By Ponciano “John” Melo Jr.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Pinoy pride is on the line as Romero “Ruthless” Duno battles dangerous young prospect Ryan Garcia for the vacant World Boxing Council silver lightweight belt.
And it’s all just 24 hours away as both fighters made the catchweight for their title bout that coincides and serves a precursor fight to Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Sergey Kovalev’s light heavyweight clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Duno and Garcia both weighed-in at 135 pounds as the two emerging stars are set to collide inside the ring.
Garcia, an American professional boxer signed by Golden Boy Promotions is only 21 years old coming into the fight while Duno, the current WBA Asia Lightweight champion after defeating Kuldeep Dhanda of India last February 9, 2019.
Duno challenges Garcia for the vacant WBC silver lightweight belt while betting his WBO-NABO belt as well.
“I told Golden Boy [Promotions] when I re-signed with them the first opponent I want to fight was the man right there [Romero Duno],” said Garcia shortly after the weigh-in.
“It is a big moment for my life, a big test and I’m ready to make a huge statement,” added the unbeaten Garcia (18-0, 15 KOs).
Meanwhile, Duno, says he has got something up his sleeve for his unblemished foe.
“I know he will be coming non-stop but I got something for him,” said the 24-year-old from Cotabato City.
