SAN DIEGO – September 18, 2026 – The previously announced Jesus Ramos Jr. vs. Meiirim Nursultanov bout has been scratched at the weigh-in and will be rescheduled for a later date. On Thursday evening Ramos fell ill and was taken to a hospital in the San Diego area for treatment before being released on Friday morning.

Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial will take on veteran contender Omar Ulises Huerta in the opening bout of action live on DAZN this Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The four-fight card begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and is headlined by Mexican superstar Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his Interim WBC Super Lightweight Title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo.

Unbeaten rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will square off against once-beaten Sergio Jimenez in the 10-round co-main event. Following Marcial vs. Huerta, 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in an eight-round middleweight duel.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

A highly-decorated Filipino amateur, highlighted by two trips to the Olympics, an Olympic bronze and a silver at the 2019 World Championships, Marcial (7-0, 4 KOs) will look to continue his rise in the pro ranks on September 19. The 30-year-old most recently went the 10-round distance for the first time, defeating Eddy Colmenares by decision in October, snapping a three-fight knockout streak. He’ll be opposed by San Ysidro’s Huerta (15-1-1, 13 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision in April to 160-pound contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2020 and stopped 13 of his first 15 opponents.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 18, 2026) — Golden Boy has bolstered its stacked roster with the signing of two exciting Latin American fighters poised to make noise in their respective divisions: Mexico City’s featherweight Gustavo “Dorado” Rivera Rio (16-1, 11 KOs) and undefeated lightweight Ibran “El Asesino” Retamozo (19-0, 14 KOs) of Barranquilla, Colombia.

“Signing with Golden Boy Promotions is a dream come true,” said Gustavo. “Boxing has been my life since I was a kid, and I always envisioned myself being part of this team. My nickname, ‘Dorado,’ has always carried a special connection to the word ‘Golden,’ and even my friends used to tell me that one day I belonged with Golden Boy. Today, that vision has become reality. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to build my legacy with Golden Boy Promotions.”

“I would like to thank Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez, and my manager Michael Miller for giving me this grand opportunity to join Golden Boy’s stable of fighters,” said Ibran. “It has been a dream of mine ever since I started boxing to be with Golden Boy Promotions, “The Creme de la Creme,” or the best of the best when it comes to boxing promoters. Oscar is the ambassador to the latin community in boxing and I watched him ever since I was a little kid win many World Championships. I am just elated to join Golden Boy and have a long and prosperous career with them. All I asked for was an opportunity and I’ll do the rest.”

“Gustavo brings that relentless Mexican fighting spirit, and Ibran is an undefeated, dangerous lightweight who has already shown tremendous power,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Both fighters have the talent and hunger to make serious noise in their divisions. Now it’s our job to do what Golden Boy does best: develop their skills, build their platforms and guide them toward world championships. Nobody fights with more heart than Mexican fighters, and nobody identifies and develops talent like Golden Boy.”

Mexico City’s rising prospect Gustavo Rivera Rio is ready to take his career to the next level under the Golden Boy Promotions banner. The featherweight enters this new chapter with a 16-1 record, including 11 victories by knockout. His lone professional defeat came in May 2024 against the experienced Alexander Espinoza. A fighter with 17 years of experience in the sport, Rivera Rio turned professional in March 2023 and captured the WBC Youth Silver Super Featherweight title in April 2025 with a unanimous decision victory over Mexico’s Leonardo Sanchez. Nicknamed “El Dorado” by one of his professors, Rivera Rio was introduced to boxing by his father, a die-hard fan of the sport. He went on to build an impressive amateur résumé, competing in more than 150 bouts and representing the Mexican National Team. Outside the ring, Rivera Rio has earned a reputation for being well-spoken and carrying himself with confidence and professionalism. Now backed by Golden Boy Promotions, “El Dorado” has his sights set on making an impact on boxing’s biggest stages.

Representing Barranquilla, Colombia, undefeated and hard-hitting lightweight Ibran Retamozo is looking to take the next step in his career and make his U.S. debut. Nicknamed “El Asesino,” or “The Killer,” because of his power, Retamozo has lived up to the moniker with a perfect 19-0 record, including 14 victories by knockout. While he proudly represents his Colombian roots, León, Mexico, has also become home for Retamozo, where he now lives, trains and fights. A Mexican citizen, Retamozo has built his life in the country and considers Mexico home. Under the guidance of Coach James Gogue and managed by Michael Miller, Retamozo continues to sharpen an aggressive, pressure-heavy style built around constantly moving forward and forcing opponents to fight at his pace. Combined with his knockout power, that relentless approach has made “El Asesino” an exciting prospect to watch. Now, Retamozo is ready to bring that pressure to a new audience and introduce himself to U.S. boxing fans.

MIAMI, FL (September 17, 2026) – Recognized as one of the most dangerous fighters in combat sports, undefeated Cuban heavyweight knockout artist Gustavo “The Cuban Assassin” Trujillo (12-0, 11 KOs) will return to the ring on Sunday, October 18, 2026, when he faces veteran contender Donald Haynesworth (19-10-1) in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

The heavyweight showdown will be featured on Fist of Fury 13, presented by The Heavyweight Factory. The matchup continues an active year for Trujillo, who has already earned three victories in 2026 and carries an impressive 91-percent knockout rate into the contest. 

“I’m grateful to be returning to the boxing ring and fighting close to home at the Seminole Hard Rock,” said Trujillo, currently ranked WBO #13. “I’ve worked extremely hard to stay active and continue developing as a complete heavyweight. Haynesworth is experienced, has faced several good fighters and knows how to compete at this level. My goal is to make another strong statement by ending the fight early.”

Standing 6-foot-4 and fighting out of Miami, the Cuban-born Trujillo has quickly established himself as one of boxing’s most dangerous emerging heavyweights. Since turning professional in September 2022, he has won all 12 of his bouts and stopped 11 opponents.

In addition to his success in traditional boxing, Trujillo, who is a promotional free agent in boxing, is also the reigning BKB Heavyweight World Champion, strengthening his reputation as one of the most destructive punchers in combat sports. He recently defended that championship by stopping former BKFC and BKB titleholder Mick Terrill in the second round on August 29.

“I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but I know there is much more ahead of me,” Trujillo continued. “I want to keep testing myself, climbing the heavyweight rankings and continue showing that I belong with the best fighters in the division. On October 18, the fans can expect another explosive performance.”

Haynesworth, a 44-year-old veteran from New Rochelle, New York, has shared the ring with several respected heavyweights, including Richard Torrez Jr., Dainier Pero and Demsey McKean.

“This is another important step toward the bigger fights I’ve been working for,” Trujillo concluded. “I’m focused, hungry and ready to give the fans a great show. I appreciate everyone who continues to believe in me, and I plan to reward that support with another victory.”

“Gustavo continues to show that he has the talent, power and discipline to become a major force in the heavyweight division,” said Abe Swidan of Visionary Sports Group, Trujillo’s manager. “He has remained active, improved with every fight and taken care of business each time he has stepped into the ring. Donald Haynesworth is a tough, experienced opponent who will provide another important test, but we believe Gustavo is ready to make a statement and move one step closer to the biggest fights in the division.”

QUINCY, Mass. (September 16, 2026) – Granite Chin Promotions has announced the signings of light heavyweight prospects Barrett Hanlon and Mohammad “Lightning” Alyazouri to exclusive promotional contracts.

Both fighters turned in memorable professional debuts on August 29^th fighting on the “Boston Harbor Fight Night 2” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions and CES Boxing, at Encore Boston Harbor Casino in Everett, Massachusetts. They are tentatively scheduled to return to the ring at Encore on November 7th in separate bouts on “Boston Harbor Fight Night 3”.

“I am thrilled to welcome Barrett and Mohammad to the Granite Chin family,” Granite Chin Promotions President Chris Traietti commented. “I had a blast working with them on their debuts and was impressed with how they conducted themselves both in the ring and out of it. In the ring, they are aggressive and explosive, out of the ring, they are gentlemen. It is a great combination. Their pro journey has just begun, we have a lot of work to do, but November 7^th back at Encore is the next step.”

A 2-time Central New England Golden Gloves Champion, Hanlon (1-0, 1 KO) destroyed Ratavious Thrasher, flooring his opponent 3 times in the opening round, the last knockdown by way of an overhand right for a technical knockout victory.

“It was great,” Hanlon spoke about his pro debut, “especially making my pro debut at Encore in front of all my friends and most of my family. That was all I could ask for in my pro debut. I wish the fight had lasted a little longer so I could have gotten in a few more punches, but it was a good experience.

“The biggest difference between amateur and pro boxing, for me, was the weight-in and having a full day to hydrate and eat. I was a lot fresher. I had learned how to cut weight in the amateurs, so this was a piece of cake, and I thank my old coaches for teaching me how to do that the right way.”

The 32-year-old Hanlon is a native of Hopkinton, MA, who played college basketball at Bentley University for one season, followed by three at Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. Hanlon’s abbreviated amateur boxing experience consisted of only 15 matches, including fights in the Golden Gloves and Rocky Marciano Tournament. He primarily trains at Everybody Fights in Boston’s Seaport district.

Hanlon is a special needs teacher in Boston’s North End, where he also resides, working with  students from kindergarten through the 6^th grade.

“I signed with Chris for 2 years and I look forward to fighting again at Encore in November,” Hanlon added. “I’m so lucky to fight there. I am going to take it one fight at a time and see what happens after 2 years. I’ll continue to work as hard as I can. This was my first time working with the Everybody Fights coaches and I thank them. Waymaker (Boxing gym) is in Dorchester and I go there on weekends to train with Marc DeLuca. I’ve sparred there with (Frank) Hogan and ‘Tonka’ (Gilbert Kabamba).

“Chris is a good guy and he’s well intended for me. He wants to see me become the best I can be and fighting at Encore is exciting. I’m on the right path and fighting on the best stage, Encore. Those are some of the reasons I signed with Granite Chin.”

Alyazouri, 30, was a member of the Jordan National Boxing Team for a decade, 2012-2022, posting an impressive 83-8 amateur record. The gifted Jordanian now resides in Burlington, Vermont with his wife, Kate. In his pro debut, he used a powerful left hook to drop Charles de Sousa twice, the second ending the match at the 35-second mark of the first round.

“My debut was the most important step of my life because it was time to show up or be put on the shelf,” Alyazouri vividly remembered. “It meant way more than just a win for my future because everything was on the line. When my hands were lifted upwards (after the fight) it was epic to see all my dreams were in front of me and I won.

“My goal was to go pro and I had deals from promoters from Dubai and Germany, but I came to the United States 3 years ago, and I live in Vermont with my wife in Burlington, and we own a gym (Emerge) in Winooski, VT. My wife is a mobility coach who gave me advice for my injured shoulder. We started dating.”

Mohammad couldn’t have envisioned a more impressive all-around pro debut, especially making it at Encore.

“It was amazing to make my pro debut at Encore, the best way to be seen and recognized,” Alyazouri said. “There was an amazing crowd with a lot of people who really care about boxing. I never felt so free as I did making my walk to the ring.

“Chris can take me where I want to be, building my career the right way. He can get me a (regional) title shot. One reason I signed with him is he’s an ex-boxer, which is very important because in my environment it’s important that we speak the same language. He has been where I want to be.”

INFORMATION

Website:        www.granite-chin-promotions.com

Instagram:     @BarrettHanlon12 @Alyazouri7

SAN ANTONIO (Sept. 16, 2026) — Two former amateur rivals are set to settle unfinished business with much more on the line than before.

Steven Navarro will face unbeaten Emanuel Moreno in a 10-round clash for the vacant NABO bantamweight title Saturday, Oct. 24, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.

Navarro and Moreno first met in the semifinals of the 2020 USA Youth National Championships in Shreveport, Louisiana, on April 2, 2021, with Navarro earning a split decision.

Additionally, super lightweight contender Frank Martin will face Morocco’s Tarik Zaina in a 10-rounder.

Martin-Zaina and Navarro-Moreno join a bill headlined by the three-belt super featherweight world title unification showdown between WBO/IBF champion Emanuel Navarrete and WBC king O’Shaquie Foster.

In the 10-round featherweight co-feature, unbeaten Albert “Chop Chop” Gonzalez takes on Fort Worth native and former two-time world title challenger Edward Vazquez.

Navarrete-Foster, Gonzalez-Vazquez, Martin-Zaina and Navarro-Moreno will be streamed LIVE on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are available via Ticketmaster.com.

Navarro (9-1, 6 KOs), a 22-year-old from Inglewood, California, was a decorated amateur who reached the finals of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials before turning pro in April 2024. He won his first seven bouts before dropping a technical decision to Jesse Daniel Mendoza in November 2025 after an accidental clash of heads opened a cut over Mendoza’s right eye, prompting the bout to be stopped at the start of the fourth round. Navarro rebounded with a unanimous decision over Mario Hernandez in February and followed with a fifth-round knockout of Delvin McKinley in August.

Navarro said, “Texas! I’m thrilled to fight there and thankful to Top Rank and DAZN for the opportunity to fight on the main card. It’s also my first ten-round bout, and I fully intend to give the fans an exciting show and a statement win.”

Moreno (13-0, 3 KOs), 22, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was a multiple-time national amateur champion who compiled a 141-15 record before turning pro in November 2022. He scored a third-round knockout of Ira Terry in November 2024, then decisioned Khalid Twaiti and Edwin Tercero in 2025. Moreno opened 2026 with an eight-round decision over Francisco Pedroza Portillo in April.

Moreno said, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to fight on a Top Rank stage. Steven Navarro is a talented fighter and I respect what he brings to the ring. I’ve known him since the amateurs and we actually fought once in the amateurs, but professional boxing is a completely different story, and I’m going to show it. I’m not coming to be another opponent. I’ve worked too hard and sacrificed too much for this moment. On October 24, I’m coming to make a statement and show everyone the level I’m on compared to these other fighters.”

Martin (19-1-1, 13 KOs), a Detroit native now training under Buddy McGirt, broke out in 2022 with victories over Romero Duno and then-unbeaten Michel Rivera before challenging Gervonta Davis for a world title in June 2024. Since moving to 140 pounds, he has stopped former world champion Rances Barthelemy and battled Nahir Albright to a 10-round draw in February. Zaina (18-3-1, 12 KOs) returns following an eight-round decision against Alexis Nahuel Torres in July.

Before the main broadcast, additional undercard action will stream live on DAZN, Top Rank and DAZN’s YouTube channels, and the Top Rank Classics FAST channel on Roku, Tubi, Pluto and Vizio.

Lightweight phenom Deric “Scooter” Davis (12-0, 10 KOs) will lock horns with Joaquin Silva Faccio (18-7-1, 1 KO) in an eight-rounder. 

Unbeaten Los Angeles native Sammy Contreras (8-0, 3 KOs) will see action in a six-round lightweight bout against an opponent to be named, while San Antonio’s Daniel Cortez III (13-1, 9 KOs) takes on Mexico’s Oziel Rangel Aradillas(8-5, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder at super bantamweight.

Fort Worth’s Joseph Almajdi (2-1, 2 KOs) will compete in a six-round super welterweigh tilt.

SAN DIEGO – September 15, 2026 – Undefeated Filipino Olympian Eumir Marcial will return to the ring to battle local San Ysidro native and veteran contender Omar Ulisses Huerta in an eight-round middleweight attraction that highlights the non-televised undercard on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The non-televised lineup will also feature a Tijuana vs. Tijuana showdown between unbeaten Lazaro Francisco Lorenzana (21-0, 13 KOs) and Marcos Vazquez Rodriguez (21-2-1, 10 KOs), as they meet in an eight-round middleweight affair.

The card also features undefeated prospect Robert Guerrero Jr., the son of former world champion Robert Guerrero, dueling Ohio’s Shawn Ball in a six-round tilt.

Rounding out the card is a six-round heavyweight clash between Valerii Tadtaev (5-0, 5 KOs) and Ohio’s Juan Silva (3-1, 3 KOs) and San Diego’s Diego Luna (8-1-1, 6 KOs) in a four-round super lightweight matchup against Las Vegas-native Renny Viamonte Mastrapa (4-4-2, 2 KOs).

The event is headlined by a four-fight card streaming live on DAZN beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT featuring Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the main event.

