Jan Salvatierra has a lot to prove tonight in his clash against journeyman Ernie Marquez. More so that he has to prove to himself he can be a legit prospect. 

Salvatierra will face Marquez in a six-round bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, California (DAZN, 9 p.m. ET/ 6 p.m. PT).

At Wednesday’s weigh-in, Salvatierra weighed in at 111.5 pounds. Marquez weighed 110.75.

The 22-year-old Salvatierra (7-1, 6 knockouts) will mark his third appearance in the United States. He has fought a handful of times in and near his hometown of Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. 

Salvatierra suffered his first defeat as a pro in his last bout to once-beaten prospect Fernando Diaz on November 6, losing by knockout in the fifth round of a very competitive fight. Salvatierra took some time away from the ring before returning to the gym and the Marquez fight was finalized. 

Despite the setback, Salvatierra is confident he can move forward and develop into a world-class fighter. 

“I was doing well in that fight and I just got caught with one punch,” Salvatierra told BoxingScene in a recent phone interview. “It was a lesson learned. I put that loss behind me. I would hope to get a rematch against Diaz and I know the outcome would be different.

“I have a goal of fighting for and winning a world title belt. I still consider myself a prospect. I’m developing well and I’ve sparred and learned what I could improve on. It’s not an easy road, but as long as I keep developing, I can move forward and achieve those goals.”

Salvatierra is not signed to a promoter, even though he has fought on Golden Boy Promotions and Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) cards. He hopes to sign with a major promoter in the near future.

Robert Diaz, matchmaker for Golden Boy, believes Salvatierra has a bright future, despite his most recent setback.

“Jan is a very talented and very dedicated young man who had a learning experience in his last fight and who I truly believe will learn from it,” Diaz told BoxingScene Wednesday morning. “This is the first step back and he will have a very experienced foe (in front of him), but I truly believe we will see the growth.”

Marquez (10-17-2, 3 KOs), who resides in Fort Morgan, Colorado, has lost nine of his last 10 fights. 

Francisco A. Salazar has written for BoxingScene since September 2012 and has covered boxing in Southern California and abroad since 2000. Francisco also covers boxing for the Ventura County (California) Star newspaper. He can be reached by email at santio89@yahoo.com or on Twitter at FSalazarBoxing