By Héctor Villarreal

Norbelto “Meneito” Jiménez (30-9-6, 16 Kos) will be back in action in his native Dominican Republic on a card that will be promoted by Shuan Boxing Promotion, the leading boxing company throughout the Caribbean island. The 10-round fight will take place on April 8 at the Fencing Pavilion of the Olympic Center in Santo Domingo against Nicaraguan Keyvin Lara (31-4-1, 11 Kos), who has also fought for a world championship.

On his recent fights, the Dominican superfly has proven his worth as one of the best boxers of his division and a tough contender for any opponent in the world. After fighting to a draw with unbeaten Nigerian Aliu Bamidele Lasisi, in Dubai, Jimenez won a unanimous decisión at home over his countryman Marvin Solano. Then he went back to Dubai to face legendary Filipino Donnie Nietes in a fight which was ruled a draw despite many experts considered “Meneito” the rightful winner.

Lara’s only two fights in 2021 were in Panama. In the last one, he beat Ecuadorian Jose Saant by TKO and in the previous one, he lost a dubious split decision against the world-ranked Venezuelan, resident in Panama, Keiver Fernandez.

In the co-main event, Puerto Rican minimumweight Wilfredo “Bimbito” Mendez (16-2, 6 Kos), currently training with his countryman Roman “Rocky” Martinez, will face Venezuelan Kenny Cano (14-4, 11 KOs). Also from Puerto Rico, light flyweight Rene Santiago (9-2, 7 KOs) is scheduled to fight for the WBO Latino belt against Mexican warrior Yudel Reyes (13-1, 4 KOs).

Undefeated Angel “El Cru2” Cruz (6-0, 5 KOs) squares up to Abraham Peralta (19-10, 13 KOs). Cubans Ernesbadi Begue (5-0, 3 KOs) and Felix Parada (6-0, 6 KOs) vs Venezuelan Ronald Gonzalez (8-1, 8 KOs) and Colombian veteran Epifanio Mendoza (43-32-1, 37 KOs) respectively.