Four Texans Take the Ring at Alamodome

Four different Texans representing both the 210 and the 956 will have homecoming fights this weekend in the world-famous Alamodome in San Antonio. All four fighters must win fights and are in four very different stages of their careers. Most notably is Brandon "The Heartbreaker"  Figueroa. Figueroa looks to get back to a world championship and pound-for-pound status when he steps in the ring for the first time since losing a very controversial and disputed majority decision to Stephen Fulton. A fight no one thinks the Texan loss, outside of judges Dave Moretti and Tim Cheatham. Figueroa, the Rio Grande Valley native who made his hometown of Weslaco a household name the world over, will battle Cesar Castro in a WBC title eliminator. The fight will be contested in the featherweight division. Figueroa's first fight in the weight class and is just four pounds in the super bantamweight division where he held world titles. Castro's last two opponents, Luis Nery, whom he dropped a very contested decision, and Oscar Escandon, whom he stopped in the 10th round,  are common opponents with "The Heartbreaker", Figueroa,  stopped both men. A win for the RGV native will make him the mandatory challenger for the WBC featherweight champion, which will be determined in the night's main event between current WBC champ Mark Magsayo and Rey Vargas. 

Also on the card is the 20-1 (10) El Dinamita Ramon Cardenas of San Antonio is on the verge of a world title fight in the 118-pound division after his third-round TKO of Marvin Solano in Orlando, Florida, last August. He captured the vacant WBA continental America bantamweight title and was scheduled to fight in a title eliminator of his own. The 5th-ranked Cardenas was scheduled to fight Melvin Lopez, of Nicaragua. Cardenas had to pull out of the fight due to an injury. The 26-year-old  San Antonian is knocking on the door of a world title shot, one way or another, and a win on Saturday in front of his hometown fans might be exactly, what he needs to get a fight with the current WBA champ Naoya Inoue a fight with the pound for pound elite is something the rugged Cardenas welcomes 

Further down on the card are two youngsters, one looking to reinvigorate what was a sensational start to his career and the other looking to make a name for himself. Back in early 2020, San Antonio's Raymond "Tito" Guajardo was thought to be one of, if not, the brightest 154-pound prospects in the world. At merely 19 years old he sported simply ridiculous one-punch power and freakish man strength for a teenager. He scored one posterizing knockout after another. Running his record to 5-0 (4) Before he ran into party-crasher, Clay Collard, who dropped Guajardo early and then got up off the canvas after Guajardo scored rallied back and scored a knockdown of his own, and finished off the Alamo City native. It has been a tumultuous, two years for Tito, but all that is behind him now and the hard-hitting southpaw looks to pick back up on what was a once incredibly-promising career. 

Amateur stand-out and Donna native"X Man" Xavier Bocanegra looks to continue his success and just as the fellow Rio Grand valley natives Omar and Brandon Figueroa put their town of Weslaco on the map, Xavier and his little brother amateur stand-out, Ranulfo, look to make Donna, Texas, world-famous for producing world champion brothers. Xavier caught the eye of famed trainer Ronnie Shields, owner of the Plex Gym in Houston. After a sparring session that Bocanegra was highly impressive. Shields started working with the elder Bocanegra son and turned him pro. The Donna native made his pro debut a successful one scoring a unanimous decision victory, winning all four rounds on all three cards back in April on the undercard of Lubin-Fundora in Las Vegas. 

A Special Night of Specia Talent in San Antonio

Saturday night at the brand new state-of-the-art, Tech Port Arena in San Antonio was a special night, to say the least. WBC Bam Rodriguez acknowledged this the next day on social media, saying it was a special night. The crowd was electric, and they knew they weren't just watching good fighters. They were watching generational talent, the future of Texas boxing, and the future of the sport.  It wasn't just Rodriguez, who was absolutely flawless and electric in stopping Sor Rungvisai over eight, absolutely one-sided rounds, even though he was. In the opening bout of the night 17-year-old, 14x-time, US national champ and international champion "Panterita" Jesus Martinez of Del Rio. The highly touted blue-chip prospect put on another strong performance. 

The teenager has a beyond his years, type of ring IQ and patience in the ring, and that is matched by his humble, low-key personality outside the ring. After scoring a knockdown in the first round of his pro-debut Panterita stayed calm and patient, and didn't sell-put or bum rush his wounded opponent. He stayed calm and outboxed his out-matched opponent, and took the UD victory. In his second pro fight, he was well in control. When a glancing blow brushed off his shoulder in the third round an off-balanced and slipping Martinez ended up on the canvas. On what appeared to be a slip but was ruled a knockdown. The 17-year-old got to his feet and brushed it off. he went to his corner and was told to stay calm, shake it off, and reminded him he was very much in control of the fight. He did just that and finished the fourth round like he started the first two working behind a jab and a stiff right hand and wobbling his opponent with a crisp left hook to pick up his second decision victory in two weeks.

