Beltran keeps fighting to remain in USA

Boxers are used to laying a lot on the line when they step into the ring, but for Ray Beltran the stakes just keep getting higher.

Earlier this year, Beltran, 36, shared with USA TODAY Sports the story of his attempt to secure permanent residency in the USA for himself and his family, a process which he hoped would be completed by now.

Instead, it is still going, adding extra meaning to the top-rated lightweight contender showdown with Bryan Vasquez at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Saturday night.

“It feels like every fight we are saying it is the fight of my life,” Beltran, who will be defending his two lightweight titles, said by telephone. “It makes me feel very emotional sometimes because I have always had (to) fight for myself; now there are people sticking their neck out for me.”

Beltran’s manager Steve Feder says the fighter and his representatives plan to file the green card paperwork in the days after the Vasquez bout.

If, as expected, Beltran wins, it will be harder than ever for some of the bigger names in the division, such as Jorge Linares and Terry Flanagan, to duck him. Feder hopes that the WBC or WBO would step in and force a mandatory defense against Beltran. In order to be eligible for the type of immigration approval he is seeking, Beltran must prove to government officials that he is a performer or athlete of “exceptional ability.”

For a boxer, proof of televised fights (Saturday’s card is on ESPN), high rankings from the major governing bodies and a strong status in the sport would factor into the discussions. Beltran is ranked No. 2 by the WBC, WBO and IBF and No. 6 by the WBA.

Legends such as former pound-for-pound king Roy Jones Jr. have given their support with heartfelt letters that will form part of the application. When Beltran read Jones’ words, which spoke not only of his ability but also his courage, it moved him to the verge of tears.

“We feel we have a very strong case,” Feder said. “This is the time that we need to take care of this, for the good of his future and his family.

“It takes time to put everything together. The process is long, and you have to make sure you get all the steps right. That is where we are now.”

FRANK FRANKLIN II, AP Ray Beltran, staring down Jonathan Maicelo after knocking him out in May, fights Bryan Vasquez on Saturday. Another win could earn Beltran a green card and allow him to stay in the USA.