In the co-main event, Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes tilt, plus rising super middleweight Daniel “Iceman” Blancas steps in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde battles fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

A highly-decorated Filipino amateur, highlighted by two trips to the Olympics, an Olympic bronze and a silver at the 2019 World Championships, Marcial (7-0, 4 KOs) will look to continue his rise in the pro ranks on September 19. The 30-year-old most recently went the 10-round distance for the first time, defeating Eddy Colmenares by decision in October, snapping a three-fight knockout streak. He’ll be opposed by San Ysidro’s Huerta (15-1-1, 13 KOs), who most recently dropped a decision in April to 160-pound contender Vito Mielnicki Jr. The 30-year-old has fought professionally since 2020 and stopped 13 of his first 15 opponents.

#         #         #

ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

Pitbull vs. Bravo will see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in the high-stakes co-main event.

In addition, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

ORLANDO, FL (September 15, 2026) — Puerto Rico has produced some of boxing’s greatest champions, and undefeated super featherweight Carlos De Leon Castro (9-0, 7 KOs) believes he has what it takes to become the island’s next great star.

The 21-year-old Caguas, Puerto Rico native, who is promoted by Boxlab Promotions, has quickly emerged as one of the island’s most promising young fighters. De Leon has combined speed, power, ring intelligence and an aggressive style to remain perfect through his first nine professional fights.

Most recently, De Leon, a vicious and tenacious fighter, scored another impressive stoppage victory on August 28 at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida, stopping veteran Maxwel Montes to improve to 9-0 with seven knockouts.

“I’m grateful for everything that has happened in my career so far, but I know I still have a lot of work ahead of me,” said De Leon. “Puerto Rico has such a rich history in boxing, and when you think about all the great champions who came before me, it motivates me. I want to earn my place among those names. Nothing is going to be given to me, so I’m going to keep working, keep learning and let my performances speak for themselves.”

De Leon entered the professional ranks with an extensive amateur pedigree. He compiled a 91-4 amateur record, captured multiple Puerto Rican national championships and represented Puerto Rico internationally. He began boxing at just six years old and developed under the guidance of his father, Carlos De Leon Sr.

His amateur experience has translated quickly to the professional game. Since making his debut in June 2024, De Leon has remained undefeated while steadily increasing the level of competition.

Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions, has witnessed De Leon’s development firsthand from the beginning of his professional career and believes the young Puerto Rican is beginning to show the qualities of a future contender.

“I’ve watched Carlos grow from his professional debut to where he is today, and the development has been very impressive,” said Piedra. “The talent was always there, but what stands out to me is how much more comfortable and mature he has become as a professional fighter. He’s learning how to control the pace, set up his punches and be patient instead of trying to force things. Every fight we’re seeing another layer of his game, and its inspiring.”

Piedra continued, “Carlos is still only 21 years old, so there’s no reason to rush the process. We believe he has the ability and personality to become a major name in Puerto Rican boxing, but he has to earn it. Our job is to keep developing him, continue raising the level of competition and put him in position to succeed when those bigger opportunities come.”

“Representing Puerto Rico means everything to me,” De Leon continued. “Puerto Rican fans know boxing. They expect their fighters to have heart, skills and pride every time they step into the ring. I accept that responsibility. I’m not going to call myself the next great Puerto Rican champion, that’s something I have to prove. But I believe in myself, I believe in my team, and I’m ready to chase that position.”

De Leon grew up admiring Puerto Rican icon Felix “Tito” Trinidad, while today he studies fighters such as Terence Crawford. His own style is built around technical ability, ring IQ and a strong jab, but his seven knockouts in nine professional victories have demonstrated that he also possesses the power to end fights.

For De Leon, the ultimate goal is clear…win a world championship and establish himself as the next great star in Puerto Rican boxing.

“I want to become a world champion and make Puerto Rico proud,” De Leon said. “I know there’s going to be pressure as the fights get bigger, but I welcome it. I’m young, I’m hungry, and I’m willing to fight the best when my time comes. Puerto Rico is ready for its next generation of champions, and I’m working every day to make sure my name is part of that conversation.”

International megastar Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton has answered the call to face UFC great Henry Cejudo at Misfits Boxing’s show in Miami next week, live on DAZN.

A fired-up Cejudo was ready to face Deen The Great on Saturday, September 26 but injury to the boxer and viral streamer has forced him out of the contest.

Yet without hesitation the exciting Wanna, the 20-year-old undefeated boxer and global acting star – best known for playing Ashtray in the hit HBO series Euphoria – has stepped into the breach.

Misfits Boxing Co-President, Mams Taylor said: “We’ve just turned up the heat on our Miami show with an almighty plot twist!

“Deen The Great is out of the main event with an injury, and in comes the megastar Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton.

“Wanna has accepted this showdown at really short notice, but he did not hesitate for a second when we presented the opportunity; he is super confident and ready to rumble with the former two weight UFC champion and Olympic gold medallist, Henry Cejudo.

“This has all the makings of one of the most exciting fights we’ve ever had on Misfits Boxing, because Wanna has the chance to take a massive scalp, while Cejudo is hell-bent on cutting a swathe through his scene in double-quick time.

“This is a classic crossroads fight; a battle of the stylish young buck who is ready to catapult his career, against the decorated combat veteran, who plans on dishing out a few lessons.”

Nakisa Bidarian, Co-Founder of Most Valuable Promotions said: “Most Valuable Promotions will never stand in the way when we are presented with a meaningful opportunity for our athletes, even when we have no involvement in the event. 

“Misfits offered us a significant financial guarantee for Wanna to step in on short notice against Henry Cejudo, an Olympic gold medallist and two-division UFC champion. 

“It’s a tremendous opportunity for Wanna to show the world why you don’t play boxing and I am confident he will shine bright as the star he is and defeat a UFC great.”

Henry Cejudo said: “I knew all along that Dean The Bitch would back out, and so I am not surprised he has done.

“But I have a new opponent now, who thinks he’s a fighter, but Wanna will be playing another robot by the time I’m done with him.”

Javon ‘Wanna’ Walton said: “Henry Cejudo is an Olympic gold medallist and a former UFC champion, so I know exactly the level of athlete I’m stepping in there with. This fight came up out of nowhere and I stepped up without hesitation. I stay ready for moments like this. This is boxing, and this is my world.

“Headlining on DAZN in Miami against a name like Cejudo is a huge opportunity, and on Saturday, September 26, I’m going to show everyone exactly what I’m capable of. Thank you to MVP for giving me the opportunity to step up and headline a card like this.”

MVP’s 20-year-old multi-talented star Javon “Wanna” Walton (3-0-1, 1 KO) signed with MVP in July 2023 as an athlete under development before making his pro debut in 2024.

As the youngest-ever athlete to sign with Nike’s Jordan Brand, Walton has continued to excel as a boxer, most recently defeating Anthony Mora by unanimous decision on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 15. 

Walton began boxing at the age of four, and at age eight became one of America’s youngest amateur prospects, becoming a multi-time Junior Regional Champion and two-time Junior Olympic national silver medalist. 

The Atlanta native is also a world-renowned actor who captured international attention with his debut role as the beloved drug dealer “Ashtray” in the HBO Max Emmy-winning series Euphoria starring alongside Hollywood icons Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, and has since continued to co-star in numerous other film and TV titles. He trains under his father and coach, DJ Walton.

In Cejudo, he faces a combat sports legend, who held UFC titles at flyweight and bantamweight.

The man known as ‘Triple C’ first scaled the heights in wrestling, winning multiple national and international medals, before his career culminated in 2008, when he won the Olympic gold medal at 55kg in Beijing.

KANSAS CITY, KS (September 14, 2026) — BiYu Promotions is proud to announce the “HEART OF AMERICA PRO + AM BOXING INVITATIONAL,” a two-day boxing event set for October 9 and 10, 2026, at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas, with all the action broadcast live worldwide on CombatVisionTV.

Headlining the event will be middleweight Nico Ali Walsh (12-2-1, 5 KOs), grandson of the legendary Muhammad Ali, who will square off against undefeated Treavon Craycraft (9-0-1) in an eight-round middleweight main event. Craycraft has yet to taste defeat as a professional, giving Ali Walsh an opportunity to make a statement against an unbeaten opponent when they meet on Saturday, October 10, at Memorial Hall. 

Ali Walsh has spent his professional career carving out his own identity while carrying one of the most recognizable names in sports. His appearance in Kansas City will give Midwest boxing fans an opportunity to see him compete live while viewers around the world can follow the action on CombatVisionTV.

“For the past 10 months, my biggest fight hasn’t been inside the ring, it’s been in Washington, D.C., working with lawmakers,” said Ali Walsh. “I’m proud to say we’ve made meaningful progress and helped bring about some important changes for fighters. I’m so happy to be back under the lights and doing what I love…BOXING. On October 10 I’m going to give the fans of Kansas City a great show and continue building my own legacy while I proudly represent what my grandfather built in this sport.”

The professional undercard will feature several undefeated prospects and rising contenders, including two fighters competing under the BiYu Promotions banner.

Undefeated welterweight Pryce Sparrow (7-0, 4 KOs) will take a significant step up in competition when he faces veteran Rashield Williams (14-3, 11 KOs) with the vacant NABA USA Welterweight title at stake.

Sparrow enters the bout following a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Oliver Flores on September 11 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The 19-year-old prospect will now have an opportunity to add his first professional title while continuing his rapid progression through the welterweight ranks.

BiYu Promotions’ Cuban super flyweight Yusniel Abrahante (8-2, 1 KO) will also return to action, with his opponent to be announced. Abrahante enters the event with momentum after scoring an impressive unanimous decision victory over previously undefeated Luis Coria in July, handing the hard-hitting prospect his first professional defeat.

“This is a special event for BiYu Promotions and for boxing in the Midwest,” said Bobby Harrison, President of BiYu Promotions. “Having Nico Ali Walsh headline at Memorial Hall brings a lot of excitement to Kansas City. Everyone knows the history behind the Ali name, but Nico is a young man who is working hard to establish himself and create his own legacy in boxing. We’re excited to have him as the main event and give fans the opportunity to see him perform.”

Harrison is equally excited about the opportunity awaiting Sparrow and Abrahante.

“Pryce and Yusniel are two fighters we believe strongly in,” Harrison continued. “Pryce is coming off a great performance in the Dominican Republic, and now he’s stepping into a title fight against an experienced opponent. That’s the type of progression we want for him. Yusniel is also coming off a tremendous win against an undefeated fighter, and we want to keep that momentum going. These are the opportunities that help young fighters develop into contenders.”

The professional portion of the card is also scheduled to feature Fernando Angel Molina (12-1-1, 4 KOs), undefeated featherweight Izak Carlos (8-0, 6 KOs) against veteran Deivi Julio (29-18, 18 KOs), Jamar Pemberton (10-1, 6 KOs) against Edwin Gamboa (13-13-2, 6 KOs) in middleweight action, undefeated super lightweight Jorge Carlos (13-0, 11 KOs), against Carlos Manuel Portillo (23-10, 17 KOs), undefeated middleweight Ryan Maine (9-0, 6 KOs) against David Lobo Ramirez (20-7, 15 KOs), undefeated lightweight Eric Valencia (7-0, 6 KOs), against Martin Diaz (18-24-2, 8 KOs), and super middleweight Shomari Wilson (1-0), whose opponent is to be announced.

The HEART OF AMERICA PRO + AM BOXING INVITATIONAL will bring professional and amateur boxing together over two days at Memorial Hall, creating a platform for established names, rising prospects and developing amateur talent.

For Harrison, the event represents another step in BiYu Promotions’ commitment to creating opportunities for fighters while bringing competitive boxing to markets across the country.

“We want this to become an event that fighters and fans look forward to,” Harrison said. “The amateur side represents the future of the sport, while the professional card gives fans a chance to see fighters who are already making their move. Bringing those two worlds together in Kansas City and broadcasting the action worldwide on CombatVisionTV is what the Heart of America Invitational is all about.”

Ticket information for the “HEART OF AMERICA PRO + AM BOXING INVITATIONAL” is available at BiYuPromotions.com.

The WBC made numerous attempts and undertook countless efforts to bring all interested parties together toward reaching the necessary agreements to satisfy all requests proposed for sanctioning bouts compliant with the WBC Rules, orders, and rulings.

After communicating with all parties involved regarding the Noel Mikaelian v. Jai Opetaia bout, the WBC Board of Governors determined that among all available courses of action, the ones most compliant with the WBC’s prior orders are the following rulings and orders:

1.           Declare vacant the WBC Cruiserweight World Title;

2.           Elevate WBC Interim Cruiserweight World Champion Michal Cieslak to WBC World Champion;

3.           Confirm the WBC’s sanctioning of the mandatory defense of Champion Cieslak’s title against David Benavidez; and

4.           Order that the winner of the Mikaelian v. Opetaia bout would become the Mandatory Contender of the division to fight next the winner of the upcoming bout between Cieslak and Benavidez.

Consistent with the WBC’s order set forth above, the winner of that bout must face next Jay Opetaia, who won his bout last Saturday September 12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

(September 14, 2026) – With the packed houses full of flag-waving, wildly enthusiastic crowds that WBC Interim super middleweight champion Lester Martinez has attracted on ProBoxTV broadcasts, Guatemalan boxing fans are quickly becoming known for their nationalistic pride and passionate support for their fighters.

And while Martinez will forever hold the distinction as Guatemala’s first boxer to hold any version of a world championship, another fast-rising Guatemalan American is graduating to main event status, with hopes of becoming the country’s second-ever world champion.

Chants of “Viva Guatemala!” and “¡Qué viva Guate!” are expected to ring throughout the venue once again, as unbeaten Guatemalan-American Kevin Anton, 14-0 (12 KOs), will defend his WBC Continental Americas junior-middleweight title against Cuba’s also undefeated Yan Marcos, 15-0 (10 KOs), in the main event of ProBoxTV’s Friday, October 16, live broadcast from the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

In the co-main event, WBC No. 5-ranked Justin Pauldo, 20-2, (10 KOs), of Houston will face fellow fan favorite and WBO No. 11-ranked Rene Tellez Giron, 23-5 (14 KOs), of Queretaro, Mexico, in a 10-round lightweight throwdown between all-action warriors.

Tickets to attend live at the Rawhide Western Town & Event Center are on sale now and available through thundertix.com.

Viewers from home can watch live on ProBoxTV’s YouTube Channel by signing up for a ProBoxTV monthly membership for just $5 a month, giving you access to 12 “Championship Series” events per year, as well as in-studio content several times a week, “Future Stars” series events featuring the next generation of ProBox stars, and to help power the company’s news division, BoxingScene.com, the world’s #1 and most trusted source for boxing news online.

A barber when not throwing leather in the ring, Anton’s family has roots in Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Proud of his heritage, the 28-year-old southpaw calls himself “Americo-Chapin” and frequently walks to the ring for his fights waving the Guatemalan flag.

In 2026, the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala officially honored him and Martínez with the Condecoración Soberano Congreso Nacional for representing the country with distinction.

Reminiscent of WBC 154lbs champion Sebastian Fundora with his 6-foot-3 stature and destructive, long-armed punching, Palmdale, California’s Anton will be making his fourth consecutive appearance on ProBoxTV and fighting in his first main event against Marcos.

WBC No. 16-ranked Anton was last seen handily defeating capable veteran Vladimir Hernandez by near-shutout scores of 100-90, 100-90, 99-91 in July.

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Once a top international amateur for Team Cuba, Miami via Havana’s Marcos is a highly skilled 5-foot-9 southpaw, ranked IBF No. 11 and WBA No. 15.

A sharp counterpuncher with excellent movement and above-average punching power, Marcos currently holds the IBF USBA junior middleweight championship and will be looking to add Anton’s WBC belt to his collection.

In his most recent ring appearance, 26-year-old Marcos had to overcome some rocky moments to defeat then-undefeated prospect Dwyke Flemmings Jnr, climbing off the canvas in round five to take an exciting 10-round split decision victory.

A Marcos left hand sent Flemmings to the canvas for the first time as a pro in round four.

This will be the Cuban’s second-consecutive appearance on ProBoxTV.

ProBoxTV favorite Justin Pauldo rebounded from his second career loss, a split decision to respected contender Miguel Madueno in February 2024, to score statement-making eighth-round knockout over former world champion Shavkatdzhon Rakhimov in February 2025.

