By Norm Frauenheim

GLENDALE, Ariz. Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez added a third division title with his sixth round knockout of Antonio Vargas Saturday, yet his career goal of a showdown with Naoya Inoue remained unclear in the immediate aftermath of his successful debut at bantamweight.

Trainer Robert Garcia said he wanted Bam to fight once more at 118 pounds before any deal is made to face Inoue.

“We’ve talked about January or February, next year, for the Inoue fight,’’ Garcia Said after Bam knocked down Vargas after some rocky moments in front of a roaring crowd åt Desert Diamond Arena. “We can still do that. That doesn’t have to change.But I want Bam to have one more fight at 118. We can do that in September or October.’’

Bam (24-0, 17 KOs) struggled at times in the early going against Vargas, who leaned on him and backed him up with a succession of punches.

Not until the fifth round did Bam make a key adjustment. It started where it usually does: His feet. With his singular footwork, he stepped to the left of Vargas (19-2-1, 11KOs) and delivered a textbook left hand, putting the World Boxing Association’s defending champion onto the canvas.

In the sixth, Bam did it again, this time ending Vargas’ one-fight reign as the WBA champion.

In an interview inside the ring, Bam was asked about Inoue.

“If you’re asking me if I’m ready, I’m going to say yes,’’ he said. “I’m going to say yes I’m ready for anyone and yes I’m ready for whatever my team plans next.”

This Cardenas scores unanimous decision, wins rematchtime there was no debate. No trash talk either.

Arturo Cardenas made sure of it Saturday, scoring a unanimous decision over Jordan Martinez in a rematch at Desert Diamond Arena.

“I did what I didn’t last time, said Cardenas (18-0-2), who fought Martinez to a draw in early February.” I was aggressive early. I didn’t give away those rounds.’’

Martinez (16-1-1), a popular Phoenix fighter, didn’t quarrel with the result, despite at least one debatable score, a 100-90 shutout. On the other cards, it was 98-92 and 97-93, both for Cardenas

Turkish champion retains belt in narrow win over Gabby Tellez

Elif Nur Turhan kept the belt. Gabby Tellez got the cheers.

In a close and somewhat awkward fight for the women’s International Boxing Federation lightweight title Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, the bigger Turhan sustained an aggressive pace, scoring enough points on the scorecards for a unanimous decision — 96-94 on all cards — over Tellez (7-1, 3 KOs).

With Phoenix trainer Jose Benavidez Jr. in her corner, Tellez circled Turhan, a powerful Turk, throughout the 10 rounds. Turhan landed a couple of long punches in the final couple of rounds, which might have been just enough to claim a victory that allowed here to take the belt back to Turkey

Terraza wins quick stoppage

Terraza said he knew victory was just a matter of time.

That time came swiftly.

And decisively.

Within two rounds, Terraza, an unbeaten junior-lightweight from Mexico, overwhelmed a shorter Javier Rodriguez, who was down midway through the round and finished within its final few seconds. 

Rodriguez (10-1, 6 KOs), who grew up in the Glendale neighborhood surrounding Desert Diamond Arena, simply had no counter for Terreza’s  reach. Terraza (14-0, 10 KOs) knocked him down with an overhand right and then folllowed with successive punches from all angles.

Trini Ochoa lands right to land back in win column

Trini Ochoa, a popular junior welterweight from Mesa, got back into the win column Saturday. All he needed was a right hand.

It landed, flooring Tristan Perez (12-5-1, 7 KOs) Saturday in a stunning second round at Desert Diamond Arena. Ochoa was coming off his first defeat

Esquina delivers punishing stoppage

It was punishing.

Punishing mostly for Sepu Taylor.

Xechal Esquina, an undefeated featherweight from Phoenix, tirelessly moved forward for six-plus rounds, landing shots that echoed throughout Desert Diamond Saturday on a card featuring Bam Rodriguez-Antonio Vargas.

