Boxing fans may already have a leading candidate for Fight of the Year in 2026.
In a thrilling light heavyweight showdown, rising contender Najee Lopez delivered a dramatic stoppage victory over hard-hitting Mexican challenger Manuel Gallegos in a brutal eight-round battle to capture the WBA Continental Americas and WBO Latino Light Heavyweight Championships.
The unforgettable bout took place at Osceola Heritage Park and aired live on ProBox TV, featuring a packed card filled with action and rising contenders.
Lopez Survives Knockdown to Claim Titles
Entering the fight ranked No. 7 by the WBA, No. 13 by the IBF, and No. 15 by the WBC, Lopez (16-0, 13 KOs) of Ellenwood, Georgia, faced perhaps the toughest test of his career against the relentless Gallegos (22-4-1, 19 KOs) of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.
From the opening bell, the fight turned into a dramatic slugfest. Both fighters traded heavy punches in close quarters during what quickly became a blood-soaked war inside the ring.
Despite being dropped in a wild seventh round, Lopez showed remarkable resilience. The undefeated contender quickly regained his composure and used superior conditioning and power to overwhelm the relentless Mexican challenger.
At 2:41 of Round 8, Lopez unleashed the finishing attack that forced the referee to stop the contest, sealing one of the most dramatic wins of his career.
After the fight, an emotional Lopez reflected on the grueling battle.
“That just shows you I’m a true champion and I’m here to stay,” said an overjoyed Lopez, post-fight. “I’m willing to prove it every time I step in the ring. He (Gallegos) was the best version of himself possible. I fought a true champion tonight. I’m not going to lie. That ring was small and he’s a big guy. I felt not only his shots; I let his presence. He came to win, but I showed I was there to win, too. It came down to nutrition and willpower. We both had a game plan, But I had more will.”
Lopez also praised the toughness of his opponent after the brutal contest.
“That’s a tough mf right there,” continued Lopez. “Soon as I had him on the hook, I wasn’t going to let him off. That was 100% of a test and I feel like I passed it.”
Dominic Valle Wins Controversial Co-Main Event
In the co-feature bout, undefeated Florida prospect Dominic Valle (13-0, 7 KOs) earned a controversial unanimous decision over experienced Mexican veteran Eduardo Ramirez (29-6-3, 14 KOs) in a 10-round super featherweight contest.
Ramirez started strong, applying relentless pressure during the opening rounds and limiting Valle’s offensive opportunities. In Round 5, Ramirez stunned the younger fighter with a hook, briefly putting Valle in danger.
However, Valle responded with determination, rocking Ramirez with a sharp uppercut later in the same round and gaining momentum as the fight progressed.
Despite Ramirez finishing strong in Round 10 with aggressive combinations, the judges scored the fight 96-94, 98-92, and 98-92, awarding Valle the decision.
Dante Benjamin Remains Undefeated
In a light heavyweight clash, Cleveland’s undefeated Dante Benjamin (14-0-1, 9 KOs) showcased his technical skill with an eight-round unanimous decision victory over previously unbeaten Angel Lozano (8-1, 6 KOs).
After three competitive rounds, Benjamin began to take control in Round 4, using sharp long-range shots to break down Lozano. His precise jab and combination punching helped him dominate the later rounds.
Benjamin ultimately secured the win on the scorecards 80-72, 78-74, and 77-75.
McKinley Scores Upset in Slugfest
In one of the night’s most entertaining fights, New Orleans puncher Delvin McKinley (14-5-1, 13 KOs) pulled off a majority decision upset over Italian knockout artist Christian Chessa (6-1, 6 KOs).
Both fighters entered the contest with 100% knockout ratios, creating a high-action slugfest.
McKinley hurt Chessa early with an uppercut that caused swelling under the Italian’s eye and drew blood. Although Chessa had moments of success with movement and counters, McKinley’s aggressive power punching proved decisive.
The judges scored the fight 57-57, 58-56, and 58-56, giving McKinley the upset victory.
Kenyan Valle Opens Broadcast with Win
Opening the televised card, Florida’s Kenyan Valle (3-0, 1 KO) remained unbeaten with a six-round unanimous decision victory over Anel Dudo (4-7-1, 1 KO).
After a competitive start, Valle found his rhythm in the middle rounds with sharp combinations and accurate body work. Although Dudo pressured aggressively, Valle’s precision proved the difference.
The judges scored the bout 60-54, 59-55, and 59-55, giving the young prospect another valuable victory early in his career.
With a dramatic knockout in the main event and several action-packed bouts throughout the card, the ProBoxTV event delivered a memorable night of boxing—and potentially one of the year’s most thrilling fights.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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