LOS ANGELES - Middleweight star Peter Quillin announced today that he is vacating his WBO middleweight title, effective immediately, in order to pursue bigger opportunities at 160 pounds.
"I'd like to thank WBO president Paco Valcarcel and his organization for their support throughout the years," said Quillin. "Winning the WBO world championship was a highlight in my career and something I'll never forget, this is a difficult decision, but in order to make the fights the fans and I want against my fellow middleweights at the top of the division, I needed to relinquish the title. This is an exciting new chapter in my life, and I'm looking forward to cementing my spot as the best middleweight in the world."
Brooklyn, New York's Quillin (31-0, 22 KOs) won the WBO middleweight title on October 20, 2012 with a 12-round decision victory over Hassan N'Dam. The 31-year-old went on to successfully defend his title three times with victories over Fernando Guerrero, Gabriel Rosado, and Lukas Konecny, establishing himself as an elite middleweight champion. Now, Quillin will seek even bigger challenges in the near future.
Roc Nation, a new promotional player, laid down $1.9 million dollars to secure the promotional rights to Quillin vs. mandatory challenger Matt Korobov. There were rumors for weeks that Quilling was being steered to a title showdown with WBA 'regular' champion Danny Jacobs. Bother Quillin and Jacobs are managed by Al Haymon.
In a statement provide to BoxingScene.com, Roc Nation reacted to the news.
“Roc Nation Sports wishes Peter Quillin good luck. I'm sure he has a bigger pay day to have given up his title and 1.4 Million. We will move on to the next fight to promote” – Michael R. Yormark, Roc Nation, President & Chief of Branding and Strategy.