Yoeniz Tellez vs. Brian Mendoza Co-Feature to Fundora Thurman

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.

“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!”

“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.”

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.

“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.”

“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.”

“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.” 

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.