Dangerous South American knockout artist next for Munroe

Rendall Munroe will defend his WBA International title later this month against a big-hitting Venezuelan who holds a brace of victories over an ex-top ten-rated pound-for-pounder.

The Leicester super-bantamweight [pictured on the attack against Victor Terrazas in his WBC title eliminator last year] boxes in Newport on November 26 against former WBA Interim bantamweight champion Nehomar Cermeno and the winner can probably look forward to a shot at the full WBA crown next year.

But fast-starting Cermeno is an import who needs to be respected. The 31-year-old lost a 12-round split to Terrazas [the same man Munroe flattened in nine in Coventry] in a WBA title eliminator earlier this year but holds two points victories over multi-weight champion Cristian Mijares, the cute-boxing Mexican who was, at the time of Nehomar beating him, recognised as one of the premier fighters in any weight class.

And the East Midlands portsider, who impressed with his never-say-die courage in a gallant WBC title shot in Japan 13 months ago, has been training harder than ever for this 36-minute outing. He's given up his job as a binman and based himself in a caravan outside the Shinfields gym in Derbyshire to dedicate 100 per cent of his focus and time on victory on the Hatton Promotions bill.

Bull-strong Rendall, 23-2 (9), has beaten-out two distance victories in 2011, the last being a wide ten-round decision over Ryuta Miyagi in Sheffield two months ago that showcased the slick skills which has made him one of the best super-bantamweights on the planet, and is confident that new promoter Ricky Hatton can secure him the big contests he craves in 2012.

The 31-year-old former English, Commonwealth and European 8st 10lbs champion won't be looking past Cermeno, who has 20 victories in 25 [12 early and one draw], but has his sights firmly on the current World Boxing Association monarch Rico Ramos, the unbeaten American who defends his crown against impressive Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux on New Year's Eve.

Victory in Wales will bring that dream another step closer.