The WBA has ordered a purse bid for a potential fight involving titleholder Celestino Caballero and contender Mikey Garcia to be held on May 3rd. Promoters have been unable to reach an agreement within the 30 days that were allotted.
Caballero (36-4 23 KO’s) captured the title in Argentina last year after defeating Jonathan Victor Barros in a rematch of their first controversial fight which Barros somehow was given the decision. He last defended it on New Year’s Eve in Japan against Satoshi Hosono, winning an easy unanimous decision.
Caballero, given up for dead after his stunning split-decision loss to lightly regarded Jason Litzau, has resurrected his career in the featherweight division. Once again calls for fights against the biggest names in the division are being made. With a victory against the talented Garcia, perhaps Pelenchin will get his long awaited mega-fight.
Garcia (28-0 24 KO’s) won an easy victory last time out against the outclassed Bernabe Concepcion. Although Garcia has been most impressive in his wins, he has yet to step up in class against the elite fighters of the division. A fight with Caballero will provide just such an opportunity.
This fight promises to be an exciting fight that has a high risk-reward for either. A win by Garcia elevates him to the top of the division, and a win by Caballero cements his place atop the division and all but forces the other champions in the division to acknowledge him. Hopefully the fight gets made as it is one that promises to be fan friendly.
