UNCASVILLE, Connecticut – Luis Nery’s first 122-pound title fight wasn’t nearly as easy as many within the boxing industry anticipated.
The strong southpaw had problems penetrating Aaron Alameda’s jab and didn’t land a lot of flush punches on his previously unbeaten countryman Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mexico’s Nery (31-0, 24 KOs) still defeated Alameda (25-1, 13 KOs) by unanimous decision in their 12-rounder to win a vacant version of the WBC’s super bantamweight title and moved into position for a championship unification fight.
Nery mentioned Brandon Figueroa, the WBA’s secondary champ, as a potential opponent for his next bout. Figueroa (21-0-1, 16 KOs) dominated Damien Vazquez (15-2-1, 8 KOs) for most of their title fight on the same card Saturday night, until referee Gary Rosato finally stopped the one-sided action in the 10th round.
“There are definitely a lot of good fighters [at] 122,” Nery said during a post-fight press conference. “The name of Brandon Figueroa has come up, but we’re gonna check with Al [Haymon], see what our next move is, and next fight just be more prepared.”
Nery would undoubtedly be the best opponent of the 23-year-old Figueroa’s five-year pro career, but Nery was impressed with how Figueroa fought versus Vazquez. Figueroa became the first fighter to stop Las Vegas’ Vazquez inside the distance.
“I did see the Brandon Figueroa fight,” said Nery, who fought after Figueroa on Saturday night. “He’s a very good fighter. And he uses his distance very good. So, it’s a fight that I’d definitely have to prepare well for, against Figueroa.”
The WBC likely will order Nery to fight fellow Mexican Rey Vargas once Vargas is healthy. Vargas (34-0, 22 KOs) has made five defenses of the WBC super bantamweight crown, but he was designated the WBC’s champion in recess once he suffered a broken leg that’ll keep him out of action for an extended period of time.
Regardless, Nery should have plenty of options among 122-pound fighters affiliated with Haymon’s Premier Boxing Champions. Figueroa, Vargas, WBO champ Angelo Leo (20-0, 9 KOs) and former IBF/WBA champ Daniel Roman (28-3-1, 10 KOs) all are PBC boxers.
“We’re ready for anybody at 122,” Nery said. “As long as the business end makes sense, we don’t fear anybody.”
Keith Idec is a senior writer/columnist for BoxingScene.com. He can be reached on Twitter @Idecboxing.