32-year-old Pauldo dropped Rakhimov in the first and dominated the rest of the way before landing a devastating straight right hand that sent Rakhimov to the canvas for the second time, prompting referee Mark Calo-oy to stop the one-sided contest.

Pauldo’s most recent appearance was a ProBoxTV-televised seventh-round knockout over hard-punching Colombian contender Nike Theran last November.

?This will be Pauldo’s sixth appearance on the network.

A classic, tough-as-nails Mexican slugger, the 27-year-old Rene “El Bravo” Tellez Giron has the kind of TV-friendly style that makes for classic fights.

A three-time ProBoxTV alumnus, Tellez Giron is currently riding a three-fight winning streak, including a September 2025, 10-round unanimous decision over Jordan White to win the NABF championship and a sixth-round stoppage of Maliek Montgomery to win the WBC Latino Silver lightweight title in March. This fight will be Tellez Giron’s fourth ProBoxTV appearance.

The remainder of the October 16 card will be announced soon.

# # #

ABOUT PROBOX TV:

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to professional boxing. Founded in 2022 by its CEO Garry Jonas, ProBox TV provides boxing fans with the sport’s premiere schedule of live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content.

For more information, visit us online:

YouTube: @ProBoxTV

Web (English): proboxtv.com

Instagram: instagram.com/proboxtvofficial

Facebook: facebook.com/ProBoxTVStreaming

Twitter: twitter.com/probox_tv

TikTok: tiktok.com/@proboxtv

Support: support@proboxtv.com

SANTO DOMINGO, DR. (September 14, 2026) — “Dominican Fight Night,” co-promoted by BiYu Promotions and Shuan Boxing, delivered a full night of action this past Friday, September 11, from Coliseo Carlos Teo Cruz in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Broadcast worldwide on CombatVisionTV, the event provided an international stage for several of the Dominican Republic’s rising fighters, along with promising young talent from the United States. Fighters competing under the BiYu Promotions banner turned in several strong performances, led by undefeated super welterweight Rafael Abreu, unbeaten super featherweight Eliesel Ledesma, undefeated prospects Pryce Sparrow, Ty Cassell and Angel Rodriguez, along with cruiserweight Starlyn Guzman.

“I was very pleased with what I saw from our fighters,” said Bobby Harrison, President of BiYu Promotions. “Rafael, Eliesel, Pryce, Ty and Angel all came away with victories, and each one showed something different. Starlyn came up short in a very close fight, but sometimes those are the fights that help a young fighter grow. We believe in all of these guys, and nights like this give them the experience they need as we continue moving them forward.”

Abreu continued his impressive run with another explosive knockout, stopping Juan Delgado de Leon in the second round of their scheduled eight-round super welterweight bout. Abreu ended the fight at 2:59 of the round, improving his undefeated record to 13-0 with 12 knockouts.

Ledesma remained unbeaten with a hard-fought unanimous decision over Jorge Santana in their eight-round super featherweight contest. All three judges scored the bout 77-75 for Rodriguez Ledesma, who improved to 10-0-2 with 8 KOs.

Sparrow took another step forward in his young career with a dominant eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Oliver Flores, who entered the bout with more than 40 professional fights. Sparrow controlled the action on his way to scores of 80-71, 80-71 and 79-72, improving to 7-0 with 4 KOs.

Houston’s Cassell made quick work of previously unbeaten Cristofer Peralta, stopping him at 1:19 of the second round of their scheduled six-round super lightweight bout. The 19-year-old Cassell improved to 6-0 with 4 KOs with the victory.

Rodriguez also kept his undefeated record intact, earning a convincing six-round unanimous decision over Nayer Gonzalez Jimenez in their featherweight matchup. Rodriguez won by scores of 59-54, 59-54 and 60-53, improving to 6-0 with 3 KOs.

Cruiserweight Guzman suffered the first defeat of his professional career, dropping a competitive six-round unanimous decision to Jankelly Rodriguez Paulino. All three judges scored the fight 58-56. Guzman, who had knocked out each of his previous five opponents, is now 5-1 with 5 KOs.

“We’re building something special at BiYu Promotions, and the goal is to develop these fighters the right way,” Harrison continued. “We want to keep them active, give them competitive fights and put them in situations where they have to keep improving. There’s a lot of talent on this roster, both in the Dominican Republic and the United States, and I’m excited about where we’re headed.”

ADDITIONAL RESULTS

Feudri Franco scored a first-round knockout over Junior Desir at 2:07.

Miguel Angel Arias stopped Jose Manuel Perez by third-round TKO at 2:15.

Misael Vasquez defeated Michael Chaise Nelson by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the bout 79-73.

Jose Luis De Los Santos Feliz knocked out Eliezer Aquino in the sixth round at 2:46.

Vivian Bianelis Rodriguez stopped Grecia Novas Mateo by third-round TKO at 1:22.

Keuryn Alcantara defeated Markin Quezada Nunez by third-round TKO.

Yan Carlos Perez and Juan Alcantara Sanchez fought to an eight-round majority draw. Two judges scored the bout 76-76, while the third had Perez ahead 78-74.

Carlos Johnson defeated Kermin Jimenez by unanimous decision, with all three judges scoring the six-round bout 57-56.

Yankiel Rivera Figueroa stopped Francisco Vargas Martinez in the opening round at 2:23.

Luis Rosario Villafane scored a third-round TKO over Jose Rodriguez Lora at 0:57.

Elvis Del Castillo stopped Juan Carlos Salazar Jose by fourth-round TKO.

Alexander Rivera knocked out Bladimir Heredia Roa in the sixth and final round at 2:08.

Bryan Santos Mendez defeated Juan Carlos Constanza by four-round majority decision, with scores of 38-38, 40-36 and 39-37.

September 14, 2026 – Middleweight contenders Cesar Mateo Tapia and Leo Ruiz will face off in an action-packed 10-rounder as part of the main card for ZUFFA BOXING 11: FISHER vs. PIROTTON on Saturday, September 26, at the Copper Box Arena in London.

Sky Sports will broadcast the event in the UK and Ireland, with the main card starting at 7 pm BST/2 pm ET/11 am PT and the preliminary bouts beginning at 5 pm BST/12 pm ET/9 am PT.

The entire card will stream live on Paramount+ at no additional cost in the U.S., Latin America, Brazil, and Canada. 

Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

Tapia (18-0-1, 11 KOs), who was born in Mexico and raised in Australia, will be making his UK and Zuffa Boxing debuts. He last fought in March 2025, stopping Sergei Vorobev in five rounds. Ruiz (17-1, 9 KOs), the Robert Garcia-trained pressure fighter from Zacatecas, Mexico, has won a pair of bouts since the lone loss on his ledger. He knocked out Casey James Streeter in the fourth round at ZUFFA BOXING 3 in February.

As previously announced, hometown favorite Johnny “The Romford Bull” Fisher (14-1, 12 KOs) will take on Belgium’s Michael Pirotton (12-2, 6 KOs) in the 10-round heavyweight main event. London-born light heavyweight contender Craig “Spider” Richards (20-4-1, 13 KOs) hopes to keep his title hopes alive against  Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic (30-3, 22 KOs) in the 10-round co-feature, while British middleweight veterans Lee Cutler (16-2, 8 KOs) and Louis Greene (19-4, 12 KOs) will fight in a high-stakes 10-rounder.   

The rest of the main card is as follows:

Leon Hughes (5-0, 4 KOs) vs. Michael Stephenson (10-3), 6 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Kayla Allen (Pro Debut) vs. Elisabeth Mronsz (2-0, 1 KO), 6 Rounds, Super Lightweights

The preliminary card will be topped by an eight-round cruiserweight battle between Mexican Olympian Rogelio Romero (6-0, 6 KOs) and Aurel Ignat (11-0, 8 KOs), a native of Moldova who now resides in London. Romero reached the quarterfinals at the Tokyo Olympics before turning professional in 2024. Ignat’s last nine fights have taken place in London.

The rest of the prelim card is as follows:

Alex MacMillan (4-0, 3 KOs) vs. Guillaume Azagier (2-0), 6 Rounds, Super Welterweights

Alexis De la Cerda (9-0, 5 KOs) vs. Cain Lewis (10-0-1, 2 KOs), 6 Rounds, Featherweights

Fred Pullen (Pro Debut) vs. Leonardo Faretina (8-9-2, 3 KOs), 4 Rounds, Lightweights

###

About Zuffa Boxing

Zuffa Boxing is a joint venture between TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (“TKO”) (NYSE: TKO) and Sela, the entertainment conglomerate. TKO serves as managing partner, providing day-to-day operational expertise, management, and oversight of the promotion, with executive leadership anchored by UFC President and CEO Dana White and WWE President and TKO Board Member Nick Khan. The promotion aims to reimagine the sport of boxing by evolving the current model to restore the sport’s rightful place in the forefront of the global sports ecosystem. For more information, follow @Zuffa_Boxing on X; and @ZuffaBoxing on Snapchat, Instagram, Threads, and TikTok.

About Paramount+ 

Paramount+ is a premium streaming subscription service delivering live sports, breaking news, and a Mountain of Entertainment™, and is a cornerstone of the Direct-to-Consumer division of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company. The Company’s portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America’s most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, SHOWTIME®, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance’s Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions.  

For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.

About Sela

Founded in 1997, Sela is a Saudi Arabian company specializing in creating, constructing, and operating unique destinations and recreational experiences across sports, entertainment, culture, and hospitality sectors. Initially recognized as Saudi Arabia’s first FIFA-recognized athletes’ representation company, Sela expanded into sports marketing and has since diversified into broader recreational industries. 

About TKO

TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company. TKO owns iconic properties including UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization; WWE, the global leader in sports entertainment; and PBR, the world’s premier bull riding organization. Together, these properties reach 1 billion households across 210 countries and territories and organize more than 500 live events year-round, attracting more than three million fans. TKO also services and partners with major sports rights holders through IMG, an industry-leading global sports marketing agency; and On Location, a global leader in premium experiential hospitality.

About Sky

Sky connects and entertains millions of people across Europe. At the heart of everything we do, is a belief that people deserve better. For decades, we’ve shaken up every category we entered to give people what they love, to make life a little easier and to provide great value. That’s how we bring millions of customers the joy of a better experience in TV, broadband and mobile.

In TV, we offer the best sports coverage, unmissable TV and the smartest ways to stream and aggregate the TV you love. In broadband, we power homes and businesses, with a fast, reliable connection. In mobile, we bring people closer, with plans at unbeatable value. And now, you can even keep your home connected and protected, through our smart insurance. We design our products to fit seamlessly into your life, with service whenever and however you need it.

That’s how we do better for customers. And we believe in better for society too. We power the cultural economy in the UK and beyond, making award-winning news, original sport, and entertainment. We contribute billions to UK GDP, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs and sharing both our journalism and our coverage of the arts, free of charge. We are cutting emissions and making recyclable, energy-efficient products, and we give back, through free internet access and digital skills for under-served communities and young people. Sky is owned by Comcast Corporation, a global media and technology company.

About streaming service NOW

NOW is the home of brilliant entertainment and broadband. Join in for the latest movies, critically acclaimed shows and biggest live sports. 

With a Cinema Membership, access the latest blockbusters and unmissable collections with over 1000 movies on demand. With an Entertainment Membership, enjoy award-winning dramas and the best of HBO – plus Sky Originals and epic kids TV. With a Sports Membership, stream all 12 Sky Sports channels and every Sky Sports+ stream, and catch live action from the Premier League, EFL, Formula 1, England & ICC Cricket, ATP & WTA Tennis, Golf majors, Premier League Darts, NFL, and so much more. 

Plus, members can also enjoy a premium experience with the Ultra Boost* add-on, which features stunning Ultra High Definition (UHD) High Dynamic Range (HDR), immersive surround sound, and ad-free** viewing on up to 3 devices at once. Or members have the option to enjoy an upgraded experience with Boost – ad-free** streaming in VOD, Full HD and Surround Sound on up to two devices at once. 

For ultrafast broadband, members can enjoy NOW Full Fibre 300, NOW Full Fibre 100, NOW Full Fibre 75 and NOW Superfast membership, all powered by Sky’s award-winning broadband network. Ultra Boost features are available on selected content and devices only. See here for full

WORCESTER, MA – Kendrick Ball Jr. (23-2-3, 13 KOs) returns to the venue where he has created so many memories on Saturday, September 26 when he takes on Argentina’s Job “The Archangel” Herrera (13-5-1, 6 KOs) at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort.

The bout is the co-main event of CES Boxing’s Fight Night in America, an exciting card that also features a Dominican Olympian and several of the best prospects in Rhode Island.

Tickets to Fight Night in America are quickly selling out. Purchase yours now at CESFights.com.

For the light heavyweight contender from Worcester, MA, the road to a career-defining fight leads back to where his professional career began.

“This is where I turned pro,” recalls Ball. “I’d say this is like my first home, so I’m really excited to be back.  I haven’t fought there in years.”

Few fighters are as familiar with Bally’s Event Center as Kendrick Ball. September 26 marks the twelfth time that he fights at the venue where he has compiled an impressive 10-0-1 record with 7 knockouts.

Now a veteran of 28 professional bouts, the 33-year-old returns to the place where his professional career began for one more run in the hopes of landing a career-defining fight and earning the life-changing payday that has eluded him throughout his career.

“My goal in boxing is to get a big-money fight,” admits Ball Jr. “I’m 23-2-3.  I have a good record, and I feel like I’m long overdue.  I just need that opportunity presented to me, and when it is, I’m not going to turn it down.  I’ll fight any of the top guys.”

Ball was introduced to boxing at a young age by his father and longtime trainer, Kendrick Ball Sr.  However, while Kendrick Jr. trained and sparred at his local Boys & Girls Club for years, he did not begin competing until he was in high school. After an estimated 30 amateur bouts, Ball turned professional with CES Boxing in 2016.

Despite the limited amateur experience, Ball quickly developed into one of New England’s top super middleweights, winning the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight Championship in 2021 against battle-tested Contender Series veteran Brian Vera.

With the success, Ball became part of a resurgence alongside the likes of former two-division world champion Jose Antonio “El Gallo” Rivera and world title challengers Edwin “La Bomba” Rodriguez and Jamaine “The Technician” Ortiz that helped establish Worcester as one of New England’s hottest boxing cities.

While Ball was initially active after the Vera victory, winning six fights and fighting to one draw from 2021 to 2023, he has fought just once a year since 2024.

“At the time I was signed with CES, so they were always keeping me busy,” reflects Ball. “When we ended up going our separate ways, my activity died down because locally, they make you cover everything when you get on shows, and it’s expensive.  Then my grandmother passed away, and I ended up taking a little over a year off.”

Despite the challenges and hardships, Ball never completely walked away from boxing.  The Worcester native returned in December of last year, winning a shutout 6-round decision over Norberto Gonzalez.

However, the economic realities of the sport required Ball to supplement his boxing career with a full-time job.

“I merchandise beer and do point-of-sale work,” says Ball.  “I’m at work by 7 a.m. and I get out around 4:30, 5 p.m.  Then I go straight to the gym.”

His “night shift” consists of grueling training under the tutelage of his father and Edwin Rodriguez, who serves as Ball’s assistant trainer as he prepares for Herrera, a grizzled Argentine veteran who has shared the ring with former middleweight world champion Vincenzo Gualtieri.

“He’s definitely going to try to come forward because he’s the smaller guy,” says Ball of Herrera, who is moving up from super middleweight for this bout.  “I’ve got to stay on the outside and use my reach.”

Ball acknowledges that Herrera is a tough fighter with world-class experience, but he believes that he has the edge in both strength and boxing ability.

“I don’t take anybody lightly, so I’m going in there to get the job done,” says Ball.  “I just feel like I’m going to frustrate him, and if I can end it early, that’s what I’m looking to do.”

At this stage of his career, Ball isn’t interested in padding his record or chasing belts simply for the sake of collecting hardware. He wants the opportunity to test himself against one of the division’s biggest names – and finally be compensated for the years he has invested in the sport.

“The Archangel” Herrera stands in the way of those goals, which is why Ball is fully focused on taking care of business on September 26.

“My birthday is on September 17, but I can’t celebrate it,” laughs Ball. “I’m going to celebrate it on fight night. I’m looking to give myself a big birthday gift. It’s going to be a good night, and hopefully we get a big opportunity after that.”

