Boxing Update: Bell Out, Palacios In To Face Azille

Francisco "The Wizard" Palacios has stepped up to the challenge against Louis Azille, participating in his first eight-round assignment this Wednesday. Palacios, 11-0 (5 KO), answered the call to duty on five days notice, replacing O'Neill Bell, who pulled out for "undisclosed reasons." Nonetheless, Palacios enters the ring with a composed mindset.

"It's always a challenge," says Palacios of his chosen trade, "whoever it is. I never underestimate anybody. He's prepared to fight. For me to become world champion, this is my first step."

Palacios was born in the Bronx, NY, but was raised in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, where he grew up idolizing Hector Camacho. An articulate man, "Wizard" attended North Carolina Central University and Marquette University on scholarships. Palacios had a distinguished amateur career, consisting of over 70 bouts and a Florida Golden Gloves title.

Azille, 19-3-2 (15 KO), has fought world-caliber competition in Wayne Braithwaite, Imamu Mayfield, and Kelvin Davis, but has only had one fight in the last three years. Palacios lauds Azille, saying that "he's fought good opposition" and that "he wasn't brought up protected."

Palacios says of this event, "It's important because it gives the people a chance to see me who haven't seen me fight before. After this win, the doors should be open for me to take on the best in the division."

"I want to express my gratitude to Warrior's Boxing for giving me this opportunity. I appreciate it. I want to shine. It will be an exciting fight. I've never been in a boring fight."

The fight card will take place at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood, FL. The bout will be televised on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.