Beltran misses weight, chance to fight for WBO title

Ray Beltran has had his chances to win a world title.

He battled Ricky Burns for 12 rounds in 2013 but settled for a draw and missed out on a chance to become the World Boxing Organization lightweight champ. In November, he was soundly defeated by Terence Crawford for the same belt.

But with Crawford moving up to 140 pounds, Beltran had a third chance at the WBO’s 135-pound belt tonight against Takahiro Ao of Japan in the main event of Top Rank’s card at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

However, Beltran (29-7-1, 17 knockouts) lost his opportunity on the scales Thursday when he missed weight. He weighed in at 135.4 pounds, and the fight now will be 10 rounds and only Ao (27-3-1, 12 KOs) can win the vacant WBO title.

Beltran, a former sparring partner for Manny Pacquiao, talked all week about how excited he was to get another chance to win a world title on the truTV-televised card. Now, he must wait again.

Also on the card, Jessie Magdaleno of Las Vegas will move up to featherweight from super bantamweight for an eight-round fight with Raul Hirales Jr. (2-4-1, 11 KOs).

Magdaleno (20-0, 15 KOs) was scheduled to fight April 11 in Laredo, Texas, but the bout was canceled when his opponent, John Apolanario, failed his prefight physical and was not licensed to compete.

“Sometimes things work out for the best,” Magdaleno said. “It was disappointing not to fight in Texas, but we got right back in the gym, and it gave me some extra time to work with (trainer Ismael) Salas.”

Magdaleno said Salas has been trying to improve his footwork and defense, and he sees a big change in how he moves around the ring.

“Salas is helping me set up for every shot I throw,” Magdaleno said. “It was a challenge at first because it was something totally new. But I love the change, and I know it’s going to make me a better fighter.”

Magdaleno said moving up to 126 pounds is fine for now.

“I had my first pro fight at 126, so I’m OK with it,” he said. “I feel strong, and I still have my speed, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Magdaleno said fighting before his fans is a nice reward.

“Yeah, it worked out well in the end,” he said. “It’s always great when you can fight at home.”

The first bell is scheduled for 4 p.m. The telecast, which will be called by Kevin Kugler, Timothy Bradley and Crystina Poncher, begins at 7.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913. Follow him on Twitter: @stevecarprj.