MANNY Pacquiao said he would be very happy to fight for the World Boxing Council’s newly-minted “Diamond Belt,” adding he appreciates the offer made by WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman.
Sulaiman told Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz early Friday about the WBC’s plan to institute the Diamond Belt for elite fighters at catch weights.
Koncz, who was with Pacquiao when Standard Today called, said the Filipino champion was pleased and honored to fight for the belt, since he has been a longtime WBC champion in different weight divisions and has proudly worn its belts in the past.
The adviser said he would meet with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum next week in the US and inform him that Pacquiao wishes to fight World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto for the WBC Diamond Belt on Nov. 14.
Sulaiman said the WBC board of governors had voted unanimously to implement the Diamond Belt concept, which they said will help promoters and television networks “looking for highly interesting and passionate battles for the benefit of boxing fans around the world.”
In a press statement, the WBC said it believes this belt will play a very important role in modern boxing as the catch weight fights between elite boxers have not been a complete success due to the fact that nothing is at stake.
Under the proposal, the WBC wants promotions to render homage to the two greatest fighters of such division, who will be showcased in the battle for the belt.
Sulaiman said the belt will use the same design as the famous WBC green and gold belt, but the material will include 18-karat gold fusion and will be encrusted with 598 diamonds, 196 emeralds, 6 rubies and 150 other semi-precious stones.
-Manila Standard Today
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