It’s been no secret Briedis had a guarantee from the WBC that he would fight for Bellew’s green and gold belt in his next bout, leaving Siesta to potentially lobby WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman for a vacant title shot.
Bellew will step up to heavyweight for his date with destiny against nemesis Haye in London on March 4, whilst Siesta is confident a solution will be found to keep all involved happy moving forward.
“The Haye v Bellew fight being signed leaves Mairis in a great position,” Siesta exclusively told World Boxing News.
“We had a resolution from the WBC in a form of a written guarantee saying that no matter what will be happening with Tony, Mairis is fighting for their world title next. I firmly believe that going back on their promises will send a wrong message to the boxing community and their word will be honored.
“Mairis has already been more than understanding by kindly letting his fellow professional Bellew make an unplanned voluntary defense against BJ Flores and also fighting on the undercard.
“We have already been in contact with Eddie Hearn who has suggested a couple of constructive options that could potentially satisfy every side. We are currently looking at them and it’s moving in a positive direction.”
On whether one of his options would be to ask the WBC to strip Bellew of his title, Siesta stated this may be a little hasty on their part.
“We like Bellew. He has a big character and he can fight but he’s got something that Mairis wants,” he pointed out.
“An historic green belt is very close, but asking the WBC to strip him from it is not Mairis’ style.
“Mairis is a warrior and a humble guy, but the WBC gave Mairis their guarantees and now the ball is in their court to make the right decision,” added Siesta.
As it stands, Bellew is unlikely to be given any more leeway from the WBC in regards to keeping his title, although could conceivably ask for an immediate shot at the winner of Briedis versus next in line, Marco Huck.
Due to Bellew’s standing with the WBC, this scenario seems a distinct possibility for later in 2017.
