollars) corresponding to 10% of $201,500 (Two Hundred One Thousand Five Hundred Dollars) with their three proposed sites and dates.

Zanfer submitted a certified check in the amount of $25,100 (Twenty-Five Thousand One Hundred Dollars) corresponding 10% of the Purse Bid amount of $251,000 (Two Hundred Fifty-One Thousand Dollars) and proposed the following dates:

March 12th 2016 –Mexico
April 2nd 2016–Mexico
April 9th 2016–Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Taking into consideration both proposals, the Purse Bid was awarded to Zanfer Promotions, who must deposit within the 15 days from the date of the Purse Bid, the amount of $225,900.00 (Two Hundred Twenty-Five Nine Hundred Dollars) on behalf of World Boxing Organization to be deposited into the “Escrow” account.

Zanfer shall submit within 10 days the fighters contracts and the fighter have 10 days to sign the same and then, the contracts must be sent to the World Boxing Organization.

If the conditions herein exposed are not met, the second bidder, All Star, is entitled to be awarded the Purse Bid, having met within five (5) days the deposit of balance stated in the Purse Bid.

The Purse Bid ended at 12:32 P.M.

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Photos: Mildred Estrada/Office of Representative Angel Rodriguez –

Roman “Rocky” Martinez got this morning his new World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight belt, who won by defeating Orlando “Siri” Salido at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot recently.

Martinez (29-2-2, 17 KOs) received his new title from the WBO president, Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel in an activity that took place at the Capitol of Puerto Rico through the Representative Angel “Gary” Rodriguez.

“I am very grateful with PR Best Boxing Promotions and the WBO for this opportunity. I did the work and I won the title for the third time,” Martinez said. ” Thanks also to the Representative (Rodríguez) for this recognition here in the House of Representatives.” 

Martínez became 130-pound WBO monarch for the time after he won an unanimous decision over Salido (42-13-2, 29 KOs) in an exciting bout last April 11. The boxer was previously crowned as WBO junior lightweight champion when he beat British Nicky Cook by TKO on March 14, 2009, and then on September 15, 2012, by winning a split decision over Miguel Beltran Jr.
Also in the activity were Martinez’s family, his trainer Raul Torres, Peter and Ivan Rivera of PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP), and from the WBO, Adolfo Flores Monge and Jose Izquierdo.

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http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/rocky-martinez-gets-his-new-wbo-belt-288550/nggallery/page/2

Martinez-BurgosBy Jhonny Gonzalez

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) is investigating the controversial twelve round draw between super featherweight champion Roman ‘Rocky’ Martinez and mandatory challenger Juan Carlos Burgos. The fight took place on January 19th at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The scores were 116-112 for Martinez, 117-111 in favor of Burgos and 114-114 for the draw. Most saw Burgos as the winner.

“We did the same process for the fight between (Manny) Pacquiao (against Timothy Bradley). We send a video of the fight to five judges, whose identities will remain anonymous, and they will watch it and score,” said WBO President Paco Valcarcel on the review process to Jose Sanchez.

“Then we will compare the scores of the three official judges, for analysis. By [this week] we will have an idea (for possible discrepancies). Then we send the report to the Championship Committee to take into consideration.”

The WBO will either order a rematch or allow Martinez to take another match, likely with the next contender in line, Diego Magdaleno.

Article Link – http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&opt=printable&id=61855#ixzz2JNCLPE62
This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to BoxingScene.com or provide a link to the original article.

TIJUANA, MEXICO (SEPTEMBER 27, 2012)— Juan Carlos Burgos is ready for his mandated challenge against newly crowned WBO Jr. Lightweight champion Roman “Rocky” Martinez.

Burgos of Tijuana, Mexico is promoted by Thompson Boxing and Banner Promotions.

Burgos, 30-1 with twenty knockouts is now ranked number-one by the WBO and has been informed that Martinez must defend against him next.

Since his one blemish which came in his only world title opportunity against Hozumi Hasegawa, Burgos has won five in a row against top competition such as contenders Frankie Archueta, Gilberto Sanchez Leon; undefeated upstarts in Luis Cruz and Cesar Vazquez as well as former world champion Cristobal Cruz.

“I am ready for Rocky Martinez, he showed his ability on his fight against Beltran Jr., and was the deserving of the title, but I’m ready to challenge him for it,” said Burgos from his native Tijuana, Mexico.

