By Miguel Rivera
Puerto Rican lightweight contender Jose "Sniper" Pedraza will end his training camp in Puerto Rico this Saturday and then leave for Las Vegas, Nevada, for the final phase of his preparations.
Pedraza is getting prepared for his world title showdown against Raymundo Beltran.
The Puerto Rican boxer will challenge Beltran for the lightweight crown of the International Boxing Federation (IBF), on August 25 at the Gila Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
Once in Las Vegas, Pedraza will use the gym his promoter, Top Rank, who also handle Beltran.
"We want to be there at least two weeks before [the fight] to be comfortable, calm and focused on the fight," said Luis Espada, coach and manager of Pedraza, to Carlos Gonzalez.
Espada explained that switching their training camp to Las Vegas will offer a scenario to avoid possible distractions.
"The plan will be to train and rest, 100%. On Saturday, José will have his last sparring session so that in Las Vegas he concentrates on maintaining his physical condition and making the weight," said Espada, who anticipated that Cidra's boxer will leave Puerto Rico weighing 144 pounds.
Also, the coach mentioned that they will continue to elaborate the strategic plan to counter the Beltran style.
"We know it's an important and tough fight. Beltran is a boxer with power and also endures punishment. We have to be prepared for Jose to be the boxer, to keep his distance, to avoid being against the ropes and stay away from a toe to toe fight," said Espada.
"If José stays in front of Beltrán to exchange punches he could pay the price and that is what we are going to avoid. We want distance, not be against the ropes and when necessary to hold."
