LAS VEGAS, NV (August 12, 2015) – Fighting in his first world title bout on Tuesday September 29, 2015, Puerto Rican super lightweight contender (WBA #9) , Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs), is eager to give undefeated WBA World Champion, Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs), his first loss.
The PBC on FOX Sports 1 will televise the bout starting at 9PM ET Eastern Time / 6PM PT. Ticket sales and venue for Fortuna vs. Velasquez will be announced shortly.
Velasquez, who represented Puerto Rico in the 2004 Olympics, is thriving at the opportunity to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a world champion. He believes he has advantages that will lead him to victory. On the line with be Fortuna’s WBA World title.
“Ever since I was a young boy, I always pictured myself as a world champion,” said Velasquez. “Now I have a golden opportunity to accomplish that dream. It won’t be easy. Javier Fortuna is a very tough fighter with an undefeated record. He’s considered one of the best fighters in the division. Stylistically, he’s never been in the ring with a fighter like me. When I bring home the belt, I hope I get credit for defeating a top fighter like Fortuna.”
Trained by boxing guru Roberto Norris, and guided by nutritionist/strength coach Ángel “Memo” Heredia, Velasquez feels he has the right team that can take him to the top.
“I believe I have a great coach in Roberto Norris, who understands Me.” continued Velasquez. “He’s got me working on all my strong points, bringing out the best in what I do best. Memo is getting my body in top condition. I feel great. I’m going to be at my best when I step in the ring with Fortuna.”
As in September, I once again ran out of gas in the 10th & 11th championship rounds of October & November with this column, but I recovered to complete them and will unleash a few more flurries to close out the 12th and final round.
In the first week of October, Hassan N’Dam won a UD over Curtis Stevens in an eliminator for the right to challenge Jermaine Taylor who defeated aging Sam Soliman to regain the IBF Middleweight title. How Taylor even earned this title shot is another story altogether, but it is all irrelevant as he is now the champion. However he will not have too much time to savor his victory as he has assault and battery charges pending against him and an upcoming court fight that may turn out to be the toughest fight of his life, just when things started to look up for him in boxing, we wish him luck.
