‘Scrappy’ Ramirez, Holly Holm, and a wave of rising stars set the stage for Paul’s biggest test yet
Jake Paul may be the headline act on June 28, but before he throws a single punch at Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., a loaded preliminary card will light up Anaheim’s Honda Center like a Fourth of July preview.
Most Valuable Promotions and Golden Boy have pulled no punches, announcing a deep undercard packed with undefeated prospects, former world champions, and one bona fide MMA legend.
Headlining the prelims? None other than former UFC bantamweight queen Holly Holm. Yes, that Holly Holm — now 42, but still fighting-fit — will return to her boxing roots against Mexico’s unbeaten Yolanda “Pitayita” Vega (10-0, 1 KO) in a 10-round lightweight clash under two-minute rounds. Call it a generational test or just a gutsy gamble. Either way, it’s got curiosity written all over it.
Also grabbing headlines is East LA’s John “Scrappy” Ramirez (14-1, 9 KOs), the WBA #1 contender at super flyweight. Ramirez, who trains alongside Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez at Brickhouse Boxing, brings an all-action style that’s made him a fan favorite. His opponent is still TBA, but don’t be surprised if fireworks follow the opening bell.
Golden Boy’s undefeated super featherweight Victor “El Tornado” Morales Jr. (20-0-1, 10 KOs) will face his stiffest test to date against former world champ Renee Alvarado (34-16, 22 KOs). Alvarado is tough, savvy, and used to dragging prospects into deep water. If Morales gets through him, he’ll be knocking on the door of a title shot.
MVP’s slick bantamweight prospect Alexander “Alley Cat” Gueche (7-0, 5 KOs) takes on 4x national champ Vincent “The Beast” Avina (8-1-1, 7 KOs) in what might be the sleeper pick for Fight of the Night — assuming it doesn’t turn into a highlight-reel KO first.
Also on deck: 147-pound heavy-hitter Joel Iriarte (7-0, 7 KOs), a former Team USA standout with a 100% KO ratio, takes on Tanzania’s Yusuph “Mr. Mwanza” Metu (11-2, 8 KOs). Don’t blink. Iriarte doesn’t do long nights.
And for fans of the future, don’t miss Naomy Valle (14-0, 9 KOs) vs. Ashley Felix (7-3, 1 KO) in a six-round light flyweight bout — but with a twist: they’ll fight three-minute rounds, making a statement for equality in women’s boxing.
All this — and that’s before the pay-per-view even begins.
Once the main card kicks off on DAZN PPV, it’s business time: Jake Paul (11-1, 7 KOs) finally meets Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (54-6-1, 34 KOs) in a 10-round cruiserweight main event. Say what you will about Paul, but the man knows how to command attention — and this one has the potential to be his most legitimate win yet.
Supporting him is a co-main that could steal the show: WBO & WBA cruiserweight champ Gilberto “Zurdo” Ramirez defends his unified belts against Cuban knockout artist Yuniel Dorticós (27-2, 25 KOs).
Also featured: lightweight sensation Floyd “Kid Austin” Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs) takes on slippery veteran Tevin Farmer, while Avious “Tha Underdog” Griffin and Raul “Cugar” Curiel headline separate welterweight showdowns in two pick-’em fights.
Final Word
Jake Paul vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. may be grabbing the spotlight, but savvy fight fans know: the undercard is where reputations are built — and sometimes, legends born. June 28 is shaping up to be more than a circus. It might just be a serious night of boxing.
