Promotional documents for the event show that each participant was required to pay a registration fee of 1,000 Mexican pesos. Payments were made directly to a Banamex bank account registered under Juárez Soriano’s name. However, numerous trainers, boxers, and family members claim that multiple organizational issues emerged throughout the tournament.

According to testimonies gathered by this outlet, the weigh-in began at approximately 7:30 a.m., but the first bout did not get underway until shortly after noon. As the day progressed, reports surfaced of canceled fights, lengthy delays, and widespread confusion among participants.

The situation reached a breaking point when several attendees alleged they would not receive some of the prizes that had been previously advertised, including championship belts, cash awards, and medals. Reports also began circulating regarding additional fees allegedly charged to participants beyond the original registration cost.

The growing frustration ultimately led to a confrontation with the event organizer. Multiple witnesses claim the dispute quickly escalated into a physical altercation that left Juárez Soriano injured.

While conflicting accounts of the incident continue to circulate, the World Boxing Council confirmed on Monday that the promoter remains hospitalized as a result of the events that occurred during the tournament’s opening day.

In an official statement, the organization headed by Mauricio Sulaimán also acknowledged that it had been supporting the staging of the event.

“The World Boxing Council was supporting the promoter in staging this event,” the organization stated.

Important Information Regarding the Green and Gold “Cuna de Campeones” Tournament

The WBC further announced that it will conduct a comprehensive review alongside the promoter, relevant authorities, participants, and trainers in order to determine what transpired, establish accountability, and take any appropriate measures.

The case has reignited long-standing criticism within Mexican amateur boxing regarding the growing number of privately organized tournaments that collect entry fees, promise prizes, and leverage institutional affiliations or endorsements that inspire confidence among athletes and their families, only to generate revenue for organizers with limited benefits for the participants themselves.

Amid the ongoing debate, other promoters and organizers connected to the WBC amateur boxing circuit have once again been mentioned, including Julio Gamboa and Carlos “Bondojo” Hernández, president of the Mexican Union of Boxing Excellence (UMBE). However, there is currently no public evidence linking either man to the events that took place in Coyoacán.

As the WBC proceeds with its announced investigation, dozens of participants continue to demand answers regarding the handling of the tournament and the funds collected from athletes seeking to compete.

What happened in Coyoacán raises an uncomfortable question for Mexican amateur boxing: who is truly overseeing these events, and what safeguards exist to protect young fighters and their families when the promises made by organizers fail to materialize?

According to reports from BoxingScene, the bout will headline a Matchroom Boxing card at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment for both fighters in the heavyweight division.

The matchup has clear backstory. Following Pero’s win over Jordan Thompson last year in Orlando, Miller entered the ring to issue a direct challenge, sparking talks that initially pointed toward a January 31 date in New York. However, financial disagreements over purses prevented a deal from being finalized, leading Miller to instead face Kingsley Ibeh on that date.

Pero (13-0, 8 KOs) continues his rise in the division, with notable wins over Viktor Vykhryst and Thompson. Still, the Cuban southpaw is looking to solidify his standing against more seasoned opposition and prove himself at a higher level.

Miller (27-1-2, 22 KOs), 37, is aiming to reestablish himself in the elite conversation. His career has been defined in part by the cancellation of his 2019 bout with Anthony Joshua after failing multiple drug tests, along with extended periods of inactivity. His most recent outing, a decision win over Ibeh, raised questions about his current form.

The matchup presents a clear contrast: Pero’s youth and upside against Miller’s experience and name recognition. For Pero, it’s a major opportunity to emerge as a legitimate contender; for Miller, a chance to reaffirm his relevance.

April 25 in Las Vegas will determine whether Pero is ready to take the next step or if Miller still has a place among the heavyweight elite.

This was also confirmed to El Nuevo Herald by a source who indicated that organizers are working on a replacement bout for the card.

Within that scenario, Cuban contender Yoenis Téllez has emerged as one of the options to join the lineup. Téllez confirmed Wednesday morning that he signed a contract to face former world champion Brian Mendoza, known as “La Bala,” although confirmation from Mendoza’s side is still pending.

Téllez was originally scheduled to face unbeaten Myles Mizell on March 21 at the Caribe Royale Orlando as part of the undercard headlined by Carlos Adames vs. Austin Williams. Under that timeline, the March 28 date would also fit into the Cuban fighter’s schedule should the change materialize.

The Sánchez–Torrez Jr. bout had been scheduled as part of the card headlined by Sebastian Fundora against Keith Thurman, a card that represented a significant opportunity for Sánchez in the heavyweight division. The fight was also slated to serve as a final eliminator for the International Boxing Federation heavyweight title, which would have placed the winner in direct position to challenge for the organization’s world championship.

According to sources familiar with the situation, Sánchez will be unable to train for several weeks while recovering from the knee inflammation, with May being considered as a tentative new date for the fight.

