Omega boxer Rosales in biggest fight of his career

CEBU, Philippines - Jhonny Gonzalez may be older and has more fights under his belt, but that doesn't faze undefeated Jesse Chris Rosales as he takes on the veteran Mexican in the biggest fight of his career in Chihuahua, Mexico this morning.

Rosales, who is undefeated in 22 fights with one draw, will be challenging the two-division world champion for the WBC Latino super featherweight title, an opportunity that rarely comes for a Filipino fighter.

"Panagsa ra ni na opportunity na gi-challenge ta og championship, sa Mexico pa gyud. We will try our best to grab this win," said Omega Pro Sports International Vice President Jerome Calatrava.

Rosales, who arrived in Mexico four days ago, tipped the scales at 125.6 pounds, the same weight of Gonzalez.

"Tomorrow (today) will be the highlight of Rosales boxing career. He looks sharp and family iya inspiration for this fight," said Calatrava.

In an interview with Ryan Songalia of Ring TV, the 25-year-old Rosales, who turned pro in 2008, said he is fighting so his 20-month-old son won't experience what he went through growing up. A victory in hostile Mexico is sure to raise Rosales' stock in the boxing world.

And standing in his way is the dangerous Gonzalez, the 35-year-old who boasts of a fearsome 63-10 record with 53 knockouts.

Against the veteran, Rosales, who is the best shape of his career, will try to use his patience and follow the team's game plan.

"We will follow our game plan, take it one round at a time. Biggest factor would be Rosales' patience," said Calatrava.

Knowing that he is in hostile territory, Rosales said he will try to take the fight out of the judges’ hands.

“I will try my best to make sure it won’t reach the 10th round. I won’t say what round I will stop him, but I will try my very best to stop him,” said Rosales.

That’s going to be a tall older for Rosales as Gonzalez has been stopped only four times in his 10 losses, the last time to Gary Russel Jr. when he defended his WBC featherweight belt in 2015. He jumped to the super featherweight division after that loss.

“In God’s will maybe makuha nato ni na daog for the glory and honor sa country, the pride of Cebuanos,” said Calatrava. (FREEMAN)