Alberto “Avispa” Puello will make the first defense of his World Boxing Association Interim (WBA) Super Lightweight title on Thursday against veteran Argentinian Cristian Coria at the Catalonia Malecon Center Hotel in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The southpaw fighter will appear as champion for the first time before his people to fight an experienced boxer like Coria, who wants to give the surprise on his visit to the capital of the Caribbean island.

Puello, from San Juan de la Maguana, comes from a great triumph against his fellow countryman Jonathan Alonso during the KO Drugs program that took place in Santo Domingo on July 27th, 2019. Although his debut as a champion was scheduled to take place a few months ago in the USA, some inconveniences did not allow him to travel to the United States, but now he is ready to defend the belt.

Coria arrives to the fight with a string of two KOs, and it will be the first time he fights for a world title. However, he has extensive experience in regional fights and has fought in Africa, the US and Canada.

On Wednesday they will step on the scale, where both must weigh 140 pounds to be allowed to fight for the black and gold belt. Puello has an undefeated record in 17 fights, with 9 KOs, while Coria has a record of 29 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws, and 13 KOs.