World Lightweight Champion AMB Alberto "The Explosive" Machado (19-0, 16 KO) must defend his belt against African boxer Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KO). This fight was determined by the AMB itself.

The organization gave both teams a 30-day period to reach an agreement. If not, an auction will take place.

On the other hand, Juan DeLeón, Machado's manager, said he has not yet received notification from Miguel Cotto Promotions (Machado's promoter).

"I haven't spoken to anyone from Miguel Cotto Promotions. They haven't given me any information. If the AMB made that determination, they have to first discuss it with the company because we are unaware of their plans."

De León also said he would prefer his pupil to face Argentine Jesús Cuellar (28-2, 21 KO) as he is ranked #1 by the organization. He also said that the AMB previously had another route for the Puerto Rican fighter's future fight.

"The deserving opportunity would be for Jesús Andrés Cuellar because he is the top ranked. This would move the African to the first position. To date, I have nothing. This is something new. In fact, the AMB had determined that the winner between Machado and Corrales would face the winner of Jason Sosa and Yuriorkis Gamboa."

Finally, the promoter said he had planned for Machado's first defense to be in Puerto Rico, but apparently that idea is becoming more difficult.

"Right now, I can't say if it will be on the island. The people from Golden Boy Promotions had mentioned that they wanted to do it for early February or March."

"The Explosive's" last fight was when he defeated Jezreel Corrales by knockout in the eighth round on October 21 and that was when he became the new champion.

We have to wait to see the final decision on who Machado will face for his first defense.

source: primerahora.com