By Steve Kim
On Saturday night from the Tachi Palace and Hotel in Lemoore, California, Ray Beltran faces Miguel Angel Mendoza (22-8-2, 21KOs) in a ten rounder. The fight will be part of Top Rank's Solo Boxeo telecast on UniMas.
Back on May 21st, Beltran blew out Ivan Najera after serving a year long suspension for failing his drug test for steroids after his bout with Takohiro Ao in May of 2015.
So what's in store for the 35-year old, who has a record of 30-7-1 (18 KO's)?
"My goal is to stay at 135, I still make weight good and I want to get my title shot soon,"said Beltran, earlier this week at the Wild Card Boxing Club, to BoxingScene.com.
Back in November of 2014, Beltran dropped a wide decision against Terence Crawford for the WBO lightweight title. He is still promoted by Top Rank.
"They still haven't told me anything I know they have a good plan for me. I just signed a new contract with them, it looks very promising for me," Beltran said.
But on his hit list is anyone that has a belt near his weight class.
"I wish I could fight Anthony Crolla or Terry Flanagan," said Beltran, who is also interested in a rematch. "Ricky Burns at 140, I don't care, that's a good fight for us, also."That would be a big fight in Scotland."
Back in Septemer of 2013, Beltran faced Burns - who was then the WBO lightweight belt-holder - and had to settle for a dubious draw. Most observers had Beltran doing more than enough to get his hands raised in victory in Burns' backyard. Back on May 28th Burns stopped Michele DiRocco to capture the vacant WBA junior welterweight title.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com