CEBU CITY, Philippines — One of the Philippines’ most exciting rising stars, unbeaten knockout artist Weljon “Triggerman” Mindoro, is set to make his second ring appearance of 2026 when he fights on June 5 at the University of Texas in Arlington, United States.
The U.S.-based Mindoro, who boasts a rare perfect record of 16 wins, all by knockout, will take on seasoned Mexican campaigner Elias Espadas in a 10-round non-title middleweight bout.
Headlining the card is a clash between Mexico’s Daniel Lugo and American Edward Vasquez for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) USA super featherweight championship.
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Mindoro and Espadas are slated for the co-main event.
The upcoming bout marks Mindoro’s second outing this year following his dominant second-round knockout victory over Indonesia’s Wellem Reyk on the inaugural fight card promoted by fellow Olympian and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in Zamboanga City last February.
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Mindoro has spent the last two years campaigning in the United States, where he has continued his knockout streak with five consecutive stoppage victories.
Despite his unblemished record, Espadas is expected to provide the toughest test of Mindoro’s professional career. The Mexican veteran owns a record of 23 wins, 16 by knockout, against eight losses and one draw, and brings more experience into the matchup.
Espadas has struggled in recent years, however, posting just one victory in his last six fights since 2022. He also enters the bout riding a two-fight losing streak in the United States, including back-to-back defeats in title fights for the WBO Latino and WBC Continental Americas super welterweight crowns.
Nevertheless, Espadas remains the more decorated fighter on paper, having previously held the WBO Latino and WBC Fecarbox middleweight titles before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mindoro’s lone blemish came in 2023 when he battled Japan’s Takeshi Inoue to a split draw in Manila with the vacant WBO Asia Pacific super welterweight championship on the line. Since then, the hard-hitting Filipino has continued to build momentum, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising knockout specialists on the international stage.
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