Sulaiman on Soto-Lorenzo, Chavez Jr.-Vanda, More

By James Blears

Following the decision of the WBC's Board of Governors, ruling that Humberto Soto vs. Francisco Lorenzo was a no-contest and ordered a rematch,  it’s President has declared that in his own personal opinion, the original disqualification decision by referee Joe Cortez, was the greatest injustice he’s ever witnessed in all of his 57-years as a boxing commissioner.

Commenting about how the overall vote went Don Jose explained: “I would prefer to say the majority was in favor of a no contest, because most thought that boxing instead of controversy needs some peace and unity.”

The WBC is giving Manny Pacquiao until July 28th to decide if he wants to retain his lightweight or his super featherweight belt. Don Jose says he thinks Manny will stay at lightweight, as he experienced some problems in making the super featherweight limit, and he proved himself very strong and fast in the next division up.

He also commented that Lorenzo might have doubts about fighting Soto once again.

Concerning Julio Cesar Chavez Jr’s wobbly last several rounds against Matt Vanda in the blistering heat of Hermosillo, Sonora, Don Jose confirmed that the WBC is going to order thorough medical tests: “Because let’s remember he’s number five in the super welterweight division, and we want our fighters to be in the best of health.”

Julio Cesar Chavez Sr is reported to have said his son had a fever, after the weigh-in. Don Jose responded: “I believe that they should think more about themselves than about complying with the fight. If you are sick, have fever and vomiting how can you fight, regardless of what happens? That’s a great mistake that Julio Cesar Chavez (Sr) used to do.”

Don Jose said he’s furious with the small minority in the crowd who threw things into the ring after the fight stressing: “I’m very embarrassed, and very angry. There must be much more security. They should not allow things which happened that night to happen again like selling glasses. That should be totally prohibited.”

Don Jose also criticized the judge who gave Julio Jr. a totally lopsided decision and the one who gave Matt Vanda the nod. He said: “Those two judges should not be allowed to be appointed as ring officials in any boxing match, ever again.”