PHOENIX – Mexican super-middleweight Francisco Sierra can’t win the North American Boxing Federation’s 168-pound title against Jesus Gonzales of Phoenix in an ESPN2-televised bout Friday night, because he failed to make weight Thursday.
Sierra stepped on a digital scale twice, weighing 176.5 pounds the first time and 175 an hour later after a 30-minute run through Phoenix streets with the temperature at about 107 degrees.
Gonzales didn’t hesitate about going forward with the fight at U.S. Airways Center despite Sierra’s weight.
“I’ve fought heavier guys before,’’ said Gonzales, who was at 167 pounds. “We’re going to fight.’’
Gonzales will win the NABF title if he beats Sierra, who agreed to the fight on July 1 after the original opponent, Henry Buchanan, withdrew. It will remain vacant if Sierra wins.
Sierra agreed to pay a 20 percent fine, according to Gonzales promoter Darin Schmick of Fan Base. The 20 percent — $2,400 from Sierra’s $12,000 purse – will go to Gonzales (26-1, 14 KOs).
Talks continued late Thursday between Schmick and Sierra’s management about another weigh-in before Friday’s opening bell at 6 p.m. (PST). In the Gonzales corner, there was concern that Sierra (24-3-1, 22 KOs) might step into the ring as blown-up cruiserweight, 190 pounds, which could mean added leverage to some proven power. Sierra has 22 stoppages in 28 bouts.
“The extra weight also might mean he’s just out of shape,’’ Gonzales said. “I’m ready for whatever. The show must go on.’’
