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FIGHT ODDS

Rigondeaux to Face Flores in Cotto-Kirkland Co-Main Event

Mike SloanJan 26, 2017

One of the craftiest boxers fighting today will be in action on what is shaping up to be a massive card for the sport of boxing in the early stages of 2017. Guillermo Rigondeaux will take on Moises Flores on Feb. 25; the bout will serve as the co-feature to the Miguel Cotto vs. James Kirkland event at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.

Rigondeaux, ranked at No. 7 on the current Sherdog.com boxing pound-for-pound list, has been on everybody's minds as one of the best in the world for a few years now. Long stretches of inactivity have curtailed his ascent through the rankings, but "El Chacal" is determined to change all that this year. The Cuban defector has already scooped up the WBA and WBO versions of the super bantamweight world title, and he is expected to have his hands full against one of Mexico's brightest young stars in Flores.

“I'm very excited, it’s my first fight back in the States in over a year," said Rigondeaux (17-0, 11 KOs). "I want to show the world and my loyal fans that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. I will be defending my title on Feb. 25. I’d like to thank Moises Flores for having the courage to face me in the ring. He is a tough fighter and will have all his fans in Texas cheering for him. It's going to be a battle so fans, get ready to see me in action.”

Flores (25-0, 17 KOs), has feasted largely on regional opposition throughout his homeland, but "Chucky" has turned up the heat recently, having toppled solid contenders Oscar Escandon, Luis Emanuel Cusolito and Paulus Ambunda in succession. However, he's never faced anybody with the skill set of Rigondeaux, a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

"I'm very excited to be facing Guillermo Rigondeaux on HBO Pay-Per-View," said Flores. "I'm training hard and look forward to making the Mexican fans proud when I defeat the great Rigondeaux."

The opening bout of the telecast will see unbeaten prospect Diego de la Hoya (16-0, 9 KOs) looking to take the next big step in his career when he opposes Yoandris Salinas (21-2-2, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super bantamweight affair. The action will go live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.