GLENDALE, Ariz. –Never count out Oscar Valdez Jr.

That’s been the story of his career, one that has included broken jaws and busted eyes.

But that will is still there, still unbroken

Add another chapter to the Valdez edition, an ongoing example of resilience.

If somebody was to ever write a song about Valdez, the lyric would be Never Quit.

It was there all over again Friday night with a seventh-round stoppage of Australian Liam Wilson in a victory at Desert Diamond Arena that puts Valdez at the brink of re-claiming a junior-lightweight world title.

“People say you’re 30-something, they say this, they say that,’’ said Valdez, who won an interim 130-pound title and may be elevated to the World Boxing Organization’s real champion if Emanuel Navarrete wins a lightweight title in May and vacates the junior-lightweight version. “But I always come back. I always want to come back.

“In life you lose. It happens. But you have an obligation to come back.’’

This time, he did just months after a punishing loss to Navarrete last summer, also at Desert Diamond. That loss resurrected the familiar doubts about Valdez (32-2, 24 KOs).

The end is near they said, especially against Wilson, who knocked down Navarrete last summer. Arguably, Wilson was of robbed of a victory, a huge upset, on that controversial night,

But the Wilson we saw against Navarrete may have been a mirage. Now, you can wonder whether Navarrete took the then unknown Aussie seriously.

But Valdez did. Very much so.

Seconds after opening bell, the chants started, from a Desert Diamond Arena crowd of 7,102, which was populated by much of Nogales, a Mexican town south of Tucson where Valdez grew up.

Oscar, Oscar.

But the taller Wilson silenced them, at least for a few minutes. Wilson came out aggressively, trying to employ his advantage in height and reach with a long jab.

Initially, it worked. But Valdez quickly adjusted, almost as if he knew what was coming.

In the late seconds of the opening round, he slowed down Wilson with a couple of wicked body shots.

A more tentative Wilson came out for the second round. Valdez’ bodywork was an effective warning. Wilson’s forward progress stalled.

Valdez went on the attack, stepping inside and landing blows that appeared to bloody Wilson’s nose.

There was blood at his nostrils. In the third, however, there was also more aggression in the Aussie’s tactics.

Suddenly, he was willing to step inside and trade with Valdez. That, too left a mark, this time on Valdez. Suddenly there was swelling beneath his right eye.

But Wilson’s move inside proved to be his biggest mistake. That’s where Valdez is at his best. He brawls. He battles. The inside is his turf. By the fifth round, it was clear he had declared ownership of the bloody real estate.

In the seventh, he stunned a tiring Wilson with a big left hand. That was the beginning of the end.

“He caught me,’’ said Wilson (13-3, 7 KOs), who before opening bell vowed that he would knock out Valdez. Valdez saw Wilson stagger. Then, he capitalized, swarming him with punches. Wilson leaned on the ropes, looking defenseless.

Referee Mark Nelson had seen enough. He ended the fight at 2:48 of the with a stoppage that proved be a new beginning, another one, for Oscar Valdez Jr.

History; Made!

The build up to this fight was nothing short of fire works, as it should be. This one is for all the minimum weight belts (105llbs) and the chance to become the first ever Undisputed Women’s minimum weight champion. Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada 25-0(9KOs) out of East Los Angles, CA took on Yokasta Valle 30-2(9KOs) fighting out of San Jose, Costa Rica. Estrada having the WBC, WBA and Ring belts, and Valle with the WBO and IBF titles. 

In a surprise to most in the audience, Estrada was escorted to the ring by the phoenix and boxing legend Micheal Carbajal. Who is the fore father of boxing in Arizona with the linage of his talents some would say this is why boxing is here tonight. Another reason one would have to think is it mind games to have  the AZ fans on her side giving her one advantage.

Both fighters came in at a ready 104.2 lbs and ready to go at it. With the first round going a little less than exciting then the lead up. Valle came out of the round with a cut over her right eye from a accidental head butt. Estrada also did some work with landing some over hand rights to Valles head

Perhaps tasting blood estrada came out with more intensity looking to capitalize on the cut. Maybe a little too aggressive Estrada took some clean shots 

The third was the most exciting round of the night it is too bad that the rounds only last 2 minutes. Each fighter having their moments landing significant punches in a good ole fashion brawl. Picking up where they left off in the forth it was all action, estrada looking like the better boxer jabbing and moving and Valle the more of the power puncher. 

In the fifth round Valle once again proved to be the stronger fighter taking over as she stunned estrada with a right, left combo to the head. Valle did not let off the gas as she pressed estrada till the end of the round. After the mid way point of the fight estrada was still trying to out box her opponent but Valle had different plans landing some crowd pleasing punches. With a lot of fight in her, estrada landed a strong left hook of her own. 

The next following round were just unbelievable each fighter going back and forth with their best game plan Estrada with her boxing skill going to the body most often and Valle using her power against her. So far the crowd has been on their feet in the sold out Desert Diamond Arena. 

Round 9 seniesa came out with a little bull fighting antics, baiting Valle to come and fight. As the old saying goes mess with the bull, get the horns. Valle took her up on that and went after estrada, both going at until estrada went back to boxing. 

The 10^th and final round was nothing short of fireworks, from beginning to the end both leaving it all out in the ring. As the blood of Valle started to trickle down her face again but did not play a role in the fight, As it went to the score cards. With all 3 judges scoring it the same 97-93 in favor of “Super Bad” Seniesa Estrada becoming the first Undisputed Minimum Weight champion. 

This will be one the best women’s fights not only for the significance but the action inside the ring. They gave the fans a fight possible the fight of the night. —-DAVID GALAVIZ

Muratalla wins decision over Ndongeni in awkward fight

Skillset versus puzzle.

Raymond Muratalla, an unbeaten lightweight trained by Robert Garcia, had all the skill, enough of it to win a unanimous decision over South African Xolisani Ndongeni on the Valdez-Wilson car at Desert Diamond.

But Muratalla (20-0, 16 KOs) didn have an answer for Ndongeni’s mix of awkward athleticism and resilient energy. Muratalla just couldn’t finish him. He tried repeatedly, with head-rocking shots throughout the late rounds of a 10-rounder. 

But Ndongeni (31-5, 18 KOs)  answered each challenge with a wild hook, foot speed and — in the end — gestures that said he would not fall. Repeatedly, he shook his head at Muratalla. He lost, 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93. But, in the end, he survived.  

Delgado scores seventh-round KO

Lindolfo Delgado turned boos into cheers.

Delgado (20-0, 15 KOs), booed loudly for a dull performance in his last visit to Desert Diamond Arena about a year ago, brought the  crowd to its feet with a two-knockdown stoppage of fellow Mexican Carlos Sanchez (25-3, 19 KOs) on the Valdez-Wilson card.

In the fifth, Delgado knocked down Sanchez, his former teammate on the Mexican National Team, with a left-right combo. In the seventh, the former Mexican Olympian finished the job with a short hook to the chin that put Sanchez onto the canvas — flat on his face — for a knockout at 48 seconds of the seventh.

Richard Torrez goes to 9-0, all by KO

 Richard Torrez Jr. a fan-friendly heavyweight, says he doesn’t pursue knockouts.

Don’t tell that to his opponents.

There have been nine. Torrez (9-0, 9 KOs) stopped all of them. The latest was Don Haynesworth (18-9-1, 16 KOs), a North Carolina heavyweight who was finished within three minutes on an ESPN card featuring Oscar Valdez Jr. and Liam Wilson at Desert Diamond Arena. 

Torrez (9-0, 9 KOs), a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics, unleashed more than 20 successive punches at a whirlwind rate. It looked as if most of them landed. At 2:19 of the first, referee Raul Caiz had seen enough. He ended it, a TKO. 

“I go in there to box,” Torrez said. “If a punch lands, it lands, I landed a body punch and I could kind of hear the air go out of him.” 

Sergio the home town attraction earned a unanimous Decision 

In what was a tall order before the fight having been sandwich between 2 of the top prospects on Top Rank Emiliano Vargas and Olympian Richard Torres. Sergio “Checo” Rodriguez in his return to the Desert Diamond Arena as he took on Sanny Duversome 12-6-2 (1KO) of Avon Park, Florida. Sergio stated earlier in the week he wanted to give the fans that came early a show.

Looking calm as if he has done this before, as he walked to the ring greeting the fans with a smile on his face. From the opening bell the fans made it known who they came to see. In what was mostly a feel out round sergio made the most of what he could get landing some clean shot, more importantly he showcased his head movement and eluding his opponents punches. 

The next 2 rounds were much of the same, however at the end of the 3^rd round Checo landed a few combination while backing Sonny into the ropes and then throwing his combos. He landed the best of the night at that point a upper cut followed by a shot to the body that got the crowd back into the fight. 

In the fourth both fighters came out with more intensity, with Checo winning the exchanges. Landing another uppercut with the left Checo stunned sonny which led to him backing into the ropes and Checos continued punches. Once Sanny got his legs back he than gave Checo some of his one medicine. 

