(FEB 22) There have been many stories reported that the WBC super featherweight champion Olivia Gerula did not want to go to Peru to fight the WBA super featherweight champion, Kina Malpartida. That story has been cleared up by both Ms. Gerula and her Manager. Ms. Gerula stated that she had no problem fighting in the beautiful city of Lima and will be happy to unify the titles there.

Ms. Malpartida is scheduled to fight on May 1st at the Coliseo Miguel Grau, Callao, Peru. The problem is the scheduled opponent for Ms. Malpartida. Her name is Yolis Marrugo Franco and she is from Columbia. She last fought in 2008, almost 2 years ago and her fight prior to that was in 2005. That means that she has fought one time in 5 years. Is this an opponent for a world champion? I cannot believe that the WBA has approved of this fight for the world title.   [According to Boxrec, she is fighting Franco]

OK Kina, it is time for you to step up to the plate. The fight against Franco does nothing for you and actually is a disgrace. Olivia will be in Lima this coming week to do an exhibition bout. Why don't you come to the fight and be a true champion and accept her challenge to unify the titles on May 1st instead of the so called opponent that your team has chosen for you.

Butch Gottlieb
Team Gerula