Former IBF junior lightweight world champion José “Sniper” Pedraza (23-1, 12 KOs), who made his debut at 135 pounds March 17, is preparing to battle for the WBO Latino lightweight title against Antonio Moran (22-2, 15 KOs) in the co-main event of the Terence Crawford vs. Jeff Horn world championship event, June 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
“I feel very happy and excited about this great opportunity. Now I will make the most of it and see what other good opportunities come our way,” said Pedraza. “What is happening right now with my career is exactly what we were expecting and that was the reason that we signed with Top Rank. We want to fight in great stages like this card that will be headlined by Terence Crawford.”
If he keep winning, Pedraza could eventually find himself in the ring with Top Rank stablemates Ray Beltran (WBO lightweight champion) or Vasyl Lomachenko (WBA lightweight champion).
“I’m ready to fight for a world title. I know what I have to do,” Pedraza said. “I was a world champion. So I take things calmly, but at the same time I’m picking up the pace.”
Crawford vs. Horn and Pedraza vs. Moran will be streamed exclusively on ESPN+ beginning at 9:30 p.m. ET.