It was revealed today that WBA super lightweight world champion Alberto Puello will face Rolando “Rolly” Romero, on May 13th, as a part a Showtime Championship Boxing main event, thought a location has yet to be secured.
This would be the first world title defense for Puello since winning the world title from Botirzhon Akhmedov, on August 20th, 2022.
“I think it is going to be a great fight for the fans,” said Puello’s coach Bob Santos about the fight to 210BoxingTv on YouTube. “…when you fight the superstars, obviously you become a superstar, because everyone knows who are. It is going to bring a lot of awareness to the fight for Puello. That said, Rolly is a very dangerous, because he can punch. Is [Rolly] going to be the technical boxer that [Alberto] Puello is, probably not? But we have to be aware at any given time [Rolly] can change the fight.”
The co-feature will see rising star of the 140 lbs division, Gary Antuanne Russell face the very tough and rugged undefeated contender Kent Cruz on this card. Antuanne Russell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, is currently #3 in the WBC rankings and #6 in the WBA rankings. Cruz has fought undefeated prospect Enriko Gogokhia to a draw, twice.
“They say patience isn’t the ability of waiting, but what you do while you’re waiting,” said Gary Antuanne Russell to The Boxing Source recently. “This is an all-year around sport, I am always coming [with] open arms, open door policy for people, that share the same profession as me…I am just waiting patiently, [as everybody is] going to box themselves silly, but guess what I am still going to continue to do what I do best, come in there - get the job done, and be on to the next.”
Opening the bout will be a battle of two fighters looking to make a charge to the top of division after some set backs as a 140 lbs bout between Rances Barthelemy and Omar Juarez will open up the card.
The opener of the network’s three-bout broadcast will feature Cuban contender Rances Barthelemy and Omar Juarez in another battle between junior welterweights.
‘Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.’- Psalm 23:4,” said Omar Juarez on his Instagram account two days ago, as though to prelude the pending announcement.