For Kendrick Ball Jr., there is no better place to begin his run toward that career-changing opportunity than the venue he affectionately calls ‘home’.

For more information on Fight Night in America and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

HUNTINGTON, NY (September 13, 2026) — With just four weeks to go until Rockin’ Fights 55 on October 10, at The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing is preparing for a special night of action and celebration honoring the American Dream and the generations of people who have come to the United States in pursuit of opportunity and built their own stories of success.

New York has long been a gateway to that dream. From generations of Irish and Italian immigrants who helped shape the city and the sport of boxing, to the communities pursuing that same promise today, the fight game has always reflected a uniquely American story, people from different backgrounds united by ambition, hard work and the belief that anything is possible.

At Rockin’ Fights 55, that spirit will be celebrated both inside and outside the ring, with an exciting night of professional boxing accompanied by special festivities throughout the evening.

The celebration will include a live performance by America’s Tenor Christopher Macchio, along with appearances by special guests and additional surprises planned for fight night.

“Boxing has always been a sport for dreamers,” said Star Boxing President and CEO Joe DeGuardia. “My own family’s story is rooted in the Italian-American experience, and generations of people have come to this country believing that if they work hard and keep fighting, they can build something better. That spirit is at the heart of boxing, and it’s what we want to celebrate at Rockin’ Fights 55.”

With fight night now just four weeks away, additional announcements surrounding Rockin’ Fights 55, including special guests and event festivities, will be revealed in the weeks ahead.

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 55 TICKETS ON PRE-SALE

BUY TICKETS HERE!
ABOUT ROCKIN’ FIGHTS

Created in 2011, the Rockin’ Fights series has developed elite boxing talent and has produced former WBO Light Heavyweight World Champion, the “Common Man”, Joe “The Beast” Smith Jr. (Mastic, Long Island 28-4 22KO’s) and former WBO Super Lightweight World Champion, Chris Algieri (Huntington, NY 25-4 9KO’S), two of only four Long Island World Champions EVER.

ROCKIN’ FIGHTS 55 is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing—New York’s longest-running promotional company. For over 30 years, Star Boxing has delivered fan-friendly events, showcased thousands of bouts, and developed multiple world champions.

For more information, visit us at www.StarBoxing.com. For 30 years of action packed fights, subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE. Follow along on social media for fight announcements and updates @StarBoxing, and join the conversation using #RockinFights.

One of the most prestigious events on the boxing calendar officially returns on Saturday, December 12, as Matchroom Boxing, in partnership with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, stage Monte-Carlo Showdown VII.
 
Taking place at the stunning Salle des Étoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, the exclusive fight night has seen some of the sport’s biggest names shine under the glitz, glamour and bright lights of the Principality in the past, including the likes of Dmitry Bivol, Gennady Golovkin, Joe Cordina and Derek Chisora.
 
Last year, the brilliant, 15-0 Shabaz Masoud – who returns to action next week at Manchester’s Co-op Live against Ckari Cani Mansilla for the vacant IBF Intercontinental Featherweight Title – defeated Liverpool’s Peter McGrail for the European Super Bantamweight belt in a memorable main event.
 
The undercard saw Elif Nur Turhan celebrate her crowning glory when she captured the IBF World Lightweight Championship in spectacular style when she stopped Brazil’s Olympic hero Beatriz Ferreira, whilst British Welterweight king Conah Walker upset Team GB Tokyo 2020 Olympic Silver Medallist Pat McCormack with a dramatic 12th-round demolition.
 
And this year promises to deliver even more excitement with Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn insisting the event will see some huge fights for its seventh instalment.
 
“Our annual Monte-Carlo Showdown is one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures in the sport and we cannot wait to return to the Principality this December,” said Hearn.
 
“As always, it will be a special spectacle, with a host of big fights lighting up the card – all live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.
 
“We are immensely grateful to our magnificent hosts at Sporting Monte-Carlo, along with the ever-present Michael Wittstock and the Prince of Monaco, Albert II, who have long championed this incredible event.”
 
Official two-night packages (inclusive of hotel and fight night tickets) are on sale now via matchroomboxing.com with details on standalone tickets to follow in due course – along with information on the full fight card and fight week schedule for media.
 
Monte-Carlo Showdown VII takes place on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at the Salle des Étoiles, Sporting Monte-Carlo, and will be broadcast live worldwide on DAZN.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Ryan Garcia looks primed to enter the pound-for-pound top ten after a devastating second round knockout of Conor Benn to successfully defend the WBC welterweight title on pro boxing’s unofficial holiday, Mexican Independence Day weekend, in the main event of a nine-bout card broadcast by Paramount+ from the T-Mobile Arena.  

Garcia (26-2, 21 KOs) of Los Angeles, California looked determined to make it a short night early as Benn (25-2, 14 KOs) of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom may have caught him at the height of his powers, settled in the 147-pound version of his body. 

Garcia, 145 ½, was full of frantic energy in the first, but he made Benn, 146, take a backwards step with the first leaping left hook he landed. Benn, the WBC #1 ranked welterweight, came forward, but Garcia showed a willingness to exchange. 

Benn started the second landing before Garcia immediately took over and ended the fight. With Benn coming forward, Garcia landed a picture perfect right to drop Britain’s welterweight hopeful. 

Benn got to his feet, but was clearly not well. Garcia moved in with his hands going and landed in combination with Benn against the ropes. Not seeing Benn answer back, referee Thomas Taylor moved in and stopped the onslaught at 1:25 of round two. 

“I am blessed to fight on this day, Mexican Independence Day,” said Garcia in the immediate aftermath. “I know some of you don’t see me as Mexican because I don’t speak Spanish. But I have a place for you in my heart and Viva Mexico!” 

Garcia went on to call out Teofimo Lopez, seated ringside. “If you want to get crazy, I’ll beat your ass right now,” Garcia shouted towards Lopez before calling out Devin Haney, also seated ringside, for a rematch.

Widely regarded as the best cruiserweight in the world, Jai Opetaia (31-0, 24 KOs) of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia cemented that position with a ninth-round stoppage of Noel Mikaelian (28-4, 12 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Yerevan, Armenia, who entered the week as the WBC champion. 

A feeling out first round featured an accidental headbutt, with Mikaelian, 200, coming forward to land the right against the southpaw Opetaia. 

Opetaia, the WBC #1/WBA #1/IBF #3 ranked cruiserweight, had a left eye showing some signs of swelling in the second round from the Mikaelian right.

Mikaelian was warned after throwing late to end the third, something he had done less egregiously to end the second as well.

Opetaia, 199, upped his aggression in the fourth and some of the punches that had missed by inches earlier were beginning to land with more regularity. 

By the sixth Mikaelian was moving more, but when Opetaia got in close he found a home for some body work and tried to mix in some punches upstairs.

Mikaelian found some success early in the seventh, countering with a stiff right, before Opetaia turned the tide back late in the round with some well-placed punches on the inside.

Opetaia got some payback for the late punches earlier in the fight, landing two low in succession in the eighth, which prompted a timeout.  

The fight came to its dramatic conclusion in the ninth. With Mikaelian holding him, Opetaia landed with an overhand right that had the Armenian out on his feet. Opetaia then let go with a left hook and broke free with his right hand to land a combination that forced Mikaelian out against the ropes, but still on his feet. Referee Harvey Dock ruled it a knockdown, but waved off the bout after a short word with Mikaelian. The time of stoppage was 1:36 of the ninth. 

All three official judges had Opetaia ahead 79-73 at the time of the stoppage.

With the win, Opetaia retained the Ring Magazine and Zuffa cruiserweight titles. More importantly to fight fans, Opetaia welcomed the main challenger to his throne David Benavidez into the ring post-fight and both made clear their intentions for a fight to clear up who is the kingpin at 200 pounds. 

U.S. heavyweight prospect Da’Mazion Vanhouter (13-0, 10 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Florida made brutally short work of Raphael Akpejiori (19-4, 18 KOs) of Miami by way of Lagos, Nigeria, scoring two knockdowns en route to a first-round stoppage. 

Vanhouter, 231 ½, hurt Akpejiori, 246, early and often. Vanhouter caught Akpejiori with an overhand right that immediately staggered the 6’8” Nigerian. When Vanhouter followed with a right uppercut, Akpejiori went down for the first time. Akpejiori was able to buy a little time when Vanhouter’s right arm was caught in an awkward position as the Nigerian leaned over with all his weight. Despite the scare, Vanhouter moved right back into position, ultimately landing with the right uppercut once more and two overhand rights to put Akpejiori down again. Referee Robert Hoyle immediately called off the fight at 1:58 of round one. 

In the opening bout of the main card, longtime contender Andres Cortes (26-0, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas may have moved back to the doorstep of the marquee fight that has eluded him to this point of his career by scoring a wide ten-round unanimous decision over former featherweight champion Mark Magsayo (29-3, 19 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. 

Cortes, 135, began the fight strong, landing to the body of Magsayo, 134 ½, and forcing the Filipino to hold on along the ropes. 

Magsayo, the IBF #6/WBO #9/WBC #10 ranked lightweight, began to turn up the output in the second. The Filipino found Cortes, the WBC #11/WBA #12/WBO #13 ranked lightweight, willing to mix it up and slip in his power right hand. 

Cortes was originally credited with a knockdown in the third with a right to the body of Magsayo. It appeared that Magsayo, who was already hunched over, believed a break may have been called and collapsed on his own accord. Referee Celestino Ruiz saw fit to call the knockdown, the first of two he ruled as such, but were overturned officially by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

Cortes would again appear to have scored a knockdown late in the fourth. The Las Vegas native clubbed Magsayo with an overhand right that forced the Filipino to a knee. Magsayo did not appear hurt, but did appear a bit off track over the first half of the fight and would make several other voluntary trips to the canvas, none of which were scored as knockdowns.

Magsayo shifted his tactics by the seventh, potshotting Cortes and trying to get out of the way of any return fire. Despite finding Magsayo a more elusive target, Cortes still found a hole for some stiff right hands in the round.

The pace slowed in the latter rounds. Cortes, comfortable with his lead on the cards, was more restrained with his offense. For his part, Magsayo did not press like a fighter wanting to win and digging out of a two knockdown hole. 

After a tenth in which neither fighter showed urgency, all three judges scored the bout unanimously for the still undefeated Cortes. Judges Don Trella, Glenn Feldman and Tim Cheatham all scored the bout 97-93 for Cortes, who now has fellow Zuffa Boxing fighter Jose “Rayo” Valenzuela in his sights.

Find the results of the preliminary undercard here

Photos by Al Powers/Zuffa Boxing and Ed Mulholland/Zuffa Boxing

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Later tonight, Ryan Garcia will attempt to make his case for inclusion in the pound-for-pound top ten discussion against Conor Benn in the Paramount+ main event from the T-Mobile Arena. First bell for the five-bout preliminary undercard began at 2 PM local time.

In the final preliminary contest before the four-bout main card began, rangy super featherweight prospect Oswaldo Molina (10-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico flashed his excellent boxer-mover skillset in claiming a wide six-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Pablo Rubio (15-1, 5 KOs) of Whittier, California. 

Molina, 131 ½, controlled the fight all the way through. Molina’s reach and jab gave Rubio, 131, trouble in the early going. Rubio had to work hard to cut off the ring and get inside close enough to land. Molina’s footwork was also a problem for the Whittier native. 

Rubio was able to land his left to the body but never really strung his punches together against the more elusive Molina. Both fighters let their hands go prior to the final bell before the final verdict was read. Judges Glenn Feldman and Don Trella both found a round for Rubio, scoring the bout 59-55. Judge Tim Cheatham had the fight a shutout, 60-54.

Abel Gonzalez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Safety Harbor, Florida rebounded from a first round knockdown to box his way past a forward-moving Raul Solomon (16-5-1, 14 KOs) of Long Beach, California by way of Ciudad Morelos, Baja California, Mexico via eight-round unanimous decision. 

The competitive first round swung completely for Salomon, 167, as he scored a knockdown with a sweeping left, followed by a right with seconds left to go. 

Gonzalez, 167 ½, appeared clear-headed as the fight continued in the second. Gonzalez’s long left jab became a problem for Salomon as the early rounds progressed, evidenced by the mouse that formed underneath the Long Beach resident’s right eye.

By the fifth, Gonzalez began to find a home for his lead right on a more frequent basis. Salomon’s constant pressure seemed to be wearing on Gonzalez some by the seventh. Both fighters closed out the eighth and final round throwing their hands. 

In the end, all three judges; Eric Cheek, Kermit Bayless and Max DeLuca, scored the bout for Gonzalez by the score of 77-74. 

Welterweight prospect Vlad Panin (25-2, 17 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Gomel, Belarus appears more than ready for the next level of opposition after a fourth-round stoppage over Dakota Linger (17-8-3, 13 KOs) of Buckhannon, West Virginia. 

Panin, 151 ½, landed with both hands from the opening bell against the smaller Linger, 150 ½, who was game enough to throw back and keep referee Thomas Taylor from jumping in for an early stoppage in the first three rounds. 

The fight got into the fourth before referee Thomas Taylor leaped-in to end things, prompted by an unanswered flurry by Panin with Linger covering up in the red corner. Time of the stoppage came at 1:22 of round four. 

Welterweight contender Alexis Rocha (27-2, 16 KOs) of Irvine, California scored the most noteworthy win of his career, besting former unified 140-pound champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-4, 18 KOs) of Avenal, California via ten-round unanimous decision in a solid scrap. 

The southpaw Rocha, 146 ½, warmed up a bit faster in the early going, perhaps banking some rounds before Ramirez, 146 ½, was really in the flow of the fight.  

The action began to pick up in the seventh, with Rocha landing a hard lead left hand that looked to hurt Ramirez momentarily. Ramirez returned the favor right back, kicking off excellent two-way action for the remainder of the round. Ramirez closed the round landing with Rocha along the ropes, attempting to hold on. 

Both fighters had their moments early in the eighth before Rocha bounced back, closing the round strong with his lead left hand. 

A clash of heads early in the ninth opened a deep cut just below Rocha’s hairline that prompted a time out and a visit to the ringside physician. Once action resumed, both fighters let their hands go immediately and the blood began to flow, creating a crimson mask over the right side of Rocha’s face. In the midst of an exchange, a glancing Rocha jab scored an official knockdown as Ramirez rushed in and tripped, throwing his right.

Rocha began the tenth well before either becoming more bothered by the blood or reaching near the limit of his gas tank before Ramirez closed the final round strong, landing in combination.

Judges Kermit Bayless and Max DeLuca both scored the bout 98-91, while Chris Migliore had it 97-92, all for Rocha. With the win, Rocha has two consecutive victories over 2012 U.S. Olympians, having decisioned Joseph Diaz this past March.

Opening the night in advance of his older brother’s main event appearance, Sean Garcia (8-1-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles was forced to work, but managed to move past tough Abraham Morales (4-2, 2 KOs) of Oxnard, California via six-round majority decision. 

Garcia, 134, was forced to box going backwards for much of the bout, as the determined Morales, 134, pressed the fight from the outset. The naturally larger Garcia used his reach advantage and elusiveness to avoid some of the free-swinging Morales’ attack. 

Garcia was credited for a knockdown with about a minute left in the third, as Morales overswung, leaping in with his left. Garcia landed with a glancing right while Morales made his way to the mat. 

Garcia was deducted a point for holding early in the fourth, but took the round after he wobbled Morales back with a lead left hand. Morales pressed Garcia well in a solid bounce back round in the fifth as he doubled up on his right to great effect. 

After six completed rounds, judge Patrica Morse Jarman scored the bout even, 56-56, but was overruled by judges Lisa Giampa and David Sutherland, who both scored the bout for Garcia, 58-54. 

Photos by Cooper Neill/Zuffa Boxing and Ed Mulholland/Zuffa Boxing and Al Powers/Zuffa Boxing

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

(September 11, 2026) – Tonight at Frontwave Arena in San Diego, former WBA junior-middleweight champion Abass Baraou outworked hometown favorite Giovani Santillan to win a majority 10-round decision and the WBO Intercontinental Super Welterweight Championship in the process.

Fighting in the main event of ProBoxTV’s second “Championship Series” live broadcast, Baraou, 18-2 (9 KOs), of Berlin, Germany, was too big, too strong and applied too much pressure for the slicker but smaller Santillan, now 35-2 (18 KOs), to find a path to victory.

