Tripleheader from Boeing Center at Tech Port, San Antonio, Texas, at 9:30 P.M. ET/PT
San Antonio’s very own Ramon “Dinamita” Cardenas is wrapping up his training as he prepares to go toe-to-toe with the unbeaten 122-lb Panamanian talent, Rafael Pedroza. They’re set to compete for the WBA Continental-Latin American Super Bantamweight Championship. This fight will headline the SHOBOX: The New Generation broadcast on Friday, September 15 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. Fans can catch it live on SHOWTIME, with the Boeing Center at Tech Point in San Antonio, Texas serving as the backdrop.
Cardenas, once climbing to a rank of No. 5 by the WBA, is on a winning streak with 10 victories since 2017. His most notable win came in July 2022 at The Alamodome, where he overcame Michel Banquez with a unanimous decision.
Working closely with his coach Chato Martinez at Chato’s Boxing Club in San Antonio, 27-year-old Cardenas feels things are aligning for his career. The thought of winning a main event on national television in front of his local supporters and the possibility of greater opportunities on the horizon has Cardenas more committed than ever to his training.
Speaking about his preparation and outlook, Cardenas shared:
“I’m in a good rhythm. I’m always in training mode, but now there’s an added intensity. Facing an undefeated fighter like Pedroza means he’ll come with a lot of energy and intent, especially during the initial rounds. But I trust that my experience will play a decisive role as the fight progresses.”
“I rarely study my opponents through recordings because each fight is unique. However, I did see a brief video of him on Instagram. I believe in my skills and feel that I excel in areas he doesn’t. It’s not about being arrogant, it’s about confidence in my capabilities.”
“The anticipation is building. This fight is an opportunity for people to really recognize my talent and set the stage for bigger challenges. My journey has been a test of patience and perseverance. Earning this belt will be significant, especially doing it surrounded by my loved ones. The last time I won a WBA belt in Florida, the celebration felt incomplete. But this time, victory will taste even sweeter.”
Talking about his professional journey, Cardenas added, “My journey in professional boxing has been one of self-belief and determination. I didn’t wait around for the right promoter or the perfect deal. Instead, I sought out opportunities and gave every fight my all. Now, I’m on the cusp of something great.”
The evening will also feature a promising fight as powerful Argentine fighter Mirco Cuello (12-0, 11 KOs) returns to the U.S., facing the undefeated LA boxer, Rudy Garcia (13-0-1, 2 KOs). Additionally, fans can look forward to an opening fight featuring the unbeaten Freudis Rojas (11-0, 11 KOs) as he goes up against Californian Saul Bustos (15-1-1, 8 KOs) in a welterweight fight.
FINAL WEIGHTS
Super Bantamweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Rafael Pedroza – 122 pounds
Ramon Cardenas – 121.8 pounds
Featherweight Bout – 10 Rounds
Mirco Cuello – 125.2 pounds
Rudy Garcia – 125.3 pounds
Welterweight Bout – 8 Rounds
Freudis Rojas – 146.8 pounds
Saul Bustos – 146.7 pounds