IBF junior flyweight champion Felix Alvarado 35-2 (30) will make the second defence of his title against mandatory challenger and former IBF minimumweight champion DeeJay Kreel 16-1-1 (8) at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Nicaraguan won the world championship on the road when he stopped Randy Petalcorin, then 29-2-1 (20), in the Philippines two years ago. He successfully defended against Reiya Konishi 17-3 (7) in Japan in May last year, triumphing by unanimous decision.
The fight against Kreel will be his first stateside.
“I definitely want my US debut to be a memorable one,” Alvarado said. “I am really appreciative to Robert Diaz, Golden Boy, and William Ramirez for their efforts in making this opportunity a reality for me. I am ready to make my mark in the history of boxing.”
South African Kreel, 25, dropped his pro debut on points before revering the result in an immediate rematch. He claimed the IBF 105-pound strap with a 12th round knockout of previously undefeated Mexican-American Carlos Licona 15-1 (2) in Los Angeles in February last year before moving up in weight.
“I know that he is from South Africa and that most of his fights have been there,” Alvarado said.
“He is right-handed and his only defeat was in his professional debut. More than anything he is a former world champion. We have prepared accordingly for whatever he will bring…
“I do not enter the ring believing that I have any kind of advantage over an opponent. Results of a fight are settled in the ring and each fight is different.
“It is not good to enter the ring overconfident. That is something I never do.”
Manager William Ramirez praised his charge for his continued commitment in the gym despite the current global coronavirus pandemic.
“Even under that current global circumstances, Felix remains as disciplined as always,” Ramirez said.
“I never worry about Felix being prepared. He is extremely focused and I know he will continue to achieve his goals in boxing.”
Victory over Kreel could mark the last time Alvarado fights in the 108-pound weight class with a move up to the lucrative flyweight division something he would consider.
“First of all, I want to win my upcoming fight. That is the priority. A unification with any of the other world champions would definitely be something I would like,” Alvarado said.
“My manager William Ramirez handles my career so I would consult with him with regards to moving up a weight class or unifications.”
Also on the card will be Alvarado’s twin brother Rene Alvarado 32-8 (21) who will be making the first defence of the WBA super featherweight title he won against Andrew Canico 21-5-2 (16) in November last year when he clashes with 25-year-old Venezuelan Roger Gutierrez 24-3-1 (20).
“It is a dream come true for both of us,” Alvarado said of fighting on the same card as Rene. “It is such a historic moment for Nicaragua with us both defending our world titles on the same night.
“The dream will become a reality for us once we both leave with our hands raised in victory.”
