By Jhonny Gonzalez

If WBO/WBC bantamweight champion Fernando Montiel defeats mandatory Eric Morel on July 17 in Mexico, promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions says a September fight with Rafael Conception would be a likely option. There was an agreement between Montiel and Concepcion to fight on July 17 and the bout was sanctioned by the WBC, but then the WBO ordered a purse bid for a mandatory defense against Morel and the opponent had to be switched.

Most of the sources in Mexico indicate that Marco Antonio Barrera's challenge of WBC lightweight champion Humberto Soto will end up on the date of September 11 in Mexico City. There is already an ongoing search by local promoters for an arena to hold the fight.

Montiel has promised to knock Morel out on July 17. He is upset over some of the comments that were made by the Puerto Rican fighter's father.

"Morel is a great fighter, but his father crossed the line. He said things about our country. This bothers me and I will not have pity on Morel. I will certainly knock him out before the middle of the fight," Montiel said.