Explosive rematches and unbeaten prospects - why you don’t want to miss Raul Curiel vs. Jordan Panthen

It would not be boxing without last twists and turns. We were all set for the highly anticipated rematch of Alex Rocha and Raul Curiel tonight - Friday, January 16 - after a majority draw in an incredible first fight.

However Alexis Rocha was forced to pull out literally at the last moment, after falling ill after the two fighter's faced off. 

Curiel's manager Frank Espinoza told The Ring: "Raul and Alexis had a faceoff at the events center on Wednesday around 5.00pm. Then Alexis Rocha got sick while he was in the process of cutting weight [afterwards] and went to the hospital, we were told."

Jordan Panthen now steps in, having suffered his one and only career loss last time out, for a 158-pound catchweight clash.

It promises to still be an intriguing match-up, while the rest of the card has some eye catching bouts too. It is all live and exclusive on DAZN via a subscription.

The battle for Southern California

More than pride is at stake when Manuel Flores and Jorge Chávez meet again, with the WBA Continental USA super bantamweight title on the line - a belt that will significantly boost the winner’s standing in the WBA ranks.

Flores, fighting in front of his hometown supporters, entered with a 20-1-1 record and 16 knockouts and used his power to control the early action. As the fight wore on, however, Jorge Chávez (14-0-1, 8 KOs) closed strong, increasing his output and using sharp movement to swing momentum in his favor.

Still unbeaten, Chávez has since insisted he deserved the decision.

Their first clash in July 2025 ended in controversy, resulting in a majority draw. Chávez received a 97–93 score from one judge, while the other two scored the fight evenly at 95–95.

This bout will be the answer to any questions left without a response.

The Veteran and the Future

Highly touted unbeaten prospect Rusian Abdullaev (3-0, 1 KO) continues to build momentum - after an accomplished amateur background that included a 2023 World Championship and an appearance for Uzbekistan at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The 23-year-old has adjusted fairly quickly to the big leagues

Now training in California’s Coachella Valley, Abdullaev has impressed with his composure and technical maturity. In September 2025, he delivered a dominant showing against Kevin Johnson, signalling that his punch output and skill set are already at a high level.

Eduardo Abreu (14-1-1, 10 KOs) stands as his toughest test so far. The 37-year-old Uruguayan veteran brings durability, pressure, and knockout power from years on the South American circuit, viewing this U.S. appearance as a rare career opportunity.

While Abdullaev’s speed and movement may control the early stages, the scheduled 10-round bout will challenge him against Abreu’s toughness and experience. Fighting in familiar surroundings, Abdullaev will look to capitalize on local support as he continues his rapid rise.

Curiel vs. Panthen fight card

• Raul Curiel vs Jordan Panthen; 158-pound catchweight 
• Manuel Flores vs. Jorge Chavez; Super bantamweight
• Joel Iriarte vs. Jireh De Los Santos; Welterweight
• Rusian Abdulaev vs. Eduardo Abreu; Super lightweight
• Cayden Griffiths vs. Lesther Espino; Welterweight

How to watch Curiel?

Curiel vs. Panthen the whole fight card is live on DAZN worldwide via a DAZN subscription.

If you are not currently a DAZN member, then monthly and annual subscription options are available to watch over 185 fights a year across boxing, bare knuckle boxing, MMA and kickboxing.

An Annual Super Saver subscription is a one-off payment of £119.99 / $224.99 for 12-months access (£15.99 / $20.99 per month if paying in monthly instalments). 

A Monthly Flexible pass, which can be cancelled at any time, is £25.99 / $30.99 per month. For prices in your country and to sign up, click here.

You can watch the fight via the DAZN App, available on smart TVs, phones, tablets, streaming devices, games consoles and web browsers.

If you do not have the App already then just follow these instructions....

• Download the free DAZN App from your normal App store on your TV, phone, tablet, or streaming device
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• Select 'Get started' or 'log in'
• Enter your email address, or sign up via the Apple, Google or Facebook options
• You then have access to all of DAZN's free content, including the Matchroom boxing channel, LIV Golf, and FIFA+
• Then find the XXXX page and click 'buy now'

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U.S. customers can sign up for Ultimate Tier now for $44.99 per month. UK customers can subscribe for 24.99 per month.

Based on buying 12 PPVs per year, having an Ultimate Tier subscription instead can save £320 / $535 a year**. 

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