For months, Sánchez’s team had been seeking opponents willing to face him in a bout that would help define positioning within the division. Torrez Jr. ultimately accepted the matchup, setting up what was expected to be a high-level clash between an established contender and one of the most visible prospects in American boxing.

Although an official announcement from Premier Boxing Champions is still pending, this appears to be the immediate path being considered as the card is reshaped while Sánchez completes his recovery.

After ten rounds of near-total control, all three judges turned in identical scorecards of 100-90, accurately reflecting what unfolded in the ring: a fight in which the Cuban consistently took the initiative and dictated the pace against an opponent who seemed more focused on surviving than contesting the bout’s command.

The fight, part of a card broadcast on DAZN and headlined by the clash between Steven Butler and Ramadan Hiseni, represented much more than a simple addition to Pérez’s record. It was his debut under the banner of Eye of the Tiger Management and, in many ways, his formal introduction to the North American boxing market.

From the opening bell, the dynamic of the fight was clear.

Standing an imposing 6-foot-5, a rare height even within the cruiserweight division, Pérez claimed the center of the ring and immediately began working with speed and varied combinations.

His fast hands and long reach created separation early, while Chilemba, a seasoned veteran of many tough fights, preferred to stay behind a high guard and wait for opportunities to respond.

But those opportunities rarely came.

Round after round, the Cuban methodically built his lead, mixing shots to the head and body, maintaining distance and controlling the tempo of the fight. Chilemba remained disciplined defensively, moving cautiously and avoiding extended exchanges, but his offensive output proved far too limited to truly trouble his opponent.

With no clear opening for a stoppage, Pérez opted for tactical intelligence. He managed the fight with composure, avoided unnecessary risks and focused on banking rounds — a noteworthy adjustment for a fighter known primarily for his ability to finish fights early.

When the ten rounds concluded, the scorecards confirmed Pérez’s 16th professional victory, along with the capture of the WBA Continental Cruiserweight title.

Interestingly, despite the wide margin on the cards, this was only the second time in his career that Pérez has gone the full ten-round distance. The explanation is simple: 14 of his previous victories had come by knockout, a statistic that underscores his reputation as a heavy-handed finisher.

Still, the Montreal bout carried a different kind of significance.

Pérez was returning from an extended period of inactivity and doing so in a completely new environment — a new promotional company, a new stage and a different platform within the competitive North American boxing circuit. In that context, logging rounds against an experienced opponent and securing a clear victory can be just as valuable as a highlight-reel knockout.

For Pérez, the night in Montreal was not simply another win. It was also the first step in a new phase that could open bigger doors within the always demanding cruiserweight division, where talent requires both explosiveness and patience to truly find its place.

If he can remain active under his new promotional banner, the path that began in Canada may well be just the start of something much bigger.

“Robeisy Ramírez is no longer part of Top Rank,” the source stated. “This says nothing about what Robeisy is as a fighter. It’s simply a complicated moment. You always hope the story ends well for everyone.”

For the preparation of this report, Top Rank’s current roster database was reviewed, and Ramírez’s name no longer appears among the company’s active fighters. Multiple attempts were also made to obtain comment from Ramírez and his team, including his manager, but they declined to provide statements.

Ramírez (14-3, 9 KOs) signed with the company led by Bob Arum in 2019 following a decorated amateur career that included gold medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. His professional debut resulted in a split-decision loss to Adan Gonzalez, but he rebounded with a string of victories that positioned him as a contender in the featherweight division.

In April 2023, the Cuban southpaw captured the WBO featherweight title with a unanimous decision win over Isaac Dogboe, solidifying his status as a world champion under the Top Rank banner.

Ramírez lost the belt in December 2023 to Mexico’s Rafael Espinoza via majority decision in a competitive bout. He returned in 2024 with a knockout victory over Brandon Leon Benitez in Miami before facing Espinoza again, suffering a second defeat to the reigning titleholder.

The split comes at a transitional period for both fighter and promoter, as Top Rank continues to navigate restructuring following the conclusion of its broadcast agreement with ESPN. While reports have surfaced regarding potential new distribution deals, no exclusive platform has been officially announced.

For the 31-year-old Ramírez, the departure presents an opportunity to explore new promotional avenues in a division that remains competitive and marketable. With Olympic pedigree, refined technical skills and established recognition in the U.S. market, the Cuban remains a viable name at 126 pounds.

Sánchez, born in Guantánamo and based in Miami, returns to the title contention picture after recovering from a knee injury sustained in his fight against Agit Kabayel in 2024, an injury that required surgery and a lengthy recovery period. The 33-year-old Cuban began his professional career with 24 consecutive wins, including a knockout over then-undefeated Efe Ajagba in 2021. In February, he returned to the ring with a technical knockout over Ramón Olivas Echeverría, showing he remains a serious contender.