Martinez's talent is noticed by some of the biggest and best in the boxing world. Given his immense talent and beyond-his-years- maturity, it's not really a question of if he gets to a world title. It's when and how many. The 118-pounder is already really big for his weight class and carries quite a bit of power. He scored posterizing knockouts in the amateurs. What weight does he grow into? 126, 130, maybe 135? It stands to reason he can win titles all the way up through those weight classes. He has the right team behind him. He is managed by two former world champions in Darren Barker, who held the IBF middleweight title, and Hall of Famer Joe Calzaghe who held titles at 168 pounds for a decade and was the lineal Ring Magazine champ at 175. He is trained by the best stable at the RBGA he is working and growing under the tutelage of Robert Garcia. Where he trains alongside a pair of world champions in Bam and Josh Franco, each of the two speaks very highly of Panterita. Mentioning just how good he looks in the gym. After his pro debut, President of Matchroom Boxing Eddie Hearn took to social media to see where the 17-year-old would be allowed to fight. Hearn got him immediately back in the ring in Texas, just two weeks after his successful pro debut. The Del Rio phenome will likely be back in the ring in August in Mexico on his next stop to potentially like his stable mate, becoming the youngest world champion in the sport. 

Bam Scores Spectacular TKO in Tech Port Arena

Choclatito couldn't do it, Estrada couldn't do it, Cuadras couldn't do it, but Bam certainly could. The 22-year-old, Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, of San Antonio became the first man to stop future first ballot hall of famer Sisaket Sor Rungvisai, and he did so not only in spectacular fashion but in front of a sold-out crowd in his hometown. Bam started the offense with a beautifully well-placed jab and sliding out of the way seamlessly making Rungvisai miss wildly. Showing off dazdazzling to close out the opening stanza. The hand and foot the speed was vastly different as Rodriguez was able to land with picture perfect hooks and avoid the heavy artilary in return from his That counterpart.

By the fourth round it appeared to already be decided with the only question being can Runvisai survive Bam for 12 rounds? Rodriduez continued putting the laer-like left behind the south paw jab and Rungvisai was a sitting duck. Adding in an amazing display of foot work consistently put the San Antonian in position to score over and over again with the straight left hand, right hook two-piece late in the fifth that badly hurt the Thai opponent. Another perfectly placed left hand in the seventh put Rungvisai down less than a minute into the round. A vicious rally and combination in the 8th round sealed the deal and gave Rodriguez the sensational knockout! Moving his record to 16-0 (11) and making him the front runner for Fighter of the Year.

Also on the card was rising prospect "Panterita" Jesus Martinez of Del Rio got to work right away. After sizing up his opponent, Keven Monroy, with the jab Panterita landed his first thunderous shot at about the midway point of the opening round. Scoring with a sweeping right hand that rocked Monroy. Just moments later a patient Martinez snapped his mans head back with a shotgun jab. A lead right hand and then a follow-up counter left hook put Monroy on very shaky leagues late in the second round. After surviving a scare in the third round, which saw Martinez on the canvas after a punch grazed off his shoulder and Panterita alipped to the canvas, it was ruled a knockdown, however. Panterita again stepped on the gas and regained control of the fight. The teenager closed the show in the final stanza like a rugged veteran. He rocked his man with solid right hands. However, Monroy embodied the true warrior spirit and fought valiantly surviving to the last round. Panterita moved his record to 2-0 picking up his second decision. Manager and former world champion Darren Barker gave Panterita a "7 out of 10. I am happy but there are things he could have done better" he said. The plan is to continue to keep the young fighter active and Barker suggested they could be back at it as soon as August.

Rick Medina Jr came up short in a points loss in a competitive fight with Raymond Ford.

The Future of Texas Boxing On Stage at Tech Port Arena

The Lone Star State has emerged as one of the premier hotspots for boxing anywhere in the world. It is producing world champions and blue-chip prospects at breakneck speeds. Much of that talent will be on display Saturday the 25th in San Antonio at the Tech Port Arena. In the main event, WBC Super Flyweight champ Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez will step in the ring and make his inaugural title defense against legendary former champ and future first ballot hall of Famer Srisaket Sor Rungvisai. Rodriguez could have chosen any number of opponents, much less deserving and accomplished than Sor Rungvisai. However Rodriguez wanted the challenge and wanted to fight the legendary Thai fighter. Rodriguez, who is the youngest champ in the sport, and the first-ever world champion born in the 2000s, is no stranger to a challenge. He won his world title by beating another future hall of Famer on six days' notice and moving up two weight classes in what was perhaps the performance of the year. Rodriguez has emerged from being the hardcore fight fans darling, the fighter that every hardcore fan thought might be special, to the talk of the boxing world and the future of the smaller weight classes in a very short period of time. The 22-year-old now begins his title reign and pound-for-pound run.

Also on the card is 21-year-old San Antonian "El Castigo" Rick Medina, who will put his perfect 13-0 record on the line against fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect Raymond Ford. In what is a massive step-up fight for the unbeaten San Antonian. Recently a picture of Bam Rodriguez, Josh Franco, Mario Barrios, and Rick Medina posed together when they were children went viral. The other three in the now-famous picture have all captured world titles. It is now Medina's turn, and he can take a massive step toward that goal by defeating Ford in the battle of unbeaten featherweights. Ford is Ranked #6 by the WBA at 126-pounds and in the top 15 by the IBF. If "El Castigo" picks up the "W" he will likely replace Ford in those rankings and propel himself into the world title picture at just 21 years old.

