By James Blears, photos by Juan Carlos Manzano/WBC
Roars of local support greeted the hometown guy Guty Espadas Jr., at the final weigh-in Merida, Mexico where he’ll be attempting to dethrone WBC Featherweight Champion Elio Rojas, from the Dominican Republic.
Elio was 57 kilos, while Guty was 152 grams heavier.
It’s Guty’s last chance to win back the title he won, almost ten years ago, and the crowd at this ceremony in the Hyatt Regency Hotel were visibly and audibly already willing him on to do just that.
The event is being co-promoted by Don King and Cancun business tycoon and newspaper owner Pepe Gomez. Mr. King was flying the flags of both Mexico and the Dominican Republic on stage.
He praised Yvonne Ortega the Governor of Yucatan and other Mexican Governors who will be helping stage an array of World title fights during its Bi-Centerary this year.
Asked if the sport of Boxing has a long term future, Mr King robustly suggested: “Boxing is life. Is life dying? Boxing is the ever day utilization of the God given talents and skills. It mirrors the ups and downs, the joys and disappointments, the pain and sweetness of life. If you say boxing is dead, you’re dead! Viva Mexico. Boxing shall never die.”
Mr. King also mused about the search for the next heavyweight superstar stating: “Well as the heavyweights go, so goes boxing. I say to the fans, we are seeking that gem that will rise to be popular. He will be committed to being a peoples’ champion, as well as a champion recognized champion. He’s out there somewhere.”
