Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez makes his return to the ring against Daniel Lugo at Palenque de la Féria National de San Marcos in Aguascalientes, Mexico on Saturday May 11, live worldwide on DAZN, with Erika Cruz defending her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Nazarena Romero.

Hernandez (34-2 31 KOs) was part of one of the fights of the year in October when he took on O’Shaquie Foster for the WBC World Super-Featherweight title, falling agonizingly short in Cancun after an incredible 11^thround led to a final round stoppage win for defending champion Foster, with Hernandez ahead on the cards. 

The 26 year old will be determined to return to winning ways as he plots a path towards another shot at World honors, but Lugo (27-2-1 18 KOs) has his own plans to gatecrash the party at 130lbs, and facing Rocky in an all-Mexican battle over 12 rounds live on DAZN represents the biggest night of the 29 year old’s career.

“People have been counting me out since my loss,” said Hernandez. “On May 11, I will make a statement – ‘Rocky Never Left’.”

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God, Matchroom, Paco Damián and my team for another amazing opportunity,” said Lugo. “We are back in the gym working hard and preparing for war. Rocky Hernandez is one of the best fighters in my division, however, I am up for the challenge. 

“I know the importance of this fight, a win over Rocky Hernandez will open up many great opportunities. For all the boxing fans that will be watching on DAZN, we will give you a Mexican war.”

The co-feature of the night sees Cruz defend her WBA strap for the first time against mandatory challenger Romero.

Cruz (17-2 3 KOs) became a two-weight World ruler by taking the title from Mayerlin Rivas in November, outworking the champion in Los Angeles to claim the crown via majority decision. Cruz previously held the WBA belt at Featherweight before taking on Puerto Rican star Amanda Serrano in an epic undisputed battle in New York in February 2023, with Serrano coming out on top in a memorable clash.

‘Dinamita’ is excited to be getting back into action and putting her belt on the line, and intends to put the rest of the champions at Super-Bantamweight on notice.

“I’m stepping into the ring not just to defend my title, but to conquer,” said Cruz. “Romero may be the mandatory opponent, but my sights are set on bigger dreams. Yamileth Mercado, Ellie Scotney, Segolene Lefebvre – I’m coming for all the belts. Romero won’t be the one to stand in the way of my destiny. Viva Mexico!”

Romero (13-0-1 7 KOs) gets a second crack at a title that looked well within her grasp at the halfway stage of her clash with former champion Rivas in June. The Argentine welcomed Rivas to Buenos Aires and floored the champion in the third round before an accidental headclash led to a nasty cut above Romero’s left eye, and the fight was ruled a technical draw. 

The 29 year old gets the chance to get her hands on the title once again, and travels to Mexico to spoil Cruz’s plans.

“I think my time has come,” said Romero. “In my life nothing was, is, or will be easy. I was born for this, and I feel like the best of all. I prepare like a champion; I think like a champion, and I need to live like a champion.”

“Our Mexico shows have been a revelation and this promises to be no exception,” said promoter Eddie Hearn. “The championship rounds that Rocky and O’Shaquie served up in October were sensational. Rocky has not gone away to feel sorry for himself, he’s redoubled his efforts and is more determined than ever to reach the very top, starting with an all-Mexican war against Lugo on May 11.

“I can’t wait for the clash between Erika and Nazarena, which promises to be so explosive. Erika guarantees excitement every time she steps through the ropes and Nazarena will be desperate to get her hands on the title at the second attempt; all the ingredients are there for a classic.”

An announcement on ticket on-sale dates will be made soon.

The stunning city of Oaxaca in Mexico hosts Matchroom for the first time as a thrilling night of elite boxing awaits on Friday, February 16 – live worldwide on DAZN.
 
Nestled within the breathtaking, hillside views, the spectacular open-air Auditorium Guelaguetza will see home favorite Adrien Curiel defend his IBF World Light-Flyweight title in what promises to be a scintillating rematch with Sivenathi ’The Special One’ Nontshinga.
 
And Featherweight star Mauricio Lara will kickstart his 2024 campaign in the co-main event as he faces fellow Mexican Daniel Lugo.
 
Lara (26-3-1, 19 KOs) stopped former World champion Josh Warrington in 2021 before eventually becoming world champion when last year he sensationally stopped Leigh Wood in seven rounds.
 
But after drama on the scales, Lara lost his belt before entering the ring for the rematch with Wood last May in Manchester in which the Nottingham fighter would duly win in a resounding, unanimous points victory.
 
Some nine months later, Lara is back to rise the rankings again as he faces a hungry Lugo (27-2, 18 KOs) over 10 rounds looking to underline his ultimate ambition of ruling the world once again. 
  
The full fight card will be revealed in due course, headlined by Curiel’s eagerly awaited first IBF title defense.
 
In what was arguably one of the knockouts of 2023, Curiel dramatically dethroned his South African rival in spectacular style.
 
The Mexican (24-4-1, 5 KOs) ripped up the script by scoring a shocking one-punch knockout of the defending champion Nontshinga (12-1, 9 KOs) in the second round of their highly anticipated showdown in Monaco. 
 
Now Curiel will be hoping to repeat his heroics as the 24-year-old makes the first defense of his World title on home soil, determined to prove that his stunning knockout of the year contender wasn’t just a one off. 
 
Having tasted defeat for the first time in his career, Nontshinga is aiming to recapture his old belt – which he won by beating Hector Flores in the Mexican city of Hermosillo back in 2022 – to keep his dreams of unifying the division alive. It all takes place in Oaxaca, Mexico’s vibrant historical centre of arts, culture and gastronomy.
 
Located 500km from Mexico City, separated to the north by rugged mountains, Oaxaca is city rich in indigenous history and one that has forged its own distinctive identity to deservedly earn a UNESCO World Heritage badge.
 
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn said: “Mexico is the birthplace of a long list of legendary fighters, and we are delighted to continue our travels to this great nation and will undoubtedly be a special fight night in Oaxaca.” 
 
For more details on Matchroom’s 2024 events, visit: matchroomboxing.com