By Miguel Rivera
In a turn of events, two-time world champion Juan Manuel "Juanma" Lopez has changed his position on Black Tiger Promotions and company head Carlos Maldonado.
Last October, Lopez defeated Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. by TKO which represented a new breath of fresh air for his career.
The boxer initially claimed that Black Tiger Promotions did not live up to the expectations of securing him another significant fight. He claimed to have broken his promotional contract with Black Tiger to pursue other options as a free agent.
But Lopez has now stepped away from those statements.
"I issued a statement to several media about my contract with Black Tiger Promotions and Carlos Maldonado. Today I wish to retract those statements. I recognize the full force and validity of my exclusive contract with Black Tiger. I accept that Black Tiger has not violated any of the terms of the contract between us and that Black Tiger doesn't owe me any money," Lopez said.
"I accept that I issued statements in a hurried manner and without reflection. I reacted without thinking. Carlos has treated me very well and made me a part of his family. He resurrected my career when nobody gave me a chance; when no one would pick up the phone. He filled the Coliseo Roberto Clemente to capacity, which very few promoters and boxers have been able to do. Today I am very grateful with Black Tiger Promotions and Carlos Maldonado. I apologize to Black Tiger and the people for the confusion that was caused."
The fight with Vazquez Jr. was the first for Lopez (35-5, 32 KOs) in nearly two years after suffering brutal back to back knockouts at the hands of former world champions Jesus Cuellar and Francisco Vargas.
But Lopez remains suspended by the Professional Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico. After the fight with Vazquez, Lopez got involved in a physical confrontation with trainer Albert Rivera, who was working the corner of Vazquez.
Both of them were ordered to appear before a hearing and then suspended over the brawl and issued a fine. The suspension for Juanma expires on May 31, and then he will be free to fight as he pleases.