The fifth was Sanny’s best round in what was still not much action. He caught checo with a clean left to the face. As the fight went on the crowd started to get inpatient and started with the boos. The best action came in at the last 10 seconds of the fight with both fighters exchanging till the closing bell. It went to the judges score card with one having it 60-54, and other 2 scoring it 59-55 all for Sergio “Checo” Rodriguez improving his record to 11-0-1 (8Kos). This was a really good challenge for Sergio who proved that he can go the distance and show his ring IQ and not just knocking his opponents out. The future is bright for him and will be exciting.—DAVID GALAVIZ 

Emiliano Vargas wins shutout decision

There was no knockout, but there was a workman-like performance from lightweight prospect Emiliano Vargas, who did a little bit everything in an evolving skill set for a shutout decision over Nelson Hampton in the fourth fight on the Valdez-Wilson card at Desert Diamond.

Vargas (9-0, 7 KOs), wearing silver shoes as bright as his future, displayed agile feet, good head movement and solid combinations, especially to the body, in a thorough victory over six rounds.

Vargas, whose legendary dad — Fernando Vargas — was in his corner, appeared to hurt Hampton (10-9, 6 KOs), of McAllen TX, with a body shot in the sixth. But Hampton held on, taking the bout to the scorecards.

Kid Kansas impressive in Top Rank debut

Alan Garcia didn’t waste any time showing just why Top Rank signed him.

Garcia (12-0, 10 KOs), a lightweight nicknamed Kid Kansas, didn’t kid around, delivering a multi-punch combo that left Gonzalo Fuenzalida (12-4, 3 KOs), of Chile, exhausted and slumped along the ropes, a TKO loser at 1:58 of the second round in the third bout on the Valdez-Wilson card.

Art Barrera scores lethal, second-round KO

It was short.

And lethal

Art Barrera Jr., (4-0, 4 KOs, a Robert Garcia-trained junior-welterweight, unleashed a left hand that traveled a few inches, landed and dropped Keven Soto (5-2, 3 KOs), who was unconscious before he hit the canvas at 2:17 of the the second round in the second bout on the Valdez-Wilson card at Desert Diamond

First Bell: Knee injury forces TKO end to opener

There were empty seats and echoes. But there was nothing else ordinary about First Bell, the opening bout Friday on a card featuring Oscar Valdez versus Liam Wilson at Desert Diamond Arena.

It ended in a limp.

Avner Hernandez Molina had an iron chin, but a glass knee.

Molina (4-4), a stocky junior-welterweight from Mexico City, absorbed repeated right hands from a long, lanky Ricardo Ruvalcaba (11-0-1, 10 KOs), of Ventura, CA. But in the fifth round, he ducked a wide, looping attempt and suddenly came up lame. Immediately, he bent over and grabbed his right knee, his face twisted in  evident pain. He couldn’t continue. At 1:44 of the fifth,  the matinee bout was, Ruvalcaba a TKO winner because of a knee injury.

  •  Oscar Valdez 129.7 lbs. vs. Liam Wilson 129.6 lbs
(Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title – 12 Rounds)

   •  Seniesa Estrada 104.2 lbs vs. Yokasta Valle 104.3 lbs
(Undisputed Minimumweight World Championship  — 10 Rounds)

•  Raymond Muratalla 137.1 lbs vs. Xolisani Ndongeni 137.1 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 10 Rounds)

•  Lindolfo Delgado 140.7 lbs vs. Carlos Sanchez 140.4 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight— 10 Rounds)

•  Richard Torrez Jr. 236.6 lbs vs. Don Haynesworth 276.5 lbs
 (Heavyweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Sergio Rodriguez 163.9 lbs vs. Sanny Duversonne 163.7 lbs
 (Middleweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Emiliano Fernando Vargas 136.5 lbs vs. Nelson Hampton 136 lbs
 (Lightweight — 6 Rounds)

•   Alan Garcia 135.9 lbs vs. Gonzalo Fuenzalida 137.9 lbs
 (Lightweight — 8 Rounds)

•   Art Barrera Jr. 141.6 lbs vs. Keven Soto 139.7 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 4 Rounds)

•   Ricardo Ruvalcaba 140.9 lbs vs. Avner Hernandez Molina 140.6 lbs
 (Junior Welterweight — 6 Rounds)

PHOENIX (March 27, 2024) — Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) will lock horns against Australian former world title challenger Liam Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) for the WBO Interim junior lightweight world title this Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. 

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) will collide for the undisputed minimumweight crown.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. First bell is set for 6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT, and the co-feature will begin at approximately 11 p.m. ET/8 p.m. PT.

The undercard will feature rising contenders and prospects from the Top Rank stable, including lightweight Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (19-0, 16 KOs), who returns in a 10-rounder versus Xolisani Ndongeni (31-4, 18 KOs), and Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs), who will face compatriot Carlos Sanchez (25-2, 19 KOs) in a 10-round junior welterweight showdown.

Additionally, U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) looks to remain unbeaten in an eight-rounder against Don Haynesworth (18-8-1, 16 KOs), while lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs) takes on Nelson Hampton (10-8, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Phoenix-based Sergio Rodriguez (10-0-1, 8 KOs) will square off against Sanny Duversonne (12-6-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round middleweight tilt.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

At Wednesday’s press conference, this is what the fighters had to say.

Oscar Valdez

“I’m going to be ready. I was preparing myself for a world championship fight. Then we got the news that it’s now for an Interim title. So, I’m more than excited and prepared, and we’re going to show that.”

“I was taking this fight as seriously as a world championship fight. I know Liam Wilson. He’s a tough fighter. I was there when he fought Emanuel Navarrete, and he sent him to the canvas. So you better believe that I’m coming with everything because I’m expecting that same Liam Wilson.”

“Liam Wilson is a dangerous fighter. But that makes it more exciting. And the Interim title adds fuel to the fire. I’m very motivated, and I will do everything possible to win this fight.”

Liam Wilson

“Every fight for me now is a world title fight. So, I’ve prepared really hard for it. This is my second run at a world title. And I’ve shown in the past that if I can get a second run, I can be very dangerous. I’m very ready for this fight.”

“I’m glad he was there {for my fight against Navarrete}. The whole world saw what happened. I should have already become world champion. This fight between me and Valdez should have already happened. I won the belt that night. It wasn’t awarded to me. But that’s just the way things played out. But, we’re here now and we’re going to settle the score.”

“I’ve grown as a person. I’ve grown as a fighter. I’ve had a year to reassess my abilities. So, I’m better prepared now. It has all led to my second run at a title.”

Seniesa Estrada

“This means everything. This is something that I have been wanting for a long time. It’s something that my team and I have worked so hard for, so I’m not going to let this moment slip away.”

“For me it’s personal, but I’m still professional. I’m not trying to fight her on stage or anything. We had our back and forth. But the talk is over. It’s time for us to get in there.”

“Now it’s about women’s boxing. It’s about us getting in there on Friday night and putting on a great performance for everybody. And it’s about showing the world that women’s boxing is here, it’s on the rise, and we are great.”

Yokasta Valle

“For me, it would be a dream come true to make history for women, for boxing. I’m more than enthusiastic for this week, and I’m looking forward to it.”

“On my end, it’s been professional. That’s the way I see it. I’ve trained hard for a great fight. This isn’t personal. I respect her as the champion that she is. And in the ring, we will see who is the real champion.”

Raymond Muratalla

“These last two fights have been impressive. I believe I’m ready for that title shot.”
“Come Friday, it’s going to amazing in Arizona. I can’t wait to put on a show. I can’t wait to feed off the crowd.”

Lindolfo Delgado

“I’m on a mission with myself to be the best version of myself. I haven’t reached that version yet. So, I have to push myself each time, and for that, I have to get better with each fight, not worse. I have to keep moving forward to try and improve with each camp and each fight.”

“He’s a good fighter, and we know him as he was a teammate of mine on the Mexican national team. We went to different places to compete. But now this is a totally different thing. We’re concentrated and we’re prepared. We know it’s going to be a hard fight, but we’re prepared.”

Richard Torrez Jr.

“Every time, you’re just trying to get better from your previous self. And do I think I’m getting better from my previous self.”

“It’s really hard for me to picture the long-term plan. Because I have so many short-term goals in front of me. So, I just want to keep winning. Whatever Top Rank has in store, it’s up to them and my dad. On my end, I will get through any obstacle.”

Sergio Rodriguez

“This is what I want to do, and I want to continue to do it as long as I can.”

“I want to put on another great performance. Even if it’s not a knockout, I want my people to be happy with my fight.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“I want to dominate. There’s something about Arizona fans. It’s something special about here. I’m young. I’m hungry. I know where I’m supposed to be. I just want to be great. That’s all I want to do.”

“I’m just grateful to have this support system behind me. This sport gets lonely. If I’m cutting weight, if I’m doing my miles, I’m calling my brothers and saying, ‘Come run with me!’ It doesn’t matter if it’s 12 in the morning, if it’s one in the morning, if it’s two in the morning. That’s my support. That’s my backbone. If they’re throwing four punches on the bag, I’m throwing six, and that’s how we’ve always been.”

