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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LONG BEACH, CA (April 17, 2025) – Popular super lightweight Israel “Bad Ways” Mercado (11-1-2, 7 KOs), of Pomona, California, is set to return to action in an intriguing 8-round clash against seasoned Argentine veteran Jonathan Jose Eniz (35-21-1, 16 KOs). The bout takes place April 19 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, and will be broadcast live worldwide on WBCBOXING.com, as part of an action-packed night presented by Showtime Promotions.

Mercado, who continues to sharpen his tools and climb the competitive 140-lb division, enters the ring fresh off a focused training camp and is ready for the challenge. “Eniz has been around and faced a lot of solid guys, so I’m not overlooking him,” said Mercado. “But I’ve had a strong camp. I’m locked in, and I plan on showing everyone the work I’ve been putting in.”

Despite a few minor bumps early in his pro journey, Mercado believes his story is far from finished—and he’s hungry to make his mark. “I know I still have a lot left in this game,” continued Mercado. “I’m only getting better, I’m just going to keep fighting, keep winning, and keep climbing. It’s all about momentum, and I’m building mine back up.”

Fighting once again in front of the loyal SoCal boxing faithful, Mercado is fired up to perform close to home. “Southern California has always had my back,” Mercado concluded. “Fighting here motivates me in a different way. I want to put on a show for everyone who’s supported me since day one.”

Showtime Promotions executives Reyes Mejia and Lenin Garcia are excited to feature a determined talent like Mercado on their growing platform. “Israel Mercado is the kind of fighter who brings a lot of fans and excitement to every fight,” said Mejia. “He’s coming into his own, and fans are going to love what they see.”

“There’s something special about fighters from Pomona—there’s a fire in them,” added Garcia. “Mercado fits that mold. We’re proud to have him on this card and part of what we’re building at Showtime Promotions.”

Doors open at 5:30 pm PT with the first fight starting at 6:30 pm PT. Tickets 

priced $87.21 (GENERAL), $108.55 (RESERVED), $151.23 (PREMIUM), $193.92 (VIP), $236.60 (RINGSIDE), plus applicable fees, are available for purchase now at www.eventbrite.com. Thunder Studios is located at 20434 S Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810.

Demetrius Andrade retained the WBO Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Liam Williams at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

In round one, Williams began to swell from around his right eye. In round two, Andrade floored Williams with a perfect one-two.

Andrade cruised for the most part. Williams fought hard and won some rounds, but he did not win enough as Andrade won by scores if 118-109 twice and 116-111.

Andrade, 159.4 lbs of Providence, RI is 30-0. Williams, 160 lbs of Wales is 23-3-1.

Gongora stops Pearson in 8

Carlos Gongora stopped Christopher Pearson in round eight of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight fight.

Gongora dropped Pearson with a straight left hand for the 10-count at 2:13.

Gongora, 167 lbs, 12oz is now 20-o with 15 knockouts. Pearson, 167 lbs, 8 oz is 17-3.

Biyarslanov Decisions Mercado

In a battle of undefeated lightweights, Arthur Biyarslanov won an eight round majority decision over Israel Mercado.

Biyarslanov, 136.8 lbs of Toronto, CAN won by scores of 78-74, 77-75 and 76-76-76 and is now 8-0. Mercado, 136 lbs, 12 oz is 9-1.

ORANGE, CA (October 26, 2020) – Thompson Boxing Promotions had some unforeseen changes occur to its next edition of 3.2.1 Boxing but will still feature three exciting-and-compelling bouts.

The free stream will air live on Sunday, November 1st, 2020, on the Thompson Boxing Promotions website (www.thompsonboxing.com), as well as their Facebook and YouTube pages. 3.2.1. Boxing will take place at the Omega Products International Event Center in Corona, CA, and will start at 4:00 p.m. PT / 7:00 p.m. ET.

Originally the main event was set to be Michael “The West Texas Warrior” Dutchover (14-1, 10 KOs), of Midland, TX, taking on Manuel “La Tormenta” Mendez (16-7-3, 11 KOs), but an outside of the ring accident has removed Mendez from the bout.

