By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Juan Miguel Elorde is one step closer to the promised land.
The grandson of Filipino boxing legend Gabriel “The Flash” Elorde, the 32-year-old Pinoy fighter will look to capture the title and gain national pride in another exciting Mexico-Philippines clash.
Juan Miguel is looking to capture the belt against dangerous Mexican and three-time defending WBO super-bantamweight champion Emanuel Navarrete at the T-Mobile Arena here.
This is arguably the biggest fight in the Filipino’s 11-year pro career.
A day before the fight, Elorde breezed through the scales tipping in at 121.2 pounds.
His opponent Navarrete, on the other hand, scaled at 121.8 pounds at the official weigh-in at the MGM Grand.
Elorde-Navarrete is a scheduled undercard and a precursor to the main event between Tyson Fury-Otto Wallin heavyweight collision.
Even if his Mexican foe is much favored heading into the fight and called in at short notice, Elorde is looking to gain inspiration from the legacy of his legendary grandfather.
“He was my idol. I want to be a world champion someday,” the younger Elorde said.