Friday, March 29

FIRST BELL: ESPN+ (6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT)
 

Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson, 12 rounds, Vacant WBO Interim Junior Lightweight World Title

Raymond Muratalla vs. Xolisani Ndongeni 10 rounds, Lightweight

Lindolfo Delgado vs. Carlos Sanchez, 10 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Don Haynesworth, 8 rounds, Heavyweight 
 
Sergio Rodriguez vs. Sanny Duversonne, 6 rounds, Middleweight
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Nelson Hampton, 6 rounds, Lightweight
 
Alan Garcia vs. Gonzalo Fuenzalida, 6 rounds, Lightweight

Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Avner Hernandez-Molina, 6 rounds, Junior Welterweight

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Valdez vs. Wilson & Estrada vs. Valle will be presented live this Friday, March 29, at approximately 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

In the 12-round junior lightweight main event, Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez will face Australian former world title challenger Liam Wilson.

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs), the fighting pride of Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he won world titles in two weight classes. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição in 2021, Valdez suffered his first pro loss in a unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in 2022. He bounced back with a decision victory in a rematch against Adam Lopez in May 2023 before suffering a points loss against Emanuel Navarrete last August. 

Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who made his U.S. debut versus Navarrete for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title last February. Wilson dropped Navarrete and almost scored the upset in the fourth round before being stopped in the ninth. He rebounded with triumphs over Carlos Alanis last August and Jackson Jon England in December. 

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle will collide in a highly anticipated showdown to crown the first-ever undisputed minimumweight champion.

Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) is a 13-year pro and two-weight world champion. She signed with Top Rank in 2022 and shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino in November of that year. In 2023, she picked up the WBC strap against the previously unbeaten Tina Rupprecht in March and retained her unified titles with a points verdict over Leonela Yudica in July.

Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) seized the vacant IBF atomweight world title by overcoming Ana Victoria Polo in 2016. After an unsuccessful bid for the WBO light flyweight title against Naoko Fujioka in 2017 and an interim title loss to Rupprecht in 2018, she snatched the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a win over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in 2022 and has since defended her unified crown four times, including a decision over Anabel Ortiz in November.

The undercard begins at 6:10 p.m. ET/ 3:10 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna. 

ESPN.com

Valdez’s Quest to be a Three-Division Champ, and become a Mexican Great

Original Program: Talk That Talk” Seniesa vs. Valle

Ahead of the blockbuster Top Rank event on March 29, ESPN will air the original program: Talk That Talk: Seniesa vs. Valle. Hosted by Crystina Poncher, the 30-minute all-access preview debuts ahead of one of the most heated world title bouts of the year. Fight fans will hear both athletes sound off in a verbal war ahead of the Undisputed Minimumweight Championship between undefeated WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) and unified IBF/WBO queen Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs). A two-division world champion proudly representing East Los Angeles, Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada is aiming to deliver the undisputed world title to her Mexican-American fans while Valle, the three-division world titlist from Costa Rica, is seeking to extend her winning streak to 18.

 Talk That Talk: Seniesa vs. Valle  (All Times ET)

*Also available for On-Demand Replay in the ESPN App

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Valdez vs. Wilson(All Times ET)

About ESPN

GLENDALE, Ariz. (March 26, 2024) — The stakes have just gotten higher.

When Oscar Valdez and Liam Wilson face off this Friday at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, the vacant WBO Interim junior lightweight world title will now be on the line. The Interim title became available after the current champion, Emanuel Navarrete, elected to fight Denys Berinchyk for the vacant WBO lightweight world title on Saturday, May 18 in San Diego, California.

Per the WBO, “If Navarrete is successful in winning the vacant WBO Lightweight championship and determines to retain the WBO Lightweight championship, the WBO Jr. Lightweight Interim champion shall be elevated to ‘Full Champion’ status…”

In Friday’s co-feature, an undisputed minimumweight queen will be crowned, as WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF queen Yokasta Valle battle to unify all the belts.

Valdez-Wilson, Estrada Valle, and a loaded undercard will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.

“This not only promises to be a sensational fight, but with the WBO Interim title on the line, the winner will have tremendous opportunities in a loaded weight class,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (March 20, 2024) — Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado is ready to enter the junior welterweight title picture.

Delgado will return in a 10-rounder against compatriot Carlos “El Tiburon” Sanchez on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Delgado-Sanchez will be featured on the undercard of the 12-round junior lightweight main event between former two-weight world champion Oscar Valdez and one-time world title challenger Liam Wilson.

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle will collide in a highly anticipated showdown for the undisputed minimumweight crown.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs) transitioned from prospect to contender in August 2022 with an upset decision win over then-unbeaten knockout artist Omar Aguilar. Delgado continued his momentum in 2023, with points victories over Clarence Booth in February and Jair Valtierra in August. He then blasted out Luis Hernandez in four rounds in November. The Booth and Valtierra fights took place at Desert Diamond Arena, where Delgado aims to shine once more. Sanchez (25-2, 19 KOs) is a former amateur standout from Mexico whose only setbacks have been to Pedro Campa and Steve Claggett. Sanchez, who used to train and spar with Delgado, heads into this assignment coming off a decision over Carlos Diaz in December.

Following a recent training session at Robert Garcia Boxing Academy, this is what Delgado had to say:

“Carlos Sanchez is a very good fighter. I’ve known him since we were kids because he would fight in the national Olympics as well. He’s a strong fighter. I remember a lot about him because we used to train together. And we used to spar together. The sparring was really good. It was always competitive. You never knew who would come out on top in our sparring. So, I think it’s going to be a really good fight.” 

“I’ve been working on myself. Like in every fight, I always try to improve myself. I don’t focus too much on my opponents. I try to improve anything I feel that needs work. So I’m working on moving in the ring better, moving my waist, and connecting punches with more power and with more accuracy.”

“Fans can expect a really good fight like always. You’re going to see a Lindolfo Delgado who is very prepared and concentrated. We’re working very hard. And I want to look better in every fight, so if I looked good in my last fight, I’m going to look even better in this one!”

Top Rank Boxing on ESPN presented by AutoZone: Valdez vs. Wilson/Estrada vs. Valle will be presented live Friday, March 29, at approximately 11 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. PT exclusively on ESPN+. The event takes place at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

In the 12-round junior lightweight main event, Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez will face Australian former world title challenger Liam Wilson.

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs), the fighting pride of Nogales, represented Mexico at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he won world titles in two weight classes. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição in 2021, Valdez suffered his first pro loss in a unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in 2022. He bounced back with a decision victory in a rematch against Adam Lopez in May 2023 before suffering a points loss against Emanuel Navarrete last August.

Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who made his U.S. debut versus Navarrete for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title last February. Wilson dropped Navarrete and almost scored the upset in the fourth round before being stopped in the ninth. He rebounded with triumphs over Carlos Alanis last August and Jackson Jon England in December.

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle will collide in a highly anticipated showdown to crown the first-ever undisputed minimumweight champion.

Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) is a 13-year pro and two-weight world champion. She signed with Top Rank in 2022 and shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino in November of that year. In 2023, she picked up the WBC strap against the previously unbeaten Tina Rupprecht in March and retained her unified titles with a points verdict over Leonela Yudica in July.

Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) seized the vacant IBF atomweight world title by overcoming Ana Victoria Polo in 2016. After an unsuccessful bid for the WBO light flyweight title against Naoko Fujioka in 2017 and an interim title loss to Rupprecht in 2018, she snatched the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a win over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in 2022 and has since defended her unified crown four times, including a decision over Anabel Ortiz in November.

Undercard action begins at 6:10 p.m. ET/ 3:10 p.m. PT.

Calling the action will be Hall of Famer, Timothy Bradley, Jr., Mark Kriegel, and Bernardo Osuna.

Original Program: Talk That Talk” Seniesa vs. Valle

Ahead of the blockbuster Top Rank event on March 29, ESPN will air the original program: Talk That Talk: Seniesa vs. Valle. Hosted by Crystina Poncher, the 30-minute all-access preview debuts ahead of one of the most heated world title bouts of the year. Fight fans will hear both athletes sound off in a verbal war ahead of the Undisputed Minimumweight Championship between undefeated WBA/WBC/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) and unified IBF/WBO queen Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs). A two-division world champion proudly representing East Los Angeles, Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada is aiming to deliver the undisputed world title to her Mexican-American fans while Valle, the three-division world titlist from Costa Rica, is seeking to extend her winning streak to 18.

Talk That Talk: Seniesa vs. Valle (All Times ET)

Date
Network
Time
Sat., Mar 23
ESPN2
6:30 a.m.
Sun., Mar 24
ESPN2
6:00 a.m.
Mon., Mar 25

ESPN2
1:30 a.m.
Thu., Mar 28

ESPNEWS
12:00 a.m.
3:00 a.m.
Fri., Mar 29

ESPN2
2:00 a.m.
ESPNEWS
9:30 a.m.
*Also available for On-Demand Replay in the ESPN App

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Valdez vs. Wilson(All Times ET)

Date
Time
Event
Fights
Title
Platform
Wed. Mar 27
4:00 p.m.

Main Card Press Conference

ESPN+

Thu. Mar 28
4:00 p.m.

