Schofield Gets Call to Headline AT&T Center in San Antonio

On Thursday afternoon, 20-year-old "Kid Austin" Floyd Schofield got the biggest opportunity of his professional life. He is set to headline the AT&T Center, the home of the San Antonio Spurs, Tim Duncan, Gregg Popovic, and now Victor Wembanyama. However, before Wemby gets to headline the AT&T Center, the Kid from Austin, just an hour away from his hometown, will headline that venue. The opportunity came as a shock to "Kid Austin," who read it in a Boxing Scene article, just like fight fans around the world. Unfortunately, Vergil Ortiz was forced out of the fight due to medical reasons. Schofield then received a phone call confirming that he was, indeed, headlining the AT&T Center. Still in shock that he was getting the call to headline, Schofield said, "No way! You're lying?" No lies were detected, and Schofield will battle Haskell Rhodes, 28-4-1 (13), in Saturday's main event. It's a good litmus test for the 20-year-old. Rhodes who now lives and trains in Las Vegas, has been in with world title holders and elite-level fighters like Sergey Lipinets, Edner Cherry, and Jason Sosa. Rhodes was stopped by Jason Sosa back in 2019, then took a three-and-a-half-year hiatus from the sport before stepping back in the ring in March and outpointing well-known journeymen Raymond Chacon in Oklahoma City.

This won't be the first time Schofield has gotten to headline a card. It won't even be the first time he's headlined in San Antonio. The Austinite has headlined several Davies Entertainment Cards at their local venue and has headlined a Golden Boy Fight Night Live Card. The Golden Boy prospect-heavy series. In October, Schofield destroyed Daniel Rosas in less than one round when he was given the opportunity to be the main event in Indio, California. Saturday at the AT&T Center is simply a far bigger stage against a much more rigid opponent. A win Saturday night gets the Austinite in the world title picture at lightweight. Currently, all the titles in the division are held by Devin Haney. Haney and Schofield have a highly discussed past. A past that includes a famed sparring session where multiple observers noted that the Kid from Austin got the best of it and had Haney wobbled. That's the fight Schofield wants in the future, and wants it with Haney at his best, no excuses! "If he's not comfortable at 135 and he needs to go up. I don't want to beat him, and he says he shoulda fought at 140, and hes drained. I dont want no excuses! When I say I beat you, I beat the best version of you." 

Schofield also acknowledges that Haney probably should move up to 140 because he may have outgrown the lightweight division. If Haney chose to do that, all of the current lightweight belts would become vacant, and Schofield would be on a fast track for one of those belts. However, he needs to take care of business tomorrow. A w in tomorrow would move his record from 14-0 (11) to 15-0 and would put Schofield at 3-0 for the year. He has wins over Alberto Mercado in January and Jesus Valentin in April on the Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia card. Upon speaking to Golden Boy President Eric Gomez, they would like to bring Schofield back late this year for a possible showdown with either former Olympian and 130-pound world champion and fan favorite JoJo Diaz or fellow Texan Hector Tanajara of San Antonio. A win there certainly fast-tracks Schofield to a world title fight. 

Vergil Ortiz out again, San Antonio Card Will Still Go On.

The Eimantas Stanionis VS Eimantas Stanionis WBA "Regular" World Title fight seems to be cursed. The fight, was scheduled for Saturday, July 8th, at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, is off again. This is the third time the bout was pushed back and maybe off altogether. It was originally scheduled for March 28th. However, Stanioins had to pull out due to appendicitis. That required an emergency appendectomy. The bout was rescheduled for April 29th in Arlington, and that fight date was pushed back, when Ortiz, a Grand Prairie native, suffered a flare-up of his previously diagnosed rhabdomyolysis. The fight was then moved to Saturday in Alamo City and is now possibly off. The Texan, was hospitalized after passing out.

Ortiz's promoter, Oscar de la Hoya, expressed concern for his best fighter saying, "This is the third time we are very concerned." However insisted that Ortiz was "OK" and was told that "Doctors said he will make a full recovery and fight again." The promoter also suggested that his undefeated welterweight maybe moving-up from 147 pounds to 154 pounds.

The card will still go on and is loaded with Texas talent. It will now be headlined by 20-year-old phenom Floyd Schofield of Austin, 14-0 (8), who will battle with Haskell Rhodes in a 10-round lightweight affair. Also, Houston native and unified Flyweight champ Marlen Esparza will look to add another strap when she battles Gabriela Celeste Alaniz of Argentina. Texas-based prospect Tristian Kalkreuth 10-1 (7) of Duncanville, and Darius Fulghum, 5-0 (5) of Houston, will all be featured on the Texas-centric card.

Felix Garcia Survives Adversity, Joshua Montoya Shines on Star-studded night in Laredo

On a night loaded with world champions, Roberto Duran and the Canizales were all in attendance at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo. It was the youngsters that stole the show. Undefeated 17-year-old phenom Felis "Gatito" Garcia and Joshua "Spotlight" Montoya captivated the packed-out crowd in the main and co-main events.

