NEWARK, NEW JERSEY — April 8, 2026 — Rodney Rice’s RDR Promotions will stage its first show at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. as Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga headlines their “Crossroads in Brick City” event on Saturday, June 6.

The heavy-handed Prenga (20-1, 20 KOs), a native of Orosh, Albania who now lives in New Jersey, will face an opponent to be named in an eight-round fight. Prenga has become one of the most popular fighters in the state since making his United States debut in 2022. He has won his last three fights by first round knockout thanks in large part to possessing one of the hardest right hands in the sport. Now, Prenga takes his next step towards heavyweight contention, with a big win expected to move him into the next tier of the division.

In the co-featured bout, Newark’s own Michael “Slick” Anderson (25-4-1, 19 KOs) will meet Nimal Farmer (6-1-2, 4 KOs) of Lindenwold, N.J. in an eight-round welterweight fight. Anderson is coming off a third-round stoppage win over Tackie Annan in November and always brings large crowds, especially when he’s fighting at home. He will face the tough as nails Farmer, who is looking to rebound from his first ever defeat.

Tickets are available for purchase now at www.ticketmaster.com and www.prucenter.com. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the first fight set for 6:30 p.m.

“RDR Promotions is extremely proud to have been welcomed into the Newark, N.J. boxing community,” said Rice, President of RDR Promotions. “We plan to not only provide a consistent platform for local fighters, but vow to be an invaluable resource to the community.”

“We are thrilled to welcome RDR Promotions’ marquee professional boxing event entitled ‘Crossroads in Brick City’ to Prudential Center for the first time,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, Prudential Center. “With a world-class fighter like Kristian Prenga headlining plus a stacked lineup of rising talent from throughout the Northeast, fans are in for an unforgettable night. This event marks an exciting step in showcasing top-level boxing in New Jersey and solidifying Prudential Center as a premier destination for combat sports.”

The card will also feature a number of competitively matched fights between prospects from across the area.

In a six-round lightweight bout, Philadelphia’s Rashan Adams (11-1, 6 KOs) will meet Camden’s Naheem Parker (6-4, 2 KOs). Adams has won his last six bouts and will be facing a crafty boxer-puncher who has shown he can upset the odds, having handed previously unbeaten boxers Raekwon Butler and Justin Palmieri their first defeats.

Junior welterweight prospects will put it all on the line when Juan Rivera V (9-0, 5 KOs) of Philadelphia meets Demarius Driver (12-1, 7 KOs) of Nashville, Tennessee. It will be the first ten-round fight for Rivera, who has kept a busy schedule since turning professional two years ago. Driver, a pro since 2017, is seeking to redeem himself after suffering his first loss in his most recent bout.

In another “crossroads” bout, Vladimir Dalton (2-0) of nearby Elizabeth, N.J. will meet fellow unbeaten fighter Ibrahima Fofana (2-0, 2 KOs) of The Bronx, N.Y. in a four-round cruiserweight fight. Dalton, a 2017 National Golden Gloves silver medalist, last fought in March, defeating the previously unbeaten Shakeem Williams by decision, while Fofana, a native of Senegal, scored knockouts in his two pro fights last year.

New York and Jersey City will collide in a four-round middleweight fight as Famous Wilson (4-0, 2 KOs) of Brentwood, Long Island faces Bernard Gardner (1-1, 1 KO) in a matchup of former amateur standouts. This won’t be the first time the two have met, with Wilson having won a decision over the man now known as Rex Presidential in the 2019 National Golden Gloves. The fight will be Wilson’s first in two years while Gardner, a southpaw, will look to bounce back from his first defeat last December.

Also in action, brothers Muadh Abdus-Salaam (3-0, 1 KO) and Zahir Abdus-Salaam (2-0, 1 KO), both of Newark, will fight in separate bouts. The Abdus-Salaam brothers were recently commended by the city of Newark for their accomplishments as student athletes, with Muadh having played defensive back for the Delaware State University Hornets football team and Zahir having been a running back for the Western Michigan University Broncos. Also commended at that ceremony were fellow Newark natives Anthony Johns (11-1, 6 KOs) and Yoell “Boy Boy” Cooper, who will also be in action on the card in separate bouts.

In addition, John Gjini (16-0, 15 KOs) of Greenwich, Connecticut will compete in an eight-round featherweight fight, while junior lightweight Alexander Collado of North Bergen, N.J. will look to secure his first win as a professional in a four-round bout.

Crossroads in Brick City Credential Requests:

To request credentials for Brick City Fight Night on Saturday, June 6, please go to: https://www.prucenter.com/media-request 

*Please be advised that all bouts are subject to change

About RDR Promotions

RDR Promotions is a Philadelphia-based boxing promotion company founded by Rodney Rice, a longtime boxing coach and manager who grew frustrated with the practices of existing promoters in the region. Determined to create a fairer pathway for fighters, Mr. Rice launched RDR Promotions’ inaugural show on March 7, 2020. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, RDR produced 12 events during COVID, with 11 completed in 2021. The company is now preparing to present its 38th show on June 6th at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Since its inception, RDR Promotions has showcased hundreds of fighters who were often overlooked by major promotional companies, giving them opportunities that previously did not exist. The organization’s success has inspired the creation of several other local promotions, expanding the landscape for young, inexperienced fighters as well as veterans seeking to revive their careers. RDR has also collaborated with major industry leaders, including Matchroom, Top Rank, Premier Boxing Champions, Riyadh Season, Sampson Boxing, Paco Presents and several overseas organizations, further solidifying its reputation as a respected and influential force in the boxing community. Follow RDR Promotions on Instagram at @Rdr_boxing for more updates.

About Prudential Center

Prudential Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) New York Sirens and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 10 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and various other industry publications, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit prucenter.com and follow the arena on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property. 

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Unbeaten Bridgeport southpaw Jacob “Lefty” Marrero (11-0, 8 KOs) will fight for his first professional title on Saturday, April 18 when he takes on Venezuela’s Rowin Sanchez (6-2-3, 4 KOs) for the vacant WBC FECARBOX Lightweight Championship in the main event of CES Boxing’s‘The Riverside Rumble’ card at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

Tickets for The Riverside Rumble are on sale now at CESFights.com. Doors open at 4pm, with the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational amateur showcase beginning at 5pm.

At 26 years old, Marrero enters the biggest moment of his career unbeaten in 11 fights with 8 knockouts.  He now steps into a championship opportunity just one hour from his hometown.  A strong Bridgeport contingent is expected to make the short trip to Hartford, turning the main event into a hometown atmosphere for Marrero.

“It means everything,” said Marrero of the opportunity to fight for his first pro title. “I’ve always dreamed about fighting for a belt. Doing it this close to home makes it even more special.”

A slick, sharp-shooting southpaw with power, Marrero is coming off a dominant second-round knockout of veteran Emiliano Garcia at Foxwoods – an emphatic performance that established Marrero as one of the country’s top prospects.

“I knew he was a veteran,” said Marrero of the experienced Garcia. “We stuck to the game plan, stayed patient, boxed smart, and eventually got him out of there in the second round. Everything went according to plan.”

Enter Rowin Sanchez.  The 29-year-old Venezuelan, now based in Alabama, has just as many fights as Lefty and is coming off the biggest win of his career.

“He comes to fight,” assessed Marrero. “He has a lot of heart and he drew with an undefeated fighter recently, so much respect to him.”

The bout is a classic clash of styles, pitting Marrero’s precision and timing against Sanchez’s pressure and toughness – an explosive combination for a high-stakes main event.

“We don’t underestimate anybody,” agreed Marrero.  “I’m expecting a great fight.  I’m just going to go out there, adapt, and do whatever I have to do to come out victorious.”

With a title and potential WBC ranking on the line, Marrero sees April 18 as a launching point.

“Fighters from my city have won belts, but not this one,” said Marrero of the belt that was once held by the likes of former multi-division world champions Ricardo Mayorga and Joan Guzman.  “I’m excited to be the first to fight for it, and I’m planning on winning it.”

Fans who would like to meet Lefty and hear from him a week before the fight can join CES Boxing this Saturday, April 11 at Steelpointe Harbor in Bridgeport.  The press conference begins at 1pm EST.

For more information on The Riverside Rumble and all CES 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”.

(April 7, 2026) The full card has been announced for “The Homecoming: Mielnicki Jr. vs. Huerta” event, presented by Sampson Boxing and Paco Presents in partnership with Pro Box Promotions, this Saturday, April 11, from the Adrian Phillips Theater at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and broadcast live on ProBoxTV (7:00 pm ET).

Tickets are available now through Ticketmaster or at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall Box Office: (609) 348-7512.

The televised action that night includes WBO 5-, IBF 9- and WBC 11-ranked Vito “White Magic” Mielnicki Jr. (22-1, 13 KOs) of Roseland, NJ, defending his WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships against Omar Ulises “La Bala” Huerta (15-0-1, 13 KOs) of San Ysidro, CA, in the 10-round middleweight main event, plus Cuba’s Yan Marcos (14-0, 10 KOs) taking on also undefeated local favorite Dwyke Flemmings Jr. (11-0, 10 KOs) Paterson, NJ, for the WBA Intercontinental & USBA Super Welterweight Championships.

Other televised action includes the United States debut of power-punching Dominican super lightweight KO artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) against tough Philadelphian Daiyaan “Badshah” Butt (20-3, 10 KOs); as well as a six-round light heavyweight battle of undefeated prospects between Arjan Iseni (5-0, 5 KOs) of Staten Island and Christian Figueroa (2-0, 2 KOs) of Galloway, NJ; and a four-round super lightweight showdown between Michael Harris (4-0, 1 KO) of Trenton, NY, and La’Vay Lawrence (4-2, 3 KOs) of Washington, DC.

Fighting on the untelevised undercard will be several local favorites including a four-round middleweight bout between Piscataway, NJ’s Zahir Abdus Salaam (1-0) and Josue Silva (3-5, 1 KO) of Mexico; a six-round heavyweight brawl featuring Paterson, NJ’s Norman Neely (16-1, 11 KOs) and San Ysidro, CA’s Gabriel Garcia Perez (8-4, 7 KOs); and a welterweight four-rounder pitting Muadh Abdus-Salaam (2-0, 1 KO) of Newark, NJ against Benji Gomez (1-8) of Oxnard, CA.

On fight night, doors open at 5:30 pm and the action starts at 6:00 pm. Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall is located at 2301 Boardwalk in Atlantic City. Phone: (609) 348-7000.

# # #

About Sampson Boxing

Sampson Boxing has promotional partners all over North and South America, Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Central America. Sampson Boxing events have been televised on such premiere networks as HBO, Showtime, ESPN, ESPN+, DAZN, VS., FOX, Fox Sports and several international networks. For more information, visit sampsonboxing.com.

Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall and the Atlantic City Convention Center are operated by OVG and owned and funded by the CRDA.

About OVG

OVG is a full-service venue management and hospitality company that helps client-partners reimagine the sports, live entertainment, and convention industries for the betterment of the venue, employees, artists, athletes, and surrounding communities. With a portfolio of more than 200 client-partners spanning arenas, stadiums, convention centers, performing arts centers, cultural institutions, and state fairs around the globe, OVG provides a set of services, resources and expertise designed to elevate every aspect of business that matters to venue operators. Service-oriented and driven by social responsibility, OVG helps facilities drive value through excellence and innovation in food services, booking and content development, sustainable operations, public health, and public safety and more.

About the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)

The only agency of its kind nationwide, the CRDA has used Atlantic City casino reinvestments as a catalyst for meaningful, positive improvement in the lives of New Jersey residents since 1984. Under the 2011 Tourism District Act, the Authority’s mission evolved from statewide projects to becoming the state’s key economic development agency for Atlantic City. CRDA’s expanded responsibilities now include land use regulation, tourism marketing and clean and safe initiatives. The CRDA also oversees Historic Boardwalk Hall (the leading entertainment venue of its size in the country) and the Atlantic City Convention Center. In total, CRDA has invested in more than 400 projects statewide, most of which has been invested in Atlantic City, spurring business investments and expansions, and creating permanent jobs in the process. For more information about CRDA and our projects, visit www.njcrda.com. Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/njcrda, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/njcrda.

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 contender-level live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content, including talk and debate shows, podcasts, etc. Serving millions of fans globally, ProBox TV is available for free through numerous platforms and media partners, including YouTube, Amazon, Fubo TV, LG, Plex, Roku, Samsung, Tubi, Vizio and more.

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

(April 6, 2026) – This Friday April 10, (7:30 pm EDT/4:30 pm PDT) ProBoxTV is at Prudential Center in Brick City (Newark, New Jersey), for the latest thrilling installment of “The Contender Series.”

PROBOXTV: 50/50 MATCHUPS WHERE RUNNERS, HOLDERS AND LOW-VOLUME PUNCHERS ARE NOT WELCOME!

Presented by Thomas LaManna (Rising Star Promotions) and Garry Jonas (Pro Box Promotions), in the 10-round middleweight main event, WBO #15-ranked Hebert Conceicao Sousa (10-0, 5 KOs) of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, will face his toughest career test to date against dangerous knockout puncher Johan “The Chelo Manotas” Gonzalez (36-5, 34 KOs) of Las Vegas via Valencia, Venezuela.

And in the 10-round co-feature, ProBoxTV fan favorites Francisco “Bebu” Daniel Veron (16-1-1, 10 KOs) of Jose Leon Suarez of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Raul Garcia (15-2-1 12 KOs) of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, will trade power punches in a guaranteed super welterweight slugfest.

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com and prucenter.com.

Before turning professional in 2022, 28-year-old Hebert Conceicao won a middleweight gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and took bronze in the 2019 World Amateur Championships.

In 10 professional fights, Conceicao has already beaten two prominent Brazilian countrymen: the 2012 London Olympic-medal-winning brothers, Esquiva and Yamaguchi Falcao.

In June 2024, in just his sixth fight, Conceicao won a unanimous 10-round decision over younger brother and Silver Medalist Esquiva and in September of last year, repeated the feat against older brother and Bronze Medalist Yamaguchi to win the Brazilian (CNB) and WBO Latino Super Middleweight Championships.

