Wednesday, February 28, 2007 Gorres eyes vacant IBF title
FIGHTING Fernando “Cochulito” Montiel once seems enough for Z “The Dream” Gorres.
His camp is mum on talks about a possible rematch with the Mexican WBO super flyweight champion for now, but have opened their doors for a shot at the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) 115-pound title.
However, Team Gorres might have a hard time getting a title shot since the ALA Boy is not rated with the IBF.
IBF is the only boxing body that doesn’t rank Gorres among their top challengers.
The World Boxing Council ranks the former Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation champion at No.4, the World Boxing Association lists him in the No.12 spot, while Gorres is still the No.1 challenger in the WBO despite losing a controversial split decision last Saturday.
Expected to get the first shot at the vacant IBF title are their top two contenders, while the rest of the top 15-ranked IBF fighters are also expected to get a crack at the title before Gorres.
Only one Filipino is included in the top 15, the US based Nonito Donaire, who is ranked 10th.
Martin Castillo of the US is ranked No.3 and Venezuelan Alexander Muńoz at No.4, Russian Dimitri Kirilov, Gorres’ sparring partner during his US training, and another Russian Andre Kostin are ranked No.5 and No.6, respectively.
Still, fighting for the belt is not impossible for Gorres as his camp only needs to manifest strong intention to fight for the belt to qualify to fight for the vacant title.
IBF will hold its annual convention on May 29 to June 3 in Miami, the best place where Team Gorres can get their chance to send their plan to challenge for the crown.
However, a rematch with Montiel is not impossible either, as the Mexican champion is no longer hesitant to fight Gorres in Cebu once the World Cup Boxing between the defending champions Mexico and the challengers Philippines will be put in place.
Cebuano promoter Sammy Gello-ani and the Golden Boy Promotions are very keen in holding the event after the hugely successful “Moment of Truth” spectacle last Saturday at the Cebu City Sports Center. (RCM)
