Hanna Gabriel to defend her world title in January

Hanna Gabriel, Costa Rica’s reigning World Boxing Organization super welterweight world champion, will defend her title against U.S. boxer Dakota Stone Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Palacio de los Deportes in Heredia, north of San José.

This will be Gabriel’s first fight since winning the title last March by technical knockout against Melisenda Pérez.

“Some time has passed since my last fight, so I’m a little anxious,” Gabriel told reporters at a press conference Tuesday.

Gabriel, 28, will face an opponent from Seattle, Washington, who has fought for the world title three times. This will be the first time Stone, 42, has been to Costa Rica, and she acknowledged Gabriel’s popularity and reputation.

“Even though the crowd will be pulling for Hanna, I think people will be supportive because this is about more than Costa Rica. This is about seeing a quality fight,” Stone told reporters via Skype.

Tickets may be purchased at www.publitickets.com. Prices range ₡14,000-₡75,000 ($28-$150).