COMMERCE, CA (December 26, 2024) – Golden Boy Promotions will kick off its 2025 fight schedule with a special presentation of Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN, featuring the first headlining performance of top prospect Eric Priest (14-0, 8 KOs) of Kansas City, Kansas. Priest will participate in a 10-round middleweight bout against Crossville, Tennessee’s Tyler “Hercules” Howard (20-2, 11 KOs). The event will take place at The Commerce Casino & Hotel and will be broadcast worldwide on DAZN at 6 p.m. PT.

“Headlining under the Golden Boy banner has been a goal since we signed,” said Eric Priest. “I was born to do this, and I will make the most of this opportunity. I’m ready to kick off 2025 with an explosive performance.”

“What a great opportunity. I’d like to thank Golden Boy and my manager, David McWater, for getting me this fight. Count me as highly invigorated,” said Tyler Howard. “Fighting on DAZN is an honor—especially fighting for a legend like Oscar. Eric Priest has a great reputation as an up-and-coming guy, but I plan on derailing that plan.”

“Eric Priest has long been one of Golden Boy’s top prospects — with a victory on January 23rd, he officially rises to a full-fledged contender,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “He is in an extremely tough fight against someone with 20 victories who hasn’t ever been knocked out. If Eric gets through, big fights are in his near future.”

Tickets for Priest vs. Howard will go on sale today and are priced at $100, $75, $50, $30 and $20 plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at GoldenBoy.com.

Undefeated fighter Eric Priest is a rising star in the world of professional boxing. Born on November 19 in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, Eric is a proud Korean American who blends a fierce competitive spirit with deep cultural pride. The son of a Navy Special Forces veteran and a mother of Korean descent, Eric’s early experiences in street fights with his older brother, Brandon, ignited his passion for combat sports, which was later nurtured by his father and legendary amateur coach John Brown. A standout amateur with over 60 bouts and a Kansas City Golden Gloves championship at age 18, Eric transitioned to professional boxing in 2020 after moving to Los Angeles. Under the guidance of renowned coaches like Justin Fortune and Pedro Neme, Eric quickly made a name for himself with explosive first-round knockouts, earning a reputation for his hand speed, athleticism, and knockout power. In 2023, Eric made history by becoming the first Korean American boxer signed by Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions. That same year, he relocated to Las Vegas to train with world-class coach Ismael Salas, refining his fundamentals and Cuban style. In 2024, he returned to Los Angeles to continue his development under the rising coaching talent of Julian Chua, further cementing his commitment to becoming a champion. Outside of boxing, Eric is an advocate for mental health awareness and promotes Korean American and Asian culture. He has also worked as a model with Wilhelmina and has secured several sponsorships with brands like Jaxxon, Hoo.be, and Kinetic.

Tyler “Hercules” Howard is known for his unyielding determination. Born and raised in Crossville, Tennessee, Howard has earned a reputation as an exciting fighter in the middleweight division. With a blend of raw athleticism and an unbreakable mindset, he quickly gained attention for his dominant performances in the ring. Howard’s journey into boxing began at a young age, and he made his professional debut in 2012. Since then, he has amassed an impressive record with multiple knockouts, earning him the nickname “Hercules.” Outside of the ring, Tyler Howard is known for his humility, discipline, and commitment to his community. He studied business economics at Tennessee Tech University and currently resides in Houston, Texas.

#

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN is presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The event is available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in a credential for the fight must fill out a credential application by Friday, January 17. To apply, please visit https://www.goldenboy.com/press-credentials/.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com and DAZN.com and www.commercecasino.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing and @DAZNBoxing and @CommerceCasino. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy and https://www.facebook.com/DAZN. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy and @DAZNBoxing and @CommerceCasino. Follow the conversation using #GBFightNight

Vergil Ortiz Jr. had two knockdowns ruled against him, but was able to gut out a 12-round majority decision over Serhii Bohachuk to win the WBC Interim Super Welterweight Title at the Michloeb Ultra Arena inside the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

In round one, Bohachuk was credited a knockdown when he landed a right hand that connected with Ortiz and after instant replay review, it was ruled the extra point for the Ukranian.

In round eight, Bohachuk landed a left hook that forced the glove of Ortiz to touch the canvas and was ruled a second knockdown. That only inspired Ortiz to land vicious right hands in the round. Ortiz began to bleed from the bridge of his nose. In round 11, Ortiz hurt Bohachuk with a left hook that froze Bohachuk. In round 12, Ortiz wobbled Bohachuk with a right hand.

Lopez landed 265 of 746 punches. Bohachyk was 225 or 832.

Ortiz, 153.8 lbs of Grand Prairie, x was able to win by scores 114-112 twice and 113-113 and is now 22-0. Bohachuk, 153.8 lbs of Vinitza, UKR is 24-2.

“This has been what we have been fighting for since I was five years old,” said Vergil Ortiz, Jr. “Straight from school, go to the gym, do my homework and get straight to work. When I went pro, it was all day business – 24/7 boxing and it has finally paid off. The first knockdown, I didn’t feel like it was a true knockdown, I felt like I hit his shoe, but the second one really was one. I feel like I did enough to win this fight. I proved everyone wrong. Everyone was saying that I’m washed, that I can’t fight at 154, or that I can’t go the distance. All of that fueled me. I am the best in the world now.”“People saw this fight today, and the real boxing fans who watched this fight know what happened tonight,” said Serhii Bohachuk. “I am feeling great. I knocked him down twice. I want to support my country, Ukraine, I want to say thank you to all the fans for all the support.”

Conwell Takes out Gray in 2

Charles Conwell remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Khiary Gray in a 10-round super welterweight bout.

In round two, Conwell landed two lefts to the head and then a thudding left to the body put Gray down for the 10-count at

Conwell, 153.8 lbs of Cleveland is 20-0 with 15 knockouts. Gray, 154 lbs of Worcester, MA is 18-7.

Sims Jr. Stops Former Champ Romero After 5

Kenneth Sims Jr. stopped very late replacement and former world champion Jonathan Romero After round five of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

Sims dominated and worked the body and slowly beat down Romero, who took the bout on 24 hours notice.

Sims148.4 lbs of Chicago is 21-2-1 with eight knockouts. Romero, 145.4 lbs of Cali, COL 35-5.

Fundora Decisions Asenjo; Defends Flyweight Title

Gabriela Fundora defended her IBF Flyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniela Asenjo.

Fundora landed 194 of 506 punches. Asenjo was 63 of 312.

Fundora, 109.8 lbs of Coachella, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Asenjo, 111.3 lbs of Valdivia, CHL is 16-4-3.

Iriarte Stops Ortiz in 1

Joel Iriarte stopped Miguel Ortiz in the opening round of their six-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte hurt Ortiz several times and landed six punches that knocked him between the ropes and the fight was stopped at 2:15.

Iriarte, 146.4 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 4-0 with four knockouts. Ortiz, 143.6 lbs of Springfield MA is 3-2.

Cecilia Braekhus won the WBC Interim Super Welterweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maricela Cornejo.

Braekhus, 154.6 lbs of Bergen, NOR won by scores of 96-93 on all cards and is now 38-2-1. Cornejo, 153 lbs of Prosser, WA is 19-7.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Luke Lozo in a middleweight bout.

Proest, 159 lbs of Overland Park, KS won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 14-0. Lozo, 160 lbs of Split, CRO is 9-3-1.

Johnny Canas remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Joseph Cruz in a super lightweight bout.

In round three, Cruz was cut over his left eye.

Canas, 136.8 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 5-0. Cruz, 132 lbs of Sonora, MEX ia 7-10.

Jordan Fuentes made a successful debut with a four-round unanimous decision over James Mulder in a super featherweight bout.

Fuentes, 122.4 lbs of Fresno, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0. Mulder, 127 lbs of Antioch, CA is 0-3.

Jennah Creaspn won her pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Kelsey Wickstrum in a welterweight bout.

Creason, 144.6 lbs of Visalia, CA is 1-0. Wickstrum, 146 lbs of Reading, CA is 2-2.

William Zepeda punched his ticket to a title shot with a four-round bludgeoning of Maxi Hughes as The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas,

In round three, Zepeda was relentless and especially effective to the body. In round four, the beatdown continued as Zepeda continued to more or less assault Hughes all over the ring. Mercifully for Hughes his corner pulled him from the fight after the round.

Zepeda, 133.8 lbs of San Mateo Atenceo, MEX is 30-0 with 26 knockouts, Hughes, 134.6 lbs of Yorkshire, ENG is 26-7-2.

“This was another day in the office,” said William Zepeda. “Thirty different camps and thirty different wins and all I can do is thank my team. Early on I knew I had him, the strategy was to work the body and finish at the top. It is not confidence that I feel, but the weight of responsibility to keep giving this level of performances. The rivals who are at my doorstep are much stronger and have a lot more experience and we must continue to work. I will be the next champion from Mexico! I am ready for Shakur, Gervonta – who ever is ready to face me. I want to be a world champion.”

Floyd Schofield remained undefeated as Esteuri Suero did not comply wit the basic ruled of boxing and was disqualified in round five of their 10-round lightweight bout,

Schofield dominated the fight which visibly frustrated Suero into snapping the rules.

In round one, Schofield was cut above his right eye due to a headbutt. In round two, Suero was deducted a point for holding. In round four, Suero was deducted another point for throwing Schofield on the canvas. Finally in round five, Suero hit Schofield with an intentional low blow and the fight was called off at 2:07

Schofield, 134.8 lbs of Austin, TX is 17-0, Suero, 135 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-2.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Sanchez in a middleweight bout.

Priest landed 92 of 310 punches. Sanchez was 63 of 229.

Priest, 159.6 lbs of Los Angeles won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 13-0. Sanchez, 160 lbs of Reynosa, MEX is 21-5-1.

Tristan Kalkrreuth stopped Marquice Weston in round two of their eight-round heavyweight bout,

In round two, Kalkreuth dropped Weston with a left hand and the fight was over at 1:32.

Kalkreuth, 198.6 lbs of Las Vegas is 13-1 with 10 knockouts. Weston, 201.6 lbs of Seattle is 15-3-1.

Joel Iriarte made a successful pro debut by stopping Bryan Carguacundo in round two of their four-round welterweight bout.

Iriarte was a 17-time National Amateur dominated the action and in round two hurt Carguacundo with a couple of uppercuts and the fight was stopped at 1:26.

Iriarte, 145.2 lbs of Bakersfield, CA is 1-0 with one knockout. Carguacundo, 142.8 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is 3-6-2.

Jose Sanchez won a 10-round unanimous decision over Walter Santibanes in a action filled super bantamweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

Sanchez, 124.4 lbs of Cathedral City, CA won by scores of 99-91 twice and 98-92 and is now 12-0. Santibanes, 124.5 lbs of Phoenix, AZ is now 12-3.

“I want to thank Golden Boy and Miguel Cotto Promotions for giving me the opportunity to fight for the first time in front of my hometown as the main event,” said Tito Sanchez. “This was a real war. The crowd’s cheers kept me going through the tough times, and with them having my back, I was able to push through and get the victory. My right middle knuckle was severely injured in the third round, but I made it 10-rounds with the Coachella Valley’s support.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a first round stoppage over Paul Mendez in a eight-round middleweight out.

In round one, Priest dumped Mendez with a hard right hand. Mendez was hurt throughout the round and landed a huge flurry of punches that forced a referee stoppage at 2:09.

Priest, 161.4 lbs of Kansas City, KS is now 12-0 with eight knockouts. Mendez, 160 lbs of Delano, CA is 21-5-2.

“After my last fight, I made a lot of adjustments and I believe that’s what helped me get the knockout tonight,” said Eric Priest. “Training with Ismael Salas in Las Vegas has been great for my career – I have been able to rub elbows with top level fighters as well as current and former world champions who help me improve my craft. My message to the middleweight division is that if you didn’t know me before, you’ll know me now.”

Jorge Chavez remained undefeated by stopping Jerson Ortiz after round two of their eight-round super bantamweight bout.

In round one, Chavez dropped Ortiz with a flurry in the corner. Chavez continued to punish Ortiz, and the fight was stopped in the corner after round two,

Chavez, 123.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 9-0 with seven knockouts. Ortiz, 123.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is 17-10.

Ricardo Ruvalcaba remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Irvin Macias in a welterweight fight.

In round five, Macias began to bleed from the nose.

Ruvalcaba, 141.6 lbs of Ventura, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 78-74 and is now 11-0-1. Macias, 142 lbs of Monterrey, MEX is 15-4.

Justin Figueroa remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Jerome Clayton in a four-round junior middleweight bout.

In round two, Fugueroa dropped Clayton with an overhand right to the top of the head. Late in the round Figueroa scored a knockdown on a right to the body.

In round three, Figueroa dropped Clayton with a straight right to the face. Figueroa ended things when he dropped Clayton with another body shot at 1:58.

Figueroa, 153.4 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 7-0 with six knockouts. Clayton, 154 lbs of New Orleans is 9-3-1.

William Zepeda stopped former world title challlenger Mercito Gesta in round six of their 12-round lightweight bout at The Commerce Casino in Commerce, California.

Zepeda began his relentless offensive assault in round two and in round three began to swell the eyes of Gesta. In round five, Zepeda viciously battered Gesta all over the ring. Zepeda landed a staggering 217 power punches through five rounds. In round six, Zepeda beat up Gesta on the ropes as he landed about 20 unanswered shots and the fight was stopped at 1:31.

Zepeda, 134.3 lbs of San Mateo Attenco, MEX is 29-0 with 25 knockouts. Gesta, 134.2 lbs of Mandaue City PHI is 34-4-3.

“I am ready for the big fights out there – whether it be Devin Haney or even a Shakur Stevenson. Those are the guys who have the belts and that’s what I want next,” said William Zepeda. “There are incredible fights for me in my division, and I trust that Golden Boy will do what they can to get me to become a World Champion. I am ready to go home, rest and recover peacefully at home.”

Victor Morales remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Edwin Palomares in a featherweight fight.

In round 10, Morales was cut over his right eye.

Morales landed 162 of 434 punches. Palomares was 136 of 564.

Morales, 126 lbs of Vancouver, WA won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 96-94 and is now 19-0-1. Palomares, 125.4 lbs of Mexico City is 18-5-2.

“I hoped I showed Oscar and the team tonight that I am a warrior in the ring, and I can push through anything,” said Victor Morales Jr. “I am happy we get to take our belt back home with us.”

Yokasta Valle defended the IBF/WBO Minimumweight titles with a 10-round unanimous decision over Maria Santizo.

Valle landed 98 of 292 punches. Santizo was 79 of 435.

Valle, 105 lbs of Matahalpa, NIC won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice and is now 29-2. Santizo, 104.2 lbs of Gutamala City, GUA is 11-4.

“I knew she was going to bring everything,” said Yokasta Valle. “She was training in Los Angeles to get incredible sparring and I knew she was well prepared for our fight. I am going to take a week off and enjoy the Costa Rican beaches and get back to training so I can be ready to fight on November 4 no matter who the opponent is.”

Darius Fulgham remained perfect with a second round stoppage over Ricardo Luna in a scheduled eight-round light heavyweight bout.

In round one, Luna was cut on his forehead. In round two, Fukgham landed a left hook to the side of the head that put Luna on a knee. Luna got to his feet, but the fight was a waved off at 1:30.

Fulgham, 170.8 lbs of El Paso, TX is 7-0 with seven knockouts. Luna, 170.8 lbs of Mexico City is 25-11-2.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with an eight-round majority decision over Simon Madsen in a middleweight bout.

Priest landed 121 of 284 punches. Madsen landed 104 of 360.

Preiest, 158.8 lbs of Wichita Falls, TX won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 76-76 and is now 11-0. Madsen, 158.6 lbs of Cancun, MEX is 13-2.

Daniel Garcia won a six-round unanimous decision over Erick Benitez in a lightweight fight.

Garcia, 132 lbs of Denver, CO is 7-0. Benitez, 131.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 4-5.

Alejandro Reyes won a six-round majority decision over Roberto Gomez in a super lightweight bout.

In round five, Reyes was bleeding over the left eye.

Reyes, 139.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX won by scores of 59-55, 58-56 and 57-57 and is now 11-0. Gomez, 140 lbs of Mexico City is 5-2.

Gael Cabrera won a six-round super lightweight bout over Juan Centeno in a super featherweight bout.

In round three, Centeno was cut on the lip. In the same round, Cabrera was cut on the right eyebrow.

Cabrera, 126.2 lbs of Sonora, MEX won by scores of 40-36 on all cards and is now 2-0. Centeno, 127.6 lbs of Managua, NIC is 8-9-4.

Jordan Cervantes won a four-round unanimous decision over Giovanny Meza in a super lightweight bout.

Cervantes, 136.4 lbs of East LA, CA won by scores of 40-36 on cards and is now 1-0. Meza, 137.2 lbs of El Paso, TX is 0-5.

WBO number-one ranked welterweight Alexis Rocha stopped Anthony Young in round five of a scheduled 12-round bout at The Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round five, Rocha dropped Young with a left. Young got to his feet, but was wobbly and the fight was stopped at 2:15.

Rocha, 146.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 23-1 with 15 knockouts. Young, 146.4 lbs of Atlantic City, NJ is 24-3.

“I knew he was going to come in with the same energy he did when he fought Sadam Ali, and I was ready for that,” said Alexis Rocha. “I want the winner of the Spence-Crawford fight, and I am confident with the help of my amazing promoter, Golden Boy and Oscar De La Hoya, we’ll make it happen.”

Oscar Duarte stopped D’Angelo Keyes after round seven of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Duarte put Keyes down with a right hand along the ropes.

In round seven, Duarte scored another knockdown with a left hand to the forehead. Keyes showed toughness, but he took a lot of punches and the doctor stopped the bout after round seven.

Duarte, 135 lbs of Parral, MEX is now 26-1-1 with 21 knockouts. Keyes, 134.3 lbs of Houston, TX is 17-3.

“This was an amazing fight, with a great rival who was incredibly tough and very prepared,” said Oscar Duarte. “From the beginning, our plan was to break him down little by little. As I said in previous interviews, I wasn’t going to go looking for the knockout, I just knew it was going to happen naturally just based on how well I had prepared and how I have matured physically and mentally. I would love a fight against William Zepeda.”

Oscar Collazo won the WBO Minimumweight world title with a stoppage of Melvin Jerusalem after round seven.

Jerusalem started well, but Collazo came on and dropped Jerusalem with body shots in round seven. The fight was stopped in the corner following the round.

Collazo, 105 lbs of Villalba, PR is now 7-0 with five knockouts. Jerusalem, 104.6 lbs of Santos City, PHL is 20-3.

“We knew we had a solid challenge ahead of us, but thanks to my corner, they helped me stay calm throughout the fight,” said Oscar Collazo. “I knew I had to establish the pace with my jab, and by the fourth or fifth round we started to hit the body and he didn’t like it. We chopped the tree and we made history for Villalba. I will see you all in Puerto Rico in August, where I will make my first title defense.”

World ranked super flyweight John Ramirez had to eek out a 10-round split decision over Fernando Diaz.

Ramirez, 114.5 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won two cards 96-94, while Diaz took a card 96-94 and sis now 12-0.

Diaz, 114.8 lbs of Riverside, CA is 12-4-1.

Eric Priest remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Villalba in a middleweight bout.

Priest, 159.8 lbs of Los Angeles, CA won by scores of 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is now 10-0. Villalba, 160 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 20-9-1.

In round five, Villaalba started to bleed from the bridge of his nose.

Johnny Canas made a successful pro debut with four-round unanimous decision over Jose Alvarado in a super lightweight bout.

Canas, 136.4 lbs of Santa Ana, CA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 1-0. Alvarado, 138 lbs of Puebla, MEX is 1-8.

Leonardo Sanchez stopped Uhlices Reyes in round two of their four-round super featherweight fight featuring undefeated boxers.

In round one, Sanchez dropped Reyes with a left to the body. In round two, Sanchez put Reyes down with a straight left hand. Sanchez landed a big left that sent Reyes backing up across the ring. He followed up with a flurry that sent Reyes down again and the fight was stopped at 1:01.

Sanchez, 130 lbs of Cathedral City, CA is 5-0 with four knockouts. Reyes, 129 lbs of Omaha, NEB is 1-1.

LOS ANGELES (April 26, 2023) Golden Boy Promotions announced today the signing of 24-year-old middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs).

“I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to begin fighting under the Golden Boy banner. I’m ready to make noise in the middleweight division and believe Golden Boy is the right promotion to stand beside me on my way to the top. I believe I was born for this.”

“Eric Priest was the most sought out prospect middleweight. With massive, crossover star potential and the boxing talent to match, everyone was hungry to sign him and I am incredibly humbled that he chose Golden Boy,” said Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Priest has the bravado and the hunger to be a noisemaker in the division and is a potential world champion in the making. We are excited to have him join Golden Boy.”

Priest joins the promotional company with an impressive toolkit and massive crossover star potential. He turned pro in 2020 with 60+ fights in his amateur career and the accolades to match; including winning first place in the 2017 Kansas Golden Gloves tournament and becoming a two-time Ringside World Championships finalist. A boxer-puncher with explosive, fast hands, he has trained with the likes of Gabriel Rosado, Israil Madrimov, Janibek Alimkhanuly, Tim Tzyu, and Raul Curiel – to name a few.

Priest began boxing at 10-years-old when he found himself in a number of street fights as a young child with his brother. His father, who was in the military, taught him how to throw a punch and was the first person to bring him to a boxing gym. Today, he is trained by Pedro Neme, Jr. and Eddie Autry at Churchill Boxing Club in Santa Monica.

An official adidas-sponsored athlete and former part-time model signed to the Wilhelmina agency, he hopes to make noise in the middleweight division and mark his own path in the sport.

CARSON, CALIFORNIA– In an impressive performance, Regis Prograis claimed the vacant WBC light welterweight title with an eleventh-round knockout of longtime contender Jose Zepeda at the Dignity Sports Health Park. 

Prograis (28-1, 24 KOs) of New Orleans, Louisiana proved to have too many dimensions for Zepeda (35-3, 27 KOs) of La Puente, California. When the flow of the bout called for him to box, Prograis boxed. When Zepeda drew him into an inside action fight, Prograis more than handled himself. 

Zepeda, 139.4, caught Prograis, 139, leaning to the left for the shot that got a rise out of the crowd in the first. Prograis landed well with his jab early in the second, but Zepeda came back late in the round. 

After boxing well at distance for much of the third, Prograis, who entered as the WBC #2 ranked contender, nearly came out of his shoes as he fired off a clean left late in the round. When Prograis went for another sweeping left, Zepeda, the WBC #1 ranked contender, threw his own in concert as the two landed simultaneous hard shots to close out the third.

After getting beaten to the jab, Zepeda drew Prograis into a firefight to close out the fourth, much to the delight of the crowd. The back-and-forth action resumed in the fifth, as neither fighter would let a clean blow go unanswered. 

Prograis controlled much of sixth, turning the fight into a boxing match with his pinpoint jab and movement. Prograis’ feints and ring generalship troubled Zepeda again for much of the seventh. Before the close of the round, an accidental clash of heads drew blood from the nose of Prograis. 

Prograis continued to outbox Zepeda through rounds eight and nine before Zepeda got him to stand-and-trade heading into the tenth. 

The tenth would feature thrilling two-way action throughout, briefly breathing new life into Zepeda’s standing in the bout as Prograis abandoned his jab first style. 

The momentum shift would be brief as Prograis rocked and dropped Zepeda along the ropes early in the eleventh. Referee Ray Corona waved off the contest at 59 seconds of round eleven. 

After the bout, Prograis refused to call out any of the other names at 140-pounds, considering he is now a champion that should be called out by them. 

For Zepeda, the third time did not end up being the charm as all three of his professional defeats have come in world title attempts. 

Valle Decisions Bermudez to Win Light Flyweight Titles

In the co-main event, IBF/WBO 105-pound champion Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs) of San Jose, San Jose, Costa Rica moved up in weight to claim the light flyweight version of the same two titles from previously undefeated champion Evelyn Bermudez (17-1-1, 6 KOs) of Santa de la Vera Cruz, Santa Fe, Argentina via ten-round majority decision.

Valle, 107.4, was active and determined, but the naturally larger Argentine stood up well to the punches throughout the fight. After getting outworked at times early, Bermudez, 106, timed her right hand well in round four and caught the busier Valle clean. 

Valle kept a busy pace for all ten rounds, but it appeared Bermudez had the power edge and may have taken rounds with a well-placed right hand or two. 

In the end, two judges gave Bermudez very little credit, handing in scores of 99-91 and 97-93 for Valle. The third card was even, 95-95. 

After the win, Valle expressed her desire to meet fellow champion Seniesa Estrada at whatever weight class the fight can be made.

2016 and 2020 Uzbekistani Olympian Bakhodir Jalolov (12-0, 12 KOs) of Brooklyn, New York by way of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistan kept his knockout streak alive with a fourth-round stoppage of journeyman Curtis Harper (14-9, 9 KOs) of Jacksonville, Florida. 

Jalolov, 247.6, controlled the bout from the early stages, keeping Harper, 260, on the end of his long punches from the southpaw stance. 

Harper grew frustrated to the point of intentionally headbutting and hitting on the break during the second round, which earned him a warning from the referee. 

In the third, a straight left from Jalolov dropped Harper hard, who got up seconds before the bell and the round would close just before they could touch again.

Jalolov ended the fight, dropping Harper with a combination near the blue corner in the fourth. Harper rose before the count of ten, but referee Thomas Taylor opted the call the one-sided bout. Official time of the stoppage was 1:53 of the fourth. 

IBF #4/WBC #5/WBO #8/WBA #12 ranked light middleweight Charles Conwell (18-0, 13 KOs) of Cleveland, Ohio took a hard-fought ten-round majority decision over veteran gatekeeper Juan Carlos Abreu (25-7-1, 23 KOs) of La Romana, La Romana, Dominican Republic.

Conwell, 153.8, found himself bleeding from his left eye early in the second after some inside fighting. Despite being bothered by the blood, Conwell pressed the action in the third, briefly stopping Abreu, 154, in his tracks with a clean combination upstairs. 

Conwell continued to force himself in rounds four and five, but some well-placed shots by Abreu worsened the 2016 U.S. Olympian’s cut, creating some drama as the fight moved to the middle rounds. 

Abreu, who entered as the WBC #15 ranked 154-pound contender, had one of his better rounds in round seven as he backed up Conwell with consistent combinations. However, Conwell would land the most telling blow late in the round, as a body shot forced Abreu to wince and drop his hands near the bell. 

As the fight wore on both fighters had their moments as they kept a busy junior middleweight pace in a bout that the three ringside judges would have a wide range of views. In the end, Conwell improved his ranking in what was billed as a WBC semi-final eliminator. One judge had it even, 95-95, while the other two scored it for Conwell, 98-92 and 96-94.

The son of the beloved former champion of the same name, Fernando Vargas Jr. (7-0, 7 KOs) of Las Vegas, Nevada hammered overnmatched local Alejandro Martinez (3-3-1, 2 KOs) of Los Angeles, California en route to a second-round stoppage to open the pay-per-view telecast. 

Vargas, 150, utilized his natural size advantage to control the first round before opening up offensively to start the second. Martinez, 151.2, was outgunned and hit the canvas after a combination early in the round. Referee Ray Corona took a good look at Martinez, but allowed the bout to continue before another two-punch combination forced Martinez to slide to the canvas and forced the stoppage at 2:40 of round two. 

Super bantamweight prospect Nathan Rodriguez (10-0, 7 KOs) of Pico Rivera, California turned back a game Jerson Ortiz (17-6, 8 KOs) of Managua, Nicaragua to score a wide eight-round unanimous decision in a bout tougher than the scores would lead you to believe. 

Rodriguez, 123.4, scored a knockdown during an exchange early in the third. Ortiz, 123.8, opted for the offense is the best defense approach and was downed again midway through the round. 

Through three rounds a distance result looked unlikely, but Ortiz landed some windmill shots to some effect in the fourth before Rodriguez turned back the tide late in the round. The two would engage in two-way exchanges down the stretch of the fight, as Ortiz made a fight out of it after the bleak beginning. The judges could not be swayed to credit Ortiz much for his effort, as Rodriguez took the bout and the minor WBC FECARBOX title by scores of 80-70 and 79-71 twice.

In an upset, Eduardo Estela (14-1, 9 KOs) of Montevideo, Uruguay spoiled the previously unblemished record Ruben Torres (19-1, 16 KOs) of Santa Monica, California via a hard-fought eight-round split decision. 

Estela, 136, staggered Torres, 136.2, against the ropes midway through the first, scoring a knockdown and prompting a count from referee Thomas Taylor. Estela pressed for the remainder of the round, but Torres managed to regain his footing. 

Torres fared much better in rounds two and three before Estela closed out the fourth strong, knocking the Californian off balance late in the round. Estela continued as the aggressor through the late rounds, forcing the crowd favorite Torres to fight on the move or with his back to the ropes much of the time. Torres stood his ground and fought at a beneficial distance in the eighth to close out the bout, but in the end it was not enough to leave Carson with his unbeaten record intact. Two judges scored in favor of Estela, 78-73 and 76-75. Torres took the dissenting card 76-75. 

One of two sons of Fernando Vargas on the card, Amado Vargas (5-0, 2 KOs) of Las Vegas passed a tougher-than-expected test in the form of Osmar Olmos Hernandez (1-2) of Santa Clarita, California.

Vargas, 125.8, opened the four-round bout at a frantic pace, eventually downing Olmos Hernandez, 124.4, with an overhand right early in the first round. Two follow-up lefts would cost the young Vargas a point as referee Jerry Cantu ruled they had come after the knockdown was scored. 

Olmos Hernandez finished the first with renewed vigor and carried that energy into the second frame. The stanza would feature back-and-forth action as both Vargas and Olmos Hernandez swung for the fences with little regard for defense. 

As the fight wound down, Vargas settled into more of a boxer’s posture which enabled the offspring “El Feroz” to cruise to a unanimous decision by scores of 39-35 and 38-36 twice.

Slick southpaw Austin Brooks (9-0, 3 KOs) of La Mesa, California pounded away at sturdy Jesus Roman (8-6, 3 KOs) of Guasave, Sinaloa, Mexico en route to a third-round stoppage. 

Brooks,129, opted to fight at close range despite his size advantage and was just too quick and strong for the game Roman, 129.6. The Mexican native fought hard throughout but ultimately wilted to the mat after a barrage in third. Referee Jerry Cantu waved off the contest at 2:03 of the round.

Local middleweight prospect Eric Priest (9-0, 7 KOs) of Los Angeles barely broke a sweat before scoring a three-knockdown KO of Luis Alberto Vera (11-22-2, 1 KO) of Buenos Aires.

Priest, 160, flurried Vera, 159.8, to the mat for two quick knockdowns in the opening round. Vera had no answer for anything Priest had to offer and was put down a third time by a stinging body shot moments later. Referee Thomas Taylor stopped the bout immediately after Vera took to a knee for the third knockdown.

Jacob Macalolooy (4-0, 3 KOs) of Union City, California remained unbeaten with a second-round stoppage of Terrance Jarmon (3-2, 1 KO) of Toledo, Ohio to open tonight’s card.

Macalolooy, 146.8, dropped Jarmon, 144, late in the first with an overhand left. The southpaw Jarmon fought in survival mode for the remainder of the first and survived to the bell. However it was just a matter of time before Macalolooy ended the bout, dropping Jarmon early in the second, prompting a stoppage from refereeJerry Cantu at the 1:02 mark of round two.