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Alberto Machado has decided to exercise his rematch clause, and will rematch Andrew Cancio for the WBA world super featherweight title.
Golden Boy’s Eric Gomez tells ESPN that Machado (21-1, 17 KO) was mulling over the choice between moving up to 135 or taking the rematch, after he had trouble making weight for the Feb. 9 bout with Cancio (20-4-2, 15 KO). He’s chosen to chase the rematch. Time will tell if it’s a good idea.
“We had talked to him about maybe going up to 135 pounds, because after the fight he told me he did not eat for four days. He had a very tough time making weight. He was only nibbling on stuff. He killed himself to make weight.”
Machado was the heavy favorite against Cancio, and the fight figured to be another showcase for the rising Puerto Rican standout. But Cancio knocked him out in the fourth round, having come off the canvas himself in the first.
Cancio says he’s training and ready for the rematch, which is likely to come on June 8 from the same venue as the first fight, the Fantasy Springs in Indio, Calif., streaming live on DAZN.
If you’re wondering, yes, that date will conflict with another card, as Top Rank has a scheduled event that night on ESPN, which will feature the return of featherweight titleholder Oscar Valdez.