Javier Fortuna works on flaws, hopes to showcase improvements tonight

Javier Fortuna (28-0-1, 20 KOs) is set to make the first defense of his WBA 'Regular' title tonight when he takes on Carlos Velasquez (19-1, 12 KOs) on Fox Sports 1. The fight is billed as a PBC card that's taking place at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Fortuna goes into the fight knowing that despite his immense talent, he still needs to refine some things about his game -- namely cutting back on throwing wide punches.

"I show up to camp in great shape. I normally don't spar much in training, but for this camp I've already got a lot of rounds in," he said. "I've been sparring a lot to work on shortening up my punches and throwing them straighter."

Fortuna hopes to see improvements in this aspect of his game tonight, but is still thoroughly enjoying being a titleholder and expects to remain one for a long time to come."I feel on top of the world. I don't plan on giving up my title ever again," Fortuna said.

"Boxing is my life. It is give and take. It's my life and I've given a lot to it and sacrificed a lot, but I've been rewarded very well for my efforts.

"I have to get through fights like this to make it to the top of boxing. I need to be impressive in fights like this to keep my name on people's lips and keep climbing up the ladder."

There are still some good fights at the top of the 130lb division to be made for Fortuna, and hopefully with a win tonight those match-ups will start coming together.