By: Matthew N. Becher
This Saturday from the Sports Arena in Downtown Los Angeles, HBO Latino will present a packed night of boxing brought to you by Golden Boy Promotions.
The undercard will consist of a Featherweight contest between Joseph Diaz and Rene Alvarado. Diaz (16-0 10KO) is a 22 year old undefeated prospect, rising out of the Golden Boy stables, looking to make a grand name for himself on a televised bout. He is a former 2012 US Olympian and fought a little over two months ago, winning a Unanimous Decision against Giovanni Delgado, on the Canelo vs. Kirkland undercard. His opponent, Rene Alvarado (22-4 15KO), is a 26 year old Nicaraguan who has steadily climbed the rankings in the division, until he came to the US and lost his only two fights stateside to Eric Hunter and Rocky Juarez. This will be Alvarado’s third attempt fighting in the US, and he will have his hands full to get back on track against the young and talented Diaz.
The Co-Main event pits two fighters with one loss records against each other. Michael Perez (22-1 10 KO) saw his “0” go away against Omar Figueroa Jr. Perez has since won all of his fights and is looking to reestablish himself as a contender in the Lightweight division.
Sharif Bogere (27-1 19KO) is a KO artist from Uganda. His lone loss came in a WBA Lightweight title fight against Richard Abril. Bogere has the better of the two fighters resumes, with a win over Raymundo Beltran, but both men are very good fighters, who know that a big win here can get them right back into the mix at the top of the division.
The main event of the evening is one between two very tough veterans. Both have been against the best of the division, coming away with wins and losses, and who very much need wins to continue their respected careers.
“Hammering” Hank Lundy (25-4-1 12KO) is a tough brawler from the streets of Philadelphia. A straight forward fighter, who has been in the ring with many world champions, such as Richard Abril, John Molina Jr., Ray Beltran, and most recently Viktor Postol. His last fight was 12/6/14 in which he put on a spirited effort against Thomas Dulorme, a fight that saw Lundy edge his way back from an early knockdown, to a tremendous comeback attempt, just falling short of victory. Mauricio Herrera (21-5 7KO) is known as “El Maestro”.
He has a very good and pure boxing style. But don’t let that fool you, the man can bang if need be. Herrera was the first man to beat Ruslan Provodnikov, and has also been in the ring with many a world champion, with some controversial losses which could have made him the top dog in the division. Both of these boxers are in their 30s, and this could be the final push to get a big fight for a title.
Expect both of these warriors to leave it all in the ring, as neither is known to back down in a fight.
The HBO Latino Boxing telecast begins at 11:00 p.m. (live ET/tape-delayed PT).
Final Press Conference Quotes:
MAURICIO “EL MAESTRO” HERRERA, Former Interim WBA Super Lightweight Champion:
“I feel great. I feel prepared and ready to beat Lundy and if he wants to brawl, box or do whatever, I’m ready. I feel there is a big possibility that I can stop him.”
“HAMMERIN’” HANK LUNDY, Super Lightweight Title Contender:
“He [Herrera] may have beaten another Philly fighter, Danny Garcia, but he’s got to realize I’m another type of animal. I’m a throwback fighter and on Saturday, Herrera is going to see what Hammerin’ Hank is all about.”
Photo by Gene Blevins/Hogan Photos