Del Rio Native, 14x national champ, and unbeaten Bantamweight prospect "Panterita '' Jesus Martinez returns to the ring just two weeks after making his pro debut in Mexico. Panterita made his debut a successful one. Taking a brilliant four-round unanimous decision against Daniel Nunez Gomes of Mexico. The hard-hitting south Texan wowed the boxing world with his sensational professional debut and was added to the San Antonio card by popular demand. The boxing world wanted to see Panterita again, given his sensational performance in Mexico, and they will get that chance just a few hours from the fighter's hometown. He will battle with Keven Monroy 1-2 (1), and hails from California. Given Martinez continues to look impressive, it is believed he will be moved along quickly to a world title opportunity. 

Spence and Crawford in Advanced Talks for Undisputed Showdown

The welterweight division is the most star-studded division and the two biggest stars in the division who happened to hold all four major world titles are in advanced talks and it does appear the fight may finally happen.  AFight between WBA/WBC/IBF Welterweight Champ Errol Spence Jr of DeSoto and WBO champ Terence Crawford has been on the top of fight fans' wish list since Crawford moved up to welterweight in 2018 and captured the WBO belt by stopping Jeff Horn.

For years the excuse of the two being on upside sides of the street was used, Spence is with PBC, and Crawford was with Top Rank, and fighting the fighters in their own stable, is typically easier to make and more profitable for the promoters. Crawford is now a promotional free agent. The fight appears to be on the verge of finally getting done. The winner will be the first undisputed welterweight champion in the four-belt era.

Crawford spoke during a DAZN interview saying "Hopefully (the Spence fight gets made), that’s the plan, for us to get the job done on the business side and to be able to share the ring and put on a great performance for each and every one of you guys who want to see us share the ring together...I think the time right now is the best time because it’s for all the marbles. You got Errol Spence got three of the titles, I got one, it would be for undisputed. There wouldn’t be no other champion in the division and I feel like this is the biggest moment for us to fight."

Edward Vazquez Retuns to Ring on July 9 in Philadelphia

Edward "Kid" Vazquez of Fort Worth, fresh off of what should be a career-defining victory, will return to the ring in about four weeks in the great fighting city of Philadelphia. On July 9th, the weekend following Independence Day, Vazquez will headline a card at the world-famous 2300 Arena in the city of brotherly love. Vazquez last fought in February against fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect Raymond Ford at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Vazquez dominated the action and was able to slip on the inside and out work, out hustle, and outland his overmatched opponent and dominated most of the 10-round affair. Two of the three judges did the unthinkable and scored the fight for Ford. Ford's promoter Eddie Hearn didn't think he won either and said in the post-fight press conference, " I have to be honest with his fighter"  At press row, there wasn't a single member of the press that scored the fight for Ford. The decision is the leader in the clubhouse for "Robbery of the Year" 

However, Vazquez will shake off the egregious decision and look to get back in the official win column in Philadelphia. While the Fort Worthian did press hard for a rematch with Ford. Ford and his team opted to take on another unbeaten Texas Prospect instead in "El Castigo" Rick Medina of San Antonio. Vazquez will go in another direction and continue his journey to a world title. Given his performance against Ford, which everyone thinks he didn't only win but dominated from start to finish, in addition, to his other notable wins over Irving Gonzalez, and Adan Ochoa, another solid performance should have Vazquez who has an 11-1 (3) record in the world title conversation at126-pounds. No opponent has been confirmed for Vazquez at the time of publication. 

Edward Vazquez Return on July 9th in Philadelphia

Edward "Kid" Vazquez of Fort Worth, fresh off of what should be a career-defining victory, will return to the ring in about four weeks in the great fighting city of Philadelphia. On July 9th, the weekend following Independence Day, Vazquez will headline a card at the world-famous 2300 Arena in the city of brotherly love. Vazquez last fought in February against fellow unbeaten featherweight prospect Raymond Ford at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Vazquez dominated the action and was able to slip on the inside and out work, out hustle, and outland his overmatched opponent and dominated most of the 10-round affair. Two of the three judges did the unthinkable and scored the fight for Ford. Ford's promoter Eddie Hearn didn't think he won either and said in the post-fight press conference, " I have to be honest with his fighter"  At press row, there wasn't a single member of the press that scored the fight for Ford. The decision is the leader in the clubhouse for "Robbery of the Year" 

However, Vazquez will shake off the egregious decision and look to get back in the official win column in Philadelphia. While the Fort Worthian did press hard for a rematch with Ford. Ford and his team opted to take on another unbeaten Texas Prospect instead in "El Castigo" Rick Medina of San Antonio. Vazquez will go in another direction and continue his journey to a world title. Given his performance against Ford, which everyone thinks he didn't only win but dominated from start to finish, in addition, to his other notable wins over Irving Gonzalez, and Adan Ochoa, another solid performance should have Vazquez who has an 11-1 (3) record in the world title conversation at126-pounds. No opponent has been confirmed for Vazquez at the time of publication. 

Avanesyan out as Vergil Ortiz's opponent. McKinson might be back in!

Vergil Ortiz vs Michael McKinson was on then it was off and now maybe it could be back on.  Ortiz was supposed to fight David Avanesyan on August 6th, but now that fight looks to be off and McKinson may be back in.  Ortiz’s manager, Rick Mirigian, explained that David Avanesyan never sent the contract back after agreeing to terms. Saying “Golden Boy did everything they wanted, accommodated their every crazy need they asked for, and Vergil even kicked in some money to help make the fight. They agreed to the deal and then never would send the actual contract back.” and that Michael McKinson 22-0 (2 KO) will likely step in. The 28-year-old British southpaw was meant to fight Ortiz (18-0, 18 KO) on Mar. 19 in Los Angeles, but the fight was scrapped when Ortiz was diagnosed with rhymbosis. McKinson remained on the card and defeated Alex Martin via a lackluster decision.

