Gorres vacates OPBF throne

Cebuano ring star Z "The Dream" Gorres of the ALA Stable has formally relinquished his Oriental and Boxing Federation (OPBF) super flyweight crown to concentrate on his campaign in the United States as well as his impending shot at the WBO super flyweight title currently held by Mexican Fernando Montiel.

ALA top honcho Antonio "Bidoy" L. Aldeguer conveyed in his letter to OPBF president Frank Quill of Australia that due to their promotional contract with Golden Boy Promotions, they no longer have the liberty to let Gorres fight with promoters other than the Oscar de la Hoya-owned outfit.

Aldeguer explained that is has been the choice of GBP to let Gorres campaign in the United States, hence, Gorres could no longer defend his OPBF crown.

"We have no other alternative therefore but to relinquish the OPBF super flyweight title held currently by our boxer, Z Gorres," said Aldeguer.

"This is indeed a painful decision we have made considering that it has always been our dream to have our boxers win an OPBF title - only to relinquish it for reason beyond our control."

Quill, for his part, was very kind enough to consider and understand the situation of Gorres.

"I appreciate and understand the situation with Z Gorres, and in the next OPBF ratings (to be released next week) we will declare the title vacant. For me, Gorres was a fine OPBF champion who has genuine world-title potential," said Quill.

"I respectfully ask your kindness to pass on to Gorres my personal respect for his OPBF achievement and my best wishes for his future in boxing. I was proud to have him as our OPBF champion."