Conceicao was last seen in December of last year winning the WBO Latino Super Middleweight Championship via a nearly flawless 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Elias Espadas at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale and live on ProBoxTV.

After turning professional in 2017, the 34-year-old Johan Gonzalez won his first 22 fights by knockout. In March 2025, he won a 10-round split decision over former Unified World Super Welterweight Champion Jarrett Hurd.

Gonzalez has made two previous appearances on ProBoxTV. In August 2023, he stopped Ricardo Ruben Villalbain five rounds, and then in November of that year, he scored a majority 10-round decision over then 16-1-2 Guido Schramm. Both fights were held at the Whitesands Events Center in Plant City, Florida.

In the 10-round chief supporting bout, super featherweight William Foster III (19-3, 11 KOs) of New Haven, Connecticut, will face Joshafat Ortiz (13-3, 6 KOs) of Reading, Pennsylvania.

Opening the televised action will be a six-round super lightweight battle between Gabriel Gerena (8-1, 6 KOs) of Piscataway, New Jersey, and Rani Jalomo (7-0-1, 4 KOs) of Chicago, Illinois, plus a six-round bantamweight tilt between Emmanuel Chance (3-0, 1 KO) of East Orange, New Jersey, and Angel Munoz (3-2, 2 KOs) of Baldwin Park, California.

Prudential Center is located at 25 Lafayette St in Newark (Ph: (973) 757?6000). On fight night, doors open at 5:00 pm and the action starts at 5:10 pm EDT.

?To request credentials for Brick City Fight Night, please go to: https://www.prucenter.com/media-request.

*Please be advised that all bouts are subject to change

# # #

HOW TO WATCH FROM HOME

The first and only global sports streaming and media company dedicated exclusively to professional boxing, ProBoxTV is available in 100% of U.S. and Canadian households with broadband access, on a wide range of platforms and media partners, including ProBoxTV’s YouTube and YouTube Espanol Channels, along with Roku, Amazon Prime, Fubo, Xumo (Comcast), Sling, Plex and Google TV.

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 contender-level live events and daily/weekly long-form studio content, including talk and debate shows, podcasts, etc. Serving millions of fans globally, ProBox TV is available for free through numerous platforms and media partners, including YouTube, Amazon, Fubo TV, LG, Plex, Roku, Samsung, Tubi, Vizio and more.

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

ABOUT RISING STAR PROMOTIONS

Founded in 2015, Rising Star Promotions is a professional boxing promotion dedicated to developing fighters through consistent activity, smart matchmaking, and long-term career growth. Based in the Tri-State area, Rising Star has built a reputation for providing competitive opportunities and high-quality events while helping athletes progress from prospects to contenders. As the promotion enters its second decade, Rising Star Promotions continues to expand its footprint with plans for events across

new markets and platforms

EL PASO, TEXAS – April 7, 2026 – Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) and ESPN today announced that boxing trailblazer and unified featherweight champion Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano (48-4-1, 31 KOs) will make her return to the ring to face Germany’s top-ranked contender Cheyenne “Pepper” Hanson (17-2, 13 KOs) in the Double Main event of MVPW-03 alongside the headlining Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm rematch for the WBA lightweight world title, taking place on Saturday, May 30 at the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, live on ESPN and the ESPN App. Serrano vs. Hanson will be a 10-round championship bout for the unified WBA and WBO world titles contested at 126lbs in the featherweight division. Also joining the main card will be MVP and Australia’s unified middleweight world champion Desley Robinson (11-3, 4 KOs) in a 10-round title defense at 160lbs against Canadian challenger Mary Spencer (10-3, 6 KOs). Mexico’s WBC junior flyweight world champion Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulu” Juarez (39-4, 5 KOs) will also make a 10-round defense of her WBC title against MVP’s three-division champion Yokasta Valle (34-3, 10 KOs) as Valle steps up to fight for her seventh world title. MVPW on ESPN will always feature a main card composed entirely of female fighters, with an undercard including a mix of female and male bouts. MVPW-03 is part of MVPW, a new year-round global platform for women’s boxing from MVP, showcasing the sport’s most elite female fighters with championship bouts on every card. MVPW-03 will begin at 9pm ET / 7pm MT on ESPN.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, April 8 at 12pm MT / 2pm ET at Ticketmaster.com. All media wishing to be credentialed for MVPW-03 should apply for credentials HERE.

Amanda “The Real Deal” Serrano is the first-ever Puerto Rican undisputed world champion and the most decorated fighter in women’s boxing history, recognized by the Guinness World Records for the most boxing world championships won by a female in different weight classes. Serrano, currently the unified featherweight champion holding the WBO, WBA and Ring Magazine titles, is Most Valuable Promotions’ first signee, who also signed the first ever lifetime combat sports contract with MVP and will become Chairwoman of MVP’s women’s boxing initiatives to lead the company’s efforts in identifying, signing, developing and marketing the promotion’s growing roster of female athletes post her in-ring retirement. Serrano faced off against Katie Taylor for the first time at Madison Square Garden in April 2022, making history as the first women’s fight to headline Madison Square Garden, earning global acclaim and winning Sports Illustrated’s Fight of the Year and The Ring’s Event of the Year for 2022. Taylor vs. Serrano was also nominated for Sports Business Journal’s Event of the Year, a testament to the global reach and power of the event. Following the historic bout, Serrano defeated Sarah Mahfoud and Erika Cruz en-route to becoming the undisputed featherweight champion. She successfully defended her undisputed title in August 2023 against Heather Hardy before making history again, defeating Danila Ramos in October 2023 in the first-ever women’s unified world championship contested over 12 three-minute rounds—equal to a men’s championship fight. She threw a career-high 1,103 punches in the bout, solidifying her status as a trailblazer for gender equality in boxing. In recognition of her achievements inside and outside the ring, Serrano was named the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) Female Fighter of the Year for 2023, as well as Sports Illustrated’s and Boxing Scene’s 2023 Women’s Fighter of the Year. She continued her dominance in July 2024, scoring a second-round knockout victory over Stevie Morgan in a super lightweight bout.

Serrano went on to face Katie Taylor in the most anticipated women’s boxing rematch in modern history in the co-main event of MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson card on Netflix in November 2024. The undisputed super lightweight title fight averaged 74 million live viewers globally and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. The bout ended in a razor-thin decision victory for Taylor, sparking global debate and skyrocketing Serrano’s social following to over 1.2 million. #Serrano also trended at #2 on X in the US, Brazil, Spain, and Canada post-fight, further cementing her status as a global icon. Serrano then faced Taylor a third and final time atop an all-women’s event at Madison Square Garden, commanding the world’s attention once again on Netflix, continuing to break barriers for women in combat sports with a historic trilogy. Serrano made her long-awaited homecoming to Puerto Rico in a unified featherweight title defense of her WBO and WBA featherweight titles in January 2026, defeating challenger Reina Tellez.

“When MVP told me that Han and Holm were going to rematch in Stephanie’s home town of El Paso, I said I want to get on the card to support these two queens,” said Amanda Serrano. “Women’s boxing is growing on a global level, and fights like this, now on ESPN and contested in three-minute rounds, are proof of how far we’ve come. I respect every opponent who steps in the ring, and I know Hanson is coming to win and she has KO power. I’m also continuing to hunt the all-time knockout record, so that’s always on my mind, but everything starts with discipline, execution, and performing at the highest level on fight night. Stephanie Han is all class, and it is my pleasure to come to her city and make the walk before her on Saturday, May 30th. See you soon El Paso.”

Cheyenne “Pepper” Hanson is a hard-hitting 28-year-old German professional boxer from Augsburg, Bayern. The orthodox fighter, nicknamed “Pepper,” has established herself as one of Germany’s top female talents with an impressive 76% knockout ratio. Hanson is a former WBF world champion and currently the #4 WBO and #6 WBA contender in the featherweight division. Known for her aggressive style and knockout power, Hanson has collected her latest two wins by TKO in December 2025 and March 2026. Hanson signed with MVP in April 2026, and will now face Amanda Serrano in her promotional debut.

“I’m really excited and grateful for this fight,” said Cheyenne Hanson. “It means a lot to be representing Germany on this stage. Training camp is going to be hard but I’m focused. I respect my opponent, but I’m coming to make a statement.”

“MVPW-03 is absolutely stacked as we deliver a quadruple world championship card, highlighted by the highly anticipated ESPN debut of Amanda Serrano,” said Nakisa Bidarian and Jake Paul, co-founders of MVP. “Amanda continues to set the global standard for women’s boxing, and matching her in a title defense against a dangerous knockout artist like Cheyenne Hanson creates a blockbuster double main event alongside Stephanie Han vs. Holly Holm. This is a powerful statement about where women’s boxing stands today. Add in the return of Desley Robinson and the expected war in the Mexico vs. Costa Rica matchup between Lourdes Juarez and Yokasta Valle, and this night is going to be fireworks in El Paso.”

Unified middleweight world champion Desley “Destroyer” Robinson has emerged as one of Australia’s top boxing talents. Originally stepping into the ring to improve her fitness, Robinson quickly proved she belonged at the elite level. Following over 50 amateur fights that saw her capture multiple Queensland and Australian titles, Robinson turned pro and earned her first title shot in just her seventh pro fight, resulting in a narrow majority decision loss against Lani Daniels in December 2023. Just one year later, Robinson rebounded in heroic fashion, fighting through a fractured foot to capture the vacant IBF female middleweight title with a unanimous decision over Kaye Scott in December 2024. She returned to the ring in April 2025 to unify the division, successfully defending her IBF belt and winning the vacant WBO title with a dominant performance against Chloe Chaos. Robinson, who fights out of Logan City, Queensland by way of Maranbah, Queensland, Australia, most recently defeated challenger Logan Holler by second round TKO in her promotional debut on MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects 16 Championship Double Header in October. She is also a single mother of three children. 

“I am so excited to be part of MVPW-03, after watching MVPW-01 on the weekend,” said Desley Robinson. “I cannot wait to get back in there. I need a big win on a big stage against a big opponent and that is what I’m going to do. I can’t wait to get back over to Texas again. It is a privilege to be on the undercard to two great champions in Stephanie Han and Holly Holm.”

Windsor, Ontario native and a proud member of the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation, Mary Spencer is known for her physically imposing style, strong inside game and pressure fighting, all while serving as a leader and pioneer for Indigenous and Canadian women in boxing. As an amateur, she was widely regarded as the face of women’s amateur boxing in Canada. Her legendary career saw her become a 3x world champion, Pan American Games gold medalist, a multiple-time Canadian National Champion, and a 2012 Canadian Olympian. In September 2024, Spencer defeated Naomi Mannes by unanimous decision to win the interim WBA super welterweight title. She was then elevated to a full champion after the title was  vacated, and she made her first defense against Ogleidis Suárez in April 2025, winning by unanimous decision. Spencer most recently faced Mikaela Mayer in a title unification bout, putting her WBA title on the line alongside the then-vacant WBO and WBC super welterweight titles in October 2025 – a battle that went the distance and saw Mayer earn the decision win. Spencer remains focused on capturing and defending world titles while continuing to represent Canada and her Indigenous heritage on the global stage.

“I didn’t come this far to admire champions. Respect yes. Admire no! I came to take everything they have,” said Mary Spencer. “Belts don’t intimidate me. They motivate me. But on fight night, it’s not about rankings, records, or titles. It’s about who’s willing to go to a darker place. And I promise you… I live there.”

Lourdes “La Pequeña Lulu” Juarez is a two-division world champion from Mexico City. The younger sister of Mexican legend Mariana “La Barby” Juarez, she is part of one of only a few sister pairs in history to become boxing world champions, alongside the Serrano and Bermúdez sisters, and her sister Patty is also a world champion in bare-knuckle boxing. Turning pro in 2013, Juarez went undefeated for eight years, capturing the WBC super flyweight world title in December 2020 and making three successful defenses before regaining championship status in November 2024 by moving down to 108lbs to win the then-vacant WBC light flyweight crown. Ranked #2 in the world at 108 pounds by ESPN, she has faced six former world champions, balanced motherhood to her two sons, Dominik and Derek, and also trains and mentors new talent at her gym in Mexico City. She has also showcased her versatility with an exhibition win in Miami over Dutch MMA fighter Isis Verbeek. Juarez successfully defended her title in March 2025 by 9th round TKO before her latest successful defense against Yesica Nery Plata in October 2025.

“This will be a great war,” said Lourdes Juarez. “I won’t give away my belt, no way. I’m preparing for the fight of my life. I won’t go down. I don’t believe in good luck. I will go out there blasting.”

Yokasta Valle is a three-division world champion boxer born in Nicaragua and raised in Costa Rica. Growing up with limited resources and countless challenges in San Jose, Yokasta learned early on that nothing is given, and everything is earned. In a sport historically dominated by men, she carved her own path and fought to open doors for women in boxing. She won her first world title in 2016 and has gone on to conquer six world titles across three weight divisions, establishing herself as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world. She currently has held the WBC minimumweight title at 105lbs since November 2024. Valle has also championed equal pay in women’s boxing, fighting for and achieving the same purse conditions as male boxers. Outside the ring, the 32-year-old is an entrepreneur, boxing promoter, and social role model. In 2023, she was recognized by the United Nations as their Costa Rica Champion for the example she set in the fight for women’s and migrants’ rights. Valle is currently BoxRec and Ring Magazine’s and ESPN’s #9-ranked pound-for-pound boxer in the world. 

“I’ve always wanted the biggest challenges and to fight the best. Moving up in weight to challenge a champion for her title is exactly the kind of opportunity that motivates me. This is a big challenge, just like every important fight I’ve had in my career, but I always prepare myself 200% to give everything I have in the ring,” said Yokasta Valle. “I know it’s going to be a war, because fighting a Mexican always means heart, toughness, and a great battle. I’ve already faced 12 or 13 Mexican fighters in my career, so I know exactly what kind of challenge they bring. I’ve been preparing in Mexico with my team, led by Panda, Jay Najar, and that gives me a lot of confidence going into this fight. I believe Lulu Juárez is the best Mexican fighter right now, so this is a huge test for me. Champion versus champion. That’s what women fighters always want, to face the best, and that is what makes women’s boxing even bigger. The opportunity to win my seventh world title motivates me in a special way, because I want to prove that I am the best.”

