Former two division world champion José “Sniper” Pedraza will remain in the junior welterweight division.
The veteran will continue to campaign at 140 pounds after suffering a decision loss in his division debut last month in Las Vegas, at the hands of Mexican boxer José "Chon" Zepeda.
“For now we are going to stay at 140 pounds. That is what we are working on,” Pedraza's father and coach, Luis Espada, told Jorge Ayala. “Really the weight was not a determining factor in the fight. He did very well. So we will stay at that weight."
Against Zepeda, Pedraza suffered the third defeat of his career.
Espada explains that it doesn't make any sense to drop back to the lightweight limit of 135, because Vasiliy Lomachenko holds three of the world titles and Richard Commey, who holds the remaining fourth, is facing mandatory challenger Teofimo Lopez in December.
Lomachenko is the current champion of the World Boxing Organization (WBO), World Boxing Association (WBA) and World Boxing Council (WBC), while Commey Commey holds the belt of the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
Pedraza already lost a twelve round decision last year to Lomachenko.
“One of the reasons (to stay at 140 pounds) is because of Vasyl Lomachenko. He has three titles and there is also Richard Commey. There is nothing [there for us right now], so we will continue working at 140," stressed the coach.
At the moment there is no clear picture of what is next for the Puerto Rican boxer. However, a second chance against Zepeda would be favorable.
“In fact, we would like a rematch with Zepeda. I don't know how viable it is. If they give it to us, we would take it,” said Espada.
The next fight for Pedraza could take place in December.
