MEXICO CITY (Dec 2025) – In the high-stakes world of the 118-pound division, few names command as much respect for their durability and grit as Willibaldo “El Willi” Garcia. After a series of strong performances on the Mexican circuit, the veteran contender is reportedly gearing up for a massive international return in early 2026. A Reputation Built on Iron and Grit Willibaldo Garcia (22-5-1, 13 KOs) has long been considered the “litmus test” for aspiring champions. Known for his relentless pressure-fighting style and a chin that seems made of granite, Garcia earned global respect following his 2021 battle against former world champion Paul Butler. While Garcia didn’t walk away with the victory that night, his performance proved that he belongs on the world stage. Since then, “El Willi” has remained active, racking up wins and refining his craft in the tough gyms of Mexico. 2025: The Year of Resurgence Throughout 2025, Garcia has focused on maintaining his ranking and staying sharp. His recent victories have showcased a more calculated version of the “Pressure Machine”—one that still targets the body with lethal precision but has added improved defensive head movement to his arsenal. “I am a different fighter now,” Garcia stated in a recent interview. “The experience I gained fighting in the UK and across Mexico has prepared me for one final run at a world title. I am ready for anyone at 118 or 122 pounds.” What’s Next for “El Willi”? Rumors within the boxing community suggest that Garcia’s management is in talks for a high-profile bout in either the United States or Japan. Potential opponents being mentioned include rising undefeated prospects looking for a “step-up” fight—a role Garcia has mastered, often turning prospects’ dreams into nightmares. With the Bantamweight division currently seeing a massive shift in talent, a veteran like Garcia provides the perfect mix of excitement and challenge for any major televised card.
MANILA, Philippines – The San Andres Sports Complex is set to host a massive night for Philippine boxing on October 26. Headlining the first of two “Thrilla in Manila II” shows, heavy-handed IBF Strawweight champion Pedro Taduran will put his world title on the line against the undefeated rising star Robert Balunan. The Champion’s Journey: Pedro Taduran Pedro Taduran (18-4-1, 13 KOs), currently rated No. 2 by The Ring, is a warrior defined by resilience. After a storied career that saw him win, lose, and then reclaim the IBF throne, Taduran is back on top of the 105-pound division. His most recent performance was a gritty split-decision victory in May over Ginjiro Shigeoka. While it was a career-defining win, it was marred by tragedy as Shigeoka suffered a brain bleed post-fight. As Shigeoka continues his slow but steady recovery in the hospital, Taduran must now turn his focus to a hungry young challenger on home soil. The Challenger: Robert Balunan For the 25-year-old Robert Balunan (12-0, 7 KOs), this represents a massive leap in competition. Ranked No. 3 by the IBF (with the top two spots currently vacant), the Cebu native has been perfect since turning pro in 2021. With impressive stoppage wins over veterans like Clyde Azarcon and Robert Paradero, Balunan is eager to prove he belongs on the world stage. Stacked Undercard: Rex Tso and Miel Fajardo The event, promoted by Manny Pacquiao Promotions, features a deep 13-fight card with high-stakes regional matchups: The Return of Rex Tso: Popular Hong Kong veteran Rex Tso (23-0, 14 KOs) continues his comeback after an eight-year hiatus. He faces India’s Sagar Chouhan (6-0-2, 2 KOs) in a 10-round battle for a regional bantamweight title. Flyweight Fire: Power-puncher Miel Fajardo (12-3-2, 11 KOs) takes on Esneth Domingo (22-3, 14 KOs). This 10-round clash for a regional flyweight title is expected to be a “fight of the night” contender.