Weigh-in

Fri. Mar 29
11:00 p.m.
(estimated time)

Main

Oscar Valdez vs. Liam Wilson

Co-Feature
Seniesa Estrada (C) vs. Yokasta Valle (C) (Undisputed) WBA/WBC, IBF/WBO Minimumweight
6:10 p.m.
Feature
Raymond Muratalla vs. Xolisani Ndongeni

Undercard
Lindolfo Delgado vs. Carlos Sanchez
Undercard
Richard Torrez Jr. vs. Don Haynesworth
Undercard
Sergio Rodriguez vs. Sanny Duversonne
Undercard
Emiliano Fernando Vargas vs. Nelson Hampton
Undercard
Alan Garcia vs. Gonzalo Fuenzalida
Undercard
Art Barrera Jr. vs. Keven Soto
Undercard
Ricardo Ruvalcaba vs. Avner Hernandez Molina

LOS ANGELES (March 18, 2024) — WBO/IBF minimumweight world champion Yokasta Valle wants to make history for Costa Rica, but standing in her way is a fellow pound-for-pound queen for whom this rivalry has become personal. 

Valle will face WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada in a highly anticipated undisputed minimumweight showdown on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Estrada-Valle will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round junior lightweight main event between former two-weight world champion Oscar Valdez and one-time world title challenger Liam Wilson.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) claimed the vacant IBF atomweight world title by defeating Ana Victoria Polo in December 2016. Nearly three years later, she moved up and snatched the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in August 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a victory over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in September 2022. Since then, she has successfully defended her unified crown four times, including a decision win over Anabel Ortiz in November. Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), a 13-year pro and two-weight world champion, looks to end a longstanding rivalry by fully unifying the division.

Following a recent training session at Wild Card Boxing Club, this is what Valle had to say:

“This fight is very important because becoming undisputed champion is a dream of mine and because I’d be making history for Costa Rica and for all Latinos. It’s also important because of the many years of effort in putting women’s boxing where it is now.”

“If she’s not concentrated on this fight and is thinking about other things that have nothing to do with it, then it can be to my advantage. If when she steps into the ring she’s thinking about my trainer or about something else, then I feel she will be distracted.”

“You will see the best version of me in this fight. I’m aggressive, and I’m a warrior. When the bell rings, I like to throw lots of punches. So you will see a Yokasta who is very aggressive and who will throw lots of punches, to the point where she won’t know where they are coming from!”

“My coach {Gloria Alvarado} knows her really well. But aside from that, I have an advantage because she is also an excellent trainer. It’s because of that and not because she’s known her since she was a kid. She knows how to work with me. We have a great connection.”

EAST LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 13, 2024) —Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada understands the stakes as she approaches the biggest fight of her career. The WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion is one victory away from becoming the undisputed champion, one of the few accolades she has yet to achieve during a decorated 13-year professional career.

Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), from East Los Angeles, will face longtime rival Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs), the reigning IBF and WBO champion, on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. The undisputed showdown and clash of pound-for-pound queens will serve as the co-feature to the 12-round junior lightweight main event between former two-weight world champion Oscar Valdez and one-time world title challenger Liam Wilson.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.

Estrada and Valle have engaged in a verbal back and forth on social media over the years, which carried over to last month’s announcement press conference in Las Vegas. Valle’s trainer, Gloria Alvarado, trained Estrada as an amateur. Valle’s current promoter, Golden Boy Promotions, guided Estrada for several years. Despite a shared history, the rivalry is anything but friendly. 

Following a recent training session, this is what Estrada had to say:

“Becoming an undisputed champion is something I’ve been chasing and wanting for a very long time. I can’t wait for March 29.”

“You can’t let any of the emotions or anger from the past get to you. I’ve been in fights before where I was able to experience that. In my fight with Marlen Esparza, there was a huge rivalry between us. It all came down to who was going to stay mentally focused and stick to the game plan with all the tension leading up to the fight. This fight means even more because it’s for undisputed.”

“{During the kickoff press conference}, I was there for business. I wasn’t there to be friendly. This is the biggest fight of both of our careers. In all her interviews and Tweets, she always said I was ducking and afraid to fight her. But during the faceoff, I didn’t hear her say any of that, so that wasn’t expected.”

“I know I want this more than she does. I know she’s going to go in there and put up the fight of her life. And she wants it badly, too, but I want it more. I’ve been doing this since I was 8 years old.”

“Undisputed is in my head all day, from when I wake up in the morning until I go to bed. All day long, whether I’m driving or at the gym, undisputed is on my mind 24/7. That’s the way it has to be. You have to live, think, and breathe undisputed until my hands are raised and those belts are around me on March 29.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Feb. 16, 2024) — Unbeaten junior welterweight Lindolfo Delgado, a 2016 Mexican Olympian and one of his nation’s fastest-rising contenders, is set to make his 2024 debut. Delgado will face countryman Carlos “El Tiburon” Sanchez in a 10-round special attraction Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.
 
Delgado-Sanchez is added to a loaded card that features Oscar Valdez against Liam Wilson in the 10-round main event and the undisputed, 12-round minimumweight world title showdown between WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF queen Yokasta Valle.
 
The entire card will stream live and exclusively in the United States on ESPN+.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com.
 
Delgado said, “With every fight, we continue to get better. We train thoroughly in each camp so that I can give the very best of myself in the ring and move closer to a world title. 2024 is going to be a big year, and I can’t wait to perform in front of the great Arizona fans.”
 
Delgado (19-0, 14 KOs) graduated from prospect to contender in August 2022 when he upset the previously unbeaten knockout artist Omar Aguilar by unanimous decision. That eight-round firefight ranked among the year’s best slugfests, and Delgado carried his momentum into 2023. He went 3-0 last year, dominating Clarence Booth over eight one-sided rounds in February, nearly shutting out Jair Valtierra over 10 rounds in August, and starching Luis Hernandez in four rounds in November. The Booth and Valtierra fights took place at Desert Diamond Arena, and Delgado hopes to impress once more.
 
Sanchez (25-2, 19 KOs) is an eight-year pro who has only been stopped once. Last September, he dropped a 10-round decision to Canadian standout Steve Claggett in Gatineau, Canada. Three months later, he got back on the winning track with an eight-round points verdict over Carlos Diaz.

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 7, 2024) —WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine minimumweight world champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs) and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) went face to face for the first time Wednesday in Las Vegas. Their long-simmering feud will be settled Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, as the division’s first-ever undisputed champion will be crowned in the evening’s co-feature.

In the main event, Mexican former two-division world champion Oscar Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs) will face Australian former world title challenger Liam Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) in a 10-round junior lightweight battle.

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

The undercard will feature the return of lightweight phenom Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs) in a six-rounder.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets are on sale NOW via Ticketmaster.com.

This is what the fighters, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum, and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya, promoter of Valle, had to say.

Bob Arum

“This is one of the best fight cards of the year. Really great, talented fighters, very competitive fights. I really think the fans have a real treat in store, particularly those people living in Glendale, Arizona, and the vicinity because they are really rabid fight fans. They’ll turn out like they have before. We expect a full house on March 29.”

Oscar De La Hoya

“It’s great to be working with Bob Arum and Top Rank and making fights happen. I think this fight here was a fight that had to happen. I believe there’s a lot of animosity between the fighters. There’s a lot of competition, and the titles are at stake. History is at stake. Once again, Bob is making history. Bob continues to gives us the best fights, the best events. All I want to do is be like Bob when I grow up. I’m really happy to work with Bob and make this fight happen because the fans deserve it.”

Seniesa Estrada

“It’s not personal for her, but it’s personal for me for many reasons. I’m competitive. I’m hungry to become undisputed. This is the fight that I’ve been trying to make and wanting to make since I was with Golden Boy Promotions around the time they first signed me. I wanted to make this fight happen because I wanted to become undisputed. So, I’m just excited and fuc*ing hungry to become undisputed. I can’t wait for March 29!”

“It’s clear that I was promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. And Valle is always saying in interviews that I was ducking and running from her, which is completely false because there’s never been any effort from her side to make the fight happen. It’s always been from my side since the beginning. I told Golden Boy Promotions about her. That’s how they knew about her. So, I wanted it from the start.”

Yokasta Valle

“Champion versus champion. This is nothing personal. I just want to be a champion. I want to be undisputed. Seniesa has two titles. That’s what I’m looking for. Not her. Simply the world titles is what I’m looking for. That’s what I’ve been working towards for many years. Working hard, moving up divisions. 108, 105 pounds. All to become undisputed, and we’re one step away. We’re here, and I’m excited.”

“I visualize all of my fights, from the music I’m going to have, all the people screaming. And, God willing, all that’s left after that is for them to say, ‘And new undisputed champion, Yokasta Valle from Costa Rica.'”

Oscar Valdez

“I feel blessed to be on this card with these amazing fighters sitting next to me. I feel that I’m on their card. I feel like that’s the main event. It’s going to be a tremendous fight.”

“I definitely learned a lot from my last fight {a decision loss to Emanuel Navarrete}. We made mistakes in the ring. Sometimes, we go in with a game plan. Sometimes, that game plan doesn’t work.”

