HENRY LEBRÓN vs. DERLYN HERNÁNDEZ, KIRIA TAPIA vs. JULIANA BASUALDO PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES FOR THIS SATURDAY’S WYNN RECORDS NETWORK EVENT FROM PUERTO RICO

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (Sept. 24, 2026) – Undefeated Puerto Rican super featherweight contender Henry “Moncho” Lebron and WBO Global titlist Derlyn Hernandez faced off on Thursday at Universidad de San Juan in advance of Saturday’s co-main event on Wynn Records Network from Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla.  

Unbeaten women’s super featherweight sensation Kiria Tapia will take on Juliana Basualdo in a 10-round bout for the WBO NABO title as the hometown favorite looks to move one step closer to a world title opportunity.  The Wynn Record Network broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET and streams worldwide at www.wynnrecordsnetwork.com.

In featured undercard fights, undefeated heavyweight prospect Giovanni Scuderi will take on Devonte Williams in an eight-round attraction, while top Puerto Rican lightweight prospect Ángel “El Mensajero” Carranza steps into the ring riding a five-fight knockout streak against Kevin Piedrahita in an eight-round bout.  In the opening on Wynn Records Network, undefeated featherweight William Colon will face Luis Porozo in a six-round matchup.  

The event is promoted by Universal Promotions and Salita Promotions in association with Wynn Records. Fans can watch the fights on https://watch.wynnrecordsnetwork.com/, as well across connected TV and mobile devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, iOS, and Android.

Here’s what the participants had to say on Thursday:

Kiria Tapia:

“What I’m experiencing right now is truly a blessing. I’m coming into this fight well prepared. I know the quality Juliana Basualdo brings, and I know we’re going to put on a great fight. On Saturday night, you’re going to see the very best version of Kiria Tapia.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Universal Promotions for believing in me and supporting me throughout this journey. I’m also honored to have Salita Promotions and Wynn Records open their doors and give me the opportunity to be part of their platforms. I’m especially grateful to the Municipality of San Juan for giving me the opportunity to be an example for the youth who, just like me, come from public housing.”

Juliana Basualdo:

“I’m very happy to be here in Puerto Rico. I know the level of Kiria Tapia and the challenge that awaits me. We’ve worked extremely hard to prepare for this opportunity. I want that championship, and I’m coming here to take it home. I hope the best fighter wins, but all I ask for is a fair decision. I know I have what it takes to win this fight.”

Henry Lebrón: 

“We’re ready to continue climbing the rankings and put ourselves in position for a world championship opportunity. Derlyn is a strong fighter, and I know he’s coming in hungry and determined. I’ve prepared myself to show my true level and prove what I’m capable of. This is my moment, and on Saturday night, I’m taking that championship home with me.”

Derlyn Hernández:

“I’m grateful for this great opportunity to defend my championship. Lebrón is one of the best fighters Puerto Rico has to offer, but I’ve prepared myself to make sure he doesn’t have the opportunity to shine. I’m ready for whatever he brings. This is going to be a war between two real fighters, and I’m ready to defend what’s mine.”

Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions:

“We’re very grateful to San Juan for welcoming us here.  We’re committed to reigniting the fire for Puerto Rican boxing, which is one of the greatest places for producing champions.  We’re excited to partner with Universal to start that fire.  

“We’re grateful that the WBO will recognize two of the fights on this card.  Belts do matter and the WBO has supported boxing in Puerto Rico for generations. 

“Saturday will represent some of the best fighters of Puerto Rico, live on Wynn Records Network.  This is our third show here this year and we’re committed to unearthing the next generation of boxing stars on the island.” 

Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions:

“We are extremely proud of the relationship we have built with Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, and of what we are accomplishing together for Puerto Rican boxing. This partnership allows us to combine our local experience and talent with an international platform capable of taking our fighters to new markets and audiences. 

“For Universal Promotions, it is a privilege to bring championship fights and high-level WBO title bouts to Puerto Rico, reaffirming the island’s place on the global boxing stage. We want to continue providing our fighters with the opportunities they need to climb the rankings, win titles, and ultimately become world champions. 

“Puerto Rico has an extraordinary history in boxing, and we are committed to writing new chapters of that history alongside our partners. This partnership is only getting started, and we are confident that many great nights and future champions are ahead for Puerto Rico.”

