When he received the news, Cuban heavyweight prospect Geovany Bruzon had no issue with facing another undefeated Cuban prospect, compatriot Lenier Pero.
Bruzon understands the importance of succeeding in the upcoming bout, which takes place on January 1 at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
The card will be headlined by a crossroads heavyweight fight between Luis Ortiz and former world champion Charles Martin.
While some are shining a spotlight on the fact that two Cuban prospects are colliding, Bruzon views it like any other fight.
“He is an opponent just like any other. It’s a great opportunity for me to fight on that card that night. That is my greatest wish, to debut in the United States on a big card,” Bruzon told George Ebro.
“[I don’t know Pero], we never fought, nor did we spar. When I started my career, he was already on his path. He already had those plans to leave Cuba. I was just taking my first steps in boxing. Everyone has the opportunity to grow here in professional boxing. This is not Cuba, where we fought for free. Here we are going to fight for the best purse that each of us have collected in his life.
“In Guatemala I made my professional debut and then I did the rest of my career in Mexico. I am very grateful for everything that happened there. I learned a lot about using punches, how to throw them, the style. They welcomed me. This is a great moment. Professional Cuban boxing is beginning to grow. I see a lot of Cuban boxers and the time to grow up is coming. Everyone has their goal and you either meet it or you don’t.”