Cuellar Expects To End Juanma Inside The Distance

By Salvador Rodriguez

The interim-featherweight champion of the World Boxing Association, Jesus Cuellar of Argentina, has warned that his upcoming fight Puerto Rico's Juan Manuel Lopez will end inside the distance. Cuellar (24-1, 18 KOs) vs. Lopez (34-4, 31 KOs) takes place on September 11 at the Hard Rock in Las Vegas, two days before his countryman, Marcos Maidana takes on Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Lopez is coming off a devastating three round knockout loss to super featherweight contender Francisco Vargas in July.

"Lopez is a tough fighter. He hits hard, he was a world champion and I'm sure he is training hard for the win. He's a dangerous fighter because he still has power, but I also hit hard. We both can punch and although I'll be ready for twelve rounds - I do not think it reaches the distance," Cuellar said.

"For me this is a test to go to the big leagues, and earning great things in the future. We are working very hard to get past this obstacle."