Pedro Taduran began like he had better places to be, winging power shots and advancing with bad intentions against a slippery, counter-punching challenger in Christian Balunan. Balunan (12-1, 7 KOs) was a heavy pre-fight underdog given his inexperience at world championship level, refused to relent despite being pressed on the back foot for sustained periods – suffering a nasty cut in round four – and absorbing damage aplenty afterwards. Taduran (19-4-1, 13 KOs) made a successful second defence of his IBF strawweight crown with scores of 117-111 and 118-110 twice in their all-Filipino main event during the first of two Thrilla In Manila II shows at the San Andres Sports Complex in Manila, Philippines. Balunan smiled as he took early punishment to head and body, unable to stop the champion from pressing forward and forcing him to box on his back foot with infrequent success. The longer their exchanges went, the more important it was for Balunan to turn the tide – at least as far as optics were concerned – as he was having to duck and dive away from fast flurries and deft work downstairs. Balunan looked dazed and was quickly in survival mode late in the fourth, Taduran chasing him and unloading more combinations as the challenger sported a nasty gash above his eyebrow from an accidental clash of heads. There was increasing concern over Balunan’s cut in the fifth, Taduran continuing to blitz him where possible while the challenger’s face had turned a cherry red collour as their scrappy exchanges up close kept the referee busy. Midway through the sixth, the official paused the action for another inspection on Balunan’s cut – one Taduran wasn’t shy to target – though he was allowed to continue. An increasingly static target by this stage, he always fired back enough to avoid a premature stoppage but the pressure was starting to weigh heavy on the 25-year-old. After being tagged by left hands with more of the same in round seven, Balunan had to pick himself up off the canvas in the eighth, but it was ruled a slip rather than a knockdown as you wondered aloud whether to take pity on a courageous challenger. It should’ve been called a knockdown, Taduran couldn’t miss with his right hand in that sequence, even if he fell awkwardly after being overwhelmed. Balunan’s face was bloodied in the ninth, as it became increasingly clear this would likely go the distance unless the challenger’s corner were compassionate enough to avoid him eating more punishment – something that couldn’t be said for Jayson Vayson as he suffered a dubious seventh-round stoppage by WBO and Ring champion last month. There was clear mutual respect between the pair, but Taduran couldn’t find the finishing touches to rubberstamp an otherwise accomplished performance on home soil. Elsewhere on the card… After a pulsating 10-round tussle, Miel Fajardo’s final round knockdown put the exclamation mark on an impressive display against Esneth Domingo to claim a regional flyweight title. The scorecards read 98-91, 96-93, 96-93 for the 25-year-old during a tense battle often unfolding at centre ring, ‘Silent Assasin’ flooring Domingo (22-4, 14 KOs) in the last frame after sustained body work and flurries chipped away at Domingo’s resolve. Fajardo (13-3-2, 11 KOs) has now won two straight after consecutive 12-round decision defeats last year, first by IBF junior flyweight champion Thanongsak Simsri and then Tanzania’s Mchanja Yohana on his return to the 112-pound class. In the evening’s other featured bout, Hong Kong veteran Rex Tso looked well on his way to a stoppage victory over India’s Sagar Chouhan before an accidental clash of heads cut the latter, with their bantamweight contest ruled a no decision after two rounds.
Kenshiro Teraji won the World Boxing Association (WBA) Boxer of the Month award after his April 8 defense against Anthony Olascuaga. Marlon Tapales won the Honorable Mention for his victory over Murodjon Akhmadaliev. Teraji made the first defense of his WBA Super Light Flyweight Championship against American Olascuaga, to whom he delivered a technical knockout in 9 rounds at the Ariake Arena, in Koto Ku. The Japanese fighter reaffirms himself as the best fighter of the division and continues as unified champion after this new victory at home. For his part, Tapales got a great victory over Akhmadaliev that same day in San Antonio, Texas, to snatch the WBA super bantamweight crown in a great performance of the Filipino on U.S. soil. The scorecards were 110-118, 115-113 and 115-113 to take the split decision. With the individual awards for the month of April, the ranking of the pioneer organization was also published, whose changes and updates can be reviewed in the corresponding section of the WBA official website.
