ESPN headlines Alberto Machado vs Carlos Morales August 18th

ABO Super Featherweight champion Alberto "El Explosivo" Machado (17-0, 15 KOs) and NABA Super Featherweight champion Carlos "The Solution" Morales (16-1-3, 6 KOs) will both face their toughest challenges to date as they go toe-to-toe for 10 rounds in the main event of the August 18 edition of Golden Boy Boxing on ESPN.

Machado, 26 from San Juan, and Morales, 27 originally from Hidalgo, Mexico, will reignite the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico feud that always produces fireworks in the ring.

The heavy-handed Machado has never tasted defeat and comes in riding an impressive 12-fight knockout streak.

"I feel honored and extra motivated for this great opportunity that Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Promotions are giving me to perform on ESPN." Machado said. "Carlos Morales is a tough Mexican fighter who is young and hungry like me. I will train as hard as I can to give the fans a great fight and another classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. This will be another test for me on my journey to become Puerto Rico's next world champion."

Morales has already had a remarkable career, having reeled off 16 straight victories and the NABA title after starting his career 0-1-3.

"I understand I am going into the lion's den in Puerto Rico and facing a really good fighter, but I have worked too hard to take a step backwards," Morales said. "I am going to train harder than I ever have before, and I know that at the end of the fight, I will emerge victorious."

"Everyone at Golden Boy is excited to go to Puerto Rico and stage a great card with our wonderful partners from Miguel Cotto Promotions and ESPN," said Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and Chairman of Golden Boy Promotions. "This is going to be the beginning of a wonderful relationship that will help revitalize the great historic tradition of boxing in Puerto Rico and give residents an incredible sporting option."