“A victory on March 28 brings me closer to becoming the first Cuban heavyweight world champion,” Sánchez said. “Torrez is a strong opponent, but I am ready to face this challenge and deliver a solid performance for my Cuban and Latin fans.”

Torrez Jr., 26, from Tulare, California, enters undefeated and has steadily progressed in his professional career. His most notable results include TKO victories over Brandon Moore and a unanimous decision win over Guido Vianello, as well as a first-round knockout of Tomáš Šálek in his most recent fight. “Sánchez is skilled and technical, exactly the type of opponent I was looking for. I have prepared for this fight and expect to impose my style from the opening bell,” Torrez said.

In the middleweight division, Yoenli Hernández comes in with an undefeated record and significant results that establish him as one of the division’s top prospects. His unanimous decision victory over Kyrone Davis in May 2025 in Las Vegas, during the Caleb Plant vs. Jose Armando Resendiz card, highlights his capability against international-level opposition. Hernández, originally from Camagüey and based in Providence, Rhode Island, has built his career with consistent wins, including technical knockouts over Bryce Henry and Alejandro Barrera in 2024.

“I am focused on my preparation and ready to show my level. This fight represents an important opportunity in my career,” Hernández said.

His opponent, Terrell Gausha, a 2012 U.S. Olympic team member with experience against high-level opponents, aims to reestablish himself after competing for the WBC title in 2024. Gausha has faced elite competition throughout his career and enters prepared to test himself against Hernández. “Yoenli is young, strong, and technical. This fight will be an opportunity to demonstrate my level and move closer to my goal of becoming a world champion,” Gausha stated.

The IBF has sent a formal letter to the camps of Andy Cruz and Albert Bell to gauge the availability of both fighters for a final eliminator that will determine the next mandatory challenger for the 135-pound world title currently held by Raymond Muratalla. The communication does not constitute an official order, but rather an initial step to see if both camps are willing to negotiate the fight. Each side has until February 19 to respond. If no agreement is reached, the IBF will move forward with the next available contender on the list.

For Cruz, an Olympic gold medalist and currently seventh in the IBF rankings, this eliminator represents a direct path back toward a world title opportunity after losing his unbeaten record to Muratalla last January in Las Vegas in his first shot at a world belt. Since then, “El Diamante” has made several lifestyle changes, including a permanent move to Philadelphia to stay close to day-to-day training rigor. His professional record shows steady growth, with victories that reaffirm his ability to compete at the highest level of the lightweight division.

Albert Bell currently sits sixth in the IBF rankings and holds an unblemished 28-0 record. The American has shown the skill to face quality opponents, and his participation in this eliminator sets up a competitive clash with high-level technical stakes. For Bell, the eliminator is a key opportunity: a victory would cement him as the mandatory challenger for the world title, boosting both his divisional standing and his media and sporting profile.

Cruz’s chance at this eliminator came after Lucas Bahdi declined the opportunity to pursue a WBA title path, opening the door for Cruz to step into the most prominent position on the IBF list. This puts the Cuban in a favorable spot: a win would put him one step away from fighting for a world championship for the second time.

The lightweight division continues to show depth and talent, with established fighters and top prospects striving to cement their place among the world’s elite. The eliminator between Andy Cruz and Albert Bell promises to be a defining fight in deciding the next mandatory challenger, with the outcome setting the course for both fighters in the division.

The camps’ responses will dictate the next steps: if both sides accept, the IBF will formalize the eliminator and set dates and a venue for the showdown. If no agreement is reached, the organization will offer the opportunity to the next available contender per its ranking rules.

Andy Cruz stands at a pivotal crossroads: a victory would bring him back to the top of professional boxing, solidifying his standing in the lightweight division and confirming that he remains one of the brightest talents to emerge from Cuban boxing in the last decade.

The fight comes together after the sanctioning body contacted both parties last January to confirm interest and availability, granting a three-day window to either accept or decline the invitation to enter negotiations. Both Silyagin and Iglesias immediately expressed their willingness to move forward, allowing talks to advance quickly toward an official confirmation. Iglesias, a Cuban southpaw based in Berlin, is represented by Eye of the Tiger Management (EOTTM), while Silyagin is promoted by RCC Boxing.

RCC Post on Instagram

British contender Troy Williamson, one of several names contacted prior to Silyagin, was ultimately removed from consideration due to a mandatory rematch clause exercised by Callum Simpson. The clause prevented Williamson from pursuing the title despite recently breaking into the IBF top 10 following his December knockout victory over Simpson. Their rematch is projected for May in the United Kingdom.

With that scenario in place, the IBF turned to Silyagin, 16-0-1 (7 KOs), the organization’s current No. 7-ranked contender, after other notable names such as Hamzah Sheeraz, Jaime Munguía, and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez were unavailable due to prior commitments. Sheeraz accepted a WBO title opportunity and is set to face Alem Begic in the near future.