For more information, follow on X via @MostVPromotions, on Instagram via @MostValuablePromotions.

About MVP

Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) was founded in August 2021 by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian with a fighter first ethos. Since inception, MVP has produced 30 live boxing events, currently promotes nearly 60 fighters, 16 world champions, and 26 top contenders.

MVP has led boxing’s evolution in the streaming era through partnerships with the world’s leading platforms. In November 2024, MVP’s Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano 2 was the first-ever live professional sports event streamed on Netflix. Paul vs. Tyson shattered records, becoming the most-streamed sporting event of all time with 125 million live viewers worldwide. MVP went on to partner with Netflix twice in 2025 for MVP’s Taylor vs. Serrano 3 and Jake vs. Joshua: Judgment Day.

Today, MVP is the global home of women’s boxing. MVP’s Katie Taylor vs. Amanda Serrano in 2022 was the first female fight to headline Madison Square Garden, while Taylor vs. Serrano 2 in 2024 saw 74 million viewers globally on Netflix and became the most-watched professional women’s sports event in US history with 47 million AMA in the US. Their 2025 trilogy on Netflix topped an all-women’s megacard that set the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most world championship belts ever contested on a single fight card, male or female, with 17 world titles, earning nearly 6 million viewers globally. 

About ESPN

ESPN offers its full suite of networks and services directly to fans on the ESPN App, 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 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. Bundling options available for fans include a limited time offer for the ESPN DTC Unlimited plan with Disney+ and Hulu for $29.99/month for the first 12 months. For more visit stream.espn.com.

Britain’s most exciting fighter Ben Whittaker will take on Argentina’s dangerous Braian Suarez in the new Main Event at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Saturday, April 18 – live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.

An injury, sustained during his training camp, has ruled Callum Smith out of his upcoming WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship fight with David Morrell. 

The ‘Surgeon’ Whittaker steps in to headline for only the third time in his career, looking to light up the famous fighting city of Liverpool in the same dazzling manner as his Matchroom Boxing debut against Benjamin Gavazi last November in Birmingham, when he brilliantly bulldozed his German rival inside the first round.

Buenos Aires native Suarez – who has 20 KOs from his 21 wins in 25 bouts – will look to bring more bite to Merseyside, however, having previously fought for the IBO World Light Heavyweight Title against Lyndon Arthur on his last visit to the UK, three years ago.

But another statement performance from The Ring Magazine’s Prospect of the Year nominee Whittaker – ranked No.3 in the world by the WBC and No.5 by the IBF – will help set up a huge, prospective American debut for the Team GB Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Silver Medalist.

“Naturally, it is a massive blow to lose a mega fight so close to the event and we wish Callum a speedy recovery,” said Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn.

“But the show goes on – and it remains an unmissable night of boxing, headlined by arguably one of the greatest showmen in the sport today in Ben Whittaker. He is box office in whatever city in the world he is fighting in.

“Of course, the carrot of his eventual big US debut is dangling. And Ben will be out to show once again why he will be the future of this sport as the eventual ruler of the 175lbs division. It will be a solid test for him against Braian Suarez, who is a dangerous, heavy-hitting opponent with 20 stoppages on his resumé.”

Evertonian ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann will undoubtedly raise the roof at the M&S Bank Arena when she fights for the first time in her home city, against Wales’ Super Bantamweight Ashleigh Johnson, in what will be her fourth fight since turning professional. 

Joe McGrail meanwhile, battles Aaron Hayden for the Central Area Super Bantamweight belt. Young, unbeaten teenage Heavyweight sensation Leo Atang is in action too as he seeks his sixth stoppage in as many fights – and Hearn expects it to be yet another entertaining UK spectacle, live on DAZN.

“Liverpool never disappoints for a Fight Night. And you can guarantee the atmosphere will be rocking for ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann,” Hearn added.

“Plus, we can look forward to what is the next stop on the knockout roadshow for destructive young Heavyweight Leo Atang, the homecoming return Joe McGrail, and plenty more Merseyside talent including the likes of Ste Clarke and Sam Norris. It will be a great night, live on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN.”

Undefeated Whittaker (10-0-1, 7 KOs), trained by the great Andy Lee in Ireland, is looking forward to travelling across the Irish Sea to Merseyside to Main Event in Liverpool.

“Performing in front of the Scousers, who are a set of true fight fans, for the first time is going to be special,” said Whittaker.

“I’m really looking forward to headlining in Liverpool. I know everyone was expecting me to be fighting next in America – and that’s still very much the plan. I need to win this and we’ll be making a big announcement on that soon.

“But it is important for me to stay active as a fighter. So I am delighted to be able to jump on this great Liverpool card to keep myself ticking over.”

April 6, 2026 – Zuffa Boxing returns Sunday, May 10, with a middleweight fight between Shane Mosley Jr. and Serhii Bohachuk headlining a three-fight main card streaming live at 9pm ET/6pm PT, exclusively on Paramount+.

The main event of ZUFFA BOXING 06: MOSLEY JR. VS. BOHACHUK features a crossroads battle between two seasoned middleweight veterans. Mosley Jr. (22-5, 12 KOs) of California takes on Ukraine’s Serhii Bohachuk (27-3, 24 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Mosley Jr, 35, looks to get back in the win column following a tough decision loss in December 2025, while the 30-year-old Bohachuk returns to Las Vegas after earning the first career split decision victory of his career.

In the co-main event, Julian Rodriguez (25-1, 15 KOs) of New Jersey, returns following his dominant victory at the inaugural Zuffa Boxing event in January to face undefeated James Perella (21-0, 15 KOs) of Massachusetts, in a 10-round welterweight fight. Opening the main card action on Paramount+, Mexico’s Misael Rodriguez (16-0, 8 KOs) faces his second consecutive undefeated opponent when he squares off against Andreas Katzourakis (16-0, 11 KOs) of Greece, in a 10-round middleweight fight. 

Fans can stream the full eight-fight Zuffa Boxing card with a Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost in the U.S., Latin America, Brazil, and Canada.

Additional information on the event will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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.

In a display of precision and punching power, Armenia’s Hovhannes Bachkov successfully defended his WBA Continental super lightweight title with a fourth-round TKO victory over Venezuela’s Luis Arcón. The bout, held in Dubai, marked a reunion between two former Olympic circuit rivals, with the European once again asserting his dominance.

From the opening bell, Bachkov (9-0, 8 KOs) controlled center ring, using his polished technique to break down Arcón’s guard as the Venezuelan attempted to answer back with his trademark aggression. However, the Tokyo Olympic medalist’s hand speed proved decisive, as he fired off sharp combinations that quickly began to wear down the “Llanero de Oro.”

The end came in the fourth round. Following a sustained barrage capped by a powerful combination to the head, Arcón was sent to the canvas. Though he tried to beat the count, the accumulated punishment and Bachkov’s clear superiority prompted the referee to wave it off, awarding the Armenian his ninth professional victory.

With the win, Bachkov further solidifies his standing as one of the most dangerous punchers in the 140-pound division, maintaining an impressive knockout ratio. For Arcón (16-1-1, 12 KOs), the loss marks the first defeat of his professional career, in a bout where Bachkov’s technical edge ultimately proved decisive—echoing their meeting a decade ago on the road to Rio 2016, where the Armenian prevailed by split decision.

This Friday, April 10, the Great American Beer Hall in Medford, Massachusetts, will play host to a high-stakes showdown as undefeated Irishman Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole takes on American puncher Jeremy Cullors for the vacant WBA-NABA super middleweight title.

O’Toole (15-0, 10 KOs), a Braintree resident and a fan favorite among Boston’s strong Irish community, enters the bout riding the momentum of a dominant performance last November, where he stopped Ismael Ocles in four rounds. A southpaw standing at an imposing 6’3”, O’Toole has steadily developed his punching power and understands that capturing the NABA strap is a crucial step toward cracking the world rankings and chasing the big names at 168 pounds.

Across the ring, Jeremy Cullors (8-2, 8 KOs) represents a dangerous test. Despite having fewer bouts, the American boasts a menacing résumé—every one of his victories has come by knockout. Cullors is the kind of fighter who can change the course of a fight with a single shot. His game plan is straightforward: close the distance and force exchanges that will test the chin of the unbeaten Irishman.

O’Toole will need to make full use of his reach advantage and footwork, keeping Cullors at bay behind a sharp jab while avoiding getting trapped along the ropes, where the American is at his most dangerous. Cullors, meanwhile, will look to apply relentless pressure, hunting for that one decisive blow that could silence the crowd and carry the NABA title back home.

In a fight that began as a technical showcase and turned into a grueling test of grit and resolve, Wales’ Lauren Price retained her unified welterweight world titles with a unanimous decision victory over Puerto Rico’s Stephanie Piñeiro Aquino. The bout, held Saturday night at Utilita Arena Cardiff, left the champion bloodied but unbroken, her belts still firmly in her possession.

From the opening bell, Price (10-0, 2 KOs) put her Olympic pedigree on full display. Using superior hand speed and constant lateral movement, she controlled the first four rounds, snapping Piñeiro’s head back with crisp right hooks and straight lefts. Despite holding a noticeable height advantage, Piñeiro (10-1, 3 KOs) struggled to pin down the elusive Welsh fighter at range.

The fight took a dramatic turn in the fifth round. An accidental clash of heads opened a deep cut over Price’s right eyebrow and left her mouth bloodied, with blood pouring heavily. Sensing opportunity, Piñeiro ramped up the pressure, trapping the champion along the ropes in the sixth and seventh rounds and landing heavy combinations that tested Price’s durability.

Unfazed by the blood staining her white trunks, Price showed the heart of a true champion in the championship rounds. In the ninth and tenth, she abandoned her hit-and-move approach and stood her ground, trading in the center of the ring with sharp, surgical precision that ultimately halted the challenger’s momentum.

After ten hard-fought rounds, the judges returned scores of 98-92, 99-91, and 98-92, all in favor of Lauren Price.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – It was not pretty, but lightweight contender Andres Cortes was successful in his lightweight debut, scoring a unanimous decision over Eridson Garcia in the ten-round main event of Zuffa Boxing 05 at the Meta Apex on Sunday night. 

Neither fighter imposed themself in the opening rounds and the fight was a bit of a clunky southpaw-orthodox clash for much of the contest. Both fighters had trouble finding their range and proper footing, as they smothered their offense in close for much of the bout. 

Cortes (25-0, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas had more facets and Garcia (23-2, 14 KOs) of Houston, Texas never found a rhythm over the ten rounds. 

Garcia, 135, was deducted a point for excessive holding in the fourth, which seemed to momentarily light a spark for both fighters, as action picked up in the immediate aftermath. 

Cortes, 135, landed with an overhand right early in the fifth and closed the sixth pressing the action after some of the more heated exchanges in the bout began the round. The overhand right was a consistent weapon for Cortes, including in the seventh. By the eighth, Garcia looked a bit dejected and Cortes continued to potshot and evade or get so far inside that neither really had a clear opening. 

In the end, all three official judges scored the bout for Cortes, as judge Steve Weisfeld had it 97-92, judge Max DeLuca had it 96-93 and judge Patricia Morse Jarman had it close, 95-94. 

Cortes, who entered the bout as the WBO #4/WBC #5 ranked super featherweight, called out Mark Magsayo, who was impressive in the co-feature, as they have now positioned themselves as two of the top lightweights on the Zuffa Boxing roster.

Former featherweight title holder Mark Magsayo (29-2, 19 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines looked sensational in scoring a one-sided fifth-round stoppage of former title challenger Feargal McCrory (17-2 9 KOs) of New York, New York by way of Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. 

Magsayo, 134, controlled much of the first and second with his speed and combinations, including doubling up on the right hand to great effect. Before the end of the first, McCrory, 135, was bloodied above the right eye. The Filipino was also an elusive target for McCrory’s return attempts throughout the fight. 

Magsayo continued his boxing masterclass in the third, landing combinations to the body and head and getting out of danger when McCrory would find a moment to fire back. Magsayo continued to be too quick for McCrory in the fourth, as the Irishman could not keep up with his opponent’s varied offense and ring generalship on defense. Late in the round, Magsayo uncorked an overhand right that sent McCrory reeling to the ropes. Magsayo closed the round punishing the Irishman with both hands. McCrory roared towards the crowd at the bell after absorbing the beating, showing his toughness. 

It would be a moot demonstration, as McCrory’s corner signaled to referee Robert Hoyle to call a halt to the bout at the first sign of trouble in the opening moments of fifth, much to the dismay of McCrory, who kicked his mouthpiece across the ring in disgust. 

The time of the stoppage came at 21 seconds of round five. Magsayo, who entered as the IBF #5/WBO #12 ranked lightweight, looks to have adapted well to the 135-pound weight class.

Fighting one-handed for much of the bout, veteran featherweight contender Azat Hovhannisyan (23-6, 17 KOs) of Glendale, Arizona by way of Yerevan, Armenia took a step forward back towards contention with a ten-round majority decision over former title challenger Eduardo Baez (25-8-2, 10 KOs) of Calexico, California by way of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. 

Hovhannisyan, 126, hurt his left hand in the early going, made evident as he continually shook it out in the opening rounds. Baez, 125, came on as Hovhannisyan adjusted to the injury in the second round of the fight. 

Hovhannisyan had a successful third, using his left hand mostly to measure Baez and loading up on power right hands. Despite limited use of his left, Hovhannisyan dominated the round. During a good exchange in the fourth, time was called so referee Allen Huggins could warn Hovhannisyan for a low blow. 

Baez pressed forward in the fifth. There was solid two-way action late in the round, as Hovhannisyan landed clean off the corner, before Baez fired back and landed with the right. Hovhannisyan got a little leeway from Huggins as he pressed down with his left and landed with his overhand right in the sixth and at various moments as the fight progressed. Baez had his moments in a competitive sixth as well.

