Jose Ramirez and Jose Pedraza understand the stakes. The junior welterweights know that the winner of Friday night's 12-round main event at Fresno's Save Mart Center will likely receive a world title shot next. Ramirez (26-1, 17 KOs) is a former unified world champion seeking to return to the division's apex. (photos by Mikey Williams)
The journey back begins in the venue where he routinely packs crowds of more than 12,000 fans. Ramirez hails from the farming community of Avenal, about an hour's drive from Fresno.
Pedraza (29-3, 14 KOs), from Cidra, Puerto Rico, is a two-weight world champion with hopes of conquering a third weight class. He has won three straight bouts since losing a decision in his junior welterweight debut to Jose Zepeda.
• Jose Ramirez 139.8 vs. Jose Pedraza 140
(Vacant WBO International Junior Welterweight Title— 12 Rounds)
• Richard Torrez Jr. 228.2 lbs vs. Allen Melson 201.8 lbs
(Heavyweight— 6 Rounds)
• Joet Gonzalez 125.8 lbs vs. Jeo Santisima 125.2 lbs
(Vacant WBO International Featherweight Title— 10 Rounds)
• Gabriel Flores Jr. 131.6 lbs vs. Abraham Montoya 131.8 lbs
(Junior Lightweight— 10 Rounds)
• Hector Tanajara 135 lbs vs. Miguel Contreras 134.2 lbs
(Lightweight — 8 Rounds)
• Karlos Balderas 134.2 lbs vs. Aelio Mesquita 131.2 lbs
(Lightweight — 6 Rounds)
• Javier Martinez 161.8 lbs vs. Donte Stubbs 163 lbs
(Middleweight — 6 Rounds)
• Charlie Sheehy 134.2 lbs vs. Johnny Bernal 135 lbs
(Lightweight — 4 Rounds)
• Antonio Mireles 259.4 lbs vs. Brandon Hughes 282.4 lbs
(Heavyweight — 4 Rounds)