Hairon Socarras isn’t foolish enough to judge any opponent by their record.

Even if it were the case, the lesson was learned after witnessing Dennis Contreras’ recent run.

The two meet at the crossroads this Friday, headlining the next Boxeo Telemundo show live from KO Addiction Boxing & Fitness Center in Plant City, Florida. The scheduled 10-round regional title fight pits Socarras (23-1-3, 15KOs) in a must-win situation, matched against a red-hot spoiler in Guadalajara’s Contreras (23-10-1, 21KOs) whose last three wins have come versus opponents with a combined 52-2-1 record including two unbeaten foes.

“We are more than ready for this title opportunity Friday night on Telemundo,” Socarras said of challenging for Contreras’ WBA Fedecentro featherweight title.

Both boxers shared a card last October, also on Telemundo which took place at Oscoela Heritage Park in Kissimmee, roughly an hour from where they will meet on Friday. Contreras scored a 6th round knockout of unbeaten Carlos Efrain Flores (20-0, 11KOs at the time).

Socarras had a much easier go of things in a 3rd round stoppage of sub .500 Nicaraguan clubfighter Julio Buitrago. The bout was the first for the 28-year-old Miami-based Cuban featherweight since suffering the first loss of his career, a 9th round stoppage at the hands of Ryan Walsh in the quarterfinal section of the MTK Global Golden Contract tournament at York Hall in Bethnal Green, England.

While the fight with Walsh was a considerable leap in competition, Socarras showed signs of why he was previously regarded as a prospect to watch. The visiting fighter jumped out to an early lead, only to quickly fade before being stopped late.

Contreras has proven in two straight Telemundo-televised wins to get stronger as the fight progresses. As much was not lost on his upcoming opponent when accepting this fight, which is viewed as means to burst onto the featherweight title scene.

“We are ready to shine on Friday night,” vows Socarras.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox