The Venezuelan native won the silver medal in the division of 52 kilograms during the Olympic Games of Rio de Janeiro in 2016. The podium earned him the right to be a recognized fighter and now, after his accomplishments in amateur boxing, he will make the leap to the professional ranks to face the Colombian veteran Anuar Salas in a six round bout.

“I thank God for allowing me to be here and take this step in my career. I thank Gilberto Mendoza and the Venezuelan national team for giving me permission to be in such a great boxing circle and also helping me achieve my dream in Olympic boxing, “said the Venezuelan native, who has been preparing for Barranquilla for a month.

Finol will debut in the bantamweight division in professional pugilism. Unlike in the amateurs, where he was climbing from 49 kg to 56 kg in which he currently competes, he will now have to reduce weight.

“I started at 49 kg, I went to 52 and then to 56 when I was in the national team. Now, in professional boxing, you cannot give away weight. For that reason I will fight in the bantamweight division and I even think I can go to the super flyweight class in the future. That will depend on my team and the decision they make regarding that and what is best for me,” said the 22-year-old.

In the fight against Salas, which will be six rounds, the left-handed boxer did not have many comments, but he believes that their conditions will help him prevail. “I know that Salas is an experienced fighter who has measured the best in the world. I know little about him, but I focus more on being one hundred percent physically. It has been a hard preparation, like never before and I know that I will arrive in my maximum condition ready for whatever comes.”

To finish, Finol spoke about his coaches Jorge Zerpa and Hector Manzanilla, who have taken the baton of his preparation in this new stage.

“I have to give recognition to Zerpa because he has carried out a good preparation with us. Hector is a very demanding coach and we get along very well. The training camp has a great atmosphere and our conditions grow every day,” he said.

Finol and Salas will face off as part of the backing of the undercard that will have Jeovanis Barraza and Gabriel Maestre as the main event fight.