Jaro files protest, demands rematch

PROMOTER Aljoe Jaro has acquired the services of a legal counsel and filed a formal administrative protest to the World Boxing Council (WBC) concerning the conduct of the WBC world minimumweight title fight between champion Xiong Zhao Zhong of China and his Filipino challenger Denver Cuello in Dubai last June 28.

Cuello, who fights out of Jaro’s boxing gym in Binangonan, Rizal, lost a majority decision to Zhong, after knocking down the Chinese champion in the opening round. The Filipino fighter though, had to endure fighting with an injured right shoulder the rest of the twelve round bout.

Jaro has informed Cebu Daily News via e-mail that the protest filed by his lawyer, Atty. Richard S. Flores, cited the serious breach in protocol regarding the conduct of the championship, which was supposed to have urine testing for banned substances.

Jaro’s protest stated that “no urine samples were taken before the fight.”

The protest letter addressed to WBC President Jose Sulaiman cited WBC Rule 4.9 Antidoping Regulations wherein it is mandatory to take the urine sample of both boxers for laboratory test and examination for compliance of the Anti Doping Rules. The letter emphatically stated that “We believe that it is the responsibility of the WBC Supervisor in charge, for the fight, should have strictly ENFORCED the said enumerated rules.”

To make matters worse, Cuello’s purse also has not yet been paid in full by the promoter in Dubai.

Jaro also stated in their protest their request for a Cuello-Zhong rematch and the champion will not engage any fighter while the investigation is ongoing OR if the champion is allowed to defend his title, that Cuello will be given the mandatory right to challenge the winner.  /Correspondent Rene Bonsubre Jr