Munguía, meanwhile, is negotiating a bout with WBA champion Jose Armando Resendiz, a fight that could land on the card headlined by David Benavidez vs. Gilberto Ramírez on May 2, while Alvarez has announced plans to return to the ring in September, with the fight expected to take place in Riyadh.

Silyagin has spent his entire professional career fighting in Russia since turning pro in 2020. The lone blemish on his record is a surprising draw in September 2023 against highly regarded countryman Evgeny Shvedenko, a result he has since rebounded from with three consecutive victories, including a dominant ten-round decision over unbeaten Pablo Exequiel Corzo on July 5 in Ekaterinburg.

Iglesias enters the bout as the mandatory challenger following an eighth-round knockout of former title challenger Vladimir Shishkin on September 4, 2025, in Montreal, a performance that solidified him as one of the most dangerous contenders in the division. The Cuban now looks to capture the IBF world title and take a decisive step toward the top of the 168-pound division.

El movimiento respondió al reclamo del lanzador derecho Garrett Acton, tomado desde waivers de los Colorado Rockies, una adición menor en apariencia, pero suficiente para provocar un efecto dominó dentro del roster de 40 jugadores, que se mantiene completo. En ese juego de espacio limitado, Mesa Jr. fue el nombre sacrificado.

Para entender el momento hay que ir más atrás. Víctor Mesa Jr., hoy con 24 años, llegó al béisbol profesional envuelto en expectativas que rara vez perdonan. Junto a su hermano mayor, Víctor Víctor Mesa, protagonizó una de las salidas más mediáticas del béisbol cubano en 2018. Hijos de Víctor Mesa, figura histórica de la Serie Nacional y exmanager del equipo Cuba en el Clásico Mundial, ambos firmaron con los Marlins en octubre de ese año, en una apuesta que combinaba talento, apellido y proyección.

Con el tiempo, los caminos se bifurcaron. El hermano mayor, inicialmente mejor valorado, nunca logró consolidarse y desapareció del radar en 2023. El menor resistió. Mesa Jr. se mantuvo en el sistema, fue agregado al roster de 40 en noviembre de 2023 para protegerlo del Draft de la Regla 5 y, finalmente, cumplió el sueño de debutar en Grandes Ligas en 2025. Fueron apenas 16 juegos y 38 turnos al bate, con una línea modesta (.188/.297/.344), pero suficientes para colocar su nombre en el libro de registros.

Su producción en ligas menores ha sido más estable, aunque interrumpida por lesiones. En las últimas dos temporadas combinadas sumó 579 apariciones al plato, 20 jonrones, un wRC+ de 106 y la versatilidad defensiva de cubrir los tres jardines. No es una estrella en formación, pero sí un jugador funcional, con velocidad y herramientas que suelen encontrar espacio como fondo de roster.

Ahí entra la palabra que hoy define su presente: DFA. Ser designado para asignación no es una despedida automática, pero sí una cuenta regresiva. Los Marlins tienen hasta siete días para decidir si lo colocan en waivers, lo negocian en un cambio o lo envían a ligas menores si no es reclamado. Es el limbo del béisbol moderno: demasiado bueno para desaparecer, pero no lo suficientemente indispensable para garantizar un puesto.

A esta altura, los evaluadores ven a Mesa Jr. como jardinero de profundidad, un perfil que puede resultar atractivo para otra organización, más aún considerando que aún conserva una opción de ligas menores. Su futuro inmediato dependerá menos del bate y más de las necesidades ajenas.

Los próximos días serán determinantes para definir si Víctor Mesa Jr. continúa en la organización de los Marlins o encuentra una nueva oportunidad dentro del sistema de MLB.

Valenzuela, a former world champion at 140 pounds, is looking to get back on track following his WBA title loss to Gary Antuanne Russell. For the American fighter, this bout represents a chance to regain confidence and reestablish himself in the lightweight division. Torres, with a solid record and extensive experience, presents a competitive challenge that will test Valenzuela’s adaptability and resilience.

The card will also feature 10-round bouts in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. Among the reported matchups is the advanced negotiation between Serhii Bohachuk and Radzhab Butaev. Both fighters have established careers: Bohachuk brings international experience and a notable knockout record, while Butaev offers power and consistency at a high competitive level. This bout has not yet been officially confirmed.

At light heavyweight, Radivoje “Hot Rod” Kalajdzic will face Oleksandr Gvozdyk, with both looking to bounce back from recent losses. Kalajdzic fell to David Morrell, while Gvozdyk was defeated by David Benavides. This fight gives both men an opportunity to refocus their careers and maintain their standing in the division.

While the Valenzuela vs. Torres matchup will headline the night, the full card features fighters with different trajectories, all aiming to prove their ability to compete at the professional level and regain momentum following defeats or lost titles. The show promises strategic matchups where experience, technique, and consistency are expected to determine the outcome inside the ring.