Hovhannisyan was warned for holding after landing with an upper cut in the seventh. Baez landed with a solid right that got Hovhannisyan to hold for a moment before the Armenian veteran opened up with a minute left in the round. 

Hovhannisyan got busy to start the eighth, but Baez landed in spots. Hovhannisyan flicked out his left, but not aiming to land with it. Hovhannisyan landed with a wild right uppercut from distance and continually looked to land his overhand right. 

Hovhannisyan outworked Baez in the ninth and the two closed out the fight exchanging shots in the tenth before the bell rang and the bout went to the cards. 

Judge Sal D’Amato scored the fight even, 95-95, but was overruled by judge Jack Reiss, 97-93, and judge Steve Weisfeld, 96-94, for the Armenian former title challenger. Hovhannisyan swept the last four rounds on the decisive card of Weisfeld to claim the decision.

In a pairing of previously unbeaten featherweights, Alexis De La Cerda (9-0, 5 KOs) of Federal Way, Washington scored a highlight reel third-round knockout of Ervin Fuller III (12-1, 6 KOs) of Fort Washington, Maryland. 

After a feeling out first round, De La Cerda, 125.5, was more aggressive in the second as Fuller, 125.5, struggled to get on track with his offense in the early going. The Maryland native was having his moments early in the third, landing to De La Cerda’s body. Things changed quickly as De La Cerda landed clean with a brutal right hand from his toes. Fuller was out before he hit the mat, face down near the ropes. Referee Robert Hoyle immediately called a halt to the bout at 2:33 of the third. 

Stepping up to the big stage for the first time in his career, Tony Hirsch Jr. (8-0-2, 4 KOs) of Oakland, California met the moment and hung the first loss on the record of lightweight prospect Robert Meriwether III (10-1, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas via eighth-round majority decision. 

Meriwether, 135, started boxing well in the opening rounds before Hirsch, 134, made the adjustments and took control of the fight by the midway point of the eight-rounder. Hirsch had a very strong fifth round and looked more energetic as the action stayed on the inside for much of the stanza. Hirsch landed clean with some popping right hands in the sixth, continuing his momentum through the seventh as Meriwether’s corner shouted for their fighter to let his hands go. Hirsch landed well with right hands early in the eighth and the solid action fight closed with a back-and-forth exchange. 

Judge Chris Migliore handed in the even card, 76-76, but was overruled by judge Steve Weisfeld, 78-74, and judge Lisa Giampa, 77-75, for Hirsch. 

Junior middleweight prospect Jorge Maravillo (12-0-1, 9 KOs) of Salinas, California overcame a slow start to halt Elias Diaz (15-4, 8 KOs) of National City, California in the fifth round of a scheduled eight. 

Diaz, 147, started the fight boxing well as Maravillo, 149.5, kept his offense holstered in stretches and had trouble landing anything meaningful in the opening rounds. The fight began to turn in the early moments of the fifth round as Maravillo hurt Diaz to the body.

Maravillo capitalized on his momentum and landed with a clean right upstairs in an exchange that instantly changed the fight. Diaz could never clear his head and Maravillo kept up the pressure, eventually downing the National City resident with another right. Diaz made it to his feet, but Maravillo soon had him backed into the red corner, taking punches. Referee Thomas Taylor leaped in to make the save, calling a halt to the action at 2:46 of the fifth. At the time of the stoppage, Maravillo was down 39-37 and 40-36 twice on the official scorecards.

The question for Maravillo going forward is whether he can make the 147-pound welterweight limit, as his promoter Zuffa Boxing has pledged to limit the weight classes it recognizes. Tonight’s bout was to be contested at 148 pounds, as Nevada has a one pound over contract allowance. Maravillo came in one-and-one-half pounds over that allowance at Saturday’s weigh-in and has not made welterweight in five years. 

In his second appearance under the Zuffa Boxing banner, Troy Nash (7-0-1, 1 KO) of Colorado Springs, Colorado scored a decisive-looking eight-round decision over a game Bryan Rodriguez (8-2, 1 KO) of Donna, Texas, but settled for a majority decision in the night’s curtain raiser. 

Scheduled for the eight-round distance for the first time in their pro careers, Nash, 127, and Rodriguez, 127.5, began at a measured pace. By the third round, the fight settled into a rhythm, with Rodriguez pressing forward and Nash playing the role of counter-puncher. As the fight progressed into the later rounds, Rodriguez was less successful offensively. Nash opened up and let his hands go in combination, while still maintaining his elusiveness on defense. 

Judge Patricia Morse Jarman scored the bout even, 76-76, but was overruled by judge Lisa Giampa, who had it a shutout for Nash, 80-72, and judge Sal D’Amato, who scored the bout 79-73. 

Zuffa Boxing on Paramount+ returns to the Meta Apex on May 10th as Shane Mosley Jr. meets Serhii Bohachuk in the ten-round main event.

Photos by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa Boxing

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

Irma Garcia retained the IBF Super Flyweight title with a third-round stoppage over Emma Dolan.

In round one, Garcia scored a hard knockdown with a overhand left hand. Seconds later, Garcia dropped Dolan again with a powerful sweeping left. At the beginning of round three, Garcia landed another that put Dolan on the canvas. Later in the round, an overhand left made Dolan stumble back and the corner threw in the towel at 1:23.

Garcia, 113.8 lbs of Mexico City is 26-5-1 with six knockouts. Dolan, 114 lbs of Newark, ENG is 8-1.

Former world champion Shannon Courtenay stopped Sasha Booker in round three of their eight-round super flyweight bout.

In round two, Courtenay dropped Booker with a left hook to the head. In round three, Courtenay and Booker clashed heads and then Courtenay landed a left to the body that put Booker down and the fight was over at 1:57.

Courtenay, 113.4 lbs of Watford, ENG is 11-3 with four knockouts. Booker, 115.4 of England is 3-2.

Teresa Makinin won an eight-round decision over Chloe Watson in a bantamweight bout.

Makinin, 116.8 lbs of Finlan won by scores a 77-75 score and is now 6-0. Watson, 117.7 lbs of Merseyside, EMG is 9-3-1.

Elizabeth Oshoba stopped Chelsey Arnell in a six-round featherweight nout.

In round three, Oshoba landed two hard rights that backed Arnell into the ropes and the fight was stopped at 42 seconds.

Oshoba, 125.9 lbs of Bristol, ENG is 10-0 with six knockouts/ Arnell, 127.8 lbs of Hull, ENG is 5-3-1.

Former world champion Tim Tszyu won a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Denis Nurja in a junior middleweight bout in Australia.

n round three, Tszyu was cut under his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round four, Tszyu landed an inside left to the top of the head that put Nurja on the canvas.

In round seven, Nurja was deducted a point for holding.

Tszyu landed 236 of 573 punches; Nurja was 94 of 380.

Tszyu, 156.9 lbs of Australia won by scores of 100-88 on all cards and is now 27-3. Nurja, 156.5 lbs of Albania is 20-1.

“He’s tough and I expected that,” said Tszyu (27-3, 18 KOs). “He came in with the perfect record, so I knew he was no joke. I had him a couple times but he didn’t drop. Those were some good rounds. I was trying to take him out, he’s just tough. Big respect.”

“I feel like I’m up for Errol Spence Jr,” said Tszyu. “I think that would be one hell of a fight. That’s a banger. I don’t take a backward step. If he’s ready to meet me there, bring it on. I’m coming to catch the big fish. Let’s go fishing.

Tszyu will now look for a big fight with Errol Spence Jr. later this Summer.

Goodman Decisions Ruiz

Sam Goodman won a 12-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Ruiz in a super bantamweight bout.

Goodman, 121.4 lbs of Albion, AUS won by scores of 118-110, 116-112 and 115-113 and is now 22-1. Ruiz, 121.4 lbs of Argentina is 23-2.

Solomana Stops Wallace in 3

Nelson Asofa Solomana stopped Jarrod Wallace in round three of a four-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Solomona was cut high on the fore head from a clash of heads. In round three, Solomona landed a big uppercut that Wallace down. Wallace began to fade and another flurry that was completed by another uppercut put Wallace down and out at 1:03.

Soloman, 296.4 lbs of Melbourne, AUS is 2-0 with two knockouts. Wallace, 263.6 lbs of Queensland is 0-1.

Peters Stops Mouzhino in 2

Callum Peters stopped Delio Anzaleci Mouzhino in two riock-em-sock-em rounds in a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Peter hurt Mouzhino with a left hook to the jaw and a right to the head that had Mouzhino stumbling across the ring and one more right to the head put Mouzhino down. In round two, Peter landed a perfect counter right that put Mouzhino down and the fight was stopped at 57 seconds.

Peters, 158.6 lbs of Adelaide, AUS is 6-0 with six knockouts. Mouzhino, 158.9 lbs of TLS is 4-1.

Aokuso Stops Hao Po in 1

Paulo Aokuso stopped Kittipong Jian Hao Po in the opening frame of their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

Seconds into the fight, Hao Po injured his right knee without really getting touched. In round one, Aokuso dropped Hao Po with a straight left. Hao Po was hurt and dropped again and clutched the bad knee and the fight was stopped at 2:20.

Aokuso, 174.7 lbs of Sydney is 10-0 with five knockouts. Hao Po, 174.7 lbs of Australia is 13-2-1.

Chris “Sandman” Thomas is back in yellow & black! He reunited with his longtime coach- NJ Boxing Hall of Famer, Shawn Darling and improves to 16-3-2, 10ko! He defeated Philadelphia’s Greg Hackett with a six-round unanimous decision at Harrahs Chester Pa on the Stictbiz Promotions card. After turning pro at 18 he won a couple regional belts and lost in WBC & WBA regional title bouts. He’s hoping to bounce back into the rankings where he was before taking a couple year hiatus after 2020/Covid! He just lost 75lbs & is down to cruiserweight and the next fight this fall will probably be back at light heavyweight.

Longtime super featherweight contender Andres Cortes makes the move north five pounds to the fairly wide-open lightweight division against once-beaten Eridson Garcia in the Paramount+ main event of Zuffa Boxing 05 on Easter Sunday night. The intriguing ten-round bout between two guys that have not appeared to be fond of one another in the lead-up to Sunday caps a seven-bout card from the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fighters weighed-in early Saturday morning at the host venue. 

Cortes (24-0, 13 KOs) of Las Vegas seemed to be one win away from a world title opportunity for the last 2 ½ years, perhaps squandering his last audition with a lackluster ten-round decision on the Emmanuel Navarrete-Charly Suarez undercard last May. On that night, Cortes moved past unheralded Salvador Jimenez, but failed to make himself a marketable opponent for 130-pound champion Navarrete. Since, Cortes, the WBO #4/WBC #5 ranked super featherweight, stopped overmatched Derlyn Hernandez-Gerarldo before signing with Zuffa and announcing his move to 135 pounds. Cortes weighed-in at the 135-pound lightweight limit at Saturday’s weigh-in. 

Garcia (23-1, 14 KOs) of Houston, Texas made a statement as he himself moved up to lightweight in his last bout. Garcia met well-regarded Japanese prospect Taiga Imanaga on the Naoya Inoue-David Picasso undercard last December and sealed a close fight with a picture perfect right hand to score a knockdown in the eighth round of a ten-round bout. After closing the final two rounds with punishing left hands, Garcia edged the cards to score the split decision. Garcia, still the WBO #9/WBA #14 ranked 130-pounder despite fighting for the second straight time at lightweight, weighed-in at 135-pounds on Saturday morning. 

Former featherweight titleholder Mark Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs) of Las Vegas by way of Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines will take on former title challenger Feargal McCrory (17-1 9 KOs) of New York, New York by way of Coalisland, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland in a ten-round lightweight bout in the co-feature. 

Magsayo, the IBF #5/WBO #12 ranked lightweight, had actually dropped back down to super featherweight to score a win over Jorge Mata on the Mario Barrios-Manny Pacquiao undercard in Las Vegas last July. Despite his lofty rankings at 135-pounds, Magsayo had only fought north of 130 twice against nondescript opposition. With his new promoter Zuffa Boxing not recognizing the 130-pound weight class, Magasayo will now campaign at lightweight full-time, weighing 134 pounds on Saturday morning. 

McCrory has fought north of 130-pounds for much of his career, but trimmed down to the super featherweight limit as he got into contention and ultimately met up with titleholder Lamont Roach in a failed bid at the WBA belt in June of 2024. McCrory hit the canvas three times prior to the eighth-round stoppage, but regrouped since to stop Keenan Carbajal in eight last March. McCrory weighed-in at the lightweight limit of 135 pounds on Saturday.  

In a make-or-break fight of sorts, veterans Azat Hovhannisyan (22-6, 17 KOs) of Glendale, Arizona by way of Yerevan, Armenia and Eduardo Baez (25-7-2, 10 KOs) of Calexico, California by way of Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico will meet in a ten-round featherweight bout to open the main broadcast. 

Hovhannisyan is best remembered for his super bantamweight title eliminator defeat to Luis Nery in what was one of the better fights of 2023. Hovhannisyan, who had previously failed in a bid for a portion of the 122-pound crown against Rey Vargas back in 2018, was stopped on his feet in the eleventh by Nery, which set off a three-fight skid. Hovhannisyan got back into the win column last time out: an eight-round unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Aidos Medet this past January. Hovhannisyan weighed-in at the featherweight limit of 126 pounds on Saturday. 

Former title challenger Baez enters on a two-fight win streak having taken on tough opposition for much of his career. In his failed title bid, Baez succumbed to a vicious body shot from power-punching champion Emanuel Navarrete in round six of a bout back in 2022. Since, Baez has provided a stiff test to top prospects and contenders to mixed results. Baez scaled 125 pounds at Saturday’s weigh-in.

In the preliminary card main event, unbeaten Alexis De La Cerda (8-0, 4 KOs) of Federal Way, Washington will meet fellow unblemished prospect Ervin Fuller III (12-0, 6 KOs) of Fort Washington, Maryland in a ten-round featherweight bout. 