 Ortiz has not fought since August of last year when he destroyed former world title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas in eight rounds and dropped him a grand title of five times. Avanesyan was viewed as a decent opponent but a step back from  Kavaliauskas, who stopped Avanesyan in six rounds back in 2018. However, he was still viewed as far more of a threat to the 18-0 Texan than McKinson, who despite being undefeated and sporting a 22-0 record is thought to be tailor made and does not nearly have the resume to make people think he can stand up to Ortiz. However, McKinson's promoter, Eddie Heard, was quite confident that his fighter could do quite well, due to his unorthodox style.

The fight is still scheduled for August 9th and was thought to be held at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, however, that is not confirmed.  Ortiz fought at that venue back in 2021 when he stopped Maurice Hooker in for seven rounds, in an all-DFW shootout. The fight drew a fairly large and intense crowd. It would make sense to put the fight back at the Dickie's Arena. However, that has not been confirmed. Ortiz is currently ranked #1 by the WBO

Texas Boxing Hall Of Fame Announced

The Lone Star State is the hotbed for boxing and is home to many of the premier fighters in the world today, such as Errol Spence, Vergil Ortiz, Bam Rodriguez the Charlo, and Figueroa brothers, and countless others. It also has an extremely rich history and is home to Jack Johnson, George Foreman, Orlando Canizales, Donald Curry, and countless others. It will now have a home to honor these legends of the ring. It was announced earlier in the week, by longtime Texas Boxing figure, Lester Bedford, that the Texas Boxing Hall of Fame is now a reality. Bedford, who will serve as President of the organization, has been front and center. He’ll be teaming up with Houston businessman, George Foreman, Jr. to organize and guide the future of the Texas Boxing Hall of Fame.

“Finally, we will have a platform to honor and preserve Texas Boxing’s rich heritage and to chronicle the achievements of those who excelled and contributed to the sport,” Bradford said. Foreman Jr added “I am honored to be working with such an incredible team of people who take the sport of boxing so seriously. Our goal is to bring international attention to the achievements of these great boxing icons, trainers, promoters, and executives with the hope to inspire a new generation to carry on their legacy.” said George Foreman Jr.

The Hall of Fame will be the Texas Boxing Hall of Fame is targeting October 2022. The mission of the Texas Boxing Hall of Fame is to serve as the best historical showplace and repository to celebrate boxers, trainers, promoters, commentators, and those in the Boxing industry who have significantly contributed. The Texas Boxing Hall of Fame will impact communities through broad outreach, such as nationally televised events, an in-depth website, educational and youth programs, social media, and special events held in Texas and is expected to open up by October of this year.

Jesus "Panterita" Martinez Impresses in Pro Debut

The small border town of Del Rio, population 35,000, is home to one of if not the brightest prospect in boxing. Jesus "Panterita" Martinez compiled a 137-9 amateur record and captured 13 national titles and an international crown as well. He is now 1-0 as a professional after putting on a sensational performance and capturing a unanimous decision in his pro debut this past Friday in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Panterita, called it a dream come true to be able to work with his manager Joe Calzaghe, a two-division world champ who compiled a 46-0 (32) record and was one of Pantierita's all-time favorite fighters. After seeing the south Texan's incredible performance. It's fair to say Panterita is a dream come true for Calzaghe as well. The former world champ teamed up with a fellow world title holder Darren Barker to form International Sports Group, and The 17-year-old from Del Rio is the prized jewel. The Texan was known in the amateurs for his tremendous punching power. In his pro debut, he showed tremendous power. Additionally, he displayed poise and ring generalship. After hurting his opponent, Daniel Nunez Gomez, early in the first round. He stayed on top of his wounded opponent and scored with another right and then another that dropped Nunez Gomez. Pantierita was able to hurt his overmatched opponent every time he landed the right hand. However, the determined Nunez Gomez was able to make it through the first round.

Martinez, who came out aggressively in the opening stanza, didn't get overly excited and settled down and controlled the remainder of the bout. Working behind an educated jab and mixing up levels, Martinez showed a bit of everything. Landing left hooks that stunned Nunez Gomez and mixed in body shots that wore his opponent down. He set up his punches perfectly and would sneak in right hands that would snap back the head of his opponent. Nunez Gomez, an MMA fighter, showed rugged determination in making it to the final bell. However, the decision was academic as Martinez secured a unanimous decision in his first pro fight by scores of 40-35 X2 and 40-36

Weslaco's Omar Figueroa Set To Return Against Broner

The Rio Grande Valley's own "Panterita" Omar Figueroa is set to return to the ring in a big way. The now 32-year-old south Texan is the older brother of Brandon Figueroa, and held the WBC lightweight world title from 2013 to 2014 and will now face off with former four-division world champion Adrien Broner on July 23rd. Reportedly, but not officially, in Chicago. Broner is one of the sport's most polarizing figures, having his share of troubles in and outside the ring. Broner last fought in February of 2021. He scored a lackluster UD over Jovanie Santiago. In a fight, most thought he was lucky to get the decision. Broner is just 4-3-1 (2) in his last eight fights.

