The fighting Guevara brothers, Pedro and Alberto, will co-headline a star-studded fight card at Domo de la Colosio in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, with each bout holding serious world title implications for the natives of Mazatlan.
In the 12-round main event, Pedro “Jibran” Guevara defends his WBC Silver Light Flyweight Championship against former World Champion Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez. In the co-main event, former world title challenger Alberto “Metro” Guevara takes on Jonathan “Pitbull” Vidal in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Championship.
Plus, Ivan “Nino Maravilla” Morales, the younger brother of the legendary Erik Morales, puts his WBC International Silver Super Flyweight belt on the line against Alejandro “Terrible” Morales and Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez faces Francisco “Chiko” Camargo for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Championship.
Defending his WBC Silver Super Flyweight Title for the first time, Pedro “Jibran” Guevara (19-1-1, 13 KO’s) plans on delivering the message to his peers at 108 pounds that he’s ready for another shot at a world championship. A former NABF light flyweight champion, Mazatlan’s Guevara lost a razor-thin split decision to John Riel Casimero in a fight for the IBF Junior Bantamweight World Championship last August, but after coming back strong with a win over Raul Garcia in March, Guevara is knocking on the world title door once again.
Guasave’s Mario “Dragoncito” Rodriguez (15-7-4, 11 KO’s) has a deceptive pro slate, especially when you consider that he is 5-1-1 in his last seven bouts, a string that includes a win over Nkosinathi Joyi last September that earned him the IBF Minimumweight World Championship. After losing the belt to Katsunari Takayama in March, the 24-year-old will now move up to 108 pounds to challenge Guevara.
22-year-old Alberto “Metro” Guevara (17-1, 6 KO’s) is another fighter attempting to move back into the world title picture after suffering the lone loss of his career last December to IBF Bantamweight World Champion Leo Santa Cruz. After a gritty effort against Santa Cruz, Mazatlan’s Guevara returned in March with a win over Jose Alfredo Tirado, and he’ll look to continue his winning ways on July 20.
The latest in a seemingly endless line of top prospects from Puerto Rico, San Juan’s Jonathan “Pitbull” Vidal (17-0, 9 KO’s) has big shoes to fill when it comes to the greats that have come from his island, but boxing insiders believe the talented 23-year-old has the potential to one day join them in the hearts of Puerto Rican fight fans. He faces a stiff test in hostile territory against Guevara on the 20th as they continue one of boxing’s most historic rivalries, Mexico vs. Puerto Rico. The two will battle it out for the vacant WBC International Bantamweight Title.
The brother of legendary future Hall of Famer Erik Morales, 21-year-old Ivan “Nino Maravilla” Morales (21-0, 13 KO’s) is making a name for himself in the family business having raced out to a fast start since turning pro in 2009. The WBC International Silver Super Flyweight Champion, Tijuana’s Morales will be seeking his second successful title defense against Alejandro “Terrible” Morales (13-1, 7 KO’s) of Los Mochis.
18-year-old Los Mochis phenom Roberto “Tito” Manzanarez (23-1, 19 KO’s) already has 24 fights as a pro and he’s doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Having scored knockout wins over Eugenio Lopez and Oscar Arenas in his two fights since the lone loss of his career to Alejandro Barrera last November, Manzanarez hopes to leave the ring with his title belt when he fights Camargo for the WBC Youth Intercontinental Lightweight Championship. Guasave’s Francisco “Chiko” Camargo (7-1-1, 7 KO’s) is a crowd pleasing warrior who has ended all of his pro wins by knockout, with six of those coming in the first round. Clearly seeking to finish as soon as the bell rings, Camargo promises to check Manzanarez’ chin early and often in their upcoming clash.
Also in action will be junior middleweight prospect Hugo “The Boss” Centeno (18-0, 9 KO’s) of Oxnard, California who will face hard-hitting Chihuahua native Isaac Mendez (16-10, 14 KO’s) in an eight-round matchup.
In other undercard fights, Mazatlan junior lightweight Jorge Gallegos (5-1, 3 KO’s) will battle Cancun’s Daniel Sabido (3-1) in a four-round match, junior featherweights Guillermo Rodriguez (6-1, 2 KO’s) of Torreon and Esdras Acosta (4-5-1, 3 KO’s) of Cancun meet in a six-round showdown.
Opening up the event will be two intriguing six-round bouts that will see Los Mochis lightweight Miguel Angel Gonzalez (11-0, 10 KO’s) meet Chetumal’s Alberto Cupido (7-9-2, 6 KO’s) and Los Angeles junior welterweight Jessie Roman (13-0, 8 KO’s) squaring off against Playa del Carmen’s Jesus Hernandez (2-2, 1 KO).