De La Cerda has built his resume mostly in the Pacific Northwest, but did make a Las Vegas appearance defeating journeyman Sharone Carter via third-round stoppage in March of last year. Fuller comes off of a sixth-round unanimous decision over tougher-than-his-record Erik Ruiz this past January. The bout is a step-up for both and De La Cerda and Fuller both scaled an identical 125.5 pounds on Saturday morning. 

In an eight-round lightweight bout, Robert Meriwether III (10-0, 4 KOs) of Las Vegas returns to the Meta Apex to take on Tony Hirsch Jr. (7-0-2, 4 KOs) of Oakland, California. Meriwether impressed in his Zuffa Boxing debut, scoring a mostly one-sided six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Cesar Correa in January. Hirsch, the 24-year-old son of former rugged gatekeeper of the middleweight and super middleweight division of the same name, last saw action in December, scoring a six-round decision over journeyman William Flenoy in Stockton, California. Meriwether weighed-in at 135, while Hirsch came in at 134 pounds on Saturday.

Jorge Maravillo (11-0-1, 8 KOs) of Salinas, California attempted to drop back down to welterweight for the first time in nearly five years to take on Elias Diaz (15-3, 8 KOs) of National City, California in an eight-rounder. Maravillo fought just once last year, bouncing back from a draw against fellow Zuffa fighter Damoni Cato-Cain in 2024, to shutout longtime journeyman Cameron Krael in a six-rounder back in November. Diaz is coming off a July 2025 loss to .500 fighter Sergio Garcia Herrera, who may be much improved since he went on to defeat previously unbeaten Jose Vargas last December. Maravillo weighed-in 2.5 pounds above the welterweight limit and thus 1.5 pounds more than the contract allowed at 149.5 pounds on Saturday. Diaz made the welterweight limit of 147. 

In the featherweight opener, Troy Nash (6-0-1, 1 KO) of Colorado Springs, Colorado returns to the Meta Apex, site of his thrilling decision victory over Jaycob Ramos back in January, to take on once-beaten Bryan Rodriguez (8-1, 1 KO) of Donna, Texas in a eight-rounder. 

Nash, who has taken the path of most resistance in his young career, ends a six-fight streak of meeting undefeated opponents on Sunday night. Ramos, who entered their contest 4-0, pushed “The Bank” in the maiden bout for Zuffa Boxing, but Nash won over the judges with his jab and boxing acumen. 

Rodriguez bounced back from an upset defeat by springing an upset decision of his own over previously unbeaten, Robert Garcia-trained Daniel Cortez (11-0) last November. Nash weighed-in at the contracted maximum of 127-pounds, while Rodriguez came in heavy at 127.5 pounds, 1.5 pound above the featherweight limit and thus half a pound over the allowed weight. 

Quick Weigh-in Results:

Lightweights, 10 Rounds

Cortes 135

Garcia 135

Lightweights, 10 Rounds 

Magsayo 134

McCrory 135

Featherweights, 10 Rounds

Hovhannisyan 126

Baez 125

Featherweights, 8 Rounds

De La Cerda 125.5

Fuller III 125.5

Lightweights, 8 Rounds

Meriwether III 135

Hirsch Jr. 134

Welterweights, 8 Rounds

Maravillo 149.5*

Diaz 147

Featherweights, 8 Rounds

Nash 127

Rodriguez 127.5**

*Maravillo weighed-in 1.5 pounds over contracted weight

**Rodriguez weighed-in .5 over contracted weight 

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 

London, April 2 — His Excellency Turki Alalshikh and Ring Magazine have confirmed three
changes to the undercard of the upcoming Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov on Saturday
11th April, broadcast globally and exclusively on Netflix and available at no extra cost to your
subscription.

German middleweight Simon Zachenhuber will now face Pawel August in a six-round
contest. Zachenhuber had originally been scheduled to fight Troy Williamson.

In another change, Breyon Gorham will now take on Eduardo Costa, replacing Eduardio
Georgiev.

Finally, Mikie Tallon will now face Leonardo Blanc, replacing the previously scheduled opponent
Cristopher Rios.

These new matchups complete the updated undercard lineup ahead of fight week commencing
next week.

About Ring Magazine:
Since its acquisition by His Excellency Turki Alalshikh in November 2024, The Ring has entered
a new era, reinforcing its status as boxing’s most legendary and authoritative voice.
The magazine has showcased many of the sport’s biggest fights and most iconic moments,
most recently Shakur Stevenson vs Teofimo Lopez at a sold out Madison Square Garden,
British boxing’s most talked-about match-up between Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn, as well
as the legacy-defining showdown between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas,
often described as “the fight of the century.”

The Ring delivers world-class global coverage with unrivaled access to boxing’s top stars.
Building on its rich heritage, the magazine continues to document the sport at the highest level
whilst shaping the present and preserving the legacy of boxing.
About Netflix:

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services offering TV series, films, games and
live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and
resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any
time.

Lauren Price MBE and Stephanie Pineiro both made weight today ahead of their Unified World Welterweight Title showdown on Saturday, April 4 at the Utilita Arena in Cardiff, presented by BOXXER, and broadcast live and free-to-air on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. 

Price defends her WBA, WBC, IBF, IBO & Ring Magazine World Welterweight Titles against her unbeaten mandatory challenger Pineiro. A victory for the Olympic gold medallist will further establish her position as the number one fighter in the division and lead to even bigger fights for the Welsh star. 

Currently ranked #3 in the world by The Ring, Pineiro is unbeaten in her ten professional contests and is the reigning WBA Interim World Welterweight Champion. The Puerto Rican fighter can expect a lively reception in Cardiff as Price fights at home in Wales for the first time since her historic world title win over Jessica McCaskill in 2024. 

Rhys Edwards leads an action-packed undercard as he takes on Gully Powar for the British Featherweight Title, while Kane Shepherd and Teo Alin clash for the Celtic Super Featherweight Championship, and Lewys Parfitt and Morgan McIntosh battle for the Welsh Area Welterweight Title. 

Official Weights from Cardiff: 

Unified World Welterweight Championship (147lb) – 10 x 2 rounds

Lauren Price: 10st 6lb 4oz / 146.3lb 

Stephanie Pineiro: 10st 6lb 9oz / 146.4lb 

British Featherweight Championship (126lb) – 12 x 3 rounds

Rhys Edwards: 8st 13lb 4oz / 125.28lb 

Gully Powar: 8st 13lb 11oz / 125.68lb 

Celtic Super Featherweight Championship (130lb) – 10 x 3 rounds

Kane Shepherd: 9st 3lb 8oz / 129.46lb 

Teo Alin: 9st 3lb 4oz / 129.28lb 

BBBofC Welsh Area Welterweight Championship (147lb) – 10 x 3 rounds

Lewys Parfitt: 10st 5lb 12oz / 145.78lb  

Morgan McIntosh: 10st 6lb 12oz / 146.76lb 

Super Bantamweight Contest (122lb) – 4 x 3 rounds

Yuvraj Karia: 8st 10lb 3oz / 122.16lb

Jake Pollard: 8st 9lb 14oz / 121.86lb 

Middleweight Contest (160lbs) – 6 x 3 rounds

Kyran Jones: 11st 6lb 11oz / 160.7lb

Connor Goulding: 11st 8lb 1oz / 162.12lb

Super Featherweight Contest (130lb) – 4 x 3 rounds

Jacob Robinson: 9st 4lb 3oz / 130.2lb

Eliecer Quezada: 9st 5lb 14oz / 131.86lb 

Super Featherweight Contest (130lb) – 4 x 3 rounds

Mikey O’Sullivan: 9st 1lb 8oz / 127.5lb

Jose Manuel Perez: 9st 1lb 1oz / 127.1lb  

All the action is available to watch live on BBC iPlayer from 17:00 (BST) and BBC Two from 20:00 (BST). 

This event is presented in association with official partners Betfred, Riyadh Season, That Prize Guy, Tixr and Champion.

TEMECULA, CALIF. – Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP)returned to Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif., in spectacular fashion with a championship night of boxing featuring both established and rising stars.

With the IBF Minimumweight World Championship on the line, Pedro Taduran (20-4-1, 14 KOs) impressively closed the show against Ensenada, Mexico’s Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-2, 5 KOs). Hailing from the Philippines, Taduran defended his world title against the always-tough Pérez. Entering the bout on the strength of five straight victories, three of which were title defenses, Taduran quickly made his presence felt inside the ring. Scoring four total knockdowns, Taduran left the audience on their feet after a devastating seventh round knockout victory.

“I’m honored to have my first fight in the United States be a successful title defense,” said Pedro Taduran. “Pérez presented a new challenge, but it was a challenge I was able to quickly figure out. This was my fourth title defense, and I’ll speak with Sean Gibbons and be ready to face whoever is next in line.” 

In his highly anticipated second professional outing, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (1-0-1, 1 KO) dominantly inserted himself in the win column against Blackfoot, Idaho native Darrick Gates (0-2). Although resulting in a draw, Pacquiao Jr.’s monumental professional debut demonstrated immense promise in his ability. Against Gates, Pacquiao Jr. put everything together to out-pressure his opponent, mirroring his father’s iconic fan-friendly fighting style. After registering two knockdowns in the second round, Pacquiao Jr. scored his first professional victory and knockout.

“It’s a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. “I learned so much in my first fight that I was able to implement into my training camp and tonight. I have the best team in the world around me at Wild Card Boxing Club, and tonight’s result is a testament to that. The experience I’m getting is invaluable and I look forward to getting back to work.”

In the middleweight division, reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (20-13 KOs) scored a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Venezuela’s knockout artist Esneiker Correa (16-7, 14 KOs). On the heels of a statement victory over grizzled veteran Luis Arias, Lorenzana faced another stiff challenge in Correa. While scoring a knockdown in round two, Lorenzana showcased discipline throughout Correa’s overwhelming offense, continuing to cement his status as a young prospect ready for world championships.

“I’m very proud of my performance tonight and I believe I proved I should be next in line for world title opportunities,” said Lorenzana. “Correa was a tough opponent who absorbed some of my best shots throughout 10 rounds. In my last fight, I defeated a mainstay in the middleweight division in Luis Arias, and I just took down a tough competitor tonight. I’m going to reconvene with my team to see what’s next, but I plan on returning to the ring soon.”

Meanwhile, a pair of undefeated prospects in Atascadero, Calif. native Joseph Subia (4-0, 3 KOs) and Maywood, Calif.’s Francisco Casillas (3-1-2, 2 KOs) squared off in a featherweight tilt. In a competitive outing with one scorecard calling the bout a draw, Subia was the budding fighter to walk out with his perfect record intact via majority decision following a tactical yet aggressive performance. 

In a lightweight affair kicking off the live broadcast on ESPN Knockout, heavy-handed contenders Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) and Roberto Monreal (13-27, 5 KOs) delivered a slugfest to the raucous Southern California crowd. With both competitors throwing haymakers with bad intentions throughout the six-round-contest, Philippines’ Barredo protected his spotless record via unanimous decision after outlanding Chicago’s Monreal through punishing counter punches.

Making the short drive south to Pechanga Resort Casino, Menifee, Calif.’s professional debutant Antonio Villegas (1-0) rushed Wahiawa, Hawaii native Alexander Nakamura (0-2) at the first bell, forcing two knockdowns before securing a knockout victory under a minute in the first round. Opening the talent-stacked fight card, hometown favorite Malikah Salazar (1-0) saw his hand raised in victory in his professional debut following a back-and-forth battle against Las Vegas’ Stephen Barbee (1-7).

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez marks the promotion’s third straight sold-out show, proving to be a leading force in the sport offering world championship boxing and a platform for prospects to compete. For future event announcements and more information, visit PacquiaoPromotions.com and follow Manny Pacquiao Promotions on social media.

See below for the official results and scores:

MAIN EVENT:

IBF MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP MAIN EVENT – 12 ROUNDS

Pedro Taduran (20-4-1, 14 KOs) defeated Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-2, 5 KOs) via seventh round knockout (1:34)

CO-MAIN EVENT: 

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (1-0-1, 1 KO) defeated Darrick Gates (0-2) via second round knockout (1:34)

MIDDLEWEIGHT BOUT – 10 ROUNDS

Lazaro Lorenzana (20-0, 13 KOs) defeated Esneiker Correa (16-7, 14 KOs) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 98-91, 96-93, 95-94

FEATHERWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Joseph Subia (4-0, 3 KOs) defeated Francisco Casillas (3-1-2, 2 KOs) via majority decision

Scorecards: 40-36, 39-37, 38-38 

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 6 ROUNDS

Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) defeated Roberto Monreal (13-27, 5 KOs) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 60-54, 60-54, 59-55

SUPER BANTAMWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Antonio Villegas (1-0) defeated Alexander Nakamura (0-2) via first round knockout (0:53)

LIGHTWEIGHT BOUT – 4 ROUNDS

Malikah Salazar (1-0) defeated Stephen Barbee (1-7) via unanimous decision

Scorecards: 40-36, 39-37, 39-37

###

About Manny Pacquiao Promotions 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is a global boxing promotions company founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The mission of the company is to develop athletes, produce world-class events, and expand the global reach of boxing. Beyond building elite talent, the organization is committed to creating exciting content, delivering innovative and memorable events, and giving back to the sport by providing fans with the matchups, experiences, and energy they want to see. At its core, the company aims to elevate the sport with fresh creativity, authentic storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to bringing fun and excitement back to boxing on a global stage. 

