By Miguel Rivera

WBC lightweight world champion Antonio DeMarco has arrived in his native Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico - where on Saturday he faces compatriot Miguel "Mickey" Roman. DeMarco makes the first defense of his title, which he dramatically won in October 2011 by beating Venezuelan Jorge "Golden Boy" Linares.

 

The lanky southpaw traveled over with his team led by renowned trainer Romulo Quirarte, and their colleagues from the Centenary Sports Centre.

 

DeMarco (26-2-1, 19 KOs) will go through some moderate exercises before he comes face to face with Roman (37-9, 28 KOs) at Friday's weigh-in at the nightclub Taboo. The weigh-in will be open to the public.

"It's time to show people why I am the world champion. I will enjoy this week in Los Mochis, with my people. I hope to receive the support and love of everyone. I have committed myself to winning and to convince everyone about my quality. I never thought I would be fighting in my country as the world champion, but life is so generous. Now I'm champion, but I haven't changed. Miguel Roman will never win, especially in my house," DeMarco said.