WORLD BOXING COUNCIL NEWS

 

 

Mexico City - July 19, 2005.

From WBC President Jose Sulaiman:

 

“The WBC Board of Governors has approved the fight between No. 4 rated Fernando Vargas and former super welterweight world champion Francisco Javier Castillejo, which will take place on August 20, as a final eliminator to determine the official challenger to the super welterweight world title.

 

“The WBC Board of Governors also decided that the winner of the bout for the vacant super welterweight world title, which will take place on August 13 between No. 1 Ricardo Mayorga of Nicaragua and No. 2 Michele Piccirillo of Italy, will be bound to make his first title defense against the official challenger. The new champion will not be allowed to make any other optional defense.

 

“In case that boxers Fernando Vargas and Francisco J. Castillejo do not accept the decision made by the WBC Board of Governors, the WBC will designate the highest available contender as the official challenger to face the new champion, inclusive to Winky Wright, who was the champion before he relinquished the title to fight Tito Trinidad, whom he defeated, and for such reason was rated No. 1 in the middleweight division.

 

“I regret Fernando Vargas’ statement on TV saying that I do not support Mexican fighters, and I find it curious, as I have always been told that I favor Mexican boxers.

 

“I would be more than happy and would widely open the WBC doors to Fernando Vargas, if they accept the fight as a final WBC elimination bout, and if he defeats Castillejo.”