Marlon Tapales and Naoya Inoue will have a huge super bantamweight showdown for the 122 lbs. undisputed title on December 26. One day after Christmas, the Filipino will face the Asian at the Ariake Arena in Koto Ku, Japan. Tapales is the World Boxing Association (WBA) champion and also holds the IBF belt, while Inoue holds the WBO and WBCP belts. The Filipino is coming off of defeating Murodjon Akhmadaliev to take the crowns on April 8 in San Antonio, Texas, and at one time aimed to face either Naoya Inoue or Stephen Fulton, who subsequently faced each other in July. Finishing with a resounding victory and two belts, Inoue was the opponent to face Tapales. One of the best pound-for-pound fighters will be back home looking for greatness and wants to show off his spectacular boxing in front of his home crowd. The fight will feature two brave and strong opponents. Inoue as the main protagonist in his own backyard and in front of an opponent who will not shy away from the fight, so it is expected to be an action-packed showdown with a lot of excitement. Tapales has a record of 37 wins, 3 losses and 19 knockouts, while Inoue is undefeated in 25 fights, with 22 knockouts.
MANILA, Philippines (Dec 2025) – The “Maranding Nightmare” is back in full force. Former unified world champion Marlon Tapales (41-4, 22 KOs) has sent a clear message to the super bantamweight division after a spectacular knockout victory at the historic Smart Araneta Coliseum. Taming the Toro: A 6th-Round Masterclass In his most recent high-profile appearance on October 29, 2025, Tapales headlined the “Thrilla in Manila II” card—an event commemorating the 50th anniversary of the legendary Ali-Frazier fight. Facing the tough Venezuelan Fernando Toro, Tapales showcased his veteran experience and signature southpaw power. While Toro started aggressively in the opening rounds, Tapales remained composed, breaking down his opponent with surgical precision. In the 6th round, a crushing right hook followed by a barrage of body shots sent Toro to the canvas. The referee called a stop to the contest at the 2:31 mark, handing Tapales a decisive TKO victory. Ranking Surge and 2026 World Title Hopes With three consecutive wins in 2025—including victories over Jon Jon Jet and Saurabh Kumar—Tapales has successfully rebuilt his momentum since his brave undisputed clash against Naoya Inoue in late 2023. The Filipino star currently holds elite positions in the world rankings: The Ring Magazine: #1 Contender WBCP: #3 WBO: #3 IBF: #4 What’s Next? A Date with Luis Nery or Stephen Fulton? Promoter JC Mananquil and MP Promotions have hinted that Tapales is ready for another world title shot. As Naoya Inoue is expected to move up to the featherweight division in 2026, the belts at 122 lbs will likely become vacant. Rumors are already swirling about a potential mega-fight in Summer 2026 against former champion Luis Nery or a title eliminator against Stephen Fulton. “The plan is simple: we stay active and we bring a world title back to the Philippines,” Tapales stated after his recent win.
LAS VEGAS / GRAND RAPIDS (Dec 2025) – The landscape of the middleweight and super featherweight divisions is shifting as two of boxing’s most talked-about prospects, Demler “DJ” Zamora III and Joseph “Sug” Hicks Jr., head into the new year with very different momentum. Zamora Dominates in Las Vegas Showcase Undefeated phenom DJ “The War Machine” Zamora (17-0, 11 KOs) continues to prove why he is the crown jewel of the Top Rank stable. In his most recent outing on November 21, 2025, Zamora delivered a masterclass performance against the durable Brandon Valdes. Over 10 rounds, the 22-year-old Southpaw showcased elite “ring generalship,” utilizing his signature straight left hand to dismantle Valdes’ defense. The Unanimous Decision victory has officially moved Zamora from “prospect” to “contender” status. Sources close to Top Rank suggest that 2026 could see Zamora fighting for his first regional title as he inches closer to a world championship opportunity.
