Mexico.- In Cancun, Mexico, this December 15th will be a historical night, two world titles will be at stake, and there will be an elimination fight as well, in addition to the participation of other world champions, and legendary knockout artist Pipino Cuevas´ son, so millions of TV spectators will have the opportunity to witness this great card, in over 100 countries around the world..
The stage will be the Bullfighting Ring, and Jorge Linares from Venezuela, who lives in Japan, Featherweight world champion recognized by the WBC, will put his title at stake against Gamaliel Diaz from Mexico.
The champion mentioned that his dream of fighting in Mexico will come true. The “Golden Boy” as Linares is known added that now, “I have the opportunity to stake the belt” during the “Night of Champions: Steel Fists”, which is being promoted by young promoter Jose Gomez, with the support of the government of Quintana Roo, led by the Governor of the State, Licenciado Felix Gonzalez Canto.
The previously mentioned boxer living in Japan, supported by Japanese promoter Akihiko Honda, said that he feels very comfortable in that country, and that he owes his renown to Mr. Honda. Linares remains undefeated after 22 fights, he conquered the championship against Oscar Larios.
He also said that he would like to face Philippine star Manny Pacquiao or Marco Antonio Barrera, and he asserted: “ I am ready to fight the great ones, but I must defeat Diaz before.
Whereas the other Venezuelan boxer, WBA Superfeatherweight champion, Edwin Valero still waits for a challenger.
Valero, who is another knockout artist, does not care who his rival is, since he said: “I will do my job as I always do, Mexican boxers are aggressive, and I will go out there to throw blows, give a good show, and keep my title against any opponent they choose to face me”.
Valero, as well as Linares, is represented by promoter Akihiko Honda. He is a boxer with dynamite in his fists, and he is undefeated in professional boxing, with a record of 22 wins, all of them by knockout. He adds up 19 wins in the first round.
Another great attraction that historical night will have, is the Featherweight world eliminatory between Naoki Matsuda from Japan, ranked number 14 in the WBC ratings, and Rudy Lopez from Mexico, who is ranked number 9. In the first confrontation, Naoki was the winner, last July 31st, in Cancun.
Another former world champion will participate too, Guty Espadas Jr., who also wants to retake the path to re-conquer the title. One of the back up bouts will be the one in which Pipino Cuevas Jr. will take part; Yes, that legendary knockout artist Pipino Cuevas Sr., his father.
The stage of this great card has some background: As of 2005,Quintana Roo, and specially Cancun, has become in the center of attention for the organization of amazing events, which have given it an important place in the Geography of the world.
Cancun opened its doors to the world, when because of a natural disaster, it lived one of its worst catastrophes in October 2005, when hurricane “Wilma” slammed that beautiful beach.
A few months later, Governor Licenciado Felix Gonzalez Canto, started hard work, and with the whole town´s effort, Cancun was re-launched to the world.
With the support and hard work of the WBC President, Licenciado José Sulaimán, “Night of Champions” was accomplished in February 2006, something that had never been done in the history of boxing.
During three unforgettable days, the WBC accomplished to gather 90 world champions and former world champions in that tourist center, being an absolute success for this sport, event which made the boxers socialize the way only they do it out of the ring.
The WBC initiative, and Quintana Roo´s government support, were both a great success, and that was the beginning of that -re-launching- of Cancun to the world, with it having a new face, which made forget the days of hopelessness, because the eyes of millions of TV spectators were able to see that….. Cancun was standing once again!! Just like the warriors of the historical night of this December 15th at the Bullfighting Ring.