by Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised that Sergio Martinez (46-2, 25KOs) has been elevated to the status of "Champion Emeritus" under the WBC. He receives an immediate shot at unbeaten Sebastian Zbik (30-0, 10KOs), who the WBC elevated from interim to full WBC middleweight champion.

Additionally, the WBC will likely place their "Diamond Belt" at stake when Martinez faces Sergei Dzinziruk (37-0, 23KOs) on March 12 at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut.

The WBC's title situation sets up a scenario previously discussed on BoxingScene, where WBC silver champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will challenge Zbik for the full title. Chavez will fight Billy Lyell on January 29 in Mexico. Provided there are no injuries, Chavez's co-promoter Fernando Beltran of Zanfer Promotions will try to book a fight with Zbik for the month of May.