Baraou employed a superior work rate to take the first and second rounds, pushing a hesitant Santillan back repeatedly with effective aggression.

A fighter who thrives on momentum, Santillan briefly found his rhythm in the third and landed some quality shots while finally advancing, only to have Baraou catch him with a sharp right-hand counter and swing the action back to his favor by round’s end.

Baraou continued to force the issue in workmanlike fashion in round four, backing Santillan up and forcing him to the ropes repeatedly with his busier fists and non-stop forward movement.

Southpaw Santillan came alive again in round five, energizing his hometown fans by pinning the bigger Baraou on the ropes for an extended barrage of power punches to the head and body.

In round six, Santillan surrendered the momentum he had built the previous round by allowing Baraou to resume coming forward and pushing him around the ring. Baraou was starting and finishing every exchange.

“El Gallo De Oro” Santillan found offensive success in spurts of two-fisted flurries in round seven, but not often enough to sway the advantage from the relentless Baraou.

A skilled southpaw and former WBO No. 1 welterweight contender, Santillan enjoyed a good round eight by switching to a smooth-boxing approach and forcing Baraou to chase him into the traps he set.

However, for the second time in the fight, Santillan followed up a round he had probably won by taking another three-minute vacation in round nine. By round’s end, Baraou was taunting his listless foe, trying to bait him into mixing it up more often.

Baraou finished the fight by walking down Santillan, taunting him while unleashing the fight’s most extended two-fisted beating on the clearly faded California native.

The scores were 95-95, overruled by scores of 97-93 and 96-94 for Baraou, who returns to the win column in his first fight since losing his 154 lbs title by split decision in a WBO/WBA unification battle against Xander Zayas in late January this year, and preventing Santillan from winning his fourth consecutive fight since losing via TKO to Brian Norman Jnr for the interim WBO welterweight title in May 2024.

“I’m confident everywhere I go, you know? Like if there’s a ring, I’m gonna make it work, and get the win,” said a happy Baraou, post-fight.

“This is my road back to a world championship and I’m ready for all the opportunities I can get… Today was the right first step on the way back to become champion again. One year from now, you’re gonna be calling me a multiple world champion.”

Santillan-Baraou was presented in association with Top Rank.

In the 10-round junior-lightweight co-main event, former IBF featherweight world champion Luis Alberto Lopez enjoyed a successful debut fighting for ProBox Promotions by mercilessly pummeling veteran Daniel Lugo until dropping and stopping him in round three.

WBO No. 6- and IBF No. 13-ranked “Venado” Lopez, 33-3 (20 KOs), of Baja California, Mexico, who had fought a total of just four rounds since losing his IBF title to Angelo Leo in August 2024, looked sharp while outclassing his countryman Lugo, 28-5-1 (19 KOs), of Sonora, Mexico.

A pure puncher, Lopez hurt Lugo with a booming left hook late in round two, but Lugo caught a break when Lopez accidentally hit him with a low blow while trying to finish it.

30 seconds after the action resumed, Lopez landed a legal left hook to the liver that dropped Lugo for a count.

Showing no signs of rust despite his recent inactivity, Lopez pinned Lugo against the ropes immediately in round three and unloaded with vicious power to the head and body until referee Ray Corona saved Lugo from more damage at 1:18 of the third round.

“I was very anxious to return to the ring,” said Lopez after the fight. “I was trying to get a world champion (to face me in this fight), unfortunately, none of them were available. But, hey, I’m happy to be performing here tonight.

“I want to thank all my fans. I know it’s not easy to cross the border. It’s getting very difficult, but I promise you, I will be champion once again.”

In the kind of toe-to-toe battle ProBoxTV has become known for, undefeated junior-lightweight prospect Dominic Valle won an action-packed war against Francois Scarboro Jnr by unanimous 10-round decision.

Scarboro Jnr, now 14-1 (9 KOs), of Cheverly, Maryland, came out firing from the onset and had Valle, 14-0 (7 KOs), of Lutz, Florida, cut over the right eye from a punch before the first round was half over.

Both prospects had their moments in closely fought rounds two and three.

Fighting for the first time outside his home state, the taller Valle used his long jab to keep Scarboro Jnr at bay in the first half of round four. The action picked up significantly in the second half of the fourth, with Scarboro Jnr hurting Valle with a series of right hands against the ropes, only to get hurt by powerful shots from Valle to the body and head a minute later.

The hostilities continued in rounds five and six, as both landed their share of clubbing haymakers during non-stop, tit-for-tat exchanges. Valle may have gotten the better in round five, Scarboro Jnr the better in round six.

Valle rediscovered his jab to control round seven, as he used it to set up strong combinations, while forcing a tiring Scarboro Jnr to miss most of his wild attempts at landing return shots.

Evenly fought rounds eight and nine saw Scarboro Jnr utilizing explosive bursts to land combinations, while Valle continued to pop his jab and land his own combos during the lulls in Scarboro Jnr’s work.

Scarboro Jnr suffered a cut over the right eye in round nine.

The final round saw more of the exciting same, with Scarboro Jnr coming out firing wildly in the first minute, Valle taking advantage of his winded foe in the second minute and then more superb back and forth warfare to end the compelling fight.

In the end, the judges unanimously favored Valle’s more skillful approach by scores of 96-94, and two surprisingly wide tallies 98-92 and 98-92.

In the opening bout of the “Championship Series,” members only, portion of the card, middleweight Hebert Conceicao Sousa scored an entertaining eighth-round TKO over Jose De Jesus Adame Chio.

Standing 6-foot-1, the WBO No. 9-ranked (at super middleweight) Conceicao Sousa, 12-0 (6 KOs), of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, enjoyed a big advantage in size over the 5-foot-5 Adame Chio, now 15-1-1 (7 KOs), of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico.

However, in the first four rounds, Adame Chio’s forward movement and constant aggression was surprisingly effective against 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Conceicao Sousa, who appeared to be reluctant to move forward and control the ring center, instead content to fire single counter punches in spots.

With the unheralded 27-year-old Adame Chio looking to be possibly taking over the momentum of the fight from the still bafflingly listless Conceicao Sousa, the 28-year-old Brazilian unexpectedly fired a Mexican liver shot and left hook that wobbled Adame Chio midway through round five.

Adame Chio was sent down from the suddenly energized Conceicao Sousa’s follow-up volleys. He rose still wobbly and bleeding from the right eye but managed to make it out of the round.

Conceicao Sousa hurt Adame Chio again with another whipping left hook in the sixth and a straight right hand appeared to hurt him again early in the seventh.

To his credit, the game Adame Chio, who was having his first fight outside his Mexican homeland, wobbled Conceicao Sousa with an overhand right of his own a minute later to cap an action-packed seventh round.

The ringside physician took a long look at Adame Chio’s bleeding right eye early in round eight, and another strong left hook the body deposited him back on the canvas for another count.

This time, Conceicao Sousa didn’t let his man off the hook, as he battered Adame Chio with both hands until Referee Ray Corona waved the fight over at 1:46.

In the second and final matchup of the “Future Stars” series portion of the card, hometown junior-welterweight product Daniel Morales, 10-0 (6 KOs), kept his unbeaten record intact with a second-round knockout over Lorenzo Vazquez Avalos, 4-2 (4 KOs), of Fontana, California.

After getting the better of the action in an uneventful opening round, a clubbing overhand right dropped a badly hurt Avalos early in round two. Morales’ follow-up brought a merciful end to the fight, as a strong right to the pit of the stomach dropped the Mexican for a second time. Referee Jonathan Romero waved it off at :59 of round two.

In the televised opener, Top Rank’s 18-year-old junior-lightweight prospect Julian “El Naturel” Montalvo, 8-0 (6 KOs), of Las Vegas, stayed undefeated with a fifth-round stoppage of Anthony Cruz Herrera of Eugene, Oregon, now 4-2.

The game Oregonian Herrera came out looking to mix it up, but was bleeding from the nose by round two, as Montalvo’s skill and power advantages, in addition to a focused body attack, began to accumulate.

Red-faced and bleeding, Herrera was checked by the ringside physician before round five, and then shortly into the round, his corner indicated they’d like to rescue their man from unnecessary punishment.

Referee Chris Leben waved it off at :59 of the fifth.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – Ryan Garcia aims to make the first defense of the WBC welterweight title he claimed back in February as he takes on Connor Benn in the Paramount+ main event of the Mexican Independence Day weekend event at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night. Fighters for the nine-bout card weighed-in officially at the Meta APEX early on Friday morning, with the ceremonial weigh-in taking place outdoors for the public at the Paramount+ Plaza at T-Mobile Arena later in the afternoon. 

Just cracking into or on the cusp of a top ten pound-for-pound ranking depending on who you ask, Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) of Los Angeles, California rebounded from a wide decision defeat to Rolly Romero in his welterweight debut last year with a dominant unanimous decision over Mario Barrios to claim the title this past February. 

Benn (25-1, 14 KOs) of Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom returns to the 147-pound division where he began his career for this one fight in an attempt to pick up the WBC title by unseating Garcia. Benn, the WBC #1 ranked welterweight, fought just a couple pounds over the division maximum for his last fight in April, a wide decision over fading former champion Regis Prograis, but has not made the limit since 2022. 

Benn’s weight had been the topic of conversation in the lead-up and during fight week in Las Vegas, talk that ended up being all for not as Benn weighed-in one full pound under the welterweight limit at 146 pounds. 

“He’s setting up excuses, [talking] about going to 168,” said Garcia of Benn’s future plans at Friday’s pre-fight press conference. “This is a title fight at 147.”

Garcia acknowledged the validity of a story reported by multiple outlets that he had appealed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission to allow the fight to still be fought with eight ounce gloves whether either fighter made the 147-pound limit or not. 

“It was more of a precautionary thing in case he don’t make weight to able to still use eight ounce gloves,” said Garcia. “That is what I always fight at, 147, and I don’t want to have to fight with ten ounce. It is more deadlier with eight ounces anyway.” 

Benn seemed unbothered yesterday by Garcia’s gamesmanship or the suggestion that he may fail to make the 147-pound welterweight limit. 

“I have never missed weight in ten years,” said Benn. “You are talking to someone who has never missed weight, as opposed to someone that has missed weight previously multiple times. So I don’t understand why this has been brought up.” 

Garcia weighed-in at 145 ½ at Friday morning’s official weigh-in. 

Widely-regarded as the number one cruiserweight in the world, Jai Opetaia (30-0, 23 KOs) of Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia will take on Noel Mikaelian (28-3, 12 KOs) of Miami, Florida by way of Yerevan, Armenia in the twelve-round semi-main event on Saturday. 

Mikaelian, who entered the week still recognized as the WBC cruiserweight champion, weighed-in at the cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds, while his status as reigning champion remains unclear. 

Mikaelian just regained the title this past December, avenging a controversial majority verdict to Badou Jack via a wide unanimous decision. 

Opetaia, recognized as the world cruiserweight champion by both Ring Magazine and Zuffa Boxing, ranked WBC #1/WBA #1/IBF #3, can maybe sympathize with Mikaelian’s belt issues. Opetaia was stripped of the IBF title over curious sanctioning body politics this past March. 

Belts on the line or not, Mikaelian figures to test Opetaia, possibly in ways other recent opponents have not. Opetaia had scored four consecutive stoppages before Brandon Glanton took him the distance last time out this past March. Opetaia came in at 199 pounds on Friday morning.

Da’Mazion Vanhouter (12-0, 9 KOs) of Saint Petersburg, Florida is back in Las Vegas to take on Raphael Akpejiori (19-3, 18 KOs) of Miami by way of Lagos, Nigeria in an eight-round heavyweight bout. Vanhouter, who came in at 231 ½ on Friday, became one of the emerging faces of Zuffa Boxing during the initial run of shows out of the Meta APEX earlier this year, scoring two victories, highlighted by his one-round knockout of Raphael Murphy this past May. Akpejiori, weighing-in at 246 on Friday, is a full-fledged heavyweight that will have a six-inch height advantage to couple with his fourteen-and-one-half-pound weight edge. 

In the opening bout of the main card, former featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo (29-2, 19 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines will take on Andres Cortes (25-0, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas in a ten-rounder. 

When Magsayo, the IBF #6/WBO #9/WBC #10 ranked lightweight, and Cortes, the WBC #11/WBA #12WBO #13 ranked lightweight, shared the bill of Zuffa Boxing 05 back in April, all signs pointed to them meeting one another next. Sometimes the fights that make sense actually get made when they should. The winner of Saturday’s bout is rumored to be in line to fight Rayo Valenzuela next. Magsayo weighed-in at 134 ½ pounds, while Cortes scaled 135, the lightweight division limit. 

In the final preliminary bout, 19-year-old Oswaldo Molina (9-0, 4 KOs) of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico fights Pablo Rubio (15-0, 5 KOs) of Whittier, California six-round super featherweight bout. Molina, who made his Las Vegas debut with a six-round decision win in February, weighed-in at 131 ½ pounds on Friday. Rubio, who got off the deck twice to claim a decisive eight-round decision at the Meta APEX in March, scaled 131 pounds even. 

Las Vegas-born Abel Gonzalez (8-0, 6 KOs) of Safety Harbor, Florida will take on veteran Raul Salomon (16-4-1, 14 KOs) of Long Beach, California by way of Ciudad Morelos, Baja California, Mexico in an eight-round super middleweight bout. Gonzalez, making his Zuffa Boxing debut, weighed-in at 167 ½ pounds, while Salomon, fighting at T-Mobile Arena for the second time this year, scaled 167 even. 

In a six-round junior middleweight bout, Vlad Panin (24-2, 16 KOs) of Los Angeles, California by way of Gomel, Belarus looks to stay busy against Dakota Linger (17-7-3, 13 KOs) of Buckhannon, West Virginia. Panin, who stopped Shinard Bunch in his Zufffa Boxing debut in March, scaled 151 ½ pounds on Friday. Linger, best known for his stoppage of Kurt Scoby in April of 2024, weighed-in at 150 ½ pounds. 

Unusually deep on an undercard, former unified junior welterweight champion Jose Carlos Ramirez (29-3, 18 KOs) of Avenal, California will take on Alexis Rocha (26-2, 16 KOs) of Irvine, California in a ten-round welterweight fight. Ramirez, looking to get back into the win column for the first time since April 2024, came in at 146 ½ pounds. Rocha, fresh off of a ten-round decision over Ramirez’s 2012 U.S. Olympic teammate Joseph Diaz this past March, also weighed-in at 146 ½ on Friday morning. 

In the opener, Sean Garcia (7-1-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles will take on Abraham Morales (4-1, 2 KOs) of Oxnard, California in a six-round lightweight bout. Garcia, opening the show headlined by his older brother Ryan, came in at 134 on Friday. Morales, normally a super featherweight, also weighed-in at 134 pounds. 

Quick Weigh-in Results

WBC Welterweight Championship, 12 Rounds

Garcia 145 ½ 

Benn 146

Ring Magazine Cruiserweight Championship

Zuffa Boxing Cruiserweight Championship, 12 Rounds 

Opetaia 199

Mikaelian 200

Heavyweights, 8 Rounds

Vanhouter 231 ½ 

Akpejiori 246

Lightweights, 10 Rounds

Magsayo 134 ½ 

Cortes 135

Super featherweights, 6 Rounds

Molina 131 ½ 

Rubio 131

Super middleweights, 8 Rounds

Gonzalez 167 ½ 

Salomon 167

Light middleweights, 6 Rounds

Panin 151 ½ 

Linger 150 ½ 

Welterweights, 10 Rounds

Ramirez 146 ½ 

Rocha 146 ½ 

Lightweights, 6 Rounds

Garcia 134

Morales 134

Tickets for the event, promoted by Zuffa Boxing, are available online at AXS.com 

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa Boxing

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com

SAN DIEGO – September 10, 2026 – Rising Mexican stars Daniel “Iceman” Blancas and Marco Verde will step into the ring in separate bouts looking to keep their perfect records intact in action streaming live on DAZN on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego and presented by Premier Boxing Champions.

The super middleweight Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown, while the 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Verde battles fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The four-fight card is headlined by Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz defending his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo. In the co-main event, Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in a high-stakes tilt.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

“Daniel Blancas and Marco Verde are two of boxing’s brightest young Mexican stars and they’ll have a great opportunity on September 19 to show that they’re two future faces of this sport live on DAZN at Pechanga Arena in San Diego,” said Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions. “Both fighters have stiff tests in front of them in Sergio Jimenez and Guillermo Hernandez respectively and will need to be at their best to make the statements they’re looking for.”

**DANIEL BLANCAS VS. SERGIO JIMENEZ**

A stablemate of boxing superstar David Benavidez under the guidance of Jose Benavidez Sr., Daniel Blancas hopes to keep his unbeaten streak going against dangerous Mexican veteran Sergio Jimenez in an eight-round super middleweight affair.

Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Blancas (15-0 7 KOs) made his 2026 debut in May, going the 10-round distance for the first time in dominating Raul Salomon on his way to a unanimous decision that earned him the no. 13 ranking in the WBC at 168-pounds. The win followed an impressive three-win 2025 for the 24-year-old, who delivered explosive knockouts against Kwame Ritter and William Townsel following a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Juan Barajas.

“I’m very excited to step back into the ring on September 19 in San Diego,” said Blancas. “It’s an honor to be fighting on a Pitbull Cruz undercard. This fight is particularly special for me because my grandfather will be coming to see me fight live for the first time in my professional career, and I want to make him proud. I’m looking forward to putting on another great performance and bringing the win back for me, my team and Milwaukee!”

A native of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, Jimenez (17-1-1, 15 KOs) most recently returned to action in February by stopping Abraham Gomez Tiburcio in three rounds. Now residing in San Pedro, California, Jimenez has fought professionally since 2021, winning 15-straight outings after a draw in his pro debut. On that 15-fight streak, Jimenez ended 10 bouts within two rounds. His only blemish came in August 2024 as he dropped a decision against veteran contender Deon Nicholson.

“I’m coming to show Blancas he hasn’t seen before, and if he’s not ready, I’m definitely gonna take full advantage of this opportunity,” said Jimenez.

**MARCO VERDE VS. GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ**

After becoming the first Mexican boxer since 1984 to win an Olympic medal, Marco Verde has impressed throughout his pro run and can keep his momentum going against the tough contender Guillermo Hernandez in their eight-round middleweight bout.

Following his silver medal-winning performance at the 2024 Olympics, Verde (6-0, 3 KOs) has been impressive throughout his early pro career. The 24-year-old’s debut came in May of last year as he stopped Michel Galvan Polina in the first round before following that up with a pair of six-round unanimous decisions and a four-round stoppage of Sona Akale. Managed by Eddy Reynoso, the Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico-native has already scored a pair of wins in 2026, earning a unanimous decision over Alexander Moreno Palacio in March and a stoppage of David Camacho Diaz in June.

“I’m really happy to be fighting again on September 19,” said Verde. “It’s going to be an exciting Pitbull card and I’m working to be more than ready for a great fight. I’m going to provide fans a show they won’t soon forget next Saturday.” 

A native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Hernandez (7-0, 4 KOs) has fought professionally since 2022 and will make his U.S. debut on September 19. The 29-year-old stopped four of his first six opponents before most recently going eight rounds for the first time when he won a dominant unanimous decision over Diego Jair Perez Vigil in May.

“I can’t wait to leave everything in the ring on September 19,” said Hernandez. “We’re both undefeated and we’re gonna step in there ready to do damage. May the best man win.”

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ABOUT PITBULL VS. BRAVO

Pitbull vs. Bravo will see Mexican superstar and Interim WBC Super Lightweight Champion Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz return to the ring and defend his title against once-beaten Puerto Rican contender Nestor Bravo in the 12-round main event streaming live on DAZN and presented by Premier Boxing Champions on Saturday, September 19 from Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California.

Plus, rising Mexican star and Interim WBC Middleweight Champion Jesús “Mono” Ramos Jr. takes on unbeaten mandatory challenger Meiirim Nursultanov in the high-stakes co-main event.

In addition, unbeaten super middleweight prospect Daniel “Iceman” Blancas will step in against once-beaten contender Sergio Jimenez for an eight or 10-round showdown and 2024 Mexican Olympic Silver Medalist Marco Verde will battle fellow unbeaten Guillermo Hernandez in the eight-round middleweight opening bout at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

Tickets for the live event are available through AXS.com. The event is promoted by TGB Promotions.

For more information visit www.PremierBoxingChampions.com, follow #PitbullBravo, follow on Twitter @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, on Instagram @PremierBoxing & @DAZNBoxing, or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PremierBoxingChampions & https://www.facebook.com/DAZN/.

Main Event: WBO Intercontinental Super Welterweight Championship

Giovani Santillan 153.8 lbs. vs. Abass Baraou 153.8 lbs.

Luis Alberto Lopez 130 lbs. vs. Daniel Lugo 130.4 lbs.

Dominic Valle 129.2 lbs. vs. Francois Scarboro Jr 129.2 lbs.

Hebert Conceicao Sousa 161.2 lbs. vs. Jose De Jesus Adame Chio 161.2 lbs.

Daniel Morales 138.8 lbs. vs. Lorenzo Vazquez Avalos 138.8 lbs.

Julian Montalvo 134.4 lbs. vs. Anthony Cruz Herrera 134.8 lbs.

Jorge De Jesus 140.8 lbs. vs. Mercito Gesta 140.4 lbs.

Abel Mejia 138.8 lbs. vs. Jorge Alberto Ayala 138 lbs.

Angel Munoz NA vs. Sebastian Nieto Reyes NA

Alfredo Quinones 146.8 lbs. vs. Judah Yisreal 147 lbs.

Venue: Frontwave Arena in Oceanside, CA

MEMBERS ONLY: YouTube 4:30 pm PT/7:30 ET (JOIN)

Promoter: Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), Sampson Lewkowicz (Sampson Boxing)

Matchmakers: Daniel Rubin, Joseph Rotonda

Tickets: Tickets to attend live at Frontwave Arena are on sale now and available through axs.com.

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ABOUT PROBOX TV

ProBox TV is the first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to professional boxing. Founded in 2022 by its CEO Garry Jonas, ProBox TV provides boxing fans with the sport’s premiere schedule of live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content.

For more information, visit us online:

YouTube: @ProBoxTV

YouTube Espanol: @ProBoxTVEspañol

Web (English): proboxtv.com

Web (Espanol): proboxtv.com/es

Instagram: instagram.com/proboxtvofficial

Facebook: facebook.com/ProBoxTVStreaming

Twitter: twitter.com/probox_tv

TikTok: tiktok.com/@proboxtv

Support: support@proboxtv.com

• Today, Hulu and ESPN announced a new unscripted project “Untitled Paul Brothers Fight Competition Series” set to be available on Hulu and ESPN.
• Casting is now open, with production slated for 2027. Those interested in applying can visit www.fightgamecasting.com. 
• Synopsis: From the hearts and minds of Jake and Logan Paul, this series is a ruthless competition where eliminations are not settled by a vote; they are settled by a fight. Split into rival teams, coached by two rival brothers, the fighters live and train together in the wild. But the battle really begins before the fight, because fighters choose the matchups, turning every alliance, every rivalry into a strategic weapon. Jake and Logan will send the losers of each fight home until just one man and one woman are left standing to claim victory.
• Credits: The series is produced by Wheelhouse and Most Valuable Promotions (MVP). Executive Producers are Brent Montgomery, Glenn Hugill, and Courtney White from Wheelhouse, and Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul from Most Valuable Promotions, as well as Logan Paul, Will Nothacker, Shyam Balse, Josie Lamberth, and Charlie Ebersol who also executive produce. 
• Executive Producers, Jake and Logan Paul: “This series takes everything we love about competitive combat and turns it into a high-stakes survival spectacle for today’s audiences. You choose your opponent, fight to stay, and have nowhere to hide. The fighter-first mentality is changing the industry; we can’t wait to see who has what it takes.” 

LAS VEGAS – September 9, 2026 – The World Boxing Council (WBC) and Maestros Joyeros (Master Jewelers) have joined forces to present a truly extraordinary collection of championship rings created especially for the highly anticipated fight between Ryan García and Conor Benn, taking place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

More than a commemorative piece of jewelry, each ring represents a symbol of conquest. The collection was conceived to capture the identity of both protagonists and transform victory into a one-of-a-kind piece: a permanent reminder of the moment when one of them wrote his name in history.

The two exclusive designs showcase the personalization of each piece according to the potential winner. The names “Ryan,” “García,” “Conor” and “Benn” are incorporated into different versions, accompanied by visual references to their respective national roots. In this way, the concept transforms the ring into something deeply personal: there is not simply a winner of a fight, but a champion whose identity is forever captured in a work created specifically for him.

At the center of each design is the WBC emblem, surrounded by a high-jewelry architecture that combines volume, texture and extraordinary attention to detail. The piece incorporates elements that evoke the brilliance and prestige of a world championship, while the names and national symbols turn each version into a statement of pride, heritage and triumph.

These rings were created by César A. Villegas, CEO of Maestros Joyeros, a Mexican high-end jewelry brand whose history is supported by a family tradition dating back to 1931. The modern company, founded under the Maestros Joyeros brand in 2019 by the fourth generation of the Villegas family, has built its identity through the union of traditional techniques, innovation, design and technology.

That combination is especially fitting for an alliance with the WBC. Like the special belts that the World Boxing Council has turned into emblematic pieces of the sport’s greatest nights, these rings seek to transcend the object itself and become part of the narrative of an event.

The work of Maestros Joyeros has also achieved a significant presence in the worlds of entertainment and culture, with a roster of artists and personalities that includes international figures from music, film and sports. Its design philosophy—bringing together exclusivity, identity and contemporary craftsmanship—finds one of its most special expressions in this collection.

When García and Benn step into the ring this Saturday, the objective will be clear: to win, put on a show and, if possible, score a knockout. But for the victor, the reward will transcend the immediate result. Along with the glory of victory, he will receive a piece created to carry with him a story that will never be repeated: his name, his colors and the memory of a night when he became a champion.

GARCÍA VS. BENN. ONE NIGHT. ONE WINNER. ONE RING FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS.

#WBC #GarciaBenn

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About the World Boxing Council

Founded in 1963, the World Boxing Council has remained committed to the protection of boxers, the promotion of social responsibility and the use of boxing as a vehicle for peace, opportunity and positive change around the world.

MEXICO CITY – September 9, 2026 – The World Boxing Council (WBC) is proud to present the spectacular Tollan Topiltzin Belt, a one-of-a-kind creation that will be awarded to the winner of the highly anticipated showdown between Ryan Garcia and Conor Benn this Saturday, September 12, in Las Vegas.

As part of its longstanding tradition of creating special belts for the most important and significant fights on the boxing calendar, the WBC presents a piece that pays tribute to the rich historical, cultural and artistic heritage of Mexico—particularly the extraordinary legacy of the Toltec civilization.

“The Tollan Topiltzin Belt represents a very special connection between the cultural and historical richness of Mexico and the universal values we celebrate through boxing,” said Mauricio Sulaimán, President of the World Boxing Council.

The name Tollan Topiltzin is deeply rooted in Toltec heritage. “Tollan” was the original name of the ancient Toltec capital and, over time, became synonymous with greatness, knowledge and artistic excellence.

Meanwhile, “Topiltzin,” meaning “Our Noble Lord,” forms part of the name Ce Ácatl Topiltzin Quetzalcóatl, the legendary ruler associated with the golden age of Tula.

The belt’s design incorporates several elements representative of Mexican culture and a rich artisanal tradition aimed at turning each piece into a true work of art. The main plate and several decorative details feature natural obsidian, a material of enormous historical and cultural significance in Mexico.

The belt is also crafted from genuine leather, following the tradition of WBC championship belts, while its gold-plated metal reliefs provide elegance, durability and an extraordinary presence to this remarkable creation.

“Its name evokes greatness, knowledge and excellence—qualities that inspired this extraordinary piece. For the WBC, it is a source of great pride to present a belt that honors our roots and that will be won by the victor of a fight as important as Ryan Garcia versus Conor Benn,” said Sulaimán.

The Tollan Topiltzin Special Belt joins the prestigious collection of special WBC creations—pieces that transcend the sport itself to tell stories, celebrate cultures and pay tribute to traditions that are part of the identity of peoples around the world.

This Saturday, when Garcia and Benn step into the ring for one of the year’s most anticipated matchups, more than victory and sporting glory will be at stake: the opportunity to capture a truly unique and extraordinary piece.

#WBC #GarciaBenn

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ABOUT THE WORLD BOXING COUNCIL

Founded in 1963, the World Boxing Council has remained committed to protecting boxers, promoting social responsibility and using boxing as a vehicle for peace, opportunity and positive change around the world.

PHILADELPHIA (Sept. 9, 2026) – Joe Hand Promotions (JHP), the nation’s largest and most experienced distributor of premium live sports programming to commercial establishments, has secured exclusive commercial rights from Zuffa Boxing for the upcoming Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn Welterweight World Title showdown. The event takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 12, 2026, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Taking place over Mexican Independence Day weekend, this matchup represents one of the most celebrated and highest-grossing traditions in sports history. Historically anchored by icons like Julio César Chávez, Oscar De La Hoya, and Canelo Álvarez, Mexican Independence Day weekend has long served as combat sports’ equivalent to the Super Bowl — drawing record-breaking crowds, massive viewership, and packed venues nationwide. In one of the most anticipated bouts of the year, Welterweight World Champion Ryan Garcia (25-2, 20 KOs) will return to T-Mobile Arena, where he captured his world title earlier this year, to face No. 1 contender Conor Benn [25-1, 14 KOs] who will challenge for his first world title. 

The Garcia vs. Benn event will be available to commercial establishments across the U.S. through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS and the Joe Hand Promotions App, ensuring seamless access regardless of venue signal provider preferences. For more event specifics, visit www.joehandpromotions.com/events/ .

“There is no weekend in combat sports bigger than Mexican Independence Day, and Ryan Garcia vs. Conor Benn is the perfect fight for it,” said Joe Hand, Jr., President of Joe Hand Promotions. “Securing these commercial rights means our venue partners get to be part of one of the most electric nights in boxing. This is what we do — bring world-class events to bars and restaurants nationwide, and Garcia-Benn is going to deliver.”

Boxing has long been synonymous with communal viewing, and Mexican Independence Day weekend brings that tradition to its peak. For this event and more, fans can search for licensed venues by event and geographic location using FANZO’s bar finder. All Joe Hand Promotions customers receive a FANZO venue profile for all licensed events, making it easier for hospitality patrons to find locations showing the content they desire.

In addition to boxing, JHP offers more than 40 live UFC events per year as well as WWE premium live events.  JHP also distributes ESPN+ for Business commercially, which is highlighted by 400+ college basketball games, 125+ college football matchups, elite international soccer, 30+ PGA TOUR weekends, exclusive NHL games, Wimbledon, the U.S. Open and a broad range of additional college sports. JHP’s comprehensive content offering covers prime-time, weekends and delivers value throughout the day giving business owners a competitive edge in driving traffic across dayparts.

Hospitality Owners and Operators: If you are an owner/operator looking to purchase the September 12 event, or for more information, please call Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.joehandpromotions.com.

About Joe Hand Promotions: Founded in 1971, Joe Hand Promotions is the nation’s premier distributor of premium sports content to commercial establishments, including bars, restaurants, and casinos. JHP has been a trusted partner for decades to brands such as the UFC, WWE, DAZN, Premier Boxing Champions, and others, delivering premium viewing experiences to fans while creating value for venue owners across the country.

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 9, 2026) — Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of undefeated middleweight prospect Sebastian “Lil Beast” Mitry (7-0, 6 KOs) of Phoenix, Arizona. A hard-hitting, 19-year-old prospect, Mitry will make his highly anticipated Golden Boy debut soon.

“I want to thank Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to join one of the most respected stables in boxing,” said Mitry. “I made the move from Arizona to Indio to train full-time with the legendary Antonio and Joel Diaz at Diaz Training Camp, a place I’ve been coming to on and off since I was a kid. Now, the time has come to put everything on the line and chase this dream with everything I have.

“I’ve taken the hard road to get here, and every challenge, sacrifice and setback along the way has helped shape me into the fighter and person I am today,” Mitry continued. “I’ve always seen myself standing at the top of the sport as a world champion, and I truly believe I now have the team, experience and environment around me to turn that vision into reality. Now it’s on me. I’m ready to work, ready to fight and ready to prove that I belong at the highest level of this sport. I won’t stop until I accomplish my goal of becoming a world champion and, God willing, one day becoming a Hall of Famer.”

