Ryad Merhy and Williams Ocando will face off for the vacant WBA Inter-Continental cruiserweight title over a scheduled 12 rounds at Spiroudome Arena in Charleroi, Hainaut, Belgium, on Saturday, May 21.

Born on the Ivory Coast, but fighting out of Brussels, 23-year-old Merhy is a three-year ring vet (18-0, 15 KOs). Undefeated and hard-hitting, he won the vacant WBC International Silver cruiserweight title in his most recent bout, last December, by knocking out Sylvera Louis in the sixth.

His 27-year-old opponent, a Venezuelan, is a five-year pro (16-3, 14 KOs). Although a hard-hitter, Ocando has tasted defeat three times, twice by TKO, and has in fact lost two of his last six. He most recently fought last month, stopping Estarki Peralta by second-round TKO.

This article was penned by the author who is not related to the WBA and the statements, expressions or opinions referenced herein are that of the author alone and not the WBA.