Fight with Mexican foe to test Fuentes’ resolve

The heat intensifies as judgment day nears for Cebuano ring warrior Rocky Fuentes who will face his first Mexican opponent Javier “El Chivero” Franco in the main supporting bout of the Pinoy Pride XIII: Road To Glory on March 24 at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

Fuentes, the OPBF flyweight king is expected to face rough sailing against the young but experienced fighter from Mexico who sports a W19-L6-D1-10KO record. Franco is one of Mexico’s most active fighters having fought 10 times in 2010 winning seven with two draws and one defeat.

The Mexican even had a busier 2011 fighting 12 times winning nine and losing three. He also fought three times this year and promised to give Fuentes a run for his money.

“I am thankful for this opportunity to fight Fuentes as he is a highly rated fighter. This is my chance to be rated and a win over Fuentes will do a lot for me. I am going to give the best fight I possibly can to win,” Franco said in an e-mail sent by him to ALA Boxing Promotions.

Franco has fought the younger brother of Eric Morales who sports a 10-0-0 record losing via split decision.

Fuentes, who knocked out Thai banger Lookdiaw Tor Buamas last Dec. 10 said he has been preparing relentlessly for this fight.

“I have been preparing hard for this fight. At this stage in my career I cannot take any fighter for granted. I have worked so hard to be where I am now and I am not throwing this away,” said Fuentes.

Pinoy Pride XIII will be headlined by Filipino AJ “Bazooka” Banal against Mexico’s Raul Hidalgo for the WBO Asia Pacific Bantamweight title.

Tickets are available at the ALA Promotions Head Office with numbers +63322364611, ALA Gym at the Banild Town Center, Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Mooon Café IT Park, Ila Puti IT Park, USA Sports outlets, Bisaya Ispisyal outlets, SM City Cebu, Pacific Mall Mandaue and Gaisano Tabunok. /with reports from pr