By Mark Vester

 

Negotiations are underway for WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel Lopez to replace middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik on Top Rank's June 27 card at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. Pavlik was set to face Sergio Mora in the main event but the fight was shelved last week when Pavlik withdrew due to injury. Top Rank wants Juanma to top the card that features a battle for the vacant WBO bantamweight title between Fernando Montiel and Eric Morel.

 

Ivan Rivera, president of Lopez's co-promoter Puerto Rico Best Boxing, said Top Rank contacted them but they have yet to discuss the money or the opponent. Until those factors are squared away, Juanma's appearance on the show is not 100%.

"They contacted us for Juan's availability and to see if he was physically well enough to be ready in time to make a defense for that date. We talked to his team and they are interested, but nothing is certain. Tomorrow we will have a more concrete picture. But there is a good possibility that Juanma will see action on June 27," Rivera said to Primera Hora. "This is a job for Junma but nothing is 100%. In addition, we have not discussed a possible opponent or the economic aspect, which will influence [his decision] a lot."

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