by Miguel Rivera
After an inactivity of almost two years, Puerto Rico's McWilliams Arroyo will have the opportunity to open 2018 with a fight that could reactivate his professional career.
Arroyo, 32 years old, in his last fight in April 2016 had a great performance in losing a unanimous decision against then world champion Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez, will return on February 24 at the Inglewood Forum in California.
Arroyo's return will come in the form of an HBO televised showdown with former world champion Carlos Cuadras, on a night of super flyweight showdowns.
The main event will feature a world title showdown between WBC super flyweight champion Srisaket Sister Rungvisai and Juan Francisco 'El Gallo' Estrada.
"After so much waiting and so much time, now something good is given to me. It is a great opportunity. The one I had been waiting for for some time and finally it was given to me," said Arroyo to Carlos Narvaez.
Arroyo was preparing to return to the ring in September, but his comeback was delayed after the devastation that Hurricane Maria hit down on Puerto Rico.
"I trained throughout the year. A week before the hurricane we were preparing but the fight fell out. These are things that are totally out of my hands and I can not control. But the opportunity came and we are going to take advantage of it."
For Arroyo, who has a record of 16-3 and 14KO's, it will be a match against a dangerous opponent but he knows him very well. Cuadras has a record of 36-2-1 and 27KO's, and his two defeats have been by decision at the hands of 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez and then with 'El Gallo' Estrada.
"It's a fight at 115 pounds. I think people really enjoyed my fight with 'Chocolatito' and everyone knows what happened there. I have not stopped training and Carlos Cuadras, I've already seen him. We know it is a difficult fight, but we will also go for the victory. I always trust in my talents and throw everything else in the ring.
"The negotiations [for a comeback] have been slow. But all of that is now left behind me. I'm grateful to HBO for the opportunity, and what all this means is that Christmas is over for me. Now it is time to train for the remaining months."
