Orlando Cruz and Sergio Villanueva will vie for the vacant WBA Fedecentro super featherweight title at Palacio de los Deportes in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, this Saturday, June 27.
Cruz, who turns 34 on July 1, fights out of San Juan, Puerto Rico. A 15-year pro, the southpaw (20-4-1, 10 KOs) most recently fought in April 2014, losing to Gamalier Rodriguez by unanimous decision. He last won in March 2013, stopping Aalan Martinez by sixth-round KO. “El Olimpico” has won four of his last six.
A resident of Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico, 23-year-old Villanueva turned pro in 2008 (28-7-2, 15 KOs). “El Cuate” last fought in May, stopping Matias Daniel Avila by sixth-round KO, but has lost four of his last six.
On the same card, Carlos Rodriguez will face Edwin Rodriguez for the vacant WBA Fedecentro super flyweight title.
Born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 30-year-old Carlos is a seven-year pro (12-1, 11 KOs). The southpaw most recently fought in January, retiring Edward Vargas in the first. “El Machazo” lost his debut, stopped by Christian Hernandez via first-round TKO in April 2008.
Also a Puerto Rican, 22-year-old Edwin is a three-year pro (7-1, 4 KOs), who last fought in October 2014, losing to Ricardo Rodriguez by unanimous decision. “Puto” last won in June 2014, decisioning Luis Ortiz.
In addition, Dennis Hogan will defend his WBA-NABA USA super welterweight title against Kenny Abril over a scheduled 10 rounds at the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, New York, on Friday, June 26.
Fighting out of Newstead, Queensland, Australia, by way of Kildare, Ireland, 30-year-old Hogan is a four-year pro (21-0-1, 7 KOs). “Hurricane” most recently fought in April, decisioning Tyrone Brunson for the vacant WBA-NABA. Hogan is 12th-ranked by the WBA.
Also 30, southpaw Abril, a resident of Rochester, New York, turned pro 12 years ago (14-7-1, 7 KOs). He most recently fought in October 2013, losing to Brad Solomon by unanimous decision, and last won in December 2012, beating Dennis Laurente by split decision. Abril is three-three over his last six.
Presented by Greg Cohen Promotions, the eight-fight card, including the main event of Hogan-Abril, will be televised live on CBS Sports Network.
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.
