BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546) will show this Saturday's big showdown between fierce Mexican warriors Miguel Vazquez, the IBF World Lightweight Champion, and challenger Marvin Quintero, live and exclusive from the Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona, New York.

Vazquez, from Guadalajara, makes the fourth defence of his title and is unbeaten in over four years.  With a 31-3 record, his only losses were fighting at welterweight to big punching current WBC World Light-Middleweight Champion Saul Alvarez, who he lost to in his debut and again in his 24th fight.  He also extended Manny Pacquiao conqueror Timothy Bradley the distance in 2007. 

"I believe I am the best lightweight champion in the world.  My defeats were to the best in the world in higher weight classes.  I'm unstoppable at lighweight." said Vazquez.

He'll have his hands full with hammer-fisted Tijuana native Quintero who's stopped 21 out of 25 and his last five opponents have all been finished off early.  The IBF number one ranked contender beat Al Sabaupan in an eliminator for the title in April.  With three KO losses on his record, it's hit or be hit with Quintero which makes his fights so exciting.

“You will see a fighter with the will to win, ready to leave everything in ring for that world title because it is his life’s dream and that is what can be expected from me and we hope to walk away with our hand raised.” Said Quintero.

Scottish WBO World Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns will be paying close attention to the action as the winner could be in the lightweight world title unification mix.

Burns defends his title on Saturday 15th December at London's ExCeL against English rival Liam Walsh - also live and exclusive on BoxNation - with the winner looking at a glittering unification fight against the winner out of American star Adrien Broner and WBC World champion Antonio DeMarco next month.

“The lightweight division is one of the most exciting in boxing with Broner, Vazquez, Quintero and myself all in the mix looking to be the top dog,” said Burns.

“I’m in boxing to prove that I’m the best and these are the type of super-fights I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid,”

“It’s going to be an exciting fight between Vazquez and Quintero on BoxNation, Vazquez is a quality champion, but Quintero is a big puncher and he’s vulnerable.  It’s too close to call."

Vazquez v Quintero is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch. 546).  Join at www.boxnation.com

SAUNDERS BACKS JAMES ARTHUR TO WIN X FACTOR 2012

North East professional boxing star, Bradley Saunders has revealed he'd love see X Factor contestant James Arthur win the competition.

The unbeaten County Durham light welterweight is rooting for the talented singer from Middlesbrough to triumph in the ITV show.

"James reminds me of myself, the way that he gets up there and gets right into it. People from up North don’t get much chance or opportunity to shine and he got his chance and took it with both hands. I think all of the North East should get behind him." he said.

James is currently the third favourite to win this year's series, with bookies offering odds of around 6-1.

The equally gifted North East sportsman commented "He’s got his talent and he’s stuck at it and now it’s paying off. He's brilliant."

Bradley is competing in his 5th professional fight on November 30th in Manchester MEN Arena and bizarrely sharing the bill with ex cricketer turned TV personality, Freddie Flintoff.

Irish Amateur Boxing Association

The Men's U/23, Women's U/21 and Female Youth Championships are now at the semi-finals and finals stages.

Please visit www.iaba.ie for draws.

Boxing begins at 6pm on Friday, October 26th and 2pm on Saturday, October 27th at Dublin's National Stadium.

The weigh-in times are from 8.30am to 9.30am and 12pm to 1pm Friday and from 8.30am to 9.30am Saturday at the National Stadium.

Tags: Amateur Boxing