The new 8-round main event will be a battle of undefeated lightweights as Israel “Bad Ways” Mercado (8-0, 7 KOs), faces Mike Sanchez (6-0-1, 2 KOs), of Colton, Ca, in a bout in which someone’s “O” must go.

Mercado, who defeated Adrian Valdovinos (6-1-1, 5 KOs) in the Top Rank Summer Series, is looking to make a statement in this upcoming bout.

“I have worked my whole life to be showcased in a main event and now the opportunity is here,” said Mercado. “I have been training very hard and I am extremely focused on winning this bout and win impressively. As always, I’ll be gunning for a knockout. It’s go time!”

Sanchez, an undefeated southpaw, received a draw against Eric Mondragon (3-0-1, 2 KOs) in his last bout, but defeated Diego Elizondo, in Elizondo’s hometown of Reno, Nevada, last year.

“I am ready to let my hands go and put on a good show for Thompson Boxing,” said Sanchez. “People will talking about me after this fight. I haven’t had any easy fights and the road that I have been on has prepared me for my battle with Mercado.”

In the 6-round co-feature, welterweight Esteban “Stone Hands” Munoz (2-1, 2 KO), of San Bernardino, CA, takes on McArio DelCastillo (0-3), of Santa Monica, Ca.

Originally, Richard “Cool Breeze” Brewart Jr. (7-0, 3 KO) was set to face Louis Hernandez (8-0-1, 6 KOs), but Brewart was removed from the card due to an illness unrelated to COVID-19.

The opening bout will be a four-round super bantamweight fight as Szel Martinez (pro debut) will face Lazaro Vargas (pro debut) of Indio, CA, in a fight that promises to be explosive.

“Unforeseen events prevented us from having Michael on our main event, but we’re still putting together a solid card,” said promoter Ken Thompson. “Israel Mercado vs. Mike Sanchez promises to be and all-action battle, and the other two bouts will be great opportunities for the young fighters to showcase themselves.”

“We are ready for another installment of our 3.2.1 Boxing series,” said Alex Camponovo, Thompson Boxing’s general manager and creator of 3.2.1 Boxing. “We had to work hard to get this card put together, but we have a solid show with a tremendous main event. I expect everyone tuning in will be happy with the action inside the ring.”

Beto Duran will operate as the blow-by-blow commentator with expert commentary by Doug Fischer, while Jessica Rosales will serve as the onsite ringside reporter.

3.2.1 Boxing is sponsored by Thompson Building Materials, transforming spaces in beautiful places; Omega Products International, the leading stucco manufacturer in the United States; Henry / Fortifiber, moisture system control as easy as 1,2,3; and Makita, rule the outdoors.

For more information, regular updates on our fighters, events, and promotions, please visit ThompsonBoxing.com. You can also follow the conversation on social media, please use #321Boxing and #ThompsonBoxing.

Please check our Facebook Page, watch our YouTube channel on Thompson Boxing TV, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ThompsonBoxing.

Joe Smith Jr. scored an emphatic 9th round stoppage over Eleider Alvarez in a scheduled 12-round light heavyweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas

In round four, Alvarez began to bleed from the nose. Smith dominated most of the action as he landed hard power shots throughout the contest.

In round nine, Smith landed a big right to the jaw that was followed up by a left that sent Alvarez through the ropes. He could not beat the count at 24 seconds.

Smith, 174.9 lbs of Long Island, NY is now 26-3 with 21 knockouts. Alvarez, 174.6 lbs of Montreal is 25-2.

Smith said, “Coming into this camp, I knew I had to work on my boxing. I wanted to be sharp, throw a lot of straight punches. I watched his fight with {Sergey} Kovalev, and Kovalev kind of set the way to beat him. So we watched that and worked off of it. I knew coming in today I had to box a little more because he’s got that great right hand. He caught me with it a couple times, but I can take a punch, too.
 
“Every time he hit me, I wanted to come and stop him in his tracks, and I did that. I stuck to my game plan, and it was a great fight.
 
“I feel this one is a big one. I really needed it. I wanted to prove I’m not just a knockout guy. I proved my boxing ability, too, and I showed that tonight.”

