Jose Pedraza Looks at 135 Move After Options Dry Out at 130

By Miguel Rivera

The concept of a fight between Jose 'Sniper' Pedraza (22-0, 12KOs) and Vasyl Lomachenko has not materialized as anticipated.

Instead, the Puerto Rican fighter is seriously consider the possibility of trying his luck in the lightweight division.

Pedraza, who holds the IBF super featherweight world title, was gunning for the opportunity to unify the 130-pound titles with Lomachenko, who last month moved up in weight and captured the WBO belt after brutally knocking out Puerto Rican Roman "Rocky" Martinez in five rounds at The Theater in New York's Madison Square Garden.

Pedraza was ringside for the fight between Lomachenko and Martinez. He helped Martinez prepare for the fight and was hoping to get Lomachenko if he won.

"We are looking at the possibility of defending [our belt], but the possibilities of going up to 135 pounds are very real," said Luis Espada, head trainer of Pedraza, to Carlos Gonzalez.

"We thought it was a good possibility [to face Lomachenko]. We threw a few feelers out there [to get the fight], but there was no response. So now we will look to you to make a lightweight bout for December to see if our desire is fulfilled."

It is speculated that Lomachenko risk the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title against the only man to defeat him, Mexican slugger Orlando "Siri" Salido.   

"The scenarios have changed [in our division]. Javier Fortuna lost against Jason Sosa [who was now ordered to do his mandatory], Francisco Vargas will not fight until next year, so a good option is to go up to 135 pounds and if this year we receive the opportunity to fight for a title at that weight - we'll take it," Espada said.