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Texas venue set for Figueroa-Burns, Kameda-McDonnell

Fighters Network
01
Apr
Figueroa lands a right on Abner Cotto - Photo Naoki Fukuda

Omar Figueroa lands a right on Abner Cotto. Photo by Naoki Fukuda

 

Former WBC lightweight champion Omar Figueroa Jr. will meet former two-division titleholder Ricky Burns in the main event when Premier Boxing Champions returns to CBS on Saturday, May 9 from the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas.

“I am so excited to be bringing this huge event to my hometown,” said Figueroa, via a press release. “It is my dream to fight on such a big stage and bring this kind of attention to Hidalgo. My fans have supported me from day one and I plan on showing them how grateful I am with a stellar performance on May 9.”

Burns said, “I can’t wait for this fight. Ever since it was confirmed, I’ve been absolutely buzzing in the gym. I’ve had some great nights in Scotland, winning and defending my world titles but I have always wanted to box in America. Our styles gel perfectly for one hell of a fight; neither of us take a step back – bring on May 9!”



Figueroa, THE RING No. 1 rated lightweight, makes his debut at 140 pounds and looks to extend his 25-fight unbeaten streak against a durable ex-champion. The 31-year-old Burns previously held WBO titles at junior lightweight and lightweight, defeating the likes of Roman Martinez, Michael Katsidis and Kevin Mitchell along the way.

Tomoki Kameda weighin fukudaIn the co-main event, Japan’s Tomoki Kameda will defend his WBO bantamweight championship against Jamie McDonnell of Doncaster, England.

The unbeaten Kameda won his title from Paulus Ambunda in Aug. 2013 and has made three solid title defenses. He is rated No. 6 by THE RING at 118 pounds but his opponent, who is rated No. 7, is a highly skilled and decorated fighter in his own right.

McDonnell has previously held British, Commonwealth and European titles and also won the IBF bantamweight championship in May 2013. The 29-year-old technician has not lost a fight in six years and, on fight night, will be defending his “regular” WBA title in what promises to be a highly competitive showdown.

*Editor’s Note: THE RING only recognizes Juan Carlos Payano as WBA bantamweight titleholder.

 

For more information, please visit www.premierboxingchampions.com

Tickets are on sale and are priced at $150, $100, $75, $50, and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes. Tickets are available at www.ticketmaster.com or at the State Farm Arena Box Office. To charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000.

 

Tom Gray is a member of the British Boxing Writers’ Association and has contributed to various publications. Follow him on Twitter @Tom_Gray_Boxing

 

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