# # #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the?Salita?Promotions?YOUTUBE CHANNEL?for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT WYNN RECORDS: 

Wynn Records is a full-service talent and music agency specializing in artist development, management, brand partnerships, distribution, marketing, and touring. With strong expertise in music administration, digital strategy, licensing, and industry trends, Wynn provides tailored career guidance to help clients grow and succeed. Rooted in innovation and long-term vision, the company empowers artists, creatives, and athletes to maximize their visibility, revenue, and impact. 




SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CONTENDER HENRY “MONCHO” LEBRÓN TO FACE DERLYN HERNÁNDEZ, WOMEN’S SENSATION KIRIA TAPIA TAKES ON JULIANA BASUALDO SATURDAY, SEPT. 26 ON WYNN RECORDS NETWORK

SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO (Sept. 4, 2026) – Newly signed Salita and Universal Promotions undefeated Puerto Rican super featherweight contender Henry “Moncho” Lebron will challenge for the WBO Global Championship against Derlyn Hernandez in the 10-round main event of a five-fight Wynn Records Network event Saturday, Sept. 26 live from Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla in San Juan. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/z-QJC-KONEM 

Unbeaten women’s super featherweight sensation Kiria Tapia will take on Juliana Basualdo in a 10-round bout for the WBO NABO title as the hometown favorite looks to move one step closer to a world title opportunity. The Wynn Record Network broadcast begins at 8 p.m. ET and streams worldwide at www.wynnrecordsnetwork.com.

In featured undercard fights, top Puerto Rican lightweight prospect Ángel “El Mensajero” Carranza steps into the ring riding a five-fight knockout streak against Kevin Piedrahita in an eight-round bout, while undefeated blue-chip bantamweight prospect Caleb Tirado returns in a six-rounder in his second professional fight on the island. 

The event is promoted by Universal Promotions and Salita Promotions in association with Wynn Records. 

Lebron (21-0, 11 KOs) is a consensus top-15 ranked super featherweight contender – No. 5 by the IBF, No. by the 12 WBO and No. by the 14 WBA. The 28-year-old holds wins over then-undefeated Edwin De Los Santos and multi-time former world title challenger Christopher Diaz. Prior to turning professional in 2017, the southpaw was an accomplished amateur, compiling a 153-7 record and winning the Puerto Rican National Championships from 2013-2016. 

Lebron will face Hernandez in his first bout of a long-term partnership with Salita Promotions, Universal Promotions and Wynn Records. After dealing with inactivity due to promotional issues in recent years, LeBron looks to stay active and secure a world title opportunity in 2027. 

“This is the beginning of a new chapter in my professional career,” Lebron said. “I’m confident that, together with Universal Promotions, Salita Promotions, Wynn Records, and Gold Nation Sports, I’m going to become world champion. First, we have a major test against Derlyn Hernandez, but we know this will simply be the first step on our journey to the top of the boxing world.”

The Dominican Republic’s Hernandez (14-5-1, 12 KOs) is coming off a highlight-reel knockout upset of previously undefeated Abisael Cotto in March to win the WBO Global Junior Lightweight Championship. He returns to the site of his career-best win looking to derail Lebron’s ascension in the 130-pound division. 

“I’m happy to have the opportunity to defend my WBO Global championship,” Hernandez said. “I know the tough opponent I’m facing, and I’m prepared for whatever he brings. I’ll step into the ring as champion and leave as champion. Get ready for a war.” 

Kiria Tapia (10-0, 1 KO) was one of Puerto Rico’s most accomplished amateurs. Since turning professional, she has established herself as one of the island’s premier female fighters and a major box office draw. In her last appearance, Tapia won a shutout decision of Alba Sanchez in her second consecutive fight at Coliseíto Pedrín Zorrilla and the debut Wynn Records Network event. 

Tapia has climbed the super featherweight rankings since turning pro in 2023 and is currently The Ring Magazine’s No. 5 ranked fighter at 130 pounds. With a win on Sept. 26, Tapia will set her sights on Alycia Baumgardner, newly crowned WBC champion Bernice Ferreira, former champ Caroline Veyre, and the rest of the divisions’ best.

