As fight night approaches, the boxing world remains sharply divided over the outcome of the blockbuster welterweight showdown between eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao and WBA Welterweight World Champion Keith “One Time” Thurman. A wide-ranging poll of 46 boxing experts—including former world champions, current titleholders, elite trainers, and respected analysts—reveals just how close this matchup is expected to be. While opinions are nearly split down the middle, Pacquiao holds a slight edge in the overall tally heading into their Premier Boxing Champions on FOX Sports Pay-Per-View main event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Expert Tally Favors Pacquiao—Narrowly Out of the 46 experts polled: 24 picked Manny Pacquiao to win 19 selected Keith Thurman 3 predicted a draw Several respondents believe the fight is so evenly matched that it could be decided by a split decision, while a handful on both sides even see a possible late stoppage—an unusual prediction for a bout featuring two elite-level technicians. Why Experts Lean Toward Pacquiao Those siding with Pacquiao point to his experience, speed, southpaw angles, and championship pedigree. Many believe his high-volume combinations, footwork, and ability to rise to the occasion in big fights will allow him to outwork Thurman over twelve rounds. A number of former champions emphasized Pacquiao’s ring IQ and explosiveness, suggesting that Thurman has never faced a fighter with Pacquiao’s blend of pace, unpredictability, and pressure. Others noted Pacquiao’s activity level compared to Thurman’s recent periods of inactivity as a key factor. The Case for Thurman Supporters of Thurman largely focus on youth, size, and physicality. At 30 years old, Thurman is viewed by many as the fresher fighter, with enough power and athleticism to trouble Pacquiao if he can control distance and maintain discipline. Several trainers and fighters pointed to Thurman’s durability and ability to absorb punishment, arguing that if he can avoid early damage and establish his jab, he has the tools to edge a close decision or even score a late-round stoppage. A True 50–50 Fight Perhaps the most common theme among the expert panel is uncertainty. Many described the contest as a true 50–50 fight, dependent on which version of each fighter shows up on the night. Questions remain about Pacquiao’s age and Thurman’s consistency following layoffs, adding further intrigue. Multiple experts predicted a dramatic back-and-forth battle, with momentum swings, tactical adjustments, and championship-level intensity from opening bell to final round. What to Expect on Fight Night With legends, champions, and trainers split in their predictions, Pacquiao vs Thurman has all the ingredients of a classic. Whether it’s Pacquiao’s experience and volume or Thurman’s youth and power that prevails, the overwhelming consensus is that fans are in for a high-level, action-packed welterweight showdown. When the bell rings in Las Vegas, the experts’ predictions will finally be put to the test.
Eumir Felix Marcial Returns to Professional Ranks in Las Vegas Debut Filipino boxing standout Eumir Felix Marcial, the Philippines’ 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, is set to resume his professional career with a highly anticipated Las Vegas debut on Saturday, April 9. Marcial, a native of Zamboanga City, Philippines, will face hard-hitting American Isiah Hart in a six-round middleweight bout. The contest will serve as a featured undercard attraction to the Erickson Lubin vs. Sebastian Fundora showdown for the WBCP interim super welterweight title. The event, promoted by TGB Promotions, will take place at The Theatre at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and will be broadcast live on SHOWTIME. Back to Business in Las Vegas Marcial enters the bout with a professional record of 1-0, while Hart brings experience and power at 6-2-1 (4 KOs). Hart fights out of Atlantic City and is known for his aggressive style, setting up an intriguing test for Marcial in just his second professional outing. “I am so excited to return to my professional career,” said Marcial. “Fighting in Las Vegas, where I now live and train, is a great way to get things going again. I feel very comfortable training under my coach Jorge Capetillo and strength and conditioning coach Angel ‘Memo’ Heredia.” Marcial also expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey back to the professional ring. “I would like to thank Senator Manny Pacquiao, MP Promotions, and Premier Boxing Champions for all their support,” he added. Olympic Success and Amateur Pedigree Marcial turned professional in December 2020, earning a four-round unanimous decision victory over Andrew Whitfield in Los Angeles. Shortly thereafter, he shifted focus to preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, where he delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable performances. In a thrilling semifinal bout, Marcial pushed top-seeded Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak to the limit, narrowly losing in the final round. Khyzhniak went on to win silver, while Marcial proudly secured the bronze medal for the Philippines. Marcial’s amateur résumé also includes a gold medal at the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and a silver medal at the 2019 World Boxing Championships, cementing his status as one of the Philippines’ most accomplished amateur boxers. High Expectations Going Forward MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons expressed strong belief in Marcial’s professional potential. “I’m really excited to have Eumir back in the professional ranks after his tremendous showing in Tokyo,” said Gibbons. “I’ve worked with many top fighters over the years, but Eumir is the best I’ve seen coming out of the amateurs. The sky is the limit.” With elite amateur credentials and a renewed focus on the professional stage, Marcial now begins the next chapter of his career. His April 9 return marks the start of what many believe could be a rapid rise through the middleweight ranks.
