Gorres' camp requests WBO for purse bidding

After learning that Fernando Montiel turned down the offer of Golden Boy Promotions to defend his WBO super flyweight crown against the mandatory challenger Z "The Dream" Gorres, the handlers of Gorres led by promoter Sammy Gello-ani are requesting the WBO to hold a purse bidding for the title fight to take place at the soonest possible time.

During its recent convention, the WBO, under the leadership of Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel, has ordered Montiel to honor the mandatory status of the top-ranked Gorres and put his belt on the line against the amiable Mandaue City fighter.

Golden Boy Promotions of the legendary Oscar de la Hoya, being the promoter of both Montiel and Gorres, immediately booked a December 9 date for the championship bout to be held at the Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona.

However, Gello-ani was told by GBP vice president and international matchmaker Eric Gomez that the camp of Montiel thumbed down GBP's proposal, prompting him to write a formal letter to Valcarcel requesting the WBO to authorize a purse bidding.

"The camp of Montiel is uncooperative so we have to make a decision because we're also interested to promote the fight," said Gello-ani in a press conference the other night at Casino Español.

Gello-ani has already sent a formal letter via e-mail to Valcarcel, asking the latter to declare a purse bidding.

Gello-ani has tabbed revered international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz as the official representative of Team Gorres during the bidding.

If they will be able to secure the right to promote the Montiel-Gorres titular showdown, Gello-ani said they are very keen to stage the match here in the Philippines sometime in January next year.

"If we will win in the bidding, we are willing to hold the fight here in the Philippines. We're looking for a January date for that," said Gello-ani.

In the event Montiel decides to vacate his throne, Gorres is likely to battle No.2 contender Pramuansak Phosuwan of Thailand for the world title.