MIAMI, FL — On Saturday, May 2, 2026, boxing returns to Miami with purpose as Yuriorkis Gamboa and Guillermo Rigondeaux headline “Havana Heat” at the James L. Knight Center.?
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Presented by Ron Johnson’s American Dream Presents and Nothing But Sportz, the event features a 13-bout professional card built around fighters who have proven themselves and others looking to take that next step.?
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“Gamboa and Rigondeaux aren’t just accomplished fighters — they represent a boxing tradition that has produced some of the toughest, smartest, and most respected champions in the sport,” said Ron Johnson. “Cuban boxing carries real history, discipline, and pride. To present both of these men on the same night, in a city like Miami that understands that culture, is something I take seriously. It’s an honor to bring two legends to this stage.”?
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The official kickoff press conference will take place Thursday, April 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at BoxR Gym, 1310 NE 1st Ave, Miami, FL.?
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This is not a one-fight show. From the opening bell through the main event, “Havana Heat” is built as a complete night of boxing with pace, personality, and stakes throughout the card.?
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MAIN EVENT

YURIORKIS GAMBOA — Gamboa didn’t come up easy—and he never fought like it. From his rise through the amateurs to becoming a unified world champion, he built his name on speed, confidence, and the ability to take over a fight in moments. He’s shared the ring with top-level competition and continues to bring the same edge, the same explosiveness, and the same mindset that made him one of the most dangerous fighters in boxing. When Gamboa steps in, there’s always a real moment waiting to happen.?
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GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX — A two-time Olympic gold medalist and former world champion, Rigondeaux has spent the last decade being regarded as one of the most skilled fighters in the world. His timing, discipline, and ability to control distance have made him one of the most difficult fighters to deal with in boxing. He doesn’t waste movement, doesn’t force anything—he makes opponents fight his fight, and very few have been able to solve it.?
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UNDERCARD

• Dominique Valera — aggressive, action-driven style
• Christen Biggs (Brooklyn, NY) — rising fighter looking to break through
• Pierre Nance — opportunity to build momentum
• Lucas Dos Santos — international presence and versatility
• Akeem Cheetham — actor and undefeated boxer (1-0), star of TKO on Tubi
• Giovanni Cristian Scuderi — emerging name looking to make a statement
• Nikita Ababiy (“White Chocolate”) — fan-friendly fighter known for sharp combinations and energy
• Peter Peraza — making his professional debut, carrying a strong Miami fan base and an extensive BKFC background, expected to draw significant local attention

Additional bouts will complete the 13-fight lineup.?
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NOTHING BUT SPORTZ

“We’re focused on building something consistent in boxing — events people can rely on, not one-offs,” said Steven Marcano and Akinyemi Ajayi of Nothing But Sportz. “Havana Heat reflects that. Strong main event, full card, and real content around it.”?
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EVENT DETAILS

• Havana Heat
• Saturday, May 2, 2026
• 5:00 PM
• James L. Knight Center — Miami
• 13 Professional Bouts
• Tickets on Ticketmaster.com
• Live on Nothing But Sportz

A confident Pat Brown faced the scales and his opponent Vasil Ducar for the final time this week ahead of their Cruiserweight battle in Altrincham tomorrow night.

Manchester’s own Brown takes a big step-up against experienced Cruiserweight Ducar on Good Friday at Planet Ice, live worldwide on the Global Home of Boxing, DAZN. A stacked card sees William Crolla aim to maintain his win-streak against last minute replacement Lewis Morris. Josh Blenkiron and Robbie Colman rematch for the Northern Area Lightweight Title and Alfie Middlemiss makes his debut as a Matchroom fighter.

On Before the Bell, twins Ioan and Garan Croft both plan to make statements in their first fights under the Matchroom banner and Heavyweight Jordan Thompson looks to impress in front of a home crowd.

Olympian Brown soaked up the atmosphere at today’s Weigh-In at Freight Island as he made the Cruiserweight limit for the first time as a professional: “I feel great. I’m ready to go. I’m ready to fight, get in his face and have it.”

“I’ll be sensible. I’m always controlled. I take a few but I’m always ready to go in for the kill. I’ll always go out on my shield but I’m also looking to show people I can box.”

“People are working today, so thank you all for coming. I’ll put on a show and make it all worth it tomorrow night.”

Pat Brown (199.11lbs) vs Vasil Ducar (199.2lbs)

WBA International & IBF Intercontinental Cruiserweight titles

10 x 3-minute rounds

William Crolla (155.14lbs) vs Glenn Byrne (155.8lbs)

Super Welterweight contest

10 x 3-minute rounds

Josh Blenkiron (134.13lbs) vs Robbie Colman (133.8lbs)

Northern Area Lightweight title

10 x 3-minute rounds

Alfie Middlemiss (126lbs) vs Lewis Morris (125.13lbs)

Featherweight contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Garan Croft (155.12lbs) vs Marco Simmons (156.4lbs)

Super Welterweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Jordan Thompson (237.4lbs) vs David Spilmont (262.13lbs) 

Heavyweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

Ioan Croft (161lbs) vs Novak Radulovic (161.4lbs)

Middleweight Contest

8 x 3-minute rounds

TEMECULA, CALIF. — Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) is set for tomorrow night after all fighters successfully made weight this afternoon. The event is headlined by a 12-round IBF Minimumweight World Championship showdown between reigning champion Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) and challenger Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-1, 5 KOs).

The action begins tomorrow, April 3 at 6 p.m. PT at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. Fans unable to attend can catch the event live on ESPN Knockout starting at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET.

“I am ready to prove to the world why I am the best minimumweight on the planet,” said reigning IBF Minimumweight World Champion Pedro Taduran. “I have worked extremely hard for this fight and I am going to put on a performance that makes everyone proud. Gustavo is a strong challenger, but when we step inside that ring tomorrow night in Temecula, the IBF belt stays right here with me.”

“I have dedicated everything to this moment,” said Gustavo Pérez Álvarez. “Taduran is a great champion and I respect him, but I am coming to Temecula ready to make history. I have worked my whole career for a shot at a world title and I am not leaving California without that IBF belt. Tomorrow night is my night.”

In the co-main event, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) returns for his second professional outing against Darrick Gates (0-1) in a scheduled 4-round lightweight bout.

Rising undefeated star and reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Championship titleholder Lazaro Lorenzana(19-0, 13 KOs) squares off against Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight bout.

Rounding out the card, Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) takes on Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs) in a 4-round featherweight contest, while Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) meets Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight bout. Making their professional debuts, Antonio Villegas faces Alexander Nakamura(0-1) in a super bantamweight bout, and Malikah Salazar takes on Stephen Barbee (1-6) in a 4-round lightweight opener.

Tickets are available at Pechanga.com/entertain, the official website of Pechanga Resort Casino.

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez

Pechanga Resort Casino | Temecula, Calif. | Saturday, April 3 | 6 p.m. PT | Airing Live on ESPN Knockout

MAIN EVENT 

12 Rounds – IBF Minimumweight World Championship 

Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) 104.6 lbs. vs. Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-1, 5 KOs) 104.2 lbs.

CO-MAIN EVENT 

4 Rounds – Lightweight Bout 

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) 136.2 lbs. vs. Darrick Gates (0-1) 133.8 lbs.

10 Rounds – Middleweight Bout 

Lazaro Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs) 164.6 lbs. vs. Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs) 159 lbs.

4 Rounds – Featherweight Bout 

Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) 125.8 lbs. vs. Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs) 125.8 lbs.

 ESPN KNOCKOUT STREAM BEGINS / 7 P.M. PT / 10 P.M. ET 

6 Rounds – Lightweight Bout

Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) 135 lbs. vs. Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs) 135 lbs.

4 Rounds – Super Bantamweight Bout

Antonio Villegas (Pro Debut) 120.6 lbs. vs. Alexander Nakamura (0-1) 120 lbs.

4 Rounds – Lightweight Bout 

Malikah Salazar (Pro Debut) 138.2 lbs. vs. Stephen Barbee (1-6) 135 lbs.

*Subject to change 

### 

About Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is a global boxing promotions company founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The mission of the company is to develop athletes, produce world-class events, and expand the global reach of boxing. Beyond building elite talent, the organization is committed to creating exciting content, delivering innovative and memorable events, and giving back to the sport by providing fans with the matchups, experiences, and energy they want to see. At its core, the company aims to elevate the sport with fresh creativity, authentic storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to bringing fun and excitement back to boxing on a global stage.

MONTREAL, April 2, 2026 — Quebec City’s own Wilkens Mathieu will return home for the first main event of his career on June 11 at the Théâtre Capitole. By far the biggest test of his career awaits him, as Brazilian Esquiva Falcão — an Olympic silver medalist and former world title challenger — will come to the Capitale-Nationale looking to take the NABF title from the 21-year-old Quebecer.

“Many said I was too young to face Phinn, and they’ll probably say the same about Falcão, but people need to understand that I don’t have time to waste. I already believe I’m the best in the world, so I have to face the best in the world — and it starts by beating an Olympic medalist in front of my city on June 11,” said Wilkens Mathieu, the youngest top-15 WBC super-middleweight contender.

“Against Shakeel Phinn, Quebec discovered Wilkens’ talent. Against a guy like Esquiva Falcão, the whole world is about to discover it,” added his Eye of the Tiger trainer, Giuseppe Moffa.

Fast-tracked in his career, Wilkens Mathieu (15-0, 10 KOs) made a statement last October by dominating and knocking down Quebec contender Shakeel Phinn on his way to a unanimous decision victory in Montreal. Just months before turning 21, he captured the NABF super middleweight title and entered the world rankings, currently sitting 14th in the WBC and 15th in the WBA at 168 lbs.

His next opponent, Esquiva Falcão (32-2, 21 KOs), will not be intimidated by the rising star’s record. Mathieu was only seven years old when the Brazilian won silver at the London Olympic Games.

Falcão then began his professional rise, with Top Rank placing him on major cards alongside Manny Pacquiao on HBO and later ESPN. After winning his first 30 fights, he notably became the first to defeat Quebec contender Patrice Volny, stopping him in six rounds in 2021. In 2023, he challenged undefeated Vincenzo Gualtieri for the world title but lost by decision in Germany. His only other loss came in another competitive decision in 2024 against Tokyo Olympic champion Hebert Conceição. Now back on track at super middleweight, the 36-year-old has won his last two fights, capturing the Brazilian championship last November.

“I respect my opponent — I know he’s a good fighter, an undefeated one. But he hasn’t faced a boxer like me yet: an experienced fighter who hits hard and has a real hunger to win. I’ve already fought for a world title and I plan to do it again. God will be with me on June 11 — and the victory will go to Brazil,” said Esquiva Falcão.

Also in action at the Théâtre Capitole, top-10 world contender Mehmet Unal (15-0, 13 KOs) will defend his WBC and WBA light heavyweight continental titles. Montreal’s Moreno Fendero (14-0, 10 KOs) will defend his WBC super-middleweight continental title for the first time. Thetford Mines warrior Thomas Chabot (12-1, 8 KOs) and popular Trois-Rivières boxer Daylen Pepin (2-0) will also be featured on the card.

A majo addition to the Théâtre Capitole card will be announced by Eye of the Tiger in the coming weeks. A press conference — with the exact date to be confirmed — will also take place in Quebec City to officially launch the June 11 event.

The full #MathieuFalcao event will be broadcast on Punching Grace, while TVA Sports will air the preliminary bouts. Tickets for the June 11 gala, presented by Eye of the Tiger at Théâtre Capitole, are now available on Ticketmaster (HERE).

Wise Owl Boxing continues to solidify its position as one of the fastest-rising management companies in the sport with the signing of former world champion Julio César Martínez..

Martinez, widely recognized as one of boxing’s most electrifying and fan-friendly fighters, now joins an already elite Wise Owl stable that includes world title contenders, rising prospects, and Olympians. The addition of “El Rey” further strengthens Wise Owl’s growing reputation for developing and managing championship-level talent.

Wise Owl Boxing is headed by Mark Habibi, with Martinez to be co-managed by respected boxing figure Miguel Lopez. Together, the team is committed to guiding Martinez back to the pinnacle of the sport.

“We’re very excited about this signing,” said Habibi. “Julio Cesar Martinez is a proven world champion with a massive fan base and a style that fans love. He brings energy, personality, and excitement every time he steps into the ring. Our goal is clear — to bring him back to the championship level and help him regain a world title.”

Known for his aggressive fighting style, relentless pressure, and knockout power, Martinez has built a loyal global following. His charisma and big personality have made him one of the most entertaining fighters in the sport today.

With Wise Owl Boxing now steering his career, Martinez is positioned for a strong return to the top of the division, with major opportunities on the horizon.

“This is a huge addition to our team,” Habibi added. “We’re thrilled to welcome him to the Wise Owl family and excited for what’s ahead.”

Wise Owl Boxing continues to expand its influence across the sport, assembling a roster of high-level fighters and positioning itself as a premier management company in boxing.

Fight Week is finally here. The highly anticipated heavyweight war between two-time world champion Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and heavyweight title contender Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) is just four days away. The longtime friends will turn enemies for a career-defining bout on April 4 inside London’s O2 Arena.

Wilder and Chisora will begin their ring walks at approximately 5:26 p.m. ET / 2:26 p.m. PT, but a stacked slate of preliminary fights kicks off at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.  

Viddal Riley (13-0, 7 KOs) takes on Mateusz Masternak (50-6, 33 KOs) for the European cruiserweight title, while Denzel Bentley (21-3-1, 17 KOs) fights Endry Saavedra (17-1-1, 14 KOs) with the WBO interim middleweight title on the line.

British heavyweights Matty Harris (9-1, 6 KOs) and Franklin Ignatius (9-1-1, 1 KO) will rematch a November 2025 fight that was canceled the day of the weigh-in, and Amir Anderson (6-0, 6 KOs) looks to stay undefeated, taking on Jordan Dujon (10-6, 0 KOs).

Ashton Sylve (12-1, 10 KOs) and Raul Antonio Galaviz Hernandez (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will round out the undercard with a super lightweight clash. 

A summer blockbuster is also coming to NYC on June 27 when undefeated Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis (35-0, 31 KOs) challenges unified junior middleweight champion Xander Zayas (23-0, 13 KOs) for his WBA and WBO titles. The world title clash at the Barclays Center will air live and exclusive on DAZN PPV. 

Every fight can be viewed across the world on DAZN with a DAZN subscription, which grants viewers access to over 185 fights worldwide and can be purchased at THIS LINK. 

Please click HERE to sign up for DAZN Media Center — your one-stop hub for assets across DAZN Boxing including upcoming pay-per-view events, subscription fights and our archive library.

