By Miguel Rivera
Undefeated Puerto Rican featherweight contender Jayson Velez (23-0-1, 16KOs) is ready for another world title shot. Last year he fought to a draw with then IBF champion Evgeny Gradovich, who was recently dethroned by mandatory challenger Lee Selby.
Velez was in action last Thursday night at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, California, and picked up a decision victory over Daniel Ramirez. It was a stay busy fight for Velez, who had not been in action since the November fight with Gradovich. Velez got in good work, dropping Ramirez in the second and going the ten round distance to win off of unanimous tallies of 98-91, 98-91 and 99-90.
"I think this time I have sent a clear message that I am ready to face any of the champions at 126 pounds," Velez said. "I have serious interest in facing Selby, who beat Gradovich. I am willing to fight him in England. At the moment I do not want anything other than a fight for a title."
If he can't get Selby, Velez is open to facing any of the other champions as well.
"I had an eliminator with Marvin Sonsona but he did not want it. But I'm willing to fight the winner between Gary Russell Jr. and Robinson Castellanos. I am willing to face Vasyl Lomachenko, Leo Santa Cruz, Nicholas Walters. I showed that I'm ready for the big names."