Michael Farenas to face Argentinian Saucedo for mandatory title shot

MANILA, Philippines – Former boxing champion turned promoter Gerry Peñalosa says his protege Michael Farenas will next face Argentinian veteran Fernando Saucedo to decide the mandatory challenger for IBF junior lightweight titleholder Rances Barthelemy.

The 30-year-old Farenas (39-4-4, 31 knockouts) of Paranaque City, Philippines by way of Sorsogon has scored five straight knockout wins since his loss to Yuriorkis Gamboa in 2012, including a dominant eighth round knockout of previously unbeaten contender Mark Davis earlier this month at the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, Conn. on an ESPN2 televised main event.

The Davis fight earned Farenas the number two ranking at 130 pounds with the New Jersey-based International Boxing Federation, with the top ranking likely to be rendered empty when they release the new rankings.

The IBF has ordered Farenas to fight the next available contender, which happens to be the third rated Argentinian Saucedo (52-5-3, 8 KOs).

Saucedo, 32, has carved out a career for himself in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires, losing only when he steps up in class, like his 2010 decision loss to then WBA featherweight titleholder Chris John and his 2004 loss to future champion Acelino Freitas.

“It’s a good matchup, Saucedo is just like him, hungry for a title,” said Peñalosa, who hopes to host the number one contender fight in the Philippines before the end of the year. “May the best man win.”

Farenas, who was in attendance at Saturday’s boxing event promoted by Peñalosa in Mandaluyong City, told Rappler that he is only familiar with Saucedo’s record but has yet to see him fight.

“I’m open to any possibilities in my career as long as it’s a title shot,” said Farenas, who has gained international exposure fighting on several of Manny Pacquiao’s undercards.

The 28-year-old Cuban native now based in Miami, Fla. had previously announced after defeating Argenis Mendez to win the title earlier this month that he would be moving up to lightweight after struggling to make the 130-pound limit.

Barthelemy’s manager Robert Goldwasser tells Rappler there are no plans to move to 135 pounds “unless someone makes an offer we can’t refuse.” He adds that Barthelemy will be back in action in September or October. – Rappler.com