A star-studded three-fight PBC on Prime Video lineup will see the return of two former world champions as well as a battle of super bantamweight contenders, leading up to a star-studded PBC Pay-Per-View event on Prime Video headlined by boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao challenging WBC Welterweight World Champion Mario “El Azteca” Barrios on Saturday, July 19 from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Topping the streaming presentation sees the return of former featherweight world titlist Gary Russell Jr. as he steps back in the ring to face Hugo Castañeda in a 10-round lightweight showdown.
The action also includes undefeated top super bantamweight David “Rey” Picasso against Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a 10-round clash, plus Filipino power-puncher and ex-world champ Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo, who battles Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in a 10-round super featherweight attraction opening the show at 5:30pm ET/2:30pm PT.
The co-main event features WBC Super Welterweight World Champion Sebastian “The Towering Inferno” Fundora and Australian superstar Tim Tszyu, who each aim to eclipse 2024’s bloodiest fight with their championship rematch.
Plus, Mexican star Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz meets hard-hitting countryman Angel Fierro for a second time in a 12-round super lightweight duel, while former two-weight world ruler Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa and Joet Gonzalez kick off the pay-per-view at 8pm ET/5pm PT with a 10-round featherweight showdown.
GARY RUSSELL JR. VS. HUGO CASTAÑEDA
Returning to action for the first time since his almost seven-year title run ended in a fight where he injured his shoulder, Gary Russell Jr. will look to show off the skills that made him boxing’s then longest reigning male champion as he makes his lightweight debut in a 10-round battle with veteran Hugo Castañeda.
Russell (31-2, 18 KOs) has stayed close to the sport since last fighting, keeping his late father Gary Sr.’s legacy going by training his younger brothers, WBA Super Lightweight World Champion Gary Antuanne and contender Gary Antonio.
The Capitol Heights native first captured the WBC Featherweight World Championship in March 2015 by stopping former multiple division champion Jhonny Gonzalez, and held it until losing a majority decision to Mark Magsayo in January 2022.
Russell’s run as champion included a stoppage of former world champion Kiko Martinez, and a dominant unanimous decision over another former world champ Joseph Diaz Jr., both of whom went on to win more championships after losing to Russell.
“I’m so glad to be back on this great event on July 19 in Las Vegas,” enthused Russell. “I’m ready to shake off the dust and entertain by doing what I love. Make sure you tune in to see me do my thing.”
Originally from Reynoso, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Castañeda (15-2-1, 11 KOs) has ended each of his last three victories by KO, including an upset over the previously unbeaten Felix Garcia in April 2024.
Most recently, Castañeda came up short in an April clash against undefeated prospect Demler Zamora. Now fighting out of Alamo, Texas, the 23-year-old will step into the ring stateside for the sixth time as a pro, where he’s amassed a 3-2 record.
“This is a huge opportunity for me and I’m coming to take full advantage of it,” said Castañeda. “I know that I’m facing a great fighter who’s accomplished a lot, but I have everything it takes to get the victory. I’m training hard to be at my best and show everyone what I can do on July 19.”
DAVID PICASSO VS. KYONOSUKE KAMEDA
Already owning the WBC Silver title, along with being ranked top five by The Ring and top 10 by the WBO at 122-pounds, undefeated David “Rey” Picasso will look to continue his ascent toward a super bantamweight world championship when he faces Japanese contender Kyonosuke Kameda in a 10-round attraction.
24-year-old Picasso (31-0-1, 17 KOs) hopes to paint another masterpiece and keep his perfect record intact as he makes his 2025 debut, following a 2024 campaign that saw him secure five victories.
Picasso’s big year included triumphs over two former title challengers, as he stopped Damien Vazquez in May and earned a 12-round unanimous decision over Azat Hovhannisyan in August. A native of Mexico City, Picasso closed the year in December with a third round TKO over Yehison Cuello.
“I’m very excited about this opportunity and proud to be part of this card headlined by the legendary Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas,” said Picasso. “Facing Kameda will be a tremendous challenge, but I’m preparing diligently so that I walk out of the ring with my hands raised on July 19. I’m ready to show the world what we’re made of and move closer to a year-end title opportunity.”
A cousin of Japan’s world champion Kameda brothers, Kyonosuke Kameda (15-4-2, 9 KOs) will look to bounce back from a February defeat to former two-division world champion Luis Nery.
The 26-year-old entered that fight on a five-fight winning streak, with one draw sandwiched between his last eight victories. A native of Osaka, Kameda will make his U.S. debut on July 19, having previously fought exclusively in Japan before he challenged Nery in Mexico.
“I’m very excited to make my U.S. debut on July 19 in Las Vegas,” beamed Kameda. “I’ve gained great experience from my last fight and I’m going to bring it into the ring against Picasso. I come from a family of world champions and I know that I have to do whatever it takes to get my hand raised.”
MARK MAGSAYO VS. JORGE MATA CUELLAR
A former world champion at 126-pounds, Filipino power-puncher Mark Magsayo steps into the ring looking to impress on the undercard of his idol Manny Pacquiao, as he continues his run at super featherweight by challenging Mexico’s Jorge Mata Cuellar in their 10-round opening attraction on Prime Video.
Magsayo (27-2, 18 KOs) captured the WBC 126-pound world title in 2022 by defeating former longtime reigning champion Gary Russell Jr. via decision.
Originally from Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines and now fighting out of Southern California, Magsayo dropped the title to Rey Vargas via a narrow split-decision in a July 2022 contest that saw Magsayo send Vargas to the canvas in round nine.
Magsayo would go on to engage in a memorable toe-to-toe battle with former champion Brandon Figueroa in March 2023, losing the decision after 12 rounds.
Since that fight, a matured Magsayo has won three on the spin, including knockouts over Isaac Avelar and Bryan Mercado, plus a unanimous decision over Mexican contender Eduardo Ramirez.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be back fighting on the undercard of my idol Manny Pacquiao for a second time,” said Magsayo. “I’m extremely grateful to my whole team for the opportunity. It’s surreal to be training and fighting alongside Manny every day. It brings back memories of being eight-years-old and watching him fight for the first time. Even with all of this, I’m locked in on my goal of becoming a two division world champion. I can’t wait to step into the ring and give the fans an exciting fight. I feel great at this weight and I know that I’m facing a tough Mexican fighter. We’re both going to be ready to give the fans fireworks on July 19!”
24-year-old Mexican Cuellar (21-2-2, 13 KOs) enters his July 19 showdown on a five-fight win streak.
A product of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Cuellar will be fighting in the U.S. for the first time when he steps in against Magsayo. The eight-year pro has shown his ability to fight into the later rounds, as his last three appearances have all gone the 10 round distance, and all in his favor.
“This is going to be another great toe-to-toe Mexico vs. Philippines battle,” promised Cuellar. “I’m extremely motivated to be facing a former champion like Magsayo on a huge event headlined by Manny Pacquiao. On July 19, I’ll leave it all in the ring and give the fans a fight that they’re going to love.”
