Boxeo Telemundo kicks off 2020 this Friday. The series returns to the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming in Miami, Florida presented by Felix “Tuto” Zabala, All Star Boxing, Inc.
The season opener will feature another chapter in the famed classic “Mexico vs Puerto Rico” boxing rivalry between former world title challengers WBO #15 Saul “Baby” Juarez (25-10-2, 13 KOs) of Mexico City will take on WBO #8, WBA #13 Jonathan “Bomba” Gonzalez (22-3-1, 13 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico in a ten-rounder with the WBO/NABO light flyweight title at stake.
Juarez is a little over a year removed from his unsuccessful world title challenge in Japan. He gave a valiant effort but dropped a unanimous decision. He feels he learned a lot from the experience but knows a win over Gonzalez could position him for another world title opportunity.
Your plans for another world title opportunity had a setback when you dropped a split decision loss in your last fight vs former world champion Ganigan Lopez. What do you feel went wrong for you in that fight?
Honestly I just needed to do much more that night to have won.
How does it feel to be making your USA debut after nearly 10 years as a professional?
It has given me a lot of motivation throughout my training camp. A lot of people will be seeing me for the first time and I am hoping to impress them.
How would you describe the style of Gonzalez?
It is a complicated style and he is a southpaw as well. We have a game plan that I am ready to carry out to convince the judges and the fans that I will have decisively won after the final bell.
You have given up height and reach on many occasions but in this matchup you both size up about evenly. Does it make the fight more favorable for you?
I definitely think it makes things less complicated.
What kind of fight should the fans expect given the styles?
We both have fought for world titles not too long ago and we both know that a win gets us closer to another opportunity. I am representing Mexico and he is representing Puerto Rico so there is a lot of personal pride involved. I believe these factors are going to lead to a very intriguing and entertaining fight.
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Doors open at 7PM/EST First Bell 8PM/EST. Tickets available by visiting Eventbrite.com/Miccosukeefightseries or sold at the door the night of the event.