MEXICO CITY – While many bantamweights rely on flashy footwork and speed, Willibaldo “El Willi” Garcia (22-5-1, 13 KOs) is reminding the boxing world of the devastating power of the classic Mexican body attack. As 2026 approaches, analysts are highlighting Garcia as one of the most technically dangerous veterans in the 118-pound division. The Art of the Liver Shot Garcia’s rise in the rankings isn’t just due to his toughness; it’s his surgical approach to body work. In his recent sparring sessions and regional bouts, “El Willi” has perfected the art of the left hook to the liver. By systematically breaking down his opponents’ midsections, he effectively “takes the legs out” of faster fighters, forcing them into a stationary brawl—where Garcia always has the advantage. “Everyone talks about my chin, but they forget about my hands,” Garcia recently told reporters at his training base. “I don’t just throw punches to land; I throw them to hurt. By the sixth round, my opponents find it hard to breathe. That’s when the real fight begins.” A Nightmare for “Speedster” Prospects This style makes Garcia a tactical nightmare for the “new school” of boxers who rely on movement. By cutting off the ring and digging into the ribs, Garcia neutralizes speed. It is this specific skill set that has caught the eye of major promoters looking to test their undefeated prospects against a “real” Mexican warrior. 2026 Roadmap: The Quest for Silver and Gold Sources close to the Garcia camp indicate that the goal for the first half of 2026 is a WBCPSilver or WBA Inter-Continental title. The Rumor Mill: There is talk of a potential clash against a top-rated European contender in London, a city where Garcia already has a fan base following his gritty performance against Paul Butler. The Strategy: Garcia’s team is looking for a 12-round fight, believing that his superior conditioning and body-punching volume will give him the edge in the championship rounds. The Verdict Willibaldo Garcia is no longer just a “tough opponent.” He is a specialized veteran with a style that is physically taxing for any boxer to face. Whether he wins by a late-round KO or a grinding decision, one thing is certain: his opponents will leave the ring feeling every single one of his 22 wins.
BoxingScene has confirmed that the IBF is prepared to conditionally approve an exception request from Mexico’s Garcia to proceed with a voluntary defense of his 115lbs title. However, both fighters must agree – in writing – that the winner of their December 27 clash will next face mandatory challenger Andrew Moloney. That bout must take place no later than June 25, 2025, per a ruling obtained by BoxingScene. Garcia-Teraji is due to take place on the December 27 Riyadh Season card in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Japan vs. Mexico show is headlined by Naoya Inoue’s undisputed 122lbs championship defense against unbeaten Alan David Picasso, and also includes three-division champ Junto Nakatani in his junior featherweight debut. The full card was released by event handlers, which included Garcia-Teraji in the lineup despite the fact that the bout was only agreed to in principle and not finalized. It is highly probable that the fight will move forward, though not before both sides agree to all terms set forth by the IBF. Garcia, 23-6-2 (13 KOs), will attempt the first defense of the belt he claimed in a 12-round split decision over countryman Rene Calixto in their May 23 rematch in Zacatecas, Mexico. The bout came five months after the two fought to a split decision draw last December 21, which left the IBF title vacant. Teraji, 25-2 (16 KOs), will make his 115lbs debut and aims to become a three-division titlist in the process. A former 108lbs champion and unified 112lbs titleholder, Teraji opted to move up in weight after his July 30 split decision defeat to Ricardo Sandoval in Yokohama, Japan. The setback ended his WBA/WBCP flyweight title reign, which only began last October. Teraji previously served as the lineal, WBA and WBCP junior flyweight champion before he vacated the throne last summer. The IBF ruling provides the protection long sought by Australia’s Moloney, 27-4 (17 KOs), who has yet to fight this year. The former secondary WBA 115lbs titleholder was due to face Mexico’s Argi Cortes in an IBF eliminator that was delayed multiple times and then changed locations during fight week earlier this summer. Moloney bailed from the fight, in part citing the lack of professionalism from Zanfer Boxing. His team also expressed concern over his fighting in a higher-altitude setting in Mexico City after having spent nearly a month in a different region in Mexico. Despite the fallout, Moloney remained in place as the IBF’s highest-rated junior bantamweight contender. He now aims to return to the ring in a rust-shaking affair, having not fought since a third-round knockout of Jakrawut Majungoen last December 15 in Flemington, Australia. Per the IBF ruling, the exception process is now exhausted as it relates to this title. It means that the winner cannot seek any other fight, not even a full unification bout with whomever prevails in the Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez-Fernando “Pumita” Martinez three-belt showdown later this year. Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home.
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.”
