John Vera vs Michael Soro is set for March 24 in France for the WBA eliminator at 154lbs
Las Vegas, NV (February 20) – Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions has an opportunity for one of their stars to take that important next step from prospect to legitimate contender in just one night. Undefeated Texan, WBA #2 John “The Phenom” Vera 18-0 (11KO) will take on WBA #3 Michael Soro 31-2(21KO) on Saturday, March 24 in Marseilles, France. Winner will be the mandatory contender at 154lbs and will receive a world title opportunity in 2018.
Back in November, the World Boxing Association (WBA) ordered that the top two ranking contenders face each other for the final WBA eliminator, with the winner facing Erislandy Lara in 2018. Originally it was scheduled for WBA #1 Kanat Islam 25-0 (20KO) from Kazakhstan to face WBA #2 John Vera 18-0 (11KO) but for some reason, Islam made himself “unavailable” to face Vera after several attempts to put a deal in place.
“This is what Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Promotions has been working towards for John and we are excited to have John showcase his skills to the world,” stated Keith Veltre, CEO & Co-Founder of https://www.facebook.com/RJJBoxing/. “John is incredibly dedicated to his craft and will give 110% for this fight against Soro.”
After the failed attempt the WBA ordered that WBA #3 Michael Soro was the next in line for the opportunity. Soro, who fought for the “interim” WBA World Championship back on July 1st against undefeated Brian Carlos Castano 14-0(10KO) from Argentina fought gamely against the much smaller Castano losing a close SD12. Soro returned five months later to defeat Ivan Montero 20-3(8KO) from Mexico securing another world title opportunity.
In order to get another shot, Soro will have to defeat the ultra-talented, former NABA Champion and undefeated WBA #2 contender John Vera from Ft. Worth Texas.
“Folks are in for a night of action on March 24th,” stated John Vera. “As always my team and I won’t cut any corners and are making calculated moves to ensure we are ready to be victorious. Fighting in France is a huge motivator for me and Its time to show the world who John Vera is”
Vera will definitely pose a problem for Soro with his six-foot frame, southpaw stance, and footwork. Vera is very good and controlling the distance and dictating the pace with his long jab and his ability to change directions with his footwork. Vera was last seen in action on September 29th in Dallas Texas when he defeated Sunday Ajuwa 15-2(13KO) by TKO3.
Vera vs. Soro for the mandatory position is a very intriguing matchup in styles. Can the more conventional fighter in Soro use his pressure to disrupt the boxing prowess of Vera? Or will Vera sturdy Texas chin and boxing IQ be too much for the Frenchmen to overcome? On Saturday, March 24 we will all find out.
INFORMATION: This event is scheduled to be televised on https://www.mycanal.fr/
Follow John “The Phenom” Vera on his road to victory on IG: @johnverajr88 and Facebook: @johnverajr88