At just 17 years old, Garcia is headlining shows in his home city, and throughout the night, he showed maturity and resolve beyond his years. To the delight of his hometown fans, "Gatitio" showed cat-like reflexes making his opponent Joe Casiano of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico miss over and over again. Garcia ripped hooks to the head and body, keeping Casiano uncomfortable and at bay. Throughout the middle rounds, Garcia's hook started wearing Casiano down, and started separating himself on the cards. With the fight still in doubt, the 17-year-old closed the show like a veteran. Landing big right hands. He began scoring with that punch constantly. One last big right scored for the Texan just before the 10-second clap. It sealed the round and the fight for Garcia, who won a hard-earned split decision by scores of 60-54 and 58-56, with the third judge scoring in favor of Casiano 59-55.

In the co-main event, Joshua "Spotlight" Montoya, of Lubbock, put on a show from start to finish and gave a career-best performance against Jorge " El Gallo Giro" Ramos in Ramos's hometown. After a careful start that saw Ramos having moments with his jab and follow-up right hand that seemed to disrupt the quickness and counter shots of the quicker and more athletic Montoya. However, by the middle rounds, the Lubboch native seized control of the fight, firing in counter left hooks and right hands. He would work his way onto the inside, unleash a lightning-quick combination and get out of the way before Ramos could return fire. Ramos rallied a bit in the fifth with his jab but couldn't sustain it, and Montoya came roaring back. The visiting Montoya began showboating and making Ramon miss while firing pinpoint accurate right hands. Ramos gave a Vaillant ever but seemed just a bit slower all night long. The pair touched up and exchanged toe-to-toe for the final 10 seconds. Ramos landed clean with a right hand. However, it was too little too late, as Montoya took a UD by scores of 60-54, 59-55, and 58-56. Montoya has now won four fights in a row to move his record to 6-4-2 (0) and take home the ABF Atlantic Super Featherweight title.

The undercard portion was loaded as well. US National champion Fabian Arredondo of Freeport made his pro debut a successful for taking a four-round decision over ring veteran Steveen Angeles. 14X national champ Jesus "Panterita" Martinez of Del Rio also chalked up a win with a dominant second-round TKO of Jaime Guevara. Martinez dominated behind a ferocious body attack and a busier jab than usual. He moved his record to 4-0-1 (2). Juan Garcia of Carrizo Springs went the distance for the first time and got good work with elusive veteran Ricardo Mena. Garcia improved his record to 3-0 (2) and dominated the action while Mena appeared to go into survival mode and was content with going the distance. Laredo native Alex Ramos also improved his record to 6-1 (3) while pressuring and overwhelming Frank Boston in a fan-friendly fight. Hector "Tito" Ferreyro moved his record to 6-0 (3), via a body shot just 2:46 into the opening round.

In the fight of the night, Jose Cardenas used a first-round knockout to win an all-out brawl with Hugo "Tigre" Castaneda to move his record to 7-0 (5), and Bruno Pola got up off the canvas after he was dropped just moments into the fight to blow out an overaggressive to Mario Jaramillo to pick up a second-round TKO and capture the ABF Super middleweight title.

Legendary Roberto Duran to be Special Guest at P4P Entertainment Card in Laredo.

July 1st marks a historic day for Laredo and for all of Texas boxing. Legendary Hall Of Famer and four-division world champion Roberto "Manos de Piedra" Duran, who is largely considered the greatest lightweight of all time, will be the special guest at The P4P Entertainment boxing card at the Sames Auto Arena. Duran compiled an incredible career record of 103-16 (70) and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2007 in Canastota, New York. 

It was at the International Boxing Hall of Fame that P4P Entertainment, matchmaker Luey Villarreal, met the legendary world champ during Induction Weekend. "I introduced myself," Villareal recalls. Villarreal, also a former ABF Jr Middleweight champ and owner of Ferocious Fitness in San Antonio, spoke to Duran and told him his "Dad passed a few months ago, and Duran was at the top of his list and his style was an influence on him." Villarreal went on and explained that he was making the Laredo card for July 1 and has had other legendary world champs such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Austin Trout, and Jorge Arce as special guests and would be honored to have him as the special guest for the July show. Villarreal, originally of Houston, and now lives with his wife and three kids in San Antonio, said that Duran was interested. The legendary fighter said to reach out to his son to clear it with his schedule. True to his word, the legend's son reached back out and told him that his dad, who still lives in his native Panama full time, schedule was clear as long as he could be back in his home country by Sunday, and he would be happy to attend the P4P Entertainment event in Laredo. Duran, who never fought in the Lone Star State as a professional, said that he has family in Texas, hes just not exactly sure where. 

Villareal in Action in 2018

Pound for Pound Promotions has now put on five cards throughout South Texas and has created quite a buzz in the area. The December 2022 card, at the Payne Arena, in Hidalgo, featured legendary former world champ Austin "No Doubt" Trout in the main event. Trout, who has a win over legendary Hall of Famer Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden, defeated rugged conteder Jose Charles via unanimous decision. The card was televised by ESPN3 and marked the return of big-time boxing to the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, Villarreal has worked with the legendary promoter Bob Arum's Top Rank and had fighters featured on PBC's Showtime events and on PROBOX TV cards. His fighter's have been on some of the year's biggest cards, including the Benavidez-Plant PPV clash and the Rolly Romero- Ismael Barroso card back in May.

