By Francisco Salazar

After facing difficulties in and out of the ring, Carlos Cuadras is ready to embark on another chapter in his pro career.

Cuadras will face former two-time world flyweight title challenger Ricardo Nunez Saturday night at the Centro de Usos Multiples in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

The 12 round bout will air live on Televisa throughout Mexico.

After fighting at 115 pounds for several years, including winning a world title belt, Cuadras has decided to move up in weight and campaign at 118 pounds. A vacant regional title belt is on the line Saturday night.

Cuadras (36-3-1, 27 knockouts) last fought on Feb. 24, losing by majority decision to McWilliams Arroyo of Puerto Rico.

The 29-year-old Cuadras has faced stellar opposition over the last couple of years, losing close decisions to Roman 'Chocolatito' Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada, which took place on Sept. 9. But Cuadras has to deal with bigger issues outside of the ring.

After the loss to Arroyo, Cuadras was suspended by the WBC for refusing a post-fight drug test. In late April, Cuadras entered a drug rehabilitation center to seek treatment for reportedly has been several months of drug and alcohol abuse.

Cuadras has also had different trainers over his last several fights, including Rudy Hernandez and most recently, Abel Sanchez. Cuadras and Sanchez amicably split after the loss to Arroyo.

Cuadras is as talented a fighter in the lower weight classes. Promociones del Pueblo, which promotes Cuadras, will likely push for Cuadras to be ranked in the top 10 should he come victorious on Saturday night.

Nunez (29-7, 23 KOs) lost by disqualification in round three of his last bout on May 4. In his most meaningful bouts, Nunez, who resides in La Chorrera, Panama, lost to then-IBF flyweight titleholder Moruti Mthalane (2012) and then-WBA flyweight titleholder Juan Carlos Reveco (2013).

Fringe lightweight contender Jose Felix (36-3-1, 28 KOs) will square off Emmanuel Herrera (4-4) in an eight round bout. Felix has lost two of his last three fights.

Junior welterweight Juan Pablo Romero (7-0, 5 KOs) faces Jorge Valenzuela (6-3, 1 KO) in an eight round bout.

Francisco A. Salazar has written for Boxingscene.com since September of 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (Calif.) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing