By Rick Reeno
The WBO has informed BoxingScene.com that pursuant to the approval of their executive committee and championship committee, the February 28 lightweight bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Juan Diaz will have the vacant WBO 135-pound title at stake. The belt became vacant last Friday when Nate Campbell was unable to make weight for his defense against Ali Funeka.
Eric Gomez, acting on behalf of Golden Boy ,had made a request to the WBO for Marquez-Diaz to have the title at stake, and the request was granted. HBO will televise the fight live from Houston, Texas.
The winner of Marquez-Diaz must make a mandatory defense within 180-days of their fight, unless some other agreement is reached in accordance with the WBO's world championship rules and regulations.
