Guevara Faces Unbeaten Richard Claveras, 4/11 In Mexico

With less than three weeks to go before fight night, Pedro Guevara finally has a challenger for his April 11 headliner in Mazatlan, Mexico. The recently crowned junior flyweight titlist will make his first defense versus unbeaten Filipino knockout artist Richard Claveras.

The bout will air live on Televisa in Mexico. 

Claveras (12-0-2, 12KOs) fights outside of the Philippines for the first time in his young career, having just recently celebrated three full years in the pro ranks. The 25-year old contender is coming off of a 1st round knockout win this past January in Manila. 

The visiting challenger has scored 10 straight knockouts, having never been extended beyond eight rounds. That part, more so than his level of competition, is what caught the eye of the defending titlist. 

"The only thing I know about him is that he is a strong fighter, possessing the type of punching power that has allowed him to win all his fights by knockout," notes Guevara (24-1-1, 16KOs). 

Despite just learning of his opponent on Tuesday, Guevara has been in training for the bout virtually since claiming the title. A big win on the road in Japan last New Year's Eve propelled the seven-year ring veteran towards the top of the junior flyweight division, coming up big with a 7th round stoppage of former two-division champ Akira Yaegashi. 

Now armed with a belt and a six-fight win streak, all fights are viewed from the perspective that everyone is swinging for his crown.

"When you're a world champion, there is no margin for error or overconfidence," insists Guevara. "The camp in Otomi gave the results we wanted (in Japan). I am here to confirm my stance as champion, and that I will be here for a long time." 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox