The dispute over Teresa Perozzi's world title win took a bitter twist this week with WIBC chairman Don 'Moose' Lewis demanding the return of the belt.
Lewis claimed the body's sanctioning requirements had not been met and that all five world title bouts held in Trinidad last weekend were not valid.
He insisted that Perozzi was therefore not the champion and should return the belt or face being arrested for theft when she returns to the United States.
However, although he is the President of the WIBC, Lewis' word appears to be far from final.
Boxu Potts, who promoted the fight, provided us with e-mail evidence that the registration monies had in fact been paid.
He said the WIBC had tried to charge extra cash for the sanctioning of judges and referees - money it was not entitled to.
He said he had paid all the necessary fees and there was no doubt - Perozzi is champion.
"He cannot touch Perozzi with a ten-foot rod. He is just embarrassed because she stood up to him in the ring and wouldn't give the belt back."
More importantly for the fighter, the president of the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) the regulator in the sport, spoke up for her.
Tim Lueckenhoff said it had registered Perozzi as the WIBC Middleweight Champion with Fight Fax - the recording organization for all boxing titles.
He said that fact could not now be altered without the authority of the ABC and as far as it was concerned - Perozzi was still champion - despite what the chairman of the WIBC says.
However, he did concede that if Lewis could back up his claims in writing and provide proof that the sanctioning fees were not paid then there could be a problem.
One other issue for Perozzi would be if Lewis can prove his claim that he was barred from attending the weigh-in.
The fate of the title, therefore, hinges on who Mr Lueckenhoff believes: Boxu Potts, or Don 'Moose' Lewis. (see story on page 63)
The weight of the evidence appears to be with Potts.
He was able to provide us, yesterday, with a copy of an e-mail from Lewis confirming he had received sanction fees for at least four of the five title fights, including the Perozzi versus Carrington bout.
Lewis admitted he had received $7,000 before the fight but said the balance (at least another $1,200) should have been paid on the night.
Lewis' assertion that Perozzi should return the belt or face arrest, was dismissed by Lueckenhoff as implausible, and is damaging to his credibility.
Ultimately, says Leukenhoff, he will decide. But he is clear on one thing - Perozzi should hang on to her belt until the ABC tells her otherwise.
The unfortunate result of the squabble, though, is that the Bermuda fighter loses out either way, through no fault of her own.
If Potts didn't pay, then she stands to lose her title. If he did, and the WIBC is at fault, then the credibility of that organization, and by association its title, is diminished. n