“We believe Sebastian has the heart and the right team around him, training alongside some of the best fighters in the world.” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “This is what Golden Boy does best: identifying young talent, developing fighters the right way and building them into world champions.”

The undefeated Sebastian “Lil Beast” Mitry of Phoenix, Arizona is a 19-year-old standout who has quickly built a reputation for his power, with six of his seven professional victories coming by knockout. Training under the tutelage of Joel and Antonio Diaz at the Diaz Training Camp in Indio, California, Mitry is surrounded by elite talent that continues to fuel his development and motivation as he rises through the professional ranks. Before turning professional, Mitry gained valuable experience competing in several prestigious amateur tournaments, including the 2017 Arizona State Silver Gloves, 2017 Gene Lewis Invitational, 2018 U.S. National Youth & Junior Golden Gloves, 2019 Western Elite Qualifiers and 2021 USA Boxing National Championships. Now competing in the middleweight division, Mitry is ready to continue making his mark and show the boxing world exactly why they call him “Lil Beast.”

ESPN is extending its marquee women’s sports summer franchise, Women’s Sports Sundays, into Fall 2026. Building on the inaugural franchise of matchups across the WNBA, NWSL and AUSL, the fall season will add 10 college volleyball and five NWSL matches, in addition to women’s college basketball, WTGL and MVPW boxing, further elevating premium women’s sports matchup across the ESPN portfolio.

Beginning Sunday, Sep. 13, 11 consecutive weeks of women’s sports programming will air live on ESPN and the ESPN App with an applicable ESPN subscription. Social coverage will be led by espnW, the leading women’s sports and culture brand on social media, generating more total engagements and reaching more followers than any other brand in the space.

“Following this summer’s inaugural run of Women’s Sports Sundays, we are excited to continue building this franchise through a tremendous amount of collaboration and intentionality,” said Susie Piotrkowski, ESPN Vice President, Women’s Sports Programming & espnW. “Women’s Sports Sundays is a unique, growing franchise that showcases the full power of our women’s sports portfolio. With this expansion we are continuing to do what we do best – serving both established and new women’s sports fans anytime, anywhere.”

College volleyball will anchor upcoming Women’s Sports Sundays programming, beginning with the championship round of the 2026 Paradise Invitational on Sep. 13, live on ESPN. Later that evening, UCLA will take on Utah. Throughout the season, several top 10 matchups between NCAA powerhouses make up the Women’s Sports Sundays slate, including #3 Kentucky at #10 Florida on Oct. 4, Florida vs. #9 Texas on Oct. 18, and #5 Louisville at #2 Pittsburgh on Nov. 15.

The franchise will also spotlight the NWSL’s most pivotal stretch of the regular season matchups, beginning Sep. 13 as the Chicago Stars host the Trinity Rodman led Washington Spirit on Sep. 20, and continuing with two Bay FC primetime matchups at PayPal Park – vs. Orlando Pride on Sep. 27 and again vs. Portland Thorns FC on Oct. 18. Washington Spirit will return to the prime television stage on October 25 as they travel to face the Kansas City Current, before ESPN’s highly anticipated NWSL Decision Day coverage, set for Nov. 1, delivering eight matches for the first time in league history, as playoff berths, postseason seeding, and championship hopes are decided in real time. 

Highlighting this season’s jam-packed Women’s Sports Sundays calendar, Oct. 11 will feature a special edition full day of competition with expanded digital coverage. Setting up the day, ESPN will have a college volleyball doubleheader, with #4 Stanford vs. Louisville at 1 p.m. ET and Pittsburgh vs. #8 SMU at 3 p.m. Adding to the action, game four of the WNBA Playoff semifinals will take place at 2 or 4 p.m., if necessary. 

Additionally, Women’s Sports Sundays will bring championship stakes to the boxing ring on Sunday, Nov. 8 with Most Valuable Promotions’ MVPW-07 championship supercard headlined by Elif Turhan vs. Alycia Baumgardner. The franchise will also spotlight coverage of Women’s College Basketball and WTGL, with details to be announced.

Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian, co-founders of Most Valuable Promotions said: “Women’s Sports Sundays is another example of ESPN making a meaningful, long-term investment in women’s sports, and we’re proud to have MVPW be part of that commitment. We launched MVPW to give the best women fighters in the world the consistent platform, promotion and investment they deserve, and on Sunday, November 8, fans will see that vision on full display with four world championship fights in one night, headlined by Alycia Baumgardner challenging Elif Nur Turhan to become a two-division world champion. Women’s boxing continues to prove that when you put the best athletes on the biggest stages, fans show up. We’re grateful to ESPN for continuing to invest alongside us and excited for MVPW-07 to be part of a Sunday dedicated to showcasing the very best in women’s sports.”

Since its launch this summer, Women’s Sports Sundays has featured some of the most compelling competition in women’s sports, generating strong audiences across the WNBA, NWSL and AUSL. Several telecasts delivered substantial audience growth compared to prior season averages, underscoring the continued momentum surrounding women’s sports and fan interest across ESPN platforms. This fall, Women’s Sports Sundays’ expansion will aim to create an even broader destination for fans every Sunday.

All of ESPN. All in One Place.

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App with an ESPN Unlimited subscription, providing more choice, flexibility and access to all of ESPN, including more than 47,000 live events per year, on-demand replays, industry-leading studio shows and original programming, and more. The ESPN App gives fans a unique viewing experience that includes multiview and synchronized two-screen viewing options, swipe-able shortform vertical video and a personalized SportsCenter For You, as well as integrated game stats, ESPN Fantasy sports, betting odds and information from DraftKings, sports merchandise and more. These features are available to all fans who watch on the ESPN App on mobile and connected TV devices, whether they subscribe directly or through a pay TV package from certain providers. Bundling options available for fans include a Disney+, Hulu, ESPN offering that provides a one-of-a-kind streaming package combining sports with branded and general entertainment. For more, visit stream.espn.com.

About Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) is a global combat sports and entertainment company built for the next generation of athletes and fans. The company operates across boxing, mixed martial arts, live events, media, content, athlete development, and global distribution, with a fighter-first philosophy centered on equitable compensation, maximum visibility, and long-term brand building.

Led by co-founders Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian and Chief Executive Officer John Martin and backed by founding investors 885 Capital & Knighthead, MVP promotes some of the world’s biggest combat sports events and represents a roster of nearly 400 elite athletes, including world champions, titleholders, contenders, and emerging stars. MVP’s portfolio includes MVP, MVPW, and MVP MMA, bringing together premier boxing and mixed martial arts properties under one global brand.

Through partnerships with leading media and distribution platforms including Netflix, ESPN, Sky Sports, and an extensive international network reaching fans across more than 170 countries, MVP delivers world-class competition and entertainment to audiences worldwide. By combining elite athletes, premium live events, compelling storytelling, and global media reach, MVP is building the future of combat sports.

MONTREAL, September 9, 2026 — Leïla Beaudoin’s opponent is now known! The Quebecer will make the very first defense of her WBA interim super-featherweight world title against the top-2 super-featherweight contender, Brisa Alfonzo, on the card presented by Eye of the Tiger on October 8 at the Théâtre Capitole de Québec.

“I’m happy we didn’t have to go down the rankings to find an opponent. Brisa Alfonzo is ranked No. 2 in the world and hasn’t lost since turning professional, so the message will be clear when I deliver a flawless performance on October 8,” commented Témiscouata’s pride, Leïla Beaudoin.

“Alfonzo has a very offensive style. She is a boxer who likes to move forward, apply pressure and dictate the pace. We therefore expect a very intense fight – and an entertaining one for the fans – in which Leïla will have to be very disciplined to prove superior against an opponent of this caliber,” added the champion’s head coach, Samuel Décarie-Drolet.

Leïla Beaudoin (15-2, 2 KO) will look to continue her dominant run in Québec! In June, at the Capitole, she captured the vacant WBA interim 130-pound world title against Colombia’s Paulina Angel. For the Bas-Saint-Laurent athlete, it marked her second consecutive unanimous decision victory, in a fight in which she won every round. In April, at the Casino de Montréal, she had similarly dominated former Argentine world champion Victora Bustos throughout all 10 rounds. That performance allowed Beaudoin to get back on the winning track after she courageously battled unified champion Alycia Baumgardner for 12 rounds – in front of nearly 15 million viewers on Netflix last December.

Brisa Alfonzo (9-1-2, 1 KO) will also look to continue her impressive run. The 26-year-old Argentine is currently riding an 11-fight unbeaten streak after suffering her only professional loss in her pro debut in June 2023. During that stretch, she notably defeated fellow Argentine Laura Carabajal to capture the Argentine Championship in August 2025. In March 2026, she then captured the WBA Latin American Championship, handing Bolivia’s Melissa Bascope her first loss in eight fights. Now, in her first appearance in North America, she is challenging Beaudoin for the world title, with the goal of bringing it back to Argentina on October 8.

The WBA interim world championship #BeaudoinAlfonzo will be the third main event of a record-setting event featuring a total of nine titles on the line at the Théâtre Capitole. Headlining the card, unified super-middleweight world champion Osleys Iglesias (15-0) will defend his IBF and IBO titles against top-5 world contender Oliver Zaren (19-0-1). In the co-main event, Québec City’s pride, Wilkens Mathieu (16-0), will put his NABF title on the line against dangerous Russian boxer Vladimir Shishkin (17-2).

Also in action, Olympic medalist Imam Khataev (12-1) will defend his NABF light heavyweight title against Irish contender Padraig McCrory (20-2). In a highly anticipated local matchup and the first 100% EOTTM showdown in more than five years, no fewer than three continental titles – WBC, IBF and NABF – will be on the line as Dzmitry Asanau (13-0) takes on Luis Santana (16-0). The warrior from Thetford Mines, Thomas Chabot (13-1), will make the first defense of his WBC featherweight continental title against Spanish veteran Jose Antonio Sanchez (18-3-1). Earlier in the evening, EOTTM prospect Erik Israyelyan (6-0) will face Ontario’s Jesse Sallows (6-1), while Trois-Rivières native Daylen Pepin (2-1) returns to the ring against Chilean Matias Pinilla (1-2).

Some tickets for the #IglesiasZaren event, scheduled for October 8 at the Théâtre Capitole of Quebec City, are still on sale through Ticketmaster (HERE). The event will also be broadcast locally on Punching Grace and worldwide by international broadcaster DAZN. Photos and videos from the most recent fights of Leïla Beaudoin, and the entire Eye of the Tiger team are also available in EOTTM’s press kit (HERE).

LINCOLN, RI – CES Boxing is coming home to the Ocean State.  

For the first time since May 2024, CES Boxing returns to Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort on Saturday, September 26 with Fight Night in America, a loaded night of professional boxing featuring a Dominican Olympian, a New England contender and some of Rhode Island’s most promising young talent.

Tickets to Fight Night in America are available now beginning at just $70.  Purchase yours now at CESFights.com.

Newly signed Dominican Olympian Alexy de la Cruz (9-0, 3 KOs) makes his CES Boxing debut in the eight-round super featherweight main event against an opponent to be announced.

A decorated amateur who represented the Dominican Republic at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, de la Cruz competed at the highest levels of amateur boxing, sharing the ring with future world champions Robeisy Ramirez and Hector Luis Garcia, as well as current welterweight prospect Delante “Tiger” Johnson.

Now unbeaten through nine professional bouts, de la Cruz begins the next chapter of his career under the CES Boxing banner on September 26 as he looks to establish himself among the top super featherweights in the world.

In the six-round light heavyweight co-feature, Worcester, Massachusetts’ Kendrick Ball Jr. (23-2-3, 13 KOs) returns to the site of his pro debut when he battles Argentine Job Herrera (13-5-1, 6 KOs).  This will be Ball’s twelfth fight at Bally’s and his first since 2018.  The 33-year-old is 10-0-1 with 7 knockouts at the venue.    

The return to Bally’s also provides a hometown stage for a trio of unbeaten Rhode Island-based prospects looking to continue their climb through the New England boxing scene.

Coventry middleweight Will Guilmette (3-0, 3 KOs) puts his perfect knockout streak on the line against St. Louis native Keegan Young in a four-round bout.

Cranston’s Tyler Macari (4-0, 3 KOs) looks to continue his impressive start when he collides with Natick, Massachusetts’ Steven Farrar in a four-round super welterweight showdown.

Hard-hitting Kevin “Kutthroat” Mojica (5-0, 5 KOs) looks to keep both his undefeated record and perfect knockout percentage intact when he faces Canadian Josh Melvin (3-1-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super lightweight battle.

Opening the night is the highly anticipated professional debut of newly signed Providence native Michael Clark, who steps through the ropes for the first time as a professional in a four-round lightweight contest against an opponent to be announced.

“It feels great to be back at Bally’s,” said CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “We have promoted so many memorable nights and developed so many champions in Lincoln over the years, and I can’t think of a better way to return than with a card featuring some of the best young talent in Rhode Island alongside our newest signing, Alexy de la Cruz, and Kendrick Ball Jr., who has fought in this venue so many times.”  

For CES Boxing, Fight Night in America marks a return to familiar territory. Bally’s Lincoln has hosted countless CES events over the years and served as a proving ground for generations of New England fighters. September 26 begins a new chapter at the venue, with de la Cruz leading a card that combines international pedigree with some of the region’s brightest emerging talent.

Additional bouts, a press conference and opponents for de la Cruz and Clark will be announced shortly.

For more information on Fight Night in America and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

Katie Taylor’s historic farewell broke new ground last weekend as millions around the world tuned in to watch the emotional scenes from a sold-out Croke Park in Dublin.

In what was the highest-ever attendance for a boxing card headlined by two female stars, over 82,000 fans witnessed Taylor’s iconic crowning glory against Flora Pili, when the Irish hero became Undisputed Champion for a third time, before laying down her gloves.

In viewing figures released today, an incredible 1.6million viewers tuned in Ireland on RTÉ, who broadcasted the fight free-to-air all thanks to having the non-exclusive rights shared with them by the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN, who streamed it live across the globe.

The fight amassing a further half a million streams on RTÉ Player. The programme had an average of 973,000 viewers representing a 74% share of the available viewing audience. 

And over a whopping 150 million social media impressions, with almost 95 million views, racked up across Matchroom and DAZN Boxing channels for a night that will forever be etched in sporting folklore.

Speaking after her triumphant swansong, Taylor said: “The people of Ireland gave me a dream end to a dream career. Nothing can top this. This was definitely the highlight of my whole career.

“I started off this career and I had the dream of becoming an Olympic champion. I achieved that, but then these last 10 years have been beyond my wildest dreams. It’s been a remarkable 10 years.”

Against the iconic backdrop of the home of the GAA, which had not staged a boxing event since the legendary Muhammad Ali fought there in 1972, the London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist outclassed Pili with an unanimous 100-90, 100-90, 98-9 points win to see her bow out with a professional record of 26-1 having successfully defended her WBO, WBA, IBF and Ring Magazine titles and winning the WBC Super Lightweight Championship.

Fans in the stadium  and at home were treated to an unrivalled spectacle with world class boxing, spectacular fireworks and a special, headline performance from global chart-topping superstars Westlife. Meanwhile, Róisín O?and?Aoife Scott? performed spine tingling acappella renditions of Grace and Amhrán na bhFiann before the fight.

Matchroom Sport Chairman Eddie Hearn added: “That was the greatest moment I’ve ever had in my entire career. What a night.

“I couldn’t believe what was happening. And it was all down to one very special person in Katie Taylor. She is a trailblazer. She is our hero. We’ll never see another fighter quite like her ever again.”

Follow all the latest news and updates across social media @matchroomboxing

LINCOLN, CALIFORNIA – Cruiserweight Blake McKernan sent the Sacramento Valley crowd home happy while reinvigorating his hopes for contention with a decision victory and featherweight prospect Kyle Lacanlale continued to impress with a third-round stoppage as co-headliners at the Venue at Thunder Valley at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Saturday night.  

McKernan (17-2-1, 9 KOs) of Sacramento, California began the bout behind his jab before pressing Campa (20-16, 13 KOs) of Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico along the ropes. Campa had his moments, finding room to counter McKernan at times during the opening round. 

