VETERAN journeyman Federico Catubay has fought some of the best boxers in the lower weight classes, but always fell short of a victory. However, this time, Catubay vows to win, in one of the biggest battles in his shaky professional boxing career.

“He promised that he will deliver. He is very motivated,” SGG Promotions promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Catubay’s promoter, told Sun.Star Cebu.

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The 29-year-old Catubay is slated in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight title eliminator against Mexico’s Juan Alberto Rosas on Nov. 13 at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, a day before the much-awaited bout between pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto.

Challenger

The winner of the title eliminator will become the mandatory challenger of undefeated IBF super flyweight champion Simphiwe Nongqayi (16-0, 6 KO’s) of South Africa.
“He is already at his peak and he is ready to rumble. He is very excited for his first fight in the US,” said Gello-ani.

Catubay is currently ranked No. 7 in the IBF while Rosas is rated 12th.

Catubay has a record of 25-5-3 with 13 knockouts while Rosas possesses a 30-5 record with 25 stoppages.

“He has been showing huge improvement. Training in Cebu contributed so much in his preparation. Donaire is there to input new ideas,” said the veteran promoter.

Condition

Nonito Donaire Sr. will be in the corner of Catubay on fight night along with trainer Dondon Sultan.

“He has no weight problems. He has excellent conditioning and confident because of his extensive training,” said Gello-ani.

Catubay has been training in the IPI Gym in Mandaue City, along with younger fighters like WBO super flyweight titleholder Marvin Sonsona, Jhonreil Casimiro and Ciso Morales.

Catubay has fought the likes of current world champions Vic Darchinyan and Oleydong Sithsamerchai.