DAVID Benavidez and David Morrell put their unbeaten records on the line in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, on February 1, with the winner raising the heat on Canelo Alvarez to fight him.
The build-up has already veered into the spicier side of things and it is likely to ramp up even further as fight night gets closer, tensions rise and weight cuts bite hard. While the main event promises to bring excitement and fireworks, there is plenty to get stuck into on the undercard. Let’s see who’s scheduled to appear.
Brandon Figueroa vs. Stephen Fulton
A rematch at featherweight that finds both men in different physical and mental spaces. The first time they met, in November 2021, Fulton won a majority decision, adding Figueroa’s WBC super-bantamweight title to his own WBO belt.
Fulton went on to unify with Naoya Inoue in Japan but was volleyed around the ring for eight rounds before moving up to 126. After his first career loss, Figueroa scored three consecutive wins but has only been fighting once a year.
Isaac Cruz vs. Angel Fierro
Keeping his eyes on a potential Ryan Garcia clash in May, Isaac Cruz needs to avoid a banana skin opponent in Angel Fierro. ‘Pitbull’ was last seen losing to Jose Valenzuela in Los Angeles.
Cruz’s fan-friendly style in a Marcos Maidana fashion will always guarantee opportunities. Fierro can punch and is competent. The Mexican has the potential to cause issues if he steps off and boxes.
Jesus Ramos vs. Jeison Rosario
Jesus Ramos’ controversial loss to Erickson Lubin is now in the rearview mirror. Knocking out Johan Gonzalez in May of last year helped ease the pain. Grabbing a win over big-punching ‘Banana’ Rosario, a former unified world champion, will further boost the confidence.
Mirco Cuello vs. Christian Olivo Barreda
Sampson Lewkowicz fighter Mirco Cuello has some good wins over undefeated fighters and the Argentinian is the favourite to beat Mexico’s ‘Kiki’ Barreda.
Yoenli Hernandez v. Angel Ruiz Astorga
This is the fourth time Cuba’s Hernandez has been scheduled to go the 10-round distance. His ferocious punching power (6-0, all by KO) means he has yet to travel to the end, but the intent is there. Astorga will do well to last the course.
