By Jake Donovan

Jorge Cota is seeking the fast track to stardom, or at least title contention.

The unbeaten middleweight prospect first made a name for himself late last year, scoring a one-sided eighth round stoppage of former 154 lb.  titlist Yori Boy Campas. The bout took place in his native Los Mochis, Mexico, but his next challenge doesn’t provide the luxury of a hometown backdrop.

Instead, Cota (12-0, 11KO) hits the road as he prepares for his toughest challenge to date when he faces middleweight contender Marco Antonio Rubio on June 30. The step up in class comes in Rubio’s hometown of Torreon, Mexico, in a main event that will air on Televisa’s ‘Sabado de Corona’ series.

A regional title is at stake in the fight, but Cota is far more interested in collecting scalps than trophies even at just three full years in service to date.

“’El Veneno’ is a name opponent and has fought for the world title,” Cota says of Rubio, who comes into the fight on the heels of a competitive points loss to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. this past February. “Beating him would mean a lot to my career. I’m undefeated and want to stay that way.”

The talented middleweight has enjoyed a rapid ascension through the ranks. Now comes the next step, which will take place in front of a hostile crowd on an evening billed ‘Noche de los Guerreros de Torreon’. True talent finds a way to rise to the occasion, which is precisely what Cota promises.

“I’m not afraid of fighting on the road. On the contrary, it gives me twice the motivation to show that I can go anywhere and win against anyone. More so, I invite all fans attending the event to be witnesses the last fight of ‘El Veneno’, because I will retire him just like I removed Yori Boy Campas.”

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of Boxingscene.com. Follow Jake on Twitter at twitter.com/JakeNDaBox or submit questions/comments to JakeNDaBox@gmail.com