Comical WBC justification for stripping Bradley....

[johnswan1]

... and sanctioning Morales-Barrios for the WBC title, although it's not as though anybody will be surprised by this.

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/1682 ... itle-fight

Three-division titleholder Erik Morales will face Jorge Barrios for the WBC's "official" junior welterweight title on the Sept. 17 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Victor Ortiz card in Las Vegas, a move that lifts the crown from Tim Bradley, according to WBC Secretary General Mauricio Sulaiman.

"This is the official title. The WBC has abolished the interim title since last year to avoid all of the confusion that it has created," Sulaiman said. "So it's indeed for the official title."

Sulaiman said that his organization has notified Bradley (27-0, 11 knockouts) as well as promoter Golden Boy of the decision. Golden Boy is promoting the Mayweather-Ortiz card.

"We sent the letters today to Golden Boy and to Timothy Bradley and to the fighters who are participating," Sulaiman said. "We have three things to consider. No. 1, his inactivity. No. 2, the legal situation and the problems that he's facing. And No. 3, the several comments Timothy Bradley has made about moving up in weight."

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer confirmed that he was notified by Sulaiman.

"The WBC has decided that Timothy Bradley will be made champion in recess and once he has figured out his situation may be permitted to challenge for the title if that's what he wants," Schaefer said. "In the meantime,
Morales and Barrios will be fighting for the vacant title."

Bradley displayed a surprisingly cool head in response to the latest development.

"The rule was that if I'm inactive for six months, and I'm going into litigation, then they can have Erik Morales fight for the interim title. They're [Morales and Barriors] going to be fighting for the interim. That's the rules," said Bradley, whose manager, Cameron Dunkin, could not be reached for comment.

"Now if my inactivity exceeds a year, then they can take my title. Then they can strip me. But it hasn't been a year yet. It will be six months next week. So they should be fighting for the interim title."

Sulaiman says the uncertaintly of Bradley's future cannot be overlooked.

"He has no schedule. We have been in communication, but we have not received his confirmation. But now it's been six months after his fight with Devon Alexander. We have great regard for Timothy Bradley," Sulaiman said.

Bradley was the WBO titlleholder when he took Devon Alexander's WBC belt by a 11th-round technical decision in January. Bradley has not fought since then. He turned down an opportunity to fight WBA titleholder Amir Khan on July 23.

As a result of passing up the bout with Khan, Bradley has been sued by co-promoters Gary Shaw and Thompson Boxing Promotions.

"He is involved in some legal matters, and we hear that he is planning on moving up in weight as well," Sulaiman said. "So the WBC has placed Timothy Bradley as champion in recess, not to hurt him, but because he has not defended his title in a timely manner."

The 34-year-old Morales (51-7, 35 KOs) is ranked No. 3 by the WBC. No. 1 Alexander is moving up to 147 pounds, Sulaiman said.

Nigeria's No. 2 Ajose Olusegun and No. 6 Ali Chebah of France will take part in an elimination bout for the right to challenge the Morales-Barrios winner. Ex-titlist Humberto Soto, Kendall Holt and Lucas Matthysse are rated Nos. 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Barrios (50-4-1, 35 KOs) is not ranked.

Sulaiman said the fact Barrios is a former WBO super featherweight titleholder allows him special consideration.

"Barrios is a former champion, so the rules of the WBC specify that former champions have the ability to petition that they fight for the title," Sulaiman said. "Barrios is not currently ranked, but he will be ranked in the next ratings."

Morales is the last man to defeat eight-division titleholder Manny Pacquiao, outpointing the Filipino in March 2005.

The Mexican is also widely known for losing two of three bouts against countryman Marco Antonio Barrera in a trilogy that has been compared to that of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Along with Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr., Juan Manuel Marquez and Fernando Montiel, Morales is one of five three-division titleholders from Mexico. A victory over Barrios would allow Morales to stand alone.

"They often say that styles make fights, and I think that on paper, this can only be a great fight," said Schaefer. "I think that it can be an entertaining fight that steals the show. These two guys are two action fighters, and it's going to be a heck of a fight."

Morales lost a disputed majority decision to Marcos Maidana in April, ending a winning streak at three. Still, a victory over Barrios could set up a fight with Khan in December at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Barrios, of Argentina, has won three consecutive fights, even as his career has been dogged by out-of-the-ring legal problems in Buenos Aires.

"Erik is the leading available contender, and he has a contracted fight scheduled for September," Sulaiman said. "Erik has been a three-time WBC champion, and he has proven that he's fit to fight when he almost defeated Maidana."

Bradley has had a long-running feud with the WBC, which appeared to have been resolved a few days prior to his facing Alexander.

Bradley had initially refused to pay the WBC's sanctioning fee against Alexander. That stemmed from a grudge that he has held since April of 2009, when the WBC stripped him of the belt he had earned with a split-decision over Junior Witter in 2008.

Before facing Alexander, however, Bradley agreed to pay the sanctioning fee -- 3 percent of his purse -- for the WBO and the WBC belts.

In January, WBC middleweight titlist Sergio Martinez was declared the organization's Emeritus beltholder, essentially stripping the Argentinian-born fighter of the crown he earned by dethroning Kelly Pavlik in April. In addition, the WBC elevated to the status of full titleholder Sebastian Zbik. It then mandated that Zbik face Mexico's Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who dethroned Zbik by unanimous decision last month.

Martinez's status allows him to fight soon for the WBC belt, similar to when Vitali Klitschko retired as WBC titlist in November of 2005 due to injury.

Klitschko's exit forced the cancelation of a mandated defense against top contender Hasim Rahman, but Klitschko unretired nearly four years later, was granted an immediate shot at Nigeria's Samuel Peter and regained the belt by by ninth-round stoppage.

Why Bradley's situation is different from those of Martinez and Klitschko remains unclear.

"I'm still the champ," said Bradley. "Tell them that I know the rules, and that they've got it twisted."

[jamesmcdonnell]

My gosh! Now rumours of moving up in weight are enough to strip a fighter of his title, even though he has six months left of his title reign.

I can see this going to court and the WBC getting royally screwed! This is absolutely outrageous.

[bigjack]

Jesus i thought the WBA had reached a low with the interim crap but this in my opinion tops that.

[lefthook82]

In short: "Erik got me on the blower and said he wanted to fight for the WBC title. I decided to make it so."

I think that's the long and the short of it

[JimJim2009]

In short: "Erik got me on the blower and said he wanted to fight for the WBC title. I decided to make it so."

Hits the nail squarely on the head

[jamesmcdonnell]

We should be grateful in many respects. These guys maintain the integrity of the sport, ensurethat everyone knows who the latest 'diamond' champ is and all they ask for in return is sanctioning fees from you twice a year so they can bring their harem to ringside. Self-sacrifice like this is why the Allies won WW2. Jose Sulliedmon, we thank you.

Nah, I could see what they were going to do RE Barrios, former champs in other division jump the queue I'm afraid, especially if the sanctioning fee is a tasty one.

Yes, but there is zero justification for stripping Bradley, other than the fact they've fallen out with him. They are citing legal problems, yet Barrios has a court case pending for frigging manslaughter.

[stujones]

Exactly KG, Eric a fans and WBC favourite wants to be the first Mexican four weight world champion - and JS is going to make it happen.

It doesn't matter if Olusugan and Chebbah have been in negotiations for over a year for the number #1 status - they will not get promoted, not now Eric baby wants to beat his rival Marco Antonio Barerra to the record.

The WBC had to even publically discredit one of their own titles to stop Jorge Arce's claim.... why simply because he is not a the Golden boy of WBC boxing, Eric Morales.

I don't think JS has forgotton how MAB treated the WBC Feather title he beat off Morales - he aint going to get any favours.

Rediculous how Barrios is getting sanctioned. Hasn't fought at the weight devision and he hasn't fought in anything like world class since losing to Rocky Juarez 3 years ago.

[earsjohn]

The best bit is where he says:

"Barrios is not currently ranked, but he will be ranked in the next ratings."

On what basis will he earn this rankings boost? Performance? Non-performance of those above him? Hah, we want him in the rankings, so we'll put him where we like. This surely is the end to any pretence that the governing body ratings are anything over than a sham.

Incidentally, WBC Bantamweight champ last fought in Feb, is going through (or has come through) contract wrangles and is not set to fight for a good few months. Will he lose his title?

B-Hop, WBC Light Heavyweight Champion, called out David Haye when he was a title holder at Heavyweight, a clear indication that he was thinking about moving up a division or two. Strip him now!

[black panther]

I heard Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr once said "food on a plate". Food on a plate sounds like "168". This most likely means he will move to 168lbs. Strip him now!

Oh wait I forgot that special WBC rule whereby if you are Mexican or a big name all rules do not apply to you.

They're basically giving Morales a title. What a joke. What I would give to win a trillion dollars and buy out all the alphabet boys.

[bfchunk]

I heard Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr once said "food on a plate". Food on a plate sounds like "168". This most likely means he will move to 168lbs. Strip him now!

Oh wait I forgot that special WBC rule whereby if you are Mexican or a big name all rules do not apply to you.

They're basically giving Morales a title. What a joke. What I would give to win a trillion dollars and buy out all the alphabet boys.

Even if you did, others would just spring up in their place. The only way is if worldwide TV somehow gets together and creates a single legitimate championship. Even then there would splinter organisations, but hopefully minor ones.

[Bricks]

This could be another rochhigiani type situation! 8) this time the wbc wont be able to grovel it better with a plaintiff in prison

[ALI]

In short: "Erik got me on the blower and said he wanted to fight for the WBC title. I decided to make it so."

I think that's the long and the short of it

I think there could be more to it than that, lets be honest Morales name does not carry that much weight these days. Could this all be to do with Khan getting his hands on the title and unifying the division before he moves up in weight? The WBC are clearly flunking their very own rules, not for the first time admitedly, to free up this title, so i'm thinking that there might be some powerfull figures involved in this behind the scenes.

Bradley is refusing to fight Khan, and to fight full stop at the moment. Khan is desperate to unify, but also to move up to 147 asap, so getting the title of Bradley now is paramount to him ever being able to unify. Golden Boy would have little difficulty getting Khan in with the winner of Morales v Barrios, that fight could possibly be made as early as mid December.

[ALI]

In short: "Erik got me on the blower and said he wanted to fight for the WBC title. I decided to make it so."

I think that's the long and the short of it

I think there could be more to it than that, lets be honest Morales name does not carry that much weight these days. Could this all be to do with Khan getting his hands on the title and unifying the division before he moves up in weight? The WBC are clearly flunking their very own rules, not for the first time admitedly, to free up this title, so i'm thinking that there might be some powerfull figures involved in this behind the scenes.

Bradley is refusing to fight Khan, and to fight full stop at the moment. Khan is desperate to unify, but also to move up to 147 asap, so getting the title of Bradley now is paramount to him ever being able to unify. Golden Boy would have little difficulty getting Khan in with the winner of Morales v Barrios, that fight could possibly be made as early as mid December.

Here's a quip from an article posted on BS today:

Article Link - http://www.BS.com/?m=show&opt= ... z1Ta9gqL1H
This is a legal waiver. By copying and using the material from this article, you agree to give full credit to BS.com or provide a link to the original article.

By allegedly Fwank Waren

In Las Vegas on Saturday night, Amir Khan destroyed former six-time world champion Zab Judah in five rounds to unify the WBA and IBF world light-welterweight titles.