Villarrel in action at the Scottish Rite San Antonio

In addition to working alongside P4P Entertainment President Santiago "Chago" Martinez, the President of P4P, Villarreal started Ferocious Fitness Boxing Gym in 2019. His gym was shortly thereafter threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the fighter persevered and fought through it ferociously. Villarreal, whose father was a fighter, and was trained by and is best friends with Main St Boxing Gym trainer/cutman Aaron Navaro, who works with world champion Regis Prograis and O'shaquie Foster, was taught well and rose above the distractions. He now has one of the premier gyms in Texas that includes professional boxers: Juan Garcia, Bruno Pola, Axl Melendez, Jaime Jasso, Joshua Montoya, Sebastian Rodriguez, Braian and Ramon Soto, and Nick Molina. The gym has come a long way in just a few years. 

 Villarreal is also extremely active in the community. In addition to running his businesses, coaching, mentoring, and staying focused on his family, the former ABF title holder \has created the Ferocious Championship Foundation in 2023. The foundation was created to impact the community in a positive direction.

As far as the July 1 card itself, it is absolutely loaded with talent and highly intriguing matchups. The card is headlined by 17-year-old phenom and Laredo native, the undefeated "Gatito" Felix Garcia. Garcia takes the biggest challenge of his career as the super featherweight puts his 5-0 (1) record on the line against his toughest challenge to date. In a battle of the dos Laredos. He takes his first six-rounder of his career and battles Jose Casiano, 2-3-1 (0), of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Casiano has been in with elite Texas fighters such as Robert "Biggie" Rodriguez and "El Castigo" Richard Medina. The card also features hometown favorites, Jorge and Alex Ramos. Jorge, El Gallo Giro, 8-3-1(5), takes a massive challenge with the surging Joshua "Spotlight" Montoya, who has won three fights in a row and has done so against fighters with a combined 20-5 (1) record and captured a Texas title by defeating RGV native Nelson "Hot hands" Hampton on the December card at the Payne Arena that featured Austin Trout. Finally, in what promises to be an all-action slugfest Gateway City native Jose Cardenas, 6-1 (5), battles RGV native Hugo "Tigre" Castaneda, who captured the WBO Youth Super Featherweight title late last year when he brutally stopped Maykol Mendoza in the third round in Reynosa, Mexico. Also in action is Laredo-based cruiserweight contender Hector "Tito" Ferreyro Jr, who looks to continue his comeback. Tito scored a first-round TKO in March following a three-year layoff. 

Brandon Figueroa Back in Camp, Back in Ring in September

Weslaco native and former 122-pound world champion "The Heartbreaker" Brandon Figueroa is set to return and likely against WBC Super featherweight champion Rey Vargas. The world title scrap could potentially be held in San Antonio sometime in September. According to sources, Vargas, 36-1 (22), has fought his last two fights in the Alamodome, including his last fight, a one-sided loss to Orange, Texas native O'shaquie Foster. That fight for was for the vacant WBC Super featherweight world title. Prior to that, Vargas eked out a thrilling split decision over Mark Magsayo.

Figueroa, 24-1-1 (18), last fought Magsayo and won a lop-sided unanimous decision over him in March. Figueroa began training in San Antonio, at Leija Boxing X Fitness with young emerging trainer Ronnie Cantu. According to sources, Figueroa will finish up with Cantu this week and then head out to Las Vegas to finish his fight camp. The fight with Vargas will be "sometime in September."

PBC has the AT&T Center booked for a September date. That venus would be a logical home for a Vargas-Figueroa title fight. Vargas has fought there twice and has a growing fan base, and the RGV native lives just a few hours away and will have a huge hometown crowd behind him. The other possible slot for this fight would be the canelo-Charlo co-main event on September 30th in Vegas.

Canelo vs Jermell Charlo Set for September 30th in Vegas

It's not the Charlo brother we were expecting. However, we are getting a Charlo VS Canelo fight in September. In an unexpected plot twist, the four-division Mexican legend will fight Jermell Charlo of Houston, not bigger twin brother Jermall Charlo, and it will be on September 30th in Las Vegas, not the 16th, potentially in Minute Maid Park in Houston as was speculated.

The bout is being highly scrutinized by fight fans, mainly due to the weight discrepancy. Canelo, a former 154-pound world champ, is currently the 168-pound undisputed champion and has held world titles as high as 175 pounds. Jermell Charlo is the current undisputed 154-pound world champion, two weight classes smaller than Canelo, and has never fought above the 154-pound weight class. The matchup looks unfair on paper.

Despite the controversy, the fight will be highly anticipated and will likely draw massive attendance and PPV numbers. It will be the first-ever matchup of two undisputed fighters in the four-belt era. Charlo, 35-1 (19), has held the world title at 154 since December 2019, when he stopped Tony Harrison in the 11th round. He last fought 14 months ago when he stopped WBO champ Brian Castano in the 10th round of their thrilling battle for undisputed supremacy of the junior middleweight division. The Houstonian was set to defend his four titles against Tim Tszyu in January before suffering a fractured left hand. It is unclear at the moment if any of the four sanctioning bodies will strip Charlo of his world title.

Canelo, 59-2-2 (39), recently fought a three-fight deal with PBC and according to rumors may fight three Texans in those three fights. According to sources, he will fight Little Charlo, Big Charlo, and finally Errol Spence. This is currently just speculation. However, the plan and timeline make sense.

Joshua Franco Announces His Retirement

27-year-old former WBA super Flyweight Champion "El Profesor" Joshua Franco formally announced his retirement yesterday. The Alamo City native compiled an 18-2-3 (8), record and captured the WBA 115-pound strap in June of 2020 at the Top Rank Bubble in Las Vegas. He rallied late and scored an 11th-round knockdown on his way to outpointing Andrew Moloney. He kept the title from 2020 till this weekend when he lost it on the scale when he missed weight in his title defense against Kaz Ioka. Franco dropped a close and competitive decision to Ioka on Saturday.

