On Saturday, August 15, at Centro Comercial Hyper Jumbo in Maracay, Venezuela, John “El Emperador” Renteria (10-2-1) of Panama City, Panama, will take on native Venezuelan Jherson “El Latigo” Perez (3-1) in a battle of young super lightweights.

The bout is scheduled for eight rounds.

While neither man is ready to challenge top-10 rated 140-pound challengers, a win for either 23-year-old would serve to push them closer to that status.

Perez will have the hometown fans behind him, and that may be a needed benefit considering he’ll be in just his fifth professional bout. The last time out, Perez avenged a fourth-round TKO loss to Jhonny Pacheco December 12, 2014 in a rematch on May 30. Perez prevailed via split decision in his second shot at Pacheco.

Renteria has had his ups and downs in his last five fights. He’s compiled a 2-2-1 in that span, but he did win his last fight on March 27 against grizzled veteran Moises Castro in Renteria’s native Panama City.

Renteria is a knockout artist. Of his 10 wins, nine of them have come by way of early stoppage. Because he’s so young, there’s a chance he could move up in weight later in his career. But for now, he’s solidified himself as a formidable puncher at 140 pounds.

Perez hasn’t had an opportunity to carve an identity as a boxer, puncher or anything in between just yet. Renteria will be the first opponent he’s faced with a winning record. His previous opponents—including Pacheco—have a combined record of 1-13. That lone victory was Pacheco’s win over Perez in their first fight.

Based on that, you’d have to look at Renteria as the favorite to win. Then again, anything can happen in the ring. We’ll have to wait until Saturday to see who prevails.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.