Boxing In Mexico: Soto, Cruz Defend World Titles Tonight

Two big fights tonight south of the border as Humberto Soto puts his WBC lightweight crown at risk in Los Mochis and Cristobal Cruz puts his IBF feather strap up for grabs against Orlando Salido in Ciudad Obregon.

One of the sport’s most underrated world champions, Soto, 51-7-2 (32), headlines Estadio Centario in the city of his birth, facing Arizona based Mexican Ricardo Dominguez, 31-5-2 (19).

Ex-WBC super feather boss Soto is making the first defense of the lightweight title he won by outpointing David Diaz in March and at 30 years of age, the Tiujuana resident is giving away the youth advantage to 24 year old Dominguez.

Dominguez is also the taller fighter and as a career lightweight, the larger fighter in this contest.

But that’s where the challenger’s edge disappears as Soto is vastly more experienced at world class level and Dominguez’s five bout win streak is almost certain to come to a halt this evening.

Heading over to Estadio Tomas Oroz Gaytan in Cuidad Obregon, IBF feather titlist Cristobal Cruz, 39-11-2 (23), will likely have his hands full against challenger Orlando Salido, 33-10-2 (22).

Cruz and Salido have a past history as the two tangled previously in 2008 with Cruz winning the vacant IBF belt by split decision after 12 difficult frames.

Since that time Cruz made defenses against Cyril Thomas and Jorge Solis before retaining via technical decision in December when his contest with Ricardo Castillo was cut short by injury.

Salido, who is making his fourth challenge for a world title, will have the advantage of fighting in front of a hometown audience but will have to be on point for all 12 rounds if he is to unseat the high activity level champion.