This Saturday afternoon Ray Beltran (28-6, 17 KO’s) will take on Ricky Burns for Burns’ WBO Lightweight championship, airing live in the United States at 3pm eastern time.
To say Beltran earned this opportunity is an understatement as the native of Phoenix, Arizona via Los Mochis, Mexico has had a long, arduous road to get here.
Beltran turned pro in 1999 took some losses early in his career but he was determined to realize his dream of becoming a world champion.
Beltran who lost a controversial decision to Sharif Bogere and a close loss to undefeated Luis Ramos Jr. before a magical three fight run where he defeated Number-one ranked contender Henry Lundy, former world title challenger Ji-Hoon Kim and Alejandro Rodriguez that catapulted him into this opportunity.
Beltran has been a fixture at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles was more than satisfied with his preparation for the bout and is very philosophical about the road taken to get to this title chance.
“Training camp was good. I think everything happens for a reason. I think by the way my career has been has made me a better fighter,” said Beltran
“I am mentally prepared to bring this to another level.”
It was the win over television favorite, Lundy that made Beltran realize that he was a player in the 135 pound division.
“That win was the beginning of something good and it was the win over Ji-Hoon Kim that made this fight possible.”
Standing in front of him will be Burns (35-2, 11 KO’s) who is a two-division world champion who has won twenty-one straight fights and has not lost in over six and a half years.
“Burns has a lot of heart. He is a good champion and I respect him a lot. I appreciate the opportunity but it is my time.”
The fight will take place at the Scottish Exhibition Center in Burns’ home country of Scotland. Beltran, who has been an underdog many times in the past, relishes the opportunity of being a road warrior.
“I am excited to fight in Scotland. I know that crowd will be against me but that motivates me a lot.”
Beltran does know that he will have a lot of support watching him back in America and around the world the world on AWE.
“To the fans in America and the United Kingdom, This will be a good show and I know the fans will enjoy the fight. I want to thank AWE for picking this fight up and I know my fans will be proud of my performance.”