Brant Stops Kopylenko after 5!

Former middleweight belt-holder Rob Brant stopped Vitaliy Kopylenko after round five of their scheduled 10-round middleweight fight.

In round two, Kopylenko began to swell under his left eye. The eye got worse and was almost closed that forced the fight to be stopped after the 5th frame.

Brant, 161.1 lbs of St. Paul, MN is 26-2 with 18 knockouts. Kopylenko, lbs of The Ukraine is 28-3.

Brant said, “My punch output was high, but I felt like I threw a lot of quality shots, especially with a veteran like Vitaliy. I’m not going to try and pronounce his last name out of respect, but he’s a crafty veteran. He’s been around for a long time.
 
“I spent a lot of time in camp with them. It’s been a three-month camp with them. Between the advice they have given me and being around Terence Crawford and Jamel Herring, it teaches you to relax a little more.”

Rodriguez stops Laureano in 1

Julian Rodriguez stopped Anthony Laureano in the opening round of their scheduled 10-junior welterweight bout featuring undefeated fighters.

In round one, Rodriguez landed a three-punch combination that put Laureano down. Rodriguez put Laureano down again with a hard right. Rodriguez sealed the deal as he landed four unanswered blows, and the fight was stopped as Laureano fell for a the 3rd time at 2:50.

Rodriguez, 141.5 lbs of Hasbrouck Heights, NJ is 20-0 with 13 knockouts. Laureano, 145.9 of East Hartford, CT is 13-1.

“Previous to the shoulder injury, I was more of a brawler,” Rodriguez said. “I was coming in with bigger shots, but once I noticed the arm wasn’t holding up in that way, it forced me to focus more on my footwork, using my jab, and more of a different style. Now I feel like I have all the tools.”

Collard Stops Williams in 2

Clay Collard racked up his 5th win of 2020 by stopping Maurice Williams in round two of a scheduled eight-round middleweight bout.

In round two, Collard dropped Williams with a straight right. Later in round, Collard landed a hard combination that made referee Tony Weeks stop the fight at 1:54.

Collard, 159.8 lbs of Burley, ID is 9-2-3 with four knockouts. Williams, 158.2 lbs of Oklahoma City, OK is 7-2.

“I’m just a fighter. I like getting out there as often as possible and entertaining the fans. I appreciate all the love and support from the fans, and I enjoy putting on a show for them,” Collard said. “Listen, I’ll fight as often as possible. I love fighting on these Top Rank shows, and I look forward to the next one. This has been quite the ride.”

Duke Ragan made a successful pro debut with a opening round stoppage over Luis Alvarado in a featherweight bout.

In round one, Ragan dropped Alvarado with a hard right hand. Alvarado got to his feet but the fight was stopped at 1:54.

Ragan, 125.5 lbs of Cincinnati, OH is 1-0 with one knockout. Alvarado, 126.8 lbs of Pasco, WA is 1-2.

Robert Rodriguez stopped Abel Soriano in the opening round of a scheduled six round fight featuring undefeated bantamweights.

In round one, Rodriguez dropped Soriano with a straight left to the body. Moments later, a barrage of punches that was finihed by a right hook made Soriano take a knee. Soriano was cut over his left eye, but that would not matter as another straight left put Soriano down for a 3rd and final time at 2:59.

Rodriguez, 119.7 lbs of Riverside, CA is 9-0-1 with five knockouts. Soriano, 119.8 lbs of Bellvue, NE is 10-1.

In a battle of undefeated junior welterweights, Israel Mercado won a six-round unanimous decision over Adrian Valdovinos.

Mercado, 136.6 lbs of Pomona, CA won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 8-0. Valdovinos, 137.2 lbs of Hanford, CA is 5-1-1.

Wendy Toussaint won a eight-round unanimous decision over Isaiah Jones in a middleweight fight.

Toussaint, 156.4 lbs of Huntington, NY won by scores of 80-72 and 79-73 twice, and is now 12-0. Jones, 157.2 lbs of Detroit, MI is 9-3.