Pretty much. Networks wield more power than sanctioning bodies now, they pay for nationwide exposure, sanctioning bodies take it for an ever diluting title in the fan's eyes.
I can't blame the networks for trying to make money, that's what companies do, but the sanctioning bodies are officially non-profit organisations, they should try to help the sport of boxing as best they can instead of being greedy fucks.
His mandatory for WBC was Sebastian Zbik, he was requested to face him in his next fight or get stripped. Martinez had/has an exclusive contract with HBO to show his fights for x number of fights. (Can't remember exact number) HBO said Zbik wasn't well known enough and refused to show that fight. Martinez was stripped for not making a mandatory defense and Chavez Jr. vs Zbik was made for the vacant title.
Chavez Jr. won and Martinez was named Champion Emeritus, meaning he gets next shot against the champ. For the time being he fought Sergei Dzinziruk, a fighter HBO had promised to showcase based on a contract with Gary Shaw for Timothy Bradley vs Devon Alexander. He KO'd Dzinziruk easily. Next WBC said Chavez could first defense against Manfredo and Martinez was definitely next. Then they name Marco Antonio Rubio mandatory and said Martinez was next. Then Chavez Jr. signed to fight Andy Lee, also signing a contract with the WBC that he would be stipped if he didn't fight Martinez directly after fighting Lee. He signed to fight Martinez and here we are.
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