Weights From Cartagena: Marriaga 126, Montoya 126

By Jake Donovan

Miguel Marriaga looks to continue his climb back into the featherweight title mix, as he's set for a 12-round regional title defense versus Mexico's Eduardo Montoya. Both boxers came in right at the 126-pound featherweight limit for their bout, which headlines a three-fight show Friday evening in Cartagena, Colombia.

The night - which carries a theme of Colombia vs. Mexico in all three bouts - will mark the fifth ring appearance for Marriaga (24-1, 20KOs) since his 12-round decision loss to Nicholas Walters in a failed bid for the featherweight title last June. The 30-year old boxer from Cartagena was stepping way up in class for his HBO debut, which garnered extra attention after Walters missed weight. 

Marriaga failed to take advantage of the situation, but showed his toughness in lasting all 12 rounds. He has since scored four straight wins, including a minor upset in a 6th round knockout of Guy Robb this past August in Fallon, Nevada. 

Montoya (19-5-1, 13KOs) has won two straight versus made-to-order competition following a points loss to unbeaten Filipino prospect Mark Magsayo this past February in Cebu, Philippines. Friday's bout will mark just his second outside of his native Mexico. 

Also on the show:

• Denier Berrio (18-0-1, 11KOs) of Tolu, Colombia - who has won 18 straight following a draw in his pro debut - weighed in right at the 130-pound super featherweight mark for his 10-round clash with Mexico's Carlos Ruiz (15-2-1, 5KOs), who checked in at 129.8 lbs. for his third career bout outside of his home country;
• Barranquilla's Berman Preciado (14-1-1, 10KOs) tipped the scales at 123 lbs. for his first bout back since suffering his lone loss in June, as he faces Mexico's Martin Casillas (15-9-1, 9KOs), who came in right at the 122-pound super bantamweight limit.

The show - presented by Felix 'Tuto' Zabala's All-Star Boxing, Inc. - will air live on Win Sport and TeleCaribe in Colombia.

Twitter: @JakeNDaBox_v2