By Ryan Maquiñana

Despite rumors that his younger brother Mikey’s first title shot against WBA featherweight king Celestino Caballero (36-4, 23 KOs) might not come to fruition, trainer Robert Garcia insisted they have been preparing for the fight.                                           

“The latest word was that both of them had signed the contract to fight on July 28,” Garcia said.  “Things could change, but as far I know, we’re still getting ready for that date.”

As our Ryan Burton reported, Caballero signed his contract, which was sent to him by advisor Al Haymon on behalf of Mayweather Promotions.  Garcia (28-0, 24 KOs) is promoted by Top Rank.

Sampson Lewkowicz, whose offer trumped Top Rank’s proposal, won the purse bid for the fight.  Lewkowicz is scheduled to hold the event at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, Calif., with TeleFutura handling the broadcast.

Ryan Maquiñana writes a weekly boxing column for CSNBayArea.com.  He is a full member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and the Ratings Panel for Ring Magazine. E-mail him at rmaquinana@gmail.com, check out his blog at Norcalboxing.net, or follow him on Twitter: @RMaq28.