Rising Young Star Yoenis Tellez Takes On
Top Contender Brian Mendoza In New Co-Main Event
Of PBC Pay-Per-View Event
Available On Prime Video Saturday, March 28!
(March 14th) Rising young Cuban star Yoenis Tellez will square off against top contender Brian Mendoza in a super welterweight showdown between former interim champions that serves as the new co-main event of a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video on Saturday, March 28 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced Frank Sanchez vs. Richard Torrez Jr. bout, which has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with undefeated heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a 10-round showdown at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and also feature the showdown between undefeated top-rated middleweight Yoenli Hernandez and battle-tested U.S. Olympian Terrell Gausha. Exciting young star Elijah Garcia and super middleweight contender Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video action streaming live and for free on Prime Video prior to the pay-per-view. The complete lineup of fights that lead into the pay-per-view will be announced shortly. The jam-packed card is topped by WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora defending his world title against former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman in the main event.
In a battle of former interim champions at 154 pounds,
Cuba’s Yoenis Tellez
will look to take down another veteran opponent in the always dangerous
contender Brian
Mendoza, as they go toe-to-toe in super welterweight
action.
The 25-year-old Tellez
(11-1, 8 KOs) captured the WBA Interim Title with a March 2025 decision over former
world champion Julian Williams. After dropping a tough decision to eventual 154-pound world champion Abass Baraou last August, Tellez most recently got back in the win column with a December stoppage
of Kendo Castaneda. Previously Tellez made his first big splash in the sport when he stepped in on short notice in July 2023 to blast out contender Sergio Garcia and earn a third-round TKO on the
Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford undercard. Originally from Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Téllez continued to rise in two subsequent bouts after the Garcia triumph, closing the show in style with a
10th-round TKO of Livan Navarro in December 2023 before earning a unanimous decision over the previously unbeaten Joseph Jackson in April 2024.
“I respect Brian Mendoza and everything he’s done, but on March 28 at MGM Grand, I’m coming hungry and ready to seize this opportunity,” said Tellez. “I’ve worked too hard to let this moment pass me
by. I’m prepared to leave everything in the ring, because my goal is to get back to that world title fight, and this is a major step in that direction. The fans in Las Vegas are going to see the best
version of me, and I plan to put on a show. I’m coming with everything!”
Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico and now fighting out of Las Vegas, Mendoza (23-4, 17 KOs)
earned the WBC Interim Title with a highlight-reel knockout of reigning world champion Sebastian Fundora in April 2023, and still holds the distinction as the only fighter to best Fundora. He
followed up that win by traveling to Australia to challenge then WBO 154-pound world champion Tim Tszyu, eventually losing by decision. After the Tszyu fight, he stepped in on short notice and
dropped a decision to top 154-pounder Serhii Bohachuk in 2024, before his latest action saw him stop Jesus Antonio Rojas last July. Led to the ring by renowned trainer Ismael Salas, the 32-year-old
Mendoza had previously knocked out former unified 154-pound champion Jeison Rosario in November 2022 and rode a three-fight winning streak into a decision defeat against now Interim WBC Middleweight
Champion Jesus Ramos Jr. in September 2021.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be back under the bright lights in Las Vegas on a card like this,” said Mendoza. “A win here turns everything around and puts me right back where I belong, with the
best in the world at 154 pounds. I’m hungrier than ever to get back to the top and ready to knock out whoever gets in my way, starting with Tellez.”
In a 10-round middleweight
attraction, one of the 160-pound division’s fastest-rising
stars Yoenli Hernandez
will put his unbeaten record on the line against his toughest opponent to date, the
dangerous U.S. Olympian Terrell
Gausha, with the winner in prime position to challenge for
middleweight gold.
Ranked number one by the WBA, number two by the WBC and number three by the WBO, Hernandez (9-0, 8 KOs) is
yet another in a long line of sensational amateur fighters to come from the Cuban program, with his long resume before turning pro featuring a 2021 gold medal at AIBA World Boxing Championships.
Originally from Camaguey, Cuba and now fighting out of Providence, Rhode Island, Hernandez turned pro in May 2022 with a pair of stoppage victories and continued to dominate his competition as he
rose up the rankings. The 28-year-old returned in 2024 with four U.S. fights, including a stoppage of the veteran contender Alejandro Barrera in June and a TKO over the previously unbeaten Bryce
Henry in October. Hernandez added three more victories in 2025, including a shutout unanimous decision over top contender Kyrone Davis on Prime Video last May.
“I’m extremely grateful for another opportunity to showcase my talents,” said Hernandez. “But let’s be real, not everyone has the heart to step in there with me. Respect to the one who will on March
28. I’m locked in, staying sharp and I’m coming to make a statement. No shortcuts, no excuses, just pressure. Stay tuned.”
