Javier Fortuna is taking on Bryan Vasquez for the vacant WBA junior lightweight title underneath Andre Dirrell vs. James DeGale. The event will be televised on NBC in the afternoon and emanates from the Agganis Arena on the Boston University campus.
“I’m only looking forward to my fight on May 29 against Bryan Vasquez and after I knock him out and become WBA champion I will accept the challenges of the best fighters in this division,” Fortuna (27-0-1, 20 KOs) told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday through his promoter Nathan Lewkowicz.
Fortuna of La Romana, Dominican Republic, earns his first world title opportunity at age 24. He was once regarded as one of the best prospects in the sport but reached contender status last year, punctuated by a one-punch, highlight reel knockout of Abner Cotto.
However, in Vasquez (34-1, 18 KOs), Fortuna is facing the biggest challenge of his short career. The 27-year-old from Costa Rica is a seasoned pro, his only loss coming to top 130-pounder Takaski Uchiyama. Vasquez turned in an impressive 2014, topping contenders Jose Felix Jr. (Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley undercard) and Sergio Thompson.
“I’m very proud of the improvement of Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna and I want to thank (trainer) Hector Bermudez for his great work that he did him and the rest of my fighters that are with him,” said Sampson Lewkowicz, Fortuna’s promoter.
“Fortuna is a future star in this division and at the young age of 24 he has yet to enter his prime,” said Nathan Lewkowicz, son of Sampson.
A bout between light heavyweights Edwin Rodriguez and Craig Baker rounds out the card.
