Hoping to score another phenomenal knockout victory to add to his current stoppage streak, former Mexican Olympian and current NABF Welterweight Titleholder Raul “El Cugar” Curiel (12-0, 10 KOs) will defend his title against Brooklyn, New York’s Courtney “BKNY” Pennington (17-6-3, 7 KOs). The 10-round main event will be broadcast on Thursday, September 7, live worldwide on DAZN from Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
Curiel, a boxer-puncher with hunter instincts will be entering the ring after a second round knockout over welterweight gate-keeper Brad Solomon in December 2022. Pennington is coming in with a victory against James Martin last May 2023 and will be looking to take Curiel’s title and ruin El Cugar’s knockout-streak.
“I am thankful to Golden Boy for scheduling me as the main event,” said Raul Curiel. “I’ll be able to showcase my talent against Courtney Pennington, who I know is tough. I work very hard and I want to challenge the best in the 147-pound division, and I will not be denied!”
In the co-headlining spot, Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores (15-1, 11 KOs) will be returning to the ring for redemption in a 10-round super bantamweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent. One of the Coachella Valley’s biggest local stars, Flores was last seen in a war that brought the fans to their feet when he faced off against Walter Santibanes this past June in a bout that didn’t go his way.
Prospect and fan-favorite Grant Flores (2-0, 2 KOs) who represents the Coachella Valley with his cousin “Gucci Manny” will also be on the card. He will participate in a six-round welterweight fight against a soon-to-be-announced opponent.