{"id":366980,"date":"2026-06-19T09:56:18","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T09:56:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/366980\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T09:56:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T09:56:18","slug":"mf-pro-stages-first-us-card-friday-with-diaz-vs-sylve","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/366980\/","title":{"rendered":"MF PRO Stages First US Card Friday With Diaz vs Sylve"},"content":{"rendered":"

What To Know<\/p>\n

The professional division of Misfits Boxing, known as MF PRO, makes its U.S. debut on Friday in Long Beach, California
\nFormer world champion JoJo Diaz and contender Ashton Sylve both need a victory in their main event to continue boxing at the top level.
\nThe entire fight card airs on DAZN Boxing<\/a> starting at 8 p.m ET\/5 p.m. PT.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With so much attention turned toward the World Cup, it\u2019s a light boxing weekend. But that doesn\u2019t mean a lack of action, with a handful of cards on hand for devoted boxing fans, starting with the MF PRO card from Long Beach, California this Friday.<\/p>\n

The new professional boxing arm of Misfits Boxing offers a card with a pivotal main event between former two-time world champion Joseph \u201cJoJo\u201d Diaz of South El Monte, California (34-9-1, 15 KOs) and a promising contender who also needs a win to move forward in Ashton \u201cH2O\u201d Sylve of Long Beach, California (13-1, 10 KOs).<\/p>\n

The pair will meet in a scheduled 10-round super lightweight bout at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California. It will stream live on DAZN Boxing starting at 8 p.m. ET\/5 p.m. PT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Both fighters made weight, with Diaz at 139.6 pounds and Sylve at the limit of 140 pounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cI really cut all the bullcrap out of my life and stayed devoted for my kids, to get back to where I was in the boxing game,\u201d said Diaz Jr. after the weigh-in. \u201cI\u2019ve been dreaming about this, praying to God to give me another opportunity. I always thought I was God\u2019s exile but he made a way,\u201d crediting his new partnership with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis fight means everything. I got to put on for my family and my people from here, to put me back where I left off,\u201d said Sylve. \u201cH20 always adapts, comes with a crazy knockout,\u201d promising a stoppage in the seventh rounds.<\/p>\n

JoJo Diaz: Experience Is His Edge
\n\"JoJoJoJo Diaz Jr. is now training with Hall of Famer Freddie Roach. Photo: MF PRO<\/p>\n

At this week\u2019s media workout, Diaz said he believes his experience will be a major factor when the opening bell sounds.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been in big fights throughout my career, and I know exactly what it takes to perform under pressure,\u201d said Diaz. \u201cI respect H2O and what he\u2019s accomplished, but I\u2019m still motivated to compete at the highest level. I\u2019m coming to Long Beach focused, disciplined, and ready to remind people that I can still compete with anyone. Every fight is an opportunity to write a new chapter, and I\u2019m excited for this one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashton Sylve: Hometown Motivation
\n\"AshtonAshton Sylve intends to make a statement in front of his hometown Long Beach fans. Photo: MF PRO<\/p>\n

Sylve is eager to shine in front of his hometown fans.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s nothing like fighting in front of your hometown,\u201d said Sylve. \u201cI\u2019ve worked hard to get to this stage, and I understand what\u2019s at stake. JoJo Diaz is a former world champion and someone I\u2019ve respected for a long time, but this is my moment to show how far I\u2019ve come as a fighter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to give the fans a performance they can be proud of and continue proving that I belong among the best fighters in the division. Every day in training camp has been about preparing for this challenge, and I\u2019m ready to leave everything in the ring.\u201d<\/p>\n

The pair had plenty to say in a faceoff interview ahead of Friday night\u2019s fight.<\/p>\n

Diaz vs Sylve: Everything Is On The Line<\/p>\n

Sometimes the best fights aren\u2019t between world champions at the top of their game, but between athletes with everything on the line and everything to lose.<\/p>\n

After winning a world title at super featherweight, Diaz Jr. has struggled with the biggest opponent he\u2019s ever faced: his own demons. Diaz Jr. has been open about his troubles making weight, substance abuse, and mental health challenges. Since his loss to Devin Haney, Diaz Jr. has lost eight of his last ten fights. But Diaz Jr. comes back to boxing as the anchor amid the storm.<\/p>\n

