Rogan title fight may move to USA

Published Friday, 16 September 2011
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Belfast heavyweight Martin Rogan could fight for the WBU world heavyweight title in the USA, after the British Boxing Board of Control refused to sanction his planned showdown with Luis Andres Pineda at the Odyssey Arena.

The BBofC announced that it would not reinstate the WBU as a recognised sanctioning body, and there are also believed to be concerns over the ownership of the belt.

Rogan has now been invited to the United States to contest the WBU heavyweight title by the organisation's chairman Dan Lewis later this year.

In a statement, Lewis said: "The title fight featuring Martin Rogan of Belfast will take place in the United States by year's end.

"Due to the British Boxing Board of Control's decision to not reinstate the WBU as a recognised sanctioning body, the only viable alternative is to stage the event in the USA."

Lewis said he had worked tirelessly for the past three years to restructure the WBU and continue its lineage after its founder passed away.

He added: "I am disappointed with the decision of the BBBofC to not reinstate recognition of the WBU and do not fully understand its decision.

"As everyone knows, politics and underhandedness plays a huge part of who receives the opportunity to fight for a World title.

"How they could deny Martin Rogan the chance of a lifetime to become the first true Irish World Heavyweight champion in history mystifies me.

"The fans in Ireland want this and Mr Rogan has jumped through all the rings to get to this point.

"Martin Rogan has all the qualities of a world champion; he just needs the belt to verify it."

© UTV News
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1 Comments
acknow in philadelphiap.a wrote (250 days ago):
I can't wait bring it on .Martin see you in the states way da go .One ring side ticket for me please I went to school with you martin and i talked to you at clonard monastery not so long ago .So welcome to america and i'll see you soon
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