Lancaster\u2019s James Bernadin will face off against Yucatan, Mexico\u2019s Guillermo Keb in a 139-pound battle at a ProBox event Friday night in Arlington, Texas.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s been eight months since Bernadin\u2019s last fight \u2014 a 142-pound matchup against Bryce Mills (22-1) \u2014 which he lost unanimously.<\/p>\n
But the long break, and the loss, don\u2019t seem to plague Bernadin (13-4, six KOs).<\/p>\n
Prepping for Friday\u2019s eight-round fight, he said he had one of his best training camps. He said he\u2019s not looking for a fancy fight, but being \u201chimself.\u201d During camp, he said he went back to his jab so he could \u201cget in there and fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI just want to go get him,\u201d Bernadin said.<\/p>\n
At weigh-ins, Bernadin had the height on Keb by at least an inch and nailed the 139-pound weight while Keb (14-0, six KOs) was at 137.4 pounds.<\/p>\n
Both athletes fight orthodox.<\/p>\n
But the differences between the two outweigh the similarities. Bernadin is 33 and has been boxing professionally since 2018. Keb \u2014 his full name is Jose Guillermo Keb Canul \u2014 is 22, debuted professionally in 2022 and has never fought outside of Mexico, according to BoxRec.<\/p>\n
Keb\u2019s also undefeated, a claim that Bernadin lost in 2023.<\/p>\n
But Bernadin\u2019s experience and maturity may give him the advantage. A solid camp, including sparring 10 rounds with Hendri \u201cLa Bazuca\u201d Cedeno (16-0, 12 KOs) of Reading via the Dominican Republic might also give Bernadin an edge.<\/p>\n
Bernadin trains at Lancaster City Boxing Academy with coach Will Torres. In addition to Cedeno, Bernadin has been sparring almost daily with teammates and recent National Golden Gloves bronze medalists Jasiah \u201cMonster\u201d Ortiz (67-21) and Jerimiah \u201cDrip\u201d Munoz (51-23).<\/p>\n
Bernadin didn\u2019t sound nervous about Friday\u2019s contest, despite his opponent\u2019s record and the possibility of ring rust.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m good,\u201d he said. \u201cLike always, I just want to thank God for giving me another chance to fight, and to my team for believing in me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Headlining the card in co-main events are Edward Vazquez (19-3, six KOs) vs. Daniel Lugo (28-3-1, 19 KOs) and Weljon Mindoro (16-0-1, 16 KOs) vs. Elias Espadas (23-8-1, 16 KOs).<\/p>\n