Super featherweight Andres Cortes (17-0, 11 KOs) will face his most challenging opponent to daye when he steps in the ring with Luis Melendez (17-2, 13 KOs), from Miami by way of Puerto Rico. Cortes vs. Melendez, a ten-round bout, will take place at the Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, February 3rd in support of a mian event between Emanuel "Vaquero" Navarrete and Liam Wilson. The Top Rank show will be broadcast on ESPN+ beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Cortes, a Las Vegas native, has thus far shown an aggressive style and knockout power. His opponent, Melendez, a seasoned veteran with heavy hands, will pose a significant challenge. "I'm excited for this opportunity to showcase my skills against a seasoned fighter like Melendez," said Cortes. "He’s a young hungry fighter with a lot of heart. He’s never been stopped and has nothing to lose. I believe that I have what it takes to come out on top, and I'm ready to prove it to the world."

 

With a victory, Cortez, intends to take on all the big names in the 130-pound division. "I've been working hard and improving with every fight," said Cortes. "My main focus is on Melendez, its not going to be an easy fight, but I’m coming out victorious. I'm ready to take on the best in the division and prove that I belong among the elite fighters. I'm not afraid of anyone, I believe in my abilities, and I know that I can beat any fighter in the division."

 

“We are on a mission to fight the best in the world,” said Luis Cortes, manager, brother and trainer of Andres. “We sought... the Navarrete fight, but his team chose the easier unknown Australian guy. Emanuel Navarrete, Oscar Valdez, Shakur Stevenson, or any other big name, we want them all in 2023. Melendez is going to be a tough fight and that is where our focus is. But I want to let it be known that we feel we are ready for anyone in the division.”