NO LICENSE FOR EX-CHAMP WHO WANTS TO FIGHT!
San Francisco, Ca- Former two-time World champion, Luisito Espinosa, is officially a non-licensed boxer as of 2006. This is according to the Executive Officer of the California State Athletic Commission, Armando Garcia, who in an email explained, “He is officially retired, based on rule 283: Ability to Perform.” In August of 2005, Espinosa’s license was suspended after his bout with Lakva Sim was canceled at the last minute.
THE ABILITY OR INABILITY TO PERFORM
Rule 283 of the California’s Laws and Regulations Act, says the Commission “may retire the boxer from any further completion.” This rule ensures that not everyone can step into a ring and box. It also prevents boxers with long careers, who end up as names to boost a prospects record, from continuing to fight and lose. The rule clearly states a boxer could be retired if “at any time a boxer’s ability to perform is questionable, whether from reasons of health, mental condition or no longer possessing the ability to compete.”
CHANCE TO APPEAL AT THE NEXT HEARING!
While Espinosa has been retired by the Commission, he can appeal at the next meeting, should he choose to. An upcoming meeting scheduled for March 13th will quite possibly hear the appeal for Espinosa. Luisito’s health is not the only concern the commission has, as they cite his inability to perform inside the boxing ring. The rule states that a boxer wishing to be licensed, or be renewed of one must “furnish a verified record of the applicant’s last six bouts.”
LAST SIX BOUTS MEET THE REQUIREMENTS!
An examination of Luisito Espinosa’s last six bouts shows why the commission retired him. Espinosa went 2-4 (2 KO’s) in his last six bouts, with all four losses coming by way of knockout or stoppage. He lost his last bout in devastating fashion, a knockout to Cristobal Cruz, a fighter with seven losses 34 wins. His only two wins were against journeyman fighters. His other three losses were to Zahir Raheem, Carlos Navarro, and Augie Sanchez, a fighter who was also retired, only by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.
ESPINOSA STILL HAS MANAGERIAL PROBLEMS
To add fuel to the fire, Luisito Espinosa is still trying to get out of his current fighter-manager contract with his registered manager, Bob Club. An arbitration hearing is set for the first week of March in reference to the managerial contract of Club and Espinosa. Seemingly over his head, Joe Robles, the man currently handling Espinosa’s career, has made it clear that he feels Espinosa is more than ready for a comeback. Being his “acting” manager, would you expect anything different from the mouth of Mr. Robles?
THIS IS THE END FOR A MASTERFUL CHAMPION!
Should the forced retirement be upheld, it puts an end to the great career of Luisito Espinosa. This 21-year veteran has won two world titles in two weight divisions, and was considered one of the 90’s best featherweight fighters. Espinosa has had championship victories in Mexico, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. He was also the biggest sports star in the Philippines during his WBC featherweight title reign (1996-1999), which included seven title defenses. His first bout with Cesar Soto, dubbed the “Battle at Manila Bar,” drew over 300,000 fans. He was only one of a handful of boxers to defend his title in Mexico against one the country’s top fighters, Alejandro Gonzales. Fans of King Louie should also not forget Espinosa’s breakout fight in the United States, the blowing out of 1984 Olympian Kennedy McKinney in just two rounds.
CALIFORNIA WILL ASK OTHER STATES TO FOLLOW!
This prevents Espinosa from fighting anywhere in California. However, he can still acquire a license in any other state, although that would be unlikely. He can also fight in a foreign country like Mexico, or the Philippines. It is the hope of everybody, except those standing to make money from Espinosa fighting, that other countries and states follow California’s cue.
PINOL WANTS TO GIVE MONEY PERSONALLY
Back in the fall, a charity boxing show helped raise money for Espinosa, which would go to his legal fund for a lawsuit he currently has. The lawsuit stems from $130,000 (US) he didn’t receive for defending his title in the Philippines. As of today, Governor Manny Pinol, who took the lead in the event, hasn’t given Espinosa’s the money yet. In an email, he explained, “We were able to raise some money, and Manny Pacquiao has offered to help, but I did not want to bother him during training. I will be in San Francisco at the end of March and meet Louie there.”
PEDRO MADE THIS POINT ON THE RADIO SUNDAY!
After HBO’s Larry Merchant said that the Filipino Government was “willing to give Pacquiao $5 million (US) to bring his own opponent,” “Ring Talk Radio” host Pedro Fernandez, counterpunched Merchant with, “Is this the same Government that guaranteed Luisito Espinosa’s purse in the late 1990’s? The $135,000 (US) that he never received!” The Philippine Government should be ashamed for not getting Louie his money. Pedro figures at 5% interest over eight years, people including promoter Rodolfo Nazario (husband of Supreme Court Justice Minita Nazario), former South Cotabato Governor Hilario de Pedro, and matchmaker Lito Mondejar,owe Espinosa something in the neighborhood of $60,000 in interest, on top of his purse.
Jason Aniel
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