By Miguel Rivera
Former two division world champion Juan Manuel "Juanma" López will have to go before the members of the Professional Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico to present his version of the altercation with Albert Rivera, the trainer of Wilfredo Vázquez Jr.
López revealed to scribe Carlos Gonzalez that he was summoned to an administrative hearing scheduled for December 22 at the Commission's offices, located in the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD).
Back in October, Juanma and Rivera traded punches in a heated altercation within minutes after referee Ramon Peña stopped Juanma's fight against Vázquez Jr. in the eleventh round. Lopez walked over to the corner of his opponent and as soon as he came face to face with Rivera - they began brawling.
The coach claimed that he "defended" himself against what he perceived to be an attempt of aggression by Lopez.
Soon after, the respective licenses of López and Rivera were suspended until the commissioners determine a final punishment for both. Juan Cartagena, the Commission's executive director, reported last month that Lopez was fined $1,000, while Rivera had to pay a $500 fine.
Lopez is hopeful that the Commission will resolve the situation, so he can continue with his planned aspirations in boxing. An extra punishment could hasten his withdrawal from the sport. The strong left-hander defeated Vázquez Jr. by TKO after just over two years of being inactive.
"The plan is to fight again by mid-2017," Lopez said.