WORLD title hopeful Richie Mepranum will face the toughest fight of his career when he topbills a pre-Pacquiao fight in Grapevine, Texas on March 12 (March 13 Philippine time), the day before Manny Pacquiao meets Ghanian Joshua Clottey.
Richie left for Los Angeles Friday morning where he will resume training against undefeated Mexican southpaw Hernan Marquez.
The non-title fight is slated for 112 pounds.
Marquez has knocked out 20 of his 27 opponents and has not suffered any loss.
Mepranum last fought in the undercard of Pacquiao-Cotto fight in November last year where he won an exciting six-round split decision against Ernie Marquez.
Mepranum’s manager Mayor Jojo Lopez of Maasim, Sarangani said if Richie hurdles past Marquez, he could gun for a world title later this year.
“Marquez is a tough customer. He is undefeated and only seven of his opponents went the distance. This is an acid test for Richie,” Lopez said.
Richie will head a boxing card in the US for the first time in his career.
He already fought twice in Las Vegas – both for six rounds.
The 22-year old boxer from Sarangani is also a southpaw like his opponent.
Richie holds a respectable record of 22 wins, one loss and one draw.
His only loss was a controversial decision in his first fight abroad against Denkaosan Kaovichit of Thailand.
In June 2006, Mepranum toyed with Tanzanian knockout artist Juma Fundi to capture the WBO oriental flyweight crown. He also holds a win over reigning RP flyweight titleholder Rocky Fuentes.
Richie’s other record blemish was a disputed draw against Efren Huesca in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Larios fight at the Araneta Coliseum in 2006.
