Photo: Tom Casino/Showtime
A loser in his last two significant fights, former WBA lightweight champion Miguel Acosta (29-5-2, 23 KOs) is looking to get back into the title mix starting with a win over unbeaten Art Hovhannisyan (14-0-2, 8 KOs) tonight at the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, California. “I definitely feel I am good enough to fight for and win another world title,” said Acosta. “I’m looking at this fight as a measure for me to see exactly where I’m at.”
The experienced, aggressive-minded Acosta captured the WBA lightweight crown in May 2010 but lost it in his first defense to Brandon Rios in a thrilling, fast-paced scrap with plenty of two-way action on Feb. 26, 2011. Acosta swept the first four rounds on two of the scorecards and hurt Rios on several occasions, but Rios rallied to win by 10th-round TKO. Acosta subsequently lost a twelve round decision to Richard Abril in a bout for the WBA interim lightweight title.
“I’ve been in with some really good fighters. I had things going my way against (Brandon) Rios before I ran out of gas.
“Both of us need to win tomorrow, so it will be a great fight. Physically and mentally, I’m ready. My opponent is a good fighter, but this will be a real test for him. I came to the United States to establish myself; now I can re-establish myself with a big win on Friday.”
Acosta-Hovhannisyan will be televised on Showtime.