The two were originally scheduled to fight in 2018 in a welterweight title eliminator. However, legal issues and a Figueroa shoulder injury sidelined the bout. Broner ended up fighting Jessie Vargas at the Barclays Center and settled for a draw. While Figueroa was out of action for another year and did not return to the ring until February of 2019 when he scored a unanimous decision in an extremely entertaining fight with John Molina moving his record to 28-0-1 (19). He has since suffered two consecutive setbacks and has not looked himself in dropping a lopsided decision to Yordenis Ugas and then being stopped by Abel Ramos last May.

Panterita was a fan favorite who rose to success and fame due to his all-action style. If he can rejuvenate his career and replicate the relentless aggression that made him famous he has the right style to beat and overwhelm Broner, who is very selective and at times reluctant to let his hands go. Figueroa expressed gratitude for the fight, taking to Twitter to say "First off, I want to thank Al Haymon for not giving up on me. I know I haven't been the best version of myself, but, that's because I was fighting against an invisible opponent! I hope Adrien has gotten his #MentalHealth in order because..."

The bout will air on Fox, so the fight will not only end a long layoff for each fighter it will also end the long layoff for PBC on Fox.

Jairo Castaneda Scores Impressive UD victory, Picks up ABO strap

On what was a star-studded crowd at the Hangar 9 in San Antonio that featured a room full of world champions, including Marco Antonio Barrera, Austin Trout, and John Michael Johnson. The "Takeover" has begun. The first boxing card by Pound For Pound promotions and Luey Villareal was a ringing success. In the main event, "El Increible" Jairo Castaneda of San Antonio, made it a Texas Two-step for the Castaneda brothers. Younger brother Kendo scored a knockout of the year type knockout last week in Florida, and big brother Jairo scored a dominant 6-round unanimous decision victory over Leonardo Esquivel Carrizales of Brownsville to capture ABO welterweight strap. Castaneda struck first with a picture-perfect left hook around the midpoint of the opening round that caught the attention of Carrizales, "El incredible'  followed up with a left hook downstairs just moments later. The older Castaneda brother stayed aggressive and was heavy on the front foot forcing his opponent backward. Then staggering him with straight right hands was taking their effect as he began to look sluggish. By round three, the Rio Grande Valley native appeared sluggish and was wearing down. Castaneda stayed on the gas, firing off am educated jab and putting thudding right hands behind it, not letting up or slowing down for the remainder of the six-rounder on his way to taking a hard-earned but clear-cut decision by scores of 60-65 and 59-55 X2. It marked the fourth consecutive win for Castaneda, who improved his record to 14-2 (5).  He took nearly three years off following a loss to Reshard Hicks in late 2018. 

In the co-main "Jersey Boy" Glen Tapia, originally from New Jersey and now trains in San Antonio, returned to the ring for the first time since August of 2021 and for just the second time since 2017. In what was an incredibly entertaining five and half minutes of action. Tapia emerged victorious, picking up his second consecutive win in his comeback and moved his record to 25-5 (17).  After an action-packed first round, which saw each fighter throw and land plenty of heavy artillery. The Jersey Boy figured out his opponent, Tyrone Sanders, knockout artist. Tapia rocked the Houstonian with a right hand to start the second, and the onslaught that continued as Tapia stayed on his durable opponent and unleashed a whirlwind of power shots that rocked Sanders and ultimately left him defenseless, causing the referee to call a halt to the bout at the 2:27 mark of the second round.

A loaded undercard also featured highly talented flyweight/super-flyweight prospect Jaime Jasso, Of Laredo, who looked spectacular in his first fight with new head trainer Luey Villarreal. Jasso showed off lightning-quick combinations and put his punches together in spectacular fashion. Jasso landed with precision-like power shots to the head and body that finally put the outmatched Austin Rivas away in the second round. The young Gateway City native ended his two-fight skid in spectacular fashion moving his record to 3-2 (1) and winning his first fight with his new trainer at his new weight of 115. Jasso said he can move down further & can easily make 112 also.

14x national champ Melissa "La Joya'' Holguin, Of San Antonio made her highly anticipated professional debut. After having multiple flights canceled due to opponents opting to pull out instead of fighting the 14x national champion. La Joya boxed beautifully, mixing up head and body shots. After someone of a sloppy start, perhaps due to the nerves of making her pro debut. Holguin got cooking in the second round, hurting her opponent, Kim Colbert of Dallas, to the body several times and ripping beautiful hooks and uppercuts on the inside. Holguinn hurt Colbert several times and appeared to have a chance to get the stoppage late in the third round when she froze her with a left hand to the body and followed up with a barrage of shots on the inside. Colbert was to endure till the final round as the San Antonian won every round on every card in the one-sided beatdown taking her pro debut via unanimous decision by scores of 40-36 x3.

If you have not heard of Carrizo Springs, you are about to. Amateur superstar Carrizo Springs native Juan Garcia also made his much anticipated professional debut and scored a sensational third-round knockout of Michael Land of Dallas to move his record to 1-0 (1). Post-fight super bantamweight prospect "Goyo" Gregory Morales said of Garcia, "He's a monster. He is going to be really good. We were on the Mexican national team together." 

