WBA super featherweight champion Roger ‘The Kid’ Gutierrez 26-3-1 (20) says he is going to present a whole new version of himself when he takes on unbeaten rising star Chris ‘Primetime’ Colbert 16-0 (6) at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 26.
The 26-year-old Venezuelan will be making the second defence of the belt he won against Rene Alvarado 32-11 (21) two years ago. He subsequently defeated Alvarado in their rematch last August, winning both bouts by close but unanimous decision.
“I was very excited when I was told that this fight was going to happen,” Gutierrez said of the Colbert bout. “Regardless of him being the mandatory, I knew that this fight was going to be a big opportunity for me to show that I’m one of the best in the world.
“This is a chance that I’m not about to pass up. I’ve been training in Los Angeles since December and I’m going to show the world what I can do on February 26.
“Anything that you’ve seen from me against Alvarado, you can toss it out the window. This is going to be a completely different fight. I’m going to have to adapt and I’m going to better than ever. This is going to be something you’ve never seen from me before.
“It’s not important to me whether I’m the favorite or the underdog. Alvarado was the favorite against me as well. I don’t care who believes in me, what matters is that I’m a warrior and I believe in myself.
“Even though people say I’m a knockout artist, that’s not what I look for. I work toward winning each and every round. It doesn’t matter to me if we go to the final bell. The knockouts just come naturally.
“You’re going to see a Venezuelan champion once again. I don’t care what people say about this fight. I’m taking this belt back to Venezuela after February 26 to celebrate with my people.
“His best weapon is his mouth. I can’t wait to see him in the ring on February 26. I understand that he does what he has to do, but I’m not worried about his talk at all.
“Chris is a great fighter and he’s a very versatile boxer. That’s what excites me. I love facing big challenges. You’re going to see me step up to this challenge on fight night.
“Winning the world title was a whirlwind of emotions. Not only did make it to the top, but I was able to fulfill my promise that I made to my mother, who passed away a month before my fight. It was amazing to be able to reach that pinnacle.
“If he wants to stand there and go blow for blow, we’ll be ready. If he wants to use the ring, we’re ready to chase him down. We will have a plan no matter what. I’m going to be ready to leave the ring victorious.
“I’m focused on this fight, but if everything goes well, the name that I have in mind for a next opponent is Leo Santa Cruz.”
