Winner in Pacquiao-Morales bout gets shot at world title

Contrary to some reports, the rematch between Filipino Manny Pacquiao and Mexican Erik Morales is an official battle for the World Boxing Council International Super Featherweight title, which Pacquiao holds. Whoever wins this bout gets a shot at trying to wrest the WBC World Featherwieght title from Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera. This is according to WBC president Jose Sulaiman who posted the following statement in the organization's website (www.wbcboxing.com): "The World Boxing Council ratifies the approval and celebration of the fight in which The WBC International Champion Manny Pacquiao, Philippines, will make a defense of his title against Eric Morales, Mexico next Saturday, November 17, in Las Vegas, Nevada, under the promotion of Top Rank. "Both fighters were subjected to the WBC regulatory 7 day pre fight weigh in under the witnessing of WBC representatives , with both making 136 pounds , being within the tolerance. "In addition to the WBC International Title being disputed, the General Assembly of the WBC during the 44th annual convention in Croatia, following the rules and regulations decreed this fight to be as a final elimination bout to name the official challenger for the super feather weight title , as Pacquiao is # 1, and Morales # 2, in a division that has not had mandatory defenses during the last 2 years, for different reasons. "The WBC thought this ruling a high distinction and honor for both fighters , just as for the WBC , as it is with no doubt , one of the most expected and best fights that could be promoted today. "The WBC President José Sulaimán stated that he had known through the press that neither promoter Bob Arum, nor challenger Eric Morales had accepted this fight as a final eliminator ,which they have the right to do, but there was no reason to express unfair and hurting words, that blast a whole life of support and friendship from the WBC for both, for no reason at all, as the ruling was in their benefit , their prestige and an honor. "Arum’s statement about Soto’s having fought a final elimination bout is false as he picked the rival, not the WBC, in what was approved as a simple elimination bout, but NEVER Final. "It was a surprise coming from our friend Eric Morales, for who I have even been criticized as if being my adopted son, and from who nothing but respect should he offer to the WBC; but no surprise is to me Bob Arum’s behavior as he just can’t help it in his insistent nasty comments and his belligerent verbal permanent attitude, even offending and hurting his own friends, just as we believe that we are. It would not be surprising if he is calling us next Monday for the planning of another project. "Manny Pacquiao, the WBC´s International Champion has not declined his participation in a final elimination bout in respect to the WBC´S ruling and therefore, if he wins, in addition to defending successfully his title, Manny Pacquiao will be declared the official challenger to the superfeather championship of the World , in the hands of WBC champion Marco Antonio Barrera." - GMANews.TV