By Gabriel F. Cordero

Looks like WBC bantamweight world champion Hozumi Hasegawa will not be defending against former world champion Eric Morel, whose prior legal troubles are causing problems in obtaining a visa. Hasegawa’s new challenger is WBC #12 rated Álvaro Pérez (18-1-1, 12 KOs) and the bout is planned for December 18 in Kobe, Japan. Hasegawa (27-2, 11 KOs) won the title in April 2005 against legendary Veeraphol Sahaprom and already has carried out nine defenses, the last four not going beyond two rounds. Perez is a member of the Nicaraguan PRODESA stable and is training in Managua, Nicaragua.