Chaves Fights Diaz In Latest Project Series Event In Orlando

Christopher Diaz will face Alan Chaves for the WBO International Lightweight title at Caribe Royale in Orlando, Florida on Thursday December 10 – live worldwide on DAZN as the headline bout for the third installments of ‘Project Series’ powered by Matchroom Boxing in association with Boxlab Promotions, and part of the historic first WBO/IBF Unified Convention taking place at Caribe Royale that week.

It’s a critical clash at the top of the card, with three-time World title challenger Diaz (30-6, 19 KOs) needing victory to prove that he still has life left at the top level and KO artist Alan Chaves (22-1, 19 KOs) looking to get straight back to winning ways and into title contention again having suffered a first defeat in his last outing in New Jersey in September, after he was riding high from a KO of the year contending victory in Las Vegas in April.

“Every fight is an opportunity to prove that I still belong among the best in the world, and this fight with Alan Chaves means I must perform at my absolute best,” said Diaz. “I’ve been through the highs and lows of this sport, and every experience has made me stronger, wiser, and hungrier than ever. I know Chaves is a dangerous fighter with a lot of power, but I’ve faced adversity before, and I’ve never backed down from a challenge. I fight for my family, my people, and everyone who has believed in me throughout my journey. On December 10, it’s another chance to show the world that my story is far from over, and I’m ready to give the fans a performance they’ll never forget.”

“He’s experienced, he’s dangerous, and that’s exactly the challenge I need right now,” saidChaves. “My last fight taught me a lot. Now it’s on me to show how much I’ve grown, and what I’m made of.”

In the 10-round co-main event, Angel Barrientes (15-1, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas will square off against Nicaragua’s Alex Vallecillo (16-1, 13 KOs) for the WBO and IBF Latino Jr. Featherweight Title. This highly competitive showdown promises to be one of the most exciting bouts on the card, with both fighters boasting impressive records and high knockout percentages. This matchup has all the makings of an explosive showdown.

“The time is now for me to show the world all the hard work I’ve been putting in to get ready for this fight,” said Barrientes. “My hunger to win these belts will not be denied. A victory against Vallecillo will get me closer to a world tile shot, and that is my ultimate goal.”

“I have the power and the will to win this fight,” said Vallecillo. “Barrientes is in trouble and he knows it. I’m bringing these belts back home to Nicaragua.”

Florida fight fans will also see undefeated Roberto Gomez (9-0, 3 KOs) of Dade City take on Jeremy Adorno (11-1, 6 KOs) of Kissimmee in a scheduled eight-round Jr. Lightweight contest. With both fighters representing Central Florida, the matchup adds an exciting local rivalry to the event, especially with the WBO Jr. Lightweight World Class Prospects Medal Title on the line.

Another rising talent scheduled to appear is undefeated super welterweight Quincey Williams (7-0, 6 KOs) of Washington, D.C., who will compete in an eight-round bout against Eric Sanchez (8-0, 6 KOs), from Las Piedras, Puerto Rico. This showdown between two undefeated prospects embodies everything that makes Project Series such an important platform in boxing, giving rising stars the opportunity to test themselves against top competition, showcase their talent, and take a significant step toward becoming the sport’s next generation of champions.

Orlando’s Brandon Ortiz (1-0, 1 KO), who will look to build on his successful professional debut in a four-round Jr. Featherweight bout against Martel Washpun (4-0, 1 KO), from Baytown, Texas.

Cuban middleweight prospect Pedro Veitia (8-0-1, 8 KOs) will also be featured in a scheduled six-round bout against Willie Jones (10-3, 7 KOs), from Burlington, North Carolina. With eight knockouts in his first nine professional fights, Veitia brings plenty of excitement to the card.

Welterweight Kelvin Davis (16-1, 8 KOs) of Norfolk, Virginia, is also scheduled to compete in a 10-round contest, while his younger brother, undefeated super welterweight prospectKeon Davis (5-0, 3 KOs), will see action in a scheduled six-round bout, as will Orlando’s undefeated Lightweight Julio Solis (11-0, 8 KOs), with all three fighters to have opponents announced soon.

“The historic WBO/IBF Unified Convention represents an unprecedented collaboration between two prestigious organizations, built upon mutual respect, shared values, and a common vision for the future of professional boxing. Our partnership with the IBF demonstrates that working together, while preserving our respective identities and traditions, allows us to create greater opportunities for fighters and strengthen our sport.

“We are proud to feature the WBO/IBF Unified Convention Project Series, promoted by Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Boxing in association with BoxLab Promotions, as a platform to develop and showcase the next generation of future WBO and IBF World Champions through our respective regional championship systems.

“This initiative offers emerging talent a unique opportunity to showcase their skills before the international boxing industry gathered for this historic convention, while reaching a global audience through DAZN, the Home of Boxing.

“‘Belts Matter’ because they embody the tradition, history, and legacy of our sport. They represent the dreams, sacrifices, and achievements of generations of fighters who have pursued the ultimate honor of becoming world champions. Together with the IBF, we are honoring boxing’s rich history while investing in its future.” – Gustavo Olivieri, Esq. President, World Boxing Organization (WBO)

“The Unified Convention is an opportunity to celebrate boxing’s rich history while working towards its future. Through the Project Series – Special Edition promoted by Matchroom Boxing and Box Lab Promotions during the convention, we are proud to support the development of emerging boxers by providing opportunities to showcase their talent and earn recognition.

“Regional titles play an important role in that journey. They recognize a boxer’s hard work and progress while providing meaningful goals and a pathway toward competing at the world championship level. For these young fighters, the opportunity to contest a regional title is more than a chance to win a belt, it is a chance to take the next step in their careers.

“The IBF’s commitment to the sport extends beyond recognizing champions. It also means recognizing the promise of developing fighters and supporting opportunities for them to grow. Working alongside the WBO, we want this series to give emerging talent a platform to be seen, tested, and recognized as they pursue their ambitions. Championship titles represent dedication and achievement at every stage of a boxer’s career. By investing in prospects and strengthening the opportunities available through regional championships, we are helping develop the fighters, and the sport, of tomorrow.” – Daryl Peoples, International Boxing Federation, Inc. (IBF)

“I am delighted that the latest Project Series event is a big part of the first unified convention between the WBO and IBF and is another great night of boxing on what promises to be an unforgettable weekend of boxing,” said Eddie Hearn. “The first editions of the Project Series have been fantastic and done exactly what they were meant to do; showcase young talents and provide real excitement – and this show on December 10 at Caribe Royale will deliver that once again, with a make-or-break main event with the careers of Pitufo and Alan on the line, plus a host of young rising stars in 50-50 showdowns.”

“On behalf of Caribe Royale Resort and Boxlab Promotions, I’m proud to welcome the WBO and IBF to Orlando for their historic first-ever unified convention. We’re excited to host guests from around the world and help make this event a tremendous success. We’re also looking forward to our Prospect Series – Special Edition on December 10, featuring established fighters, rising stars and multiple WBO and IBF title bouts in both men’s and women’s boxing. We thank both organizations for their support and look forward to delivering an unforgettable night of boxing for fans and visitors alike. Don’t miss this stacked card! – Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions

For Matchroom Boxing and Boxlab Promotions, Project Series – Special Edition represents an opportunity to bring together established names and the next generation of boxing talent during one of the sport’s important international gatherings.

The WBO/IBF Convention provides a fitting backdrop for an event designed to showcase fighters at different stages of their careers, from seasoned contenders looking for another major opportunity to young prospects eager to make their mark.