By Miguel Rivera
As previously reported, the World Boxing Organization announced that Caribe Promotions submitted the winning bid for Guillermo Rigondeaux's mandatory defense of the WBO title against challenger Chris Avalos.
Caribe was the only participant in Friday's purse bid and threw down $317,777.77 dollars to secure the rights. They advised the WBO that November 22 is the tentative date with venues in Miami and the Dominican Republic being explored.
Rigondeaux (14-0, 9 KO's), who also holds the WBA's title at the weight, returns for the first time since his contract with co-promoter Top Rank expired a few weeks ago. Ironically, Avalos (24-2, 18 KO's) is promoted by Top Rank, who also brought in British promoted Eddie Hearn as co-promoter.
"I would like to thank my promoter Caribe Promotions for winning the purse bid and supporting my career. I look forward to coming to final terms on a bout contract and defending my WBO junior featherweight world title this fall against #1 challenger Chris Avalos," Rigondeaux stated
With both Top Rank and Hearn being absent from Friday's purse bid, some believe Avalos will be steered in another direction.