Somehow, Taylor (1-2-1), of Denver stay edupright. Early in the sixth, however, he began to back away on unsteady feet, At 2:39 of the round, he was down. And done, a bruised stoppage loser to a relentless attack Esquina (6-0, 5 KOs).

Hector Beltran wins second round TKO

Hector Beltran Jr., who calls himself Handsome, must have looked scary to Shaquile Felicia.

Beltran (8-0, 6 KOs), a junior-middleweight From Dallas, threw a quick combo that dropped Felicia (3-2). It also left Felicia with a look that seemed to say he’d rather be back home in Anchorage. Seconds and few more combos later, he was finished, a TKO loser at 2:53 of the round.

First Bell: Ronny Alvarez stoppage opens the show

With temperatures pushing 110 degrees, a small crowd began to escape and gather inside Desert Diamond Arena.

Anything for a little air conditioning.

In the ring, however, Cuban super-middleweight Ronny Alvarez (7-0, 6 KOs) continued to pour on the heat, scoring a seventh round stoppage of Serbia Flip Stankovic (9-4, 6 KOs) Saturday afternoon in the opening bout on a card featuring Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-Antonio Vargas.  

GLENDALE, AZ (June 5, 2026) – Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated lightweight contender Gabriela “Sosa” Tellez (7-0, 3 KOs) of San Antonio, Texas, will face the biggest challenge of her young professional career when she takes on IBF Lightweight World Champion, Elif Nur Turhan (13-0, 8 KOs) of Istanbul, Türkiye, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

The 10-round world title showdown will be featured as part of an action-packed card promoted by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions and will stream live worldwide on DAZN.

For Tellez, the opportunity represents the realization of a lifelong dream. After compiling an undefeated professional record and steadily climbing the lightweight ranks, the talented Texan now stands one victory away from becoming a world champion. As she prepares for the most important night of her boxing journey, Tellez says the magnitude of the moment has only strengthened her determination.

Speaking about her first opportunity to fight for a world championship, Tellez reflected on the years of sacrifice that brought her to this stage.

“This is everything I’ve worked for since I first stepped into a boxing gym,” said Tellez. “Every early morning run, every hard sparring session, every sacrifice my family and I made has led to this opportunity. To be fighting for my first world title is a dream come true. I want to seize the moment and bring that championship belt home. Opportunities like this don’t come around often, and I’m approaching this fight with complete focus and gratitude. I’ve visualized this moment for years, and now that it’s here, I’m ready to prove that I belong among the best fighters in the world.”

Training under renowned coach Jose Benavidez Sr. in Arizona has provided Tellez with the confidence and preparation she believes will be necessary against an undefeated champion-caliber opponent. Providing an update on training camp, Tellez praised the work being done behind the scenes as she enters the final stages of preparation.

“Training camp has been incredible,” Tellez stated. “Working with Jose Benavidez Sr. and the entire team has pushed me to another level both physically and mentally. We’ve studied every aspect of Turhan’s style and have built a game plan that brings out the best in me. Every day in camp has been about improving, learning, and preparing for a world championship atmosphere. I feel stronger, faster, and more confident than ever before. The work has already been done, and now it’s about staying focused and bringing everything together on fight night. This will be the best version of Gabriela Tellez that the fans have ever seen.”

While the world title is the immediate goal, Tellez understands that a victory would have a far-reaching impact on both her career and the community that has supported her from the beginning. Discussing what winning the IBF title would mean, Tellez spoke passionately about representing her hometown of San Antonio.

“Winning this title would change my life, but it would also mean so much to the people who have supported me from day one,” said Tellez. “San Antonio has always embraced fighters who work hard and represent the city with pride. I want young girls and young athletes back home to see that no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it. Becoming a world champion would open new doors in my career, but more importantly, it would give me the chance to inspire others. I want my story to show people that success is possible no matter where you come from. Bringing a world championship back to San Antonio would be one of the proudest moments of my life.”

