WBC TO HELP GET RUBILLAR A TITLE FIGHT IN MANILA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 28 Jun 2007
The executive secretary of the premier world boxing organization, the World Boxing Council, says the WBC is ready to help OPBF light flyweight champion Juanito Rubillar get a world title fight in Manila.
Mauricio Sulaiman, in response to a request from this reporter told Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today “I am sure (Edgar) Sosa would love to fight Rubillar in the Philippines.” Sosa won the title last April 14 with a unanimous decision over Brian Viloria, the former world champion and a member of the US boxing contingent in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games although he traces his roots to the Northern Philippine province of Ilocos Sur.
Sulaiman suggested that the Filipino promoter of Rubillar ( 42-10-7, 19 KO’s) to send a proposal to the WBC adding “we will do our best to make it happen.”
Rubillar, his trainer Roel Marata and manager Gabriel “Bebot” Elorde Jr said their dream was to get the 30 year old southpaw one last crack at the world title because according to Elorde “Juanito deserves it” following his smashing fifth round knockout victory over game and tough Japanese challenger Ken Nakajima last Sunday in Osaka.
The trio was scheduled tol pay a courtesy call on Philippine Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain Tuesday morning. Buhain said “we will tall about Rubillar’s future and maybe put in a good word with the WBC” to help get him a title fight which could possibly be staged to coincide with the WBC Annual Convention in Manila this November.
The 27 year old Sosa (27-5, 14 KO’s) makes the first defense of his title against 36 year old Argentinean Luis Alberto Lazarte who is rated No. 1 by the WBC at the All State Arena in Chicago on August 4. Lazarte is followed in the ratings by Omar Salado of Mexico, Brian Viloria and Rubillar. However, following his win over Nakajima, OPBF champion Rubillar is expected to move ahead of Viloria and could probably even be ranked No. 1.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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