UPCOMING EVENTS ON DAZN

Thursday, April 2, 2026

Wilder vs. Chisora Press Conference

York Hall | London, England | 12 p.m. ET

WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE HERE

Friday, April 3, 2026

Wilder vs. Chisora Weigh-In

York Hall  | London, England |12 p.m. ET

WATCH THE WEIGH IN HERE

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Wilder vs. Chisora

The O2  | London, England | 2 p.m. ET

WATCH THE FIGHT HERE

NEWS AND SOCIAL

• ????? ???? ?? ?????? 
• A taste of retirement… This is Deep Waters. Your official Chisora vs. Wilder fight promo 
• An icon will fall.
• “Just tell him he’s a **** and move on… 
• Deontay Wilder on the Punch Shield ahead of his bout against Derek Chisora this Saturday 
• Derek Chisora is prepared to ‘smash’ Deontay Wilder this Saturday
• Deontay Wilder first fought in the UK when he KO’d Audley Harrison in one round all the way back in 2013 
• A CENTURY OF VIOLENCE
• Derek Chisora’s incredible CV after 50 professional heavyweight fights 
• “My mother in law hates you” 
•  FULL MF PRO CARD
• I interviewed Derek Chisora and we spoke about his 50th and last fight against Deontay Wilder…
• The British public have given me amazing support over the years. I go in one last time on Saturday and I need you with me.
• IT’S FIGHT WEEK!

Union City, CA — On Saturday, April 4th, the Bay Area boxing scene reaches a historic milestone as Union City hosts its first-ever professional boxing event, “Rumble in the Une,” at the Guy Emanuele Jr. Pavilion. Promoted by Elite Underdog Promotions, this landmark event will feature a stacked lineup of 10 professional bouts and shine a spotlight on a primarily Filipino fight card, celebrating the deep-rooted tradition and rising talent within the Filipino boxing community.

Headlining the evening, Jacob Macalolooy faces off against Jaylin Strong in a highly anticipated main event that promises fireworks. Both fighters bring skill, determination, and momentum into the ring, making this a can’t-miss clash for fans eager to witness high-level competition. With Union City hosting its first pro event, the stakes are even higher, as both fighters look to etch their names into local boxing history.

The co-main event features Kyle Lacanlale taking on Javier Rojas Campos, a bout expected to deliver nonstop action. Lacanlale, a fan favorite with a growing following, will look to make a statement against the experienced and dangerous Campos in what many anticipate will be one of the most competitive fights of the night.

Also featured on the card is undefeated rising star Blazen Rocili (9-0, 7 KOs), a towering 6’4” Filipino standout known as “The Filipino Giant.” Rocili has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport, combining size, power, and athleticism with a relentless fighting style. His return to the ring follows an impressive outing in Colorado, where he demonstrated poise, ring IQ, and his trademark finishing ability against a durable opponent. As Rocili continues his climb through the ranks, each performance further cements his status as a fighter to watch on the national stage.

“Rumble in the Une” is more than just a fight card—it is a celebration of culture, community, and the next generation of boxing talent. With a roster heavily featuring Filipino fighters, the event highlights the pride, passion, and fighting spirit that has long defined Filipino boxing on the world stage. From the opening bout to the main event, fans can expect an electric atmosphere filled with energy, support, and world-class competition.

Enhancing the live experience, legendary ring announcer Ramblin’ Ralph will bring his unmistakable voice and charisma to the ring, adding a big-fight feel to every bout. The action will be called by commentators Andrew Bocanegra and Brian Mendoza, known for their work on Boxing Primetime on FightHype, delivering expert insight, analysis, and excitement throughout the night.

With a combination of rising prospects, cultural significance, and a historic first for the city, “Rumble in the Une” is set to be a defining event for Union City and a major moment for Bay Area boxing.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026

Location: Guy Emanuele Jr. Pavilion

1800 H St, Union City, CA 94587

Doors Open: 3:00 PM, first fight at 4:00 PM

Tickets:

• $75 General Admission
• $100 Premier Seating
• $150 Ringside
• Available now on Eventbrite

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rumble-in-the-une-tickets-1982407032800?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Live Stream: Available via BXNG TV (bxngtv.com)

Las Vegas (March 31, 2026) – 2-Time World Champion Marcos Maidana confirmed that he will appear at the Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo on Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Expo will also coincide with the mega fight between David Benavidez vs Zurdo Ramirez, that will take place later that evening at the T-Mobile Arena.?
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Maidana will hold a Meet & Greet with his fans at his booth during the fan event held over the Cinco De Mayo weekend

?
?The Box Fan Expo is an annual fan experience event that coincides with some of the sports’ legendary, classic fights in Las Vegas, including Mayweather vs. Maidana II, Mayweather vs. Berto, Canelo vs. Chavez Jr., Canelo vs. GGG II, Canelo vs. Jacobs, Canelo vs. GGG III, Canelo vs Munguia and Canelo vs Crawford.

The Box Fan Expo is thrilled to open its doors to boxing fans from all over the world, as well to all major boxing companies, promoters and industry people during this Mexican holiday weekend.

Centered in boxing’s long-time home – Las Vegas – this year’s Expo is a must-do for fight fans coming in for this legendary weekend, with dozens of professional fighters, promoters, and companies involved in the boxing industry. The Expo is the largest and only Boxing Fan Expo held in the United States. A full day of boxing fan experience awaits you! https://boxfanexpo.com – @BoxFanExpo 

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available online at:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2026

Maidana will make his third appearance at this years’ Expo and will be signing gloves, photos, personal items and memorabilia. Maidana will also have merchandise to sell for fans to enjoy at his booth. Boxing fans will also have an opportunity to take pictures with this boxing star also known as “El Chino”

Maidana joins Teofimo Lopez, James Toney, Shane Mosley, Thomas Hearns, Roy Jones Jr., José Luis Castillo, Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera as an early commitment to this year’s Box Fan Expo, with more Boxing stars to be announced.

About Marcos Maidana

Marcos Maidana is an Argentine former professional boxer who competed from 2004 to 2014. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBA (Regular) super lightweight title from 2011 to 2012, and the WBA welterweight title from 2013 to 2014. An exciting and versatile pressure fighter to watch in the ring, Maidana was well known for his formidable punching power, always delivery incredible performances and was never stopped in any of his 40 professional fights.  Maidana built his legacy through high-profile bouts against boxing’s elite, including Floyd Mayweather Jr., Adrien Broner, Erik Morales, Amir Khan, and Victor Ortiz, just to name a few.

About Box Fan Expo

Box Fan Expo is the ultimate boxing fan experience event, which allows fans to meet the stars of boxing that represent the past, present and future of the sport. With hosted autograph signings, meet-and-greets with current and former boxing world champions, limited edition merchandise for sale, giveaways and more, this is the ultimate event for fans of the sport. 

Past boxing stars that have participated include: Floyd Mayweather, Mike Tyson, Roberto Duran, Lennox Lewis, Julio Cesar Chavez, Roy Jones Jr., Juan Manuel Marquez, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, David Benavidez, Teofimo Lopez, Sugar Shane Mosley, Andre Ward, Ryan Garcia, Claressa Shields, Fernando Vargas, Edgar Berlanga, Oscar Valdez, Marcos Maidana, Devin Haney, Mikey Garcia, Errol Spence Jr, Rolando Romero, Sergio Martinez, Tim Bradley, Jose Ramirez, Shawn Porter, Keith Thurman, Danny Garcia, Deontay Wilder, Amir Khan, Abner Mares, James Toney, Jessie Vargas, Floyd Mayweather sr., Vinny Paz, Juan Francisco Estrada Mia St. John, Franchón Crews-Dezurn, Seniesa Estrada, Jorge Linares, Leo Santa Cruz, Chiquita Gonzalez, Badou Jack, Nico Ali Walsh, Terry Norris, Riddick Bowe, Earnie Shavers, Michael & Leon Spinks, Brandon Rios, Anthony Dirrell, Danny Jacobs and many more…

Exhibitors include boxing promoters, gear, apparel, equipment, energy drinks, supplement products, broadcasting media, sanctioning bodies, and other companies who showcase their brand to fans and the boxing industry as a whole.

Throughout the next several weeks, leading up to the Event, there will be weekly updates on the many stars that will commit their appearance at the Boxing Expo.

Tickets to the Box Fan Expo are available at Eventbrite:

https://bit.ly/BOXFANEXPO2026

To request information on exhibiting and sponsorship at the Expo:

For media credentials:

Contact us:

Telephone number: (702) 997-1927 or (514) 572-7222

For any inquiries please email: boxfanexpo@gmail.com

More information on Box Fan Expo visit: http://www.boxfanexpo.com

Follow Box Fan Expo on X and Instagram at: @BoxFanExpo

Follow Box Fan Expo on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/BoxFanExpo

TEMECULA, CALIF. – Manny Pacquiao Promotions (MPP) has announced additional matchups for the action-packed Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez event, taking place this Friday, April 3 at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, Calif. ESPN Knockout will air the hostilities, beginning at 6 p.m. PT.

MPP’s third U.S. event is headlined by a 12-round IBF Minimumweight World Championship fight between reigning champion Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) and Gustavo Perez Álvarez (16-1-0, 5 KOs). Taduran vs. Perez showcases the storied rivalry between Filipino and Mexican fighters, a matchup that has long delivered unforgettable battles and helped define Manny Pacquiao’s career with countless instant classics. 

Returning to Pechanga Resort Casino following a sold-out U.S. debut event last year, MPP presents a talent-stacked fight card for Southern California once again. Tickets for the April 3 event are on sale now at Pechanga.com/entertain. VIP and Platinum Experience packages are available now at PacquiaoPromotions.com.

Carrying one of boxing’s most iconic names, Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) returns for his second professional outing at Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez. Making his debut under widespread attention last November at MPP’s U.S. launch, Pacquiao Jr. rose to the occasion, leaving a sold-out Southern California crowd on its feet after a spirited, back-and-forth battle with Brendan Lally. Although the bout was ruled a draw, Pacquiao Jr. displayed impressive grit, composure, and relentless pressure—traits long associated with his father, Manny Pacquiao. At just 25 years old, he now takes the next step in his professional journey, embracing both the opportunity and the responsibility of ushering in the Pacquiao legacy into a new generation. Also preparing for his professional sophomore appearance, Darrick Gates (0-1) will meet Pacquiao Jr. on Friday, April 3. Fighting out of Idaho Falls, Idaho, the 36-year-old Gates turned professional in 2024 and looks to earn his first win in his career against the young star.

In a highly anticipated middleweight feature bout, rising Mexican American star and the reigning WBC Silver Middleweight Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs), squares off against Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs) in a middleweight tilt. Boasting an undefeated record and championship-caliber skill, Lorenzana, 26, is on the heels of a statement victory over middleweight mainstay Luis Arias at Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Lorenzana vs. Arias. Although born and raised in San Diego, Lorenzana travels between the U.S. and Mexico to prepare for his fights. The undefeated prospect’s last two outings have been for the WBC Silver Middleweight Championship and WBC Regional Championship, proving that he is well on his way to world title opportunities. Before his dominant professional career, Lorenzana built an impressive amateur resume, including a silver medal in the Jr. Olympics representing Mexico. Lorenzana is now poised for his second professional fight stateside near his hometown against Venezuela’s Correa. 

Fighting out of Miami, the 27-year-old Correa enters his co-main feature with intentions of stealing Lorenzana’s booming momentum. An experienced competitor in his own right, Correa’s professional career spans back to 2017. Correa aims to capitalize on the young star and get back on track with a statement victory in his first contest in California.

In a clash of unbeaten featherweights, Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) takes on Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs) in a scheduled four-round bout. Representing Atascadero, California, Subia brings a perfect knockout ratio into the matchup and looks to build on his momentum following a first-round stoppage victory in his last outing. Standing opposite him is Maywood, California’s Casillas, who returns to the ring for the first time since 2022. Also undefeated, Casillas aims to shake off the ring rust and derail Subia’s early surge in what shapes up to be a competitive showdown between two rising prospects.

In a lightweight showcase, West Covina, Calif.’s Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) faces off against Mexico’s Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs). A 19-year-old budding prospect training out of Walnut, Calif., Barredo makes a quick turnaround following a unanimous decision victory over Martin Vargas Ramirez earlier this month in Tijuana. Standing across from him is the seasoned Monreal, nearly a decade older and boasting 35 more professional bouts. Now based in Miami, Monreal brings veteran savvy and durability into the matchup as he prepares for his first appearance of 2026. With a wealth of experience against a wide range of opponents, Monreal aims to test the rising prospect and play spoiler on fight night.

Adding to the card’s mission to spotlight budding prospects, Wahiawa, Hawaii’s Alexander Nakamura (0-1) will welcome Antonio Villegas of Menifee, Calif., to the professional ranks. Rounding out the card, Temecula, California’s own Malikah Salazar is set to make his professional debut against Las Vegas resident Stephen Barbee (1-6). The matchup underscores MPP’s continued mission to provide emerging talent with a platform to showcase their skills, as Salazar looks to make a strong first impression in the professional ranks. 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez arrives on the heels of the promotion’s second consecutive sold-out event, further cementing its status as a growing stage for both emerging prospects and seasoned veterans alike. 

Manny Pacquiao Promotions: Taduran vs. Perez

Pechanga Resort Casino | Temecula, Calif. | Saturday, April 3 | 6 p.m. PT | Airing Live on ESPN Knockout

IBF Minimumweight World Championship Main Event – 12 Rounds

Pedro Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) vs. Gustavo Pérez Álvarez (16-1-0, 5 KOs)

Lightweight Co-Main Event – 4 Rounds

Jimuel Pacquiao Jr. (0-0-1) vs. Darrick Gates (0-1)

Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds

Lazaro Lorenzana (19-0, 13 KOs) vs. Esneiker Correa (16-6-3, 6 KOs)

Featherweight Bout – 4 Rounds

Joseph Subia (3-0-1, 3 KOs) vs. Francisco Casillas (3-0-2, 2 KOs)

Lightweight Bout – 6 rounds

Paolo Barredo (5-0, 2 KOs) vs. Roberto Almazan Monreal (13-26-1, 5 KOs)

Super Bantamweight Bout – Super Bantamweight

Antonio Villegas (Pro Debut) vs. Alexander Nakamura (0-1)

Lightweight Bout – 4 Rounds

Malikah Salazar (Pro Debut) vs. Stephen Barbee (1-6)

Card Subject to Change*

###?

