Golden Boy Promotions’ most recent announcement provides positive news for its 2026 plans.
Following a period of uncertainty, Golden Boy will move forward with its already assembled March 14 show, to air live on DAZN from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Arnold Barboza Jnr and Kenneth Sims Jnr will headline the card in a high-stakes showdown that marks the welterweight debut for both boxers.
In supporting capacity, Oscar Collazo and Gabriela Fundora will make separate defenses of their respective unified championships.
Puerto Rico’s Collazo, 13-0 (10 KOs), was previously due to face the Philippines’ Melvin Jerusalem in a three-belt 105lbs unification in what would have been a mouthwatering rematch. That fight was tabled with hopes to revisit later this year.
Instead, Collazo – the recognized lineal, RING, WBA and WBO champ – will face Mexico’s Jesus Haro, 13-3 (2 KOs), as he attempts his seventh overall title defense of at least one belt.
“I’m very happy to be returning to the ring this coming March 14th. Unfortunately, we won’t be pursuing a unification bout for reasons beyond my control,” said Collazo. “The company presented us with this opportunity with Jesús Haro. I respect him because I know he comes with the desire and hunger to be champion, but on March 14th he’ll be facing the best in the division. “Without a doubt, Puerto Rico vs. Mexico is a guaranteed war. We’re ready to put on a great fight and secure a solid victory for Puerto Rico.”
Haro enters his first career title fight and just his second scheduled 12-rounder.
“It’s going to be a great fight,” said Jesus Haro. “The Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry has always been present in this sport, and although I was born in the USA and I love this country, Aztec warrior blood runs through my veins, and I’m not going to let my Mexican people down.”
Fundora’s plans remain intact. The unbeaten lineal, RING and undisputed flyweight queen will defend against mandatory challenger and WBA interim titlist Viviana Ruiz.
The fight represents the sixth defense of at least one belt for Fundora, 17-0 (9 KOs), the 2024 Fighter of the Year and high among the sport’s best pound-for-pound fighters. The 23-year-old southpaw from Coachella, California has scored knockout victories in five of her six title fights and has every intention of adding to that stat.
“There are only two ways of doing something, the right way or the wrong way.” said Fundora. “We are preparing to put on a great performance on March 14th at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.”
The bout puts two Fundoras on the schedule in March. Sebastian Fundora, Gabriela’s older brother, risks his WBC 154lbs title versus Keith Thurman atop a March 28 PBC on Prime Video pay-per-view event from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
As for the headlining act, Barboza and Sims both aim to rebound from separate defeats last year.
Barboza, 32-1 (11 KOs) saw his career soar to new heights and then crash in burn all within the first 122 days of 2025.
He earned his biggest win to date in a decision victory over former title challenger Jack Catterall last February on the road in England. The win set up a WBO mandatory challenge of then-140lbs king Teofimo Lopez, but Barboza fell well short in a disappointing showing last May 2 in New York City.
“I’m officially stepping back into the ring after some much needed time off,” said Barboza. “My first loss didn’t break me, it built me. Built a new team, new gym, new mindset yet still same purpose, same hunger, same goals. I heard the doubters get louder. I saw some opinions change yet nothing about me changed.
“This is bigger than revenge. This is the Redemption Tour.”
The same mindset is carried by his opponent, who was forced to push past his own disappointment.
Sims, 22-3-1 (8 KOs) saw a nine-fight win streak come to a halt in a 12-round majority decision defeat to Oscar Duarte last August 2 in his Chicago hometown. The nip and tuck affair saw Duarte not only prevail but parlay that win into a title shot against IBF 140lbs beltholder Richardson Hitchins this weekend in Vegas.
Meanwhile, it’s on to new business for Sims who is no stranger to redemption. And it comes in a fight he sought at 140lbs but now secures one weight higher in the wide-open welterweight division.
“This is a fight that I’ve been wanting for a long time,” noted Sims. “Barboza is a good fighter who’s been on the big stage, but I’ve always known that I am a better fighter than him and only wanted the chance to prove it.
“I’ve been chasing this opportunity for years now and this is a great time for it to finally happen. This is a do or die fight for both of us, and I can’t wait to get in there and handle business on March 14.”
Meanwhile, the development is very good news for Golden Boy, at a time when it can use any positive vibes.
The company remains embroiled in a bitter lawsuit with Vergil Ortiz Jnr, all while the unbeaten junior middleweight aims for an April showdown with Jaron “Boots” Ennis. The matter is due to appear before a Nevada judge this Friday in Las Vegas.
There were concerns that Golden Boy could not move forward with its 2026 schedule, as it remained without a deal in place with DAZN. The two sides remain in talks, with the March 14 show now appearing on the streaming service’s calendar providing hope for optimism for all involved.
Jake Donovan is an award-winning journalist who served as a senior writer for BoxingScene from 2007-2024, and news editor for the final nine years of his first tour. He was also the lead writer for The Ring before his decision to return home. Follow Jake on X and Instagram.