A member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, Gausha (24-5-1, 12 KOs)
was born in Cleveland, Ohio but now fights out of Encino, California and is trained by the renowned Manny Robles. Gausha bounced back from an unsuccessful title challenge of WBC Middleweight World
Champion Carlos Adames in 2024 to drop Elijah Garcia in their 2025 showdown, eventually coming up on the short end of a narrow split decision. Prior to facing Adames, Gausha had won back-to-back
bouts as he knocked out Brandyn Lynch in March 2023 before winning a decision over KeAndrae Leatherwood in September of that year. Gausha has faced top competition throughout his career, having
fought former champion Austin Trout to a draw in 2019 in addition to decision losses against WBA Middleweight World Champion Erislandy Lara, former world champion Tim Tszyu and top contender Erickson
Lubin.
“I’m a true professional who’s always training, because boxing is what I do,” said Gausha. “I’ve seen Yoenli fight and he’s a young, strong, skilled fighter. If you’ve watched my fights in the past,
you’ll know that’s what I like. I want to test myself against the best. Beating him will get me close to my goal of becoming world champion. That’s what I’m here for.”
The undefeated heavyweight Gurgen
Hovhannisyan will make his 2026 debut as he continues his
ascent up the rankings against Cesar
Navarro, who will look to make it three straight victories
in their 10-round affair.
An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs)
has made his rise under the watchful eye of top trainer Joe Goossen. Now the WBA’s number 10 ranked heavyweight, Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the
year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran contender Michael
Polite-Coffie.
“I’m ready to show everybody how much I continue to improve,” said Hovhannisyan. “I’m definitely coming for another knockout victory. We’ve been grinding and grinding and it’s time to show the world
all that we’ve been working on.”
The 26-year-old Navarro
(15-3, 13 KOs) steps back into the ring fresh off back-to-back TKO victories, with his
most recent triumph coming last September against Derek Saul Cardenas Perez. The 26-year-old showed he’s danger for any opponent last May as he dropped the undefeated contender Dainier Pero twice
before losing a close decision. A pro since 2017, Navarro was unbeaten in his first eight fights and has gone the distance in each of his defeats.
“Opportunities like this don’t come around often and I don’t take it lightly,” said Navarro. “On March 28 in Las Vegas I get to step into the ring against a tough opponent in Gurgen Hovhannisyan.
It’s a big stage and that’s exactly where I want to be. I’m proud to represent Phoenix and my Mexican roots event time I step into the ring. Fighters from where I’m from know how to grind and fight
with heart. On March 28 I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
Tickets are on-sale and available through AXS.com.
In addition to being available for purchase on Prime Video, regardless of Prime membership, fans will also be able to continue to access the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets as well as PPV.com.
Date: Saturday, March 28th 2026
Venue: MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Promoter: Tom Brown - TGB Promotions
Matchmaker: Tom Brown
Media: Amazon Prime Video PPV
(photos By Ryan Hafey/ Premier Boxing Champions)
WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora has his sights set on re-establishing himself as the top fighter at 154-pounds when he takes on former unified champion, Keith “One Time” Thurman on Saturday, March 28 headlining a PBC Pay-Per-View event available on Prime Video from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Fundora and Thurman had originally been scheduled to meet last October, before a Fundora hand injury that the reigning champ has since recovered from.
Fundora returns to the ring after sandwiching a pair of victories over Australian superstar Tim Tszyu around a March 2025 stoppage of top-rated contender Chordale Booker. Last July, Fundora delivered perhaps the best performance of his career, stopping Tszyu in their rematch with a violent and dominant display. Now he hopes to pick up where he left off on that triumphant night last summer.
In Thurman, Fundora faces without a doubt the most accomplished foe of his career. Thurman had a long reign as the king of the 147-pound division, before officially debuting at 154 with a knockout of Brock Jarvis last March. In the build up to their matchup, Fundora named one of Thurman’s best victory, a decision over fellow then-unbeaten welterweight world champion Danny Garcia, as his favorite performance of his upcoming opponent.
Fundora vs. Thurman not only presents a unique clash inside of the ring, but outside of it as well, with the soft-spoken, “gentle giant” Fundora going up against the bombastic and outspoken Thurman. While Thurman has tried to poke at Fundora during pre-fight activities, Fundora has no problem brushing the talk to the side.
A native of Coachella, California, Fundora’s career has been led by his father and trainer Freddy Fundora, who runs the champion’s training camp from their mountain home. The unique landscape for the Fundora’s has helped give Sebastian a boost throughout his career.
