As speculated, the WBA and IBF Lightweight Championships are to be unified come April 28th in Brooklyn, New York at the Barclays Center. The show is presented by UK’s Matchroom Boxing.
We caught up with IBF Champion this morning to confirm that the contracts are now signed. Victoria Bustos (18-4) stated, “I am happy to make this big fight with Ireland’s Katie Taylor (8-0, 4 KOs).”
This will be Bustos’ first trip to the United States to compete, from her hometown of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina.
“I am very happy for this chance, like 9 years, to get to know another country,” added Bustos.
In preparation for facing one of the biggest new stars in the sport, Bustos stated, “Not many changes in preparation than previous matches. I always try to be better in each fight so that will not change. I will change my preparation until the day I retire. I know that they (Team Taylor) will be doing a lot to prepare and support her a lot in her country and in the US but that does not make a difference from how I have prepared for any from my previous rivals. I take this seriously, as I have with all of my previous matches and I am sure I will have an excellent camp that is necessary to make me come out victorious.”
Bustos is coming north, from Argentina, having successfully defended her IBF crown twice in 2017, a strong decision win over US up and comer Kimberly Connor and dominating Unanimous Decision victory over Maria Capriola. This bout will also be the her first match outside of her home country.
Not being deterred from Taylor’s growing star power, Bustos cited, “I am going to show why I am a champion for more than 4 years now and I want to take advantage of this great opportunity.”
That opportunity is the biggest of her career, in facing 18 month professional “Bray Bomber” whom captured the WBA championship in only her 7th bout and within her freshman year of the pro ranks. She successfully defended the strap in December over American contender, Jessica McCaskill.
In 2018, we are now seeing Champion vs. Champion on a more regular basis and on the main stage. April 28th brings two of the three Lightweight Champions to one of boxing’s Meccas with the third champion, Delfine Persoon, in the waiting for another unification match later in 2018. Currently, the WBO championship stands vacant.
We cannot wait for this one to unfold.
Bustos closed our conversation with her trademark: “HASTA LA VICTORIA SIEMPRE… (Onward to victory…)”
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Jay Kemp, #NextGenChamp
Northwest Chicago Suburb native that has an aptitude for development of sports. Sports is my life, from youth to professional levels. I make things happen! I AM GOLDEN! Sports BIZness specialties include marketable presentation, public relations, sponsorship acquisition and retention, up-to-date marketing strategies, charitable projects and how they translate into positive public image. In addition to boxing, I am a nationally certified coach in the sports of lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling, with ties to many other sports. Telephone: 224-627-3777
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