Main Event: Raul Curiel vs. Jordan Panthen
In a highly anticipated main event at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, California, Raul Curiel faced off against Jordan Panthen after Alexis Rocha could not compete due to hospitalization less than 48 hours before the fight. Initially, Curiel and Rocha had fought to a stunning draw in December 2024, setting the stage for this rematch that ultimately never occurred. Thankfully, Panthen stepped in as a last-minute replacement, offering boxing fans a chance to see an exciting contest in the welterweight division.
Fight Summary
Curiel emerged victorious, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 97-93, 97-93, and 98-92. Despite the defeat, Panthen’s performance was commendable and elevated his reputation among fans and analysts alike. The 11-2 (9 KOs) fighter came in with a noticeable height and reach advantage, which he utilized effectively from the opening bell. He initiated the action with a stiff jab and aggressive body shots, consistently pressuring Curiel, who remains unbeaten at 17-0-1 with 14 knockouts.
In the early rounds, Panthen’s tactics proved effective as he landed several powerful uppercuts, including one that connected just a minute into Round 2, showcasing his strength and determination. Curiel, however, responded smartly, selecting his shots with speed and precision, and countering effectively to disrupt Panthen’s rhythm.
Mid-Rounds Action
As the fight progressed into the mid-rounds, Curiel adapted his strategy, capitalizing on openings with strong uppercuts and crucial body shots while managing to slow down Panthen’s offensive pace. Notably, Round 4 saw exciting exchanges at close quarters, providing a thrilling bout for spectators.
The momentum shifted noticeably in Curiel’s favor beginning in Round 4, and by Round 5, he delivered a standout uppercut that cut through Panthen’s guard, followed by a barrage of combinations that clearly highlighted Curiel’s growing dominance. Panthen’s activity continued, but Curiel was effectively showcasing his skill set and capitalizing on moments of vulnerability from his opponent.
Final Rounds
Despite being rocked by a right-hand punch at the end of Round 9, Panthen’s resilience shone through, as he managed to dig deep to avoid being knocked down. In the final round, both fighters exchanged heavy blows, illustrating their tenacity as the fight came to a close. While Curiel’s win was significant, Panthen’s spirited performance may have opened doors for future opportunities in the sport.
Co-Main Event and Other Fights
In a co-main event, Jorge Chavez secured a solid victory over Manuel Flores, prevailing by unanimous decision in their super bantamweight rematch, after the pair previously fought to a draw in July 2024.
The evening also experienced an unfortunate cancellation of the Joel Iriarte versus Jireh De Los Santos bout, which was called off due to Iriarte missing weight, with De Los Santos opting against taking the fight out of personal conviction.
In the lightweight division, Ruslan Abdullaev impressed fans by ending Eduardo Javier Abreu’s unbeaten streak with a fifth-round TKO, countering Abreu’s aggression with a strategic and powerful boxing style. Lastly, debuting fighter Cayden Griffiths showcased his skills by defeating Lesther Espino decisively, going the distance for the first time in his young career and earning a unanimous decision.
