DANIEL JACOBS will defend his WBA middleweight world title against former light-middleweight world champion Sergio Mora on the undercard of Danny Garcia’s clash with Paulie Malignaggi at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on August 1.
Fighting in his hometown, Jacobs’ defence will be his second since winning the vacant title against Jarrod Fletcher last August, his first defence being a 12th round stoppage of Caleb Truax in April.
The 34-year-old Mora, a former light-middleweight world champion, enters the contest on a five fight winning streak since losing to Brian Vera in 2012, most recently outpointing Abraham Han in February.
Jacobs, nicknamed ‘The Miracle Man’ after beating cancer, is happy to be fighting in front of his home fans in what will be his fourth outing at the Barclays Center.
“I’m just excited to be on this great card and to be able to perform at Barclays Center is an honor,” the 28-year-old said.
“I’m looking forward to making the best out of this opportunity and most importantly I want to give the Brooklyn fans a great show. I get to go to work in my own backyard.”
Mora, who drew with Shane Mosley in 2010 and holds wins over Ishe Smith and Peter Manfredo Jnr, insists he is not there to just make up the numbers.
“I went back to the drawing board, worked hard and now I’m blessed to be a part of this great event,” he said.
“I don’t plan to let this opportunity get by me. On August 1, I’m coming to Brooklyn to win.”