Filipino boxing star Eumir Felix Marcial has announced a temporary halt to his professional career as he shifts full focus toward representing the Philippines in his pursuit of Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Games. The 27-year-old from Zamboanga City, who captured a bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will join the Philippine National Boxing Team’s training camp in Canberra, Australia, as part of his preparation for upcoming Olympic qualifiers. Focus on Asian Games Qualification Marcial, unbeaten as a professional at 4-0 (2 KOs), is scheduled to compete in the Hangzhou Asian Games from September 23 to October 8, a key qualifying event for Paris 2024. Qualification standards have tightened, with only the finalists in each weight class earning Olympic berths. Adding to the challenge, Marcial will campaign at 80kg (light heavyweight) after the 75kg middleweight division, where he earned Olympic bronze in Tokyo, was removed from the Hangzhou competition. “I’ve made a decision to realign my focus and withdraw from my upcoming professional fight,” Marcial said. “My commitment is to represent the Philippines at the Paris 2024 Olympics.” Backed by His Promoters Marcial expressed gratitude to his professional team—MP Promotions and TGB Promotions—for supporting his Olympic ambitions despite existing professional commitments. “I’m currently undergoing rigorous training in Las Vegas and preparing for the Hangzhou Asian Games with the full support of my promoters,” Marcial added. “Moving up to light heavyweight shows my determination to conquer new challenges in my amateur career.” Promoter Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions, confirmed that Marcial has the full backing of Manny Pacquiao, Al Haymon, and all parties involved. “Eumir has the blessing of Manny Pacquiao and everyone around his professional career to pursue his Olympic dream,” Gibbons said. “We look forward to him bringing Olympic glory to the Philippines.” Professional Experience Adds an Edge Since turning professional in 2020, Marcial has balanced the pro ranks with elite amateur competition. He scored decision wins over Andrew Whitfield and Steven Pichardo, and earned stoppage victories against Isiah Hart and Ricardo Ruben Villalba. One of his most memorable pro outings came in just his second bout, when Marcial stopped Hart in the fourth round of a dramatic firefight despite suffering three knockdowns earlier in the contest. The resilience and composure shown that night offered valuable experience early in his career. At the time they faced Marcial, his first four professional opponents carried a combined record of 37-12-2, underscoring the level of competition he encountered. Olympic Pedigree Marcial’s amateur résumé is highlighted by his Tokyo Olympic bronze medal, where he narrowly lost a thrilling semifinal bout to top-seeded Ukrainian Oleksandr Khyzhniak, who went on to claim silver. Another major milestone came in 2019, when Marcial earned a silver medal at the World Boxing Championships. Eyes on Paris With professional momentum paused and Olympic focus sharpened, Eumir Felix Marcial now embarks on the most demanding phase of his amateur journey. A strong run at the Hangzhou Asian Games could place him one step away from realizing his ultimate goal—standing atop the Olympic podium for the Philippines in Paris.
