The super flyweight world title unification bout between WBC champion Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (USA/Teiken) — 21 wins, no losses, 14 KOs — and WBO champion Bumelhle Cufu (South Africa) — 11 wins, 8 KOs, 3 draws, undefeated — has been officially scheduled. The fight will take place on July 19 (July 20 Japan time) at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, as part of a Matchroom Boxing event broadcast by DAZN.
In the co-main event, undefeated Diego Pacheco (USA) — 23 wins, 18 KOs — who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, No. 2 by the WBC, No. 6 by the WBA, and No. 12 by the IBF at super middleweight, will face former world-ranked fighter Trevor McCumby (USA) — 28 wins, 21 KOs, 1 loss, 1 no contest.
Garcia vs. Callisto – IBF Title Bout
The IBF World Super Flyweight Title will be on the line as No. 3 ranked Willibaldo Garcia (Mexico) — 22 wins (13 KOs), 5 losses, 2 draws — and No. 4 ranked Rene Calixto (Mexico) — 23 wins (9 KOs), no losses, 1 draw — face off in a rematch on May 23 (May 24 Japan time) in Zacatecas, Mexico. The No. 1 and 2 rankings remain vacant.
This will be a rematch of their December 21 bout held at Twin Messe Shizuoka in Japan. In the first fight, Garcia overwhelmed Calixto with high volume punching from the early rounds, mixing hooks to the head and body, and maintaining an aggressive pace throughout. Calixto responded with well-timed right-hand counters from the inside, and the bout went the full 12 rounds.
Garcia appeared to have the edge in activity and landed punches, seemingly doing enough to secure the win. However, the official scores were split: 118–110 for Garcia, 116–112 for Calixto, and 114–114, resulting in a draw. With no new champion crowned, the IBF immediately ordered a rematch.
At the purse bid held on February 12 (February 13 Japan time), Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions won the promotional rights as the sole bidder, offering $151,100 (approximately ¥22.8 million). The purse will be split evenly at 50:50, with both fighters receiving $75,550 (approximately ¥11.4 million) each. While Garcia, who had the upper hand in their first fight, is seen as the favorite, the outcome remains uncertain.
“News Brief”
The IBF World Super Featherweight Title match between No. 1 contender Eduardo Núñez (Mexico) — 28 wins (28 KOs), 1 loss — and No. 3 ranked Masanori Rikiishi (Ohashi Gym) — 16 wins (11 KOs), 1 loss — will take place on May 28 at Yokohama BUNTAI (with a capacity of approximately 5,000). Matchroom Boxing has announced that the event will be streamed live on DAZN in selected regions including the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.
This title bout has attracted strong interest from international fans and industry insiders alike. Expectations are high for Rikiishi to capture the world title.
Meanwhile, Jarrell Miller (USA), ranked No. 4 in the WBA heavyweight division with a record of 26 wins (22 KOs), 1 loss, and 2 draws, has withdrawn from the WBA interim heavyweight title bout scheduled for June 7 (June 8 Japan time) at Portman Road Stadium in Ipswich, England, due to a shoulder injury.
Potential replacements to face No. 1 ranked Fabio Wardley (UK) — 18 wins (17 KOs), 0 losses, 1 draw — include No. 2 ranked Michael Hunter (USA) — 24 wins (17 KOs), 1 loss, 2 draws, No. 7 ranked Filip Hrgović (Croatia) — 18 wins (14 KOs), 1 loss, and undefeated Justis Huni (Australia) — 12 wins (7 KOs), who is ranked No. 1 by the WBO, No. 7 by the IBF, and No. 11 by the WBC.
I’m excited about the upcoming fight of superstar-in-the-making Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez (USA/Teiken), but I’m also looking forward to seeing Japan’s Masanori Rikiishi, who is another very promising fighter.
This article has been translated and published with permission from BOXING MASTER.
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