Felix Parrilla says it is a dream come true to headline a card in Puerto Rico.
Parrilla returns as the 10-round featherweight main event on Thursday, March 19, against Alfredo Cruz at Coliseo Pedrin Zorrilla in San Juan, Puerto Rico
Parrilla holds a record of 12-0 (10 KOs) and, in his 13th pro fight, will be headlining a DAZN telecast. It is extra special for Parrilla as Parrilla’s parents were both born in Puerto Rico.
“It is a dream come true,” Parrilla told BoxingScene. “This is just one step closer to a world title, which is the main goal.”
In October, it was announced Parrilla had formed a partnership with Salita Promotions and Universal Promotions. Parrilla knocked out Kenneth Taylor in five rounds that month in Puerto Rico. Now he returns as the main event, and he recalled what he thought when hearing he’d headline the card.
“I thought, this is my time to shine,” Parrilla said. “I am blessed for the opportunity and this is what I have been working hard for.”
Parrilla, a 26-year-old from New Haven, Connecticut, turned professional in 2021, and built up an impressive 83 per cent knockout ratio while ramping up his competition over the past two years.
“The knockouts just come, I don’t force it,” Parrilla said. “It is also natural power; it might be the Puerto Rican blood in me.”
Cruz, 10-4-1 (5 KOs), a 29-year-old from San Juan, enters the contest after a competitive majority decision loss against Jan Paul Rivera in January. Parrilla, who started boxing at nine, is in a unique spot. He has landed a promoter and is now being pushed to the top of the card quickly. When asked if he aims to be the next Puerto Rican boxing star, Parrilla was clear.
“Absolutely, that is the goal,” Parrilla said. “I want to become a world champ and represent my island.”
