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Boxing legend Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire is set to make another run at history as he faces Seiya Tsutsumi for the World Boxing Association (WBA) bantamweight championship on December 17 in Tokyo — a bout that could make him the oldest bantamweight world champion in history.

The Donaire-Tsutsumi clash will headline a tripleheader event promoted by Teiken Promotions, according to multiple reports.

Tsutsumi (12-0-3, 8 KOs), the reigning “champion in recess,” previously captured the WBA title after defeating Takuma Inoue but was sidelined due to injury following a draw with Daigo Higa. Meanwhile, Antonio Vargas — who was elevated to full champion — withdrew from a planned consolidation bout due to personal reasons, opening the door for Donaire’s shot at glory.

Donaire (43-8, 28 KOs), now 43 years old, earned his interim champion status after a ninth-round technical decision victory earlier this year, marking a triumphant return following a two-year layoff.

A victory in Tokyo would not only unify the title but also cement Donaire’s place in the record books — and in the hearts of Filipino boxing fans worldwide.

“Age is just a number when you have the heart for greatness,” said Donaire, who remains one of the most respected names in the sport.

Filipino rising star Kenneth “The Lover Boy” Llover continued his impressive ascent in the boxing ranks after scoring a fourth-round stoppage victory over Luciano Baldor of Argentina.

The spitfire from General Trias, Cavite showcased his trademark aggression and power, flooring Baldor before sealing the win with a decisive flurry that forced the referee to step in.

With the victory, Llover preserved his perfect record, improving to 16 wins with 11 knockouts (16-0, 11 KOs) — a clear statement that he remains one of the Philippines’ most promising young fighters.

The dominant performance further cements Llover’s growing reputation as a knockout artist and a future contender on the international stage.

Undefeated Filipino prospect Kenneth “The Lover Boy” Llover will face the biggest test of his career when he takes on former WBC world champion Luis “El Nica” Concepcion of Panama in a 10-round super flyweight bout on August 17 at Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.

The bout, part of the “Mano a Mano” card promoted by Gerry Peñalosa’s GerryPens Promotions, is a non-title fight but carries major implications for both fighters.

Llover (14-0, 9 KOs), just 22 and hailing from General Trias, Cavite, has been on a hot streak, recently capturing the OPBF bantamweight title with a first-round knockout of Japan’s Keita Kurihara in Tokyo. That win followed another first-round stoppage of Tulio Dekanarudo in Osaka for the OPBF Interim title.

Concepcion (40-11, 29 KOs), a seasoned veteran and former WBC Silver flyweight and super flyweight champion, returns after a year-long layoff. His last fight ended in an eighth-round TKO defeat to Mexico’s David Cuellar Contreras in October 2023.

With Llover’s youth and momentum going up against Concepcion’s experience, fans can expect an exciting clash of generations as both boxers look to make a statement in Manila.

Ryan Garcia, the flamboyant and outspoken boxer known for his social media presence, has publicly called out Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino legend’s impressive return to the ring.

The 26-year-old Garcia told Ring Magazine he’s eager to face Pacquiao, who recently made headlines by pushing Mario Barrios to a majority draw in Las Vegas—nearly pulling off a historic upset for the WBC welterweight title.

“It’s something that you dream of… I am always up for the challenge,” said Garcia (24-2, including 20 knockouts and 1 no contest) of a showdown with the Filipino icon.

Though Garcia and Pacquiao have been linked as potential opponents in the past, a bout between them has never materialized. Garcia even traveled to Japan last year to watch Pacquiao’s exhibition match against Rukiya Anpo, fueling rumors of a possible showdown.

“I would be lying if I said I am not interested,” Garcia added.

Despite Pacquiao’s eye-catching comeback, Garcia may have to wait his turn. WBA welterweight champion Rolly Romero currently appears to be the frontrunner for Pacquiao’s next fight, having defeated Garcia by unanimous decision in New York last March. Pacquiao is reportedly targeting a return to the ring in December.

Still, Garcia is making it clear: he’s ready and willing to take on Pacquiao—anytime, anywhere.

“If Manny wants to throw it down, let’s do it,” he concluded.

Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas is set to continue his quest for another world title as he faces Uruguay’s Ruben Casero in an important bout for his super bantamweight championship ambitions.

Originally scheduled for the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios undercard, Ancajas’s fight was bumped from the lineup. Nevertheless, the former IBF super flyweight champion, who trained alongside Pacquiao, Mark Magsayo, and Eumir Marcial, remains optimistic.

“I’m glad to finally have a fight. I thought I’d be fighting at the MGM Grand on the main card, but God has a greater purpose,” said Ancajas, whose eight-round bout will now take place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, July 27 (Manila time).

With a record of 36-4-2 (24 KOs), Ancajas holds a clear edge in experience over Casero, who enters the ring with a 13-4 record (5 KOs).

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons emphasized the significance of the match: “Jerwin will be fighting his third super bantamweight bout. This is another stepping stone for him to fight for a world title. It’s one of the final steps for Jerwin to secure another title opportunity at 122 pounds, but he must win this fight. It’s a very crucial fight.”

Eumir Marcial made a triumphant return to the professional ranks, delivering a statement win on the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao–Mario Barrios bout at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

Marcial, now 6-0 with four knockouts, remained undefeated after stopping American Bernard Joseph in the third round of their 163-pound catchweight contest.

After a cautious start, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist found his rhythm, punishing Joseph with powerful body shots. Marcial floored his opponent with a hook in the second round, then sealed the win in the third by sending Joseph to the canvas once more with a thunderous left. The referee waved off the fight at 1:55 of the round when Joseph failed to beat the count.

With this impressive victory, Marcial inches closer to a world title shot, further cementing his reputation as one of the Philippines’ most promising boxing talents.

Mark "Magnifico" Magsayo showed why he remains one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing hopes, as he earned a convincing unanimous decision win over Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Barrios showdown at the MGM Grand Arena.

It wasn’t easy. Cuellar proved to be a rugged, resilient opponent, forcing Magsayo into a gritty 10-round battle filled with powerful exchanges. 

But in the end, it was the former world champion from Tagbilaran City, Bohol who came out on top.

Two judges saw the fight as a 100-90 shutout, while the third scored it 98-92 — all in favor of Magsayo, who improved to 28 wins (18 by KO) against 2 losses. 

The win also earned him the WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title, adding momentum to his march back to world title contention.

“He was tough. He took a lot of shots but kept firing back. I had to stay sharp all the way,” Magsayo said after the bout.

While the scorecards suggest a dominant performance, the reality inside the ring told a tougher story. Cuellar absorbed Magsayo’s best shots — especially in the fourth round where the Filipino let loose a flurry of clean power punches — and still managed to respond with sharp counterattacks.

The victory marks a successful U.S. return for Magsayo, whose last title reign came after dethroning Gary Russell Jr. in 2022 to become the WBC featherweight world champion.

Now competing in the super featherweight division, Magsayo is once again on the brink of a world title shot, and Saturday’s win solidified his position in the queue.

“We’re staying focused. I can’t be complacent. The goal is to be world champion again,” he said.

With the win, Magsayo made it 2-0 for Filipino fighters on the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard, following Eumir Marcial’s earlier victory — a strong showing for Philippine boxing on one of its grandest nights.

“Hats off to Jorge Mata, he is a tough fighter. Thank you for giving a great show to the boxing fans tonight. Big thank you to my team for all the improvements you made to me — I owe it to all of you,” Magsayo concluded.

Mario Barrios narrowly retained his WBC welterweight title after a dramatic battle with People's Champ and former eight division titlist Manny Pacquiao which ended in a majority draw at the MGM Grand. 

Throughout the fight, Pacquiao’s trademark grit and ring savvy kept Barrios guessing, fueling hopes of yet another fairy-tale chapter in the Filipino legend’s storied career.

But Barrios surged in the final three rounds—sweeping them on all three judges’ scorecards—to do just enough to hold on to his belt. One judge scored the bout 115-113 for Barrios, while the other two saw it even at 114-114.

“I thought I won the fight. It was close. My opponent was very tough, but it was a wonderful fight.” said Pacquiao.

For Barrios, sharing the ring with Pacquiao was an honor: 

“I thought I pulled it out, but I tip my hat to Manny. His stamina, power, and rhythm are still incredible. He’s a tough puzzle to solve.” Barrios said. 

