By Jose Sulaiman

“The WBC Board of Governors has approved by a unanimous vote that the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight, promoted by Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc. on November 14 in Las Vegas, will be the first ever for the prestigious WBC Diamond Belt.

“The Diamond Belt was created as an honorary championship exclusively for fights between elite boxers, and Manny Pacqiuao, a three-time WBC world champion in three different weight divisions, and Miguel Cotto, a former WBC International champion, are unquestionably qualified as two of the best boxers of today. The belt is handcrafted by an artisan in Mexico City with 18 carat gold fusion and has about 800 diamonds, emeralds and rubies, as well as 150 Swarovsky semiprecious stones.

 “The Diamond Belt has received a tremendous positive response from promoters and media around the world, and we at the WBC are very excited and proud that this important and historic fight will be the first for the Diamond Belt. The WBC will not charge a sanction fee on this extraordinary occasion.”