Boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. and his RJJ Boxing promotion are returning to the Legends Casino Hotel Event Center in Toppenish, Washington, for a high-stakes rematch between Natasha Spence and Maricela Cornejo. The 10-round main event, scheduled for Friday, June 12, 2026, will contest the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) International Middleweight Championship.
Beyond the championship stakes, the evening serves a broader mission as “Roy Jones Jr. Boxing Presents RJJ Saving The Kids,” an initiative using the platform of professional fighting to fuel global efforts against child abduction and human trafficking.
The rematch follows a 2025 encounter at the same venue where Natasha Spence secured a victory via unanimous decision. Maricela Cornejo, a 38-year-old Washington native with a 19-7 record (7 KOs), entered that first fight just four months after giving birth. Now seeking redemption, Cornejo faces a significant challenge in Natasha Spence, a 40-year-old Canadian veteran known as “The Nightmare.” Spence brings an 8-8-2 record with 6 KOs and recently captured another title, setting the stage for a clash between two experienced competitors in women’s boxing’s emerging prime.
Charity proceeds to fund global anti-trafficking efforts
The event is branded under the slogan “What are we fighting for? One punch saves a child’s life.” While the fights provide the entertainment, the financial structure of the broadcast is designed for social impact. All proceeds from the 1EZLIFE.com Pay-Per-View, priced at $35, will be directed to non-profit organizations dedicated to stopping trafficking and saving children. RJJ Boxing is operating at the forefront of this effort alongside strategic partners like Flatirons Church, which is helping to lead community mobilization.
The “RJJ Saving the Kids” charity was co-founded by Roy Jones Jr., philanthropist Jackie Siegel, and former MLB star Johnny Damon. The organization aims to dismantle trafficking networks through advanced metropolitan technology and corporate alliances. Darrell Choates, founder of “Safe Smart City,” is another key co-founder, providing the urban infrastructure technology intended to locate child traffickers. Roy Jones Jr. noted that he wants to give the sport “a new meaning” by linking professional results to life-saving outcomes.
Natasha Spence vs. Maricela Cornejo championship rematch
Maricela Cornejo, who was raised in nearby Grandview, is looking for a different outcome than her August 2025 loss. In that first bout, judges scored the contest 59-55 twice and 60-54 once in favor of Spence. Cornejo has previously competed at the highest levels, including title bouts against Claressa Shields and Cecilia Braekhus. She is determined to show her full potential now that she is a year removed from her pregnancy.
Natasha Spence, fighting out of Cambridge, Ontario, has shown remarkable longevity in a career dating back to 2010. Roy Jones Jr. praised both fighters, noting that while Cornejo is now at 100 percent, Spence has used the time since their last meeting to win another belt and improve her tactical approach. The WBA International Middleweight title remains a significant prize that could propel the winner toward a full world title opportunity in the near future.
Undercard and local talent in Toppenish
The six-fight card is not limited to the main event, as it features two heavyweight bouts and a selection of talent from the Pacific Northwest. Darnell Thompson, a former football player now training under Roy Jones Jr. in Dallas, is among the heavyweights looking to make a statement. Other local fighters scheduled to appear include Andres Reyes, Isaac Russel, and Carlos Villanueva, with Johnathan Magana of Kennewick set for a four-round super lightweight contest.
Doors at the Legends Casino Hotel open at 6:00 PM PT, with the first bell scheduled for 7:00 PM PT. The event joins a busy global calendar, coming just weeks after other high-profile bouts such as the Oleksandr Usyk vs. Rico Verhoeven historic match. By combining local regional interest with a global charitable mission, RJJ Boxing is attempting to create a sustainable model for televised regional shows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I purchase tickets for the RJJ Saving the Kids event?
Tickets for the event at Legends Casino Hotel in Toppenish are priced at $50, $60, and $70. They can be purchased in person at the venue’s gift shop or online through Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6:00 PM PT on June 12.
How does the charity benefit from the pay-per-view sales?
All proceeds from the $35 digital broadcast on 1EZLIFE.com are directed to non-profit organizations fighting human trafficking. RJJ Boxing and Flatirons Church are the primary partners leading this community mobilization and fundraising effort.
What is the professional record of main event fighter Natasha Spence?
Natasha Spence, a veteran from Cambridge, Ontario, currently holds a professional record of 8-8-2 with 6 KOs. She previously defeated Maricela Cornejo by unanimous decision in their first meeting in August 2025.
