PBC announced the undercard for the Rolly Romero vs Teofimo Lopez pay-per-view on August 22, with a three-fight lineup featuring a Cuban middleweight prospect and an interim title fight.
Rising Cuban Yoenli Hernandez will take on Argentine Francisco Daniel Veron in a 10-round middleweight bout. The 29-year-old Hernandez carries a 10-0 record with nine knockouts and has built his reputation as a prospect who breaks from typical Cuban boxing style, per Bad Left Hook. Veron, who holds a 17-1-1 mark, moves up from 154 pounds after winning three straight since a 2024 loss to Brandon Adams.
Victor Santillan will defend his interim WBA super bantamweight strap against Gary Antonio Russell in a 12-round bout. Santillan captured the belt with a February win over Noel Reyes and brings a 16-2 record into the fight. Russell, now 33, has not competed in a meaningful bout for nearly four years following a one-sided defeat to Emmanuel Rodriguez.
The opening slot goes to 22-year-old Colombian Carlos Utria against Israel Mercado at super lightweight. Utria, who won the WBC 140-pound Grand Prix last year, enters unbeaten at 14-0 with 11 knockouts and has fought his last five bouts in Riyadh. Mercado, in his early 30s with a 13-1-2 record, steps up to the bigger stage.
The roster reflects PBC's current depth limitations, though the card features legitimate prospects at middleweight and super lightweight alongside the interim title fight. The main event between Romero and Lopez remains the sole draw for the August 22 broadcast.
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