By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was informed by Gaby Penagaricano, of Miguel Cotto Promotions, that undefeated Luis Cruz (17-0, 14KOs) turned down a lucrative opportunity to face former world champion Rocky Martinez (24-1-1, 15KOs) in a Showtime televised bout on April 16 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. The fight would have been the co-feature to the featherweight clash between WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez and challenger Orlando Salido.

The WBO had already approved Cruz-Martinez as a final eliminator for a shot at super featherweight champion Ricky Burns.

Miguel Cotto Promotions tried their best to finalize the terms, and advised Cruz to accept the fight, but the boxer, and his manager, were demanding more money.