In what was the fight of the night. San Antonios own Trenton Gibson and Vincente Loredo provided violent entertainment for the fans, and for the second time in five months Gibson proved too much Loredo, scoring four total knockdowns on his way to picking up a third-round TKO to move his record to 2-1(1). After seizing control of the fight in the first round with a flash knockdown of Loredo. The two traded heavy artillery in the second, and Loredo momentarily took control of the fight. Hurting Gibson with a right hand and then dropping him. Gibson cleared his head, got to his feet, and scored another knockdown of Loredo, this time with a straight right hand to regain the momentum. He scored two more knockdowns in the third as the referee waved off the bout and secured the victory for Gibson.

Rick Medina Returns on June 25 in San Antonio on Bam Rodriguez Card

Unbeaten San Antonio featherweight prospect Rick Medina Jr returns to the ring on June 25th  and will put his undefeated 13-0 record on the line when he battles Raymond Ford. He will fight on the undercard of fellow Alamo City native Jesse "Bam" Rodriguez, who puts his WBC Super Flyweight title on the line against former world champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai at the Tech Port Arena. Medina has predominantly fought in his home city and has built up a massive fan base. In becoming a local celebrity He has fought and beaten very solid competition for being 21-years old and just 13 fights into his professional career. Medina has beaten Omar Castillo of the Rio Grande Valley, Oscar Mojica, and Armando Frausto, in the last 12 months. Ford is ranked #8 by the WBA and holds the organization Continental Americas Featherweight strap will be a massive step up. Ford has an 11-0-1 (6). He was touted as one of the sports premier prospects when he made his pro debut back in 2019. He ran  his record to 8-0 and then fought Aaron Perez to a draw in march of 2021. In his last outing, fFord was awarded a totally bogus decision against Fort Worth native Edward "Kid' Vazquez. A decision that was met with outrage from everyone in attendance and Ford's promoter Eddie Hearn, all agreed that Vazquez had clearly won the fight. 

Medina, who is known as "El Castigo", last fought in March and took apart La Marque, native, Armando Frausto in seven rounds at the Scottish Rite Theatre in San Antonio. El Castigo has fought in the San Antonio area eight times during his professional career, winning them all. He also beat Omar Castillo in Houston at the Toyota Center on the undercard of Jermall Charlo vs Juan Macias Montiel. Medina and Bam Rodriguez fought on the same card back in the summer of 2019 on a Rick Monroes promoted card in Floresville. Both fighters scored impressive third-round knockouts.

Vergil Ortiz returning August 6th? Likely in Dallas.

Undefeated Welterweight prospect Vergil Ortiz, of Grand Prairie, was scheduled to fight in Los Angeles back in March but had to pull out when he was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, commonly known as rhabdo, a condition that can be life-threatening and is caused by muscle breakdown and muscle death. This dangerous muscle damage can result from overexertion, trauma, toxic substances, or disease. As muscle cells disintegrate, they release a protein called myoglobin into the blood. The kidneys are responsible for removing this myoglobin from the blood so urine can flush it out of the body. The Grand Prairie native has apparently made a full recovery and will return to the ring on August 6th to take on rugged veteran David Avanesyan. A 33-year-old Russian contender that has won six consecutive fights, including stopping unbeaten prospect Josh Taylor. He last lost to Egidijus Kavaliauskas, a common opponent with  Ortiz who stopped Kavaliauskas back in August via 8th round TKO. Avanesyan also lost to Lamont Peterson in his lone world title shot back in 2017. He has wins over former world champion Shane Mosley, as well as contenders Liam Taylor, and two wins over Kerman Lejarraga.

Ortiz is ranked number one by the World Boxing Organization and could be in line for an immediate world title shot if he should win on August 6th. Avanesyan is ranked seventh by the organization. The north Texan has been out of the ring for what will be just a week shy of a year when he steps into the ring with his Russian opponent. His last outing was the highly impressive 8th-round TKO of  Kavaliauskas. Ortiz knocked down the former world title challenger five times before finally finishing him off for good in the eighth. Ortiz sports a perfect 18-0 record with all 18 wins coming by way of knockout. This will be the longest layoff of the 24-year-old Ortiz's career. The August 6th date is and the fight itself is still not signed currently, according to Golden Boy. However, the location and venue are not set in stone. Ortiz has fought his last two bouts in the metroplex and has fought in the metroplex three times since 2019. He was scheduled to fight Michael Mckinson on March 19th in California on the grounds of USC at the Galen Center  prior to being diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis.

Castaneda and Dutchover Complete Texas Two Step

Kendo "Tremendo" Castanada, 28, from San Antonio, ended his five-fight slide with a vicious one-punch, left hook, knockout just two minutes into the opening round against Sonny Fredrickson of Toledo, Ohio. Castaneda got to work early with an aggressive Fredrickson, who tried to rush the Texan and ate some big shots early. Castenada was able to land power shots at will and appeared comfortable, and in complete control in the opening moments. When Castaneda saw his opening and he did not wait, unleashing a tremendous left hook that dropped Fredrickson like a building imploding on itself, causing referee Michael DeJesus to waive off the bout at the 2:02 mark of round number one. The bout was featured on the launch of the all-new boxing app Pro Box TV and is part of the Last Chance tournament. Which features eight 140-pound contenders. Castaneda captured the WBA/NABA Super lightweight belt back in December of 2018 and ran his record to 17-0 by the end of 2019, when he stopped Stan Martyniouk, in Reno. He had suffered five straight setbacks before the tremendous knockout Friday night in Plant City, Florida, and improved his record to 18-5 (9). The Alamo City native will fight Florida-based Joseph Fernandez in the semi-finals.

