Andres Gutierrez blows career defining opportunity; Adam Lopez steps in!
Former title contender Andres Guiterrez (38-2-1 25ko), was supposed to face former world WBO featherweight champion Oscar Valdez (26-0, 20ko) in a WBC eliminator as part of the ESPN+ card held on November 30. However, for some unknown and extremely unprofessional reason, Guiterrez stepped on the scales ELEVEN pounds overweight!
It’s not a typo! you don’t need to adjust your eyes! ELEVEN POUNDS passed the agreed upon weight limit. It isn’t uncommon for a fighter to come in a little overweight. Most of the time fighters need extra time to shred off one pound or two.
However, eleven pounds simply says “I had no plans on fighting.” This is the most disrespectful act by any fighter while wasting everyone’s time in the process. There is absolutely no reasonable excuse that can justify such egregious disregard for the rules. Furthermore, looking to establish a clear cut weight advantage can be detrimental to the health of the opponent.
Fortunately for Valdez, his hard work actually training for his scheduled contest (unlike Gutierrez) will still pay off.
Featherweight contender Adam Lopez (13-1, 6ko) has stepped up to the plate. The 23-year-old from California was scheduled to face Luis Coria on the under-card, but now will make a major step up in both levels of experience and weight class.
Lopez’ bout with Coria for a minor title at junior featherweight. He will now make the leap to junior lightweight overnight! Normally a featherweight, he has only fought above the division once as a professional.
Pulling a guy up eight pounds at the last minute still doesn’t seem right. Was there nobody within the division or one below that could have been penciled in?
It’s understandable the show must go on but in this play, people’s lives are at stake and boxing this year alone has had some very tragic incidents. Nevertheless, we still have a fight!
The WBC has since suspended Gutierrez indefinitely for his professionalism. Now the question is, “will Valdez vs Lopez still be an eliminator?”
By: Garrisson Bland
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