The World Boxing Association (WBA) has officially designated Gervonta “Tank” Davis as Champion in Recess in the lightweight division, amid growing uncertainty surrounding the fighter’s legal situation outside the ring.

The decision was confirmed by WBA President Gilberto Jesús Mendoza, who acknowledged the seriousness of the moment facing one of boxing’s most recognizable stars.

“Gervonta is dealing with a truly serious situation. While we have nothing against him personally, the things he does outside the ring are not aligned with the values of our organization,” Mendoza stated.

The WBA explained that the move is intended to protect the integrity of the championship and ensure the lightweight division remains active and competitive while Davis’ status remains unclear.

At the same time, the sanctioning body is evaluating the possibility of ordering a lightweight title fight between Lamont Roach and Floyd Schofield, a bout that would allow the division to move forward during Davis’ absence.

Sources indicate the WBA remains in ongoing communication with promoters and representatives of all parties involved, with a final determination expected once internal evaluations are completed.

Davis’ situation escalated after the Miami Gardens Police Department issued an arrest warrant in connection with an alleged domestic incident that occurred in October. According to official reports, the boxer is facing charges that include battery, false imprisonment, and alleged attempted kidnapping.

Authorities have confirmed that the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force has been involved in efforts to locate Davis, while the case continues to move through the Florida legal system.

As Davis addresses his legal matters, his boxing future remains on hold. The WBA emphasized that the designation of Champion in Recess does not constitute a final disciplinary ruling, but rather an administrative measure aimed at maintaining order within the division.

“We are closely monitoring the process and will act in accordance with our regulations once there is greater clarity,” Mendoza added.

For now, the WBA lightweight title remains in limbo, awaiting a resolution that will define both Davis’ legal standing and the competitive direction of one of boxing’s most talent-rich divisions.

Pérez, who was recently signed by the Quebec-based promoter, will face veteran Isaac Chilemba (27-10-3) in a scheduled bout that represents a significant step up in experience for the rising southpaw.

At 27 years of age, Pérez enters the contest with an unblemished 15-0 record, including 14 knockouts, and is currently ranked No. 3 by the WBA at cruiserweight. Before turning professional, Pérez was one of the standout amateurs of his generation, capturing a World Championship title while representing Cuba.

After leaving the amateur ranks, Pérez built the early stages of his professional career in Europe, competing primarily in Russia, a region widely regarded for its demanding boxing circuit. His most recent outing drew attention after he secured a split decision victory over former world title challenger Aleksei Egorov, a win that elevated his standing within the division.

Chilemba, a seasoned veteran, has shared the ring with elite-level opposition throughout his career, including Dmitrii Bivol, Sergey Kovalev, Oleksandr Gvozdyk and Tony Bellew, coming up short in those high-profile encounters. He is also familiar with Cuban fighters, having previously faced Osleys Iglesias, another boxer promoted by Eye of the Tiger.

The card will be headlined by a matchup between Steven Butler and Ramadan Hiseni. Also featured on the undercard, The Ring ambassador Jhon Orobio of Colombia will take on Puerto Rican Yomar Alamo, while prospects Christian Guerrero and Moreno Fendero are scheduled to compete in separate bouts. The event is also expected to mark the return of Steve Claggett.

The March 5 bout offers Pérez an opportunity to establish himself in the North American market as he continues his climb in the cruiserweight division.

The information was revealed by insider César Seda, lead voice of the program Boxeo Urbano Network, who shared details of an interview held with Eddie Hearn during the Sunday program hosted by Carlos Linares and Jorge Ebro on YouTube. That conversation took place over the weekend of January 10 in New York, as part of the parallel activities surrounding the card headlined by Subriel Matías vs. Dalton Smith, a fight that ended with a victory for Smith.

According to Hearn, the status of the matchup between the Cuban and the Brit is uncertain at this time.

“Everyone is waiting on the date. You know, originally that fight was scheduled for March in Riyadh, but obviously we don’t know. Obviously, with the AJ (Anthony Joshua) situation, I don’t really know what will happen with that day and that date,” Hearn stated.

The fight had been ordered by the World Boxing Organization (WBO) several months ago, and after multiple extensions, the promoters involved managed to close an agreement on December 4, according to an official statement from the sanctioning body.

In that document, the WBO stated:

“The World Boxing Organization (WBO) announces that it has received written confirmation from Matchroom Boxing and TGB Promotions/Warriors Boxing, indicating that the parties have reached an agreement regarding the Interim WBO Light Heavyweight Championship bout between Callum Smith and David Morrell.

At the appropriate time, the parties will formally announce the date, venue, and official promoter of the bout.”

However, the current situation has forced a rethinking of the plans.

“So myself and Luis de Cubas are working hard to establish where Callum vs. Morrell will take place, and we need to make sure it happens as soon as possible,” Hearn added.

