PBC announced that three bouts have been added to the Rolly Romero vs. Teofimo Lopez pay-per-view broadcast, which is scheduled for Saturday, August 22nd at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Yoenli Hernandez (10-0, 9 KOs) faces Francisco Daniel Veron (17-1-1, 10 KOs), Victor Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) defends his interim WBA super bantamweight title against Antonio Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) and Carlos Utria (14-0, 11 KOs) meets Israel Mercado (13-1-2, 7 KOs).
Hernandez, the #1-ranked contender by the WBA and WBO, faces Veron in the ten-round middleweight co-feature. The Camagüey, Cuba native won a gold medal at the 2021 AIBA World Boxing Championships before turning professional in 2022. Hernandez went 3-0 in 2025, highlighted by a unanimous decision over Kyrone Davis, and most recently stopped Terrell Gausha in the fourth round in March.
"I'm preparing very hard for this fight, because I know that I have an extremely tough opponent in front of me," said Hernandez. "I have to continue to train that hard fight after fight and prove to everyone what I'm capable of. You can expect to see more of the same from me on August 22 in Las Vegas."
Veron enters the bout riding a three-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Raul Garcia by unanimous decision in April. The Buenos Aires native also owns victories over Roiman Villa and Vladimir Hernandez and fought Jahi Tucker to a draw.
"This is one of the toughest fights of my career, but we're well prepared for anything he bring," said Veron. "I'm here to face the best and I'm not ducking anyone. We're going to give people a lot to talk about when this fight is over. I'm coming to represent my Argentine people on August 22."
Santillan defends his WAB interim 122-pound title against Russell in a scheduled twelve-round bout. The La Romana, Dominican Republic native won the interim title by stopping Noel Reyes Cepeda in the third round in February. A bronze medalist at the 2015 Pan American Games, Santillan has fought professionally since 2018.
"It is an honor for me to be defending my title against Antonio Russell," said Santillan. "He is a good boxer who comes from a family of good fighters. I love this fight because the real winners are going to be the fans. We're gonna put on a show."
Russell has won two straight bouts since moving to 122 pounds. The Capitol Heights, Maryland native previously challenged Emmanuel Rodriguez for a world title and owns a technical decision victory over former world champion Juan Carlos Payano.
"I'm excited to be back in the ring and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent," said Russell. "Me and my brothers have been putting in the work every day in the gym, staying focused. It's almost that time to compete. I'm ready to bring another title home."
Utria makes his U.S. debut against Mercado in a scheduled ten-round junior welterweight bout. Utria, a 22-year old Colombian, won the WBC Boxing Grand Prix in December with a unanimous decision over Mujimillo Tursunov. He turned professional in 2023.
"I'm facing a strong opponent who's coming to win," said Utria. "That's the perfect opponent for my U.S. debut. We're prepared for whatever comes and ready to put on a dominating performance for everyone watching."
Mercado, of Pomona, California, is unbeaten in his last six bouts, posting four victories and two draws. He most recently earned decision victories over Jonathan Jose Eniz and Branden Pizarro.
"I've been patient, I've put in the work, and now I'm ready to show the fight fans what these hands can do," said Mercado. "I'm built for this stage. I can't wait to give everyone a great show and deliver a fight they won't forget."