McKernan, 198.1, let his hands go in the second while Campa, 198.1, was satisfied covering up. The Mexican began to throw more frequently midway through the round, briefly pressing McKernan to the ropes before some curious exchanges late in the stanza. While Campa gestured to referee Edward Collantes, McKernan adjusted his waistband, which prompted the Mexican to rush toward the Sacramento native. When McKernan began to land with some right hands, Campa opted to throw awkwardly from the southpaw stance, before switching back orthodox to close the round. 

McKernan began to mix in a body attack early in the third round, again forcing Campa’s back to the ropes. Once Campa was able to turn McKernan and fight from the center, he was briefly more successful. Before the close of the round, McKernan found a home for his right hand to both the body and head. Campa curiously opted to show off his head movement with his hands down before the bell rang to end the round. 

Late in a fourth round that was slow to develop, McKernan landed some well-placed body shots that seemed to bother Campa. With his opponent covering up, crouched forward to protect his body, McKernan let his hands go in combination. McKernan punctuated the third with a right hand at the bell that seemed to irritate Campa. 

Campa had one of his better rounds in the fifth, winging shots at the body of McKernan and maintaining a busier pace. Still, McKernan closed the round forcing Campa to the ropes while looking to land with both hands. Campa found some success with his overhand right in the sixth, but McKernan took the shot well, even when they landed clean. When McKernan pressed Campa along the ropes, the Mexican briefly employed the cross-arm guard made famous by Archie Moore. Both fighters closed the bout swinging, with McKernan’s sweeping right carrying the exchange. 

In the end, all three judges; Joel Farbstein, Brian Tsukamoto and Brian Tyler, scored the bout in McKernan’s favor by the score of 58-56. With the win, the 39-year-old McKernan successfully rebounds from a majority draw last November and keeps hope alive for a marquee match-up at 200 pounds. 

Rising featherweight prospect Kyle Lacanlale (9-0, 5 KOs) of San Ramon, California stepped up to the scheduled six-round distance against a fighter with a winning record for the first time in his pro career and turned in one of his better performances to date by stopping Kevin Nunez (6-4, 3 KOs) of Oviedo, Florida by way of Bayamón, Puerto Rico in the third round. 

Lacanlale,124.1, was stiff with his jab from the outset and began to follow-up it up with hard right hands as the first round progressed. Nunez, 125.1, looked to time the younger fighter coming in and successfully landed with a sweeping left early in the second that made Lacalale smile. When the San Ramon resident got inside, his faster hands and swift footwork created problems for his veteran opponent. 

The end would come in the third, when after an exchange, Lacalale got back into range and led with a hard right to Nunez’s body. Nunez took a step back in pain before taking a knee to prompt a count from referee David Hartman. Nunez took the count and began to rise as the official counted numbers nine and ten. While his right knee may have just lifted from the mat at nine-and-a-half, the bout was waved off at the official time of 2:59 of the third round. 

“I started by using the jab a lot and then going to the body, trying to break him down for later,” explained Lacanlale. “One of those body shots slipped in and I was able to get him out of there.” 

Shavon Furrow (4-0, 1 KO) of Fresno, California moved past the toughest test of her pro career to date by scoring a six-round unanimous decision over Tatiana Almaraz (2-7) of Pittsburg, California by way of Guatemala City, Guatemala in a fast-paced action fight. 

Both fighters wasted no time letting their hands go, as the two-minute rounds flew by at a breakneck pace. After two hard-to-score rounds, Almaraz 114.5, looked to have banked the first clear-cut round in the third, punctuated by some head-snapping punches. 

Furrow, 114, came back well in the fourth, staking her claim to the center of the ring and backing Almaraz up along the ropes. The naturally smaller Guatemalan veteran showed her strength as she seemed to hurt Furrow late in the fifth before chasing the Fresno resident to the ropes before the bell sounded to end the round. 

The action continued in the sixth, with both women having their moments and trading on even terms as the bout came to a close. Despite the highly competitive nature of the contest, Furrow won all but one round on two of the judges’ scorecards. Judges Joel Farbstein and Brian Tsukamoto both scored the bout 59-55, while judge Brian Tyler had it 58-56, all for Furrow, who has won all four of her bouts in 2026. 

Lightweight Maurice Powell (3-0, 3 KOs) of Sacramento was forced to fight past the first round for the first time in his career, but still did not need the official judges as he halted typically durable veteran William Flenoy (3-8-1, 1 KO) of Fresno in the fourth round of a scheduled six. 

Both fighters found openings in the first round as Powell, 132.2, flashed his speed and Flenoy, 133.5, utilized timing to land with some clean power punches. The pace slowed a bit in the second round as Powell began to control the range. 

The Sacramento native closed the third round well by pressuring Flenoy on ropes and landing with both hands. With the momentum in his favor, Powell upped his aggressiveness and hurt Flenoy to the body along the ropes. With his man in trouble, Powell chased Flenoy to the red corner and let his hands go until the Fresno resident finally fell to the mat in the center of the ring. Flenoy beat the count, but referee David Hartman did not like his response and waved off the bout at the official time of 2:36 of the fourth round.  

Making his pro debut, Joel Alvarez Chavez (1-0) of Napa, California pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Solomon Colton (1-2-1, 1 KO) of Moreno Valley, California. 

Alvarez Chavez, 148.4, winged and looped many of his punches, but still found a home for plenty of them. The more polished Colton, 148.1, would have been well-suited to box and move more, but ended up being dragged into a rough inside fight that favored his opponent. 

Alvarez Chavez rocked Colton along the ropes in the fourth and continued to force his will and style to close a somewhat mauling affair. In the end, judge Joel Farbstein scored it 39-37, while judges Brian Tsukamoto and Brian Tyler both had it scored a shutout, 40-36, all for Alvarez Chavez.  

In his professional debut, Ryan Yang (1-0) of Sacramento moved past a determined Eduardo Sanchez (1-3) of Watsonville, California by way of Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico via four-round majority decision in an excellent action fight. 

Yang, 115.8, and Sanchez, 115.8, exchanged punches on the inside in a tit-for-tat manner from the opening round in a fight that saw solid two-way action throughout. Yang flashed the ability to land as a counter-puncher in the second round. One Yang left strayed a bit low, but was not called and did not slow Sanchez for more than a moment. 

The fight was fought mainly on the inside, as neither fighter wanted to give up an inch. In the fourth, Yang appeared to break through enough to stagger Sanchez with a right, before the Watsonville resident answered back with a clean combination. 

After four thrilling rounds, judge Brian Tyler had it even, 38-38, but was overruled by judges Brian Tsukamoto and Joel Farbstein, who both scored the competitive fight a shutout, 40-36, for Yang. 

In a rematch, Keon Merlo (4-1-1, 1 KO) of Fresno again outpointed the always tough Ebert Diaz (4-6-1, 1 KO) of Richmond, California, this time via six-round unanimous decision. 

Merlo, 140, found a home for his southpaw left in the early going. Diaz, 139.1, was able to hang with the fast pace his opponent set from the outset to make for an entertaining scrap.

By the second round, the left eye of Diaz was swollen, red and bleeding. Merlo was quick with his counter-punching and his speed was a problem for the undeterred Diaz. 

The Diaz corner stopped the bleeding and brought down the swelling by the middle of the fight, but Merlo was still outpacing the Richmond resident. 

Diaz turned the tide some towards the end of fifth, pressing the action much of the round and forcing Merlo into the blue corner with some excellent body work.

Again in the sixth, Diaz was successful when pressuring Merlo along the ropes, while the Fresno native did his best work in the center of the ring.

Judge Brian Tsukamoto scored the bout 58-56, while judges Brian Tyler and Joel Farbstein had it a shutout, 60-54. Merlo had previously scored a four-round unanimous decision over Diaz in June of last year. 

Upper Cut Promotions will bring professional boxing back to the Venue at Thunder Valley at Thunder Valley Casino Resort in the first quarter of next year. 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com 

And now, the end is near. As Katie Taylor faces her final curtain in professional boxing, the legendary Irish fighter was roared on by thousands at the iconic Trinity College Dublin this evening as she weighed-in ahead of her historic farewell at Croke Park.

Taylor faces France’s undefeated Flora Pili for all the gold with the Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship on the line in front of 80,000 fans – live worldwide on DAZN and non-exclusively in Ireland on RTÉ.

The Bray Bomber weighed in at 139.6lbs with opponent Pili hitting the scales at 139.9lbs before their eagerly awaited showdown tomorrow night, with London 2012 Olympic Gold Medallist Taylor bidding the sign-off her career as a three-time Undisputed Champion. 

A stacked undercard sees two Heavyweights collide as Britain’s popular Dave Allen goes up against Dublin’s own in Thomas Carty.

Limerick’s No.1 ranked IBF Welterweight challenger Paddy Donovan looks to fend off the challenge of Belfast’s Tyrone McKenna.

Unbeaten Southampton Super Middleweight Taylor Bevan meets undefeated Emmet Brennan, who leaves just 500m from Croke Park in the opening bout of the Main Card.

The full Weigh-In results can be found below along with the official Fight Night running order.

The stage is set for an extraordinary evening – delivered by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with Aiken Promotions and Brian Peters – with headline performers Westlife ready to deliver an unforgettable performance, along with fellow acclaimed Irish entertainment acts in the Mary Wallopers, Róisín O and Aoife Scott.

Before Westlife take to the stage, the Mary Wallopers will get the party started when the main broadcast begins at 7pm.

The Dundalk trio have become one of the most exciting and unpredictable forces in modern Irish folk, bringing traditional songs and stories to a new generation with their explosive live performances, punk spirit, humour and unmistakable Irish character.

Then, as the excitement reaches fever pitch and Taylor prepares for her final fight in the ring, Róisín O and Aoife Scott will deliver one of the evening’s most poignant moments with a special rendition of the National Anthem.

Róisín O, the acclaimed Dublin singer-songwriter and daughter of legendary Irish artist Mary Black, has built a reputation for her soulful vocals and distinctive blend of folk, pop and contemporary songwriting. Her career has seen her perform on stages across Ireland and internationally, including appearances at major festivals and performances alongside some of the biggest names in music.

She said:“It is an incredible honour to be asked to sing the national anthem for Katie Taylor on such a momentous night. As a woman, and as an Irish woman, there’s something incredibly powerful about standing in Croke Park and singing ‘Amhrán na bhFiann’ for another woman who has inspired an entire nation. To be part of what feels like a truly historic moment in Irish history is something I’ll be hugely proud of.”

Joining her will be Aoife Scott, one of the standout voices of Ireland’s contemporary folk scene. The award-winning singer-songwriter, who also comes from the celebrated Black family of Irish musicians, has established a successful career in her own right, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and deeply rooted connection to Irish music.

Scott said:“It’s such a huge honour to be asked to perform for Katie Taylor. She means so much to this country, and to be part of her moment in any small way is something I’ll never forget.”

Taylor vs Pili is sponsored by Title Event Partners Lidl Ireland, along with sponsors Paddy Power, Domino’s Ireland, Everlast, That Prize Guy, Ten Percent Club, ALP and Riyadh Season.

For all the latest news and updates throughout Fight Week, follow @matchroomboxing on social media.

OFFICIAL WEIGH-IN RESULTS AND FIGHT NIGHT RUNNING ORDER:
CROKE PARK: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026 – LIVE ON DAZN

Paul Ryan (161.1lbs) vs Paddy Gallagher (162.7lbs)
Middleweight Contest
6 x 3-minute rounds

Adam Olaniyan (257.5lbz) vs Matej Hudak (293lbs)
Heavyweight Contest
4 x 3-minute rounds

Bobbi Flood (155.3lbs) vs Jack Swallow (156.2lbs)
Super Welterweight Contest
4 x 3-minute rounds

Joe McGrail (121.9lbs) vs Matthew Boreland (121.7lbs)
WBA Continental Gold Super Bantamweight Title
10 x 3-minute rounds

Molly McCann (119.4lbs) vs Sylwia Doligala (119.5lbs)
Bantamweight Contest
8 x 2-minute rounds

MAIN CARD – LIVE WORLDWIDE ON DAZN AND NON-EXCLUSIVELY IN IRELAND ON RTÉ AT 7pm

Taylor Bevan (169.3lbs) vs Emmet Brennan (167.2lbs)
Super Middleweight Contest
10 x 3-minute rounds

Paddy Donovan (146.3lbs) vs Tyrone McKenna (146.8lbs)
Welterweight Contest
10 x 3-minute rounds

David Allen (279.5lbs) vs Thomas Carty (256.2lbs)
Heavyweight Contest
10 x 3-minute rounds

Katie Taylor (139.6lbs) vs Flora Pili (139.9lbs)
Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship for the WBC, WBA, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine Titles
10 x 2-minute rounds

NEWARK, NJ–Damian Knyba scored a 12-round unanimous decision over former unified world champion Andy Ruiz in a heavyweight bout at the Prudential Center.

The fight lacked Pace as Knyba landed jabs and held a great deal during the fight. Ruiz, who was making his first start in 25 months and just his fourth fight since winning the world title with a shocking knockout of Anthony Joshua in 2019.

In round seven, Knyba drilled Ruiz with a hard right that sent Ruiz buckling into the ropes. Knyba landed four more vicious shots that put the former champion down. Ruiz was lucky to get out of the round as he took more power shots before the bell.

Knyba, 255.3 lbs of Poland won by scores of 117-110 and 114-113 twice and is now 18-1. Ruiz of Imperial, CA is 35-3-1.

Mielnicki Decisions Williams

Vito Mielnicki Jr. scored the biggest win of his career as he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Austin Williams in a middleweight bout.

In round one, M ielnicki dropped Williams wihen he missed a right but planted a left hook on the chin. Mielnicki continued to bust up Williams using both the lead and counter. In round five, Williams started to bleed from his mouth.

In round eight, Mielnicki began to bleed from his nose. The battled it out down the stretch with Mielnicki landing three solid uppercuts in the final round.

Mielnicki, 160 lbs of Roseland, NJ won by scores of 98-91 on all cards and is now 24-1. Williams, 159 lbs of Palm Beach, FL is 20-3.

Garcia Drops Chaves Three Times; Wins Unanimous Decision

Eridson Garcia scored three knockdowns en-route to a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Alan Chaves in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Chaves with a right hook. In round five, Garcia landed a hard flurry and Chaves went don on a delay. Garcia landed two body shots and a left upstairs that made Chaves take a knee.

In round six, Chaves landed a grazing right where it looked like Garcia slipped but was ruled a knockdown by referee Earl Brown. Chaves began to bleed from his nose. In round nine, Garcia dropped Chaves again with a perfectly timed right hook to the head.

Garcia, 134.7 lbs of Palm Beach, FL won by scores of 99-87, 99-88 and 98-88 and is now 24-2. Chaves, 135 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 22-1.

Moses Stops Contreras After Five

Zaquin Moses remained undefeated with a stoppage after round five over Angel Contreras in their eight-round lightweight bout.

Moses dominated with hard straight lefts and pinpoint body work until the fight was halted in the corner by Contreras.

Moses, 133 lbs of Newark is 8-0 with four knockouts. Contreras, 132 of Monterrey, MEX is 18-11-2.

Dennis Thompson remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Jose Casillas in a super bantamweight bout

Thompson, 122.5 lb of Philadelphia on by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 77-75 and is now 12-0. Casillas, 122.6 lbs of Huntington Park, CA is 7-2-1l

Kahshad Elliott remained undefeated with a sox-round usplit decision over Jean Pierre Valencia in a battle of undefeated middleweights.

Elliott, 159.2 lbs of Plainfield, NJ won by scores of 60-54 and 58-56 while Valencia took a card 59-55 for Valencia

Elliott is now 9-0. Valencia, 159.1 lbs of Irvington, NJ is 4-1-1.

Jordan Simpson made a successful pro debut with a third round stoppage of Michael McDonald in a middleweight fight.

Simpson battered and bloodied the face of McDonald and the fight was stopped at 48 seconds.

Simpson, 157.3 lbs of Middlesex, NJ is 1-0. McDonald, 157.1 lbs of Brandon, MO is 0-2

Brooke Mullen won a six-round unanimous decision over Bria Miller in a welterweight fight.

In round three, Mullen landed a right hand that put Miller on the canvas.

Mullen, 146.8 lbs of Pottstown, PA won by scores of 60-53 twice and 59-54 and is now 4-0. Miller, 146.8 lbs of Dover, DE is 2-2.