Golden Boy Promotions has announced that on November 23, 2019, WBA Super Featherweight world champion Andrew “El Chango” Cancio (21-4-2 16 KOs) will make the second defense of his world title in a 12 round rematch with mandatory challenger, Rene “El Gemelo” Alvarado (31-8-20 KOs).
The fight is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and will be streamed live on DAZN from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.
The 30-year-old tough-as-nails Cancio has grinded his way to becoming a world champion. His path through the ranks has been an arduous one filled with many obstacles, including tough losses to Joseph “JoJo” Diaz Jr. and Ronny Rios, a two-year hiatus that saw him take a full time job with the California Gas Company.
Finding the urge to return to boxing, Cancio enlisted the help of manager Ray Chaparro and re-signed with Golden Boy Promotions, winning a string of fights that culminated in a shot at the WBA world title held by Alberto “El Explosivo” Machado of Puerto Rico in February of 2019.
In a stunning upset, Cancio stopped Machado in the fourth round with a combination of body shots after being dropped himself in the opening round.
Following his victory, Cancio a native of the desert community of nearby Blythe, CA, received a parade and the key to the city in recognition of his accomplishment.
Machado initiated the rematch clause in the original contract and the immediate rematch was set for June 21, 2019 at the Fantasy Springs Casino where Cancio retained the title and again stopped Machado with a hard body shot–this time in the third round.
Now Cancio stands ready and excited to defend his title near home for the second time against an opponent he knows very well, having shared the ring with Alvarado in the same building.
“I’m very excited to return to my second home, Fantasy Springs Casino on November 23 for the rematch with Rene Alvarado,” said Cancio. “This is my 12th time fighting there, and I love the enthusiasm my fans bring to the venue in support of my fights. Rene Alvarado and I have fought before and now he’s earned another opportunity to fight me. I know he’ll be very well prepared to try and take my WBA world title. However, I plan on defending my championship in impressive style once again and show boxing fans in attendance and watching on DAZN that I’m the best 130-pound fighter in the world, period!”
His opponent, Rene Alvarado, is a crafty and experienced Featherweight contender who has faced a myriad of talented opposition in the division including, Robinson Castellanos, Rocky Juarez, Joseph Diaz Jr., Manuel Avila, Jayson Velez, Yuriokis Gamboa and Carlos Morales.
A young veteran of the ring from Nicaragua, Alvarado hopes to avenge his stoppage loss against Andrew Cancio.
“Nicaragua is known for its great world champions, and I’m one step away from becoming one,” Alvarado. “I’m coming for the victory against Andrew Cancio on November 23. We know each other very well, and it’s going to be a war.”
In the co-main event of the evening, WBA Featherweight champion Xu Can (17-2, 3 KOs) of China will defend his world title for the second time against contender Manny Robles III (18-0, 8 KOs) of Los Angeles in a 12-round fight.
Robles, the son of renowned trainer Manny Robles, seeks to capitalize on his first opportunity at a world title, while Can intends to continue his reign.
“My time has come,” said Robles III. “All of my amateur experience, the hours spent in the gym, and the tough fights as a professional have prepared me for this challenge. I’m ready to bring a world title to Los Angeles and make everyone at home proud. Xu Can is a phenomenal fighter, but on November 23, the Robles family will crown its very own world champion.”
Can is looking to defend his title back in the United States after a recent TKO win in his homeland of China.
“I’m ready to make the second defense of my world title,” said Can. “I defended it with honor in my home country of China, and now I’ll come back to the United States to defend it against a tough fighter. Manny Robles III as earned his opportunity. He is smart and tough, but I plan to remain champion for a very long time.”
The rest of the undercard has taken shape as well with a stacked card of young talent including a rematch between Welterweight contenders, Rashidi “Speedy” Ellis (21-0, 14 KOs) of Boston and Eddie “Eboy” Gomez (23-3, 13 KOs) of the Bronx, N.Y. in a 10-round rematch for the vacant WBA Continental Americas Welterweight title.
Gomez is eager to avenge the first-round knockout loss to Ellis in 2016, while Ellis looks to impress with a world title opportunity looming in the near future.
Victor Morales Jr. (12-0, 7 KOs) of Vancouver, Washington will return, making his Golden Boy debut in an eight-round Super Featherweight bout.
Two time Olympic medalist Alberto “Impacto” Melian (5-1, 3 KOs) of Buenos Aires, Argentina will compete in an eight-round Super Bantamweight fight, his first since his upset loss against Leonardo “Leon” Baez of Mexico for the NABA Super Bantamweight title.
Baishanbo Nasiyiwula (15-3-1, 6 KOs) of Urumqi, China will face Saul Corral (30-14, 20 KOs) of Sonora, Mexico in an eight-round Super Lightweight bout.
The card will also feature the professional debut of Daniel Barrera in a four-round Super Flyweight fight and the return of Alex Rincon (7-0, 6 KOs) in a six-round Super Welterweight fight.
Opponents for this undercard will be announced shortly.