Another advantage for Fundora’s training is that he works alongside his younger sister, undisputed world champion Gabriela Fundora. With Gabriela fighting a couple of weeks before Sebastian gets into the ring, the combined training efforts of the siblings helps boost each up to be their best.
With a big-name opponent and boxing’s historic stage, the MGM Grand Garden Arena, set for Fundora’s arrival, the 28-year-old plans to make the most of this opportunity and continue to lay his claim as king of the super welterweights.
Gloves Off: Fundora vs. Thurman!
(March 2nd) As March 28th approaches, Sebastian Fundora and Keith Thurman march toward a high-stakes showdown for the WBC Super Welterweight Championship. Fundora, the 6’6” champion known for his relentless volume and fearless style, enters camp looking to solidify his hold on the 154-pound division. Across the country, Thurman returns after a long layoff, aiming to defy doubt, reclaim glory, and upset the champion. With pride, legacy, and the belt on the line, Gloves Off goes behind the scenes to capture the intensity, contrast, and conviction driving both men toward a defining clash.
WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman went face-to-face for first time Wednesday at a press conference in Los Angeles before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, October 25 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Fundora vs. Thurman Kick Off Presser!
(February 4th) Watch live as WBC Super Welterweight World Champion, Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and former unified world champion Keith “One Time” Thurman go face to face at a press conference in Los Angeles before they headline a PBC Pay-Per-View on Prime Video taking place Saturday, March 28, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Here is what the press conference participants had to say from The Mayan in Los Angeles:
SEBASTIAN FUNDORA
“Keith was one of the pound-for-pound best, but it’s time for a new champion and I believe I can be the face of this sport. I can’t wait for fight night and we’ll see you in the ring on October 25.
“I do believe I’m the best at 154 right now. I’m focused on continuing this reign and doing what I’ve been doing.
“A win would continue to show that I’m doing the right thing. We’ve come so far headlining a pay-per-view as the ‘A-side’ and it shows how blessed I am. I’m gonna keep doing my job and keep winning.
“The fans want to see their favorite fighters fight. I’m glad that I’m in the ring constantly and I’m grateful for the opportunities.
“While I was coming up I was taking tough fights and learning on the job. Now at this level, everyone you fight is tough. But we learned on the way and it’s got me prepared for this moment.
“This is gonna be a great fight. I’m happy that I have an opponent like Thurman who comes to bang and is ready to make it an exciting night.
“In boxing, anything can happen. But we train very hard to win and that’s the only thing we plan on doing on October 25.”
KEITH THURMAN
“This is what the sport is all about. You put Thurman’s name next to anybody and I guarantee you it’s gonna be a fight you won’t wanna miss.
“I’m about to conquer Mount Everest himself. They call him ‘The Towering Inferno’, but I’ve been in the fire. This is what I live for right here. This is the top of the sport.
“Once I get the WBC title, people won’t have a reason to say no to a Keith Thurman fight. I’ve been waiting through the setbacks. With the truly great champions, you can’t stop them from becoming champion once again.
“This is gonna be an action packed fight with all these fighters, but I guarantee that the main event is gonna be a don’t blink battle of champions.
“I had to stay on the sidelines over the summer to make this happen. This is a beautiful opportunity to step up. You have to see it to believe it, and I truly believe it’s gonna be timber on October 25.
“Everything that’s happened in the past is water under the bridge. All you can do today is put your best foot forward. I’ve been through so much throughout my career. But here I am right here right now, back where I belong.
“Last year I was down the street at a press conference to fight Tim Tszyu, and Fundora was on the stage. You all know the story of what happened next. He elevated himself to this status and he’s earned what he has today.
“I guess you can call me the ‘OG’ or whatever you want. But I’m here today because of the love I have in my heart for boxing. I love making people love boxing. That’s what it’s all about. That’s what big fights are all about.
STEPHEN FULTON JR.
“I’m not really focused on the title of becoming a three-division champion. I’m motivated by fighting other champions. That’s why I moved up in weight. But it will feel great to accomplish my goals.
“I’m a big boy and I feel good at the weight. I feel really good. I’m a dog. I don’t care how big people are. I’ve fought the biggest and strongest.
“We’re back October 25. I’m thankful to everyone who put this fight together and I’ll see you in the ring.
“I’m a three-division world champion on October 25. I don’t have to say much. That’s my end goal and I’m gonna accomplish it.
“He’s saying everything he’s supposed to say right now. I understand where he’s at. It’s what I expected.
“I don’t really care what people or other fighters have to say. Sometimes I feel like they’re just speaking from nerves.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’m not about the back and forth. It’s just nerves from him. I don’t get phased by size or what people say. My experience talks and my heart talks. I don’t have to put on a façade.
O’SHAQUIE FOSTER
“October 25 is gonna be a great night. I’m coming to put on a dominant show. I know my opponent is gonna be ready, but we’re gonna be sending him back down. Trust me.
“It’s gonna be domination. I’m gonna put on a show and I’m gonna look good doing it.
“You’re going back down and you’re gonna defend that title. I’m gonna show everyone who’s doubting me. I’m gonna show y’all. I’m gonna talk and I’m gonna show you.
“For me this is the biggest moment of my career. It’s the first time on pay-per-view and I’m against my most accomplished opponent.
“All I have to do is go make a statement against him and put on a show. Once I show everyone what I’m really about, there won’t be any questions about me.
“He’s coming from 122-pounds if we’re being real. He’s just walking around heavy. I think it’s gonna play a factor but it’s my skills that are gonna pay the bills.”
JESUS RAMOS JR.
“I’ve had an active year and I’m excited to get another one in before the year ends. Mosley’s gonna have to show up to fight night, and I’ll handle the rest.
“Mosley has some good momentum coming into his fight and he’s beaten good names. He can be the perfect fighter if you allow him to be. He’s very technical, but we’re gonna make him uncomfortable and try to get him out of there.
“I feel like I can bring new energy to the middleweight division and be the face of the division. It all starts on October 25.
“Being on big cards and having experienced all of that gives me a different confidence. I’m excited to showcase my talent on a big card with so much talent on it.
“I’m coming to knock Mosley out. That’s the mindset. I’m gonna try every round to inflict more damage than the previous round. We’re gonna break him down.
“Middleweight will be a good weight class for me. I think the extra six pounds will be to my benefit. The power has translated so far and I think it’ll be more of the same on October 25.”
Sebastian Fundora will defend his belt against Keith Thurman on March 28, 2026, at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, headlining a PBC on Prime pay-per-view card.
The bout was originally set for October 25, 2025, but Fundora withdrew due to a hand injury sustained in training. It was rescheduled after a brief plan for January 2026.
Thurman stepped in as a replacement for Tim Tszyu in March 2024; his biceps injury opened the door for Fundora's upset win over Tszyu, claiming the WBC title in a bloody fight.
Thurman, 31-1, 23Ko’s is a 37-year-old orthodox fighter from Clearwater, FL, a former unified welterweight champ seeking gold at 154 lbs after a TKO win over Brock Jarvis in March 2025—his only fight since 2022.
Thurman holds a higher KO rate (74% vs. Fundora's 65%) but less recent activity, with just three fights since 2019.
Thurman, known as "One Time," trash-talked at press conferences, calling himself the "final boss" and predicting a knockout with "one rock" like David vs. Goliath; he wore "TIMBER" shirts mocking Fundora's height.
Fundora has since defended the belt with 2025 knockouts over Tszyu (rematch) and Chordale Booker.
Fundora, 23-1-1, 15Ko’s is a 28-year-old southpaw from Coachella, CA, standing 6'6" with an 11-inch height and reach edge over Thurman.
Fundora stayed calm, dismissing it as "all talk" and focusing on training, noting he's often underestimated despite being The Ring's No. 2 at 154 lbs.
Fan predictions slightly favor Thurman by KO (48%), with Fundora KO at 30%.
Amazon Prime Video has become a significant player in boxing broadcasting, partnering with Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to stream live events, including both Pay-Per-View (PPV) and non-PPV fights. This partnership began in late 2023 after PBC's previous deal with Showtime Sports ended. Prime Video now airs 12-14 fights annually, showcasing high-profile matchups and rising stars in the sport.
The platform offers flexibility for viewers, allowing both Prime members and non-members to purchase and watch PPV events. In addition to live broadcasts, Amazon integrates features like merchandise sales, ticket promotions, and other interactive elements to enhance the viewing experience. Recent notable events include Gervonta Davis vs. Lamont Roach Jr. and Sebastian Fundora's title defense against Chordale Booker.
Prime Video's entry into boxing aligns with its broader strategy to become a leading entertainment destination by offering diverse sports content. This move places Amazon in competition with platforms like DAZN and ESPN, further expanding boxing's reach through digital streaming.
About the Premier Boxing Champions
Premier Boxing Champions (PBC), was created for television by Haymon Sports, LLC, in January 2015. PBC is a boxing series that returns the sweet science to its rightful place atop the sports pantheon.
Featuring today’s best and brightest stars in their toughest, most anticipated bouts, Premier Boxing Champions is broadcast live and free to air on SHOWTIME, FOX, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Bounce and ITV.
PBC takes boxing back to its roots. This is boxing, pure and simple, where what’s brought to the fight, mentally and physically, is what determines who goes home the winner, and who just goes home.
Bouts featured within the PBC Series are promoted by licensed promoters, with each bout in accordance with applicable regulatory rules and regulations.