The former champ turned pro in 2015 at the Belasco Theatre and recorded a decision victory over Temoatzin Landeros Castillo. It was a Thursday night Golden Boy card where Franco's long-time friend Hector Tanajara also made his pro debut on. He captured the attention of the boxing world on September 17th, 2016, when he gave an eye-opening performance at AT&T stadium on the Undercard of Canelo-Liam Smith, the Texan dropped Bryan Bazan four times on his way to a fourth-round KO. In April 2019, he settled the score with Oscar Negrete. The two fought to a disputed draw in 2018. In the rematch Franco removed all doubt in outpointing his opponent in a thrilling scrap to capture the NABF Bantamweight title.

The next year was a massive one for Franco, who fought in his home city for the only time and stopped Jose Alejandro Burgos in the ninth round at the Alamodome and received a rokus applause from his hometown fans. Later that year he decisioned Moloney to capture the world title. Franco fought just once in 2021, and gave a career best performance in beating down Moloney in their trilogy match and once more in 2022 and was robbed of a career defining win with Ioka and had to settle for a draw.

Franco discussed the idea of retirement in an April interview prior to his brother Bam Rodriguez's fight with Cristian Gonzalez. He formally released a statement on social media following Saturday's Ioka fight announcing his retirement:

I wanted to start off by saying Thank You to everyone that has supported me in my career. I appreciate everyone for their continued support. I was able to live my childhood dream of becoming a World Champion. I defended my title multiple times all over the world and always tried my best to represent San Antonio, TX proudly.

For the majority of my career I have been going through a lot of mental problems that I was doing my best to control. I never talked about it publicly because I didn’t want anyone to think I ever made an excuse for anything or for anyone to look at me different. I battled through it as much as I could to still perform and give you guys some great fights. For anyone that battles through any type of mental health issues please know you are not alone. And you can’t let anything stop you from achieving your dreams

I want to say Thank You to my team. My mom, dad and brothers for all their help and support throughout my whole career. Everyone at RGBA for believing in me helping me achieve my dreams. You guys always believed in me and I will forever be grateful.

Last night in Tokyo, Japan was officially my last fight. It was a tough week for me and I didn’t get the result I wanted but I leave this sport knowing I gave it everything I had

Again Thank You to everyone for all their support and I’ll see you guys around

PowerBox Promotions Bringing Big Time Boxing Back to RVG

The Rio Grande Valley is quickly becoming one of boxing's top hot spots. The valley is producing top-notch, world-class, talent at breakneck speeds. Its knowledgeable and passionate fan base is unmatched anywhere in the country. It's only fitting that the region hosts big-time boxing events, and that's exactly what PowerBox Promotions and Marv Nation are teaming up to do. The two promotional companies will host a press conference on Thursday, June 29th, to formally announce an August 26th fight card that will take place at the Bert Ogden Arena in Edinburg, Texas. The world-class fight card will feature the two sons of legendary two-time 154-pound world champion Fernando Vargas. Undefeated hard-hitting middleweight Fernando "El Feroz'" Vargas Jr, 11-0 (11), will headline the evening's main event. While younger brother Amado Vargas, an 8-0 (3), featherweight, will be featured in the co-main event.

The good news does not stop there for South Texas fight fans. August 26th is not a one-shot deal either; rather it will mark the beginning of a series of big-time boxing events that will take place in the RGV. According to PowerBox Promotions President Letty Cantu, "They are looking to have a series of boxing matches... and are looking to highlight the Rio Grande Valley." She added that the region has "the talent and a strong appetite for boxing" Cantu, who is based in San Antonio, said they will start with the RGV and then expand throughout Texas.

There certainly is a tremendous appetite for the sweet science in the Rio Grande Valley, as Cantu says. The local shows in the area always draw unprecedented numbers and produce fan-friendly all-action fights. Bringing big-time fights back to the region on a regular basis certainly looks like a home run for all involved. The Bert Ogden Arena last hosted a professional boxing event in August 2019. The event was headlined by Weslaco native Brandon Figueroa, who scored a fourth-round knockout of Javier Chacon in front of a packed-out crowd.

Thursday's Press conference will kick off at 10:30 AM and is open to the public.

Burley Brooks Scores Major Win Over Former World Champ

In just ten professional bouts, 27-year-old Dallas, Texas, native Burley Brooks has had an up-and-down roller-coaster career. From being a highly touted undefeated prospect to a forgotten about never was, to a legitimate contender. In a night that seemed to favor the A-side fighter, Brooks paid that no mind and dominated former IBF Super Middleweight Champ Caleb Traux in front of his hometown crowd at The Armory in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Brooks has not won a fight since just before the pandemic he knocked out Melvin Russell in the first round in Mississippi on the undercard of Ugas-Dallas Jr. It was a sensational eye-opening knockout that established Brooks as a legitimate 168-pound prospect. After a 10-month layoff, he dropped a split decision to Marco Delgadoat AT&T Stadium on the undercard of Spence-Garcia in December 2020. He then dropped another decision to Cameron Sevilla Rivera by one point on two cards because of a point deduction due to low blows. The two rematched four months later at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on the Pacquiao-Ugas undercard, and Brooks had to settle for a draw. It's been 22 months, nearly two years since then Brooks had not fought since. Until Saturday night at the Armory. Brooks was supposed to be an easy target, an opponent that made the 39-year-old former world champ look good so that Truax could either ride off into the sunset and retire or look so impressive that he could take one more big fight.