The June 13 event will mark the highest-profile appearance of Tellez’s career, with boxing fans from around the globe watching live on DAZN. When discussing the opportunity to perform on a worldwide platform, Tellez embraced the spotlight and the responsibility that comes with it.

“This is the kind of stage every fighter dreams about,” Tellez said. “Millions of people will have the chance to watch this fight on DAZN, and I’m excited to show the world my God given talent. I don’t look at the spotlight as pressure…I look at it as an opportunity. This platform gives me a chance to showcase my skills, my heart, and everything I’ve worked so hard to achieve. I want fans tuning in from Texas, from across the United States, and from around the world to see a fighter who refuses to back down from a challenge. Fighting on a stage like this motivates me to perform at my absolute best and leave no doubt that I belong at the championship level.”

Boxlab Promotions President Amaury Piedra expressed his excitement about Tellez reaching the world championship stage and praised her dedication throughout her professional journey.

“We couldn’t be happier for Gabriela and everything she has accomplished to earn this opportunity,” said Piedra. “From the moment she joined Boxlab Promotions, we saw someone with tremendous talent, determination, and a genuine passion for the sport. She has grown tremendously with each fight, and her development both inside and outside the ring has been remarkable. This is the her time to shine.

SAN ANTONIO, TX (February 16, 2026) – Boxlab Promotions’ undefeated lightweight contender, Gabriela Tellez (6-0, 2 KOs), just wrapped up training camp as she gears up for the biggest fight of her young career. Tellez will face veteran power-puncher Calista Silgado (22-20-4, 16 KOs) in a scheduled 10-round bout for the WBA Female Continental Americas title on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. The action-packed event will stream live worldwide on the Boxlab Promotions YouTube channel, giving fans access from anywhere in the world.

Locked-In Training Camp in San Antonio

For Tellez, this isn’t just another fight — it’s an opportunity to announce herself as a serious force in the lightweight division. Tellez recently wrapped up a grueling training camp in San Antonio under the guidance of head coach Arturo Ramos and her father, Martin Tellez, who has been instrumental in her boxing journey from day one. Speaking on her preparation, Tellez made it clear that this camp has elevated her to another level. Tellez emphasized that the structure and discipline in camp have her feeling stronger and more confident than ever heading into her first 10-round title fight.

“This has been the most intense camp of my career,” said Tellez. “Working with Coach Arturo Ramos and my dad in San Antonio pushed me mentally and physically. We focused on sharpening every detail, my footwork, my conditioning, my combinations. I’m not just coming in to win…I’m coming in to dominate. This camp was about preparing to make a statement.”

Respect for Silgado — But No Fear

Tellez understands that Calista Silgado brings experience and knockout power into the ring, but she sees the matchup as the perfect test at the right time. Tellez believes Silgado’s veteran presence will bring out the best in her.

“Calista has experience and she’s faced tough competition. Sixteen knockouts shows she can punch,” Tellez said. “But experience doesn’t win fights by itself. Hunger does. Discipline does. I respect what she’s done in the sport, but this is my time. I’m younger, I’m sharper, and I’m evolving every fight. I’m ready for this level. Fighting someone like her motivates me. This is the kind of opponent that proves where you really belong. I’m ready to show that I belong at the top.”

Fighting for the WBA Female Continental Americas Title

With the WBA Female Continental Americas Title on the line, Tellez sees this as a pivotal moment in her young career. She views the belt as more than just hardware.

“This title means everything to me right now,” Tellez explained. “It represents the next step toward becoming a world champion. You don’t get opportunities like this without earning them. I’ve worked for this since I first laced up gloves. It’s not just about the title — it’s about what it symbolizes. It shows I’m climbing the ladder and that I’m serious about becoming one of the best in the world.”

A Career-Defining Opportunity

At just 6-0, Tellez knows that a victory on February 20 could accelerate her rise in the lightweight rankings. She closed with a message to fans tuning in worldwide.

