Subsequent Thursday, January 16, the Acrisure Area in Palm Desert will host the long-awaited rematch between Manuel “Gucci Manny” Flores and Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chávez, as the 2 lastly look to interrupt the impasse that left followers wanting extra final summer time.
At stake is extra than simply native bragging rights. The WBA Continental USA tremendous bantamweight title can be on the road, a belt that may fast-track the winner up the World Boxing Affiliation rankings.
Their first encounter, held in July 2025, led to a controversial majority draw. One decide scored the bout 97-93 for Chávez, whereas the opposite two turned in equivalent 95-95 playing cards.
Flores, the hometown favourite with a report of 20-1-1 and 16 knockouts, managed the early rounds along with his trademark energy, however pale down the stretch as Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) took over with greater punch output and sharp lateral motion. Nonetheless unbeaten, Chávez has been vocal about feeling he was “robbed” of a victory the primary time round.
The rematch shapes up as a basic stylistic conflict.
The left-handed puncher Flores should show he has made the mandatory conditioning changes to keep away from giving floor within the later rounds. His energy stays his biggest weapon, however his protection got here below scrutiny of their first assembly.
Chávez, in the meantime, confirmed he can soak up Flores’ heavy photographs and hearth again with quick, fluid combos. This time, his acknowledged purpose is to depart little doubt and maintain the judges out of the equation.
“This time there can be no doubts. I realized so much from the primary battle, and I’m going to indicate why I’m the very best tremendous bantamweight within the area,” Flores stated throughout coaching camp.
Chávez has been simply as direct on social media: “He is aware of he misplaced the primary one. In Palm Springs, the belt is coming house with me.”
