Sensational junior featherweight prospect Rafael Valenzuela has finished preparations and is headed to Houston, Texas for his featured showdown against Colombian veteran Jose Garcia Bernal at "The Beatdown In H-Town" set for this Thursday night, May 28, at the Arena Theatre.

The evening of world class professional boxing, is presented by Chet Koerner’s TKO Boxing Promotions, curators of the nationally acclaimed "Hometown Heroes To World Champions" boxing series.

The 23 year old Valenzuela, 12-1-0 with six knockouts, is amongst the hottest prospects in boxing. In his last bout he squared off against the much more experienced Yogli Herrera and battled to an eight round decision at the Reno Events Center on February 14th.

“The Herrera fight was my best win. He had a lot more experience but I was able to figure him out and get the win. It was a tough fight but a true learning experience for me” said Valenzuela.

About the upcoming bout with Bernal, 27-15-1 (18KO’s), the Phoenix resident said, “I haven’t seen him fight but I’m confident that with my preparations for this bout that I’ll be able to adjust to whatever he tries.”

In his only bout of 2008, Valenzuela took a fight on very short notice against fellow prospect Steve Cannon on March 1st, winning the fight by second round stoppage and taking home the WBO NABO featherweight title.

Said Valenzuela about 2009 and the move back down to junior featherweight; “I’m glad to be staying much busier this year. The TKO team and my manager Cameron Dunkin have done an excellent job. I feel stronger at 122 and look forward to fighting as much as possible this year.”

Along with the win over Herrera, Valenzuela also knocked out Robert DaLuz in the first round on January 23rd in Las Vegas .

Tickets starting at $20, are now on sale and can be purchased through the Arena Theatre Box Office; 713-772-5900 or www..arenahouston.com

The Arena Theatre is located at 7326 S.W. Freeway in Houston . Doors will open on the evening of the event at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm

Also featured will be world ranked featherweight Dat Nguyen, Houston prospects KJ Noons, Gerardo Ibarra and Omar Henry along with Mission , Texas native Raul Tovar as well as the pro debut of former amateur standout Jonathan Gover of San Antonio .

Tickets, starting at $20, are now on sale and can be purchased through the Arena Theatre Box Office; 713-772-5900 or www.arenahouston.com

The Arena Theatre is located at 7326 S.W. Freeway in Houston . Doors will open on the evening of the event at 7pm, with the first bell at 8pm.

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Boxing News Tags: Dat Nguyen, David Garcia, Gerardo Ibarra, Jonathan Gover, Jose Gutierrez, Omar Henry, Rafael Valenzuela, TKO Boxing Promotions