The result elicited a muted response from the MGM Grand crowd, who had cheered Pacquiao’s attempt at a storybook comeback. Ultimately, Barrios keeps his crown, while Pacquiao once again proves he can compete with the best—even at 46.

Don’t miss the chance to witness history in the making as Filipino Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Marcial returns to the ring on the undercard of the blockbuster Manny Pacquiao-Mario Barrios bout this Sunday, July 20, 2025 (Manila time) in Las Vegas.

Marcial, one of the Philippines’ brightest boxing stars, was originally set to face Mexico’s Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round middleweight showdown. But with Gaytan sidelined by an injury, Marcial will now take on the formidable American, Bernard Joseph—a fresh challenge that promises even more excitement.

This isn’t just another bout for Marcial. It’s a pivotal moment in his journey from Olympic hero to professional contender, and all eyes will be on him as he steps into the global spotlight once again. With his relentless drive and world-class skills, Marcial is determined to prove he’s a force in the pro ranks.

As the world tunes in to celebrate Manny Pacquiao’s legendary comeback, make sure you’re there to cheer for the next generation of Filipino boxing greatness. Eumir Marcial’s fight is a must-watch—don’t miss this electrifying night of action. 

Team Pacquiao and Marcial are already heading to Las Vegas in great condition following intense strength and conditioning programs and heavy sparring sessions, along with the heavy pain and trials they endured after a disappointing result in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios will be entering their fight next week, each armed with key weapons. It will be a matter of which one neutralizes the other.

"Remember, in boxing, speed is the key," Pacquiao stated recently in an interview.

Although he's already 46 years old, the Filipino boxing icon insists he hasn’t skipped a beat, with his trainers and onlookers in Los Angeles affirming his solid workouts over the past few weeks.

Pacquiao is ending a four-year retirement to try and dethrone Barrios, the reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion, on July 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Kenneth Llover, one of the country’s brightest hopes for a world title, makes his much-awaited return after scoring back-to-back first-round knockout wins when he battles Panamanian two-division champion Luis Concepcion on 17 August at the Winford Resort and Casino in Manila.

Coming off brutal wins over Japanese Tulio Dekanarudo and Keita Kurihara, Llover is looking at the Concepcion clash as a stepping stone towards a world title crack.

“I am excited to fight in front of my kababayans again. Luis Concepcion is a warrior; he is aggressive and experienced. I expect him to bring the fight. This is going to be an explosive night,” said Llover. 

Concepcion paraded a 40-11 mark with 29 knockouts, and promoter Gerry Penalosa, also a two-division world champion like the Central American puncher, believes the Cavite-based Llover, nicknamed “Lover Boy,” will be in for a rough ride.

“Concepcion is the most decorated foe yet for Llover. He brings a wealth of experience with over 50 fights. This fight will show how ready is for the next level. Fans can’t miss this one,” Penalosa said.

Penalosa is teaming up with Kameda Promotions to stage a mouth-watering showdown on local soil, with the boxing outfit’s chief Koki Kameda arriving to watch the action.

Owing to his sensational performances in Japan, Llover is highly ranked by The Ring magazine.

Former world champion Keith Thurman has significant credibility when discussing Manny Pacquiao and Mario Barrios, especially since he has faced both fighters. With their matchup just two weeks away in Las Vegas, Thurman’s insights hold weight.

The 36-year-old boxer had different experiences against the two: he lost to Pacquiao by decision in 2019 but secured a victory over Barrios on the scorecards three years later. Now, as Barrios prepares to defend his World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title against Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on July 19, Thurman’s perspective is drawing attention.

Thurman shared his thoughts during a recent interview with Fighthype.com. He expressed confidence in the 46-year-old Pacquiao's ability to compete against the younger Barrios.

“It’s hard to know, with the age of Pacquiao, what we’re gonna get from him,” said Thurman.

“But I’ll tell you this, depending on his conditioning, depending on how much he can pop in on that in-step that he brought to me, that notorious fast in-step — if he can pop that and if he can get in, I know he can hurt Mario Barrios,” he added.

However, Thurman pointed out a crucial aspect of Barrios’ fighting style that could give him an advantage over the legendary Filipino boxer: his jab. This fundamental punch has historically been a weak point for the aggressive Pacquiao.

“That’s the big thing in Pacquiao’s favor; Barrios was hurt against [Abel] Ramos, and that’s the thing — the defense of Barrios is still suspect. He’s not hard to find. But one thing I took away, even though I beat him, is that he has a really good jab,” Thurman continued.

At six feet tall, Barrios benefits from both youth and size compared to the smaller Pacquiao, who has been less active in the ring recently. As a result, oddsmakers have made the Mexican-American the favored contender. According to Thurman, Barrios possesses the necessary skills to fulfill his role as the favored fighter heading into the bout.

“He (Barrios) used that jab when he beat [Yordenis] Ugas, and Ugas beat Pacquiao because he stayed long. So I think if Barrios works that jab of his, makes the old man use his legs and work really hard to get inside, I think he can pull it off,” Thurman finished.

Vince Paras delivered an electrifying performance, decisively knocking out Sarawut Thawornkham in the fourth round to capture the prestigious IBF Pan Pacific Super Flyweight title.

This highly anticipated crossroads battle between two former world title challengers saw Paras dominate with remarkable strength and skill.

With a blistering body shot followed by a flurry of powerful head punches, he finished the fight in truly dramatic fashion.

Promoted by Sanman Boxing, this victory marks a pivotal milestone in Paras’s burgeoning career.

“I want to fight the world champions at super flyweight. I feel comfortable at this weight and am ready for the top,” Paras said in an interview.

Meanwhile, in the undercard bouts, Ramil Macado secured a unanimous 10-round decision over Adrian Dulayba, showcasing the fierce competition among rising prospects.

Pete Apolinar followed with a stunning 7th-round knockout of Pablito Canada. Japanese fighter Kiyota Narukami also impressed with a powerful 3rd-round KO against Dennis Gaviola, while Cholo Alvarez earned a convincing 6th-round decision over Joshua Padual.

Michael Bantayan capped off the night with a knockout victory in the opening bout against Nilo Entero, setting a thrilling tone for the entire event.

In an impressive display of skill, taller Japanese southpaw Madoka Wada (4-0, 3 KOs) successfully defended her OPBF Female Minimumweight Title by stopping resilient Filipina challenger Carleans “Chay” Rivas (9-8-4, 1 KO) in Round 7 in Tokyo, Japan.

From the very first round, Wada utilized her height advantage, sharp right jab, and accurate counters to dictate the pace, keeping the aggressive Rivas at bay. Renowned for her tenacity and relentless pressure, Rivas found it difficult to close the distance against the rangy champion.

In Round 7, Wada unleashed a series of unanswered combinations that prompted the referee to intervene and halt the fight. Although Rivas protested the stoppage, demonstrating her indomitable spirit, Wada had clearly taken command, landing effective shots throughout the bout.

A big salute to Rivas—the fearless fighter from Angono, Rizal—whose courage and heart earned her the respect of the crowd despite the loss. She poured everything into the fight and exited the ring with her head held high.

Wada’s victory keeps her unbeaten and solidifies her position as the reigning OPBF champion, marking her continued ascent in the minimumweight division.

The three Filipino fighters on the undercard of Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming comeback in Las Vegas are gaining valuable insights from the former eight-division world champion.

Eumir Marcial, Jerwin Ancajas, and Mark Magsayo have been training with Pacquiao during morning runs—absorbing not only his advice but also his winning mindset.

Marcial, the Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist, is set to face American Alexis Gaytan in an eight-round bout on July 19.

Recently, while observing Pacquiao at the Wild Card Boxing Club, Marcial received tips on delivering powerful left-handed punches and left the gym with newfound knowledge. “I never imagined I would fight on the same night as my idol,” said Marcial, who boasts a 5-0-0 record with three knockouts.

Since arriving in Los Angeles over a month ago, Pacquiao has focused on training for Mario Barrios and has welcomed the young fighters into his routine—whether running at Griffith Park or working out in the gym.

Gaytan presents a challenge for Marcial as he looks to rebound from an early exit in the Paris Olympics. The American holds a 17-10-0 record. Ancajas and Magsayo are also making the most of training alongside Pacquiao, further sharpening their preparations.

For Sean Gibbons, the collaboration between Pacquiao and the younger Filipino fighters is a rare opportunity to blend youthful energy with generational wisdom.

“There’s a unique blend of youthful energy and the experience that Manny Pacquiao brings. He’s not just preparing for his own comeback—he’s helping guide the next generation of Filipino champions,” Gibbons shared.

As Pacquiao gears up to potentially become the oldest welterweight champion in history, the spotlight is also shining on the Filipino trio poised to make waves on his undercard—learning from the best in their pursuit to become the next.

Former IBF super flyweight world champion Jerwin Ancajas remains focused and in top shape as he anticipates a potential slot on the highly anticipated Manny Pacquiao vs. Mario Barrios card on July 19 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. While no opponent has been officially announced, Ancajas is training as if the call could come at any moment.

“Wala pang binigay na kalaban,” admitted the 33-year-old Ancajas, who has been quietly preparing in Los Angeles alongside fellow Filipino fighters Mark Magsayo and Eumir Marcial—both confirmed to appear on the undercard.

Ancajas also shared that, if given the green light, he expects to fight at a catchweight of 123 or 124 pounds—just under the featherweight limit of 126.

In January of this year, Ancajas captured the vacant Philippine super bantamweight crown via a second-round stoppage of Richie Mepranum in Iligan. That victory marked his second consecutive win since falling to Japan’s Takuma Inoue via ninth-round TKO in a WBA bantamweight title fight in Tokyo last year. Ancajas reigned for nearly six years as IBF champion in the 115-pound division.

Meanwhile, two fellow Filipino fighters are already set to light up the Pacquiao-Barrios undercard. Mark Magsayo (29) will take on Jorge Mata Cuellar of Mexico in a 10-round showdown for the vacant WBC Continental Americas super featherweight title. Magsayo is currently ranked No. 2 by the WBC in the super featherweight division, positioning him just a step away from a possible title shot against reigning champion O’Shaquie Foster.

Eumir Marcial (29), returning from Olympic duties, will square off with Alexis Gaytan of Texas in an eight-round middleweight bout. Marcial boasts an unblemished 5-0 pro record with 3 knockouts and is looking to build momentum as he refocuses on his professional boxing career.

Cuellar, who’s making his U.S. debut, holds a solid record of 21-2-2 with 13 KOs, including five straight wins. Gaytan, a seasoned veteran, brings a 17-10 record with 6 KOs, having won six of his last seven bouts.

With Ancajas staying sharp and ready, the possibility of three Filipino warriors sharing the ring on one of the year’s most anticipated fight cards is closer than ever.

Many were surprised when Manny Pacquiao officially announced his return from retirement to challenge World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

This bout will be Pacquiao's first in four years, and at 46 years old, he faces a significant challenge: Barrios, who is 16 years younger and stands six inches taller than the 5-foot-6 Filipino legend.

However, "Sugar" Shane Mosley—a fellow boxing great and former opponent who recently joined Pacquiao's training camp in Los Angeles—believes Pacquiao can emerge victorious at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 19. Mosley, who lost to Pacquiao by unanimous decision in 2011 while defending his WBO welterweight title, noted that Pacquiao is in great shape both physically and mentally.

Boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, the first and only eight-division world champion in the sport’s illustrious history, is set to make a historic return to the ring. At 46 years old, the Filipino legend will face off against current WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the prestigious MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This comeback is nothing short of monumental—should Pacquiao claim victory over Barrios, he will shatter records by becoming the oldest welterweight world champion, surpassing the milestone he previously set at age 40. Yet standing in his path is a formidable opponent: Barrios, nearly two decades Pacquiao’s junior, brings youthful energy, relentless activity, and significant momentum—a combination that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.

As the fight approaches, Pacquiao appears to be in peak condition. In a rare and powerful move, WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman recently announced early results from Pacquiao’s anti-doping test, confirming that the former champion tested negative for banned substances under the rigorous WBC Clean Boxing Program.

