Perez nears title elimination bout?

Junior lightweight standout Eloy Perez has agreed to face fellow unbeaten prospect Luis Cruz in a WBO title elimination bout tentatively scheduled for September 2, according to a source close to the negotiations.

Cruz (18-0, 14 knockouts), a rangy boxer-puncher from Puerto Rico, has not yet agreed to the bout, which Perez's promoter Golden Boy Promotions hopes to stage in their fighter's adopted hometown of Salinas, Calif.

Perez (21-0-2, 5 KOs), a crafty 24-year-old boxer from Rainier, Wash., is the WBO's No. 1-rated 130-pound contender. The well-schooled fireplug has scored victories over capable fighters such as Roger Gonzalez, Dominic Salcido, David Rodela and hard-punching prospect Dannie Williams.

Cruz, the WBO's No. 2-rated junior lightweight, is coming off a 10-round decision victory over veteran fringe contender Martin Honorio. The talented 25 year old promoted by Miguel Cotto.

The WBO junior lightweight title is held by Ricky Burns, of Scotland.