After his dominating performance against Philippine contender Michael Farenas (39-5-4, 31 KOs), Puerto Rican star and IBO super-featherweight champion, Jose "Sniper" Pedraza (19-0, 12 KOs), is elated that he's become the mandatory challenger to face IBF champion Rances Barthelemy (21-0, 12 KOs).
"I'm very excited about my future and I'm very thankful to my promoters Gary Shaw, Lou DiBella and Javier Bustillo for getting me the fights I needed to become the mandatory challenger to fight for the IBF title." said Pedraza. "I've been getting a lot of support from my people here in Puerto Rico and it feels great to be loved by them. I've already started training as I'm eager to get back in the ring. I'm ready to fight Rances Barthelemy and bring home the IBF title."
Promoter Gary Shaw was amazed on how well Pedraza picked apart Farenas in their bout. He feels Pedraza soared from a fighter on the rise to one of the best fighters in the 130lbs division.
"Pedraza was absolutely outstanding in his fight with Farenas," said Gary Shaw. "He looked fantastic. He has the rare ability to make adjustments in the ring against any style. He proved he can hang with the big boys. Farenas is a big puncher and Pedraza negated everything he brought to the table. Pedraza graduated from top prospect, to world title contender in one terrific performance. I believe he is the top 130 pounder in the world, and come early 2015 will prove it when he fights for the world title."
Pedraza is promoted by Gary Shaw Productions, DiBella Entertainment and Universal Promotions.