Callum Smith (31-2, 22 KOs) is coming off an important victory in February, when he defeated Joshua Buatsi by decision after an intense 12-round all-British battle, a result that allowed him to capture the interim belt.

Meanwhile, David Morrell (12-1, 9 KOs) returned to the ring in July, defeating Imam Khataev in what was his first appearance since the competitive decision loss to David Benavídez, suffered on February 1, 2025, in Las Vegas.

For now, the future of the highly anticipated clash between Morrell and Smith remains on hold, as all parties await a suitable window to finally bring the fight to the ring.

The news came as a major blow to Paro’s team, as the Australian fighter was in the final stages of preparation for a bout crucial to his world title ambitions. Donovan’s withdrawal occurred virtually on the eve of the fight, leaving Paro without an opponent and without a bout, despite having completed his entire training camp and all pre-fight obligations.

The fight was set to be part of a major card headlined by Nikita Tszyu vs. Michael Zerafa, adding further significance to Paro’s matchup and its importance within the event.

Although initial reports suggested a possible flu-like condition, Matchroom confirmed that the decision was made for medical reasons, prioritizing the Irish boxer’s health. At this time, no rescheduled date or potential replacement opponent has been announced for Paro.

The situation has caused frustration within the Australian fighter’s camp, as a victory in this eliminator would have positioned Paro as the mandatory challenger for the IBF world title. Now, Paro must wait for another opportunity while sanctioning bodies and promoters assess the next steps.

It is expected that the International Boxing Federation (IBF) will issue an official statement in the coming days regarding the status of the eliminator and the immediate future of both fighters.

Davis has been added to the Teofimo Lopez vs. Shakur Stevenson card at Madison Square Garden to face Jamaine Ortiz, a matchup that quietly alters a narrative that had been forming around Ortiz and Richardson Hitchins. For weeks, that seemed like the natural path. It didn’t happen. Ortiz now stands across the ring from Davis, and that changes the context.

This is not a comeback fight designed to shake off rust. It’s not a carefully selected return meant to look good after nearly a year of inactivity. Jamaine Ortiz is not a placeholder and not a name chosen for convenience. He’s a disciplined, awkward fighter with solid tactical control and someone who is difficult to clearly dominate. He doesn’t make fights easy not for opponents and not for matchmakers. That’s precisely why his name keeps coming up when the matchmaking is serious.

Davis hasn’t fought since last February, when he defeated Denys Berinchyk in New York. Since then, his profile has remained intact, but the lightweight division hasn’t slowed down to wait for him. This fight marks his point of re-entry, and the selection of Ortiz makes it clear the intention isn’t to circle the division, but to step directly back into the meaningful conversation.

Ortiz’s record explains why this matchup is anything but soft. His losses have come only against top-level opposition, and none of them were easy. He’s shown durability, competitiveness, and a consistent ability to stay in fights qualities that tend to unsettle, and sometimes expose, fighters who aren’t quite ready for the next level.

For Davis, this fight serves two purposes at once. It answers questions about inactivity and places him back into relevance without the protection of a made-to-order opponent. A clean win reaffirms him as a legitimate contender. A shaky performance, on the other hand, raises questions that currently seem settled.

While the card is headlined by Lopez vs. Stevenson, the Davis–Ortiz bout is one of the few fights on the night that functions as a true measuring stick rather than a simple promotional add-on.

The Rest of the Card — January 31

Bruce Carrington vs. Carlos Castro

Carrington looks like a fighter built for the long haul: good movement, clean punching, and control of distance. But that same polish can become predictability if he manages instead of imposing.

Carlos Castro doesn’t fight to look neat. He presses, bumps, leans, and forces exchanges where structure breaks down. If Carrington stays on the outside flicking jabs without authority, Castro will walk him to the ropes and make it physical. The danger isn’t getting stopped it’s losing rounds while believing you’re in control. At featherweight, fights turn quickly when the jab stops commanding respect.

Carlos Adames vs. Austin Williams

Adames punches with the expectation that resistance will eventually disappear. Most opponents oblige. Austin Williams does not.

Williams absorbs, resets, and comes back. The fight becomes dangerous the moment Adames starts loading up and chasing moments instead of maintaining position. Williams will capitalize on any excess with counters. If Adames can’t manage the pace, this becomes the kind of fight where the harder puncher looks slower with every round. That’s how belts are lost quietly.

Jarrell Miller vs. Kingsley Ibeh

This isn’t an exhibition. It’s a heavyweight grind.

Miller presses, leans, and drains — that’s his entire economy. Ibeh isn’t fast, but he’s sturdy and willing to fight in uncomfortable spaces. If Miller can’t break him early, the fight becomes a labor job: heavy legs, heavy arms, and shrinking margins. In this division, when fatigue sets in, technique is usually the first thing to go.

Fighter of the Year: Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford was the defining figure of boxing in 2025.

