Mexican Olympic medalist Marco Verde will close his debut professional year facing American Raphael Igbokwe in a middleweight exhibition bout this Saturday, December 13, at the Centro de Usos Múltiples in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. The bell rings at 11:00 p.m. Central Mexico time, with the fight airing on Azteca 7. Verde aims to keep his 3-0 undefeated record, while Igbokwe vows a tough challenge.
Marco Verde, an Olympic medalist from Paris 2024, returns to the ring for his fourth professional fight against 33-year-old Raphael Igbokwe in Mazatlán. This marks his final bout in 2025, his first year as a pro under Eddy Reynoso's guidance. Verde has won his previous three fights: against Michel Polina, Cristian Montero, and by technical knockout over Sona Akale on September 13 in the undercard of Canelo Álvarez vs. Terence Crawford.
Igbokwe enters with a record of 17 wins, 7 by knockout, and 6 losses. His most recent fight was in December 2024, a loss to Sadriddin Akhmedov. The American promises to make Verde work hard for victory.
The middleweight exhibition is set at the Centro de Usos Múltiples (CUM) in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. While one source notes a 9:00 p.m. start, primary details and official announcements confirm 11:00 p.m. Central Mexico time. Fans can watch live on Azteca 7, Azteca Deportes' open television channel.
This matchup is a key step for Verde in climbing the professional boxing ranks, solidifying his shift from Olympic amateur to elite contender.