That was not to be the case. Brooks, who had never fought a 10-rounder before, or even an 8-rounder, took a major step up, and he saved his career-best performance for his best opponent. Brooks dominated the 10-round affair, and it was never in doubt. After a bit of a slow start, Brooks got cooking in the third with a flurry that backed Truax backward. The North Texan got going in the second half after a fairly even first half of the 10-round affair, outworking and outlanding his opponent. A flurry at the end of the round again dazed the former champ. Brooks connected with a left to the body just after the halfway point of the eighth round. Brooks was deducted a point in the ninth for losing his mouthpiece for a fourth time but remained undeterred and dominated the final stanza. A five-punch barrage from the Texansent Truax into the ropes with about 1:50 remaining in their fight. Brooks slammed on the gas and dominated the remainder of the round. The cards were academic and were all in favor of Brooks 96-93X2 and 98-91.

Canelo VS Charlo: DONE DEAL for September 16th!

Boxing's biggest superstar Canelo Alvarez has announced "Done Deal" on his certified Twitter account! The legendary 4-division world champion has signed a three-fight deal with PBC, that begins on September 16th. He will battle two-division world champ Jermall Charlo from Houston. Charlo has chased this fight for five years! He vacated his belt at 154 in 2017. He then defeated a series of 160-pound contenders at was made the mandatory challenger for Canelo's WBC middleweight title. Canelo opted not to defend against the Texan, Charlo was then promoted to World champion by the WBC. Canelo was designated "Franchise Champ" and the fight with Canelo never materialized. Canelo eventually moved up and fought at 168 and 175. A potential blockbuster between the two multi-divisional champs seemed dead. Until now! Talks between the parties were rekindled over the past few weeks. The rumors became official today with Canelo's announcement. It's rumored that the other two fights on the Mexican deal will be in May and September of 2024 to synch up with Cinco de Mayo and Mexican Independence Day. However, that is not confirmed. Neither is the location, although Minute Maid Park in Houston has been discussed.

Bam Rodriguez Signs to Fight Edwards in Flyweight Unification

As we reported last week, San Antonio's favorite son, two-division champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez has signed the contract to fight Sunny Edwards in a 112-pound unification bout. Rodriguez captured the WBO version of the belt in April via a unanimous decision over Cristian Gonzalez in San Antonio. Edwards has held the IBF belt since 2021 when he outpointed Moruti Mthalane. No date or venue has been attached to the fight at this time. However, Hearn said the scrap will likely be in the US, but not in San Antonio. Hearn flirted with the idea of Phoenix, where he said they have done well in. California is also in play according to the promoter. Hearn suggested if Edwards were to come over to the US, it would be unfair to make him go to San Antonio. The fight will take place in the 4th quarter of this year as the Texan is still recovering from the broken jaw, he suffered in the Gonzalez fight in April. Hearn expressed much excitement in the fight “Really pleased with this one! One of the best fights in boxing – respect to both!”

Sames Auto Arena in Laredo to Host Star-Studded, Talent-loaded Card on July 1

Big-time boxing returns to "the Gateway City" Laredo, Texas, in a major way. A talent-loaded and star-studded card invades the Sames Auto Arena on July 1. Laredo natives the legendary Canizales brothers will be in attendance, and so will four-division, seven-times world champion Roberto Duran. The card itself is headlined by the future world champion, all-world featherweight prospect, 17-year-old Felix "Gatito" Garcia, 5-0 (1) of Laredo. The undefeated hometown fighter puts his perfect record on the line against Jose Casiano of Nuevo Laredo. Casiano has gone the distance with other big-time undefeated prospects from Texas, including Rick Medina and Biggie Rodriguez, both of San Antonio. It will be a metric to see exactly how far the 17-year-old phenom has progressed. The card will also feature a must-win, super featherweight match-up between the surging Joshua Montoya, 5-3-2 (0), and hometown fan favorite "El Gallo Giro '' Jorge Ramos, 8-3-1 (5). Ramos has been featured on Top Rank cards and has world-class talent, as does Montoya, who has won three fights in a row against stiff competition. His last three opponets have a combined record of 20-5, including his last win, an upset victory of a 10-0 fighter, Marshall Sanchez of Houston. Ramos's little brother Alex will also be on the card. He will battle with San Antonio native Frank Brown in a four-round lightweight scrap.

Other bouts of note include Laredo native Nicholas Molina, who was featured on the Benavidez-Plant PBC card. He will scrap with Jermaine Whittington, the older brother of Legendary Texas Longhorns wide receiver Jordan Whittington. Additionally, undefeated blue chip prospect Jesus "Panterita '' Martinez 3-0-1(1), a 14x US national champ and international champion from Del Rio will be featured on the card. He takes on Laredo native Jaime Guevara in a battle of undefeated prospects. Also featured on the card is 20-year-old KO artist Juan Garcia, 2-0 (2) from nearby Carrizo Springs. Hard-hitting 6'3 super middleweight Bruno Pola, a southpaw, originally of Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico, now fighting out of San Antonio, will also return to the ring. Pola looks to follow up on his spectacular fourth-round KO in his last outing in April in San Antonio.

