Red Owl Boxing has finalized the six-bout main card for its upcoming “Red Owl Boxing Presents: Boxfest XX” event on September 11, 2026, at Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The event, streaming live on DAZN, features 2020 U.S. Olympian Shakilya Ellis.
Promoters also confirmed that the 10-round headline attraction has been elevated to a regional title fight. This development adds championship pedigree to a card designed to showcase elite talent. Women’s boxing has seen massive growth recently, drawing comparisons to the impact of a historic female championship win in major arenas.
Complete fight card for Red Owl Boxing Presents: Boxfest XX
Red Owl Boxing CEO Greg Bloom expects an electric atmosphere in South Texas. He highlighted that the card brings unmatched depth to Payne Arena. Fans will watch a mix of undefeated prospects and seasoned fighters.
The promotion plans to reveal the preliminary bouts shortly to round out the night. Tickets for the event start at $35 on Ticketmaster and the arena box office. Organizers anticipate a packed house for the September broadcast.
Payne Arena has long served as a hub for major combat sports events in the Rio Grande Valley. General Manager Eric Treviño noted that the region represents a highly passionate combat sports market. The venue is preparing for a high-energy turnout on fight night.
Giovanni Marquez headlines junior welterweight championship fight
The main event features Houston native Giovanni Marquez in his promotional debut with Red Owl Boxing. Giovanni Marquez, the son of former world champion Raul Marquez, is on a quest for his third consecutive professional victory. He previously won the 2021 National Golden Gloves tournament.
Standing in his way is the experienced Rowin Javier Sanchez of the Dominican Republic. This fight represents a massive step up in competition for both junior welterweights. Leading promotions frequently elevate regional title fights when signing elite prospects to build global profiles.
The WBA NABA silver belt will provide the winner with a major ranking boost. Both fighters have shown a penchant for securing early stoppages in recent outings. This ten-round tactical battle could determine their trajectories for the remainder of the year.
Raul Marquez will serve as trainer in his son’s corner for this crucial bout. Having a former world champion as a guide provides Giovanni with invaluable tactical insights. Their familial partnership adds a unique layer of drama to the main event.
Shakilya Ellis meets unbeaten Karen Chacon in co-main
The co-featured bout pits former amateur standout Shakilya Ellis against Colombia’s Karen Chacon. The 31-year-old Shakilya Ellis made her professional debut in October 2025, defeating Maria Salinas by unanimous decision. She now faces a highly dangerous, younger opponent.
Karen Chacon boasts an unblemished professional record of three victories with one knockout. The 22-year-old was a decorated amateur, winning four national championships in her native Colombia. She also secured a silver medal at the 2026 Copa America Games.
This match offers a classic clash of styles and generations in the featherweight division. The veteran poise of the American Olympian will meet the youthful aggression of the Colombian challenger. It is a pivotal test for both athletes.
Analysts believe that the winner of this six-round featherweight contest will rapidly enter the world rankings. Both fighters possess elite amateur pedigrees that translate well to the professional ranks. This matchup is widely considered a true crossroads battle.
Deep undercard features heavy hitters and prospects
Further down the card, Nikoloz Sekhniashvili faces Jerry Belmontes in an eight-round middleweight clash. Nikoloz Sekhniashvili, who represented Georgia at the 2015 European Games, is coming off a fifth-round knockout victory. He looks to build momentum in a highly competitive division.
He faces Jerry “The Corpus Christi Kid” Belmontes, a tough 37-year-old veteran. Belmontes secured a second-round stoppage in his last outing in January. Such matchmaking mirrors the path taken by experienced former champions looking to re-establish their standing.
The card also features Harrisburg’s Rashon Sims against Brok Weaver at cruiserweight. Additionally, Tyler native Adrian Salazar will fight Peoria’s Patrick Quick. Opening the main card is an undefeated duel between Ryan Williams and Santiago Vasquez.
Ryan Williams and Santiago Vasquez have combined for six knockouts in their brief professional careers. This opening bout is highly unlikely to go the distance given their aggressive fighting styles. Fans can expect fireworks from the opening bell.
South Texas remains a vital combat sports hub
Staging this event in Hidalgo aligns with the promoter’s regional expansion strategy. South Texas fans have consistently supported live boxing events with impressive ticket sales. The local crowd is known for creating a hostile environment for out-of-town fighters.
Payne Arena has hosted numerous legendary fighters over the last two decades. The venue’s intimate layout ensures that every spectator feels close to the action. This proximity often elevates the intensity of the performances inside the ring.
Broadcast partner DAZN will distribute the event to millions of homes globally. This international platform gives rising stars a rare chance to perform for a global audience. For many on the undercard, this represents the biggest night of their careers.
Amateur pedigree shaping modern professional boxing
Modern boxing increasingly relies on extensive amateur backgrounds to fast-track prospects. Both main card female fighters bypassed the traditional slow-burn build of early careers. Their elite amateur experiences allowed promoters to match them tough immediately.
Shakilya Ellis captured gold at the 2022 World Amateur Boxing Championships at lightweight. Her transition to the 126-pound featherweight division aims to leverage her speed advantages. This tactical move could yield significant dividends as she moves toward a world title shot.
Similarly, Karen Chacon gained vital international experience representing Colombia on the amateur circuit. Her silver medal at the 2026 Copa America Games proved her ability to perform under intense pressure. She remains one of South America’s brightest female prospects.
Strategic implications of regional title elevation
Elevating the Marquez versus Sanchez bout to a WBA NABA silver championship alters the dynamic of the main event. It forces both fighters to prepare for a grueling ten-round distance. The physical demands of championship rounds will test their conditioning.
Giovanni Marquez has never fought past the eighth round in his professional career. This bout represents his first scheduled ten-rounder, presenting a fresh physical hurdle. Managing his stamina will be crucial against an experienced opponent.
Rowin Javier Sanchez has completed ten rounds previously, giving him a slight experience edge. He has faced diverse styles across his twelve professional fights. This seasoned background could prove decisive in the later stages of the contest.
