Wheelchair Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Zbik new WBC middleweight champ Sergio Martinez status unclear Universum Box-Promotion is looking forward to the next world boxing champion in its ranks. On Tuesday night, a letter from WBC President Jose Sulaiman announced that unbeaten Sebastian Zbik (30-0, 10 KOs) is now the new “undisputed” world champion at his weight. Zbik had been the WBC interim titleholder since July 2009, but full champion Martinez never made his mandatory defense. “At last the long wait is over. I’m very happy that I’m now a true world champion,” said Zbik. “I’ve always said that I wanted to fight Martinez. I’ve defended the interim title three times now and haven’t avoided anyone, so I’m glad that the WBC has taken action. I’ve worked six hard years for this day and now the big moment is finally here. It feels great!” He continued, “It’s an honor for me to wear this belt steeped in tradition and I’m proud to join on the long line of Universum world champions. Now I’m looking forward to my first defense. I want move forward with the WBC, but I can also visualize a title unification. Two middleweight world champions live around the corner with Felix Sturm and Sebastian Sylvester, but both have avoided fighting me. But with this belt, I now have a good argument on my side. Felix Sturm has announced always claimed he’s the best boxer in the division. So why didn’t he box against me instead of “no-names” like Lorenzo and Hearns? These aren’t world-class opponents. The reason can’t be the distance. He knows the route to Hamburg very well.” Promoter Dietmar Poszwa added, “We’re thankful for this decision of the WBC. Of course, we would have rather won the belt in the ring, but the rules must be followed. Boxing must remain credible. Sebastian has earned the right to wear this great belt. He waited a long time and worked hard for it. He doesn’t fear or avoid any opponent.” Trainer Artur Grigorian, a former world champion himself, stated, “I’m proud that Sebastian finally has the real belt. He’s my first world champion [as a trainer]. I very happy about his next title defenses. Much thanks to his promoter.” http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/zbik-new-wbc-middleweight-champ-72609#more-72609 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoner Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 It's an absolute joke. Who can take any of these belts seriously anymore? These orgs need shutting down, notably the WBC and WBA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheelchair Posted January 18, 2011 Author Share Posted January 18, 2011 WBC clarifies Martinez’ status, Named WBC "Emeritus Champion" Official WBC Statement: The WBC is proud to announce the appointment of Sergio Martinez as Emeritus Champion. Sergio Martinez is a 2-time world champion, as he conquered the WBC super welterweight championship and then defeated great champion Kelly Pavlik to conquer the WBC middleweight championship. He then defeated with a dramatic Knock Out of the Year win over Paul Williams. Sergio Martinez is a true example for the youth outside the ring and is constantly active in the WBC Cares Program visiting children hospitals, underprivileged children housing and has a formal company in support of abused women making him a true influence all around the world. With Sergio Martinez designation as Emeritus Champion and Ambassador of Good Will and Peace, WBC interim champion Sebastian Zbik, from Germany, becomes the WBC world middleweight champion, who must face the mandatory contender Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brooklynbrawler Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 WBC clarifies Martinez’ status, Named WBC "Emeritus Champion" Official WBC Statement: The WBC is proud to announce the appointment of Sergio Martinez as Emeritus Champion. Sergio Martinez is a 2-time world champion, as he conquered the WBC super welterweight championship and then defeated great champion Kelly Pavlik to conquer the WBC middleweight championship. He then defeated with a dramatic Knock Out of the Year win over Paul Williams. Sergio Martinez is a true example for the youth outside the ring and is constantly active in the WBC Cares Program visiting children hospitals, underprivileged children housing and has a formal company in support of abused women making him a true influence all around the world. With Sergio Martinez designation as Emeritus Champion and Ambassador of Good Will and Peace, WBC interim champion Sebastian Zbik, from Germany, becomes the WBC world middleweight champion, who must face the mandatory contender Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. Haha, the WBC and the WBA have been a f*cking joke. They still want Martinez to pay sanctioning fees I'm guessing....did they not already strip him of the 154 lbs title within days of him winning their 160 lbs title??... Total goons... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 So the WBC will have two champions at 160 The WBA have 3 The WBO and IBF each have 1 7 champions in 1 weight O_o...and this is almost certainly just an attempt to open up the WBC's "Interim" position...eurgh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapevine241 Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 disgusting. 7 champions in one of the weakest divisions in the sport. at least martinez is still recognized as the lineal champ, which in the end, is all that really matters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gavpowell Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 The first part of the story I had no great problem wiht - if the champ doesn't make his mandatory, the interim bloke gets the belt, which is fair enough as far as it goes. The rest of it is ludicrous, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoner Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Well the WBC has the World title, Emeritus title, Diamond title, Champion in recess (isn't that what Mikkel Kessler is?). They might even have an "Interim" title (or is that just the WBA?). I'm confused and i've been following boxing for 20 years! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donkeywater Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Gash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I think Boxing Monthly took a stance a few years back that they would call any belt holder 'world' rather than World and only recognise the NO.1 as the proper champion in the division. (by their own rankings) Maybe something this forum needs to start doing? Have a vote in each division, as to who is the real champion and keep an updated list on the forum once all votes are in. A new vote in a division would only be called if a major fight came up or a member asked for a new vote. Good idea or just leave it as it is? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Ko Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I think Boxing Monthly took a stance a few years back that they would call any belt holder 'world' rather than World and only recognise the NO.1 as the proper champion in the division. (by their own rankings) Maybe something this forum needs to start doing? Have a vote in each division, as to who is the real champion and keep an updated list on the forum once all votes are in. A new vote in a division would only be called if a major fight came up or a member asked for a new vote. Good idea or just leave it as it is? Good idea, 1 name for each weight class, simple and easy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dulais_valley Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 I like that idea Rob! Boxing news does it as well - 'world' champion rather than world champion. Its subtle but it means a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamasadlittleboy Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Lets scrap it all for the sake of integrity we'll work back to who is either linear, longest reigning, or has beaten the most top fighters. Hence you get Cunningham at Cruiserweight (think BN go for Green somehow O_O) Dzinziruk at LMW (the other 3 "champions" haven't a defence between them) WW-Vacant (due to disputes between the top 2) LWW-Vacant (with Bradley v Alexander to crown a champion, first defence against Khan or the winner v Khan to decide holder) LW-Marquez (by virtue of beating Diaz) SFW-Vacant FW-John ETC? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoner Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 This is how disgraceful the WBC has become. List of WBC "champions" at middleweight: World champion = Sebastian Zbik Emeritus champion = Sergio Martinez Diamond champion = Vacant Interim champion = Vacant (Zbik promoted to full champion) Silver Champion = Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Note: Sergio Martinez vs Sergiy Dzinziruk (March 12) is for vacant Diamond belt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WelshDevilRob Posted January 18, 2011 Share Posted January 18, 2011 Sergio Martinez Eyes Chavez vs. Zbik Winner in The Fall by: Rick Reeno By Rick Reeno Sampson Lewkowicz, adviser to WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (46-2, 25KOs), reached out to BoxingScene.com to set the record straight on his fighter's situation with the WBC title. On Tuesday, the WBC announced that Sebastian Zbik (30-0, 10KOs), the interim champion at middleweight, was being elevated to the status of "full champion," and Martinez was being elevated to the status of "Champion Emeritus." Martinez was willing to make his mandtory defense against Zbik, but HBO had absolutley no interest in the fight. Instead, Martinez will face unbeaten WBO 154-pound champion Sergei Dzinziruk (37-0, 23KOs) on March 12 at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut. The WBC will sanction Martinez-Dzinziruk for their "Diamond Belt." Zbik will have to defend his title against the mandatory, and WBC silver champion, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. If Zbik beats Chavez, then Martinez would be willing to fight him in the fall. If Zbik beats Chavez, Lewkowicz believes HBO might be more inclined to approve him as an opponent for Martinez. "Sergio wants to congratulate Zbik on becoming the champion. The sole reason as to why Martinez did not fight him is because HBO did not accept him. However, if he fights Chavez and he beats Chavez, Martinez would be more than honored to fight him," Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com. "Meanwhile, we need to act like gentlemen and set the record straight. Martinez did not get stripped by the WBC. He was upgraded to a higher status, as the Emeritus champion. If Zbik beats Chavez, who is the mandatory, then Martinez will fight him and it would be an honor to do the fight." Source: www.boxingscene.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dulais_valley Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 As Gav says, if this was simply the dethroning of Martinez for not honouring his mandatory and the challenger being crowned I wouldn't have a problem with it. But it is in the creation of an emeritus champion that all the colossal bullshit lies. its time the sanctioning bodies died the death that is long overdue of them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
londoner Posted January 19, 2011 Share Posted January 19, 2011 There is no "honour" in being made "Emeritus champion". It isn't even a real title. Ohhhhh, i can't be bothered. LOL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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