(DEC 7) The World Boxing Council was
shocked to learn that the mandatory elimination bout in New Mexico
on December 4th, between Holly Holm and Melissa Hernandez, both of
the United States, did not happen due to the insistence on the part
of Hernandez not to participate in the main event at the last
minute.
This shows a total lack of respect to her opponent, the
promoter of the event Lenny Fresquez, the rules and regulations of
the WBC and the local commission, and of course the fans of boxing
who paid to watch this event live and on the internet. Neither the
NABF or WBC accepted fees for the Holm/Cisernos fight.
Acknowledging Holly's record, the WBC is appointing Holly Holm as
the mandatory contender for the WBC Welterweight Championship of the
World, due to this unfortunate turn of events. Further the WBC will
suspend Hernandez from the ratings of the WBC, and from challenging
for any WBC related championship, pending a full and timely
investigation, which has already begun. The WBC, its President Jose
Sulaiman, and the WBC Female Championships Committee is fully
committed to fairness in boxing, and is saddened by this terrible
situation, and is working hard to resolve this issue.
Respectfully,
Ed Pearson, Chair
WBC Female Championship Committee
