The most popular boxing series on Hispanic television, Boxeo Telemundo Ford returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida tonight. The main event will be the latest edition of the classic of the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry with unbeaten local favorite and WBA #13 welterweight Derrieck “Pretty Boy” Cuevas (21-0-1, 14 KOs) of Puerto Rico looking to make a statement vs Jesus Alberto “Barretero” Beltran (17-2-2, 10 KOs) of Mexico. Cuevas is looking to vault himself near the top of the welterweight mix with a decisive win over Beltran.
You have fought on Telemundo events in the past. How does it feel to be in your first main event on their air?
I am very content for this opportunity and will not let it go to waste. I trained extremely hard for this fight.
What do you see as your keys to success for this fight?
I do not know much about my opponent but I am a versatile boxer and I look to adapt to what my opponent will bring the night of the fight.
You were born in Puerto Rico but have fought your last 5 fights at this venue. How important is it for your to represent Puerto Rico even though your fighting away from there?
I am a proud born Puerto Rican national. It is with pride that I represent Puerto Rico every time I fight.
Does it spice things up being that your opponent is from Mexico given the history of so many boxing historic matchups ?
This history of these matchups is one that so many fans enjoy. I have prepared to put on a spectacular performance and leave with the victory.
What are your immediate goals should you be victorious tonight?
I just want to keep winning and moving forward. All I do in boxing is for my family which is why I make the sacrifices that I do.
You’re expected to have a lot of supporters tonight as their area has a large Puerto Rican population. Does that make it harder to control your emotions while fighting?
Not at all. I am focused and embrace their support. It is important for me that they know who Derriek Cuevas is.
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Cuevas vs Beltran will air LIVE on the Telemundo network this Friday at 11:35pm. Check your local listings. Doors open at 6pm, first fight 7pm. Tickets at ticketmaster.com, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Hollywood, Fla