Only Neutral Officials For Montiel-Gorres

By Rey Danseco
 
The World Boxing Organization refused to assign Filipino and Mexican officials in the title fight between challenger Z Gorres and defending champion Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel on February 24 in Cebu City, Philippines.

WBO president Francisco Valcarcel appointed all-American officials in the scheduled 12-round contest for Montiel’s WBO super flyweight title.

The third man in the ring will be Samuel Viruet from New York. He has 21-years of experience as a boxing official, including the assignment of being the third man when Filipino challenger Rexon “Pison” Flores fought and lost on points to defending WBO flyweight king Omar Narvaez in Super Domo Orfeo, Córdoba, Argentina in August of last year.

Viruet was criticized by Filipino promoter Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr in some points when Flores deducted two points and eventually lost by unanimous decision in his spirited trade of leathers against Narvaez.

The WBO assigned Raul Caiz of Los Angeles, California, Chuck Giampa of Las Vegas, Nevada and Denny Nelson of St. Paul, Minnesota as judges.

Gorres, top ranked in the division with 27-1-1 win-loss-draw records with 14 knockouts, will be the second Filipino after Flores to fight for WBO crown.

The 27-year-old champion from Los Mochis, Mexico will put the title on the line for the third time. He captured the belt from previously unbeaten Ivan Hernandez in all-Mexican title bout in April 2005.

Montiel, who called Cochulito, is a right-handed and stands the same as 5-foot-4 of southpaw Gorres.

Gorres is currently training along with unbeaten Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista under trainer Edito Villamor and Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California.

Gorres regularly spars against world rated Dimitri Kirilov of Russia and unbeaten super bantamweight Michael “Lil Warrior” Franco of California.

Kirilov (28-3, 9 KOs) is a former WBC youth super flyweight champ and loser in two world title shots.

Franco is only 19-years-old, and two-inches taller than Gorres. He has an unblemished record of 5-0, with 4 by KO and is preparing for another bout on Feb. 6 in Cabazon, California.