“I want to thank the WBO for giving me this opportunity which I had a chance for before,” reminisced Burgos who fought and lost a title bout against Hozumi Hasegawa in Nagoya, Japan. “I won’t let this one get away from me, I want to fulfill my destiny with the WBO belt around my waist, I just need to know the date so I can prepare to go to war with Martinez”

“Juan Carlos is a young warrior that has been waiting for his shot at the title. We are confident he will make the best of it but it will not be an easy task against a good fighter like Rocky Martinez. It should be a great fight for the fans and we are proud to have gotten Burgos back where he belongs”, Said Alex Camponovo General Manager and Matchmaker of Thompson Boxing

“Juan Carlos has shown that he is more than ready for this opportunity”, said Artie Pelullo CEO of Banner Promotions

“He has defeated the best at 130 pounds and we are very confident that he will defeat Martinez in what should be a fabulous fight. This will be another classic fight between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters”

Martinez, 26-1-1 with sixteen knockouts won the title with a twelve round split decision victory over Miguel Beltran Jr. on September 15th on the Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. – Sergio Martinez Pay Per View card.

ROCKY MARTÍNEZ SE CORONA POR SEGUNDA OCASIÓN EN EMOCIONANTE COMBATE ANTE MIGUEL BELTRÁN JR.  EN LAS VEGAS

El puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez se coronó por segunda ocasión en el peso junior ligero de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) al derrotar por decisión dividida al mexicano Miguel Beltrán Jr. en una emocionante pelea, que se efectuó en el Thomas & Mack Center de Las Vegas.

Martínez (26-1-1, 16 KOs), quien tuvo esta correa de las 130 libras entre 2009 y 2010, se llevó la reyerta cuando los jueces Clark Sammartino y Duane Ford votaron 114-113 a su favor, mientras que Lisa Giampa vio el choque 116-111 para Beltrán Jr. (27-2, 17 KOs).

El combate comenzó con Beltrán atacando en el primer asalto a Martínez, colocando buenos golpes al boricua.

Luego, Martínez controló el choque por varios capítulos peleando para el frente y buscando el combate adentro para llevar la mejor parte. Así siguió la acción, con Martínez llevando el control en el combate cerca y Beltrán conectando buenos golpes desde afuera, que estremecían en ocasiones a Martínez.

Con el encuentro cerrado, el árbitro Russel Mora, que había advertido a Beltrán Jr. por golpear detrás de la cabeza, le quitó un punto al azteca en el undécimo asalto, que viendo las puntuaciones de los oficiales, decidió la pelea.

The Puerto Rican Roman “Rocky” Martinez was crowned for the second time in the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior lightweight by defeating in a exciting fight the Mexican Miguel Beltran Jr. in a split decision, which took place at the Thomas & Mack Center of Las Vegas.

Martinez (26-1-1, 16 KOs), who had this 130 pounds belt between 2009 and 2010, when the brawl took Clark Sammartino and judges Duane Ford voted 114-113 in his favor, while Lisa Giampa saw 116-111 shock for Beltran Jr. (27-2, 17 KOs).

The battle began with Beltran attacking in the first assault on Martinez, the Puerto Rican placing good shots.

Then Martinez controlled the match for several chapters fighting for advantage and looking to take the fight in the best part. This action followed, with Martinez taking control in combat near good punches and Beltrán connecting from outside, which sometimes shook Martinez.

With the closed score, the referee Russell Mora, who had warned Beltran Jr. for hitting behind the head, took a point in the eleventh assault, that seeing scores of officers, decided the fight.

There could be major fireworks on the undercard of the Sergio Martinez vs. Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. bout on Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center. Roman “Rocky” Martinez will battle Miguel Beltran, Jr. for the vacant WBO Super Featherweight title.

Both men are hard-punchers, but Martinez especially seems incapable of having a boring fight.

The Puerto Rican ex-champion is 25-1-1 with 16 KOs and he usually trades bombs with his opponents.

Beltran, Jr. is a little more of a technical boxer, but he has some power as well. He’s 27-1-1 with 17 KOs. This will be the first time Beltran, Jr. has ever fought outside of Mexico as a professional. He’s from Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

Beyond the ever present Puerto Rican-Mexican boxing rivalry, this fight also pits two fighters with pleasing styles against each other for a title.

That is genuinely a mix that creates an exciting bout.

Here are the particulars for catching the action, analysis for each fighter and a prediction:

When: September 15, 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas

TV: HBO PPV

Live Stream: HBO GO, Pay Service

The Book on Martinez

Roman-martinez-to-take-on-miguel-beltran-for-the-130-pound-title-boxing-news-178915_originalimage from blogs.bettor

Martinez is the former WBO super featherweight champion. He lost the title in his only professional defeat in a 2010 bout against Ricky Burns.

He dropped Burns in the first round of the fight, but was out-pointed for the remainder of the bout.

He seems to have taken to the old adage: Take two shots just to land one. It has worked for him thus far, but his defense is a real concern. He keeps his hands very low, and he doesn’t move his head enough.

That said, he has a very solid chin and he throws power punches with tremendous leverage.

Take a look at this video of Martinez fighting Nicky Cook. Martinez won the title in this fight, but you can see examples of both his pros and cons in the clip.