“A win here changes everything,” said Tellez confidently. “It puts my name in the conversation. It shows I can go 10 rounds, handle a veteran, and perform under pressure. After this fight, people won’t just see me as a prospect, they’ll see me as a contender. On February 20, I’m going to show the world exactly who Gabriela Tellez is. I’m hungry, I’m focused, and I’m coming to take that title.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 10, 2025) – Fast-rising super featherweight prospect, Gabriela Tellez (5-0, 2 KOs) will look to extend her undefeated streak when she steps back into the ring on Friday, July 18, at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, as part of Boxlab Promotions’ action-packed boxing event, “Night of Champions.” The event will be broadcast live globally on DAZN, featuring a talent-rich lineup of boxing’s brightest prospects and top contenders.

Tellez, a fan favorite known for her fearless fighting style, will take on Elizabeth Espinoza (4-8-3, 1 KO), from Torreon, Mexico, in a featured 6-round bout that marks a key step in her pursuit of a world title shot. With each fight, Tellez continues to grow as one of the most promising young women in the sport.

“This is another step forward for me to show how much I’ve grown,” said Gabriela Tellez, who fights under the Boxlab Promotions banner. “Every fight I’m improving, and every win gets me closer to my goal of becoming a world champion. Espinoza brings more experience but I’m confident in my ability to adjust to anything she brings. I had a great training camp. I’m excited to perform on a big stage and give fans a show they won’t forget.”

Backed by Boxlab Promotions and an elite team, Tellez has remained active and focused as she carves her path through the division. Fighting on a platform like DAZN gives her the opportunity to introduce her talents to a global boxing audience. “I want to be known as someone who always brings energy, excitement, and heart to the ring,” added Tellez, who hails from San Antonio, Texas. “July 18 is another step in my journey, and I plan to make the most of it.”

 “Gabriela Tellez is a rising star and one of the most exciting prospects in women’s boxing today,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “She’s hungry, dedicated, and ready to make noise in the division. We’re proud to have her on this card and fans will appreciate her fighting style.”

The Night of Champions card will also feature notable names like unbeaten heavyweight knockout artist Gurgen Hovhannisyan, and super bantamweight contender Angel Barrientes, and rising star Alex Bray, making this a must-see event for boxing fans.

?This event is brought to you by Boxlab Promotions in association with, Undisputed Promotions. Doors open at 5:00 pm ET with the first bout beginning at 6:00 pm ET. Tickets priced $40 (General Admission), $60 (Standard Admission-4A), $75 (Standard Admission-3A), $100 (Ringside), and VIP Tables for 10 are priced at $1,500 including a bottle of champagne, appetizer tray for the table, prime viewing and dedicated servers, are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com. 

Deomte Brown remained undefeated with a eight-round unanimous decision over Denis Contreras in a lightweight bout at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston.

Brown, 134 lbs of Morgan City, LA won by scores of 80-72 on all cards and is now 16-0. Contreras, 134.6 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 24-18-1.

“It feels good,” Brown said in the ring following the bout. “It feels good to be back. Like you said, three years off. I was just shaking the rust off. It felt good. It felt good.

“Like I said, I knew he was going to be tough and durable,” he added. “So, me and my coach, we weren’t really looking for the knockout. If it came, it came, but we basically just outpoint him and stay smart.”

Wayne Lawrence won a six-round split decision over Fernando Javier Martinez in a junior lightweight bout.

Lawrence, 130.6 lbs of Toledo, OH won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56. Martinez took a card 58-56.

Lawrence is 8-1. Martinez, 132 lbs of Dallas, TX is 7-2.

“I thought it was a tough fight,” Lawrence said in the ring following the bout. “He’s a great opponent. Came hard, came strong, came in shape.

“I thought he was going to box,” he added. “I thought he was going to box more, but he surprised me when he came in here and banged. He’s strong – way stronger than I thought. He’s a good fighter. Better than I thought.”

