By Rey Colon
Former two division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez believes his career could be over if Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico refuses to lift a possible one-year suspension. The commission placed a temporary suspension on Juanma; punishing the boxer for his comments related to referee Roberto Ramirez. Following his TKO loss to Orlando Salido on March 10th, Juanma called Ramirez "a gambler" and claimed the referee was influenced by his betting habits to stop the fight in the tenth round.
Juanma held a press conference on Tuesday, where he apologized before the Puerto Rican press. On Monday, March 26th, Juanma will appear before hearing office Alberto Arroyo to discuss his comments regarding Ramirez. A decision will follow later that day, or the following day, regarding Juanman's punishment. The fight is very nervous regarding the possibility of being unable to persuade the commission to lift the suspension.
"This is my way of life. I hope that [I can be] forgiven and receive the opportunity to continue fighting. A one-year suspension would mean a push forward for the withdrawal of my career. I definitely cant be away from boxing for a year. If so, it would be my retirement. It's impossible for me [to be away that long] because this is my way of living. We hope to receive the opportunity to go forward, in boxing. That is what God wants," Juanma said.
Local promoter, Peter Rivera, vice president of PR Best Boxing, and manager Orlando Piñero, said the Puerto Rican Boxing Commission should take into account that Lopez supports five children.