Mexican Super-Featherweight talent Eduardo Nunez has signed a long-term promotional deal with Eddie Hearn and WBCP. Nunez (24-1 24 KOs) has dispatched all of his victims inside the distance to date, and the hard-hitting 26 year old is banging on the door of the World champions sitting in the top five in the IBF rankings where his new stablemate Joe Cordina regained the title in Cardiff in April in an epic battle with Shavkat Rakhimov, and #8 in the WBO, a belt held by his fellow countryman Emanuel Navarrete. ‘Sugar’s’ last outing saw him destroy the unbeaten Jesus Martin Ceyca inside two rounds in Culiacan, Mexico, in March and with Hearn and wbcp announcing a three-year extension to their DAZN deal in America and Mexico, Nunez can expect to land massive fights on home soil to close in on a World title shot and his return to the ring will be announced soon. I’m very close on fulfilling my dream of being a World Champion – Eduardo Nunez “I’m very excited for this new episode in my career,” said Nunez. “I won’t take it for granted, it is extra motivation, I know I’m very close on fulfilling my dream of being a World Champion and I will do it alongside the great team I have and our new members Eddie Hearn and wbcp.” “I am delighted to welcome another exciting new signing in Eduardo to the team,” said Hearn. “Eduardo is a huge dangerman in the Super-Featherweight division and very well placed to challenge for a title this year. He always fights with bad intentions and that makes him a must-watch fighter, and that’s what our Mexico shows are all about – thrilling action from top to bottom – and Eduardo will be a key part of our future there. “Having announced two massive signings on Saturday in WBCP 140lb king Regis Prograis and Cuban amateur sensation Andy Cruz during the Canelo-Ryder show in Guadalajara, Eduardo joins them in bolstering the best stable in World boxing. ‘Sugar’ signs hot on the heels of our DAZN extension in the US and Mexico, a deal that enables us to work with these great fighters and put on the best events for DAZN subscribers.”
IBF World Super Featherweight mandatory added to Pacheco-Sulecki Eduardo ‘Sugar’ Nunez will face Miguel Marriaga to lead the undercard on Saturday August 31, where Diego Pacheco headlines against Maciej Sulecki at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, live worldwide on DAZN. Nunez (27-1 27 KOs) extended his 100 per cent record of wins inside the distance with a career-best performance in February, entering enemy territory in Tajikistan to take out former world ruler Shavkhatdzon Rakhimov in the 11th round of their final eliminator for the IBF Junior Lightweight title. ‘Sugar’ is sitting pretty as the #1 contender for the crown that is held by Anthony Cacace, and the 27 year old will be looking to keep his KO run going to prove he’s ready to fight for the title. Marriaga (31-7 26 KOs) is out to derail those plans, and in doing so, the Colombian can stake his own claim for a fourth World title shot, having previously faced Nicholas Walters, Oscar Valdez and Vasiliy Lomachenko for World honors at 126 and 130lbs. “I am happy and motivated by our commitment at the door, against the former contender for the world title on three occasions and adding that we will make our debut in the United States,” said Nunez. “I know he is a strong fighter with a lot of experience but that motivates me even more to arrive in the best condition. We will be ready to go out with our hands raised on August 31.” “This is a huge opportunity for me to put myself back into position amongst the elite of the division,” said Marriaga. “Sugar is a very good and strong fighter, but I feel great, and I am going to give it everything I have come August 31.” Nunez’s clash with Marriaga completes the card in Carson, where an all-Mexican war stands out, as Arturo Cardenas takes on Jesus Arechiga. Cardenas (14-0-1 8 KOs) defends his Continental Americas Super-Bantamweight title for the second time in LA, having edged out Danny Flores via majority decision in Phoenix in June to defend the strap for the first time, having beaten Ernesto Flores in February to land the belt. Arechiga (21-1 15 KOs) is the next man to try to take the title from Cardenas and the Sinaloa man will be desperate to get back to winning ways having narrowly lost in his last outing. That was in another crossroads clash with Jose Ramirez Maciel for the NABF title in Xochitepec in March, and the 24 year old is excited to be able to set the record straight straight away with another strap on the line. “I’m delighted to be back again with WBCP,” said Cardenas. “I want to thank both God and Eddie Hearn for this opportunity. I’ve been keeping in shape in the gym with my team at RGBA and