by Rey Colon

Unbeaten WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo 'Papito' Vazquez had no problems with making the mandatory 3-day weight for his upcoming defense on May 7 in Las Vegas, Nevada, with Jorge 'Travieso' Arce. He came in at 128.2 and a 140.3 maximum was allowed.

"That shows that I do my job. I hydrate very well and do my job with lots of encouragement. There are many boxers who leave the weight for last, and I don't. If you're going to take an exam in college, you are not going to leave everything for the last day in terms of studying. I'm at the weight limit, drinking lots of water, my vitamins and strengthening my muscles. The week of the fight is to make the weight and rest," he said.

Vázquez, 20-0 and 17 knockouts, said he was very grateful to many people and God for giving him the opportunity to be the semi-final to the evening led by Manny Pacquiao's fight against Shane Mosley.

He said he was very aware that Arce, a three-time world champion, is looking to make history by becoming the first Mexico to win four divisional titles.

"It's my time, my opportunity and I will not miss anything. I will gain a lot of respect and the referee will raise my hand," he added.