Not because his career résumé suddenly became flawless, nor because his historical standing is beyond debate, but because of the magnitude and implications of what he accomplished. Crawford jumped three weight divisions to challenge a fully established, undisputed-era version of Canelo Álvarez—without rehydration clauses, without contractual advantages, and without institutional protection.

He did not merely win. He delivered a disciplined, authoritative boxing lesson that dismantled a champion who had been insulated at the top for more than a decade. In doing so, Crawford effectively punctured what many viewed as a 15-year promotional bubble surrounding Álvarez, dating back to his first title win over Matthew Hatton.

Beyond the ring, Crawford became a catalyst for change. His public conflict with the WBC—and the way he ultimately emerged unscathed—highlighted the inconsistencies and political maneuvering within boxing’s governing structure. While Crawford may lack the depth of elite opposition found on the résumés of Floyd Mayweather, Oleksandr Usyk or Naoya Inoue, his legacy is defined by impact rather than accumulation.

In 2025, Terence Crawford was not just the best fighter of the year he was the most consequential.

The Cracks in Canelo Álvarez’s Armor

Canelo Álvarez was also one of the central figures of 2025, though for very different reasons.

This was the year that marked his definitive transition away from autonomy and control. His involvement in Saudi-backed events produced two damaging moments. The first was a widely criticized bout against William Scull, regarded by many as the most forgettable fight of the year. The second was far more damaging: a clear, comprehensive loss to Crawford.

That defeat carried symbolic weight. Álvarez was beaten cleanly by a former welterweight who climbed three divisions to face him. The loss accelerated the collapse of the long-standing narrative that had shielded Álvarez from scrutiny—close decisions, favorable matchmaking and titles left dormant in his possession.

By the end of 2025, Canelo no longer represented boxing’s untouchable centerpiece. Instead, he stood as a fighter forced to defend his relevance rather than dictate it.

The Biggest Failure: The WBC and Mauricio Sulaimán

If one institution emerged from 2025 with its credibility severely compromised, it was the World Boxing Council.

Under the leadership of Mauricio Sulaimán, the WBC committed a series of high-profile missteps that collectively undermined its role as a regulator. The handling of Crawford’s championship status, the contradictions surrounding the Crawford–Álvarez title bout, the unchecked favoritism toward Canelo, and the organization’s open embrace of Jake Paul all pointed to an alarming lack of consistency.

Additional controversies—ranging from the Munguía situation, the Ryan García reinstatement, the Pacquiao rankings, Conor Benn’s sudden placement, and conflicting mandatory orders painted a picture of an organization reacting to influence rather than enforcing standards.

Perhaps most troubling was the WBC’s ambiguous stance on the potential revision of the Ali Act: publicly expressing concern while simultaneously aligning with those positioned to benefit from its alteration. In a year that may serve as a historical turning point, the WBC appeared more political than principled.

A Year That Changed the Trajectory of Boxing

2025 may not be remembered for classic fights, but it will be remembered as a pivot year. The looming arrival of the TKO League, uncertainty surrounding Saudi Arabia’s long-term influence, and the sudden silence of Turki Alalshikh have introduced questions that will shape boxing’s future.

Whether the sport evolves or fractures further in 2026 remains to be seen. What is clear is that many of the forces driving that uncertainty were exposed in 2025.

And at the center of it all stood Terence Crawford—a fighter who, for one year at least, forced boxing to confront realities it had spent years avoiding.

Born in Ciego de Ávila, Cuba, Álvarez comes into this event backed by a solid amateur career, highlighted by his gold medal at the 2022 World Junior Championship held in Spain. Already in the professional ranks, the young Cuban completed a 2025 of consolidation, extending his undefeated record to 5-0, with four victories by stoppage, in addition to securing his contract with Boxlab Promotions.

His most recent performance was on October 18, when he defeated Bruno Pola by TKO on the Most Valuable Prospects 16 card, held at the South Padre Island Convention Center in Texas, a performance that reignited expectations around his potential.

“2025 was a year of a lot of growth for me. I gained experience, added important wins, and confirmed that the work I do every day is going in the right direction. Signing with Boxlab and finishing four fights before the limit gave me confidence, but it also reminded me that this is just the beginning. I feel like I’m building something serious step by step,” Álvarez said.

Currently residing in Massachusetts, Ronnie shares training sessions with top Cuban contenders such as Yoenlis Hernández, Yoenis Téllez, and Armando Martínez, an environment that according to him has been key to his development.

“Training alongside other high-level Cubans makes everything more manageable, even on the coldest days. There’s a special energy in the gym, a lot of healthy competition, and support among us,” he added.

Although he does not yet know the name of his opponent for January 24, Álvarez assures he is ready for whoever steps into the ring.