Diaz Jr. is clear about the significance of this matchup at age 33 against the 22-year-old Sylve, fighting in front of his hometown fans. The former champion is determined to prove that he still belongs among boxing\u2019s elite and convince the skeptics he\u2019s for real.<\/p>\n

Diaz Jr. says he is putting in one of the most productive and disciplined training camps of his professional career at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California under the eye of Freddie Roach, and expressed confidence in the work he has put in behind the scenes.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis training camp has been exactly what I needed,\u201d said Diaz Jr. in a statement. \u201cI\u2019ve gotten back to doing the little things right and focused on improving every part of my game. At this age, I\u2019m still hungry to succeed, and if anything, I\u2019m more motivated now because I know how important this fight is for my career.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes you have to take an honest look at yourself and make changes, and that\u2019s what I\u2019ve done. I feel energized, focused, and ready to remind everyone that I still have a lot left to give in this sport,\u201d added Diaz Jr.<\/p>\n

Diaz knows he faces a dangerous and ambitious opponent in Sylve, a younger fighter in rebuilding mode himself after a devastating knockout loss to Lucas Bahdi<\/a>, which was the Knockout of the Year in 2024. Sylve has won two return fights since then and would love to make a statement in his return against a former world champion.<\/p>\n

None of Diaz\u2019s losses have been knockouts (except the loss to Oscar Duarte, which was stopped on cuts), and he was competitive in most of those losses. But they were rough bangers, including his last two fights against Regis Prograis<\/a> and Alexis Rocha.<\/p>\n

Diaz can\u2019t merely win. He needs a statement victory to continue getting matchups. Diaz Jr. is approaching this fight as the start of a new chapter.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know some people have counted me out because of some tough losses, but I\u2019ve never lost faith in myself. I\u2019ve been through ups and downs before, and I\u2019ve always found a way to come back stronger.<\/p>\n

\u201cSylve is a young fighter with a lot of ambition, so beating him would prove that I can still compete with the new generation of fighters. More than anything, this fight is a chance for me to get my career moving in the right direction again. I still have big goals, and I believe I have a lot left to give to boxing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mercado Brothers Highlight Undercard Lineup
\n\"DanielDaniel \u201cOne Time\u201d Mercado will make his pro debut after winning his final USA Boxing amateur tournament in January. Photo: USA Boxing<\/p>\n

Super lightweight contender Ernesto \u201cTito\u201d Mercado of Pomona, California (18-0, 17 KOs) will have his fans ringside to watch him continue his rise through the division. Mercado has gained attention beyond his loyal following with his impressive offense.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want every fight to show growth and improvement,\u201d said Mercado. \u201cMy goal is to become a world champion, and that means taking every opportunity seriously. The fans deserve excitement, and that\u2019s what I plan to deliver. I\u2019ve had a great camp, and I\u2019m looking forward to showcasing my skills on a major platform. Of course, you guys know I\u2019m going for the knockout!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mercado\u2019s younger brother, Daniel \u201cOne Time\u201d Mercado, will make his professional debut on the card. The 21-year-old has fought as an amateur for a decade, wrapping up in January with a win in the middleweight division (75kg) at the USA Boxing International tournament in Pueblo, Colorado. Mercado crossed paths with Abdullah Mason and Floyd Diaz during amateur competition. He will debut at super welterweight.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is something I\u2019ve dreamed about for a long time,\u201d said Mercado. \u201cAll the hard work, sacrifices, and preparation have led to this moment. I know making my professional debut is just the beginning, but I want to start my career the right way with a strong performance, especially alongside my brother \u201cTito\u201d. I\u2019m excited to finally step into the ring as a professional and show what I can do.\u201d<\/p>\n

MF Pro President Amer Abdallah talked this week about MF PRO\u2019s first event in the United States.<\/p>\n

\u201cFrom established names like JoJo Diaz to rising stars such as H2O Sylve, Amir Anderson, David Lopez, Ernesto Mercado, and the rest of this talented lineup, every fighter on this card understands the importance of this opportunity,\u201d said Abdallah.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe fans in Long Beach are going to witness a tremendous night of boxing \u2026 June 19 is shaping up to be a memorable evening filled with action, drama, and world-class competition.\u201d<\/p>\n

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