Junior lightweight Jerry Belmontes, of Corpus Christi, Texas, will pursue his 17th triumph without a loss against Philadelphia’s Teon Kennedy in a 10-rounder on Dec. 8 from the Pearson-McGonigle Hall on the campus of Temple University as part of the NBC Sports Network Fight Night show.

“This is a classic “crossroads situation for both fighters,” said Kathy Duva, president of Main Events. “Belmontes is the new guy, trying to make a name for himself while Kennedy is at an entirely different kind of crossroads in his career as he reinvents himself in a higher weight class.”

Promoted by Main Events, Belmontes (17-0, 5 KOs) is coming off last month’s unanimous decision over Dominican-born Josvyelito Collado (13-2, 3 KOs), of Jamaica, Queens, NY.

“Fans are really going to like this one,” said Belmontes. “I have watched all of Kennedy’s fights on TV. I have a lot of confidence I’ll get the ‘W’.”

Kennedy (17-2-2, 7 KOs) is 0-2-1 in his past three bouts, and is coming off June’s fifth-round knockout loss to WBA junior featherweight beltholder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Guillermo Rigondeaux (11-0, 8 KOs).

Kennedy, 26, was floored five times by Rigondeaux on the undercard of Tim Bradley’s split-decision over Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“Teon no longer can fight as a super bantamweight. He has had trouble making 122 pounds for more than a year and he feels more comfortable at 130,” said promoter Russell Peltz.

“He wants to make a run at junior lightweight, and he picked a formidable foe in Belmontes, who has not lost in 17 pro fights.”

The main event of the eight-fight card features Philadelphia heavyweight Bryant “By By” Jennings (15-0, 7 KOs) opposite Bowie Tupou (22-2, 16 KOs), of Tongo. The live card begins at 7 p.m., and the NBCSN broadcast will start at 9 p.m. ET.

“It’s a great opportunity to fight on this card in Philly,” said Kennedy, “Because I can showcase my skill again on TV, and when I win, it will put me me back where I need to be.”

Lem Satterfield can be reached at [email protected]