“I’m trying to become a world champion {again}. That’s every fighter’s dream. Of course he’s taking this fight seriously. So am I…. I respect Liam Wilson as a fighter and as a person. But inside that ring, I’m going to try to knock his head off. I’m going to do my best to win the fight and just win because I know winning this fight will get me closer to a world title shot. I really, really miss being a world champion.”

Emiliano Fernando Vargas

“A kid can dream, and with hard work, they come to fruition. So, I’m very, very grateful to be here. This is another opportunity on March 29 to showcase my skills in front of all my beautiful fans in Glendale, Arizona. Fight by fight, we’ll get there.”

GLENDALE, Ariz. (Jan. 30, 2024) — A historic doubleheader awaits, as a former two-division world champion will make his ring return in familiar territory and an undisputed four-belt queen will be crowned for the first time in the minimumweight division. 

Mexican warrior Oscar Valdez will face Australian former world title challenger Liam Wilson in a special 10-round junior lightweight attraction on Friday, March 29 at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona. Valdez, making his seventh appearance in the Grand Canyon State, joins Wilson in seeking redemption in the arena that hosted their last defeats. 

In the co-feature, WBC/WBA/Ring Magazine champion Seniesa “Super Bad” Estrada and WBO/IBF ruler Yokasta Valle collide in a highly anticipated showdown for the undisputed minimumweight crown. The prolonged war of words between the two world champs will culminate in a milestone 12-round fight presented in association with Golden Boy Promotions and MarvNation Promotions. 

Valdez-Wilson & Estrada-Valle headline a stacked card streaming live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+.

Promoted by Top Rank, in association with No Limit Boxing, tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 2 at 10 a.m. MST via Ticketmaster.com.

“The Arizona fight fans are passionate and knowledgeable, and we have an incredible event in store at Desert Diamond Arena,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “Oscar Valdez is the consummate Mexican fighter, and he is facing a skilled, all-action Aussie in Liam Wilson. The undisputed title fight featuring two of the sport’s most skilled women is main event-worthy as well. There is no love lost between Seniesa and Yokasta, a long-standing rivalry that promises to deliver in the ring.”

Valdez (31-2, 23 KOs), the fighting pride of Nogales, represented his country at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. As a pro, he won world titles in two weight classes, defeating Matias Rueda to capture the WBO featherweight title in 2016 and knocking out Miguel Berchelt in February 2021 to earn the WBC junior lightweight strap. After a competitive fight against Olympic gold medalist Robson Conceição later that year, Valdez suffered his first pro loss in a unification battle against Shakur Stevenson in April 2022. He bounced back with a decision victory in a rematch against Adam Lopez in May 2023 before suffering a points loss against Emanuel Navarrete at Desert Diamond Arena last August. 

Valdez said, “This fight against Liam Wilson means everything to me. It’s every boxer’s dream to become a world champion, so I have to get past this challenge so I can fight for a world title again. I respect Liam Wilson, but in the ring, I’m going to do everything possible to walk away victorious.”

Wilson (13-2, 7 KOs) is a five-year pro who went 9-0 before his first defeat against Joe Noynay in July 2021. He avenged the loss by knocking out Noynay in March 2022. Three months later, he delivered Rueda his first setback since the Valdez encounter. Wilson then made his U.S. debut versus Navarrete for the vacant WBO junior lightweight title last February at Desert Diamond Arena. Wilson dropped Navarrete and almost scored the upset in the fourth round before being stopped in the ninth. He rebounded with triumphs over Carlos Alanis in August and Jackson Jon England in December. 

Wilson said, “Valdez is exactly the fight I wanted and deserve after what I went through against Navarrete. The history books show that he beat both of us last year, but this time around we won’t need the officials. Valdez is a good fighter, a tough man, but after what I’ve been through already and what I plan on bringing, I believe he’s going to regret taking this fight.”

Estrada (25-0, 9 KOs), a world-class fighter across three weight divisions, claimed an interim flyweight title against Olympic bronze medalist Marlen Esparza in a 2019 bout that was contested with 10 three-minute rounds. Two years later, she secured the WBA minimumweight and WBO light flyweight belts, defeating Anabel Ortiz and Tenkai Tsunami. Estrada vacated her light flyweight title to pursue undisputed glory at minimumweight. She signed with Top Rank in 2022, and following an 11-month layoff, shut out Jazmin Gala Villarino in November of that year. In 2023, she picked up the WBC strap against the previously unbeaten Tina Rupprecht in March and retained her unified titles with a points verdict over Leonela Yudica in July.

“Yokasta is not on my level and undeservingly carried those belts for too long,” Estrada said. “Yokasta, her promoter, and her trainer have had a lot to say. On March 29, I’m going to shut them all up. I’m leaving Arizona with all the belts and will continue to prove why I’m a pound-for-pound champion.”

Valle (30-2, 9 KOs) seized the vacant IBF atomweight world title by overcoming Ana Victoria Polo in December 2016. After an unsuccessful bid for the WBO light flyweight title against Naoko Fujioka in December 2017 and an interim title loss to Rupprecht in June 2018, she snatched the IBF minimumweight world title from Joana Pastrana in August 2019. Valle added the WBO title to her collection with a win over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen in September 2022 and has since defended her unified crown four times, including a decision over Ortiz in November.

Valle said, “I am over the moon that Seniesa finally said yes to this big fight. In reality, she had no other option because we chased after her so much. She had no alternative but to face me because the great fans of this sport demanded this fight. Boxing fans can expect a great fight. Once I get into the ring, I am going to give the performance of a lifetime.”

The undercard will feature a host of unbeaten contenders and rising prospects, five of whom made appearances at Desert Diamond Arena last year.

Lightweight contender Raymond “Danger” Muratalla (19-0, 16 KOs) will fight Argentina’s Agustin Ezequiel Quintana (19-2-1, 13 KOs) in a 10-rounder. A seven-year pro, Muratalla put the division on notice last year with three stellar performances. He stopped Humberto Galindo with a body shot in March, handed Jeremia Nakathila his first TKO loss in May, and stopped then-unbeaten Diego Torres in eight rounds in November.

U.S. Olympic silver medalist Richard Torrez Jr. (8-0, 8 KOs) will look to retain his 100 percent knockout ratio in a scheduled eight-round tilt against Don Haynesworth (18-8-1, 16 KOs). The rising heavyweight earned first-round stoppage victories over James Bryant in February and Willie Jake Jr. in August and a second-round TKO over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon in October. Torrez vanquished veteran Curtis Harper via eighth-round TKO in December. 

Lightweight prodigy Emiliano Fernando Vargas (8-0, 7 KOs), the youngest son of former world champion Fernando Vargas, will lock horns with Nelson Hampton (10-8, 6 KOs) in a six-rounder. Vargas went 6-0 with five knockouts last year, including a second-round knockout against Brandon Mendoza in November.

Phoenix native Sergio Rodriguez (10-0-1, 8 KOs) will take on Sanny Duversonne (12-6-2, 9 KOs) in a six-round middleweight contest. 

Ricardo Ruvalcaba (11-0-1, 9 KOs) will see action in a six-round junior welterweight fight.

LAS VEGAS, NV (October 16, 2023) – Undefeated welterweight sensation Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin (13-0, 12 KOs), is set to make his broadcast debut on November 4, 2023, live from the Polideportivo de Cartago in Costa Rica. Golden Boy Promotions will lead the charge in presenting all the electrifying action, streaming live on DAZN. In a highly anticipated 8-round co-main event bout, Griffin will square off against Nicaraguan slugger Noberto Casco (7-1, 5 KOs). The 10-round main event will feature a unified IBF and WBO minimumweight world title bout between Yokasta Valle (29-2, 9 KOs) and Anabel Ortiz (33-5, 4 KOs).

Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee, and currently residing in Las Vegas, NV, Griffin, a promotional free agent, has rapidly gained respect holding his own while sparring some of the best boxers in the world. His journey to this broadcast debut has been marked by a lot of sacrifice, faith, and hard work.

“I’ve been preparing for this moment since I was 8-years old.” said Griffin as he shared his excitement about this significant milestone in his career. “I can’t wait to step into the ring in Costa Rica and show the fans who I really am and what I’m about. I’m hungry and eager to leave my legacy in the world of boxing. It’s not on me, it’s in me and I’m up for this challenge. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’m ready to put on a show for the fans.”

“Avious brings a lot of heart and soul to the ring, and this moment represents a turning point in his career,” said Brandon Stump, President of CTB Athletics, Griffin’s manager. “He’s worked tirelessly to get here, and we’re grateful to Golden Boy Promotions and DAZN for giving us this opportunity. Avious is ready to make his mark, and the welterweight division, as well as everyone watching, are about to witness something special.”

Training at the world-renowned Mayweather Boxing Club under the guidance of Coach Bullet, Griffin, who has resurrected his career after being wrongly accused of murder, has honed his skills and prepared for this pivotal moment in his career. The addition of well-known strength and conditioning coach Larry Wade has further elevated his physical and mental preparation.

Known for his devastating knockout power, Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin is primed to captivate audiences and is ready to dazzle in his broadcast debut while showcasing his talents on the global stage.

