Boxing is a chaotic business. Honestly, if you blinked on Thursday, you probably thought you were tuning in to see Raul Curiel settle a long-standing grudge with Alexis Rocha. But that's not what happened at the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.
Rocha pulled out. Medical issues, weight-cut drama—the usual suspects in this sport. Instead, we got a middleweight clash that nobody saw coming. Raul Curiel won the box match last night, but the way he did it against a much larger Jordan Panthen tells a story that the official scorecards barely scratch the surface of.
Why the Raul Curiel Victory Was Such a Gamble
Most fighters wouldn't have taken this fight. Curiel is a natural welterweight, a guy who usually clocks in at 147 pounds. Panthen? He's a career middleweight. We’re talking about a ten-pound jump on less than 48 hours' notice. That’s a massive physical disadvantage.
Curiel moved to 17-0-1 with a unanimous decision (97-93 twice, 98-92), but he didn't look like the same "Cugar" we've seen tearing through the welterweight rankings. He had to be smarter. He had to be grittier.
The fight started off sorta slow. You could tell both guys were overthinking. Curiel was pumping a left jab that looked like a measuring stick, trying to keep the bigger man at bay. Panthen, to his credit, didn't just sit back. He pressed. He threw short right hands that looked like they hurt when they landed.
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The Turning Point in Round Nine
By the middle rounds, it looked like a chess match. Curiel was landing short shots and then immediately holding. It was frustrating to watch, maybe, but it was veteran savvy. He knew he couldn't just stand there and trade with a guy who naturally weighs 160+ pounds on fight night.
Then came the ninth.
Curiel landed a thudding overhand right that basically turned Panthen’s legs to jelly. For a second, it looked like the upset was over and a knockout was coming. Panthen managed to hang on—honestly, the guy is a warrior—but that moment sealed the deal for the judges.
The Underweight Champ: Curiel's Post-Fight Reality
Curiel was pretty blunt after the final bell. He admitted the weight was an issue. "I could feel the weight," he told reporters while sporting a grin that looked equal parts relieved and exhausted. He doesn't want to stay at middleweight.
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He wants his shot at a world title, but back down at 147.
The real winner of the night, besides Curiel's record, was trainer Robert Garcia. He’s the one who convinced Curiel to take the risk. It paid off, but it also exposed some limitations. Against a top-tier middleweight, Curiel might have been in serious trouble. Against Panthen, his superior "Tampico style" technique was just enough to bridge the gap.
What Happened on the Undercard?
If the main event was a tactical grind, the undercard was a straight-up firework show.
- Jorge Chavez vs. Manuel Flores: This was the fight of the night. A rematch for the revived California State Junior Featherweight title. Chavez basically became a "phoenix," as he put it, outworking "Gucci" Flores to take a unanimous decision. It was high-paced, violent, and exactly what the Palm Desert crowd wanted.
- Ruslan Abdullaev: Keep an eye on this kid. He moved to 4-0 with a nasty fifth-round TKO over Eduardo Abreu. He’s got that "don't-blink" kind of power.
- John "Scrappy" Ramirez: He squeaked out a majority decision against Byron Rojas. It wasn't his best performance, but a win is a win.
The Global Scene: Beyond California
While California was buzzing, there was action elsewhere. Over in Bangkok, Decho Por Borirak took a unanimous decision over Pompet PongSuphan PK at ONE Friday Fights 138. It was a Muay Thai masterclass that moved him closer to a massive six-figure contract.
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Also, we can't ignore the weirdness in Australia. Michael Zerafa and Nikita Tszyu had a "No Decision" result that left fans scratching their heads. It was a bizarre ending to a fight week that already felt like a fever dream.
Actionable Insights for Boxing Fans
If you're following Raul Curiel's career, there are a few things to watch for in the coming months.
First, look for the Rocha rematch to be rescheduled. Both camps still want it, and now there’s even more hype. Second, don't expect Curiel to stay at 154 or 160 pounds. His power translates well, but his chin and gas tank are clearly optimized for the welterweight limit.
Lastly, if you missed the Jorge Chavez vs. Manuel Flores fight, go find the highlights. It’s a masterclass in how to adjust during a rematch. Chavez proved that aggression, when paired with technical twitch, beats raw momentum every time.
The boxing landscape in 2026 is already looking crowded. With the "Zuffa Boxing" launch on the horizon and major fights like Lopez vs. Stevenson booked for later this month, last night was just the appetizer. Curiel survived his gamble, but the stakes are only going to get higher from here.