Franco Heads to Tokyo Again to Beat Ioka (Again)

San Antonio native "El Profesor" Joshua Franco is no stranger to being a victim of poor decisions. Perhaps, none were worse than the decision he received on December 31st in Tokyo, Japan. Franco, the WBA champ, dominated Kaz Ioka, then WBO champ, in their 12-round unification bout. Nearly all observers including Ioka himself thought Franco earned the points victory. He clearly did, however, two of the judges did the unthinkable and scored the fight a draw. Franco, the clear winner, was in talks for many other big-money fights in the star-studded 115-pound division. However, he wanted to set the record straight with Ioka. The biggest win of his career was stolen from him and he is focused on righting that wrong. He is going back to the scene of the crime and will take Ioka on again at the same venue where the robbery took place, the Ota-City General Gymnasium, and will square off with Ioka for a second time. This time the WBO belt will not be on the line, so it is not a unification bout. Ioka was forced to vacate his version of the Super Flyweight title to make the rematch with the Alamo City native. Franco will look to take the decision out of the judges' hands and remove all doubts. He told the DAZN boxing show, “We don’t want it to go to the judges this time. We want to make it so everyone is able to see that I’m the clear winner.” Franco clearly outworked Ioka, a four-division former world champion, and appeared to dominate the fight after the first three or four rounds. “I was the busier fighter, but my punches weren’t as clear as I wanted." The Texan will get a second chance to beat a future first-ballot Hall of Famer Saturday night (Saturday morning in the US).

Fort Worth's Edward Vazquez Finds Himself in Top 10!

It's been an exciting few weeks for Fort Worth native Edward "Kid" Vazquez. He first signed a multiple-fight deal with Hall of Fame promoter Lou Dibella and now "The Kid" finds himself in the top 10 featherweight rankings by the IBF. It's the first time in the top 10 for Vazquez, meaning he can now be considered for a world title shot at any time. To be considered for a title fight by the IBF, you must be ranked somewhere in their top 15 and at number 10, Vazquez is comfortably in that wheelhouse. The IBF featherweight title is currently held by Luis Alberto Lopez, who captured the title in late 2022 by outpointing Josh Warrington. The number one challenger according to the sanctioning body, is Japanese KO artist Reiya Abe, the #2 spot is vacant.

Vazquez currently sports a record of 14-1 (3) and is coming off of a highly impressive points victory over Misael Lopez in February. Ahead of Vazquez in the rankings is #5 ranked featherweight Raymond Ford, who Vazquez, was robbed of a victory over last year. Ford was gifted a split decision victory in the "2022 Robbery of the Year." It is the lone blemish on the resume of Vazquez.

The Fort Worthian has had no easy path to the top that included being sidelined by a former promoter, having four fights in a row canceled during the height of the covid pandemic, and being the victim of one of the worst decisions in recent boxing history. Despite all of that, all of those distractions, Vazquez has stayed focused and gotten himself here, along with coach Ray Barrera owner of FHG Gym in Forth Worth, are now on the verge of getting a world title shot.

Prograis & Fuchs win Ugly in New Orleans

Win this time, look Spectacular next time is the mantra so commonly used in boxing. That's what two Houston-based fighters with Louisiana roots did in the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans on Saturday night. Both WBC 140-pound world champ Regis "Rogarou" Prograis and "The Captain" US Olympian Ginny Fuchs won ugly and stayed undefeated. They were able to overcome tricky and difficult challenges to win wide points decisions. In the main event, Regis Prograis outpointed an unbelievably hesitant and seemingly unmotivated Danelito Zorrilla of Puerto Rico to retain his belt. There was a persistent theme of the fight the New Orleanian pressed forward and took action to his Puerto Rican challenger who constantly retreated and refused to throw. Zorrilla landed a clean right hand that perhaps won him the opening stanza. The clean shot did little to build the Puerto Rican's confidence as he stayed off the back foot with very little activity. A straight left from the Southpaw hometown fighter dropped Zorrilla, who fell hard to the canvas but got up and seemed ok. Regis sustained a nice rally with Zorrilla in a bit of trouble, but the challenger was able to survive the scare and made it through the round. Surviving was the theme of the night for Zorrilla, who landed a few shots but never opened up, and with the scores widening going into the later rounds and Zorrilla still refused to let his hands go. It became painfully obvious that the challenger was content with just making it the distance. Prograis would score with an occasional lead left hand, and Zorrilla scored with a few jabs and right hands but was outworked and never looked to really win rounds. Making a highlight real of the fight's best action would be a nearly impossible task, and outside of a quick flurry to the body by Prograis followed by a left hand upstairs in the final round, the entire night consisted of Prograis coming forward and coming up just short with the jab and lead lefts and Zorrilla in complete retreat refusing to let his hands go. The scores, because of the inaction, could have gone in any number of ways. At the end of the night, it went the way of the champ by scores of 114-113 Zorrilla but was overruled by wides scores in favor of Prograis 118-109 and 117-110. When asked if he understood why his opponent would refuse to engage in a world title fight, Prograis simply stated, "I'm lost, totally lost."

