HANDA na si one-time world title challenger Aston “Mighty” Palicte ng Pilipinas na kumasa sa walang talong si Jose “Chiquiro” Martinez ng Puerto Rico para sa 12-round na World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior bantamweight world title eliminator sa Enero 31 sa Viejas Casino and Resort sa Alpine, California sa Estados Unidos.

Ang magwawagi kina Palicte at Martinez ay kakasa kay four-division world champion Donnie Nietes na natamo ang WBO super flyweight crown nitong Disyembre 31 sa Macao, China via 12-round split decision kay Kazuto Ioka ng Japan.

Kasalukuyang WBO ranked No. 2 si Palicte na galing sa kontrobersiyal na 12-round split draw kay Nietes noong nakaraang Setyembre 8 sa Inglewood, California samantalang No. 4 ranked si Martinez.

Nagsanay si Palicte kasama ni eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao sa laban nito kay Adrien Broner kamakailan sa Wildcard Gym ni Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach sa Hollywood, California.

Goodbye PBA? John Amores, tinanggalan na ng professional license!

“It’s good to be back in the U.S. to fight again,” sabi ni Palicte sa Philboxing.com. “It’s a bit sad because I’m away from my whole family, but I still get to talk to them every day. I’m a husband and father of my year-old boy. They are my reason for striving harder in my boxing career for the future of my family. They’re my inspiration and reason why I’m here now.”

Naniniwala si Palicte na tatalunin niya si Martinez upang muling makaharap si Nietes sa kampeonatong pandaidig.

“There is pressure to be the next great Filipino fighter,” dagdag ni Palicte. “I’ve been waiting for this my whole life. I nearly did it (win world title) the last time and I’m not stopping until I get that world title belt. I had hoped to get it the first time, but I think it’s going to be sweeter the second time around.”

May rekord si Palicte na 24-2-1 na may 20 pagwawagi sa knockouts samantalang may kartada si Martirez na 20-0-2 na may 13 panalo sa knockouts.