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Erik Morales Turns Down Eliminator For Barrera
From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:
PACQUIAO-MORALES FOR THE WBC INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The World Boxing Council ratifies the approval and celebration of the fight in which the WBC International champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines will make a defense of his title against Erik Morales of Mexico next Saturday, November 18, in Las Vegas, Nevada, under the promotion of Top Rank.
Both fighters were subjected to the WBC regulatory seven day pre-fight weigh-in with the witnessing of WBC representatives, with both being within the tolerance making 136 pounds.
In addition to the WBC International title being disputed, the General Assembly of the WBC during the 44th annual convention in Croatia, following the rules and regulations, decreed this fight to be as a final elimination bout to name the official challenger for the super featherweight title, as Pacquiao is ranked No. 1 and Morales No. 2 in a division that has not had a mandatory defense during the last two years, for different reasons. The WBC thought this ruling a high distinction and honor for both fighters, just as for the WBC, as it is without doubt one of the most highly expected and best fights that could be promoted today.
I have read in the press that neither promoter Bob Arum nor challenger Erik Morales had accepted this fight as a final eliminator, which they have the right to do, but there was no reason to express unfair and hurting words that blast a whole life of support and friendship from the WBC for both, for no reason at all, as the ruling was in their benefit, their prestige and an honor. Arum’s statement about Soto’s having fought a final elimination bout is false as he picked the rival, not the WBC, in what was approved as a simple elimination bout, but NEVER a final eliminator.
It was a surprise coming from our friend Erik Morales, for whom I have even been criticized for acting as if he is my adopted son, and from whom nothing but respect should he offer to the WBC; but Bob Arum’s behavior is no surprise to me as he just can’t help it in his insistent nasty comments and his permanently belligerent verbal attitude, even offending and hurting his own friends, just as we believe that we are. It would not be surprising if he is calling us next Monday for the planning of another project.
Manny Pacquiao, the WBC´s International champion, has not declined his participation in a final elimination bout in respect to the WBC´S ruling and therefore, if he wins, in addition to defending successfully his title, Manny Pacquiao will be declared the official challenger to the super featherweweight championship of the world, in the hands of WBC champion Marco Antonio Barrera.
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Erik Morales Turns Down Eliminator For Barrera
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