By Gabriel F. Cordero, Nothing official yet, but rumors exist that current WBC super bantamweight world champion Israel Vázquez could renounce the WBC belt, leaving the title to Toshiaki Nishioka, currently the WBC’s interim monarch. Vasquez is recovering from surgery on his right eye due to a retinal tear and may not be able to fight again until April. WBC President José Sulaimán plans to discuss the situation with the 122lb superstar. “If he cannot defend, Vasquez could be named Emeritus Champion so that he can become the mandatory challenger at whatever weight he wants,” said Sulaimán about the possibility that Israel could elevate to the featherweight division. As for Nishioka, Sulaimán said that he should collide with the top rated Rafael Márquez, or with the winner of a bout among the highest rated contenders. Second is Jhonny González.
Gilberto Jesus Mendoza, executive vice president of the WBA, has declared that interim titles have created large financial gains for many boxers. Mendoza Jr. named Panamanians Celestino “PelenchÃn” Cabellero, Rafael “Torito” Concepcion and Roberto ¨La Araña¨ Vasquez as examples of boxers who have achieved good incomes because of the temporary titles. He adds that he respects the opinions of critics of interim titles, but the priorities to seek better economic benefits for the boxers is a great principal that one must maintain.