Golden Boy Promotions announced Friday afternoon that Mauricio Herrera will take on Jesus Soto Karass on Aug. 4 at fantasy Springs Casino. The can’t-miss fight is expected to be loaded with action and will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
“This is life or death for me, because both Soto Karass and I potentially have our careers on the line in this 'make or break' fight,” Herrera said. “In order to catapult myself back to title contention, I know the most important step will be preparing harder than ever to ensure the victory come fight night.”
Soto Karass (28-11-4, 18 KOs) hasn’t won in nearly four years, but he’s taken on some of the absolute best the welterweight division has had to offer. “El Renuente” lost to former world champion Devon Alexander, reigning WBA 147-pound king Keith Thurman and had two amazing wars with Yoshihiro Kamegai where he went 0-1-1 with the Japanese slugger. The Los Mochis, Mexico, native holds wins over Andre Berto and Selcuk Aydin, among others.
“Mark my words, on August 4, the fans will witness a comeback as they've never seen before in the ring. This could be one of my last chances to go all-out in the ring, and I want to be sure it happens in this fight,” said Soto Karass. “I know Herrera has accomplished a lot in his career, but this win means more to me and my legacy.”
Kicking off the ESPN broadcast coverage will be Vyacheslav Shabranskyy (18-1, 15 KOs) taking on fellow light heavyweight contender Todd Unthank-May (10-0-1, 4 KOs).