Denver Cuello to challenge Xiong Zhao Zhong for WBC title in Dubai bout

Filipino boxing champ Denver Cuello will challenge China's first professional boxing champion Xiong Zhao Zhong, for the latter's World Boxing Council strawweight title, in the United Arab Emirates next week.

Cuello and Zhong will face off on June 28 at the Dubai Boxing Showdown at the World Trade Centre in Dubai, Gulf News reported.

“I’ve waited for the past three years for this moment. I’ve always wanted to fight a top contender and now finally Dubai has made my dream come true,” Cuello said in Dubai, Thursday, Gulf News reported.

He added he had been training for the past eight weeks now. "I feel I can beat him,” he said.

Cuello, 27, is the WBC 2012 silver belt champion. He is sometimes referred to as the next Manny Pacquiao due to his strength and resemblance to the Filipino icon.

He has a record of 33 wins with 21 knockouts, four losses and six draws.

For his part, Zhong, 30, said he also felt good about his chances of defending his crown.

"June 28 is going to be the most important date for boxing in China as I intend to retain my WBC crown,” he said.

Zhong had scored a unanimous decision over Mexico’s Javier Martinez Resendiz in Kunming last November. He has a record of 20 20 wins, including 11 knockouts, four losses and one draw.

Cuello earned the right to fight for the world title after beating Mexican Ganigan Lopez in the WBC Silver Title Fight in 2012. - ELR/AMD, GMA News