Jayson Velez on moving for Alvarado wants Vargas, Salido

By Ryan Burton

Jayson Velez (23-2-1) has gone just 1-2-1 over his past four fights.

The 28-year-old Puerto Rican returns to the ring Friday at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino against gritty Nicaraguan veteran Rene Alvarado (23-7) in the main event of an Estrella TV televised card.  The fight was originally slated to be the co-main event but was elevated when Alfonso Gomez hurt his elbow and his bout against Pablo Cesar Cano was cancelled.

He believes that moving up to the 130 pound super featherweight limit will help him produce better results in the ring.

"My training camp as always has been good. I am moving up in weight so I feel a lot stronger. I feel better. I have been practicing with my strength trainer. Being more boxing and using more defense and not just being a warrior all of the time. It has been very good. I am ready. Before I had to dehydrate myself to make weight. I always train hard. I am very disciplined and get good rest. Now I am going to be better," Velez explained.

As for his opponent, Alvarado has faced many of the top fighters around the featherweight division and Velez knows he needs to beat this type of opponent to get the types of fights he wants.

"He's a great fighter, a warrior. He fought Joseph Diaz and Rocky Juarez. He knocked out Robinson Castellano. I have to be intelligent and patient and choose my punches and not make a war every round. I have to do that sometimes but I have to be more selective," said Velez.

Like most fans, Velez enjoyed the June 4th battle between WBC super featherweight champion Francisco Vargas and Orlando Salido that ended in a draw.  While some observers feel that Salido should have gotten the decision, Velez feels a draw was an appropriate score.

"We knew that fight would be like that. It was what we were expecting. They are both great fighters. Salido always surprises fighters and fans. I think the draw was okay. Salido as the challenger did what he needed to do to get the title but Vargas did good as well. I think it was difficult to score that fight so the draw was okay," Velez told BoxingScene.com.

If he is able to get past Alvarado, would Velez want a crack at one either one of the tough Mexican duo?

Yes. Absolutely," he stated.

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