By Ryan Burton, photo by Ryan Hafey
The interim WBA featherweight title fight between Carlos Zambrano (26-0) and Claudio Marrero (21-1) that takes place this Saturday at Sam's Town Hotel and Gambling Hall in Las Vegas was elevated to main event status last week after Beibut Shumenov pulled out of his cruiserweight title fight against Yuniel Dorticos with an injury. The vacant IBO featherweight title will also be on the line for both fighters in their FS1/Fox Deportes televised bout.
The fight will be Zambrano's first in nearly two years and his first under the Mayweather Promotions banner. He said that he had great preparation for the fight and can't wait to get in the ring.
"I am feeling very calm and relaxed. We worked very hard in camp. We did everything we were supposed to do in camp and now we are just waiting for fight night," said Zambrano.
Marrero's only career loss came against former featherweight champion Jesus Cuéllar who lost his title in December against Abner Mares. Zambrano believes that this fight comes down to two things - speed and intelligence. He insists that he has the edge in both categories.
"I think my speed is the key to beat him. I have to be smart and quick. He has already lost once, to Cuéllar. He and Cuéllar are both really good fighters. I beat Cuéllar back in the amateurs. They are both really good but I know I am smarter and faster than both of them. Marrero isn't as fast as he thinks he is and we will all see that Saturday," Zambrano confidently stated.
Zambrano hopes that Saturday night kicks starts a busy 2017 campaign. The Peruvian hopes that his days of inactivity are over.
"That's exactly what I want. After this fight we want to start fighting more often and want to be more active so I can make the most of my career," said Zambrano.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. had a lot of nice things to say about Zambrano when he signed him last year. The retired pound-for-pound isn't known for loosely handing out compliments and Zambrano is very prions and thankful for the confidence Mayweather has shown in him.
"Imagine if Mayweather, who is a star, is saying good things about you. That makes you proud and happy. It makes me feel good because it's coming from Mayweather so what can be better than that," Zambrano told BoxingScene.com.
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