A great chin is a great quality to fall back on, but Martinez’s style leaves him in harm’s way a little too often. Though he is an accurate puncher, he isn’t exceptionally quick, and sometimes he takes heavy shots in exchanges.

His skill-set makes for exciting fights, but he’s vulnerable to heavy-hitters and fighters with great mobility and a solid jab.

 

The Book on Beltran, Jr.

Beltranmigueljrarte410nf1_original
image from notifight

 

There isn’t a ton of footage available for Beltran, Jr., and I have never seen him live. My assessment of his skills are based on two fights I watched to prepare for this article.

That said, his boxing skills are apparent. He has solid head movement and overall defense. He displays a quick and accurate jab. Beltran has excellent hand speed and sharp reflexes.

He had a shot at IBF Super Featherweight champion Juan Carlos Salgado, but their fight was ruled a no-contest in the second round. A head butt and subsequent cut from Salgado caused the fight to be halted.

Beltran, Jr. was clearly landing clean shots against Salgado, and judging by that round alone, it could have been a tough night for the champion.

There are two things you have to consider with Beltran, Jr., though. He hasn’t proven that he has great stamina and big fight experience.

He’s been in only three fights that were scheduled for 10 or 12 rounds. Only two of them went that far, and one of them accounts for his only loss.

That came via 10th-round TKO in 2010 at the hands of Joksan Hernandez. He certainly has the skill-set to handle Martinez, but the question is whether he has the stamina and poise.

By: Brian Mazique

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1333595-rocky-martinez-vs-miguel-beltran-fight-time-date-live-stream-tv-and-more

La Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB) anuncia los oficiales que estarán trabajando en el combate por el vacante título mundial junior ligero entre el puertorriqueño Román “Rocky” Martínez y el mexicano Miguel Beltrán Jr., que se efectuará en el Thomas & Mack Center de la UNLV en Las Vegas, Nevada, en una presentación de Top Rank.

El presidente de la OMB, Francisco “Paco” Valcárcel, informó que para el choque entre el octavo clasificado en las 130 libras, Martínez (25-1-1, 16 KOs) y el sexto clasificado Beltrán Jr. (27-1, 17 KOs), el árbitro será el estadounidense Russel Mora.

Mientras, los jueces que trabajarán en el encuentro entre Martínez y Beltrán Jr. serán los también estadounidenses Clark Sammartino, Duane Ford y Lisa Giampa. El supervisor de la OMB para esta reyerta será el puertorriqueño Luis Pérez. Presidente del Comité de Clasificaciones de la OMB.

El combate entre Martínez, un ex monarca junior ligero de la OMB, y Beltrán Jr. será transmitido por HBO Pay Per View, que tendrá otras peleas y que comenzará su emisión a las 9:00 de la noche.

Recuerden la 25ta Convención Anual y Elecciones de la Organización Mundial de Boxeo (OMB), que se efectuará del 22 al 26 de octubre de 2012 en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida.

          Para reservaciones en el Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino de Hollywood, Florida, pueden llamar al teléfono 1 800 937-0010 ó verificar en la página del hotel a la dirección www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, así como la página cibernética   www.wboboxing.com.

World Boxing Organization (WBO) announces the referee and judges who will work Saturday, September 15,  for the vacant junior lightweight title between the Puerto Rican  Roman “Rocky” Martinez and Miguel Beltran Jr. Mexican, to be held at the Thomas & Mack Center UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a presentation of Top Rank.

WBO President, Francisco “Paco” Valcarcel reported that for the fight between the #8 ranked at 130 pounds, Martinez (25-1-1, 16 KOs) and #6 ranked Beltran Jr. (27-1, 17 KOs), the referee will be Russel Mora, from United States.

Meanwhile, the judges for fight will be Clark Sammartino, Duane Ford and Lisa Giampa, all three from United States. WBO supervisor for this bout will be the Puerto Rican Luis Perez,  the Chairman of the Ratings Committee.

The fight between Martinez, a former junior lightweight of the WBO, and Beltran Jr. will be broadcast on HBO Pay Per View, and its broadcast starts at 9:00 pm.

Remember the 25th Annual Convention WBO Silver Jubilee and Election to be held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino from October 22 to October 26, 2012. For reservations at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, you can call 1 800 937-0010 or access www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com. More information at www.wboboxing.com.

Por: Aleudi Rosario

Date: September 15, 2012

WBO Jr. Lightweight Championship Title Bout

Location: Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA

Promoter: Top Rank, Lou DiBella Entertainment, PR Best Boxing

Result: Martinez won by split decision.

Referee: Russell Mora

Judges: Clark Sammartino (114-113), Duane Ford (114-113), Lisa Giampa (111-116).

Supervisor: Luis Perez