Former multiple time world champion Celestino Caballero makes his long awaited return to action tonight when he squares off against Robinson Castellanos in a WBC featherweight title eliminator bout.
Caballero will be fighting in his native Panama for the first time in nearly four years. He has a well earned reputation for not being afraid to travel to the home of his opponents for fights, but this time, it is “Pelenchin” who will enjoy the home crowd advantage. His trainer, Jeff Mayweather, appreciates the return home, but is aware that it has creates a new set of challenges.
“Sometimes it can add pressure if you get too caught up in trying to please everyone. You can lose focus by overdoing it. When your in someone’s backyard, it’s like you against the world. When you’re home, you feel the whole world is on your side,” said Mayweather.
The winner of this fight captures the WBC Silver featherweight title, but more importantly becomes the mandatory challenger for the winner of the May clash between champion Daniel Ponce De Leon and Abner Mares. Caballero previously faced De Leon in 2005, handing him his first defeat in 25 contests. De Leon has said previously he does not want a rematch with Caballero, but Mayweather does not seem worried that should his charge win, that he will be somehow locked out of a title opportunity.
“I’m sure a win will put him in the title fight. The WBC reached out to Celestino, he didn’t reach out to them. They wanted him to fight for one of their titles because they think he’s a great warrior and will add prestige to the title. They know what he’s capable of.”
Speaking on whether or not ring rust may play a factor in the aging Caballero’s return, again the veteran trainer seemed confident.
“This has been the best training camp we have had since I have been training Celestino. We got great sparring, he didn’t overtrain, we monitored everything, and it worked out great. This will be the best Celestino since he’s been with me I think. I expect a great performance.”
We will find out in just a few short hours. Celestino Caballero last fought on New Year’s of 2011, when he defeated Satoshi Hosono of Japan.
