Brazilianmiddleweight Yamaguchi Falcao will face Chris Pearson on Thursday, May 2nd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Falcao-Pearson is scheduled for ten rounds. The bout headlines a DAZN boxing broadcast promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. This is a rematch as the two met in 2011 as part of the World Series of Boxing (a professional series promoted by AIBA) with Pearson winning via split decision.Falcao is 16-0 plus difficult to verify World Series of Boxing Bouts, while Pearson is 16-2 and he too has had additional World Series of Boxing bouts. 

 

Fighting out of Plant City, FL by way of Sao Mateus, Brazil, Falcao captured a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympicsl. As a pro, the southpaw has compiled a 16-0 record with 7 wins by knockout. Falcao was slated to fight Paul Mendez March 9th in New York but the bout was cancelled at the last minute due to issues with Mendez’ medicals.

 

During the last year and a half, Falcao’s repeatedly expressed his willingness to face any of the world’s best 160 pound fighters but must first get past a quality opponent.

 

Living and fighting out of Trotwood, OH, the hard-hitting Pearson is 28 years old and no stranger to fighting on big platforms. He appeared on the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao PPV where he defeated Said El Harrak. After a setback against highly rated Justin DeLoach, he’s won his last two bouts by knockout and looks to make it three straight against Falcao.

 

“I am extremely grateful to be fighting on this platform,” said Falcao, who became a father last month. “It was heartbreaking when the Mendez fight fell apart on such short notice because I was looking forward to welcoming my son Roberto into this world after I beat Mendez but everything happens for a reason.”

 

He’s also pleased he’ll have a shot at redemption May 2nd. “This fight is very personal to me. I’m planning to knock Chris out because he did not beat me the first time – the judges handed it to him! This is an even bigger opportunity than the Mendez fight because its two days before Canelo vs Danny Jacobs and now when I return home, baby Roberto will be waiting for me. This is my time to shine and show the world  I’m a problem in the middleweight division!”