The spring season finale of Boxeo Telemundo pits a pair of flyweights in search of redemption.
Adrian 'Gatico' Curiel and Hugo 'Verdugo' Guareros collide in a 10-round regional title fight, which headlines this weekend live from Domo Sindicato de Trabajadores IMSS (Mexico Institute of Social Security) on capital grounds in Mexico City (Friday, Telemundo, 11:35pm ET/10:35pm local time).
Guarneros (16-3-2, 8KOs) is a perfect 5-0 on the Telemundo circuit, though making his first platform appearance since September 2016 and not quite as successful when venturing elsewhere. The 29-year old is coming off of a 10-round loss to unbeaten flyweight contender Sunny Edwards last September on the road in England, which stalled momentum gained from perhaps his best career performance which came in an eight-round win versus nationally regarded Luis Castillo last May.
Friday's bout marks the first for Guarneros at this venue, which gives Curiel (15-3-3, 3KOs) a hometown edge of sorts. The 21-year old has frequented the grounds throughout his career, having hosted his last two wins which each came less than a year ago as part of an active five-fight campaign. Unfortunately, his year began and ended with losses, including a narrow 10-round points loss last November to unbeaten prospect Joselito Velazquez, a highly decorated former amateur standout whom represented Mexico in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The setback is part of a rough stretch for Curiel, although his 4-3 mark in his last seven starts isn't quite as bad as appears at first glance. In addition to going tough versus Velazquez, the baby-faced flyweight also pushed Daniel Valladares to the limit, coming up short versus his countryman who is now a top-rated strawweight contender and recent title challenger.
"These are the bouts that often produce the most competitive and entertaining action," Felix 'Tutico' Zabala, president of All-Star Boxing told krikya360.com. "Neither guy wants to suffer a second straight defeat, and they both know they are better than their record (suggests)."
Also on the show:
Unbeaten 130-pound regional titlist Denilson Jair Valtierra (9-0, 5 KOs) meets countryman Jose Eduardo Hernandez Rizo (7-3-3, 3 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round non-title fight at lightweight.
Puebla's Juan Antonio 'El Zurdo' Rodriguez (31-8, 27 KOs) faces Jose Andres Periban (9-6-1, 0KOs) in an 8 round bout, also at lightweight.
Jake Donovan is a senior writer for krikya360.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox