By Rey Colon

Puerto Rican prospect José Pedraza will end the year fighting at 130 pounds but during the first quarter of 2012 he plans to move up to the lightweight division where he hopes to win his first world title. Pedraza (3-0, 3KOs) returns on August 19th in Puerto Rico and then has another fight scheduled for October 28th. Pedraza is co-promoted by the trio of Lou DiBella, Universal Promotions and Gary Shaw.

"I'm going to leave 130 because I find it a bit difficult to make weight. My body is asking me [to move up]. We planned to have seven fights in 2011 and after the 19th we hope to make two more, maybe an eight rounder. Now I'm training with Rocky Martinez and we did three rounds of sparring. Rocky to me is still a champion, he is strong and smart in the ring," Pedraza said.