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He may hail from an exotic island, but Melvin Cumba’s vision of becoming a world champion fistfighter is much more than just a fantasy.
The latest from a string of hot Latin imports, the fiery lightweight hopes to soon join the ranks of fellow countrymen Felix Trinidad, Miguel Cotto, and John Ruiz as a famed world titlist from fight-crazed Puerto Rico.
With an accomplished amateur career now behind him, the crafty Cumba (10-0-0, 5 KOs) is currently amid an impressive unbeaten trek as a professional, one that he believes will lead to more lucrative paydays and championship belts.
First, however, Cumba must deal with the slick Yamin Mohhamad (4-10-1) February 18 at the exquisite Mohegan Sun Arena, just one of the many intriguing bouts presented by Cappiello Promotions, New England’s undisputed king of boxing entertainment.
Cumba’s latest professional test comes underneath a juicy headliner that pits middleweight Rasheem Brown against the hard-nosed Gabriel Holguin. Fans will also indulge in a super bantamweight sizzler between Mike Oliver and Castulo Gonzalez and a cruiserweight showdown between Chris McInerny and Henry Raftrey.
Cumba, who turns 26 on the last day of February, migrated from Puerto Rico in 1999 and made his American debut a smashing one, taking apart hot prospect Jose Abel Ayala in two swift rounds at Foxwoods Casino.
Now fighting out of Taunton, Mass, Cumba has since formulated an imposing run, knocking off the likes of Jose Angeles, Elias Hernandez, and Dennis Burley in rapid succession. At the same time, he has established himself as a tough, formidable customer in the 135-pound weight class.
Most recently, on December 16, Cumba ground out a tight majority decision win over tenacious 7-2-0 Lenny DeVictoria, and is ready to up his status on both a local and national spectrum.
“The possibilities for Melvin at 130 or 135 pounds are endless,” says Cappiello. “Melvin is a little ways off from any kind of title shot, but when he is, he’ll be looking to go after guys like (Diego) Corrales, (Joel) Casamayor, (Marco) Barrera, and (Manny) Pacquiao. He’s got the ability to take this thing to the top.”
Tickets are now on sale for $75.00, $40.00 and $25.00, and available through Ticketmaster and the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Customers may log onto ticketmaster.com; call any Ticketmaster phone number; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.
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Media Report (February 10, 2006)
