By Dennis "dSource" Guillermo
It was announced last week by boxing promoter/manager Aljoe Jaro that he is adhering the WBC's request to push back WBC Silver minimumweight champion Denver 'The Excitement' Cuello's title fight for December, to make room for a historic title fight in China, with Cuello facing the winner.
On Oct. 27th, China's first major title holder, Xiong Zhao Zong, who currently holds the WBC Silver light flyweight belt will be fighting Javier Martinez of Mexico for the WBC minimumweight belt that Cuello has long coveted.
"Don Jose Sulaiman is on his last year as WBC President and the organization is celebrating its 50th year in existence," Jaro was quoted in a press release. "The WBC has been working hard to bring itself to China which is a great potential for the professional boxing market. Don Jose personally requested Denver through Me to wait for another three months and make way for the first historic world championship fight," he added.
I reached out to Cuello, arguably the best 105 lb. fighter in the planet, to get his thoughts on the matter. Cuello has hurdled all obstacles the WBC had thrown before him, even agreeing to a title eliminator against Mexican Ganigan Lopez in Mexico last May for a shot at the title, which was then held by Japan's Kazuto Ioka. Unfortunately, Ioka chose relinquish the title and move up to jr. flyweight, instead of defending it against Cuello. According to WBC's own rules, Cuello was supposed to be elevated as the regular champ, but instead, the WBC requested the 25-year-old fighter from Iloilo to wait 3 more months.
"It's ok that I have to wait three months. It's not that long," Cuello told this scribe. "To be honest with you, they gave me 'step-aside' monetary compensation for my wait, and I also get a chance to fight in September, which means we'll be making our money," he added.
Jaro assured his ward that everything is set in stone, and that a fair agreement has been inked. "Kuya (Big bro) said that he won't allow us to be treated unfairly. We have a written agreement with the boxers that will be fighting, together with the WBC, that he will have to fight me, so that fight is secure," Cuello explained to me.
For now, Cuello continues his training in preparation for a defense of his Silver belt in Las Vegas on Sept. 15th, and even found time to help with rescue efforts, and distribute relief goods to flood victims last week in Barangay Tayuman, Binangonan, Rizal.
Cuello wanted to send a message to his fans in closing:
"To all my fans, I'm sorry if we have to wait 3 more months to finally get the world championship we deserve. Don't worry, I will surely fight the winner between Xiong Zhao Zong and Javier Martinez, and beat him through my will and determination. WBC and Don Jose have helped me out in my career that's why I can't say "no" to his request. They offered me a fair deal, and I will be ringside in China to watch and observe my next opponent. Thank you and I hope you will continue to support me."