By Jhonny Gonzalez

Jose Pedraza is training through the holidays as he prepares for a very important fight in his career. Pedraza (5-0, 4KOs) will face the toughest test of his pro run with veteran Ira Terry (24-7, 14KOs) in the other corner. The two fighters will clash in a junior lightweight bout for a regional title under the World Boxing Council on December 30th at the Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, in Cabazon, California. The card is headlined by the ring return of former champion Jermain Taylor. Showtime is televising Taylor's return.

There won't be a big break period, as he returns on January 28th in his hometown of Cidra, Puerto Rico.

"We're training hard, but I'm happy. We are going to get the win, then take a week off and return to the gym to train for the 28th in Cidra, in front of my people. This victory for the [regional] title is what I want for Christmas. And then I'll top it off with a win on January 28th for my people in Cidra, who always supported me," Pedraza said to Jose Sanchez.