by Ronnie Nathanielsz

 

Undefeated Puerto Rican Jose “Sniper” Pedraza  who has a record of 18-0 with 12 knockouts claims his boxing skills which stem from a solid amateur background would be too much for hard-hitting Filipino southpaw Michael Farenas when they clash for the IBF No.1 spot in San Juan, Puerto Rico on November 14.

 

Pedraza made the statement hours before Farenas was to leave for Los Angeles with trainer Carl Penalosa and strength and conditioning coach Jay San Pedro with Farenas set to train at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym before flying to Puerto Rico on November 9.

 

Pedraza who is ranked No. 4 by the WBA, No. 5 by the WBC and No. 6 by the IBF is ready to put everything on the line in what is effectively a title eliminator with the winner to be given a crack at champion Rances Bartehelemy (21-0, 12 KO’s) who is coming off a recent comfortable twelve round unanimous decision over No. 6 ranked Jose Saucedo.

 

Farenas who is ranked No. 2 by the IBF behind a record of 39-4-4, 31 KO’s) had his last sparring session at the Gerry Penalosa Gym in Better Living, Paranaque on Thursday and went four rounds with former OPBF champion Joel “Mulawin” Alibio and concentrated on cutting off the ring and hammering his opponent with vicious body shots.

 

Farenas is a protégé of former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa  who himself conceded that Pedraza is good but fights like an amateur and Farenas will prove to be too strong and too experienced just like he was against undefeated Mark “Too Sharp” Davis whom Farenas hammered into submission in nine rounds.

 

Despite his amateur background Pedraza has knocked out five of his last seven opponents and is reportedly excited about showcasing his talent before a hometown crowd.

 

Pedraza was quoted as saying “I’ve worked very hard to get into this position and I’m going to take advantage of this opportunity.”

 

He conceded that Farenas “ is a very powerful puncher but I feel my boxing skills will prevail and I will be victorious.”

 

Farenas is coming off a five-fight knockout streak. He possesses awesome punching power in both hands and with his advantage in experience, Penalosa feels very confident going into the fight.

 

While Penalosa hinted about his concern over judging in Puerto Rico he is looking to Farenas to take the decision out of the judges hands by stopping Pedraza.