Hard-hitting middleweight Jose Luis Zertuche said he is absolutely thrilled to be fighting in his hometown for the first time on Top Rank's "Latin Fury" PPV in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico on Feb. 9.
"After seven years as a pro and having fought in Mexico six times, there was no way I thought I would ever fight in my hometown of Leon," said Zertuche.
A Mexican Olympian in 2000, Zertuche has made his career in the United States where he is very popular with his aggressive style and happy-go-lucky attitude.
"I always try to give the fans a good fight -- one they can really enjoy -- and go as hard as I can for as long as I can," said Zertuche.
Zertuche has not fought since losing to Kelly Pavlik last year Anaheim, California.
"I took time off and made some changes in life and my career. I moved to Los Angeles for a few months with my good friend Martin Castillo and finally ended up in Berkley with some friends," said Zertuche.
Zertuche has been training at King's Gym in Oakland.
"I have found better sparring there and I'm learning some new tricks. My defense had to improve but my aggressiveness is still the key to my sucess in the ring," said Zertuche.
What makes it even more satisfying for Zertuche is that he is in a very solid fight in his hometown, as he will be facing world ranked Marco Antonio Rubio a tough Mexican contender just like him.
"It's great to be fighting at home and doing it against a good opponent. This will give my fans the opportunity to see me at my best. Rubio is a strong, tough fighter and a very dangerous opponent, but I'm up to the challenge," said Zertuche.
Zertuche vs. Rubio will be on Top Rank's Latin Fury PPV fight card to be telecast from el Domo de la Feria in Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico on Saturday, February 9. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, the Son of the Legend, faces Jose Celaya in the Main Event and Edgar Sosa defends his WBC Mini Flyweight championship against Jesus Iribe.
