SULAIMAN BELIEVES FIRST WORLD TITLE FIGHT IN CHINA WILL BOOST BOXING
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 15 Nov 2012
World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman is elated over the historic staging of the first ever world title fight in China when hometown hero Xiong Zhao Zhong battles Mexico's Javier Resendiz Martinez for the vacant straw weight title in Kunming, China on November 24.
In a television interview aired on suljostv in Mexico which was transmitted internationally, Sulaiman stressed that boxing "needs China" and that the November 24 in Kunming will be "a historic night for boxing because never in the history of the sport has a world title fight been held there."
Sulaiman said he is confident China "can turn into a great country for professional boxing."
He added "I am thrilled that China is opening its doors by celebrating this great fight where a WBC title will be at stake."
The title showdown was made possible after Aljoe Jaro, manager/promoter/trainer of top contender Denver Cuello agreed to step aside to allow the WBC to stage the fight in China.
Sulaiman earlier told the Manila Standard he was pleased that Aljoe Jaro had responded positively to his request and made a commitment that Cuello will face the winner between Zhong and Martinez in a mandatory title fight which will take place next year.
Aljoe Jaro expressed confidence that no matter who wins on November 24, the hard-hitting Cuello will beat either fighter and emerge as champion.
The promoter/manager said he is prepared to have the title shot either in China or Mexico, depending on the winner and will also look at the possibility of staging the title fight in Manila.
The 30 year old Zhong has a record of 19-4-1 with 11 knockouts and won the WBC International Silver title with a 5th round knockout of Ulises Lara in Mexico last April 7.
Martinez, nicknamed "Demonio/Demon" has a record of 13-3-2 with 6 knockouts. He won the vacant WBC Silver title with a twelve round unanimous decision over Osvaldo Razon last June 16.
The 25 year old Cuello has a record of 32-44-6 with 21 knockouts and is coming of a ten round unanimous decision win over Ivan Meneses in a fight where he hurt his shoulder but is now recovering well.
The southpaw Cuello, a devastating puncher, won the WBC minimum weight Silver title with a spectacular 2nd round TKO of highly touted Ganigan Lopez in Mexico last May 19.
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