Fernandez steps in to take on Cruz in South Philly

The undefeated Ronald Cruz

Philadelphia — Chris Fernandez, whose scheduled fight last weekend against Shamone Alvarez in Atlantic City, NJ, was canceled due to Hurricane Irene, did not have to wait long for another assignment.  He will now fight Ronald Cruz in a scheduled eight-round welterweight match on Sept. 9 at the Asylum Arena in South Philadelphia.

Fernandez, 35, of Salt Lake City, UT, flew into Atlantic City, NJ, last Thursday, only to learn 24 hours later that the entire card at the Tropicana on which he was to fight was called off due to the hurricane.

On Monday, when Anges Adjaho, of Buffalo, NY, called in with a badly sprained wrist, Fernandez jumped at the chance to fight Cruz.  A pro since 1997, the 35-year-old Fernandez is 19-13-1, 11 K0s.  In his last fight on May 14 in Campbell, OH, Fernandez lost a 10-round decision to Miguel Gonzalez, of Cleveland, OH.             

This will mark Fernandez’ second trip to the Asylum Arena.  Last year he was stopped there in seven rounds by rising star Danny Garcia, of Philadelphia, PA, in the 10-round main event.

Fernandez has boxed some of the best at 140 and 147 pounds, including Paulie Malignaggi, Devon Alexander and Gabriel Bracero.

Cruz, 24, of Bethlehem, PA, has won all 13 of his pro fights, 10 by knockout.  In his last outing, July 1, at the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem, he KOd Doel Carrasquillo, of Reading, PA, in six rounds.  He also has beaten Jeremy Bryan and Dillet Frederick.

The Cruz-Fernandez fight will serve as the semifinal to the 10-round main event for the vacant Pennsylvania State junior middleweight title between Gabriel Rosado, of Philadelphia, PA, and Keenan Collins, of Reading, PA.

The Rosado-Collins and Cruz-Fernandez bouts will be broadcast on TeleFutura’s Solo Boxeo Tecate at 11.30pm ET/PT (10.30pm CT).

Five additional fights complete the card at the Asylum Arena, located at 7 West Ritner Street.  The first fight begins at 7.30 pm.