By Rey Colon

On November 29th, undefeated Jayson Velez (22-0, 16 KO's) will receive his long-awaited opportunity to capture a world title when he faces IBF featherweight champion Evgeny Gradovich (19-0, 9 KO's) in Omaha, Nebraska, in the co-main put together by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank.

That night, the main event will be provided by Terrence Crawford, who will defend his 135-pound crown with Raymundo Beltran. Both fights will be televised on HBO.

 

"It appears that I'm going for the world title. That's what they told me but until I sign the contract I can not make illusions because I have had so many fights fall through. We hope it happen. I'm preparing for that," said Velez from Big Bear, California, where he is training.

"Since he became champion, I've seen him fight repeatedly. He is a good opponent, strong, throws a lot of punches and I think it would be his fourth defense. But I have to defeat him. I'm training in Big Bear and the opportunity appeared suddenly."

Rey Colon covers boxing for