On the undercard portion of the card, 2021 US Olympic team captain Ginny Finch had a massive showing of support but had an equally frustrating night as Prograis. She was able to dominate with her jab and reach advantage but was consistently made uncomfortable by her aggressive and persistent opponent Indeya Rodriguez of Dallas. Each fighter appeared uncomfortable, at times and, at other times seemed to be having their way. For Rodriguez, she was able to battle her way inside and outwork and catch "The Captain" with clean shots. Fuchs, an LSU Graduate, was able to land from the outside and control the range. The battle seemed competitive, and Rodriguez rocked Fuchs with a right hand with about 30 seconds left in the 7th. Fuchs got back in control in the 8th, with Rodriguez trying to work her way onto the inside. Fuchs was able to batter her opponent with several clean jabs and clean counter short left hands. The fight appeared up for grabs. However, the judges all scored wide for "The Captain" with scores of 80-72 x2 and 79-73.

Foster- Cordina unification Talks Heat Up.

Orange, Texas native " Ice Water" O'shaquie Foster has a story that reads like a Hollywood script. That script reached a climax back in February in San Antonio when Foster gave the "Performance of the Year" in outpointing and dominating two-division world champ Rey Vargas to capture the WBC strap. The story is just getting started as Foster, who is generally considered the best 130-pounder in the world, starts his world title reign. Foster has always had a difficult time securing big fights. However, he may be on the verge of landing the mega-fight that has long escaped him. According to Eddie Hearn, Matchroom Boxing boss, he has met with Keith Mills, advisor of Foster, and the two are in talks for a date later this year. When asked if it was possible for the fight to happen this year, Hearn responded with a "Yes, we are in talks." Cordina has expressed interest in the unification fight, and Foster and his team have prioritized the unification bout with Cordina, who holds the IBF super featherweight title. Mills, who is in New Orleans with Foster for the Regis Prograis-Danielito Zorrilla WBC 140-pound clash said, "This is why we are here to try and make this fight, not just to cheer on Prograis [who are stablemates]" Foster doubled down on the sentiment of his manager " saying "That's the fight we want." referring to the Cordina unification clash. Hearn did express some issues in making the fight, explaining "Foster isn't the biggest name, and he is a really good fighter." Suggesting that a Foster fight is a high-risk, low reward for his fighter Cordina. However, the two are alleged to meet and try to iron out some details for a potential unification scrap later in 2023. Foster may also have to take a mandatory bout with Eduardo "Rocky" Hernandez. Hernandez is also represented by Hearn.

Bam Rodriguez Likely to Unify with Edwards in 4th Quarter of 2023 in West Coast

The WBO-IBF Unification bout between Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez and Sunny Edwards seemed like an inevitability as soon as Bam captured the WBO strap in his home city of San Antonio and became the first-ever two-division world champion in the famed fight cities history. To make the situation smoother, the Lone Star Stater was more than willing to travel across the pond and fight Edwards in his backyard in the UK. When the Alamo City Native broke his jaw on his way to becoming a two-division world champ back in April, it appeared that the fight would be scrapped at least for the foreseeable future, and the 2022 "Fighter of the Year" would be on the sidelines for the remainder of 2023. However, it now seems we will get that fight, and even better for Rodriguez, the fight will be made in the US. Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn, who represents each champion said, "We are close, we really close." When asked for a date, he responded, "November, December. We have to wait on Bam's jaw, so we're looking at the end of 2023." Hearn also went on to say, that the fight would be in the United States but "Not in San Antonio'' The fight will likely be made for late 2023 on the West Coast. Hearn went on to explain his reasoning "We didn't do great in San Antonio, and it wouldn't be fair to Edwards." Out-of-town fighters have historically received a rough time getting a fair shake in Texas. Hearn said, "Either California or Arizona. We have done well in the past in Phoenix."

Jermall Charlo Closing in on Houston Fight with Canelo According to Sources

If difficult takes all day, impossible apparently takes five years or such is the case for Houston native and two-division world champ Jermall Charlo. Charlo has long pursued a fight with legendary Mexican four-division world champion Canelo Alvarez. It appears, finally, he may be nearing the long-awaited showdown. Charlo was the mandatory challenger for Alvarez and his WBC Super Middleweight title all the way back in 2018. In 2019 Canelo was minted "Franchise Champ" by the sanctioning body, and Charlo, was awarded the WBC "World Title." A title the Houstonian has defended a total of 4 times, including his most recent defense against Juan Macias Montiel at the Toyota Center in June of 2019. It has been two years since we have seen "Big Charlo" in the ring. He was originally, tentatively, scheduled to fight back in the Toyota Center on July 1st. That date was scratched and WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman said Charlo could have more time and wasn't in any danger of being stripped. Fast Forward and according to 210 Boxing TV and multiple other sources, the deal is nearing finalization. Unofficially Charlo and Canelo would be looking at a September 16th date at Minute Maid Park in Houston. For Canelo, it would be a potential two-fight deal that would also include a date with WBC Cruiserweight champ Badu Jack in December.

Rodriguez-Edwards Unification Could be Signed This Week

Two months ago San Antonio's favorite son Bam Rodriguez captured the WBO Flyweight title and made history by becoming the first two-division world champ from the Alamo City and did so at just 23 years old he got more than he expected. In addition to taking home the flyweight strap, he also left the Tech Port Arena with a broken jaw. An injury that is expected to keep the multi-divisional champ out of the ring for six months. That would mean he would be sidelined till the end of 2023 or early 2024.