Antonio Vargas Embraces Underdog Role Ahead of Japan Title Defense Antonio Vargas is unfazed by the odds—and fully confident that he will return home with his WBA bantamweight world title, even as bookmakers cast doubt on his chances. The reigning 118-pound titleholder is preparing for his first title defense in hostile territory, as he travels to Japan to face former world champion Daigo Higa on July 30 at Yokohama Buntai in Yokohama. Despite holding the belt, Vargas enters the bout as the underdog, with oddsmakers favoring the hometown challenger. Fuelled by the Challenge Rather than being discouraged, Vargas welcomes the challenge of fighting abroad. “Going into another man’s backyard just fires me up,” said Vargas, a 2016 U.S. Olympian based in Kissimmee, Florida. “I’ve been overlooked before, but now I get to defend my world title in Japan and show the fans what I’m made of. “This isn’t just about boxing—it’s about belief, preparation, and heart. Those things travel wherever I go.” Vargas carries a professional record of 19-1 (11 KOs), while Tokyo native Higa enters at 21-3-2 (19 KOs). Though Higa is favored, Vargas remains undeterred. From Florida Staple to World Champion Vargas captured a version of the WBA bantamweight title with a tenth-round stoppage of unbeaten Winston Guerrero on December 13 at Caribe Royale in Orlando. The venue has been home to the majority of his recent fights, all promoted by Boxlab Promotions. His status was later elevated to full WBA champion when previous titleholder Seiya Tsutsumi was sidelined by injury and unable to fulfill his mandatory defense. “We couldn’t be prouder of Antonio,” said Boxlab Promotions president Amaury Piedra. “Defending a world title in Japan against a dangerous contender like Higa—that’s what true warriors do.” A Familiar Rivalry Thread The matchup carries an added layer of intrigue. Tsutsumi and Higa battled to a punishing 12-round draw earlier this year in Tokyo, a fight that indirectly set the stage for Vargas’ reign. Higa, a former WBCP flyweight champion, has come close to bantamweight gold in recent outings, including a narrow loss to undefeated WBO champion Yoshiki Takei. His recent performances have convinced many observers that he is primed for another title run. Faith Over Fear Vargas insists that his confidence stems from more than just preparation or momentum. The 28-year-old credits his faith as the foundation of his mindset. “My relationship with Jesus Christ has kept me grounded and focused,” Vargas said. “I don’t walk into the ring alone—my faith walks in with me. That’s why I’m ready for anything.” Embracing the Road This bout marks Vargas’ first professional fight outside North America, though the change of scenery does not concern him. In fact, his lone career loss came at home—a first-round knockout defeat in Kissimmee in 2019. Outside of two early-career bouts in Puerto Rico and Miami, Vargas has spent most of his career fighting in Central Florida. He believes destiny now calls for his biggest win to come abroad. “I’m blessed to be in this position,” Vargas said. “Defending a world title in another country, on this kind of stage—it’s a dream. Winning this fight means legacy. It means reaching the elite level. And I’m coming to claim it.” Stakes at the Highest Level A victory in Yokohama would firmly establish Antonio Vargas as a true world-level force in the bantamweight division. Against a proven and dangerous opponent, the champion is determined to silence doubters and prove that his reign is just beginning.
Lewis Crocker is set to make a highly anticipated return to Windsor Park next spring, where he will stage a voluntary defence of his IBF world welterweight title in front of his home fans. The Belfast native captured the vacant IBF belt in September, edging rival Paddy Donovan via split decision in a dramatic encounter staged at Northern Ireland’s national football stadium. The bout was contested in front of a sold-out crowd and marked Crocker’s biggest career achievement to date. Historic Night at Windsor Park Crocker vs. Donovan was more than just a world title fight—it represented boxing’s long-awaited return to Windsor Park for the first time since Carl Frampton’s victory over Luke Jackson in August 2018. The event reaffirmed the stadium’s status as a premier venue for major boxing occasions in Northern Ireland. The September clash also served as a rematch of the pair’s controversial March meeting, which ended in Donovan’s disqualification. This time, Crocker left no doubt, using key knockdowns and ring control to secure the championship on the scorecards. Defence Date and Future Plans It is understood that Crocker’s first title defence is being targeted for 11 April, with his opponent expected to be officially confirmed within the next two weeks. The unbeaten champion enters the bout with a flawless professional record of 22 wins from 22 fights. A successful defence would likely see Crocker return to action again in late summer, as his team looks to keep him active during his championship reign. Benn Talk and Title Ambitions Crocker has been outspoken about his ambition to secure high-profile fights, most notably against Conor Benn. Benn recently scored a commanding victory over long-time rival Chris Eubank Jr in their rematch at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 15 November, further raising his profile. Speaking earlier to BBC Sport NI, Crocker’s manager Jamie Conlan identified Benn and WBCP welterweight champion Mario Barrios as potential future opponents for the 28-year-old champion. However, Benn has since played down the possibility, stating this week that Crocker is “not really a name that is on my radar.” Despite this, Crocker remains firmly focused on establishing himself as a leading force in the welterweight division.
