Handig-Lopez IBF eliminator goes to purse bid

THE IBF Minimumweight world title 12-round eliminator between Filipino IBF No. 1 Mateo Handig (13-5, 7 KOs) and Mexican IBF No. 5 Ganigan Lopez (22-5, 15 KOs) will be decided in a purse bid to take place at the IBF head office in Springfield NJ on Thursday July 18, (Friday in Manila) according an to official document issued on July 7 by IBF President Daryl J. Peoples.

Mateo Handig and Ganigan Lopez were supposed to battle last June 29 in Mexico for the right to challenge Japanese IBF Minimumweight world champion Katsunari Takayama (25-6, 10 KOs). But the date was canceled by the promotion company in Mexico and a new date was set for July 13, which had to be called off as well.

The IBF therefore decided to solve the impasse by calling a purse bid in the following terms:

“On May 15, 2013 the IBF ordered No. 1, Matthew Handig and No. 5, Ganigan Lopez to begin negotiations for the IBF Mini Flyweight Eliminator for the No. 1 position. They could not reach an amicable agreement within the time frame set by the IBF. Therefore, the IBF will call for purse bids in these offices on Thursday, July 18, 2013 at 12 Noon. Bids must be submitted at 11:45 AM to be promptly opened at 12 Noon.”

The 23 year-old Mateo Handig known as “The Warai Warrior” is managed by Kambal Kamao Promotions and Highland Boxing of the Philippines, while Ganigan “El Zurdo” Lopez, 31, is handled by Canelo Promotions. /carlos costa of philboxing