There will be a distinct international flavor to the “Honor & Glory: Canelo vs. Lara” undercard this Saturday, July 12, as top boxers from Brazil, Ireland, Cuba and Puerto Rico all enter the ring in the lead-up to the long-awaited main event between Canelo Alvarez and Erislandy Lara. Featured will be former Olympian Yamaguchi Falcao, Jason Quigley, Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas and John Karl Sosa.
“This is a very special undercard to kick-off what will be one of the best fight nights of the year,” said Oscar De La Hoya, president and founder of Golden Boy Promotions. “Top level fighters from around the world will be competing in quick succession leading up to the Canelo vs. Lara four-fight pay-per-view event. Fight fans should plan on getting to the MGM Grand Garden Arena early so they don’t miss this top to bottom thrilling card.”
A 2012 Olympic Bronze medalist for Brazil, Sao Mateus native Yamaguchi Falcao (1-0) now makes his home in Los Angeles, where he hopes to one day make a run for world championship gold. Last April 26, the 26-year-old southpaw picked up his first professional victory, shutting out Fernando Najera, and this weekend, he will attempt to keep his unbeaten record intact when he faces Arecibo, Puerto Rico’s Jesus M. Cruz (1-1-1) in a four/six-round middleweight bout.
Fighting out of County Donegal in Ireland, 23-year-old Jason Quigley has been one of Europe’s top amateurs for years, winning several championships and accolades along the way. A member of the Golden Boy Promotions’ roster, Quigley is ready to make his pro debut this Saturday in a four-round middleweight contest against Ocala, Florida’s Howard Reece (2-6, 1 KO).
A veteran of nearly 300 amateur bouts, Cuba’s Yoandris “El Nino” Salinas (20-0-2, 13 KOs) is getting closer to a title shot in the 122-pound weight class. Unbeaten as a pro, the 28-year-old came close in October of 2013 before a controversial draw verdict was rendered in his WBA World Super Bantamweight Title fight against Scott Quigg. Back in the ring and hungrier than ever, Salinas will square off in a 10-round bout against tough Los Angeles native Enrique Quevedo (15-7-1, 9 KOs).
In the six-round welterweight opener, Caguas, Puerto Rico’s John Karl Sosa (11-0, 6 KOs) will seek his third win of 2014 when he meets Michoacan, Mexico’s Luis Bello (5-1, 2 KOs).