CARTAGO, COSTA RICA (October 13, 2023) – Unified IBF and WBO Minimumweight World Champion Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (29-2, 9 KOs) will return to her home country of Costa Rica to defend her world titles against former two-time World Champion of Mexico City, Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (33-5, 4 KOs) in a 10-round match. The world championship event is scheduled to headline the Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN show on Saturday, November 4, live from the Polideportivo de Cartago in Costa Rica and broadcast on DAZN. 

In a quick turnaround, Yokasta Valle will be returning to the ring after a well-fought unanimous decision victory against Maria Santizo last September 16. Valle has made eight successful defenses of her IBF belt and her fight against Ortiz will mark her third defense as a unified champion. 

“I feel extremely happy to defend my titles again in my home country of Costa Rica with my people who I know are anxiously waiting for my return to fight,” said Yokasta Valle. “To know that I will hear them scream ‘Yoka! Yoka! Yoka!’ motivates me even more. This fight will not be the exception, especially fighting against a Mexican boxer who will enter the ring aggressively. Anabel Ortiz is a great fighter who I highly respect. I’ve been waiting to fight her for years, she is a former world champion with a lot of experience, she has defended her titles many times, and she has the desire to become World Champion yet again. I am ready for November 4!” 

Former Champion Anabel Ortiz held the WBA World Minimumweight World Title several years and made 12 successful title defenses. She was last seen in October 2022 also against Maria Santizo on a Golden Boy Fight Night card. 

“I am really happy to fight in another country, Costa Rica, the home of a highly respected World Champion,” said Anabel Ortiz. “I was surprised and full of enthusiasm when I received the news that I would be fighting Yokasta. It’s been a year since I’ve been able to fight, and there’s nothing more motivating than knowing you have an opportunity to fight a world championship.” 

More information on the undercard will be announced in the coming weeks. 

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.

LOS ANGELES, CA (August 9, 2023) – Three-division and five-time world champion Yokasta Valle (28-2, 9 KOs) will make her grand 2023 return to U.S. soil after selling out stadiums in her native Costa Rica and will defend her IBF and WBO Minimumweight World Championship titles against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. Nicaraguan-born and Costa Rican-raised, Valle will participate in a 10-round match as part of the Zepeda vs. Gesta fight card. A guaranteed barn burner of a main event, William “El Camarón” Zepeda (28-0, 24 KOs) will defend his WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title in a 12-round match against Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta (34-3-3, 17 KOs). The co-main event will also produce fireworks for the illustrious Mexican Independence Weekend with Vancouver’s Victor “El Tornado” Morales (18-0-1, 9 KOs) scheduled to defend his WBA Intercontinental Featherweight Title against Mexico City’s Edwin “Pupo” Palomares (18-4-2, 9 KOs) in a 10-round fight.

Doors to The Commerce Casino & Hotel open at 2:30 p.m. PT, The Golden Boy Fight Night: Zepeda vs. Gesta Prelims on YouTube and Facebook Watch begin at 2:30 p.m. PT, and the DAZN broadcast will begin at 5:00 p.m. PT/ 8:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Zepeda vs. Gesta are on-sale today, Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 10:00 am PT and are priced at $150, $100, $75, and $50 plus applicable fees. A limited amount of Golden Boy VIP Experience seats will also be available for purchase with exclusive merchandise and fight night upgrades included. Standard and VIP tickets can be purchased at GoldenBoyPromotions.com.

The undercard has been stacked from head-to-toe with Golden Boy’s must-watch prospects and soon-to-become contenders. Houston, Texas’ Darius “DFG” Fulghum (6-0, 6 KOs) will look to continue his knockout streak in an eight-round light heavyweight fight against Mexico City’s Ricardo “Tyson” Luna (25-10-2, 16 KOs). Fulghum will be leveling up after breezing through a third-round technical knockout victory against Jeremiah Curtright last April 29.

Opening the DAZN broadcast with eight-rounds of middleweight action, recently signed Eric Priest (10-0, 7 KOs) who represents Wichita Falls, Texas and is now under the tutelage of world championship trainer Ismael Salas, will face off against Danish-born Simon “Vikingo” Madsen (13-1, 10 KOs) who now calls Mexico City home. Priest is returning to the ring after a slugfest last May 27 against Argentinian Ricardo Villalba. Madsen’s second professional fight in the U.S., he will be looking for redemption after his first go-around in the States didn’t go according to plan.

On the The Golden Boy Fight Night: Zepeda vs. Gesta Prelims streamed on YouTube and Facebook Watch, Daniel “Junebug” Garcia (6-0, 5 KOs) of Denver, Colorado will fight Guadalajara, Mexico’s Erick “Aidahoe” Benitez (4-4, 1 KO) in a four-round super featherweight match. In a six-round super lightweight fight, Mexicali, Mexico’s Pinpon Reyes (10-0, 5 KOs) will measure up against Roberto Gomez (5-1, 5 KOs) of Mexico City.

Recently signed to Golden Boy, Mexican Olympian Gael Cabrera (1-0, 1 KO) of Sonora, Mexico will participate in a four-round super bantamweight fight. Making his pro-debut and opening Mexican Independence Day Weekend festivities, Jordan Cervantes of East Los Angeles will participate in a four-round lightweight fight. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

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Zepeda vs. Gesta is a 12-round fight for the WBA Continental Americas Lightweight Title presented by Golden Boy Promotions. The fight is sponsored by Betonline, “BetOnline, Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The event will be available worldwide to all subscribers on DAZN, both live and on demand.

Media interested in applying for a media credential can submit their request at https://forms.gle/ftJEyQUyfYavLyDM8. Credentials are due EOD, September 12.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (December 9, 2022): Boxing’s most active female world champion representing Nicaragua by way of Costa Rica, Yokasta Valle (27-2, 9 KOs), has decided to pursue making history in the female 105-pound division and hold on to her IBF and WBO World Minimum Championship Belts. Valle will relinquish her hard-fought WBO and IBF World Titles that were recently secured against Evelin Bermudez on November 26, 2022.

“Our team had a clear objective to unify titles in the 105-pound division,” said Yokasta Valle. “We were given the opportunity to go up to the 108-pound division and we decided to take it. However, we know in our hearts what we want to do – plus Seniesa Estrada said no one wanted to fight her. So, I have decided to stay in the 105-pound division so I can prove her wrong and give her a real fight in her career.”

Yokasta Valle has made a mark in female boxing not only in Costa Rica, but in Central America and beyond. As the most active World Champion of 2022, she fought four times including two title defenses of the IBF World Minimumweight Title, a successful unification match of the WBO and IBF Minimumweight championship titles, and a victory shot for the Light Flyweight WBO and IBF World Titles. She is poised to make a mark in boxing with her charisma to become a unified champ.

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For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter @GoldenBoyBoxing. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoy. Follow on Instagram @GoldenBoy.

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.

Los Angeles, CA (November 1, 2022) An outstanding Pay-Per-View undercard has been announced for ‘Battle of the Best’ headlined by the highly anticipated WBC Super Lightweight Championship between #1 Ranked Jose ‘Chon’ Zepeda (35-2, 27 KOs) and #2 Ranked Regis ‘Rougarou’ Prograis (27-1, 23 KO’s), set for Saturday, November 26 and emanating from ‘The War Grounds’, Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, CA, just outside of Los Angeles, CA.

Presented and produced by Legendz Entertainment in association with Marv Nation, tickets for ‘Battle of the Best’, starting at $39 for the live event can be purchased online at AXS.com. Dignity Health Sports Park is located at 18400 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90746.

Zepeda vs. Prograis can be seen live on cable, satellite, telco and streaming PPV outlets on Saturday, November 26 beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT. Fans can order the PPV stream on FITE TV at https://www.fite.tv/watch/zepeda-vs-prograis/2pc6z/ or on PPV.COM at https://www.ppv.com.

With the international boxing world witnessing extraordinary women’s world championship bouts throughout this year, the tremendous momentum continues as fast-rising female superstar Yokasta ‘Yoka’ Valle, (26-2, 9 KO’s), of San Jose, Costa Rica battles undefeated world champion Evelyn ‘La Princesita’ Bermudez, (17-0-1, 6 KOs), of Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina for the WBC and WBO Super Flyweight World Titles over ten scheduled rounds.

Fighting in the junior middleweight division, undefeated contender, 2016 U.S. Olympian Charles ‘Bad News’ Conwell, (17-0, 13 KOs), of Cleveland, OH, who many experts believe will soon be the division’s upcoming king, faces his toughest opposition against upset minded, Dominican Juan Carlos Abreu, (25-6-1, 23 KOs) in a ten-round fight.

2020 Olympic Gold Medalist Bakhodir ‘The Big Uzbek’ Jalolov, (11-0, 11 KOs), standing 6’7”and considered the dominant heavyweight of the future, faces off against veteran Curtis Harper, (14-8, 9 KOs), of Jacksonville, FL over ten rounds.

In a special attraction super welterweight six rounder, boxing fans will see the ‘Son of a Legend’, sure-fire prospect Fernando Vargas Jr. (6-0, 6 KOs), open the Pay-Per-View against an opponent to be announced. The heavy-handed southpaw makes his return following a devastating first round knockout of Terrance Jarmon on May 14, 2022 at The Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA.

