Nery will have the burden of proving himself to be a legit fighter
Former WBC Bantamweight Champion Luis Nery (26-0, 20 KOs) is set to make his return to the ring against Jason Canoy (27-8-2, 19 KOs).
The hard-punching 23 year old Mexican fighter has had issues that kept him out of competition for the majority of 2018.
On August 15 of 2017, he would challenge then-undefeated WBC/The Ring bantamweight champion Shinsuke Yamanaka. In a bout many considered a passing of the torch contest, the Mexican fighter won; stopping the champion in the fourth round.
Then, came the controversy. It would later be revealed that Nery failed a PED test prior to the bout, claiming the results were from tainted meat. While the WBC was doing more investigating, it allowed a non-title contest against Arthur Villanueva.
The WBC would finally make a decision claiming the results of the failed test were indeed due to tainted meat. However, Nery remained the champion but was ordered to give Yamanaka an immediate rematch.
Nery won by second-round knockout, but not without more controversy being added. He would lose the title on the scale, missing weight by three pounds and leaving the WBC title vacant.
Then, even more drama arouse. In June, the WBC suspended Nery from competing in any sanctioned bout for six months. This was all retroactive to his failing to make the weight limit in defending his title.
INTERESTING FACTS
Luis Nery has never fought in the US . Further, he has only fought outside of Mexico twice against Yamanaka; winning both by knockout.
Jason Canoy will be making his first appearance in Mexico, but has lost every fight when traveling abroad.
Nery returning is huge news in an already loaded division where the other champions will be participating in the World Boxing Super Series Tournament.
There are still several intriguing fights that can be made, especially considering the WBC belt is still vacant.
3kingsboxing reported that #1 rated Nordine Oubaai could face #4 rated Rau’shee Warren for the vacant title.
If Nery wins his next fight, which will be for the vacant WBC Silver title, he could find himself back in title contention.
However, there are still concerns about making him making weight. With the reinstatement, expect the WBC to move him back into the rankings.
This is a new lease on his career that the promising southpaw fighter needs. Still a dangerous puncher with an aggressive style, Nery is still a force in the division.
The biggest question will be whether he can regain the momentum that propelled him to the top.
This scheduled fight will take place at the Gasmart Stadium, Tijuana on Oct 6.
By: Garrisson Bland
