By Ryan Burton
IBF bantamweight champion Randy Caballero (22-0) will have been out of the ring 13 months since capturing his title with a unanimous decision victory over Stuart Hall in October, 2014. He will make his first start of the year on Saturday when he defends his title against Lee Haskins (32-3). The fight takes place on the Miguel Cotto-Canelo Alvarez undercard at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Southern California is very pleased to be making his first title defense on such a high profile card. He feels that this is the type of platform he needs to become a star in the sport.
"I'm excited to be getting back in the ring. I've been working hard and watching a lot of fights. Seeing some wars just gets me more excited to get back in there. I am especially excited to be on such a big card and defend my title and show people what I bring to the table in the sport of boxing," said Caballero.
When a fighter is out of the ring for such a long period of time, a slow start in their ring return is usually of great concern. Caballero dismissed the question and said that just because he hasn't fought, doesn't mean that he hasn't been working hard.
"No, I'm not worried at all. I have been in the gym sparring with tough guys, getting my work in. I don't think I will have any ring rust at all. I stay active. I don't ever stop. I wasn't out of the gym for that whole year. This training camp has been amazing. I would say honestly this has been my best training camp. I feel like I am coming back refreshed and feel very strong," Caballero told BoxingScene.com.
Caballero-Haskins takes place in the fight just before the HBO pay-per-view telecast begins.
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