A crossroads conflict between junior light-weight prospects may steal the highlight tonight in Southern California.
Eric Mondragon and Kevin Piedrahita will sq. off at Thunder Studios in Lengthy Seashore, California. The six-round bout will precede the principle occasion bout between lightweights Tayden Beltran and Cesar Villarraga.
Each fights will air reside on FOX Deportes, Fubo Sports activities, Stadium and Grey Tv (11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT).
At Friday’s weigh-in, which have been at contracted weights, Mondragon weighed in at 132.5 kilos. Piedrahita got here in at 131.7 kilos.
“Mondragon versus Piedrahita is a combat that boxing followers received’t need to miss,” mentioned Alex Camponovo, President of CBN Promotions and the longtime Matchmaker and Common Supervisor of Thompson Boxing. “Each fighters are at an important level of their careers, and their starvation for victory will make for an explosive contest. That is what boxing is all about – ability, coronary heart, and the pursuit of greatness.”
Mondragon (9-1-1, 4 knockouts), who resides in close by Maywood, final fought on March 30, defeating Jenel Lausa by unanimous resolution. The victory over Lausa happened nearly a yr and a half after struggling the primary defeat of his professional profession by the hands of unbeaten Haven Brady.
The 25-year-old Mondragon fought on a High Rank card inside ‘The Bubble’ in June 2020, preventing to a majority resolution draw towards Mike Sanchez in a combat the place each unbeaten fighters have been knocked down. Mondragon understands the significance of this combat, however believes he’s one to look at at 130 kilos.
“This combat is a pivotal second for me,” mentioned Mondragon, who made his professional debut in April 2019. “I’m ready to exhibit that I belong among the many elite within the junior light-weight division, and I’ll do no matter it takes to return out on high. A win on Saturday shall be a big step ahead in my profession. I had an ideal coaching camp and I’ll be able to go.”
Piedrahita (9-1, 8 KOs), who’s initially from Pereira, Colombia and now lives and trains in Las Vegas, Nevada, stopped Johan Rodriguez Arreguin within the third spherical of his final bout on April 19. In his earlier combat on November 3, Piedrahita stopped once-beaten light-weight prospect Pedro Hernandez Martinez within the fourth spherical.
The 24-year-old has received his final 4 fights since dropping to Lisandro Barazarte in a conflict of unbeaten prospects in July 2022. Piedrahita is assured he has the skill-set and the need to return out victorious on the expense of Mondragon.
“I’ve educated arduous for this combat,” mentioned Piedrahita, who’s promoted by Shane Shapiro. “Victory is the one possibility. Beating Mondragon will put me on the map and open doorways for greater alternatives. I’m right here to make an announcement and present the world that I’m a greater fighter now after struggling my first defeat.”
The combat between Beltran, who resides in close by Huntington Seashore, and Villarraga is scheduled for eight rounds.
Beltran (8-0-1, 4 KOs) weighed in at 134.9 kilos. The Colombia-born Villarraga (10-9-1, 5 KOs) got here in at 134.3 kilos.
Doorways will open at 5:30 p.m., with a Watch Celebration happening the place followers can watch the Copa America soccer recreation between Mexico and Jamaica on the massive screens contained in the venue.
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has coated boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He could be reached at [email protected]
Observe @FSalazarBoxing
