Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 20 May 2026
Lausanne, Switzerland — A high-quality night of professional boxing is set for May 21 at Arena CDMX, as IBA and Zanfer Boxing unveils a diverse and competitive fight card featuring rising prospects, seasoned contenders, and international matchups across multiple weight divisions.
Headliner: Angel "Cameleon" Ayala vs Jayson Mama
Headlining the card in the super flyweight division, Mexico’s Angel Ayala Lardizabal (18-1, 8 KOs), known as “Cameleon,” will take on Filipino puncher Jayson Mama (21-3-1, 10 KOs). The bout promises a high-paced clash between Ayala’s technical approach and Mama’s aggressive, power-driven style.
The Mexican fighter will face Filipino Jayson Mama, a rival with international experience who represents a significant test in the current landscape of the division. The bout is generating high expectations given Ayala’s current form and his opportunity to re-establish himself among the top names in the category.
Angel "Cameleon" Ayala:
About IBA Pro in Mexico
"First of all, I am grateful to IBA and to the IBA.PRO promoter. We are very thankful to them for giving us this great opportunity on such a major fight card. We are coming with everything."
Keeping the Dream Alive
"Yes, of course. That is what every boxer wants [to be the world champion]. If you ask any fighter why they fight, they will tell you: to become world champion. It is the same for me. We are coming with everything. If that were not the goal, then why would we be here?"
The Mayweather Mentality
"He [Jayson Mama] is a very complete boxer. He thinks a lot in the ring, he hits hard, he is a counter-puncher and he comes forward. He has all the qualities. But, as Mayweather said, it is the brain that helps you in the ring. We are coming very motivated and very focused."
Super Featherweight Matchup: Jonathan Fierro vs Sergio “Chirino” Sanchez
Another highlight sees Jonathan Fierro (21-1, 18 KOs) square off against Sergio Chirino Sanchez (23-2, 13 KOs) in a super featherweight matchup between two experienced fighters with strong knockout ratios.
Sergio Chirino Sanchez:
About IBA Pro in Mexico
"I am happy. I am happy to give Mexico City another great fight. I am happy to be back in Mexico City, which is my second home, and we are prepared for this big fight on Thursday.IBA is a major boxing organisation. I am happy with this opportunity that is opening up. It is broadening the landscape for all boxers, and I think it is a good initiative. We are going to enjoy it."
Jonathan Fierro:
About IBA Pro in Mexico
"This fight represents all the effort I have put into my career. It is a big boost and a major opportunity for me. I feel motivated. I feel that the goal is getting closer [bout for the world champion title], and I thank God for the opportunities I am receiving."
Welterweight Bout: Miguel Angel Martinez vs Brian Nicolas Farias
An exciting welterweight division clash features Miguel Angel Martinez (3-0, 2 KOs) taking on Brian Nicolas Farias (9-4, 2 KOs).
Miguel Angel Martinez:
About IBA Pro in Mexico
"I am very motivated and very happy to have the opportunity to fight on this IBA card. I am well prepared. It is very motivating for me to fight in Mexico City, where champions are made. I have been training very hard, and I am very happy."
Mexican Spotlight
"It is going to be good, but also challenging. For an organisation like IBA to come here to Mexico means the spotlight is being put on Mexican fighters. I am a little nervous, but I know this is a very important opportunity, and I will try to do my best."
The May 21 event is expected to draw strong local support at Arena CDMX while also capturing international attention thanks to its balanced matchmaking and depth across divisions.
The tickets for the IBA Pro 18 are available for purchase at Superboletos
Live broadcast of the event will be available at IBA official YouTube channel
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Spotlight on Mexico City: boxers speak ahead of IBA Pro 18
Wed, 20 May 20262026 NBA Playoffs: Wembanyama Outshines MVP Gilgeous-Alexander as Spurs Beat Thunder 122-115 in Double Overtime Thriller
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 20 May 20260 MUST GO: SELDON JR. vs. POPPER — JUNE 13 AT THE TROP
Wed, 20 May 2026CARL “THE COBRA” FROCH REUNITES WITH ANDRE WARD ON ART OF WARD FOR FIRST IN-DEPTH SIT-DOWN SINCE THEIR LEGENDARY SUPER SIX FINAL
Wed, 20 May 2026BOXING LEGEND DARREN BARKER ANNOUNCES 'THE LONGEST ROUND' – A WORLD-FIRST ENDURANCE CHALLENGE FOR MEN'S MENTAL HEALTH
Wed, 20 May 2026IBA stands ready to organise Jon Jones professional boxing fight in Russia
Wed, 20 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Earns Eight More Wins on Day Two at 2026 Copa America
Wed, 20 May 2026QC ends PCAP Season 6 All-Filipino conference campaign
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 20 May 2026It’s in the blood
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026“The fans will be the true winners” – Angel Ayala ready for IBA PRO 18 in Mexico City
Tue, 19 May 2026Rematch option for Melvin
By Joaquin Henson, Tue, 19 May 2026World-class stablemates John ‘Scrappy’ Ramirez & Darius ‘DFG’ Fulghum fighting on same card Friday night in San Jose
Tue, 19 May 2026Ignacio Defeats Malayan to Claim Title and USD 10,000 Prize
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 19 May 2026USA Boxing Elite High Performance Squad Dominates Day One of 2026 Copa America with 11-0 Record
Tue, 19 May 2026Reina Tellez Returns to the Ring Following World Title Challenge Against Amanda Serrano
Mon, 18 May 2026