“This is a dream come true,” Tapia said. “On September 26, at home and in front of my people, we’re going after the WBO NABO championship. I’m ready to put on a great show and leave it all in the ring. I guarantee you’ll see the best version of me that night.”

Juliana Basualdo (15-7, 3 KOs), of Santa Fe, Argentina, has been incredibly active since turning professional in 2019. The southpaw is riding a two-fight winning streak since dropping a very narrow split decision to undefeated rising American contender Mikiah Kreps. In 2024, Basualdo faced former world champion Segolene Lefebvre and was ahead on one of the scorecards before the bout was halted in fifth due to an accidental clash of heads. Now she makes her Puerto Rican debut as she looks to be the spoiler of Tapia’s rapid rise in the division.

“I’m very excited about this great opportunity,” Basualdo said. “We’re coming in great condition to face a tremendous fighter like Tapia. I know we’ll be fighting in her hometown, but that doesn’t take anything away from us. I’m coming for that championship.” 

Ángel “El Mensajero” Carranza (12-1, 9 KOs) is a top Puerto Rican lightweight prospect riding a five-fight knockout streak. A former professional kickboxer, Carranza compiled an impressive 94-12 amateur record and was a three-time Puerto Rico National Champion. The 24-year-old stands at 5-foot-10 and will be fighting for the first time since signing a co-promotional deal with Universal Promotions, Salita Promotions and Wynn Records. 

Undefeated Puerto Rican prospect Caleb Tirado (2-0, 1 KO) will return in a six-round bantamweight bout. Tirado began boxing at age 9 and spent nearly two decades building one of the most decorated amateur careers in Puerto Rican boxing history. The 24-year-old competed in top international tournaments as an amateur, winning the 2023 Continental Championship alongside 12 Puerto Rico National Championships.

The Sept. 26 Wynn Records Network broadcast is the third Salita and Universal Promotions nationally televised event of 2026 in Puerto Rico and the latest of a series of commitments to the island known for producing some of boxing’s best talent. 

“We are excited to return to Puerto Rico and continue building the next generation of boxing stars, live on Wynn Network from this legendary island,” said Dmitriy Salita, President of Salita Promotions. “We look forward to showcasing the new era of Puerto Rican stars in the making to the world.”

Added Javier Bustillo, President of Universal Promotions: “We’re ready to present, alongside Salita Promotions and Wynn Records, another great night of boxing from San Juan, Puerto Rico. We’ll feature two exciting championship bouts that promise nonstop action from start to finish. In addition, some of the island’s most talented prospects will face important challenges in an event that promises an unforgettable night of boxing.” 

The recently announced partnership between Salita Promotions and Wynn Records Network will expand boxing’s reach to new audiences while developing the next generation of stars. The recurring offerings are designed to complement the premier Salita Promotions events airing on DAZN, the global leader in boxing. They provide an outlet for Salita Promotions and Wynn Records to showcase the growing roster of talent signed by both entities, giving boxing fans a first look at the future generation of stars as they prepare to take the next step in their careers.

Fans can watch the fights on https://watch.wynnrecordsnetwork.com/, as well across connected TV and mobile devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, iOS, and Android.

# # #

ABOUT SALITA PROMOTIONS: 

Salita Promotions was founded in 2010 by Dmitriy Salita, a professional boxer and world-title challenger who saw the need for a promotional entity to feature boxing’s best young prospects and established contenders in North America and around the world. Viewers watching fighters on worldwide television networks including SHOWTIME, HBO, ESPN, Spike TV, Universal Sports Network, UFC Fight Pass, DAZN, ESPN+ and MSG have enjoyed Salita Promotions fight action in recent years. We pride ourselves on offering our fighters opportunities inside and outside the ring. Salita Promotions looks forward to continuing to grow and serve the needs of fight fans around the globe.

Check the?Salita?Promotions?YOUTUBE CHANNEL?for regular updates of the modern world’s greatest fighters, contenders and prospects in action. 

ABOUT WYNN RECORDS: 

Wynn Records is a full-service talent and music agency specializing in artist development, management, brand partnerships, distribution, marketing, and touring. With strong expertise in music administration, digital strategy, licensing, and industry trends, Wynn provides tailored career guidance to help clients grow and succeed. Rooted in innovation and long-term vision, the company empowers artists, creatives, and athletes to maximize their visibility, revenue, and impact. 




