Erika Cruz will have a nice opportunity to show her title in front of her people on Friday. The Mexican will fight in her homeland to face Melissa Esquivel in the first defense of her World Boxing Association (WBA) featherweight title at the International Convention Center of Puerto Vallarta. 

Getting the belt was not easy for the native of Mexico City. She had to go to New York with many elements against her to face a legend like Jelena Mrdjenovich, but in the end she was able to win despite the odds and got the belt.

Now, fighting at home is like a prize for “Dinamita”, who is a policeman by profession. The 31-year-old fighter is in the midst of a great streak, not only for being monarch, but for not having lost a fight since 2016 and for having become one of the most interesting fighters in the category.

Melissa Esquivel, a 27-year-old fighter who has a good record and feels ready for this challenge, will try to spoil the champion’s party. The fighter from Los Mochis will have her first opportunity for a world title and comes with a three-fight winning streak. 

Cruz and Esquivel will meet the weigh-in on Thursday and will step into the ring on Friday. The champion has a record of 13 wins, 1 loss and 3 knockouts, while the challenger has 12 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw and 4 knockouts.