Ashton Sylve and Joseph Diaz are set to headline a professional boxing card in Southern California after MF Pro announced a series of high-stakes matchups for their June 19, 2026, event at Thunder Studios. The homegrown talent Ashton Sylve, holding a 13-1 record, returns to his Long Beach roots to face the veteran former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz, who enters the bout with a 34-9-1 professional record.
The announcement, made on Wednesday, May 28, 2026, solidifies a packed schedule of events in the region. Beyond the main event, the card features several undefeated prospects looking to maintain their momentum. The timing of this showcase is particularly relevant as women’s boxing continues its expansion into mainstream professional platforms, with a decorated amateur champion set to make her debut on the undercard.
Matchups set for weights from Long Beach CA
The co-featured bouts offer a mix of divisional crossroads and highly anticipated debuts. Syracuse native Amir Anderson, boasting a perfect 7-0 record with 7 knockouts, will face Jonas Sylvain of Fort Lauderdale. Jonas Sylvain brings an unbeaten 9-0-1 record to the ring, making this middleweight clash a rare meeting of two fighters who have yet to taste defeat.
In the super flyweight division, 18-time national champion Kayla Gomez transitions from the amateur ranks to professional boxing. Kayla Gomez, an El Paso native with 54 amateur wins and a Pan American Games gold medal, will face Shayntain Creer. Shayntain Creer, primarily known for her stint in amateur mixed martial arts, travels from Columbus, Georgia, for this professional opportunity.
The lightweight division also sees a clash of undefeated records as J’Hon Ingram (9-0) meets Devin Cushing (18-0). J’Hon Ingram, the Winston-Salem product, faces his stiffest test to date against the more experienced Pensacola native Devin Cushing. This matchup is widely viewed as a gateway to potential title contention later in the year.
The local impact of summer combat sports
The June 19 card is only one piece of a broader surge in athletic competition throughout the city. While boxing takes center stage at Thunder Studios, other athletes are preparing for the “2026 Summertime in the LBwC” weightlifting competition scheduled for August 7-9. That event, organized by Long Beach Weightlifting, targets USAW members and beginners at their facility on Long Beach Blvd.
This localized focus on combat sports and strength training comes at a time of significant change in the sport’s hierarchy. Just as Rolando Romero was recently elevated to a title position in the WBA, younger fighters like Ashton Sylve are looking for the “signature win” that propels them toward similar global recognition.
For Ashton Sylve, the Joseph Diaz fight represents a massive step up in quality following his first professional loss. Joseph Diaz, a battle-tested South El Monte southpaw, has shared the ring with some of the biggest names in the lower weight classes and serves as a formidable “gatekeeper” for the rising star.
Future scheduling and regional crossover
Long Beach fans will also have their eyes on the Professional Fighters League (PFL) next month. Long Beach local and #2 featherweight AJ McKee is scheduled to main event PFL San Diego at Pechanga Arena on June 27. AJ McKee (24-2) will face the undefeated #6-ranked Salamat Isbulaev (10-0).
The proximity of these dates suggests a busy summer for Southern California fight fans. While the MF Pro boxing event focuses on traditional pugilism, the regional crossover between MMA and boxing remains high. Kayla Gomez and Shayntain Creer’s fight is a prime example of this trend, blending elite amateur boxing pedigree with MMA experience.
As the June 19 event approaches, the focus will shift to the final administrative hurdles. Contractual clarity remains vital in the sport, as seen in the high-profile Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua negotiations that have previously stalled over minor details. For the fighters at Thunder Studios, the terms are set and the training camps are in their final stages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is headlining the MF Pro event in Long Beach?
Ashton Sylve (13-1) is scheduled to face former world champion Joseph “JoJo” Diaz (34-9-1) in a super lightweight main event. The fight is the centerpiece of a professional card held at Thunder Studios on June 19, 2026.
Which female fighters are appearing on the June 19 card?
Decorated amateur champion Kayla Gomez is making her professional debut against Shayntain Creer in a super flyweight bout. Gomez enters the professional ranks as an 18-time national champion and Pan American Games gold medalist.
Are there other combat sports events in the area this summer?
Yes, AJ McKee will represent Long Beach in an MMA bout against Salamat Isbulaev at PFL San Diego on June 27. Additionally, the Summertime in the LBwC weightlifting competition will take place from August 7-9 at Long Beach Blvd.
