Golden Boy Boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya brings the first professional boxing event of 2025 to the San Diego region on Saturday at the new Frontwave Arena in Oceanside.
Saturday’s boxing card features a milestone: the first-ever undisputed female world championship fight.
The Boxing Writers Association of America, Ring Magazine, and ESPN 2024 Female Boxer of the Year Gabriela “Sweet Poison” Fundora (15-0, 7 KOs), of Coachella Valley, will defend her world titles against top contender Marilyn Badillo (19-0-1, 3 KOs), of Cuautitlán, Mexico.
This will be Fundora’s first appearance in a main event fight. She became the unified, undisputed champion in November at age 22, setting the record as the sport’s youngest ever undisputed champion, male or female.
Her brother Sebastian is also a reigning world champion. That makes the Fundoras the only brother and sister world boxing champs.
Fundora says she looks forward to making history again in Oceanside on Saturday.
“I like to think what separates me is that people like to see knockouts,” said Fundora. “Me myself, I like to see knockouts. And when it’s delivered, people want to see you again and again again, and then soon you become the main event, like me.”
Her challenger will not make it easy on her. “I worked hard to earn my spot to challenge for this undisputed championship,” said Badillo. “I am excited to make my U.S. debut and make waves in women’s boxing.”
“Everybody and their mother wants to challenge me. So bring it on!” declared the champion.
“You know, I love it. That’s why I have all these five (championship) belts, you know. And I accept it all. I welcome all, and we’ll continue to showcase why we’re a champion,” said Fundora, who said her accomplishments prove “with hard work, anything’s possible.”
First for Frontwave
The fight is also a milestone for Frontwave Arena, its first boxing event. Built adjacent to the SoCal Sports Complex in the El Corazon district of Oceanside, the 170,000-square-foot arena has a capacity of 7,500 people.
The $85 million facility officially opened on Sept. 16. Its first event, the post-Olympic Games “Gold Over America Tour (GOAT) Tour,” featured gymnasts, including Simone Biles. Frontwave is aiming to host more than 100 events a year.
“Hosting this boxing card marks a new chapter for Frontwave Arena, one that reflects our commitment to creating moments that surprise, inspire, and resonate,” said Alexis Jehue, vice president of marketing. “It’s not just about boxing; it’s about bringing powerful energy and world-class talent under our roof. This boxing event is the beginning of what’s to come.”
Frontwave Arena and Golden Boy Boxing host the public weigh-in for all fighters on Friday. Fans can attend free of charge. Doors open at noon, and the weigh-in begins at 12:30 p.m.
“This fight has all the makings of an unforgettable night and with women’s boxing at an all-time high, Fundora is leading the charge,” said De La Hoya.
Full card
In addition to Fundora vs. Badillo, Saturday’s event features a showdown between undefeated Charles “Bad News” Conwell of Cleveland (21-0, 16 KOs) against former world champion Jorge “Chino” Perez of Sinaloa (32-4, 26 KOs) in a 12-round, super welterweight fight. Both fighters are known for relentless action.
Rising welterweight knockout artist Joel Iriarte of Bakersfield (6-0, 6 KOs) risks his perfect knockout record streak in an eight-round fight against Marcos Jimenez of Puerto Rico (25-11, 17 KOs).
San Diego’s undefeated Jorge “El Niño Dorado” Chavez (13-0, 8 KOs) will take on Brandon Douglas of Salt Lake City (13-1, 11 KOs) in an eight-round super bantamweight division fight.
Tickets are still available, starting at $25, not including fees, through AXS.com or GoldenBoy.com.
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