Jaro to seek WBC okay for Denver

MANILA, Philippines – The tragedy that recently befell Denver Cuello may turn out to be a blessing after all.

Although he was disqualified for hitting Juan Hernandez while the Mexican was down on one knee with gloves on the canvas, Cuello will not be dislodged from his No. 1 rating by the WBC and has even been offered a chance to challenge WBA minimumweight champion Roman Gonzalez of Nicaragua in Tijuana on July 17.

A bloodied Hernandez sank to a knee after absorbing a left uppercut to the liver and didn’t seem like he could go on when Cuello, unrestrained by referee Jerry Venzor, charged in. Cuello threw a left hook to the body as Hernandez keeled over flat on his back. Venzor started to count then stopped abruptly to declare the fallen Hernandez the winner by disqualification in the third round of their WBC 105-pound title eliminator in Mexico City last week.

Cuello’s manager Aljoe Jaro admitted the infraction but chastised Venzor for failing to protect Hernandez when he dropped to a knee. He blamed Venzor for losing control of the fight.

Cuello should’ve lost his WBC International crown and No. 1 rating because of the defeat but under the circumstances, Jaro said the WBC will support a status quo.

“I’m very disappointed with the referee’s decision,” said Jaro in a letter to WBC International chairman Mauro Betti. “He didn’t protect the boxer. When Hernandez took a solid body shot, he took two steps back then fell. The referee wasn’t close by so when Denver saw Hernandez going down, he threw a follow-up shot to the body. The referee started to count but after a few seconds, waved his hands. We began to celebrate because we thought Denver had won by knockout. Then, we were told that Hernandez won by disqualification.”

Betti said WBC president Jose Sulaiman and his son Mauricio, the executive secretary, will support a rematch but wanted to find out from Jaro if Cuello was interested to keep the WBC International title. Betti said Thailand’s Wanheng Menayothin is the WBC International interim champion and Cuello may consider a face-off.

Jaro said he will study the option of Cuello defending the WBC International title against Wanheng. “Are the Thais willing to promote Denver in Thailand?” wondered Jaro. “How much is the offer? I will wait for Mauricio’s advice on what to do next.”

Jaro said the options are to engage Hernandez in a rematch, take on Wanheng in Thailand or challenge Gonzalez in the undercard of Erik Morales’ WBC International welterweight title defense against Vicente Escobedo at the Palenque del Hipodromo Caliente, Tijuana.

“I still have to hear from Mauricio but at the moment, I am inclined to accept the fight against Gonzalez with Morales as the promoter,” said Jaro. “It will be held in a neutral country, Mexico. Whatever decision Denver and I make, it will be with the WBC’s clearance. I respect Don Jose and Mauricio very much as they have been very supportive of Filipino fighters.”

Morales, who owns the promotions company Box Latino, watched the Cuello-Hernandez fight at ringside and was impressed with the Filipino’s showing despite the disqualification. The Mexican legend initially chose a protégé Jesus Silvestre to fight Gonzalez but has changed his mind.

“Morales told me he’s pulling out Silvestre and he wants a tougher challenger for Gonzalez,” said Jaro. “He’s interested in co-managing Denver’s career. If Denver fights Gonzalez for the title, Morales is asking for three options.”

Jaro said Morales, who fought Manny Pacquiao thrice, has a soft spot in his heart for Filipinos. Morales has visited the Philippines twice and even did commercials with Pacquiao in Manila.

If Jaro plans to pursue a rematch with Hernandez, Betti suggested to course the request through the Games and Amusements Board, now headed by chairman Lito Lacson.

“It was a clear situation (and) the decision cannot be changed,” said Betti, referring to Cuello’s disqualification. “Considering what happened, Don Jose will not be against supporting a rematch.”

Betti told Sulaiman that this was a serious matter and his intervention is required because of Jaro’s complaint against Venzor. “If what Mr. Jaro is reporting is true, I believe I must confirm Denver as reigning WBC International champion,” Betti said.

Jaro and Cuello arrived in Manila from Mexico City via Los Angeles last Thursday. Jaro said once Morales tenders a firm offer for the title shot and the terms are acceptable, he will seek the WBC’s go-signal to proceed with the fight for the WBA crown.