Ghana’s Maxwell Awuku gets world title shot - Fights WBC champ Saturday

Ghana's Maxwell Awuku has been given a chance to challenge Miguel "El Alacran" Berchelt on Saturday night at the Oasis Arena in Cancun, Mexico for the World Boxing Council (WBC) Super Featherweight Championship.

Awuku (44-3-1, 30 KOs) will replace Carlo Magali after the Filipino was denied the opportunity by the Boxing Commission of his country for not fulfilling a required rest period between fights, despite the WBC approving the contest.

The Ghanaian will have one of the toughest tests in his career to beat the dangerous Berchelt (32-1, 28 KOs) away from home with the event to be promoted by Zanfer Promotions and Max Boxing in partnership with Cancun Boxing.

Before the fight was confirmed yesterday, Zanfer and Max Boxing had worked hard to reach a deal with Awuku with the WBC giving their approval to ensure the fight takes place.

Zanfer Promotions confirmed the fight in a tweet last Friday. Berchelt will have the opportunity to avenge compatriot Cesar "Corazon" Juarez defeat to Isaac Dogboe for the WBO Interim Super Bantamweight championship last month in Accra.

With 44 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw, and 30 knockouts under his belt, Awuku will be hoping to give a good account of himslef against the Mexican brawler who will be defending the title he won last year by knocking out Francisco "Bandido" Vargas.

In an interview, Berchelt was quoted as saying "We are ready for whoever, I have prepared myself at the top, it's good that the African is coming on as the new challenger and wants to offer a great fight to my audience. My emotions grow knowing that I will be fulfilling my dream on February 10," said Berchelt when he found out the name of his challenger.