Friday, 31 July 2026 · Philippines
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FARENAS TO FIGHT WBO LATINO INTERIM CHAMPION IN TEXAS

Southpaw Michael ?Hammer Fist? Farenas, fresh from a courageous performance against Cuba?s former 2004 Olympic gold medalist, undefeated Yuriorkis Gamboa to whom he dropped a twelve round unanimous decision in a WBA superb featherweight interim title fight last December 8, will face WBO Latino interim lightweight champion Hardy Paredes over ten round in Austin, Texas on April 27.

Top Rank matchmaker Brad Goodman, impressed by Farenas gallant stand against Gamboa, believes he deserves a good test against the hard-hitting 30 year old Paredes of Chile who has a record of 10 knockouts in 16 wins although he also has 11 defeats.

The 28 year old Farenas, a prot?g? of former two division world champion Gerry Penalosa, has a record of 34-4-4 with 26 knockouts who, besides being a big puncher is also known for his fighting heart which will be tested against Paredes who is nicknamed ?The Hurricane.?

Paredes, nicknamed ?Eye of the Hurrricane? won the Interim Latino title with a stunning 1st round knockout of Cid Edison Bispo Ribeiro of Brazil on November 18, 2011. Ribeiro had a record of 10-1 with 7 knockouts.

Paredes is coming off a 2nd round knockout of Mexico?s Rafael Reyes last February 2 in a scheduled six round bout.

Penalosa told the Manila Standard that Farenas has been training hard and is in fine condition and is hoping an impressive win will earn him a title shot. He said that since certified strength and conditioning coach Milan Tabanas began working with Farenas his physical condition has improved as well as his speed and reflexes.

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