In the bout prior "The West Texas Warrior" Michael Dutchover, of Midland, got himself back on track, scoring an impressive points victory over Clarence Booth of Florida. The 24-year-old west Texan out-jabbed and outmaneuvered his opponent. He skillfully out-jabbed the Floridian from long range. When the fight moved into close quarters, Dutchover was able to land with solid left hooks and right hands on the inside. After several fairly close rounds. Dutchover was appearing to break down his opponent, and late in the sixth, the west Texan scored with an overhand right and moments later scored again with a short left hook that buzzed Booth. Sharpshooting in the seventh, Dutchover again stunned his opponent with just about 15 seconds remaining in the round via a right hand. Dutchover seemed confident he was well ahead on the scorecards and appeared to run out the clock in the eighth and final rounds. The judges scored the fight shockingly close. James O'Connor handed in a real head-scratcher of 77-75 in favor of Booth overruled by Joanne Richard scored (78-74) and Tito Wilgo had (77-75) both in favor of Dutchover, who moved his record to 16-2 (10) now advances to the semi-finals to face rugged veteran Antonio Moran. Dutchover lost his previous fight via sixth-round stoppage to Nahir Albright last September.

Texas Pound for Pound List

1.Errol Spence -DeSoto

2.Jermell Charlo-Houston

3.Bam Rodriguez- San Antonio

4.Jermall Charlo-Houston

5.Brandon Figueroa- Weslaco

6.Vergil Ortiz -Grand Prairie

7.Josh Franco-San Antonio

8.O'shaquie Foster- Orange

9. Mario Barrios -San Antonio

10.Adrian Taylor-Dallas

Honorable Mention

Maurice Hooker-Dallas

Hector Tanajara- San Antonio

Omar Juarez- Brownsville

Rick Medina- San Antonio

Jorge Castaneda -Laredo

Edward Vazquez- Fort Worth

Alex Rincon- Carrollton

Charlo Makes History at the "Punch Bowl"

Jermell Charlo, of Houston, made history last night at the venue dubbed "The Punch Bowl"  by stopping WBO 154-pound world champion Brian Castano to become the undisputed junior middleweight champ.  He came up just short of accomplishing the feat in July of last year when the two settled got a hotly disputed draw in his home state at the Alamo in San Antonio. Little Charlo becomes just the seventh fighter, and the first Texan, to become undisputed in the four-belt era. His stablemate and fellow Texas, Errol Spence jr, may get the chance to accomplish the feat in the division directly south, the welterweight division. It seems like Spence and WBO welterweight champion Terrence Crawford may come to an agreement. 

Charlo becomes the first Jr Middleweight to get all the belts in the four-belt era in what will be a candidate for fight of the year. Things started off well for the Houston-based champion who was able to score with his jab and establish his rhythm and scored the best punch of the opening round when he scored with a thudding left hand that stopped Castano in his tracks. He started the fight much more aggressively than he did in the first fight putting some early rounds in the back as Castano, applying constant pressure on and swarming Charlo cutting off the ring and scoring with a thudding right hand at the end of the fourth that seemed to hurt the Texan. Castano seemed to have seized the momentum after six but Charlo regrouped in the seventh. He got back to moving and outboxing his opponent and seemingly regaining control of the fight taking the eighth and ninth rounds. In the middle of a heated exchange, Charlo scored with an uppercut that stunned Castano. Charlo jumped on his opponent like a dog on fear and rocked his opponent with another picture-perfect left hook that Castano put Castano down in what looked like a delayed reaction. The referee allowed Castano, who was clearly out on his feet, after beating the count, but the writing was on the wall, and Charlo, an excellent finisher, closed the show and secured the stoppage at  2:33 of the tenth round.

Najmitdinov Spoils Hatley's Homecoming on Great Night of Dallas Boxing

Michael Montaya and Kingdom boxing hosted another night of exciting, can't miss fights, in Dallas. A crowd that was filled with legendary hall of farmers such as Heisman winner Tim Brown, former four-division world champ Roy Jones Jr and Christy Martin as well as former world champions such as Paulie Ayala and Jesus Chavez. It was the perfect crowd, the perfect atmosphere for a card loaded with so much Dallas talent. Unfortunately, former WBC 154-Pound silver champ and world title challenger Charles Hatley had his homecoming fight spoiled by Jamshidbek Najmitdinov, of Uzbekistan via second-round KO. After a fairly impressive opening round that saw Hatley moving well and outboxing and out moving his Uzbeki opponent. The second round was filled with combustion and ended with a massive left hook that landed on the chin of Hatley, during a heated exchange that sent the former champ tumbling to the ground and left him unable to beat the count. Dropping the 36-year-old Hatley's record to 30-3-1. Najmitdinov Improved his record to 19-3 and secured the biggest win of his career.

In the co-main event, Dallas native, Shurretta "Chiccn" Metcalf came up short in a very controversial decision in which it appears that she had certainly done enough to secure a points victory. She worked well behind her rangy jab, and controlled the distance. She was able to move away from Danielle Bennett's shots and was able to close the distance at times. In a fight that did seem extremely close, it did appear to most at ringside and in the crowd that "Chiccn" did enough. Scoring with often more with her jab, and then followed up right hands to secure most of the rounds. One particular straight right stunned Bennett in the second round. However in the end it was Bennett who two of the three judges preferred scoring the bout 79-73 and 78-74 overruling the third judge who scored the bout 76-76.