Devin Haney is wasting no time in plotting the next move of his already decorated career, with a potential welterweight unification clash against IBF champion Lewis Crocker now firmly on the table. Just weeks after capturing the WBO welterweight title by defeating Brian Norman, Haney and his team have made it clear that unification is the priority. Speaking to promoter Eddie Hearn, Haney’s father and trainer, Bill Haney, outlined the vision. “He wants to fight Lewis Crocker, our welterweight champion. It’s a unification fight,” Hearn told reporters. Haney’s Statement Win in Riyadh Haney’s victory over Norman on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, stands as one of the defining moments of his career. Entering the bout as an underdog for the first time as a professional, Haney silenced doubts with a composed and dominant performance. After scoring a knockdown in the second round, Haney went on to control the fight and secure a unanimous decision victory, beginning a title reign in his third weight division. The win improved his record to 33-0 (15 KOs) and reinforced his reputation as one of boxing’s most technically sound fighters. According to Hearn, Haney’s focus has now shifted toward collecting more belts. Crocker’s Rise to World Champion Lewis Crocker enters the conversation fresh off the biggest victory of his career. The unbeaten Northern Irish fighter captured the vacant IBF welterweight title on September 13, edging Paddy Donovan by split decision in a highly competitive bout. In what many viewed as a true 50–50 fight, Crocker made the difference by scoring two knockdowns, improving his professional record to 22-0 (11 KOs). At 28 years old, Crocker is just beginning his reign at world level and has expressed interest in high-profile matchups. While Crocker has previously mentioned domestic rivals such as Conor Benn as potential opponents, a unification bout with Haney would represent a major step onto the global stage. Benn Also in the Mix Hearn is also keeping a close eye on Conor Benn’s position in the welterweight landscape. Benn recently secured a notable win over Chris Eubank at middleweight, and the promoter believes a return to 147 pounds could be imminent. With the WBCP naming Benn its mandatory welterweight challenger, a title opportunity is expected in 2026. However, Hearn has not ruled out alternative paths, including Haney versus Crocker. “We’ll see,” Hearn said. “We’re not against the idea.” A High-Stakes Unification Opportunity A Haney vs. Crocker showdown would pit one of boxing’s most accomplished champions against a newly crowned, undefeated titleholder hungry to prove himself. With multiple storylines converging at welterweight, the division appears poised for major unification bouts in the near future. For Devin Haney, the goal is clear: continue collecting belts and cement his legacy. For Lewis Crocker, the opportunity to face an elite, pound-for-pound star could define his championship reign.
