Avila Perspective, Chap. 259: MarvNation Boxing in SoCal and More

If this were poker, MarvNation Promotions would be holding a winning hand.

Aside from a handful of undefeated prospects including the son of the great Fernando Vargas, two pairs of top women fighters perform this weekend in Southern California.

One of the female fights showcases Italy’s Stephanie Silva (8-0) challenging Mexico’s Irma Garcia (22-5-1) for the vacant IBF super flyweight world title on Saturday Nov. 11. DAZN will stream the MarvNation card that takes place at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, Calif.

Silva, 28, who fights out of Rome, Italy, will be competing for the first time outside of Europe. She was training in Las Vegas recently and holds the EBU super flyweight title. She has two prominent wins on her record including victories over Ewelina Pekalska and Mailys Gangloff.

“I’m happy to be here,” said Silva, 28. “I will try to do my best for everyone.”

Mexico’s Garcia (pictured on the right) has also never fought in the U.S. but does have experience in world title contests. She is a law enforcement officer in Mexico and has fought three times for a world title. A year ago, she battled Micaela Milagros for the same IBF super flyweight title and lost a controversial decision in Argentina. A rematch was ordered but ignored by Milagros and she was stripped of the title.

“I’ve never fought in the U.S.” said Garcia, 42, who lives in Mexico City. “I’m excited about fighting here for the world title.”

If that weren’t enough, another female fight features the return of talented Yadira Bustillos (8-1) whose last fight took place in the same venue. This time she faces former world title challenger Maria Santizo (11-4) of Guatemala. It should be very interesting and explosive.

Bustillos recently out-boxed the very tough Katherine Lindenmuth whose pressure style has broken many others. Once again, the Las Vegas fighter faces another tough act in a make-or-break showdown against a top contender Santizo.

Santizo recently battled current WBO, IBF minimumweight champion Yokasta Valle for 10 rounds this past September. She also clashed with WBA/WBC champion Seniesa Estrada. The fighter from Guatemala has fought the best. She has power with six knockout wins.

It’s a 50/50 fight.

On the male side of the card, two sons of boxing greats will also be performing.

The oldest of the three fighting Vargas brothers, Fernando Vargas Jr. (12-0, 11 KOs) will be meeting Wilfrido Buelvas (24-17) in a six-round super welterweight contest.

Time flies.

It seems it was only yesterday that I was introduced to Fernando Vargas Sr. when he was an amateur preparing for the Olympics in 1993. He then went on to become one of the youngest super welterweight champions ever when he defeated Yory Boy Campas.

I also remember him carrying his son Fernando Jr. on his shoulders after a victory in the boxing ring. I can’t remember whether it was his win over Ike Quartey or Shibata Flores. My memory is muddled by all the years.

Another son of a former great includes Jose Luis Castillo of the same name. He will be fighting Michael Bracamontes in a featherweight fight.

Another interesting bout pairs undefeated welterweights Mylik Birdsong (14-0-1, 10 KOs) against Jose Vargas Quintana (8-0, 6 KOs). Both are Southern California fighters looking to move into the upper echelon. Birdsong fights out of Los Angeles and Vargas is from Chino. Don’t blink on this fight.

There’s nothing better than watching live boxing. Television or watching on a phone is OK, but sitting ringside is an experience every sports fan should know. Boxing tops the list when it comes to watching live.

Super Bantams in England

Undefeated Shabaz Masoud (11-0, 4 KOs) battles with Colombia’s Jose Sanmartin (34-7-1, 21 KOs) in a super bantamweight title fight on Saturday Nov. 11, in Newcastle, England. DAZN will stream.

Sanmartin lost two of his last three fights but those losses were against Mauricio Lara and undefeated Kevin Gonzalez.

A victory by Masoud legitimizes a perch as a super bantamweight contender.

Fights to Watch (all times Pacific Time)

Sat. DAZN 11 a.m. Shabaz Masoud (11-0) vs Jose Sanmartin (34-7-1).

Sat. DAZN 6 p.m. Irma Garcia (22-5-1) vs Stephanie Silva (8-0).