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Jon Fernandez ready to put himself in line for world title shot with victory over Michel Rivera

Jon Fernandez. Photo credit: Amanda Westcott/Showtime

Hard-hitting Spanish lightweight Jon ‘Jonfer’ Fernandez 21-1 (18) is ready to lay it all on the line when he meets Michel ‘La Zarza Ali’ Rivera 20-0 (13) in a WBA title eliminator at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California on Saturday night.

The 25-year-old from Bilbao will be having his fifth fight on US soil where he has gone 3-1 (3) in the past. His lone loss was one points over 10 rounds against O’Shaquie Foster 18-2 (11) at super featherweight at Firelake Arena in Shawnee, Oklahoma in September 2018.

“I’m very excited to be here for this fight,” said Fernandez, who weighed in at 135-pounds on Friday. “Training camp in Madrid and Mexico have been great. We’ve had an outstanding preparation. I’m facing a great opponent in Michel Rivera, but this is the door I need to open to be in the big leagues of boxing. I don’t plan on missing out on this chance.”

Rivera needed to drop 10-pounds from his last fight in February, a stay-busy eighth round knockout win against Anthony Mercado Raices 13-5 (11) at the Shrine Exposition Center in Los Angeles, California. The 23-year-old Dominican who boxes out of Miami, Florida weighed in at 134.4-pounds at Friday’s weigh-in.

“I’m glad he’s confident in his abilities, but I think this is a 50-50 match,” Fernandez said. “It’s going to be a great fight and we’re definitely on the same level. There’s no difference in skill levels. I’m going to use my height and show off my boxing ability on Saturday night.

“Rivera is a very good boxer and has many skills, but I believe that I have equal skills and more power. If I get the opening, I can knock Rivera out.

“I promise that we’re going to put on a great show and deliver fireworks in the ring. My hand will be raised when the fight is over.

“There’s nothing like fighting in Los Angeles. I have already been here before, but nothing can compare to being in the big show.

“Everyone in Spain is supporting me. My city of Bilbao has sent me all its love and they believe in me 100%. Even some famous soccer players have reached out to me. Players from Athletic Bilbao and (former Spain national team striker) Fernando Torres.

“I would like to win in order to open the door for other Spaniard boxers who come behind me and relish this opportunity – like my brother Eker, who is about to make his professional debut. I want to make him proud and put Spain on the map as far as boxing is concerned.

“If I win, it’s not just because of my power. It’s going to be a close fight, but I’m going to give everything I have to come out with the victory.”