LAS VEGAS (July 7, 2010)—Today the International Boxing Federation (IBF) ordered the camps of top available contenders, Yoan Pablo Hernandez and BJ Flores to have a free negotiating period until July 20th to complete a deal for the two fighters to engage in an elimination bout for the top contender spot for the right to face IBF Cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham.
If a deal is not reached the bout will go to purse bid.
“I am very excited about facing Yoan Pablo Hernandez in this tremendous opportunity to be the IBF mandatory challenger.” said Flores.
“He is a very good fighter but I am 200% confident in victory. He will not beat me!!”
The potential of facing off with IBF cruiserweight champion Steve Cunningham has Flores’ mouth watering.
“it is very hard not to think about facing the best fighter in your division when you feel it is so close. First things first with Yoan and then we will have the opportunity of a lifetime to face the most accomplished cruiserweight in the division, Steve Cunningham. This is the break I have needed for a long time. A fair opportunity to face the BEST in the division”
Even though Flores has been inactive he has stayed busy working as sparring partners for World Light Heavyweight champion Chad Dawson and former WBA Heavyweight champion John Ruiz. Flores also was the main Sparring partner for current WBA Heavyweight champion David Haye before his April 3rd title defense with Former champion Ruiz.
“Even though i have been out of the ring I am always working out and always staying sharp. I put in a lot of hard work and hard rounds with those three former champions and learned many valuable lessons in the last year. People always are asking me when I am fighting again. The time is NOW… Stay tuned!! ”
On the part about staying sharp and sparring and putting in rounds i want to add in that “I have been lifting weights and doing ply metrics over the last year to become more explosive. This year off has given my body a chance to heal and I have no injuries and have become way stronger and gained valuable experience being in the camp of three different world champions. I will be in the best shape of my life to make sure this fight doesn’t go the distance…I can’t wait!”
Flores of Las Vegas has a record of 24-0-1 with fifteen wins coming by knockouts, can also be seen as a guest studio analyst on ESPN 2 Friday Night Fights for which his next appearance will be July 16th for the Zab Judah – Jose Armando Santa Cruz fight from Newark, New Jersey.