Lawrence also noted that he may move up in weight following the bout.

“I kind of felt that 130 pounds, so I might be going up to 135,” he said. “Be stronger.”

Gabriela Tellez stopped Lindsey Ellis in round two of their four-round lightweight bout.

In round one, Ellis began to bleed from her nose. In round two, Tellez landed four big power shots in the corner and the fight was stopped at 31 seconds.

Tellez, 134 lbs of San Antonio is 5-0 with two knockouts. Ellis, 134 lbs of Pleasant View, TN is 2-3.

“I felt good,” Tellez said in her post-fight interview. “I kind of came a little too anxious in the first round, but I adapted real nice and everything landed perfectly.”

Alex Donis got off the deck to win a four-round unanimous decision over Andrew Flemm in a welterweight bout.

In round one, Flamm was cut over his left eye. In round two, Flamm landed a right hand that put Donis on the canvas.

Donis, 145.6 lbs of Houston won by scores of 38-37 on all cards and is now 1-0. Flemm, 146.6 lbs of Durango, CO is 1-1.

“I feel ecstatic honestly,” Donis said. “I appreciate everybody who came out today. Pro debut in Houston. It’s been a long time coming. I want to thank my coach, my grandparents, my corner, and everybody who came out. Thank you all for always believing in me. We’re here.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX (April 1, 2025) – Boxlab Promotions proudly announces the signing of the talented Tellez sisters, Reina and Gabriela, to an exclusive promotional agreement. The dynamic duo from San Antonio, Texas, have already made waves in the boxing world and are now poised to take their careers to new heights under the guidance of Boxlab Promotions.

Reina Tellez, 21, competes in the bantamweight division and boasts an impressive record of (11-0-1, 5 KOs). Gabriela Tellez, just 18 years old, fights in the super featherweight division and holds a record of (4-0, 1 KO). Both sisters bring a wealth of experience, having dominated the amateur ranks before transitioning into the professional scene.

Reina, who began boxing at the age of 8, claimed multiple national titles and made her mark internationally by winning the 2019 Silesian Women’s Championship. Gabriela, who started boxing at age 6, accumulated 23 national tournament victories, including a Gold Medal at the 2023 Youth Brandenburg Cup in Germany, where she earned a stoppage victory.

The younger Tellez sister, Gabriela, is the current NABF Super Featherweight Champion and will return to the ring this Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Red Owl Boxing Arena in Houston, TX. She is set to face Lindsey Ellis (2-2, 2 KOs) from Pleasant View, TN, in a 4-round featherweight bout. Meanwhile, Reina, the current WBC Featherweight Youth Champion and NABF Champion at Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight, will make her Boxlab Promotions’ debut on June 6, 2025, on a MVP’s Most Valuable Prospects card at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, FL, live on DAZN.

“I’m really happy to be signing with an established promoter like Boxlab Promotions,” said Reina Tellez on signing with Boxlab Promotions. “They have a great reputation, and I know they will take my career to the next level. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to show the world what I can do. I’m looking forward to making my debut with them in my next fight.”

“Fighting under the Boxlab Promotions banner is an amazing opportunity, and I’m excited to be a part of their team. My focus is on my fight this Friday in Houston, and I’m ready to put on a spectacular performance for the fans.” said Gabriela Tellez on her upcoming fight and new promotional partnership

“Reina and Gabriela are two of the most talented fighters I’ve had the privilege of working with,” said Trifon Petrov, Boxing Advisor to the Tellez Sisters. “Their dedication and skill make them destined to become world champions. I’m ecstatic to be partnering with Boxlab Promotions, who share the same vision for their careers.”

“Reina and Gabriela are amazing fighters, and we want to give them a warm welcome to the Boxlab Promotions family,” said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “They both have incredible potential, and we look forward to helping them achieve their dreams of becoming world champions. Their futures are bright, and we are committed to guiding them every step of the way.”