By Rafael Soto
The stage is set at the Forum Convention Rosarito in Baja California, Mexico where Yazmin "The Rusita" Rivas will defend her WBC bantamweight world title against Catherine Phiri on Saturday night.
The card is part of the ongoing second annual convention by the World Boxing Council for women fighters.
"The Rusita" Rivas (34-8-0, 10 KO's) will be defending her belt for the fifth time. Phiri (10-1-0, 5 KO's) is the mandatory challenger.
This fight will be the headliner of the card being presented by Zanfer Promotions and televised by Azteca 7 with its stellar commentary team headed by legendary former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez.
Rivas, strong and in good spirits, came it at 118 pounds, while Phiri recorded 117 pounds.
Since winning the crown in in June 2014 by defeating Alesia Graf, "The Rusita" has defended his title successfully against Susie Ramadan, Celina Salazar, Simone Da Silva and Kandy Sandoval.
Meanwhile, Phiri returns from losing a controversial majority decision to Christina McMahon.
In the co-feature, Ramon "Innocent" Alvarez will seek to extend his streak to nine consecutive victories, when he faces American James Winchester over ten rounds at super welterweight. Alvarez (22-4-2, 14 KO's) has had great success with the fans due to his action packed style, but "Shotgun" Winchester (17-11-0, 4 KOs) has promised to stand his ground. They will battle for the NABF super welterweight championship.
FULL WEIGHTS
Ramón Álvarez 154 lbs. vs. James Winchester 154
(10 rounds NABF Superwelterweight title)
Yazmín Rivas 118 vs. Catherine Phiri 117
(10 rounds WBC World Female Batamweight Title)
Raja Amasheh 111.5 vs. Eileen Olszewski 111.5
(10 rounds WBC World Silver Flyweight Title)
Ana Arrazola 108 vs. Anely Hernández 108
(10 rounds WBC World Silver Junior Flyweight Title)
Luis Nery 118 vs. Luis H. Morales 118
Elvis Torres 129 vs. Rosalío Ríos 129
Sandra Robles 106 vs. Luz Rodríguez 106
Silvia Torres 105 vs. Joselyn Reza 105
