SAN ANTONIO, TX – August 18, 2025 – Undefeated rising 154-pounder Justin Figueroa has big plans give the passionate fight fans of San Antonio exactly what they’re looking for when he steps into the ring this Saturday, August 23 against veteran Jarrod Tennant as they headline “The San Antonio Summer Showdown” presented by Desi Martinez Promotions and Fighters First Management from Boeing Center at Tech Port.
“I know San Antonio doesn’t want to see too much posing, so I’m looking for a fight,” said Figueroa (12-0, 10 KOs). “The fans can expect to see a star walking out. I’ll be smiling and you’ll see my aura when I get into the ring. But right before the bell rings, once it’s ‘Justin Time’, I hit a switch. I’ll be a different guy and I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done. I’m gonna go in there and entertain.”
A native of Atlantic City, N.J., Figueroa will be competing in San Antonio for the second time after earning a dominant unanimous decision over Christian Aguirre at Boeing Center in March 2024. As he makes his return to Texas, Figueroa highlighted how the similarities between the two fight towns helps his comfort level in the ring.
“I fought in San Antonio last year and the fans embraced me,” said Figueroa. “I love that it’s a fight city and I love the fighters from San Antonio. ‘Bam’ Rodriguez is one of my favorite fighters, I love his style. I had a good performance last year and was received well and I’m looking to do it again on August 23. San Antonio is a fight town just like A.C., so it almost feels like home.”
The 26-year-old has become a popular attraction in his hometown, but has embraced the positive experiences that come with fighting outside of his own backyard heading into August 23.
“I became comfortable competing on other people’s turf from my experience as an amateur and from my time playing other sports,” said Figueroa. “When the bell rings, I have to get the job done regardless. Fighting outside of A.C., there’s actually less pressure on me. I don’t have anything to think about other than going in there and getting the job done.”
To continue his winning ways, Figueroa will have to get past an opponent in Tennant (9-5, 4 KOs) who’s shown exceptional durability while facing a slew of undefeated and highly-regarded talent. He’s also preparing to face an opponent known for defensive prowess that should offer a challenge of Figueroa’s ring IQ.
“My opponent is called ‘The Technician’ and I respect that,” said Figueroa. “He’s got good speed, uses his jab, and fights off his back foot. He’ll fight when he needs to, but he’s more defensive. I have to make him fight. I’m a more diverse fighter with speed, power, angles and good footwork. I can take punches and be physical. I’m gonna have to go in there and solve the puzzle while still coming forward.
Although his opponent has never been stopped, Figueroa and his team believe that they will be the first to accomplish that feat, and could possibly do it in the fight’s opening frame.
“My coaches are saying I’m gonna get him out of there early,” said Figueroa, who’s trained by head trainer Johnny Gibbs, along with strength coach Darrian Hudgins, at DLH Fitness in New Jersey. “I want to take my time, but I could see myself getting him out of there in round one. I hope he’s ready to go all eight rounds, because I’m in great shape. I can fight for eight rounds. If he can do that too, then we’ll put on a great show. If not, we’ll get him out of there in under four.”
As he continues to climb up the rankings in the 154-pound division, Figueroa plans to continue to follow the path set out by Adrian Clark and Jolene Mizzone of Fighters First Management, although he does have his sights set on a return to his hometown before the end of the year. In the end, he plans to be ready when it’s time to face the 154-pound elite.
“I believe in my skills and I believe in the fighter that I am,” said Figueroa. “It says a lot about my management team that they put me in this position as the main event to perform. To know that my team believes in me, it gives me that much more confidence to go out there and confirm that belief.
“I’m definitely not looking past this opponent, but when I get past him, I want to come back here and fight in my city in November. Then I think there will be some big opportunities for me coming up. But I’m really patient and I enjoy the process. However long it takes for me to become a full complete fighter, and whenever my management says it’s time to land this plane, I’ll be ready to go.”
On Saturday night, Figueroa will compete for a belt for the first time in his career as he looks to take home the Junior NABF Super Welterweight Title. With that belt in hand, Figueroa will not only be representing Atlantic City, but he’ll be in a position to earn that ranking that could eventually lead to his dream of fighting for a world championship.
“It’s been quite a few years since we’ve had someone from Atlantic City bring back a belt, so that would mean a lot to me,” said Figueroa. “The belt can also help me get ranked in the WBC, which just brings me one step closer to the ultimate goal. I have the skills and work ethic already, and I’m growing and soon it’s gonna be unstoppable.”
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ABOUT “THE SAN ANTONIO SUMMER SHOWDOWN”
“The San Antonio Summer Showdown” will hit the Boeing Center at Tech Port on Saturday, August 23 with a jam-packed night of rising contenders, exciting prospects and local talent presented by Desi Martinez Promotions and Fighters First Management.
The ten-fight card is headlined by undefeated rising contender Justin Figueroa, who duels Jarrod Tennant in an eight-round matchup for the Junior NABF Super Welterweight Title.
Also stepping into the ring is San Antonio-native Javier “Pitbull” Rodriguez, as he faces Brandon Cruz in eight rounds of lightweight action, plus lightweight contender Justin Pauldo matches up against the streaking Said Chino in a 10-round showdown and San Antonio’s own super middleweight contender Edward Ortiz takes on fellow San Antonio-resident Jose Sanchez Charles in a six-round matchup.
Rounding out the card are a series of Texas-based prospects as Del Rio’s Jesus Martinez competes in a six-round bantamweight attraction, Fort Worth’s unbeaten Joseph Almajdi matches up against undefeated Santiago Buendia in a four-round super welterweight tilt and undefeated San Antonio-native Isaac Bermea squares off against Pedro Pinillo in a six-round super lightweight bout.
Plus, San Antonio’s Ethan Perez puts his undefeated record on the line in a six-round featherweight battle against Mexico’s Osmar Rodriguez Gamez, Converse’s Ramon Soto competes in a four-round featherweight tilt against Emmanuel Saenz, and undefeated San Antonio heavyweight Oliver Guerrero meets Jerome Aiken for a four-round fight.
Tickets for the live event are available HERE. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. CT, with first fight at 5:35 p.m. CT.
For more information visit www.dmpboxing.com and www.fightersfirst.comor follow on social media through Instagram at @dmpboxing and @fightersfirstmgmt, Facebook at www.facebook.com/DMPBoxingSA and https://www.facebook.com/FightersFirstMgmt/ and YouTube @DesiMartinezPromotions.
