Witness the Clash: Veterans Vie for Dominance in the Ring!
The Highly Anticipated Main Event: Cornejo vs. Spence Weigh-In
Two prominent figures from the boxing realm, Maricela Cornejo and Natasha Spence, both former contenders for world titles, successfully met the middleweight criteria for their much-anticipated confrontation. The weigh-in took place smoothly, confirming their readiness for the bout scheduled for Friday, August 8th, at the Legend Casino Hotel in Toppenish, Washington. Cornejo registered at 157.9 pounds, while Spence tipped the scales at 157.1 pounds, setting the stage for an evenly matched contest.
Promotional Spectacle: A Blend of Boxing and Entertainment
This six-round middleweight clash serves as the main attraction for an event orchestrated by the legendary Roy Jones Jr. Beyond the thrilling boxing action, the evening promises unique entertainment, with multiple musical performances by the Hall of Fame fighter himself. Fans worldwide can tune in to witness the excitement, as the stream is slated to commence at 10 p.m. ET (3 a.m. BST) on the official RJJBoxing YouTube channel, bringing the action directly to their screens.
Maricela Cornejo's Journey: A Path of Resilience and Redemption
Maricela Cornejo, holding a record of 19 wins, 7 losses, with 7 knockouts, enters this fight nearly a year after her last appearance. Her previous outing saw her step in as a late substitute against former undisputed welterweight champion Cecilia Braekhus, where she ultimately lost a unanimous decision in a junior middleweight contest. That fight was part of the undercard for the Vergil Ortiz Jr.-Serhii Bohachuk event in Las Vegas, marking a significant moment in her career.
Reflecting on Cornejo's Recent Form and Title Aspirations
The defeat to Braekhus interrupted a commendable three-fight winning streak for Cornejo, which she had built since a decisive loss to the formidable undisputed middleweight champion Claressa Shields in June 2023. Throughout her career, Cornejo has also challenged for titles on multiple occasions, facing Kali Reis at middleweight and engaging in two bouts against Franchon Crews-Dezurn at super middleweight, showcasing her consistent pursuit of championship glory.
A Homecoming Fight for Los Angeles's Own
For the 38-year-old Cornejo, currently residing in Los Angeles, this fight carries a special significance. Having grown up approximately half an hour from the event venue, she will have the rare opportunity to compete in front of her hometown crowd for the very first time in her professional boxing journey. This unique chance to fight locally adds an emotional layer to an already compelling matchup.
Natasha Spence's Formidable Challenge: Experience Against Tough Opponents
Natasha Spence, a 40-year-old fighter hailing from Ontario, Canada, brings a record of 8 wins, 8 losses, and 2 draws, with 6 knockouts. Despite a challenging run of 0 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw in her last seven contests, Spence is renowned for her remarkable durability against high-caliber opponents. She has consistently demonstrated a sturdy chin while competing across junior middleweight and super middleweight divisions, enduring decisions against notable names such as Hanna Gabriels in a 154-pound title fight, Melinda Watpool (twice), Shadasia Green, Tamm Thibeault, and Elia Carranza, proving her resilience in the face of adversity.
Additional Exciting Bouts on the Card
Beyond the headlining event, the fight card is packed with other compelling matchups. In the super middleweight division, Andrew Murphy (10-0, 7 KOs) will face Jeremiah Sierra (4-2, 1 KO) in an eight-round contest, with Murphy weighing in at 167.2 lbs and Sierra at 168 lbs. Heavyweights Joshua Juarez (12-0, 7 KOs), at 257 lbs, will take on Oscar Cortes (27-7, 14 KOs), weighing 194.7 lbs, over six rounds. Lightweights Chris Young (3-0, 2 KOs) at 134 lbs and Derrick Funkhouser (0-1, 0 KOs) at 135 lbs are set for a six-round bout. Finally, junior middleweights Jovanis Rodriguez Pallares (1-0, 1 KO) and Alvin Welch (0-1, 0 KOs), both weighing 152 lbs, will battle it out over four rounds, promising a full night of action for boxing enthusiasts.