By Alexey Sukachev
Union Boxing Promotion issued an official statement regarding recent news about the ongoing negotiations to define Vyacheslav Senchenko’s next opponent. Senchenko (31-0, 20 KOs) is the reigning WBA welterweight champion. He was mentioned as a possible next goal opponent for red-hot Mexican rising star Saul Alvarez.
UBP is upset over some of the stories floating in the Mexican press which quote Senchenko's manager. He denies disclosing any information regarding the purse amounts offered but it seems that Senchenko will require a significant amount to accept the fight. Senchenko's promoter is also upset over some of the recent reports that appeared on BoxingScene.com, and some of the information being presented by American cable network HBO, and even lash out at the media in Ukraine.
“Union Boxing Promotion is currently in negotiations with various American and European promoters regarding the next WBA welterweight Championship. There are three possible challengers for Vyacheslav Senchenko’s title: Souleymane M’Baye (France, 39-3-1, 21 KOs), Matthew Hatton (England, 41-4-2, 16 KOs) and Saul Alvarez (Mexico, 35-0-1, 26 KOs)."
"American broadcasting company HBO, and the BoxingScene web portal, have taken liberties with unfounded statements claiming that the Senchenko vs. Alvarez fight will happen in March in America and the amount of the contract is equal to $250,000 (even though the training camp for our fighters in America costs us around $100,000 alone). This information is totally groundless and can be named just a canard of American sportive technologists. Meanwhile, the local Ukrainian media outlets follow the same path, by spreading false information given in intriguing form among Ukrainian fight fans instead of discussion about recent achievements of Ukrainian boxing. Therefore our media plays on a rival’s field."
"There are talks that our company “sold” the title for $250,000. That’s an absolute and intentional lie. We shall do everything we can to save our title for Ukraine. Vyacheslav Senchenko came victorious in three World Championships; he is ready to deliver his A-game against everyone in the world."
Dmitry Eliseev: “I don’t know who Nick Gonzalez is. I have spoken to Diego Martinez, a reporter for “Reform” American newspaper, who asked me two questions if I have been in contact with Saul Alvarez’s representatives, and whether Senchenko can fly overseas for the fight if agreement is reached indeed. No money amounts were mentioned in our talk. Most probably, it’s American party which is interested in it. But their arguments are inconclusive. Maybe HBO and Oscar De La Hoya will stage a fight in March but that fight won’t be for the WBA world championship”.”