Jaron Ennis Stops Avanesyan After 5; Retains Welterweight title

PHILADELPHIA-–Jaron “Boots” Ennis made a happy homecoming as he stopped gritty David Avanesyan after round five to retain the IBF Welterweight title before a very impressive crowd of 14,119 fans at Wells Fargo Center.

Ennis showed off his immense natural ability by landing some swift and powerful combinations. Ennis landed some serious body shots and slowly started to break down Avanestyan. Avanesyan touched up Ennis by landing some shots as he stood in the pocket against the undefeated champion.

In round five, Avanesyan was having his best round UNTIL, a right hook caught the challenger on the side of the head and the Armenian was sent to the canvas. Ennis continued to land hard combinations and battered Avanesyan at the end of the frame.

In the corner, it was determined that Avanesyan had suffered enough of a beating and the fight was halted.

Ennis, 146.4 lbs is 32-0 with 28 knockouts. Avanesyan, 147 lbs of Newark, ENG is 30-5-1.

Jalil Hackett Decisions Peter Dobson

Jalil Hackett remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Peter Dobson in a welterweight clash.

Dobson controlled the action as he landed some solid combinations. Dobson stood in tough and was able to make the fight closer down the stretch as it was too little. too late as Hackett won by scores of 97-93 twice and 96-94.

Hackett landed 200 of 700 punches. Dobson was 127 of 447.

Hackett, 146.4 lbs of Washington, DC is 9-0. Dobson, 146.6 lbs of Bronx, NY is 16-2.

Skye Nicolson Retains Featherweight Title with Decision over Vargas

Skye Nicolson retained the WBC Featherweight title as she boxed her way to an easy 10-round unanimous decision over Dyana Vargas.

Nicolson boxed and moved perfectly as she opened the fight up by featuring a stiff jab. In the middle rounds Nicolson started landing at will with her straight left. Nicolson was very crafty with her feet as she was always a couple of steps ahead both offensively and defensively for Vargas.

Nicolson landed 135 of 329 punches. Vargas was 28 if 248.

Nicolson, 125.6 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 11-0. Vargas, 125.6 lbs of The Dominican Republic is 19-2.

Khalil Coe Stops Ritter in 2

Khalil Coe remained undefeated with a two round destruction of Kwame Ritter in their 10-round light heavyweight bout.

In round two, Coe hurt Ritter with a hard left hook. Coe followed the up and landed huge left hook that put Ritter on the canvas. Ritter was hurt and Coe pounced on him by landing hard shots until a right hand knocked Ritter along the ropes and the fight was stopped at 1:59.

Coe, 174 lbs of Jersey City, NJ is 9-0-1 with seven knockouts. Ritter, 173 lb of Baltimore is 11-2.

Christopher Diaz stopped Derlyn Hernandez in round two of their eight-round super featherweight bout.

Diaz, 131.4 lbs of Puerto Rico is 29-4 with 19 knockouts. Hernandez, 131.4 lbs of the Dominican Republic is 12-2-1.

Christian Carto stopped former world title challenger Carlos Buitragp after round three of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round three, Carto scored a knockdown when he landed a right in the corner.. Carto continued to pound away on Buitragp. The corner pulled Buitago out of the fight following the round.

Carto, 124.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 24-1 with 16 knockouts. Buitrago, 125.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 38-14-1.

Ismail Muhammad staved off an early knockdown and scored one of his own as he won a six-round unanimous decision over Frank Brown in a super lightweight bout.

In round one, Muhammad walked into a perfect right from Brown that put him on the canvas. Later in the round, Brown was cut over his right eye that may have come from a clash of heads during the knockdown punch.

In round four, Muhammad dropped Brown with a right to the top of the head.

Muhammad, 144 lbs of Philadelphia won on two cards by 58-54 scores and 57-55 and is now 5-0. Brown, 144.2 lbs of San Antonio is 3-5-2.

Dennis Thompson made a successful pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Fernando Valdez in a bantamweight bout.

Thompson, 116.6 lbs of of Philadelphia battered Valdes and won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 1-0. Valdes, 119.2 lbs of Salta, ARG is 1-8.