Sources: Negrete (eye) out of bout vs. Moloney

Bantamweight Oscar Negrete has been ruled out of the June 25 fight against Jason Moloney (20-1, 17 KOs) because of a detached retina, multiple sources told ESPN.

Negrete will be replaced by the rugged Leonardo Baez (18-2, 9 KOs), who has a six-fight winning streak. The bout is scheduled to take place at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas.

“Baez is a solid guy. I have no doubt it will be an entertaining fight, as well,” Carl Moretti, Top Rank’s vice president of boxing operations, told ESPN. “He’s been ready.”

Moretti said that Golden Boy Promotions president Eric Gomez was able to get Baez on late notice after several potential opponents weren’t available because they hadn’t been training due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Negrete (19-2-2, 7 KOs), 32, defeated Alberto Melian on February 6 in a 10-round decision. Prior to that he was involved in an entertaining and competitive fight against Joshua Franco that was ruled a split draw.