Rafael Mensah to face Alberto Machado for WBA World Belt on July 21

Ghana’s Rafael Mensah (31-0, 23 KOs) is in line to become the country’s next World champion as he take on WBA World super featherweight champion Alberto Machado (19-0, 16 KOs) of Puerto Rico.

Th clash will come off on July 21 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, USA.

Machado will be making his first defense of his belt against Mensah, who is mandatory challenger.

“This fight has taken to long to happen, it’s frustrating but I remain strong and ready. All I ask my fans back home in Ghana and around the world is to support me with their prayers. I am bringing the title home,” Mensah said ahead of the fight.

“Ghana stand up, Africa stand up. We thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement. Raphael is fighting with a heavy heart and will win this title.”

The fight will be on the undercard of Jaime Munguia (29-0, 25 KOs), 21, of Mexico, making his first defense against mandatory challenger and former titlist Liam Smith (26-1-1, 14 KOs), 29, of England.