By Jhonny Gonzalez

Former champion Fernando 'Kochulito' Montiel has finished the toughest stage of his training. The former three division champion returns on August 20th in Baja California, against Nicaraguan Alvaro Perez. Montiel wants to gain the second win of year, since the devastating knockout loss to Nonito Donaire in February.

Montiel's goal is to face the winner of the October bout between WBC super bantamweight champion Toshiaki Nishioka and Rafael Marquez. Montiel and Marquez are friends and the idea of them agreeing to fight each other is far from certain.

"We closed the strong part of our preparation. We have been working very hard. It's very hot here in the gym, but it reminds us of the sacrifices we are making to become a world champion again. We want the super bantamweight championship. We'll be there waiting for the fight between Toshiaki Nishioka and Rafael Marquez. I wish the best for Rafa, he's my friend and depending on the result we'll see what we are going to do," Montiel told Sal Rodriguez.

Tags: Fernando Montiel , Toshiaki Nishioka , Rafael Marquez , Marquez-Nishioka , Marquez vs Nishioka , Montiel-Perez , Montiel vs Perez