By Steve Kim

This Saturday night from the Microsoft Theater at LA Live in Los Angeles, lightweight contender Ray Beltran (33-7-1, 21 KO's) takes on Bryan Vasquez for the NABF and NABO lightweight titles.

This bout is the televised co-feature on ESPN, which has a main event showcase where Vasyl Lomachenko defends his WBO super featherweight belt against Miguel Marriaga.

Beltran said of his upcoming foe - "I've seen him fight before, he's a tough opponent. He likes to bang, he likes to fight. So I really expect a difficult fight, he's a threat to me so I'm ready."

This hard-nosed veteran, who's coming off a highlight reel knockout of Jonathan Maicelo on May 20th, is rated second by both the WBC (who's belt-holder is Mikey Garcia) and WBO (who's champion is Terry Flanagan).

"I think I deserve a title shot, right now. I've done everything, it's just a matter of time," said the 36-year old Beltran.

When asked if there was a particular fight he yearned for, he stated - "I would love to fight Mikey Garcia."

Garcia is coming off his clear cut decision victory over Adrien Broner from this past weekend. It was an outing that impressed Beltran.

"He did great, Mikey is a really good champion, very smart, very talented. To me, he did a great job, nothing bad to say about him. He showed up and Broner didn't show up."

So why would he trouble the technically sound Garcia?

"Because based on my experience. I've fought everybody and one of the best champions is Terence Crawford," explained Beltran, who was defeated by 'Bud' back in November of 2014.

"That gave me a lot of confidence. Terence Crawford is better than him, I really believe and I think that experience gives me the advantage. I'm a strong fighter. I'd make him fight."

Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.