Costa Rican Yokasta Valle will carry out her first defense of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) 105-pound title on Saturday against Philippine Carleans Rivas, who has promised to dethrone the champion.
The first defense of the title will take place this end in San José, Costa Rica.
Valle won the belt last August from the Spanish Joana Pastrana in a match held in Marbella and which was defined by points.
The Tica boxer, with a record of 19 wins (8 by KO) and two losses, said she was excited to defend the title in her country and assured that she will retain the belt.
“I just hope the fight starts, I’m ready and Costa Rica deserves that we keep that belt at home. Dreams can come true, even if there are people who say otherwise. You always have to believe in yourself and say I am a champion, not only in sport but in life in general, “said the boxer.
The Costa Rican thanked her coach Marco Delgado for the preparation that has led her to be crowned world champion, as well as her family and the Costa Rican fans for their support.
In the weigh-in ceremony, the Costa Rican marked 104 pounds and the Filipino 103 pounds, so the table was set for Saturday’s fight.
The Philippine Rivas, with a mark of 8 wins, 6 losses and 4 draws, assured that she will dethrone the champion in six rounds.
“Six rounds is all that will last. The organization of the event has been incredible, I admire Yokasta but I come for his title, from here I will not leave without him ”, expressed the Asian boxer.
Rivas is in the Top 5 of the IBF rankings and fought twice in 2019, both against his compatriot Floryvic Montero, whom he defeated without major complications. EFE