Cuban middleweight Yoenli Hernandez ready for next test
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Pablo Olano, Pablo Olano
- August 8, 2026
Yoenli Hernandez doesn’t lack confidence
On the same night that Rolly Romero tries to defend his WBA welterweight title against Teofimo Lopez Jr., middleweight star Yoenli Hernandez will try to keep his perfect professional record in the co-main event.
Although it can be mentally challenging for a young star to overcome that experience, Yoenli “El Diablo” Hernandez isn’t fazed.
“I’m the best middleweight in the world right now,” Hernandez said. “My hunger for glory, my desire to be champion and win every title, that’s something I don’t see in the rest of the division.”
Hernandez will face veteran contender Francisco Daniel Veron of Argentina. The fight will be a 10-round middleweight bout on Aug. 22 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The middleweight bout between Hernandez and Veron highlights the undercard before Romero and Lopez fight.
Building toward title fight
Hernandez, a native of Camaguey, Cuba, fights out of Providence, R.I.. He hopes to build on his latest victory against Terrel Gausha, the former U.S. Olympian and title challenger he beat via a fourth round TKO.
Now, he hopes to do the same against Veron.
“I’m preparing very hard for this fight, because I know that I have an extremely tough opponent in front of me,” Hernandez said. “I have to continue to train that hard fight after fight and prove to everyone what I’m capable of. You can expect to see more of the same from me on Aug. 22 in Las Vegas.”
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Yoenli Hernandez (10-0, 9 KO) is the No. 1 ranked contender in the WBA and WBO. He is also the No. 2 ranked WBC contender. He’s another fighter coming out of the Cuban program. He won a gold medal at the AIBA World Boxing Championships in 2021.
Veron, 27, is 17-1-1 with 10 KOs. He has won his last three fights, most recently beating Raul Garcia via unanimous decision in April. Even with all his experience, Veron sees this contest as his most challenging so far.
And that’s exactly how he likes it.
“This is one of the toughest fights of my career, but we’re all prepared for anything he brings,” Veron said. “I’m here to face the best, and I’m not ducking anyone. We’re going to give people a lot to talk about when this fight is over. I’m coming to represent my Argentine people on Aug. 22.”
Rising stars on card
Rising stars and contenders will feature leading up to the main event on the pay-per-view card on Aug. 22. Colombian Carlos Utria will make his U.S. debut in a 10-round fight against super lightweight contender Israel Mercado to start the night.
Interim WBA super bantamweight champion Victor Santillan will face top contender Gary Antonio Russell. Utria, 22, arrives in the United States with a 14-0 record and 11 KOs. He has earned a top-10 ranking at 140 pounds and more. He was victorious in the WBC Boxing Grand Prix.
“I’m facing a strong opponent who’s coming to win,” Utria said. “That’s the perfect opponent for my U.S. debut. We’re prepared for whatever comes and ready to put on a dominating performance for everyone watching.”
Mercado (13-1-2, 7 KOs) is unbeaten over his last six fights with four wins and two draws. He beat Jonathan Jose Eniz in April 2025 and Branden Pizarro in June 2025.
Having faced four unbeaten boxers in his career, Mercado aims to prove he’s made for these kinds of moments by delivering an unforgettable performance.
“I’ve been patient,” Mercado said. “I’ve put in the work, and now I’m ready to show the fight fans what these hands can do. I’m built for this stage. I can’t wait to give everyone a great show and deliver a fight they won’t forget.”
Victor Santillan puts belt on the line
Santillan (16-2, 7 KOs) hopes to defend his interim WBA super bantamweight title he won in February against Noel Reyes Cepeda in three rounds.
His opponent this time, though, is unlike any other he’s faced.
Antonio Russell (21-1, 13 KOs) is part of the sport’s most renowned fighting families. The Russells have produced numerous boxing champions.
Brothers Gary Antuanne Russell and Gary Jr. have gotten their hands on a title in their respective careers, so this will be the opportunity for Russell to pick up his first belt in his career and add to the family’s already decorated legacy.
“I’m excited to be back in the ring and grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talent,” he said. “Me and my brothers have been putting in the work every day in the gym, staying focused. It’s almost that time to compete. I’m ready to bring another title home.”
There aren’t many chances for a fighter to face off against boxing heritage, which makes Santillan take a lot of pride in this title defense.
“It’s an honor for me to be defending my title against Antonio Russell,” Santillan said. “He is a good boxer who comes from a family of good fighters. I love this fight because the real winners are going to be the fans. We’re gonna put on a show.”
Pablo Olano
Pablo Olano
Pablo Olano is a sports journalist and graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and a SportMedia Certificate. He has covered college and professional sports as a beat reporter for The Champaign Room and previously interned at ABC NewsChannel 20.
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