GANIGAN LOPEZ VOWS TO KEEP HIS WBC BELT IN MEXICO
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 09 Mar 2016
No matter who he fights next newly crowned World Boxing Council light flyweight champion, Ganigan Lopez has vowed to keep his green and hold belt in Mexico.
WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman told The Standard in Manila that Filipino Jonathan Taconing is the mandatory challenger to Lopez but there is also talk of a possible rematch with former champion Pedro Guevara from whom he won the title.
Sulaiman informed us following his return home to Mexico City after a long, long trip that Taconing who is ranked No. 1 ?is the mandatory challenger? for the world title won by Mexican veteran Ganigan Lopez (27-7, 17 KO?s) who captured the belt in an upset victory over Japan?s defending champion Yu Kimura (18-3-1. 3 KO?s) in Kyoto, Japan.
Sulaiman said he wants the mandatory title defense of Lopez who is also a southpaw like Taconing to take place in July at the latest and indicated he would ?check whether the fight could be made immediately? referring to the negotiations between the handlers of Lopez and Johnny and Liza Elorde who manage Taconing.
Lopez, was presented by WBC President, Mauricio Sulaiman, with the belt that recognizes him as King of the division, which he fought so very hard to win.
The WBC website noted that Ganigan traveled all the way to Japan to face and fight the then world champion, Yu Kimura, in a rugged long distance quest culminating in a daunting challenge, but concluding with a superb victory. It was an historic night for Ganigan, who dreamed about this very moment, even since his pro debut.
With the cherished green and gold belt in his hands, Ganigan thanked his family, the WBC, the people who believed in him throughout and his trainer: He said ?Today, I'm the happiest person in the whole world."
Regarding that night, the new world champion commented he simply wouldn't be defeated, and trusted his fists being driven as well as energized by his indomitable fighting spirit. He also pledged that the belt will stay put in Mexico with him, as he's determined to successfully defend it.
About a possible fight with the former champion, Pedro Guevara, Ganigan is willing and eager, even it means going to "Pedrin's" home turf in Mazatlan, Sinaloa. But for now, after raising his hands in triumph, Ganigan's deservedly putting his feet up!
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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