Gorres camp pushing for purse bid

The handlers of the Filipino challenger Z Gorres, led by Cebu promoter Sammy Gello-ani, are requesting the WBO to hold a purse bidding for WBO super flyweight champion Fernando Montiel title defense.

During its recent convention, the WBO has ordered Montiel to put his belt on the line against the amiable Mandaue City fighter in a mandatory defense.

Golden Boy Promotions of the legendary Oscar de la Hoya, being the promoter of both Montiel and Gorres, immediately booked a Dec. 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 request 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.

Gello-ani has tapped international matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz as the official representative of Team Gorres during the bidding, adding they are keen on staging the match in the Philippines sometime in January next year.