Meet The New Super Bantams
By Scott Mallon January 3rd, 2007Does anyone know the WBC’s #1 and #2 super bantamweights?
Has anyone outside of Thailand ever heard of Napapol Kittisakchokchai or Saenghiran Lookbanyai? If not, they are the WBC’s #1 and #2 ranked super bantamweights.
On March 2nd, in Thailand, they’ll square off for the WBC interim title, with the winner supposedly getting a shot at Israel Vasquez, the WBC strap holder.
WBC representative Patrick Cusick explained the reason for interim championship,
“The first reason for the interim bout is the champion, Israel Vasquez, is said to be having problems making the 122 lb. limit. The second reason is the WBC feels these two boxers are superstars in Thailand and rising stars in the division. They deserve the honor of fighting for the championship and thus will fight for the interim title.�
Sources close to Vasquez deny the claim however and state unequivocally, “Israel has absolutely no problem making the super bantamweight maximum. In fact, he would like to fight WBA bantamweight champion Rafael Marquez.�
According to WBC guidelines:
1.27 Interim Championship: The WBC may order an interim title bout when a world champion will be temporarily inactive and unable to defend his title for a period to exceed 6 months due to:
a) Certified medical reasons
b) a legal impediment; or
c) a reasonable cause strictly beyond his control.
Vasquez last fought on September 16, 2006, defeating Jhonny Gonzalez via 10th round technical knockout.
Further details from the WBC are forthcoming.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:53 am
I hope Izzy knocks ‘em out. I wanna see him and R. Marquez get it done.
January 3rd, 2007 at 6:31 pm
“The first reason for the interim bout is the champion…having problems making the 122 lb. limit. The second reason is the WBC feels these two boxers are superstars in Thailand and rising stars in the division.”
These just aren’t good enough reasons Jose (Sulaiman) - what is your championship worth these days?
Bollocks to your organization (again).
January 4th, 2007 at 3:09 am
Why should be a WBC interim title, not WBC elimination fight? An elimination fight is the best method to select the best man in order to get the mandatory challenger status. This status should be put in the highest level below the champ, much higher than interim titles.
January 5th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
The WBC appears to be trying the same thing in the Welterweight division with Mosley and Collazo - Mayweather is fighting De La Hoya and hardly inactive, especially when the mandatory isn’t due until November. That’s what Mayweather gets for agreeing to fight De La Hoya? Go figure.