‘Wrong decision’ in Rozicki fight: WBC

Cape Breton boxer’s cruiserweight title win nullified

SYDNEY – The World Boxing Council has deemed the international cruiserweight title from Saturday night’s headlining boxing match at Centre 200 as “vacant.”

In a release issued late Sunday afternoon, the WBC said the bout between Ryan Rozicki of Sydney Forks and Argentina’s Yamil (Jara) Peralta, a split decision which was awarded to Rozicki “immediately created controversy.”

The Rozicki win has, according to the boxing authority, now been nullified.

“The WBC has received the official report from the Wbc-assigned supervisor of the event, in which he confirms that unfortunately it was a wrong decision,” WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman Saldivar said in a statement. “The WBC appointed a panel of officials to review the fight and it unanimously determined that Peralta should have been awarded the victory.

“The WBC has also taken into consideration the strong objection which we had all along with regard to the appointment of the ring officials from the local boxing authority, as they selected all four local officials.”

Sulaiman Saldivar said in the statement that he “spoke directly with Daniel Otter, president of Three Lions Promotions, and have confirmed that his company, himself and especially Rozicki himself agree with the WBC decision after reviewing all the facts.”

In light of this new information, the boxing council has decided that the title of WBC International Cruiserweight champion remains vacant. “An immediate rematch will be ordered with the condition that an all-neutral panel — not from Canada nor Argentina — officiates the rematch.

As well, the WBC’S ratings committee will not consider the result in their evaluation for the official ranking for the month of May.

“After reviewing the details with Mauricio Sulaiman, president of the WBC, we came to an agreement that the belt would be left vacant,” said Otter.

Meanwhile, Rozicki addressed the fight on his social media page Sunday evening.

“I want to say congratulations to Yamil Peralta,” the statement reads. “I was in there with a hell of a boxer. One of the best cruiserweights in the world who fought a perfect fight against a pure slugger last night.

“I might have won on the scorecards but I believe he out boxed me. But, at the end of the day, I gave it my all and it was great to see all the Cape Breton fans. Hope you all enjoyed the night and enjoyed the fights.”

Otter confirmed with the Post the rematch will take place on Oct. 15 at Centre 200 in Sydney. Details of the new card were not confirmed at publication time and ticket information was not available.

“Respect to both boxers... may the best man win.” said Otter.