Boxing In Mexico: Two World Titles On The Line Tonight

Lots of action tonight south of the border with two good cards on tap for this Saturday evening.

At Pallenque De Gallos in Tuxtla Gutierrez, it’s an all-Mexican battle for the IBF featherweight crown as Chiapas native son Cristobal Cruz, 39-11-1 (23), returns to his birthplace to defend the title against Mexicali’s Ricardo Castillo, 38-7 (25).

Tijuana resident Cruz is a model of persistence and durability, having had to weight 49 bouts until having a chance at a world title and then making the best of it by winning the IBF trophy in October, 2008 with a split decision over Orlando Salido.

Title defense victories over Cyril Thomas and Jorge Solis followed earlier this year and now 32 year old Cruz meets Castillo.

30 year old Castillo, 38-7 (25), has already had two super bantam world title challenges, losing by DQ to WBA king Celestino Caballero in 2007 and by decision to IBF ruler Steve Molitor in 2008.

The clash will likely go the distance and hyper busy Cruz is the favorite to outwork his challenger.

At Arena Itson in Ciudad Obregon, Interim WBA bantam beltholder Nehomar Cermeno, 18-0 (10), of Venezuela is coming off two victories over Cristian Mijares earlier this year but now must turn aside the ambition of local southpaw Alejandro Valdez, 22-3-2 (16).

Valdez failed to lift the WBC bantam title of Hozumi Hasegawa in October, 2008 but is coming off a third round stoppage of former longtime WBO super fly titlist Fernando Montiel in September.

Valdez has the greater experience along with the youth advantage in this pairing and will be difficult for Cermeno to overcome.

Also on the bill at Ciudad Obregon is a good ten round bout at lightweight between former IBF lightweight and WBA super feather champion Jesus Chavez, 44-6 (30), and current WBC super feather champ Humberto Soto, 49-7-2 (32).