By Rick Reeno
A rivalry is starting to build in the talent-rich super bantamweight division. Celestino Caballero proved that he belongs with the elite fighters of his division after recently picking apart previously undefeated Steve Molitor in four rounds. Caballero unified the WBA/IBF 122-pound titles with the knockout of Molitor.
Caballero tells BoxingScene.com that he’s tired of the WBO champion, Juan Manuel Lopez, continuously calling out a sidelined Israel Vazquez. He doesn’t think much of Lopez’s competition and called Juanma’s possible fight with Gerry Penalosa, the reigning WBO bantamweight champion - “an embarrassment to the division.” Standing at 5’11 and possessing a 72-inch reach, Caballero will present problems to a lot of fighters at 122.
“Penalosa is small and an old man. Be a real champion and fight me. You have one title and I have two. Lets have a real unification. Don't look for a small old man like Penalosa,” Caballero said.
“You are now a champion and need to fight the best. I am a proud Panamanian. Show me your true origin. Let's see how proud you are by showing respect to the flag of your country by fighting me. Don't look for someone small and old, look for someone tall and young.”
Caballero says Juanma has nowhere else to go if he wants a legitimate challenge.
“He needs to fight the best. He shouldn’t mention too many names. Israel Vazquez is not available because of his health. Stop calling for him. Rafael Marquez brings nothing. He has no title, he’s a challenger. That only leaves me and you. Lets’ have a real unification,” Caballero said.