It was a good win for Khan, who looked in great shape, and sets him up for a big fight on December 10 which is likely to be against veteran Mexican Erik Morales.

Before that happens, Morales could face tough Argentinian Jorge Barrios for the WBC world light-welterweight title after his promoters Golden Boy pushed for current holder Timothy Bradley to be stripped of the title because of inactivity.

Its Golden Boy thats twisted the WBC's arm to blatantly break their own rules. They want Khan to unify the division in his next and final fight at 140lbs, and with Bradley having 6 months of his title reign remaining and clearly not willing to fight Khan, the only way to get Khan the title is to have Bradley illegally stripped of his title, then let Morales v Barrios fight for it, then have Khan take it of either of those in December.

Obviously the Morrales v Barios fight is some sort of smokescreen. I would not be surprised if they have it stipulated on their contracts that the winner must defend against Khan on December.

Job well done for Golden Boy, shame of those WBC scumbugs!

[josco]

Boxing (as a sport rather than a more than slightly dodgy business}has become a bad joke. Captain Boycott had a way of dealing with the likes of the WBC and it is suprising that TPTB have not thought of this.

[LeedsLad]

The WBC are a business.

Bradley isn't providing them with sanctioning fees, so it's hardly surprising that they've made moves to strip him, especially given the fact that they've missed out on a relatively good wedge with the Khan fight going down the tube.

Bradley seems to have lost the plot lately, some of his statements are laughable to be honest.

[ALI]

Bradley seems to have lost the plot lately, some of his statements are laughable to be honest.

He has publicly stated that he has no interest in a fight with Khan, he seems to think his next fight is certain to be against Pacquiao or Mayweather, and that he's not going to risk missing out on his shot for love nor money. The guy is clearly delusional.

Pacquiao and Mayweather would have a very easy night with Bradley IMO, his business is at 140lbs with Khan. That fight right now would earn him a massive payday by his normal standards.

He obviously does not fancy his chances against Khan. The WBC, by their own rules, have no right to strip him, but given he's not willing to settle the 140lbs #1 spot by fighting Khan, i'm sort of pleased those scumbags at the WBC are stripping him. Sorry Bradley, the WBC are clearly cheating you, but your also cheating the fans by refusing to fight Khan. What goes around comes around!

[Glyn Leach]

Ridiculous favouritism to Mexican fighters and GBP (see Alvarez-Hatton) by the Mexico-based WBC.

[boxingchat]

What a pile of crap. The WBC haven't paid roccihigiani for the damages they were ordered for their last daft decision like this.

All so Khan can nick the belt on December 10 in Manchester.

Hope they get sued again, they deserve it.

[fatcity69]

Heaven help us! a Mexican based world body that favours Mexicans!!!.... youd never find such a thing happening over here would you!. Lets just hope neither of them falls over with a bad back in the first 10 seconds eh!... :geek2:

[jamesmcdonnell]

Surely bradley has a watertight case if he chooses to take them to court. They are flouting their own rules.

On another note, If Bradley thinks he's getting a shot at Pacquaio or Mayweather, he's deluded, he just isn't box office. The only way he gets a shot is if he takes the VERY thin end of the wedge.

[chinny]

The WBC are a business.

No, the WBC are a non profit making organisation. The humble servants of boxing.

[ShadrachSimmo]

So i take it Jorge Arce isnt getting credited as a 4 weight champ? As one of his titles was an an interim.

[addi]

it's a joke, g.b.p have seen how well morales was recieved by fans after the maidana fight, and are now pushing to get him a belt, they think because he fought so well, they'll get him an older smaller version of maidana,if he wins it sets up the unifacation fight with khan and that makes a mayweather fight more marketable for the winner presumably amir. looks good having barrera and morales on your record, however it's also a joke that khan is now a super champ and the w.b.a title with a 40 year history is now a meaningless belt being fought for. how can the winner of gutierez v maidana next month be a world champ.