Filipino Mark Bernaldez (right) flexes his ripped physique while his opponent Andres Cortes (left) clenches his fists after Friday’s weigh-in for their non-title bout on Saturday. | Top Rank Boxing Photo
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Mark “Machete” Bernaldez and his unbeaten American foe Andres Cortes passed Friday’s weigh-in for their eight-rounder bout tomorrow, Saturday at the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas in the United States.
Bernaldez, tipped the weighing scales at 131.2 pounds while Cortes weighed in at 131.8lbs to schedule their non-title bout.
The Bernaldez-Cortes duel is featured in the undercard of Mikaela Mayer-Maiva Hamadouche world title unification showdown promoted by Top Rank Boxing.
The 27-year old Bernaldez, a former ALA Boxing Gym standout, now fighting under Sanman Promotions’ banner is on a three-fight winning streak since 2020.
With a record of 23 wins, four defeats, and 17 knockouts, Bernaldez guns for an upset against the younger and unbeaten Cortes.
The 24-year old Las Vegas native has 15 wins with eight knockouts.
Cortes earned his stripes after knocking out ex-world title contender and Bernaldez’s friend and former stablemate Genesis Servania last August 14 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Bernaldez and Servania were once stablemates at the disbanded ALA Boxing Gym.
If Bernaldez beats Cortes tomorrow, he will duplicate the stunning upset victory scored by fellow Filipino Jonas Sultan.
Sultan shocked Puerto Rican Carlos Caraballo via unanimous decision to claim the vacant WBO inter-continental bantamweight strap last October 30 in New York.
Also, Bernaldez and Sultan are former stablemates at ALA Boxing Gym.
Bernaldez will be accompanied by his Cuban trainer Osmiri Fernandez for tomorrow’s bout.
/rcg
RELATED STORIES:
Bernaldez eyes another sensational win vs Mexican in Florida
‘Machete’ Bernaldez KOs Mexican foe in non-title fight
Bernaldez welcomes underdog tag vs unbeaten Cortes