This is hilarious. Let's see if the WBO cares or not... I hope they can make enough noise so we can see how the WBO responds.
If anything, They'll set up a final eliminator with somebody who'll beat him... wouldn't be surprised if they put Bradley in there with him
http://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/previous/2
Our sources in Africa have informed us that the team behind Namibian fighter Bethuel Ushona (32-2-1, 9), the WBO #1 ranked Welterweight, will be making a stand and will pursue his right to challenge WBO world champion Manny Pacquiao (56-5-2, 38).
This past weekend saw Pacquiao's nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez (56-7-1, 40) defeat Mike Alvarado (34-3, 23). It was expected that Marquez, as the winner of that bout, would be facing Pacquiao in a 5th meeting between the two future hall of famers. That bout is now in some doubt however and if Ushona's team decide to play hard-ball they could throw a real spanner in to the works by effectively forcing the WBO to play by their own rules and enforce the mandatory defence or stripping Pacquiao.
Ushona's team have mentioned recent examples of fighters being forced their mandatory challengers rather than facing more notable opponents. They have mentioned the recent WBO Heavyweight title fight between Wladimir Klitschko and Alex Leapai and have also mentioned the fact WBC Heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne has been ordered to fight Deontay Wilder as opposed to being allowed to unify with Klitschko.
Although the words and threats from Ushona's team have been strong we can't help but feel they are just being difficult in an attempt to get a big "step aside" payment. If they aren't just looking for a big payday but are serious in pursuing the Pacquiao bout then they really could give both the WBO and Top Rank some headaches. The WBO will risk losing face by not forcing the mandatory or risk taking a financial hit by stripping Pacquiao, a huge money fighter in comparison to Ushona.
Ushona actually took the WBO #1 ranking after Manny Pacquiao defeated Timothy Bradley for the title back in April. Prior to that Ushona had been the #2 ranked fighter and although he is relatively unknown he has been in the top 2 ranked WBO fighters all year and will feel, rightly or wrongly, that he deserves his chance at the big time.
Part of the reason why Ushona is ranked so highly is the fact he currently holds the WBO Africa title and another reason is that he has been defeating a series of credible, though sub-world class opponents, including Isaac Hlatshwayo and Kaizer Mabuza. Though some do suspect that the WBO are trying to open new doors in Africa, especially in Namibia with the country having 4 ranked fighters, Vikapita Meroro (#2 at Cruiserweight), Ushona (#1 at Welterweight), Paulus Moses (#2 at Lightweight) and Paulus Ambunda (#5 at Bantamweight).
A political can of worms could be about to open if a lot of money doesn't change hands for Bob Arum to have the fight he, and US TV audiences are demanding regarding the Filipino superstar.
it would mean PAC fights on free HBO for the first time in like a decade...noone would buy that sh1t
I bet Pac could pull 300-400 thousand against this guy. Arum won't let people watch Pac for free ever again.
Let's say the WBO actually enforced this mandatory. Unlikely, but stranger things have happened.
Does Pac drop the belt, or does Arum make the fight because he doesn't want to lose the only belt a Top Rank fighter can win at welterweight?
This is hilarious. Let's see if the WBO cares or not... I hope they can make enough noise so we can see how the WBO responds.
If anything, They'll set up a final eliminator with somebody who'll beat him... wouldn't be surprised if they put Bradley in there with him
http://www.asianboxing.info/asian-news/previous/2
I can't see the WBO forcing this fight regardless of what their rules state. Bob seems to own the WBO. They will do what he says.
I miss those days when champions were forced to fight their mandatory challengers, I recall Felix Trinidad fought his mandatory named Thiam, in between fights with big names David Reid and Fernando Vargas, whether you are unknown, you get a title shot.
Now its virtually impossible if its Mayweather or Pacquiao are holding title belts.
Yo, that's what I'm thinking. Dude has some pride though, turning down Peterson after already beating his ass.
But I can see him taking it after the leg injury
I'd be interested, most his voice will get is in Africa though. He's not a big enough name to cry corruption, sadly
I think its a good comeback fight for Bradley. I'm sure Ushona won't pass up an HBO date. I don't mind these mandatories. Just because a fighter doesn't have a big time promoter doesn't make him less deserving of a shot.
I guess we know who Timothy Bradley will be fighting later this year.
Yo, that's what I'm thinking. Dude has some pride though, turning down Peterson after already beating his ass.
But I can see him taking it after the leg injury
they'll pretend he doesn't exist, i'm not sure if he does anyway
I'd be interested, most his voice will get is in Africa though. He's not a big enough name to cry corruption, sadly
If he's earned the right to be number one then surely he should get a shot at the champion in this particular organisation.
In all honesty, it's the WBO's fault he's even ranked number one.
Yup, I hope they put pressure on.
I want to see what the WBO does