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Juanma Vs. Penalosa in Manila?
Written by staff   
Thursday, 08 January 2009 04:37

PERSISTENT reports reaching SportsNews.ph reveal that WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel is having a hard time making the 115lb limit and that a move up to the bantamweight division is imminent.http://www.sportsnews.ph/images/BOXING/PENALOSA/penalosa%20id.jpg
According to a source, the Montiel camp is looking at ways to challenge WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa and that the Mexican’s handlers are waiting for the January 12 purse bid deadline set by the WBO for Penalosa’s mandatory defense against Eric Morel of Puerto Rico.

Top Rank Inc. president Bob Arum, in a recent interview with SportsNews.ph said he is in talks with Solar Sports to stage Montiel’s super flyweight defense against world flyweight ruler Nonito Donaire, Jr. on March 15 at the Araneta Coliseum.

If Montiel officially declares his move up in weight, the same source said Arum may tap Puerto Rican sensation Juan Manuel Lopez to stake his super bantamweight crown against Penalosa and headline the March 15 card.

“I welcome that fight but honestly I still don’t know what’s next for me. I’m still waiting for my promoter (Golden Boy Promotions) to make their move regarding my mandatory defense,” said Penalosa when contacted by SportsNews.ph.

Donaire, the same source added, may still see action beneath the Lopez-Penalosa card and it could be for the interim WBO super flyweight crown against Raul Martinez from San Antonio, Texas who is unbeaten in 24 fights with 14 knockouts.

Chances are, two WBO interim super flyweight champions might emerge as top contender Pramuansak Posuwan of Thailand is scheduled to fight #2 contender Jose “Carita” Lopez of Puerto Rico on February 7.

“Right now were looking at the Montiel fight. There are a lot of possibilities but from what we know it’s Montiel who will be Nonito’s next opponent,” said Donaire manager Cameron Dunkin in a separate interview with SportsNews.ph.

Also part of the March 15 gig is the light flyweight title fight between defending champion Ulisses Solis of Mexico against his mandatory challenger Brian “The Hawiian Punch” Viloria.
 
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