Boxing enthusiasts are in for a treat this weekend as a series of captivating encounters are scheduled, featuring both established talents and burgeoning prospects. The highlight of the schedule is a significant interim title fight in the flyweight division, promising intense action and strategic exchanges. Beyond this marquee matchup, the fight card is replete with other compelling contests, including two women's championship bouts, underscoring the growing prominence of female athletes in the sport. These events span various locations and broadcasting platforms, offering a diverse array of pugilistic displays for fans worldwide.
The central attraction for Saturday, August 23rd, is the clash between Yankiel Rivera and Angelino Cordova. This encounter, set to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time (1 a.m. BST), will be broadcast on DAZN. Their battle for the WBA interim flyweight title carries significant implications, especially given the recent shake-up in the division with Kenshiro Teraji's unexpected defeat. The winner of the Rivera-Cordova bout is poised to become a mandatory challenger for the unified title, propelling them to the forefront of the flyweight landscape. Yankiel Rivera, a 27-year-old Olympian from Puerto Rico, boasts an impressive professional record of 7-0 with 3 knockouts. After representing his country in the 2021 Olympics, Rivera transitioned to professional boxing in 2022, securing notable victories against formidable opponents like Andy Dominguez Velasquez and Victor Efrain Sandoval. His most recent triumph was a fourth-round stoppage of Angel Gonzalez. This event marks Rivera's inaugural fight of 2025, taking place at the Caribe Royale Orlando.
Angelino Cordova, with a record of 19-0-1 (12 KOs), is a 29-year-old Venezuelan fighter aiming for another shot at a world title. His previous title challenge against Julio Cesar Martinez for the WBC flyweight belt in March 2024 ended in a narrow majority decision loss, which was later overturned due to Martinez's positive drug test. Cordova's journey reflects resilience and determination as he seeks to re-establish his claim at the pinnacle of the flyweight division. His last fight in December saw him outpoint Jose Morales, showcasing his consistent performance and strategic prowess.
The undercard features additional exciting matchups. Yoenis Tellez, the WBA's interim junior middleweight titleholder, will face Abass Baraou. Stephanie Han defends her WBA lightweight title against Paulina Angel, and Jasmine Artiga puts her WBA junior bantamweight belt on the line against Linn Sandstrom. Promising lightweight Lucas Bahdi takes on Roger Gutierrez, while junior welterweight Jamaine Ortiz awaits a replacement opponent due to Steve Claggett's injury. These fights collectively ensure a packed schedule, highlighting both established champions and emerging talents.
Further intensifying the week are several other significant fights. On Wednesday, August 20th, Nikita Tszyu battles Lulzim Ismaili in a junior middleweight clash broadcast on Kayo Sports pay-per-view in Australia. Tszyu, an undefeated prospect, returns after a year-long layoff due to a hand injury. Friday, August 22nd, features Jan Paul Rivera against Daniel Bailey on DAZN, a featherweight bout showcasing Rivera's undefeated streak. Saturday, August 23rd, also sees Jack Rafferty facing Mark Chamberlain on DAZN in a lightweight contest, and Jake Wyllie taking on Youssef Dib in another lightweight showdown on DAZN. Finally, Abel Gonzalez meets Alfonso Flores in a super middleweight bout, adding to the weekend's global boxing spectacle.
The convergence of these diverse and high-stakes boxing matches this weekend guarantees an exhilarating experience for fans. From interim championship aspirations to the ascendance of new stars and the resilient comebacks of seasoned fighters, each bout contributes to a dynamic and unpredictable narrative within the sport. The various weight classes and geographical locations further amplify the global appeal of boxing, ensuring that there is something for every enthusiast to follow and enjoy.