By Miguel Rivera
The World Boxing Council (WBC) rankings were released for the month of June, and they highlight the rise of silver featherweight champion, Cristian Mijares (54-8-2, 26KOs).
Mijares was located in the fourth ranking position, but more importantly for the native of Gomez Palacio is that he could become official title challenger to full champion Gary Russell Jr. (27-1, 16KOs), who last year knocked out Jhonny Gonzalez out in four rounds to pick up the belt.
Russell is possibly going to face Colombian contender Oscar Escandon, with Mijares keeping a very close eye on facing the winner of that contest.
Mijares won a twelve round war on June 4th, in a WBC title eliminator over previously undefeated Andres Gutierrez. The victory also gave Mijares the vacant silver title.
"We are still resting, and next week we will return to the gym, and the cut [suffered in my recent fight] has already healed. I hope to fight in mid-September and early December because I just have a single fight this year," said Mijares.
The entire featherweight division is starting to take shape. Mexican Olympian Oscar Valdez will go against Argentine Matias Adrián Rueda on July 23rd for the vacant title of the World Boxing Organization (WBO). There is WBA world champion Leo Santa Cruz, who takes on Carl Frampton on July 30th, and IBF champion Lee Selby of the UK who is also hunting for a big fight.
"An important fight was won [earlier this month], and there are several offers to fight me, but the important thing is to fight and defend [the silver belt to continue my rise in the rankings]. My promoters analyzed the scenario, and in less than three months I'll be back into the ring," said Mijares.