The charismatic Yokasta Valle first achieved championship level success with a victory over Ana Victoria Polo in 2016 earning the IBF Atomweight World Title. Most recently she triumphantly returned home to San Jose, Costa Rica, defeating Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen and adding the WBO Minimumweight World Title to her collection. Fighting for the fourth time in 2022, Evelin Bermudez defended her IBF and WBO Junior Flyweight Titles successfully against Yairineth Altuve on July 23, 2022 in San Lorenzo, Argentina.

The 24-year-old all-action Charles Conwell hits The War Grounds ring on November 26 following a third-round knockout of Abraham Juarez Ramirez on June 2, 2022. Battle-tested veteran Juan Carlos Abreu is back in action following a second-round knockout of Emilio Julio on August 12, 2022. On October 29, 2021, Abreu traveled to the United Kingdom knocking out highly touted and undefeated Kazak prospect Tursynbay Kulakhmet in the seventh round.

Bakhodir Jalolov’s reputation as a future heavyweight champion has been strongly validated through his first eleven professional bouts all ending in knockout fashion. In his last start on June 10, 2022, he stopped Jack Mulowayi in the eighth round. This followed up a fifth-round stoppage of Kamil Sokolowski on March 18, 2022 in Dubai. At the 2020 Olympic Games, Jalolov defeated Richard Torrez in the final round to earn the Gold Medal in the Super Heavyweight Division. The confident Curtis Harper enters the battle with Jalolov following a dominant victory over previously unbeaten Christian Thun on July 9, 2022.

Yokasta Valle scored a 10-round unanimous decision over Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen to retain her IBF and take the WBO Minimumweight titles in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Valle, 104.5 lbs of San Jose, CRI won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 26-2. Nguyen, 104 lbs of Ho Chi Minh City, VIE is 5-1.

Adelaida Ruiz won the WBC Interim Super Flyweight Title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Sonia Osorio.

Ruiz, 115 lbs of Lynwood, CA won by scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 98-92 and is now 12-0. Osorio, 113.8 lbs of Mexico City is 13-8-2.

Jose Garcia stopped Israel Lopez in round two of their 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round two, Garcia dropped Lopez with a right hand. Garcia sent Lopez down for a second time with a left hand. Seconds later, Garcia landed a flurry of punches and the bout was stopped at 2:06.

Garcia, 140 lbs of Mexico City is now 16-1-1 with 15 knockouts. Lopez, 140 lbs of Tipitapa, NIC is 9-3

Ofacio Falcon Jr. remained undefeated with a six-round split decision over Jose Perez in a super featherweight contest.

Falcon, 130 lbs of Bronx, NY won by scores of 58-56 twice, while Perez won a card 59-58.

Falcon is now 8-0. Perez, 130 lbs of Heredia, CRI is 10-6.

Lorenzo Garro scored a second round stoppage over previously undefeated Kyle Erwin in a four-round welterweight bout.

In round one, Erwin landed a barrage of punches that resulted in a standing eight-count. In round two, Erwin was cut over his right eye. The cut was ruled from a punch and the fight was stopped at 1:40.

Garro, 142.4 lbs of Escazu, CRI is now 4-0 with two knockouts. Erwin, 142.4 lbs of Oceanside, CA is 5-1.

Keling Fonseca won a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Juan Alvarado in a super lightweight bout.

Keling, 135.6 lbs of Escazu, CR won by scores of 57-56 twice and 56-56 twice and is now 4-5. Alvarado, 132.7 lbs of Ensanada, MEX is 9-1.

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (Sept. 6, 2022) – The main and co-main event fighters for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen hosted a press conference today at Mall Oxígeno in San Jose, Costa Rica. The historic night for Costa Rican boxing will take place at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica. The broadcast will air live on DAZN, the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page, and the MarvNation Youtube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Here is what the fighters had to say:

YOKASTA “YOKA” VALLE, IBF MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“My house is to be respected, and I want the two belts for Costa Rica. This has been my dream, it is one more step. I have worked like never before and I want it to be seen in the ring.”

THI THU NHI NGUYEN, WBO MINIMUMWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION:

“I traveled more than 30 hours because I want to have these two titles. I know that Yokasta is the local one but in the ring it will be seen who is the best.”

SONIA OSORIO, WBC INTERIM SUPERFLY WORLD CHAMPION:

“I am excited to be here, very happy to go up against Adelaida Ruiz in the rematch, as the first time around it was stopped early due to an accidental head butt. This time the both of us are coming in very prepared and may the best one win.”

ADELAIDA RUIZ, SUPERFLY FEMALE CONTENDER:

“I am very happy to be here, and to be facing the world champion again. Thank you for the opportunity, Sonia, and for taking the rematch. I also want to thank DAZN, Golden Boy and MarvNation for the opportunity to be fighting here in Costa Rica.”

ROBERTO DIAZ, VP OF MATCHMAKING OF GOLDEN BOY:

“History in Costa Rica! This Thursday, there will be history being made in the sport. Irregardless of male or female boxing – unification in Costa Rica.

“Two world championship fights in both the main and co-main fights. This is a very important start for Costa Rica because from here, doors open for other boxers and for the future. Yokasta is leading a great example, and we are thankful to all our partners that helped make this happen. This is just the beginning.”

MARIO VEGA, PRESIDENT OF 3MG BOXING AND MANAGER OF YOKASTA VALLE:

“I would like to thank Mall Oxígeno for giving us the space for this event. I want to thank Roberto from Golden Boy for the opportunity and Marvin from MarvNation. Without you, all of this wouldn’t be possible. Nguyen, I would like to thank you also – I know it was a long flight, but it’s going to be a great fight. Thank you to Mr. Sang Bum Kim of VSP Promotions. It’s very hard to get a world title, and it says a lot about them that they are willing to come all the way here to Costa Rica to defend it.”

MARVIN RODRIGUEZ, CEO OF MARVNATION:

“We’re very excited for this fight night with Valle, Nguyen, Ruiz, and Osorio. It’s an amazing card. From the unification of titles in our main event and a highly anticipated rematch for our co-main event, it’s an exciting card and I can’t wait for you all to watch.”
Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN can be purchased on Passline by visiting https://www.passline.com/eventos-plano/historia.

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen is presented by Golden Boy in association with Marvnation. The 10-round minimumweight event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, September 8 at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (August 11, 2022) – Tickets are now available for purchase for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen on Thursday, September 8. The fight card will take place at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica and will be broadcast live on DAZN, the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page, and the Marvnation Youtube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.

Tickets for Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN can be purchased on Passline by visiting https://www.passline.com/eventos-plano/historia. 

The main event will feature the first-ever world title unification fight in Costa Rica as IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica faces off against undefeated, WBO Minimumweight World Champion Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0, 1 KOs) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in a 10-round world championship.

The newly announced co-main event will feature a bad-blood rematch between WBC Interim Super Flyweight title holder Sonia Osorio (15-7-2, 2 KOs)  who will defend her title against Adelaida “La Cobra” Ruiz (11-0-1, 6 KOs). The two will meet again after their first scrap in March 2021 ended in a draw when the fight was stopped at the second round after Osorio suffered a cut over her left eye due to an accidental head butt, allowing Osorio to keep the WBC interim title.

Osorio, originally from Mexico City, captured the WBC Interim Super Flyweight title in October 2019 when she outboxed Estrella Valverde and defeated her by unanimous decision. She has faced top fighters such as Seniesa Estrada and Marlen Esparza and plans to retain her title a second time against Ruiz.

“I’m very happy to once again fight against Adelaida Ruiz,” said Sonia Osorio. “It’s a fight that has been a long time in the making. Like always, I am working hard. I’m a professional, and I hope to deliver a great fight. I know it will be a great event, and I will retain my title because that’s why I have been training so hard.”

Representing Los Angeles, Ruiz’s only blemish is a technical draw against Osorio, but immediately returned to the ring with back-to-back knockout victories over Nancy Franco and Edith Flores.

“This fight means a lot to me,” said Adelaida Ruiz. “I’ve wanted this fight for more than a year. I felt like they took the title away from me when I fought her in Mexico, but God has given me another opportunity to fight for the title. It’s a big step forward in my career, and I’m willing to sacrifice everything to win. We are training very hard for this fight. Sonia will see a different ‘Cobra,’ both mentally and physically.”

Opening the televised card, Pico Rivera, CA’s Angel “El Moreno” Rodriguez (11-1, 8 KOs) will battle Monterrey, Mex.’s Ivan Delgado (5-0, 3 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight match. Also featured on the card is Long Beach, CA’s Raul “Money” Solomon (11-1, 9 KOs) in a 6-round super middleweight fight and Tijuana, Mex.’s Jose Garcia (15-1-1, 14 KOs) who will participate in an 8-round super lightweight fight. Opponents for both will be announced soon.

Kickstarting fight night, Mexico City’s Anabel “Avispa” Ortiz (31-5, 4 KOs) will be looking to redeem her record after suffering a loss to Marlen Esparza last December. A two-time mini flyweight world champion, Ortiz held the WBA title from 2013 to 2021 and the WBC title from 2009 to 2011. She will be in a 10-round flyweight bout against Maria “La Imparable” Santizo (9-1, 5 KOs) of Guatemala City, Guatemala.

