By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com has been advised that interim-champion Sergio Martinez has been elevated to the status of "full" junior middleweight champion by the WBC. Martinez became the mandatory challenger to the crown in 2007. He chased for a fight with champion Vernon Forrest for the better part of two years.

After several postponements, the two sides reached a deal on March 11. Pursuant to the deal, the fight had to take place no later than August 2009, Forrest received permission to take a ten round tuneup no later than May 24 2009 and Martinez was allowed one tuneup as well, which he took against Kermit Cintron.

Forrest had set Showtime televised tuneup on May 1 but suffered a rib injury and was forced to withdraw. The WBC would then order him to honor the March agreement and set a fight with Martinez for the summer. Forrest had no intention of going directly into a bout with Martinez and stood his ground on taking a tuneup to shake off some rust.

Martinez's camp put in a protest with WBC to force the fight and/or have Forrest stripped if he refuses to move forward. The WBC came down with the hammer and stripped Forrest of the title.

Additionally, BoxingScene was told that the WBC named Forrest the "Ambassador of Peace and Good Will in the World Through Sports." As soon as Forrest recovers, the WBC ordered that he can challenge Martinez, if he wishes, for the full title with a 55-45 split.