Mexican WBO Champ“La Pulga” Soto Keeps on Sweating for Oct 30 Defence; Vicelles Could be Next

By Carlos Costa

Mexican WBO 108-pound world champion Elwin Soto continues intensive training in his legendary great Land of Mayas and Aztecas, sharpening his fighting skills ahead of his important coming 2nd title defense against a Nicaraguan warrior more-experienced than him: Carlos “Chocorroncito” Buitrago.

Their clash is set to thrill on October 30 at the fun Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California, USA.

Soto’s war is part of the show headlined by Mexican middleweight, former 154-pound champ Jaime Munguía (35-0, 28 KO’s).

On October 15, “La Pulga” Elwin Soto (“La Pulga” in English means “The Flea”), will leave camp in his native México to travel to Indio (about 2 hours drive west of Los Angeles), as he can’t wait to battle Buitrago.

Meanwhile, the WBO # 9 Buitrago is a fighter referred to by boxing reporter Bayron Saavedra as “The Luckiest Boxer of the Last Decade,” because of being selected to challenge for world title fights 5 times during the last 6 years.

Buitrago never won any of those 5 world title shots. Yet, the Pinolero fighter keeps on getting selected to challenge world champions all over the world, over and over again, a testament to what a power promoter can do for a boxer.

The 28-year-old Buitrago (32-5-1, 18 KO’s) is currently signed by 🇵🇷 Miguel Cotto Promotions; while the 23-year-old champion Soto (17-1, 12 KO’s) is promoted by Oscar de la Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions.

In the meantime, Filipino boxing fans wonder if the winner of the Elwin Soto vs Carlos Buitrago would dare to defend next against unbeaten Filipino WBO # 13 Mark Vicelles (12-0-1, 6 KO’s) of Sultan Kudarat.

In fact, another Pinoy boxer the “Heneral” Edward Heno (14-1-5, 5 KO’s) already tried to dethrone the Mexican, losing a close decision last October in California. It was a good effort from Heno. So, could Vicelles be next?

Hopefully yes. Hopefully in the Philippines. Time will tell.

The author boxing writer Carlos Costa lives in Mabolo, Cebu City, and can be reached at carlos512@hotmail.com and WhatsApp +639184538152.