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Christopher Diaz Faces Alan Chaves Dec. 10 At Caribe
Royale, Part Of The WBO/IBF Convention
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,” said Chaves. “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 prospect Keon 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.
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