Featherweights top program at Arizona Charlie’s

Dean Juipe

Wednesday, May 28, 1997 | 10:48 a.m.

Two fighters headed in opposite directions are paired in the main event of tonight's boxing card at Arizona Charlie's.

Headlining the A.F. Promotions show is Hector Lizarraga, a 31-year-old veteran who has advanced to the No. 1 position in the International Boxing Federation rankings. He's 32-8-5 and has not lost since 1991, including a span of 16 fights.

His opponent, Marcello Rodriguez, has only limited credentials. He's 18-15-2 and has lost seven straight bouts.

They're scheduled for 10 rounds at the featherweight limit of 128 pounds.

"I was 6 years old when I first dreamed of winning a world title and I've never lost my focus," said Lizarraga, who is in line to face IBF champion Naseem Hamed later this year. Hamed is 26-0 and thought to be a rising star.

"I think I have the tools to beat him," Lizarraga said, feeling it's safe to look past Rodriguez and ahead to Hamed. "My durability will frustrate him. He has a tendency to be wild. I'll catch him off balance and nail him."

Lizarraga, of Fresno, will be fighting in Las Vegas for the second time in a career that began in 1985. He has developed into a decent fighter despite showing few signs of it early in his career, as he opened with only five victories in his first 15 pro fights.

In his most recent fight, Lizarraga defeated former North American Boxing Federation champ Narcisco Valenzuela in a 10-round decision last December in Indio, Calif.

Rodriguez has not won a fight since 1993. Included in his streak of seven consecutive defeats are setbacks to the likes of Duke McKenzie, Derrick Gainer, Julien Lorcy and Hector Lopez.

There are six other bouts on the card, including a six-round heavyweight match between B.J. Bonkavich, 5-2-1, and Tracy Wilson, 2-0. First bell is 7:30 p.m.