“It doesn’t matter who the opponent is. I am prepared and focused on continuing to prove that my talent is real. My goal is clear: to be a world champion, and it’s not an empty dream, it’s a goal I work toward every day,” he asserted.

Additionally, for Álvarez, the event will hold special significance as part of the undercard for his compatriot Andy Cruz, who will compete for the IBF World Lightweight Championship in the night’s main event. The young prospect does not hide the admiration he feels for Cruz and acknowledges the impact of sharing a card with him.

“It’s an honor for me to be on the same card as Andy Cruz. He’s an example for all of us Cubans starting out in the professional ranks. What he has achieved in such a short time shows that with discipline and focus, you can go far. Today it’s my turn to support him from the undercard, but I dream that someday it will be me on that same step, fighting for a world title,” Álvarez stated.

Ronnie’s participation in a card of this level, alongside Andy Cruz, confirms that the young Cuban prospect is on the right path to establishing himself as one of the most solid promises in professional boxing.

The event will feature a blend of established fighters and rising prospects. In one of the key supporting bouts, Khalil Coe will face former world title challenger Jessie Hart in a light heavyweight matchup.

Also on the card is the return of Uzbekistan’s Israel Madrimov, who will take on Alexis Salazar. Salazar is coming off a loss to Vito Mielnicki Jr. and has previous defeats against Xander Zayas and Carlos Adames.

U.S. Olympic prospect Omari Jones (4-0, 4 KOs) will face his stiffest test to date when he meets unbeaten Jerome Baxter Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs).

The undercard will also showcase several notable prospects, including Cuban Ronny Álvarez, Dominican standout Kaipo Gallegos, along with Harley Mederos and Zaquin Moses, all competing in separate bouts.

The night will be headlined by the IBF lightweight title fight, a pivotal opportunity for both Cruz and Muratalla.

Fight Card – Andy Cruz vs. Raymond Muratalla

Main Event

• Andy Cruz vs. Raymond Muratalla IBF World Lightweight Championship (135 lbs)

Featured UndercarD

• Khalil Coe vs. Jessie Hart Light Heavyweight

• Israel Madrimov vs. Alexis Salazar Middleweight / Junior Middleweight (TBA)

• Omari Jones (4-0, 4 KOs) vs. Jerome Baxter Jr. (7-0, 3 KOs) Welterweight / Junior Welterweight (TBA)

Prospect Bouts

• Ronny Álvarez (Cuba) vs. Opponent TBA

• Kaipo Gallegos (Dominican Republic) vs. Opponent TBA

• Harley Mederos vs. Opponent TBA

• Zaquin Moses vs. Opponent TBA

While the number represents a solid result, it falls short of other major recent boxing events streamed by Netflix. In September, the highly anticipated clash between Canelo Álvarez and Terence Crawford in Las Vegas surpassed 41 million viewers.

The undisputed benchmark, however, remains the controversial spectacle between Jake Paul and boxing legend Mike Tyson, which reached an astonishing 108 million views, a figure that still stands far above any other event on the platform.

Netflix also highlighted the performance of women’s boxing. The Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano trilogy fight drew an average audience of 6 million viewers, reinforcing the growing interest in elite women’s boxing.

The numbers from Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua underline a successful night for Netflix, while also showing that in the streaming era of boxing, only a few events manage to break truly historic audience barriers.

Netflix Boxing Viewership

🥊 Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua

• 33+ million viewers worldwide

🥊 Canelo Álvarez vs Terence Crawford

• 41+ million viewers

🥊 Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson

• 108 million viewers (Netflix boxing record)

🥊 Katie Taylor vs Amanda Serrano (Trilogy)

• 6 million average viewers

Initially Cruz had been scheduled to face Amanda Serrano in a rematch bout set for January 3 at the Coliseo Roberto Clemente in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, following an initial VADA report classified as atypical, incorrect versions of the situation began to circulate.

Universal Promotions clarified that this finding never constituted a positive result nor represented a violation of anti-doping regulations. At no point did VADA report the presence of a prohibited substance. Despite this, several high-profile journalists, including Dan Rafael publicly alleged that the substance involved was clenbuterol information that according to the promoter, was neither confirmed nor supported by VADA.

These statements were irresponsibly amplified across various print and television outlets, fueling speculation and unjustly damaging the boxer’s reputation. Based on these erroneous claims and without allowing the VADA process to conclude, MVP chose to unilaterally cancel the fight, undermining the athlete’s right to due process.

As a result of this decision, Amanda Serrano will remain the event’s headliner on the scheduled date, but will now face the undefeated Reina Téllez (13-0-1).

“Professional boxing cannot and must not be held hostage by conjecture, leaks, or media trials,” Universal Promotions stated, emphasizing that the pursuit of a clean sport requires rigor, responsibility, and respect for official procedures, not rushed decisions that jeopardize careers and credibility.

Universal Promotions reaffirmed its commitment to defending the integrity of its athletes and the truth of the facts.