WBO super bantamweight champion Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. has already begun training for a potential clash with former world champion Jorge Arce on the undercard of the May 7 mega-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley. "Wilfredo began to train hard today, after enjoying his first Christmas as a champion. He can fight in May, the date of Pacquiao," stated his promoter, Felix "Tuto" Zabala Jr. Although the bout has yet to be signed, both sides are extremely interested.
Looking to get more exposure for his fighter, Zabala believes that a fight on a Pacquiao undercard is exactly what Vazquez Jr. needs to take his career to the next level. "We do not have anything signed. But at the meeting we had with Bob Arum, the idea we discussed was that," he explained to José A. Sánchez of El Nuevo Dia.
In his last bout, Vazquez Jr. (20-0-1, 17KOs) successfully defended his title against Ivan Hernandez, stopping him in the 11th round back in October. It was the second defense of his title, as well as his third fight of the year, after first winning it back in February with an impressive 4th round knockout of previously undefeated Marvin Sonsona. Arce (56-6-2, 43KOs), on the other hand, is coming off of his fifth fight of the year, a first round stoppage of Adolfo Ramos. Since moving up in weight, Arce has put together an impressive string of victories, including a first round knockout of Martin Castillo.
Considering that he last fought in October, Zabala Jr. is concerned about the inactivity of his fighter, so there's a possibility that Vazquez Jr. may seek another fight before the potential May 7 showdown. "I would like him to fight once more before Arce," Zabala Jr. continued, hoping to eliminate any ring rust by matching Vazquez Jr. with undefeated Roman Maas (24-0, 15KOs). "If the WBO gives us the permission, that is the fight that we will do."