News

Rivas defends world title against Perez on June 10

May 18 2022

Mayerlin Rivas will defend her WBA World Super-Bantamweight title against Isis Vargas Perez on Friday June 10 live worldwide on DAZN from Mexico, with the show now taking place at the Domo Alcalde in Guadalajara, in the latest installment of Matchroom and DAZN’s fight series in Mexico, in association with Canelo Promotions and Clase Y Talento.

Rivas (16-4-2 10 KOs) makes the first defense of the belt that she landed in her last outing back in February 2020, beating Laura Ledezma in Panama City in February to become a two-weight World ruler at the second attempt. The Venezuelan became Bantamweight champion in June 2015 and made three defenses, winning two and drawing one, and makes a welcome return to action as she looks to start a path to becoming unified and undisputed at 122lbs.

Perez (8-5 3 KOs) will have other ideas though, and on home turf, the Mexican aims to become a World champion for the first time at the second attempt. The 24 year old met Yamileth Mercado for the WBC crown in April, and bounces straight back into World title action just two months later.

Rivas’ clash with Perez is the second World title fight on the bill, with the night topped by WBA Super and Ring Magazine World Light-Flyweight champion Hiroto Kyoguchi defending his straps against Esteban Bermudez.

Jorge Castaneda and Eduardo Hernandez will meet for the WBC International Super-Featherweight title in a huge fight for the division. Texan Castaneda (15-1 11 KOs) enters the bout on the back of two key wins, picking up a majority decision against unbeaten Otha Jones III in Florida in April 2021, and then travelling to London, England to nix another nil by beating Youssef Khoumari in October, again via majority decision.

Castaneda enters hostile territory once again to make a first defense of the vacant title he landed in the UK, meeting ‘Rocky’ Hernandez (31-1 28 KOs) in his stomping ground. The 24 year old is on a three-fight KO streak following his sole loss to date in July 2019 to now World champion Roger Gutierrez and sitting at #8 in the WBC, there is plenty at stake in this crunch clash of two powerful 130lbers looking to climb the rankings and breathe down the necks of the top five in the WBC.

“Rocky Hernández is a good fighter but he’s in my way of becoming a World champion,” said Castaneda. “On June 10, I’m putting on a spectacular performance and sending a message to the 130lb division.”

“This fight will set the difference between being a prospect and showing the world I’m a reality,” said Hernandez. “I’m not losing in my house – this one is for my daughter.”

Diego Pacheco (14-0 11 KOs) continues to be a must-watch talent and the 21 year old ticks off another major milestone as he stretches his legs over the ten round distance for the first time against Raul Ortega (10-2 7 KOs).

“This is going to be a great night in Mexico, with another World title added and a very important fight in the 130lb division,” said Hearn. “It’s great to have Mayerlin back in action, she’s itching to get back out there and start hunting down the other titles, so she’ll be eager to impress against Rivas.

“This clash between Jorge and Rocky is going to be so explosive. Both men carry power that can end any fight in an instant, and that makes this a must-watch battle and an important one for the 130lb division.

“Our Mexico shows have delivered huge drama and excitement, and with a spicy main event and a great supporting cast of talented young fighters, the fans will be the winners again on June 10.”

A separate announcement on tickets will be made shortly.