Andres Cortes contained in the ring earlier than his struggle in opposition to Eduardo Garza – Photograph by Mikey Williams/High Rank Inc by way of Getty Pictures)
Andres Cortes hopes to make a reputation for himself in a really crowded and proficient 130-pound division.
A win over a former world title challenger may go a great distance.
Cortes will face Abraham Nova tonight on the Fontainebleau Las Vegas in Cortes’ hometown of Las Vegas, Nevada. The ten-round bout will precede the primary occasion bout between WBO world featherweight titleholder Rafael Espinoza and challenger Sergio Chirino.
Each fights will stream stay on ESPN+ (7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT).
At Thursday’s weigh-in, Cortes (21-0, 12 knockouts) weighed in at 130.8 kilos. Solely Nova, who got here in at 129.7 kilos, will probably be eligible to win the vacant NABO junior welterweight title.
Nova (23-2, 16 KOs), additionally fought on the identical February 16 card, shedding by split-decision to WBC world titleholder O’Shaquie Foster. Nova’s different defeat, a knockout in spherical 5, got here by the hands of Robeisy Ramirez in June 2022.
Cortes understands the magnitude of the struggle, as he isn’t overlooking Nova.
“I consider this would be the most tough struggle of my profession,” stated Cortes earlier this week. “Nova has fought for a world title already and is aware of what it’s wish to struggle on the championship stage. I need to break him down and make changes. My brother (Luis) has an ideal sport plan that we’ve been engaged on and I’ll observe directions because the struggle goes on.
“This has been one in all my higher coaching camps as I used to be absolutely targeted on executing the sport plan for Nova throughout all sparring periods.”
Nova has beforehand been rated in The Ring’s prime 10 at 130 kilos.
Cortes stopped once-beaten Bryan Chevalier within the fourth spherical of his final bout on February 16. In his earlier struggle on July 28, Cortes gained after the seventh spherical after Xavier Martinez remained on his stool in a detailed struggle.
The 26-year-old has demonstrated extra energy and aggression in latest fights, having stopped 5 of his final seven opponents.
Cortes, who sparred Gervonta Davis in the course of the novice ranks, has fought underneath the High Rank banner since July 2020. He has beforehand been signed by Mayweather Promotions.
A formidable win over Nova may open extra doorways for Cortes, who’s already ranked No. 2 by the WBO.
“A win places me within the place to struggle for a world title so this would be the turning level of my profession,” stated Cortes. “A victory will solidify me as among the best fighters within the junior light-weight division.
“Extra alternatives will come my method with a win.”
Francisco A. Salazar has written for The Ring since October 2013 and has lined boxing in Southern California and overseas since 2000. Francisco additionally covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He might be reached at [email protected]