When the San Antonio moved down to 112 from 115 back in April, the logical fight was a unification showdown with IBF title holder Sunny Edwards. Apparently, that fight seems to be green-lit once Rodriguez is cleared to return. Bam is back in the gym working hard and named Edwards when asked who he thought he might fight next. The two have been linked for some time and Edwards, who defended his title this past Saturday in a tougher-than-expected scrap against Andreas Campos at Wembley Arena, demanded Rodriguez "sign the contract" following his title defense. Rodriguez replied via social media with a simple and to-the-point "Let's go".

Edwards has called out and talked a bit of trash to Rodriguez, who seems to want the fight just as much. Rodriguez not known for talking trash, said to Edwards, "See you soon, Sonny" Rodriguez far prefers to make his statements in the ring. It is certainly looking like he will get that chance to make that statement in the near future. Promoter Eddie Hearn says the unification bout could be signed and made official this week. Speaking of the fight Hearn spoke highly of the fight saying “Sunny against Jesse is the toughest fight for Edwards, but I think it’s the best fight in the division... “I’m really confident we can get it done in the next two weeks,” Hearn said. “Maybe even by the end of this week."

Travis Crawford Shines in Co-Main Event in Corpus Christi

Boxing returned to Sparkle City, Corpus Christi. for the second time in four months. Ernest Reyna, CEO of Reyna Promotions, is bringing boxing back to Corpus Christi in a major way. Hometown hero, 20-year-old Travis Crawford stole the show in the evening's co-main event with his dominant second-round knockout of Michael Haynes to pick up his fourth straight win, his second win in two weeks, moving his record to 4-0 (2) after starting his career with two consecutive losses. At that point many would have given up, not Crawford, who has come roaring back and is now the talk of Corpus Christi. The 20-year-old scored with a couple of straight right hands that caught the attention of Haynes. Crawford was able to score at will on Haynes, who was diving in with power shots. Setting the pace in the opening round, Crawford slammed on the gas in round number two. Scoring with a left hook early in the round that hurt Haynes. Moments later, he scored with a right hand to the body that sent his opponent into the ropes. With his opponent backed into the ropes, the hometown hero unleashed a whirlwind of power shots that had Haynes in a world of trouble. Late in the round, a left hook from Crawford doubled over his outmatched opponent and put him on the floor. Haynes, an extremely tough, and durable opponent, somehow made it to his feet. However, the writing was on the wall, and like a professional, Crawford stayed downstairs and focused on the body. He scored with a right hand and a left hook to the body that dropped his opponent for a second and final time giving Crawford the second-round KO with about 30 seconds left in the second round.

In the night's main event, Mercedes native "El Gallo Fino" Sammy Castaneda gave another A+ performance in outpointing Julio Chaves Infante of Tamaulipas, Mexico, and moved his record to 11-0-1 (7). Castaneda dominated the six-round affair in relentless vintage "El Gallo Fino" fashion. Non-stop pressure from the Rio Grande Valley natives overwhelmed Infane. Castaneda's relentlessness not only broke Infante down but took away his heart and turned the KO artist into a defensive-minded fighter. Castaneda closed the show like a pro, mixing up head and body shots, like the energizer bunny. He kept firing on an overwhelmed Infante. The final scores were academic as they all came in wide in favor of the Rio Grande Valley native 59-55x2 and 60-54. Castaneda, who is emerging as one of the top 140-pound prospects in the world, showed improved footwork and defensive skills in making Infante miss. He scored with crisp clean counter shots throughout the six rounds. The 24-year-old Rio Grande Valley Native has a premier team behind him that includes Head Coach James Payton, Agent Kerry Daigle, and cutman Aaron Navarro who works with world champion Regis Prograis and O'shaquie Foster. The team has Castaneda on a path to be fighting at the highest level by next year.

The undercard portion of the card was sensational. The opening bout was an absolute barnburner. Carlos Torres of Corpus Christi and Luis Fernendez of Austin Treated fans to an all-action slugfest. The pair traded second-row knockdowns. Fernandez evened the score late in the round and had Torres in serious trouble. However, Torres survived the scare and closed the show well. In the fourth and final rounds appeared to be in better condition as he was the one that got the better of the haymakers that were changed throughout the fourth round. The Corpus Christi native was rightfully awarded the close split decision victory by scores of 40-36, 38-36, and 39-37 in favor of Fernandez to move his record to 2-3 (1).

In the second bout, Corpus Christi native Patrick Haro got off the canvas to rally and make his pro debut a successful one. Haro scored with a right hook in the 4th round that dropped Tyler Pacheco, of San Angelo. Pacheco got back on his horse and chased after Haro, and scored with a straight right of his own to close out a highly competitive and very close four-round affair. Two of the three judges favored Haro, with the third judge scoring it a draw.

Supper Middleweight Veteran Justin Williams scored with a picture-perfect uppercut that dropped his opponent, Eduardo Alvarez, just seconds into the first round. The laser-like shot left Alvarez with blurred vision and unable to continue. Williams officially picked up the KO victory via 55 seconds of the first round.

Also on the card was hometown favorite Christian Perez, who picked up a unanimous decision victory. Perez rallied late and scored with a ferocious combination that laid to a 30-second barrage of power shots that left his opponent Steveen Angeles Cruz in a world of trouble. Perez nearly got the stoppage in the fourth but had to settle for the points victory as his rugged opponent survived till the final round