The World Boxing Association (WBA) number 1 ranked bantamweight Cuban Daniel Matellon will return to the ring at Los Andes Mall in Panama to face Mexican Ivan Garcia on Saturday.

The former interim champion of the pioneer body will make his first fight of 2022 and only has in mind the victory to keep his place as challenger to the crown held by Japanese Hiroto Kyoguchi, who just fulfilled a mandatory fight against Esteban Bermudez last month. 

“We are ranked No. 1 in the category and we have to come out with the victory to secure that bout we are so eager to go for the world crown,” said the 34-year-old Antillean to Crítica, of Panama.

Garcia is a young fighter (23 years old), who has a good record and who, like all Mexicans, is here to fight. “We come from Mexico to win the world ranking. It’s a great opportunity and I’m not going to waste it”.

Matellón has 12 wins in his professional career, has never lost and has drawn 2 times. Garcia, on the other hand, has won on 8 occasions with 1 setback and 1 draw.