By Jake Donovan
Earlier today in New York City, the purse bid took place for Roman Martinez's mandatory defense of the WBO super featherweight title against Miguel Berchelt.
Zanfer Promotions, who promote Berchelt, secured the promotional rights with a bid of $251,000. Coming in second was All Star Boxing with $201,500. Puerto Rico Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) did not submit a bid, in fact protesting the hearing over what the company claims as mistreatment by the WBO in enforcing the mandatory.
"We do not participate in the purse bid and protested it, since according to the rules of the WBO Berchelt had to be faced against a ranked boxer to have the mandatory fight, and that has not happened," insisted Peter Rivera, vice president of PRBBP. "But whatever - the WBO held the bid, won by Zanfer Promotions, which represents Berchelt,"
For the second time in less than a month, Martinez and Orlando Salido were believed to have a deal in place for a trilogy collision, only for such plans to be interrupted by a looming mandatory title defense.
The latest round of negotiations had the familiar rivals agreeing to all terms for a third fight, including Salido giving in and agreeing to return to Puerto Rico.
This time around, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) – fed up with the games being played between both camps over the past few weeks – insisted that Martinez needs to instead defend his super featherweight title versus mandatory challenger Berchelt.
"We gave both teams plenty of time to reach a deal," WBO President Francisco 'Paco' Valcarcel told BoxingScene.com. "A deadline was given for when the WBO needed (a written agreement). We even extended the deadline when we were told they were close (to a deal), but now it is far too late."
Martinez' side isn't yet giving up hope.
"We challenge it and this week will be our appeal," notes Rivera. "We hope that the WBO rules in favor of us and the mandatory fighter is one who meet the requirements for the world title fight."
Should the purse bid ruling hold final, the proposed dates offered by Zanfer are March 12, April 2 and April 9.
Interestingly, March 12 was the targeted date for Martinez-Salido III. However, a number of variables saw that fight fall through, ultimately prompting the WBO to proceed with its previously announced plan of the mandatory title fight.
Martinez (29-2-3, 17KOs) makes the second defense of the title he claimed in a 12-round win over Salido last April in San Juan. roughly 30 minutes from his hometown of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. The two fought in another thriller last September, ending in a 12-round draw although most observers felt Salido deserved the nod.
Berchelt (28-1, 25KOs) enters his first career title fight. The 24-year old from Merida, Mexico has won seven straight following his lone loss, a 1st round stoppage at the hands of Luis Flores in March '14.
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
