SOTO WINS PACQUIAO?S SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 13 Oct 2008
Humberto "Zorrita" Soto (45-7-2, 29 KO?s) won the WBC super featherweight interim title when Gamaliel "Platano" Diaz (23-8-2, 10 KO?s) failed to come out for the eleventh round in their interim title fight in Mexico City, Sunday morning Manila Time.
The interim title fight was ordered by the WBC after it withdrew its recognition of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao as the 130 pound champion. However, WBC president Jose Sulaiman told www.insidesports.ph that they would continue to recognize Pacquiao as the lightweight champion since he won the title with a 9th round demolition of David Diaz. Sulaiman disclosed prior to the Soto-Diaz fight that the WBC will decide at its annual convention in Guangzhou, China ?who is going to be the challenger to Soto.?
The interim title fight also came about after a hugely controversial ending in Soto?s last fight which was for the interim title when the Mexican was disqualified by referee Joe Cortez in his clash with Francisco Lorenzo. But after polling the board of governors the WBC chose not to award the title to Lorenzo due to the botched-up ending and ordered an interim title fight between Soto and Diaz.
In the interim title fight which took place at the Coliseo Centenario in Mexico, Soto was awarded a tenth round TKO by referee Laurence Coleo after Soto decked Diaz as early as the opening round and after Diaz was deducted two points for continuous holding by referee Cole in round ten Diaz' corner decided not to send him out for round eleven.
It was a disappointing ending and fight fans were clearly unhappy. It was the second fight in a row for the interim title involving Soto which ended in some sort of controversy.
Top photo: Humberto Soto (R) puts the pressure on Gamaliel Diaz during their bout in Mexico City Saturday.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025NBA Reportedly Met with Congress Regarding Gambling Issues
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 07 Nov 2025