By Rey Colon

Orlando 'The Phenomenon" Cruz (18-2-1, 9 KO's) will return on October 19 and takes on Jorge Pazos (20-4, 13 KO's) at the Civic Center, Kissimmee, Florida. Cruz will defend his WBO Latino title - and he also welcomed the chance to fight undefeated slugger Mikey Garcia in 2013. Cruz is the fourth-ranked boxer under the WBO and Garcia is ranked at one - while the champion Orlando Salido is injured. Garcia fights on November 10th against a yet to be determined opponent in Las Vegas.

"We are working on that [fight] and it would be the most important of my career. I came to finish my training to Puerto Rico. I'm very happy. Garcia is very strong but life is a challenge and you have to climb to the top. And if you want to be world champion you have to fight for the truth," Cruz said.

In 2009, Cruz needed five rounds to stop 30-0 Leonel Miranda, and in 2011 he stopped 19-0 Michael Franco. He doesn't have any fear of undefeated fighters.

"I'm 2-0 [against unbeatens] and you just have to prepare and be ready. Trust me. I have hunger to be world champion. To do well I might fight again in late December," Cruz said.

Tags: Mikey Garcia , Orlando Cruz