with the support of family, I’ve been training hard like I always do. We will be more than ready on August 31 to put on a good fight and come away with my hand raised.” “I’m very motivated and grateful with this opportunity,” said Arechiga. “I’m having a great camp to help me reach my full potential in the ring. It will be a brilliant fight since the rival is a great fighter and we will leave everything in the ring. It is the opportunity that I have been waiting for a long time, today it presents itself, thank God, and I am going to make the most of it. I am also very excited that it is for a title, that motivates me twice.” There’s an American debut on the card for Britain’s Chev ‘C4’ Clarke, who faces Efetobor Apochi for the WBA Intercontinental Cruiserweight Title. Clarke (9-0 7 KOs) is riding high after recording a pair of impressive domestic victories in the first half of 2024, stopping Tommy McCarthy in Belfast in January to land the WBA belt he defends in LA, and then knocking out Ellis Zorro in Leeds to to bag the British title. His US debut pits him against Apochi (12-2 12 KOs) the Texas-based Nigerian who has landed all of his victories to date inside the distance, and the experienced campaigner, who landed bronze in the 2014 Commonwealth Games after beating Jai Opetaia in the quarter-finals in Glasgow, returned to action after a near-two year layoff in February in Florida. “I’m delighted to be making my US debut on August 31, especially in LA,” said Clarke. “Thanks to the team for making this possible. The UK fans already know what I bring to the ring. Now it’s time for America to get in on the action. Team C4 incoming.” “I am the most dangerous Cruiserweight in the world,” said Apochi. “I am the most avoided, and nobody can beat me.” The action on DAZN begins with an interim World title clash, as Adelaida Ruiz defends her WBCP Interim Super Flyweight title against Ginny Fuchs. Ruiz (16-0-1 8 KOs) defends the belt for the first time after picking it up at the second attempt against Sonia Osorio in September 2022, with their first battle for the belt March 2021 ending abruptly after an accidental head clash in the second round. Los Angelina Ruiz has won on four occasions since landing the belt, including a KO triumph over former World champion Maria Cecilia Roman. Fuchs (3-0 1 KOs) fights for for a World title in just her fourth pro fight but does so on the back of a storied amateur career, that includes bronze in the 2018 World championships, silver in the 2019 Pan American games and captaining Team USA at the 2020 Olympics. The Houston native last appeared on the undercard of Regis Prograis World title defense in New Orleans in June 2023. “Thank you to DAZN, wbcp for allowing me to be part of this amazing card in my hometown of Los Angeles,” said Ruiz. “I am very grateful for Sheer Sports Management for making this possible for me and my team. It’s always a pleasure to be able to fight in my city, in
LOS ANGELES – 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. The sold-out show will stream live on ESPN Deportes and ESPN Knockout beginning at 7 p.m. PT / 10 p.m. ET, with doors opening at 5 p.m. PT and the first fight at 6 p.m. PT. TOYS FOR TOTS: Jimuel and his fiancée welcomed a baby girl to the world last week, the first grandchild for Manny Pacquiao. Rather than throwing a traditional baby shower, MPP has partnered with Marine Toys for Tots and encourage fans attending the event to bring unwrapped toy donations benefitting underserved children across Southern California. For more information on how to contribute to Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org. CURRENT BOUT LISTING Main Card Live on ESPN Deportes & ESPN Knockout WBO International Featherweight Title – 12 Rounds Elijah Pierce (21-2, 17 KOs) vs. Lorenzo Parra (23-1, 17 KOs) Lightweight Bout – 4 Rounds Jimuel Pacquiao (Pro Debut) vs. Brendan Lally (Pro Debut) Middleweight Bout – 10 Rounds Lazaro Lorenzana (18-0, 13 KOs) vs. Luis Arias (22-5-1, 11 KOs) Flyweight Bout – 8 Rounds Jose Russell Regalado (16-1, 10 KOs) vs. Saleto Henderson (10-2, 7 KOs) WBCP USA Light Flyweight Title – 10 Rounds Terry Washington (5-0, 5 KOs) vs. Ricardo Astuvilca (23-4, 5 KOs) Preliminary Card Light Heavyweight Bout – 4 Rounds Adil Gadzhiev (3-1, 1 KO) vs. Sheldon Payne Super Featherweight Bout – 8 Rounds Michael Bracamontes (13-2-1, 6 KOs) vs. William King (6-2-2, 3 KOs) Super Bantamweight Bout – 4 Rounds Alexis Alvarado (8-1-1, 5 KOs) vs. Garen Diagan (10-7-1, 5 KOs) Super Featherweight Bout – 4 Rounds Rodrigo Mosquera III (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Bryan Domingo (0-3-1) Featherweight Bout – 8 Rounds Javier Zamarron (10-0, 5 KOs) vs. Alejandro Meniano (7-0, 4 KOs)
