By Jake Donovan  
 
A change of plans has been announced for this week's edition of Boxeo Telemundo. The card - which airs live from Kissimmee Civic Center in Kissimmee, FL (Friday, 11:35PM ET) - will no longer include series favorite Orlando Cruz.
 
The featherweight contender has opted to fast forward to a guaranteed vacant title fight with Orlando Salido, in lieu of the tentatively scheduled stay busy fight this weekend.
 
"It just made more sense," said promoter Felix 'Tuto' Zabala of the decision to drop him from this weekend's show. "We were searching for an opponent, but it's easier for Orlando and for all of us to just have him concentrate on preparing for his first world title fight."
 
The respective camps for Cruz and Salido have been in negotiations since mid-June, immediately following Mike Garcia's forfeiture of the title at the scales for failing to make weight ahead of his 4th round knockout of Juan Manuel Lopez.
 
Cruz originally hoped to remain active in the ring, coming off of a 6th round knockout of Aalan Martinez in March, which also aired on Telemundo. The Puerto Rican southpaw has won four straight following  back-to-back knockout losses more than three years ago.
 
"Each day I'm closer to my dream of winning a world championship," said Cruz.
 
Such a win would create a historic moment for Puerto Rico, giving the Olympic Class of 2000 its third major champ, joining former multi-division champs and future Hall of Fame entrants Miguel Cotto and Ivan Calderon. No Olympic squad from Puerto Rico has boasted more than two titlists, which adds extra incentive for Cruz to focus all of his time and strength on the best possible training camp.
 
"That means a lot to me, to have the opportunity to join such elite fighters," Cruz said.
 
The main event for this weekend remains intact, with former two-division champ Joan Guzman facing Vicente Mosquera in a vacant interim 140 lb. title fight. The show also features heavyweight newcomer Robert Alfonso as well as the pro debut of Albert Bell, both of whom recently signed with Acquinity Sports.
 
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor for Boxingscene.com and is also the Records Keeper for Transnational Boxing Ratings Board and a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.

Follow Jake on Twitter: @JakeNDaBox