This early release of test results is significant—it underscores Pacquiao’s commitment to integrity in a sport often marred by controversy. Typically, results from the Clean Boxing Program—coordinated by the WBC and the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA)—remain confidential until after the fight. Such disclosures usually follow final testing, which VADA releases post-bout.

Sulaiman also highlighted a notable surge in testing activity, with intensified scrutiny worldwide. Fighters enrolled in the Clean Boxing Program undergo random drug testing year-round, face increased monitoring in the 6–12 weeks leading up to a fight, and may be tested in the final 30 days and even on fight day.

At this time, there are no public updates regarding Barrios’ test results. It’s worth noting that due to his retirement, Pacquiao had not been included in the program’s ongoing testing pool—making his clean return all the more remarkable.

With this proactive announcement of test results, the WBC sends a powerful message: Manny Pacquiao is not only clean, but also primed and prepared to silence doubts about his age, hiatus, or ability to compete at the elite level once again. Boxing fans can anticipate an electrifying showdown that could stand as a testament to enduring greatness.

Five years ago, Mario Barrios would have been the perfect matchup for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao. 

At 6’0 tall and not the most agile, Barrios embodies the type of fighter that Pacquiao excelled against in his prime—tall, flat-footed, and susceptible to quick movements and speed.

Pacquiao is also the first boxer in history to win major world titles in four of the original eight weight classes of boxing: flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, and welterweight.

Throughout his storied career, the 5-foot-5 Filipino superstar consistently took down larger opponents like Oscar De La Hoya and Antonio Margarito, utilizing his signature speed and footwork to deliver quick combinations before slipping away from their reach.

However, that was a different time.

Now, at 46 years old, Pacquiao hasn’t been in the ring professionally for four years. His last fight—a unanimous decision defeat against Yordenis Ugas in 2021—revealed signs of wear and tear, even against an opponent who seemed like a good fit stylistically.

This reality is what casts Pacquiao as an underdog ahead of his much-anticipated comeback against Barrios on July 19 (July 20 in Manila) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. 

Nevertheless, he shouldn't be underestimated.

Justine Fortune, Pacquiao's long-time strength and conditioning coach, believes Pacquiao still has a spark. 

Fortune expressed high praise for Pacquiao’s recent training sessions in Los Angeles. 

“Look, on the mitts and bags, they don’t hit back, but he’s looking as sharp as he did six or seven years ago. He hasn’t lost a step,” said Fortune.

He also noted that Barrios, while talented, isn’t the hardest target to hit. “Barrios takes a lot of punches, and Pacquiao is definitely the last person you want hitting you like that. Once you take those shots, you can start swelling up, and if he clips you, it could lead to cuts.”

And when asked for his prediction? Fortune was straightforward: “I see a stoppage. This fight won’t go the distance.”

The controversial result of the super-featherweight title clash between Filipino boxing star Charly Suarez and Mexican champion Emanuel Navarrete on May 11, 2025, is set to be overturned following a thorough review by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

The CSAC is expected to change the official outcome of the fight to a no-contest — a decision that could pave the way for a high-stakes rematch.

Navarrete originally retained his WBO super-featherweight title via an eighth-round technical decision. The bout was halted due to a cut above Navarrete’s left eyebrow, which referee Edward Collantes ruled was caused by an unintentional headbutt. This led to the judges' scorecards being used, resulting in a win for Navarrete.

However, after conducting an extensive post-fight review, the CSAC determined that the cut was actually caused by a legal punch from Suarez in Round 6 — not a clash of heads, as initially ruled. Video replays supported this finding, contradicting the original call.

Had this been correctly identified during the bout, Suarez would have won the title by technical knockout (TKO), as the injury would have forced a stoppage.

While replay official Jack Reiss maintained there was "no conclusive evidence" to reverse the referee’s decision at the time, the CSAC’s subsequent investigation provided clarity. As a result, the fight’s outcome is now poised to be amended to a no-contest.

The WBO is expected to mandate a rematch — a move welcomed by both camps. In fact, Top Rank Vice President of Operations Carl Moretti voiced his support for a rematch immediately following the fight.

If the ruling is officially changed to a no-contest, it would not only revive Charly Suarez’s shot at the world title but also set the stage for what could become one of the most compelling rivalries in boxing this year.