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About Manny Pacquiao Promotions

Manny Pacquiao Promotions is a global boxing promotions company founded by eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. The mission of the company is to develop athletes, produce world-class events, and expand the global reach of boxing. Beyond building elite talent, the organization is committed to creating exciting content, delivering innovative and memorable events, and giving back to the sport by providing fans with the matchups, experiences, and energy they want to see. At its core, the company aims to elevate the sport with fresh creativity, authentic storytelling, and an unwavering dedication to bringing fun and excitement back to boxing on a global stage.

Xander Zayas will defend his WBO and WBA World Junior Middleweight titles against Jaron ‘Boots’ Ennis at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday June 27, live and exclusive on DAZN PPV, in an event brought to you by Matchroom in association with Top Rank.

Zayas (23-0 13 KOs) unified the titles in January in Puerto Rico in a thrilling contest with Abass Baraou via split decision, becoming the youngest unified ruler in the sport and the first Puerto Rican to unify at the weight. The popular 23 year old returns to New York for his ninth fight in the Big Apple and does so just a month shy of a year since winning his first World title at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, dominating Jorge Garcia Perez to claim the vacant WBO belt.

Ennis (35-0 31 KOs) is looking to become a two-weight unified champion – and does so after just one fight, and one round, up at his new weight. The Philadelphia star unified the Welterweight division in April with a destructive beating of Eimantas Stanionis in Atlantic City to add the WBA strap to his IBF crown, and the 28 year old, who turns 29 the day before the bout with Zayas, signaled his intentions at 154lbs in his debut at the weight, destroying Uisma Lima inside a round on home turf, grabbing the interim WBA title in the process.

“Long before I became a World champion,” said Zayas. “I always sought to face the biggest challenges in my division I have never shied away from a fight and have always been willing to test my skills against anyone.

“Now, as the unified champion, I am ready to defend my world titles against one of the sport’s biggest names. I have always believed in myself, and on June 27, I will continue to show the world what is possible when you dare to be great!”

“Time to step and collect these belts!” said Ennis. “Knocking them down one by one! #AndTheNew.”

“Zayas vs. Boots is everything fans want in a summer blockbuster — two elite level champions, fighting for multiple world titles, staged in an iconic backdrop, New York,” said Alfie Sharman, VP of DAZN. “This matchup is a statement moment for global boxing, and we’re thrilled to deliver it live and exclusive on DAZN. June 27 will be a night where the best fight the best, and fans around the world won’t want to miss it.”

“What a fight!” said Ennis’ promoter and Matchroom Chairman, Eddie Hearn. “I’m thrilled to be able to get this fight made for Jaron – this is exactly the kind of occasion that brings the very best out of a future pound-for-pound #1. Boots shone so brightly against Stanionis in Atlantic City in his first unification fight, and I expect him to light up Brooklyn on June 27.

“But Xander is a special fighter in his own right, and huge props go to him for wanting to fight the very best – Brooklyn has a special fight on it’s hands this summer, and I am counting down the days already.”

“We signed Xander at 16 and have seen him develop into the sport’s youngest current unified champion and a budding superstar,” said Zayas’ promoter and President of Top Rank, Todd duBoef. “Facing the best has always been Xander’s priority, and ‘Boots’ Ennis provides Xander with the next step to prove greatness in only his second title defense.

“The matchup pits boxing’s elite young talent who want to emerge as a pound-for-pound king and entertain the sports world. We’re proud to work alongside Matchroom and DAZN to bring this meaningful fight to a global audience from Barclays Center on June 27.”

“Barclays Center is a premier destination for the biggest nights in boxing and continues to serve as a global stage for the sport’s most exciting talent, a tradition we’re proud to continue with this incredible matchup,” said Laurie Jacoby, Chief Entertainment Officer, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “From championship bouts and global sporting events, Barclays Center has built a reputation for delivering unforgettable nights that resonate far beyond Brooklyn, reflecting our ongoing commitment to bringing world-class competition and must-see moments to our fans.” 

Information on the launch press conference, ticket on sale dates and the undercard will be released in due course.

Sebastian Fundora stopped former unified world champion Keith Thurman in round six to retain to the WBC Super Welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Fundora took the first three round to establish his jab and follow with right hands and uppercuts.

In round three, Thurman started to swell around the right eye. In round six, Thurman’s left eye was a bloody mess. In round six, Fundora turned up the pressure and began to batter Thurman all over the ring and the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Fundora, 153.6 lbs of Coachella, CA is 24-1-1 with 16 knockouts. Thurman152.6 lbs of Clearwater, FL is 31-2.

Tellez Decisions Mendoza

Yoenis Tellez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Brian Mendoza in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Tellez was cut badly on his nose from an accidental headbut.

In round eight, Mendoza was cut around the left eye from an accidental haedbutt.

Tellez landed 147 of 435 punches. Mendoza was 125 of 501.

Tellez, 153.8 lbs of Santiago De Cuba, CUB won by scores of 98-92 and 97-93 twice and is now 12-1. Mendoza, 153.2 lbs of Las Vegas is 23-5.

Hernandez Stops Gausha in 5

Yoenli Hernandez stopped former two-time world title challenger in round five of their 10-round middleweight fight.

Hernandez landed thudding power shots throughout until the fight was stopped at 1:17.

Hernandez, 158.4 lbs of Camaguay, CUB is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Gausha, 160.8 lbs of Cleveland is 21-6-1.

Hovhannisyan Stops Navarro in Five

Massive heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan in round five stopped Cesar Navarro of a 10-round bout.

Hovhannisyan dominated using mostly the jab and in round five, Hovhannisyan turned it up and battered Navarro in both hands until the bout was stopped at 2:45.

Hovhannisyan, 281.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Navarro, 210.2 lbs pf Phoenix is 15-4.

Kevin Newman II won a 10-round majority decision over Elijah Garcia in a super middleweight bout.

Newman, 171.4 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-92, 06-94and 95-95 and is now 19-3-1; Garcia, 171.4 ls of Phoenix is 17-2.

Bryan Gonzalez stopped Brandon Medina in round five of their six-round featherweight bout.

Gonzalez, 125 lbs of Phoenix is 6- with four knockouts. Medina, 124.6 lbs of Mexico is 7-5

Kaipo Gallegos got dropped for the first time in his career, but he was able to shake it off and win a 10-round unanimous decision over Julian Gonzalez in a lightweight bout.

In round three, Gonzales dropped Gallegos with a straight right on the chin. That was the only blemish for Gallegos as he countered very well thtoughout.

Gallegos, 134.3 lbs of Las Vegas won by scores of 98-91 and 97-92 twice and is now 12-0-1. Gonzalez, 134.2 lbs of Reading, PA is 16-2-1.

Josh Holmes stopped Alex Murphy in the opening round of their 190round lightweight bout

In the opening round, Murphy rocked Holmrd with a right hand down the middle. That seemed to light up Holmes as he landed a left hook to the side of the face that put Murphy on the canvas. Murphy got up but ate a left to the body that put him down again and the fight was stopped 3:09.

Holmes, 134.1 lbs of Erby, ENG is 18-0 with seven knockouts. Murphu, 134.9 lbs of Sjeffield is 14-3,

Gomez Jr. stops Flynn in 3

Michael Gomez jr. stopped Jordan Flynn in round three of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Gomex hurt Flynn with two left hook. That set of furrious exchange for which Gomez hurt Flynn again and the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Gomez, 134.5 lbs is now 22-2 with seven knockouts. Flynn, 134.5 lbs is 10-2-1.

Nelson Birchalll stopped Ryan Giffithis in round nine of their 10-round featherweight bout

Birchall dominated and the fight was stopped on the ropes.

Bricha;;, 125.5 lbs if 11-0 with right knockouts, Griffiths, 124.6 lbs is 7-2-3.

Aadam Hamed won a four-round decision over Michael Murray in a super lightweight bout.

Hamed is now 7-0. Murray is 10-124-3.

John Joe Carrigan stopped Danny Costello in round three of their four-round super welterweight bout.

Carrigan dominated the fight and finished off the contest with a left to the body.

Carrigan, 153.6 lbs of Carlisle, PA is 2-0 with two knockouts. Costello, 152.5 lbs of Wawwinchister is 4-3

BOXXER continues its international expansion with the announcement of its first event in the Netherlands, partnering with leading Dutch promoters Boxing Gladiators to stage a blockbuster night of boxing on Saturday, May 9 at the Topsportcentrum in Rotterdam.

Following successful international events in France, Poland and Albania, UK-based promoter BOXXER brings its next-generation approach to one of Europe’s most passionate fight markets.

The event will be headlined by light heavyweight star Gradus Kraus, who tops a stacked card featuring a host of local talent including some of the Netherlands’ most exciting prospects. 

Kraus is fast establishing himself as one of the most exciting fighters in world boxing. The 24-year-old made an emphatic statement on his BOXXER debut in January, delivering a devastating second-round stoppage victory over Boris Crighton at the Copper Box Arena.

Having claimed the IBF European Title last November in Rotterdam, stopping Rostam Ibrahim inside two rounds, Kraus returns to home soil where he will look to take his next steps towards world glory. 

BOXXER Founder & CEO Ben Shalom said: “We believe Gradus Kraus is a future superstar of the sport. He already has a huge following in the Netherlands and we want to continue to build that fanbase both at home and on a global scale. We are excited to be partnering with Boxing Gladiators to stage our first event in the Netherlands. The country has a rich tradition in combat sports and a passionate fanbase that deserves world-class boxing events. May 9 is going to be the start of something special for Dutch boxing.”

This weekend, 21-year-old undefeated heavyweight Moses Itauma (13-0, 11 KOs) kicks off DAZN’s boxing slate when he puts his undefeated record to the test against the experienced veteran Jermaine Franklin (24-2, 15 KOs). Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena is in for a show when Itauma’s tenacity meets Franklin’s durability starting at 1p.m. ET / 10a.m. PT, live on DAZN.

The heavyweight brawl highlights The Magnificent 7 fight card featuring six additional can’t-miss fights, including Liam Davies (17-1, 8 KOs) vs. Francesco Grandelli (21-4-2, 6 KOs) for the vacant European featherweight title.

Next weekend, all eyes turn to London on April 4 when heavyweight sensations Deontay Wilder (44-4-1, 43 KOs) and Derek Chisora (36-13, 23 KOs) duke it out inside the O2 live on DAZN PPV. The longtime friends have assured fans there will be no love lost in the ring next Saturday when Chisora tries to send the two-time former heavyweight Wilder into an early retirement in the 100th fight for both brawlers. 

All bouts will air across the world on DAZN and can be viewed with a DAZN subscription, which grants viewers access to over 185 fights worldwide and can be purchased at THIS LINK. 

Please click HERE to sign up for DAZN Media Center — your one-stop hub for assets across DAZN Boxing including upcoming pay-per-view events, subscription fights and our archive library.

UPCOMING EVENTS ON DAZN

Saturday, March 28, 2026

Itauma vs. Franklin

Manchester Co-Op | Manchester, England

WATCH HERE

Saturday, April 4, 2026

Wilder vs. Chisora

The O2 | London, England 

WATCH THE FIGHT HERE

NEWS AND SOCIAL

• DEEP WATERS: A taste of retirement
• I’m bringing WAR on April 4th.
• Derek Chisora & Deontay Wilder look back at their most iconic moments | Run The Tape
• These are Derek Chisora’s top 5 moments shared on social media 
• Del Boy has a whack on him! 
• The Bronze Bomber is BACK  
• Fight Week won’t disappoint 
• Deontay Wilder…. what makes him so powerful?
• We are only 9 days out 
• 98% KO rate 
• Two icons. One final statement. 

March 27, 2026 – Zuffa Boxing today announced the preliminary card for ZUFFA BOXING 05: CORTES VS. GARCIA, streaming live on Paramount+ on Sunday, April 5 at Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The five-fight undercard will stream live at 6pm ET/3pm PT ahead of the three-fight main card beginning at 9pm ET/6pm PT, exclusively on Paramount+.

The preliminary card features two undefeated matchups, including a clash between rising featherweights Alexis De la Cerda and Ervin Fuller III, as well as a battle of unbeaten lightweights in Robert Meriwether III and Tony Hirsch Jr. Across five bouts, the undercard showcases several returning Zuffa Boxing prospects and competitive matchups. The undercard sets the stage for an action-packed night leading into the main card on Paramount+.

• Alexis De la Cerda (8-0, 4 KOs) vs. Ervin Fuller III (12-0, 6 KOs) – 8 Rounds, Featherweight
• Robert Meriwether III (10-0, 4 KOs) vs. Tony Hirsch Jr. (7-0-2, 4 KOs) – 8 Rounds, Lightweight 
• Jorge Maravillo (11-0-1, 8 KOs) vs. Elias Diaz (15-3, 8 KOs) – 8 Rounds, Welterweight 
• Troy Nash (6-0-1, 1 KO) vs. Bryan Rodriguez (8-1, 1 KO) – 8 Rounds, Featherweight 
• Emiliano Cardenas (10-0, 4 KOs) vs. Alexis Alvarado (9-1-1, 5 KOs) – 6 Rounds, Bantamweight

As previously announced, Las Vegas native Andres Cortes (24-0, 13 KOs) takes on Eridson Garcia (23-1, 14 KOs) of the Dominican Republic in the 10-round lightweight main event. In the co-main event, former world champion Mark Magsayo (28-2, 18 KOs) of the Philippines will square off against Feargal McCrory (17-1, 9 KOs) of Ireland in a 10-round lightweight contest while Armenian power puncher Azat “Crazy A” Hovhannisyan (22-6, 17 KOs) will face Mexican veteran Eduardo Baez (25-7-2, 10 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout. 

Fans can stream the full eight-fight Zuffa Boxing card with a Paramount+ subscription at no additional cost in the U.S., Latin America, Brazil, and Canada.

Limited tickets for ZUFFA BOXING 05: CORTES VS. GARCIA are available via AXS.com