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Mandatory Called but Options Remain for World Title hopeful Hogan


The World Boxing Organization have given Jaime Munguia and Dennis Hogan until Friday March 2nd to negotiate and agree a world title fight.

Kildare’s Hogan was finally made mandatory for the WBO light middleweight title before his December win over Jamie Weetch and, after the champion defeated Takeshi Inoue last month, the Mexican by rights should have to defend against ‘The Hurricane’ next or vacate. 

Munguia’s team leaked news the fight was going to take place on Saturday April 14th in Monterrey, Mexico, but the order released by the WBO suggests no deal has been made. 

Indeed, Irish-Boxing.com believe Team Hogan only stepped up serious talks with Golden Boy this week after previously suggesting Brisbane, Ireland or the undercard of Canelo Alvarez v Danny Jacobs for the fight.

There is now talk that the Mexican date is in place for another voluntary defence meaning Hogan, should he be agreeable, would be negotiating for a fight after the Summer.

Regardless of if it’s next or not, the contest has been ordered in accordance with a ruling that was issued by the WBO during their 31st Annual Convention held from October 28th through November 2nd 2018, in Panama City, Panama.

If a deal is not reached within the time frame, March 2nd, purses bids will be ordered pursuant to the WBO’s Regulations of World Championship Contests.

The minimum acceptable bid for the fight is $200,000. Any of the parties involved may request a purse bid procedure at any time during the negotiation process.

Long ranked #1 Hogan has watched on while Munguia claimed the title by defeating Sadam Ali at short notice before defending it against mandatory Liam Smith and voluntaries Brandon Cook and Inoue.

There is no doubt Mexico or April 13th wouldn’t be a problem for the title hungry Hoganr, but mandatory status leaves him in a position of power – and he could perhaps be in line for a tidy step-aside sum should he choose to delay.

The Kilcullen native is well within his rights to try and secure as much money as possible for the world title challenge and more importantly make sure the terms agreed give him the best chance possible to become a world champ.

Kildare boxing is proudly supported by Liffey Crane Hire

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Jonny Stapleton

Irish-boxing.com contributor for 15 years and editor for the past decade. Have been covering boxing for over 16 years and writing about sports for a living for over 20 years. Former Assistant Sports editor for the Gazette News Paper Group and former Tallaght Voice Sports Editor. Have had work published in publications around the world when working as a freelance journalist. Also co-founder of Junior Sports Media and Leinster Rugby PRO of the Year winner. email: editoririshboxing@gmail.com

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