Although talks on a possible run at a super featherweight world title may be premature for top prospect Karlos Balderas, the 22-year-old already has a title he wants to chase after.
Balderas spoke to Fightful on what his future has in store. Balderas was supposed to be facing Jose Salinas on a PBC on FS1 card from Ontario, California in what could have been Balderas' final six-round fight before he moves on to eight and 10-round fights. Unfortunately, Balderas was sick days before the fight and was taken out of the card.
Balderas came into the sport hot off a run in the 2016 Olympics and is projected to eventually become a world title challenger. When the time comes for Balderas to take that step into title contention, the one belt that he has his eyes on is the WBC super featherweight title currently being held by Miguel Berchelt. Even though Balderas doesn't have the pro experience Berchelt has, Balderas said he looked at Berchelt's fights and already believes he's a better boxer than the WBC champion.
“All I know is the belt I got my eyes on is the WBC belt and Miguel Berchelt has that. As far as Berchelt goes, I feel like his skills are very limited and he’s very rugged. Skills-wise, I’m a way better boxer than he is. I just need to get him at the right time and I think with Richard Schaefer and the team I have behind me, I can’t see why we can’t make a fight against anybody. I believe that’s the belt I’m going for at 130. I’ve sparred against the best. I’ve sparred with Lomachenko, Valdez, Santa Cruz, all these guys I’ve been in the ring. I know I got what it takes to face the best, it’s just a matter of time before people start to recognize who the real deal is,” Balderas said.
While Balderas awaits his title opportunity down the line, he does have thoughts on Berchelt's upcoming title defense against mandatory challenger Miguel Roman on November 3. When asked about who Balderas thinks will win in the November matchup, Balderas picked Berchelt and added he thinks Berchelt could beat almost all the super featherweights in boxing today.
“I believe Berchelt is really, really strong. I really don’t see anyone who can beat him now because of his style. I don’t see how he can be beaten right now. Well actually, I do see Gervonta beating him because he is more of a boxer, but Berchelt is really rugged. When the time is right, he will be beaten,” Balderas said.
Balderas, who sports a 6-0 record with all wins coming via knockout, is slated to return to action at a future boxing card to be determined at a later date and venue.
