Alex Saucedo will face Arnold Barboza Jr, whilst knockout artist Edgar Berlanga clashes with Lanell Bellows on the undercard of Vasiliy Lomachenko’s showdown with Teofimo Lopez on October 17 in Las Vegas.
Top Rank Super-Lightweight stablemates Saucedo (30-1, 19 KOs) and Barboza Jr (24-0, 10 KOs) both called to face each other after beating Sonny Fredrickson and Tony Luis respectively behind closed doors at the MGM Grand Bubble in recent months.
The pair will now meet in the same venue on the same bill as Lomachenko’s undisputed Lightweight clash with Lopez and Saucedo, who was stopped by Maurice Hooker in a WBO world title shot in 2018 is determined to prove the doubters wrong.
“Arnold is a very versatile fighter, so we are preparing for everything,” Saucedo said.
“I know it will be hard to steal the show from Lomachenko-Lopez, but I’m coming in to put on a memorable fight for the fans.
“I feel like people still doubt me from the Maurice Hooker fight, and I can’t wait to show everyone all of my tools.”
Undefeated Barboza Jr, who is ranked #7 by both the WBC and WBO believes that victory over his rival will put him in line for a world title shot, with Jose Ramirez currently holding both belts.
“This fight, and fighting on such a significant card, means the world to me,” Barboza said.
“It’s time to put the 140-pound division on notice. I respect Saucedo, but he’s in my way as I strive to earn a world title opportunity.”
Unbeaten Super Middleweight, Berlanga (14-0, 14 KOs) will look to enhance his fearsome knockout reputation when he faces experienced contender Bellows, who has yet to be stopped in five defeats.
Berlanga racked up his 14th consecutive first round stoppage, stopping Eric Moon in 62 seconds in July, however ‘The Chosen One,’ who is of Puerto Rican descent, is hopeful of going past the opening round for the first time in his career, despite being within five first round victories from equalling Ali Raymi’s record of 21.
“I’m dedicating this fight to my family and Puerto Rico,” Berlanga explained.
“I want to continue to shine like a bright star and carry the flag on my back.
“Bellows has never been stopped, but I intend to be the first man to stop him. He’s a strong fighter and I hope to get some rounds in.
“I want to show that I’m a versatile boxer and not just a puncher.
“One thing I will guarantee is another explosive performance.”
