Julio Ceja Returns 11/1, Eyes Bantamweight Title Shot

By Jake Donovan

Bantamweight contender Julio Ceja will return to the ring November 1 in Mexico, as he continues his quest for another title shot. An opponent has yet to be named for the fight, which will air live on Televisa.

The free-swinging knockout artist has won three straight since suffering the lone loss of his career, a majority decision to Jamie McDonnell in their vacant title fight on the road in the United Kingdom last May.

The belt has since been passed around and once again vacated earlier this year following Paul Butler’s upset win over Stuart Hall. Butler gave up the belt to campaign at 115 lb., but Ceja—the #2 ranked contender at the time—was snubbed when Hall was reinserted into the rankings and granted another chance at reclaiming title status as he faces Randy Caballero next month in England.

Putting the politics aside, Ceja remains on the grind as he pursues other avenues to claim a major title in the bantamweight division.

“We’re working hard for a great return (to the ring),” Ceja said from training camp. “We’re looking at another fight for the championship, which we hope will happen before the end of the year.”

Ceja (27-1, 25KOs) is coming off of a 10th round knockout win over Ranel Suco this past April. The win put him in position to eventually challenge for the title currently held by Shinsuke Yamanaka, the unbeaten long reigning titlist from Japan who will first defends his crown against former 115 lb. titlist Suriyan Sor Rungvisai next month in Tokyo.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com, as well as the Records Keeper for the Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of Boxing Writers Association of America. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox