Yesterday, PBC announced that its March 28th pay-per-view event had a new opening bout, with Armenian heavyweight hopeful Gurgen Hovhannisyan set to fight Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown. An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under top trainer Joe Goossen. Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran Michael Polite-Coffie.
“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 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
the March 28th a PBC pay-per-view event available on Prime from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. This fight replaces the previously announced IBF heavyweight eliminator between Frank Sanchez and Richard Torrez Jr. That bout has been postponed. The pay-per-view will now open up with heavyweight slugger Gurgen Hovhannisyan stepping in to face Cesar Navarro in a ten-round showdown.
Super middleweights Elijah Garcia and Kevin Newman II will now meet in the main event of PBC on Prime Video actio
undefeated heavyweight Gurgen Hovhannisyan will make his 2026 debut as he continues his ascent up the rankings against Cesar Navarro, who will look to make it three straight victories in their 10-round affair.
An Armenian-native now living and training in Los Angeles, Hovhannisyan (9-0, 8 KOs) has made his rise under the watchful eye of top trainer Joe Goossen. Now the WBA’s number 10 ranked heavyweight, Hovhannisyan returns to action after scoring two victories in 2025. He kicked off the year with a fifth-round KO of Dajuan Calloway in April before most recently stopping Chris Thomas in round three in July. The 28-year-old also owns a stoppage victory over veteran contender Michael Polite-Coffie.
“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 28th I’m coming to represent my city, my culture and everyone who believes in me. Phoenix and Mexico – this is for you.”