It wasn't all bad for Dallas fighters, as Ray Ximenez scored his second consecutive win in his comeback, following a three-year-layoff. Ximenez outboxed a rugged and determined Eric Manriquez of Houston over six rounds. After a bit of a feeling-out process in the opening stanza, the Dallasite got to work in the second. Switching in and out of both the conventional and southpaw stances and working his way onto the inside. Firing off combinations, staggering him with a 3 punch combo midway through the round. The two combatants finished the second round slugging toe to toe. Ximenez stayed on the attack, ripping body shots downstairs, which he he mentioned was part of the game plan going into the fight.  A determined  Manriquez stayed aggressive and kept coming forward keeping Ximenez honest but ultimately it was the Dallas native landing the better shots and winning the exchanges. Scoring with lead right hands caught the attention of the Houston native. One particular right hand rocked Manriquez late on the 5th and Ximenez followed up and appeared to hurt a resilient Manriquez. Manriquez scored with a big right that caught his opponent's attention in the sixth and final round. However, Ximenez answered right back with a massive right that sent his opponent's mouthpiece flying across the ring. Like two determined warriors the two stood toe to toe and slugged out the final 10 seconds of a highly entertaining and competitive but clear-cut victory for Ximenez, who took the UD  by scores of 58-56 59-55x2. Ximenez moved his record to 20-2 (4) and expects to be back in the ring in July to continue his comeback.

Also on the card was Edwin Pena, who trains and fights out of the Montoya Boxing Gym and scored a dominating third-round knockout of Waldo Zamudio. Scoring a total of three knockdowns and stopping Zamudio just past the midway point of the third round. Pena improved his record to 1-0-1 (1) and Zamudio fell to 0-6.

Charles Hatley Continues Comeback "To be back home on a big card it feels good"

Former 154-Pound WBC Silver champ and world title challenger Charles "The Future" Hatley continues his comeback Saturday night at the Bomb Factory in his home city of Dallas. Hatley sports a 30-2-1 (21) record and is now 36-years-old but appears to have plenty left in the tank. He suffered his second career loss to two Houston Native Jermell Charlo back in 2017 in a scrap for Charlo's WBC 154-pound world title. After taking a year off from the ring, he came back in 2018. The Dallas native has put together four consecutive wins since the loss to Charlo. Fighting once a year from 2018to 2021. He looks to continue that streak Saturday night when he clashes with the battle-tested and very durable Jamshidbek Najmitdinov, 18-2 (14), of Uzbekistan. This bout marks the biggest challenge of Hatley's comeback and is the main event of a card that features Shurretta Metcalf fighting for the NABF Super Bantamweight women's titles and Ray Ximenez in the second fight of his comeback.

It's a big moment for Hatley, whose career has taken him all over the world, including beating Anthony Mundine in Australia. It's a big fight on a big card back home for Hatley who said "To be back home on a big card it feels good, I got all the support I need" Back home in Dallas, there is no shortage of world-class welterweights, the city of home to not only unified champ Errol Spence, but all world undefeated prospect of the year Vergil Ortiz and former 140-pound world champ Maurice Hooker. Fights that Hatley is open to in the future. However those all Dallas showdowns are dependent upon Hatley winning Saturday night. Despite being 36, Hatley is in incredible shape and appeared sharp and as lightning-fisted as ever. He could make the dream of becoming a world champion at 147-pounds a reality. A weight that seems more fitted for Hatley, who said "I am happy to be at 147 I knew if I could make the weight they were gonna be in trouble... and I am making it easy."

That's not great news for the rest of the 147-pound division as Hatley appears to be at his best weight with plenty left in the tank. The next stop is Saturday night at the Bomb Factory in Dallas. Should he defeat Najmitdinov and look impressive in doing so, he could find himself in the world title picture again and this time at his more natural weight of 147.

Vergil Ortiz set to return

It looks like Vergil Ortiz's layoff won't be too much longer as Golden Boy CEO, Oscar  De La Hoya has announced that their prized possession, Vergil Ortiz will return on MAugust arch 6th. No Opponent has been named and no site has been set. Ortiz 18-0 (18) has not fought Ortiz does not yet have an opponent and there is no set location, but De La Hoya said that Ortiz will headline a card. WBA super-flyweight champ Joshua Franco, also of Texas has an upcoming fight as well; there is no confirmation if the two will fight on the same card.

Ortiz (18-0, 18 KOs), 24, of Grand Prairie has been out of the ring since last August when he knocked out former WBO welterweight title challenger Egidijus Kavaliauskas in the eighth round at the star in Frisco. So it will be nearly a full year out of the ring for Ortiz who was originally scheduled to fight back in March in Los Angeles but was forced to pull out when he was hospitalized just days before the scheduled fight against Michael McKinson. Ortiz was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can be life-threatening and is caused by muscle breakdown and muscle death. This dangerous muscle damage can be a result of overexertion, trauma, toxic substances, or disease.

Ortiz is the top-ranked 147-pounder by the  WBO and will be in line to fight the champion, Terence Crawford, at some point in the not-so-distant future. The Grand Prairie native recently turned 2,4 and is considered to be among the very best young fighters in the world. He has won all 18 of his professional bouts by way of stoppage.