MARK Bernaldez hopes to follow the path of fellow SanMan Promotions stablemate Mike Plania when he takes his turn on centerstage next week in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bernaldez faces undefeated American Albert Bell in another Top Rank Promotions boxing card straight from the MGM Grand Conference Center. The match is set on July 2 and willbe telecast over ESPN.
The eight-round bout will be fought at a catchweight of 132 pounds.
The fight comes two weeks after Plania stunned the boxing world with a majority decision over top bantamweight contender Joshua Greer, also at the MGM Grand. 'Magic' Mike scored two knockdowns against the highly-rated American on the way to the surprising victory.
Bernaldez, owner of a 20-3 record (14 KOs) and the second Filipino to fight during this global pandemic, is in exactly the same situation as Plania.
The 27-year-old Bell from Toledo, Ohio is undefeated with a 16-0 record (5KOs) and expectedly, coming in as a heavy favorite entering the ring.
But Bernalez is unfazed, with Plania’s victory over Greer serving as huge motivation.
“Just like Mike, I am entering the ring as the underdog, and maybe an acid test for their undefeated prospect,” said Bernaldez in a statement through San Man Promotions.
“However, that is also the way I see him (Bell). Another stepping stone to bigger fights in the future. I will do everything to take home the win.”
Like Plania, Bernalez has been locked down in Miami, Florida since February due to the COVID-29 pandemic, training under Cuban Osmiri ‘Moro’ Fernandez.
Bernalez is coming off a stoppage win over Renan Portes last December.
Meanwhile, Bell has been inactive since last October following a win via unanimous decision over Frak De Alba in Reno, Nevada.
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