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen is presented by Golden Boy in association with Marvnation. The 10-round minimumweight event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, September 8 at Ciudad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA (July 27, 2022) – Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN goes international on Thursday, September 8 for the first-ever world title unification fight in Costa Rica live on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Page. Newly signed Golden Boy fighter and IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica is set to put everything on the line when she faces off against undefeated, WBO Minimumweight World Champion Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen (5-0, 1 KOs) of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  The 10-round world championship fight will take place at Cuidad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica and stream live on DAZN and on the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube page starting at 6:00 p.m. PT / 9:00 p.m. ET.  

“When I signed with Golden Boy I thought that there could be nothing better, my childhood dream was coming true. But it turns out that with the hand of God and the support of Óscar de la Hoya and Golden Boy, today I am surprised once again, with the opportunity to be able to show the world that Costa Rica supports its athletes. I can promise all of my fans and Costa Rica that I will give the fight of my life against a great rival, the WBO World Champion Thi Nguyen, who is an internationally recognized boxer,” said Yokasta Valle.

“I know this fight is going to be a war of champion versus champion, unifying world titles, all or nothing!  The only difference is that she is going to have to come to my house to face a ‘Yoka’ more motivated than ever! With the support of my people who I am sure will make their presence known with their incredible support. I WILL MAKE THE HOUSE TO BE RESPECTED!!!” continued Yokasta Valle. 

“I am very excited about this fight and the opportunity to be a unified world champion,” said Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen. “I am going to win this fight no matter what. I will be the hero of Vietnam, it is my honor to represent my country and the women of my country. I have been training every day to make this an exciting, action filled fight and deliver a KO victory.” 

Ranked as one of the best female 105-pounders by ESPN.com and The Ring Magazine, Yokasta Valle is a world champion in two weight classes. She captured the IBF Atomweight World Title in 2016 and has held the IBF Minimumweight World Championship since 2019. The Costa Rican fighter has been undefeated since 2018 and has made five successful world title defenses. Valle was named 2021’s “Female Fighter of the Year” by the International Boxing Federation. Now, the world champion is looking to unify the division against any world champion up for the challenge. 

In 2021, Thi Thu Nhi Nguyen made history as Vietnam’s first boxing world champion when she captured the WBO Minimumweight World Championship against Japan’s Etsuko Tada. Her burgeoning boxing career was a surprise to most boxing spectators as Nguyen has been able to prove to the world that she is a force to be reckoned within the sport.  Her first big opportunity came in 2020, Nguyen when defeated Kanyarat Yoohanngoh and captured the vacant WBO Asia Pacific Minimumweight title, something that set her up for the world championship face off against Etsuko Tada in 2021. Nguyen, was able to use boxing as her avenue out of poverty in Ho Chi Minh City, but as a result, also faced tough criticism as boxing and athletics in general are not cultural norms for women in Vietnam. Now, considered an icon of national pride, the world champion is paving the way for women in boxing and sports in Vietnam. 

Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN: Valle vs. Nguyen is presented by Golden Boy in association with Marvnation. The 10-round minimumweight event is sponsored by “BetOnline – Your Online Sportsbook Experts.” The fight will take place on Thursday, September 8 at Cuidad Deportiva Heiner Ugalde, Hatillo, San José, Costa Rica, and will be streamed live worldwide on DAZN and the Golden Boy Boxing Youtube Channel.

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

LOS ANGELES, CA (June 13, 2022) – IBF Minimumweight World Champion, Yokasta “Yoka” Valle (25-2, 9 KOs), of San Jose, Costa Rica has signed a co-promotional agreement with Golden Boy. The fearless fighter was last seen defending her world title for the fifth time on the undercard of Jaime Munguia vs. Jimmy Kelly on June 11. 

Ranked as the #3 best female 105-pounder by ESPN.com and The Ring Magazine, Yokasta Valle is a world champion in two weight classes. She captured the IBF Atomweight World Title in 2016 and has held the IBF Minimumweight World Championship since 2019. The Costa Rican fighter has been undefeated since 2018 and has made five successful world title defenses. Valle was named 2021’s “Female Fighter of the Year” by the International Boxing Federation. Now, the world champion is looking to unify the division against any world champion up for the challenge. 

“I am very excited for this opportunity to be part of the Golden Boy family,” said Yokasta Valle. “This is a dream come true and a historic achievement for my country, Costa Rica. I want to thank Golden Boy and Robert Diaz for this great opportunity. I also want to thank my team, Marvin Rodriguez, Mario Vega and everyone who has made this great accomplishment possible.”

“Yokasta Valle is a talented, fearless fighter that I am proud to welcome to the Golden Boy stable,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy. “We are excited about her future, and we are looking forward to helping her accomplish her goal of becoming a unified world champion.” 

“I’m delighted to be working with Golden Boy to take Yokasta Valle’s career to new levels,” said Marvin Rodriguez, Founder and CEO of MarvNation Promotions. “Yokasta is a talented fighter with an aggressive, entertaining style. I know she will continue to deliver action-packed fights on DAZN, a platform that has provided amazing opportunities for women’s boxing. I want to thank Roberto Diaz and everyone at Golden Boy for making this happen. This is the start of a great relationship with MarvNation Promotions.”

ABOUT GOLDEN BOY:

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy was established in 2002 by Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy is a media and entertainment brand committed to making fighting entertainment more accessible and affordable. The company’s in-house production team develops creative original programming, holds the exclusive rights to top boxers, and has promoted some of the biggest and highest-grossing events in the history of the sport. Now, Golden Boy is one of the most successful boxing entertainment companies in the world and shapes the future of boxing for fighters and fans alike.

For more information, visit www.goldenboypromotions.com. Follow on Twitter and on Instagram @GoldenBoyBoxing. 

Jaime Munguia remained undefeated by stopping Jimmy Kelly in round five of a scheduled 12-round super middleweight bout at The Toyota Arena in Anaheim, California.

In round five, Mungua dropped Kelly with a left hook. A second knockdown occurred when Munguai sent Kelly down with an uppercut. Munguia was able to finish off Kelly with a hard right that was followed by a left that sent Kelly down for a third and final time and the bout was stopped at 2:57.

Munguia, 165 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 40-0 with 32 knockouts. Kelly, 164 lbs of Manchester, ENG is 26-3.

Duarte Stops Bernaldez in

Oscar Duarte stopped Mark Bernaldez in round eight of their scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout.

In round eight, Duarte landed a hard right that buckled Bernaldez. Duarte followed up with a big flurry and the fight was stopped at 2:05.

Duarte, 136.4 lbs of Perral, MEX is 23-1-1 with 18 knockouts. Bernaldez, 135.6 lbs of Vatabeto, PHL is 23-6.

Valle Decisions Villalobos; Retains Minimumweight Title

Yokasta Valle retained the IBF Minimumweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorraine Villalobios.

Valle, 104.6 lbs of San Juan, Costa Rica won by scores of 100-90 on all cards and is now 25-2. Villalobos, 104.8 lbs of Los Angeles is 5-4.

Carlos Ortiz scored a stunning fifth round stoppage over previously undefeated prospect Evan Sanchez in a scheduled eight-round super welterweight fight.

The fight was a war for most of time, and in round five, Ortiz hurt Sanchez with a chopping left. Ortiz landed six unanswered punches which included another flush chopping left that sent Sanchez down and out at 2:59.

Ortiz, 151 lbs of Torreon, MEX is now 13-5 with 13 knockouts. Sanchez, 152,4 lbs of Parlier, CA is 11-1.

Former world title challenger Carlos Ocampo stopped Vincent Rodriguez in round one of their eight-round middleweight bout.

In round one, Ocampo dropped Rodriguez with a left hook to the body, and he could not beat the count at 2:06.

Ocampo, 156 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 34-1 with 22 knockouts. Rodriguez, 154.2 lbs of Buenos Aries, ARG is 40-11-1.

Pin-Pon Reyes stopped Moises Flores in round two of their scheduled six-round welterweight bout.

In round two, Argel dropped Flores with an overhand right. Reyes then landed several hard shots, and the fight was stopped at 55 seconds

Reyes, 139.8 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 8-0 with four knockouts. Flores, 147 lbs of Guadalajara, MEX is 25-7-1.

Japhethlee Llamido won a six-round unanimous decision over Saul Hernandez in a lightweight bout.

In round two, Llamido was cut over his right eye due to an accidental headbutt.

In round six, Llamido dropped Hernandez with a right hand.

Llamdio, 128.4 lbs of Long Beach, CA won by scores of 60-54 on all cards and is now 8-0. Hernandez, 132 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 17-16-1.

Jorge Estrada remained undefeated with an opening round stoppage over Hassan Coleman in a junior middleweight contest.

The fighters came out throwing wild punches, and in an exchange, Estrada landed a body punch that sent Coleman down in a lot of pain and the fight was stopped at 1:51.

Estrada, 153.6 lbs of Mexicali, MEX is now 3-0 with with three knockouts. Coleman, 153 lbs of Los Angeles was making his pro debut.