Cota eyes upset of Cruz on Telemundo Friday

Former Mexican national champion Gabino “Flash” Cota (19-6-1, 17 KOs) of Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico faces former world title challenger Orlando “El Fenomeno” Cruz (24-4-1, 12 KOs) of San Juan, Puerto Rico this Friday in a rematch. Cruz, 35 is currently ranked #4 WBO won a hard fought but clear decision in their first encounter nearly a year ago. The 10 round main event will be aired on the Boxeo TELEMUNDO Ford fall series. Cruz’ NABO Junior lightweight title will be at stake. Cota, 23 has been asking for this rematch feeling he is more mature. He gets his chance on Friday to prove this.

You took this fight on short notice. How prepared do you feel you are for this fight?

I am ready to put on a good show. I asked for this rematch. I was already preparing for a fight so my conditioning is fine.

Are you more comfortable and confident having already performed well vs Cruz in your first fight?

I think we both know each other pretty well with our first fight going the full distance. There are some adjustments I feel that I can make in the ring to have the outcome in my favor this time.

Do you feel that your youth advantage could play into your favor this time around?

One would like to think that but you never can really depend on things like that. I am going to go out there and do what I do best and look to get this victory.

There was an upset last week on Telemundo where the younger Emmanuel “Veneno” Dominguez (19-5-2, 13 KOs) KO’d former WBO interim champion Alejandro “Payasito” Hernandez (31-11-1, 16 KOs). Do you see similarities in that fight and yours?

The veteran vs youth factor is definitely there. Each fight is different but again this is a rematch and we know each other’s styles very well.

You have come up short twice on Telemundo. How motivated are you to get your first victory on their airways?

I definitely want to win on Friday but at the same time I want to give the fans an entertaining fight. Entertaining them is very important to me as well.

Also on the card local favorites welterweight “Hurricane” Sammy Valentin (8-0-6 KOs), heavyweight Jose Medina (3-0-1 KO), welterweight Mark Reyes (2-0) amongst others. The card is being presented by Tuto Zabala’s Jr., All Star Boxing, Inc,the main event will be televised live on Telemundo at 11:35 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM, first fight 8:00 PM. Tickets are on sale by calling 813-454-7800, the A La Carte Pavilion is located at 4050 Dana Shores Dr., Tampa, Florida.