By Jake Donovan
Adrian Hernandez is ready to continue his quest for a flyweight title fight, while Nery Saguilán strives for a crack at the junior welterweight crown. Both fighters made weight for their separate co-headliners Saturday evening in Mexico City.
Saguilán showed far more discipline at the scales than was the case in his last bout. The aspiring contender came in at 139.5 lbs. for his regional title fight with Wilfrido Buelvas, who tipped the scales at 141 lbs.
The lack of scale drama was a welcome change from his eventual win over Marcos Villanueva Jr. this past March. Saguilán—primarily a lightweight going into the fight—agreed to a catchweight of 142 lbs. for their bout, but failed on two separate tries to make weight.
Best known for donning a mask during his ring entrances, Saguilán literally had to hide his face in shame while catching an earful from the Villanueva camp. The show went on, with Saguilán claiming a competitive but clear decision in a spirited affair.
Meanwhile, Hernandez continues to comfortably into a flyweight frame. The former two-time junior flyweight titlist came in at 113 lbs. for a stay busy affair with Saul “Baby” Juarez, who also weighed 113 lbs.
Their non-title affair is scheduled for 10 rounds.
Hernandez (30-3-1, 19KOs) saw his second title reign come to an end last April when he was humbled by young upstart Naoya Inoue inside of six one-sided rounds. He has since bounced back with a 2nd round knockout win over Armando Torres last November.
The long-term goal for Hernandez is flyweight supremacy, already calling out World champion Román “Chocolatito” Gonzalez.
Juarez (20-4, 11KOs) moves up in weight for this bout. The 24-year old is coming off of a decision loss to Milan Melindo in their junior flyweight title eliminator last November.
Both bouts will air live on Televisa in Mexico City (Saturday, 10:30 p.m. local time).
Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox
