LAS VEGAS – July 30, 2026 – Three exciting pay-per-view undercard bouts featuring rising stars and top contenders across the middleweight, super bantamweight and super lightweight divisions will lead up to the Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez main event on Saturday, August 22 in a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on DAZN and Prime Video from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

In the co-main event, undefeated middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will duel veteran Argentina contender Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round attraction, plus Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Champion Victor Santillan squares off against top contender Antonio Russell and sensational prospect Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round battle against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado opening the pay-per-view at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

The four-fight pay-per-view card is topped by WBA Welterweight World Champion Rolly Romero making the first defense of his world title against two-division world champion Teofimo Lopez in a matchup of two of this generations’ most compelling champions.

Tickets for the live event are on sale now through AXS.com.

The event is promoted by TGB Promotions, in association with Takeover Promotions.

**YOENLI HERNANDEZ VS. FRANCISCO DANIEL VERON**

The number one-ranked WBA and WBO, plus number two-ranked WBC contender, Yoenli Hernandez will look to continue to show his star ability in a 10-round showdown against the veteran slugger Francisco Daniel Veron that serves as the co-main event on August 22.

Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) is yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships. Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he rose up the rankings. The 29-year-old scored three victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis in May of that year. Most recently, Hernandez turned away his most experienced opponent to date, earning a fourth-round TKO of U.S. Olympian and title challenger Terrell Gausha in March.

“I’m preparing very hard for this fight, because I know that I have an extremely tough opponent in front of me,” said Hernandez. “I have to continue to train that hard fight after fight and prove to everyone what I’m capable of. You can expect to see more of the same from me on August 22 in Las Vegas.”

The 27-year-old Veron (17-1-1, 10 KOs) enters this fight on an impressive three-fight winning streak, including most recently besting Raul Garcia via unanimous decision in April of this year. Prior to that Veron had turned away tough veteran contenders Roiman Villa and Vladimir Hernandez in 2025, beating both by unanimous decision. A native of Villa Libertador, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Veron also owns a draw against middleweight contender Jahi Tucker. He will be making his Las Vegas debut on August 22, with the only other blemish on his record coming via a close decision loss to longtime top contender Brandon Adams in 2024.

“This is one of the toughest fights of my career, but we’re well prepared for anything he bring,” said Veron. “I’m here to face the best and I’m not ducking anyone. We’re going to give people a lot to talk about when this fight is over. I’m coming to represent my Argentine people on August 22.”

**VICTOR SANTILLAN VS. ANTONIO RUSSELL**

In a matchup of two top contenders at 122 pounds, Victor Santillan and Antonio Russell will look to show their championship mettle in a 12-round matchup as Santillan defends his Interim WBA Super Bantamweight Title for the first time.

A native of La Romana, Dominican Republic, Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) picked up his interim title in February by stopped Noel Reyes Cepeda in the third round. The triumph made it back-to-back wins for Santillan, who’s only two defeats have come via decision on the road against top Japanese contenders. A pro since 2018, Santillan won the bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games, amongst his amateur accolades. The 30-year-old began his career with 13-straight wins and will return to fight stateside for the third time as a pro.

“It is an honor for me to be defending my title against Antonio Russell,” said Santillan. “He is a good boxer who comes from a family of good fighters. I love this fight because the real winners are going to be the fans. We’re gonna put on a show.”

Part of one of the sport’s most renowned fighting families, Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) will look to pick up his first belt at 122 pounds and join his brothers as champions alongside Gary Antuanne (WBA Super Lightweight World Champion) and his lead trainer Gary Jr. (former WBC Featherweight World Champion). The 33-year-old previously fought to the top of the 118-pound division, but came up short in his most notable fight, an October 2022 matchup against former champion Emmanuel Rodriguez. The Capitol Heights, Maryland-native does own a technical decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano in December 2020 and has won back-to-back fights at 122-pounds, including most recently besting Dervin Rodriguez by unanimous decision last August.

“I’m excited to be back in the ring and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent,” said Russell. “Me and my brothers have been putting in the work every day in the gym, staying focused. It’s almost that time to compete. I’m ready to bring another title home.”

**CARLOS UTRIA VS. ISRAEL MERCADO**

One of boxing’s most acclaimed prospects the undefeated Carlos Utria will look to make his U.S. debut in style, as he takes on tough contender Israel Mercado in the 10-round super lightweight opening attraction.

The 22-year-old Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) most recently emerged victorious in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix and earning a top 10 ranking at 140-pounds, and more. The five-victory run culminated in a unanimous decision over Mujimillo Tursunov in December, with his championship-winning run leading to him being named Boxing Scene’s 2025 Prospect of the Year. A native of Soplaviento, Colombia, Utria has fought professionally since 2023 and will look to continue his momentum stateside.

“I’m facing a strong opponent who’s coming to win,” said Utria. “That’s the perfect opponent for my U.S. debut. We’re prepared for whatever comes and ready to put on a dominating performance for everyone watching.”

A native of Pomona, California, Mercado (13-1-2, 7 KOs) is unbeaten in last six outings, with four wins a two draws in that span. Mercado has faced four unbeaten fighters in his career, with two wins, a draw and a decision to defeat to Arthur Biyarslanov in 2024 amongst that run. Mercado was won each of his last two outings, with decision victories over Jonathan Jose Eniz in April 2025 and Branden Pizarro in June 2025.

“I’ve been patient, I’ve put in the work, and now I’m ready to show the fight fans what these hands can do,” said Mercado. “I’m built for this stage. I can’t wait to give everyone a great show and deliver a fight they won’t forget.”

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Rafael Espinosa wrestled the WBO Featherweight title with an action packed 12-round majority decision over Robeisy Ramirez at The Charles F. Dodge City Center in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

The taller Espinosa had a good start to the fight as he was able to get inside and land punches. Ramirez was able to get in some decent shots of his own. In round five, Ramirez landed a right hook that sent Espinosa to the deck. Espinosa got up but fell back down at the bell.

The two traded flurries of punches which thrilled the sold out crowd which favored the Cuban born Ramirez. In round 12, Espinosa’s pressure finally wilted Ramirez and dropped the now-former champion with a flurry that was capped by a left hook.

That seemed to be the difference as Espinosa won by scores of 115-111, 114-112 and 113-113.

Espinosa, 125.3 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is now 22-0. Ramirez, 125.6 lbs of Cuba is 13-2.

Espinoza said, “I didn’t think about anything in here. I just thought about winning. I even asked what round we were in. And I knew that I had to drop him in order to win. I just put my heart into it. I always do that. And thank God it happened.

“I think I’ve had a broken foot since the second round. But what kept me on my feet was my daughter, my parents, my wife and my family. I knew that all of Mexico was watching me. And I knew that I had to become a world champion.”

Ramirez said, “We did what we always do. We followed what Ismael Salas told us to do. We scored the knockdown and tried to end the fight, but it didn’t happen.

“I thought the fight was won. But he got his second wind. I tried to catch mine. But I’ve got to give him credit. He came after me. He got the knockdown. I didn’t think it would determine the result, but that’s what the judges decided.”

Zayas Stops Fortea in 5

Promising Xander Zayas stopped Jorge Fortea in round five of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

In round one, Zayas dropped Fortea with a left to the body. In round five, it as another left to the body that put Fortea down for the 10-count at 1:37.

Zayas, 153.6 lbs of San Juan, PR is 18-0 with 12 knockouts. Fortea, 153,7 lbs of Souce, ESP is 24-4-1.

Zayas, “We knew that he likes to keep his elbows out. And it was just a matter of time after we got him in the first round. After that, he went into survival mode and brought his elbows down. But then we got him with another body shot.”

Good looking Bruce Carrington remained undefeated with a second round stoppage over Jason Sanchez in a 10-round featherweight fight.

In round two, Carrington rocked Sanchez with a right. He followed him around the ring and dropped Sanchez with a hard right. Sanchez was not all the way back and then ate a left hook just before the bell and went to the canvas again and the fight was over at 2:59.

Carrington, 125.8 lbs of Brooklyn is 10-0 with six knockouts. Sanchez, 125.7 lbs of Albuquerque, NM is 16-5.

Carrington said, “This was a statement to the rest of the featherweight division. I want all the smoke. It doesn’t’ matter who it is.”

Richard Torrez Jr. had to almost go the distance for the first time. The key word is almost as he stopped veteran Curtis Harper in the eighth and final round of their heavyweight bout.

Torrez battered Harper throughout the fight and finished him with a hard flurry of punches on the ropes before a referee stoppage at 2:03.

Torrez, 230.8 lbs of Tulure, CA is 8-0 with eight knockouts. Harper, 273.9 lbs of Clarksville, TN is 14-11.

Torrez said, “I knew I needed the rounds, and Curtis Harper was a tough, game opponent. This is an experience that will only help me as I progress.
 
“When I saw his mouthpiece fly out, I knew the knockout was coming. I’m happy I got the rounds in and a knockout.”

Jahi Tucker and Francisco Daniel Veron fought to a eight-round majority draw in a junior middleweight contest.

Tucker won a scorecard by a 77-75 tally, that was overruled by two 76-76 cards.

Tucker, 155.2 lbs of Deer Park, NY is 10-1-1. Veron, 155.1 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 13-0-1.

Rohan Polanco scored a sixth round stoppage over Keith Hunter in a eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round six, Polanco hurt Hunter and landed a huge flurry of punches and the fight was stopped at 2:06. Hunter was visibly upset and may have struck the referee.

Polanco, 142.9 lbs of Santo Domingo, DR is now 11-0 with seven knockouts. Hunter, 139.3 lbs of Las Vegas, NV is now 15-2.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with an eight-round split decision over Jimmer Espinosa in a junior welterweight bout.

Johnson, 141.6 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 and 78-74, while Espinosa took a card 77-75.

Johnson is now 11-0. Espinosa, 141.2 lbs of Tuxtl, MEX is 15-2.

Damian Knyba remained undefeated with eight-round unanimous decision over Michael Coffie in a heavyweight bout.

Knyba, 264.1 lbs of Wodzyn, POL won by scores 80-72 twice and 79-73 and is 13-0. Coffie, 290.9 lbs of Brooklyn, NY is 13-5.

ORLANDO, FL– -Orestes Velazquez remained undefeated as Guillermo Leonel Crocco could not continue to fight in round two of their 10-round super lightweight bout that headlined the WBA Convention KO for Drugs Night of Champions Fight card at the Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida.

After the first round, Crocco complained of a shoulder injury and the fight was stopped one second into round two.

Velazquez is now 6-0 with six knockouts. Crocco is 20-3-1.

Francisco Daniel Veron stopped Leonardo Ruiz in round five of their 10-round welterweight fight featuring undefeated fighters.

Veron was dominant throughout and the fight was stopped after a hard flurry of punches in round five at 2:37.

Veron of Argentina is now 11-0 with nine knockouts. Ruiz of Pomona, CA is 11-1.

Yamaguchi Falcao stopped Ernest Amuzu in round seven of their round super middleweight bout.

Falcao dropped Anuzu in round two. Falcao dropped Amuzu again in round seven, and the fight was stopped after the corner threw in the towel.

Falcao of Brazil is 24-1-1 with 10 knockouts. Amuzu is now 26-8.

Melvin Lopez won a 10-round split decision over Jobert Alvarez in a bantamweight bout.

Lopez won by scores of 97-92 and 95-94, while Alvarez took a card 95-94.

Lopez is now 29-1. Alvarez is 20-4-2.

Conor Coyle remained undefeated as he stopped Sladen Janjanin in a scheduled 10-round middleweight bout.

Coyle scored a knockdown in round seven from a flurry of punches. The corner of Janjnain pulled the plug on the fight following the frame.

Coyle of Ireland is now 18-0 with eight knockouts. Janjanin of Bosnia is 34-14.

Idalberto Umara stopped Emiliano Martin Garcia in round five of their 10-round lightweight bout.

In round three, Umara dropped Garcia with a strong right hand. At the end of the round, Umara was able to send Garcia down again with a left hook off of a flurry. Umara ended things in round five when he landed a booming right hand that sent Garcia down and the fight was stopped at 2:17

Umara is now 8-1 with five knockouts. Garcia is 18-9-1.

Jeovanny Estela won a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Eduardo Florez in a welterweight bout.

Estela dropped Florez with a body shot in round five. Florez was docked a point at the end of round five for hitting behind the head. Estela registered a second knockdown in round six with a right hand.

Estela won by scores of 60-52 on all cards and is now 10-0. Florez is 25-25.

Ibrahimo Diallo won a six-round unanimous decision over Carlos Cruz in a middleweight bout.

Diallo of Guinea won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 6-0. Cruz of Nicaragua is 2-9.

Raiko Santana scored a mild upset as he took a 10-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Joseph George in a super middleweight bout.

Santana hurt George several times throughout the fight and won by scores of 98-91, 97-93 and 96-94 to raise his record to 9-3. George of Houston, TX is 12-1.

Damian Lescaille stopped veteran Rondale Hubbert in the opening round of their six-round welterweight bout.

Lescaille of Cuba dropped Hubbert three times and the bout was stopped at 2:39.

Lesxaille of Cuba is 2-0 with one knockout. Hubbert of Minnesota is 14-25-3.

Herich Ruiz Cordoba stopped Phillip Jean Seide in the opening round of their six-round heavyweight bout.

In round one, Cordoba landed some blistering left hands. Just before the end of the round, Cordoba landed a booming left that snapped back the head of Seide and dropped him to the canvas and the fight was stopped just as the bell sounded to end the round.

Alex Rios Vega pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Christopher Nelson in a junior welterweight bout.

Vega, 138 1/4 lbs of Saint Cloud, FL won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice and is now 5-0. Nelson, 132 3/4 lbs of Kentucky is 4-22.