Former IBF junior bantamweight champion Jerwin Ancajas finds himself at a critical crossroads in his career as he prepares to step back into the ring this Saturday at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. After months of uncertainty and stalled plans, the Filipino southpaw will face Uruguayan contender Ruben Dario Casero in an eight-round junior featherweight bout that could determine his future at the world-title level. A Camp Marked by Uncertainty Ancajas, a native of Panabo City, Philippines, has spent the past three months training in the United States, splitting time between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Initially, the 33-year-old expected to compete on the undercard of the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios showdown scheduled for July 19. However, repeated rejections of proposed opponents by the Nevada State Athletic Commission forced Ancajas and his team to look elsewhere. One of those rejected opponents was Casero, though promoter Sean Gibbons, president of MP Promotions, noted that California regulators approved the matchup almost immediately. “He was approved in two seconds by California,” Gibbons said. “Sometimes that’s just how boxing works.” A Dangerous Assignment Casero enters the fight with a record of 13-4 (5 KOs) and may not appear to be a marquee name on paper, but he is regarded as a rugged and durable competitor. The 32-year-old has been stopped only once in his career—a first-round TKO loss in 2018—while his other defeats came via lopsided decision, including his lone U.S. appearance against Jorge Chavez last December. “Very tough, durable guy, Ruben,” Gibbons said. “I believe he’ll give Jerwin good rounds.” Ancajas, now 36-4-2 (24 KOs), admits he has not studied Casero extensively but remains confident in his preparation. “I haven’t seen his style, but for sure he’s a good boxer,” Ancajas said. “I’m ready for whatever he does in the ring this coming Friday.” Everything on the Line For Ancajas, this bout represents far more than a tune-up fight. After reigning as IBF champion at 115 pounds from 2016 to 2021—with nine successful title defenses—his career momentum stalled following a ninth-round stoppage loss to Takuma Inoue in a WBA bantamweight title fight in February 2024. Now campaigning at 122 pounds, Ancajas has won two straight and says the move up in weight has rejuvenated him. “I feel much stronger at 122,” Ancajas said. “Before, it was hard for me to make weight.” Gibbons believes the stakes could not be higher. “This fight means everything,” he said. “It’s all or nothing. Jerwin needs to win, and if he does, we’re looking at a world title fight next.” World Title Picture Ancajas is currently ranked inside the top 10 at junior featherweight by the WBO, IBF, and WBA, positioning him well for a potential interim or full world-title opportunity. With undisputed champion Naoya Inoue holding all four major belts, mandatory obligations are expected to create openings across the sanctioning bodies. “At 33, he doesn’t have time to waste,” Gibbons said. “But with a win here, he could be next in line for an IBF or WBA title fight.” Ancajas is fully aware of what lies ahead. “I want to become world champion again,” he said. “I’m always in the gym, always getting ready for a big fight.” Outlook Saturday’s bout may lack the glamour of a title fight, but for Jerwin Ancajas, it could serve as the gateway back to boxing’s elite level. A strong performance against Casero would reaffirm his standing in a stacked junior featherweight division—and prove that the former champion still has plenty left to offer on the world stage. About the Author Ryan Songalia is a reporter and editor for BoxingScene.com and has written for ESPN, the New York Daily News, Rappler, The Guardian, Vice, and The Ring magazine. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and is a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America.
The IBF has ordered a junior-featherweight elimination bout between former world champions Jerwin Ancajas and Ryosuke Nishida to determine its mandatory challenger to Naoya Inoue. In a letter this week to representatives of both fighters, IBF Championships Chairman George Martinez said negotiations between Japan’s former bantamweight champion Nishida 10-1 (2 KOs) and Philippines’ former super-flyweight champion Ancajas 37-4-2 (24 KOs) should conclude by September 23. If as deal is not finalized by then, a purse bid will be ordered. Pacheco’s Missing Weapon? “The Bud Light of Mbilli” Take & Why Canelo Has No Belts, No Limits Diego Pacheco keeps winning — but after the weekend, the real conversation isn’t about the result. It’s about the level of resistance. A sharp line summed it up best: Pacheco’s opponent was the “Bud Light of Christian Mbilli.” A comparison that immediately raises questions about testing, development, and what Pacheco still needs to unlock before facing true elite opposition. Monday | Dec 15, 2025 DETAILS Ranked No. 5 in the IBF, Ancajas is coming off an August 2 majority decision victory over Ruben Dario Casero in Long Beach, California, while Nishida lost his IBF bantamweight belt to unbeaten unified champion Juntio Nakatani by TKO after five rounds June 8 in Japan. Nishida is currently ranked No. 8 by the IBF among 122lbs fighters. Undisputed champion Naoya Inoue will defend his belts Monday morning U.S. time versus former unified champion Murodjan “M.J.” Akhmadaliev in Japan. Akhmadaliev is the WBA mandatory challenger. If victorious, Inoue is expected to fight his WBCP mandatory challenger David Alan Picasso in December in Saudi Arabia before a planned showdown with Nakatani in 2026. Lance Pugmire is BoxingScene’s senior U.S. writer and an assistant producer for ProBox TV. Pugmire has covered boxing since the early 2000s, first at the Los Angeles Times and then at The Athletic and USA Today. He won the Boxing Writers’ Association of America’s Nat Fleischer Award in 2022 for career excellence.
Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz successfully retained his WBCP interim super-lightweight title against Lamont Roach Jr., further intertwining the careers of three elite fighters who know each other all too well inside the ring. Cruz and Roach fought to a hard-fought draw, echoing Roach’s earlier stalemate with Gervonta “Tank” Davis, while Cruz previously came up short against Davis in their December 2021 showdown. With Davis having not competed since his bout with Roach nine months ago, a potential three-way collision involving Cruz, Roach, and Davis in 2026 remains a realistic possibility should Davis return to the sport. Known as one of boxing’s most relentless pressure fighters, Cruz has now felt the power of both Roach and the more widely feared Davis. In an interview with ESPN KnockOut, Cruz was asked to compare the punching power of the two. “They’re similar,” Cruz said. “Roach hits hard, but it’s not a punch where you think, ‘Oh no.’ It’s not shocking or devastating. He landed clean and accurate shots, but at no point did I feel hurt. On the contrary, I kept moving forward instead of backing up.” While Cruz applied constant pressure during their December 6 bout in San Antonio, Roach found success with his counter-punching, timing Cruz’s advances effectively. However, momentum briefly swung in Cruz’s favor in Round 3, when a sharp left hook sent Roach’s glove to the canvas, prompting referee James Green to issue a count. Davis, by contrast, remains renowned for his elite timing and concussive power, having scored 28 knockouts in 30 career victories. His fight with Roach was also marred by controversy, when a clear knockdown was ruled a slip by referee Steve Willis. Davis later explained he had taken a knee because hair product had run into his eyes—an explanation that sparked widespread debate. As all three fighters continue to orbit the top of the super-lightweight and lightweight divisions, unfinished business and lingering controversy suggest that future clashes could define the next chapter of their careers.
World Boxing Champions Promotions (WBCP) today announced that boxing icons Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach will be honored with the organization’s first-ever Centurion Awards during Manny Pacquiao Promotions’ sold-out U.S. debut event this Saturday, November 29, at Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, California.Pacquiao will be presented with the Centurion Award for Fighter of the Century, recognizing his unparalleled global impact, historic achievements across eight weight divisions, and longstanding commitment to elevating the sport. Roach, who has been named Trainer of the Year a record seven times by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), will receive the Centurion Award for Trainer of the Century. The award honors his Hall of Fame career, decades of coaching excellence, and his instrumental role in shaping champions around the world.The special in-ring presentation will take place immediately before the evening’s main event.“It is only fitting that Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach, two men who changed the sport forever, receive the inaugural Centurion Awards,” said Sean Gibbons, President of Manny Pacquiao Promotions. “The Fighter of the Century and Trainer of the Century have created a legacy that will never be replicated. We’re honored to recognize their greatness on a night that already means so much to Manny, his family, and our entire team.”WBCP leadership echoed the significance of the moment, noting that the Centurion Awards will be bestowed only in rare instances when an individual’s contributions transcend the sport.“This is a historic occasion for WBCP and for boxing,” said Tony Cohen of WBCP. “Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have moved generations, not just with championship victories, but with their character, discipline, and global humanitarian influence. These Centurion Awards celebrate a legacy that spans continents and inspires millions.”Saturday’s event marks several milestones for Manny Pacquiao Promotions, including the professional debut of Manny “Jimuel” Pacquiao Jr., a stacked card featuring ten action-packed bouts, and a Toys for Tots partnership encouraging fans to bring unwrapped gifts for children in need.
