Orlando’s own Omari Jones is gearing up for a significant homecoming, set to headline the “Project Series 2” boxing card on Friday, October 2, 2026. The undefeated super welterweight prospect will face seasoned veteran Alan Sanchez in an 8-round main event, marking a pivotal moment in Jones’s burgeoning professional career.
This highly anticipated event, held at the Caribe Royale Orlando, underscores a collaborative effort by Matchroom Boxing, DAZN, and Boxlab Promotions. It aims to propel rising talents like Jones into the spotlight, giving them a platform to showcase their skills before a home crowd and a global streaming audience.
Omari Jones Returns Home for Main Event
For Omari Jones, stepping into the ring in his hometown of Orlando holds immense personal and professional significance. The 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medalist spoke with genuine emotion about the opportunity. “Coming to my city and performing for the kids in the crowd watching,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to inspire the next generation of local athletes.
Jones, currently boasting an impressive professional record of 7 wins with 0 losses and 4 knockouts, views this bout as a natural progression in his career. He signed with Matchroom Boxing in January 2025, embarking on a professional journey after a decorated amateur run. His transition has been seamless, maintaining an aggressive yet skillful approach.
He’s well-prepared for the shift from amateur to professional boxing, noting that he’s “been fighting top guys for the past 3-4 years so he isn’t anything that I haven’t seen before.” This deep experience against elite competition has forged a resilient fighter, ready for the rigours of the pro circuit.
Jones fully intends to utilize “all my speed, my skills, and my talent to put on a good performance for all the people in my city, Orlando, Florida.”
A Rising Star’s Journey
Jones’s path to this headline event began early, stepping into the boxing gym at age eight after starting karate at four. His amateur career was marked by significant achievements, including a silver medal at the 2021 IBA World Championships. These experiences laid a solid foundation for his professional aspirations.
The Olympic bronze from the 2024 Paris Games solidified his status as one of boxing’s most promising young talents. That international pedigree now serves him well in the professional ranks, where he’s quickly amassed an unblemished record. His ultimate ambition remains clear: “become a world champion,” a goal he works towards with every fight.
Sanchez Presents Seasoned Challenge
Jones’s opponent, Alan Sanchez, brings a wealth of experience and a formidable record to Orlando. The veteran from Northern California holds 24 wins, 7 losses, 1 draw, and 10 knockouts, making him a significant test for the undefeated prospect. Sanchez is known for his rugged style and ability to upset highly-touted fighters.
In 2022, Sanchez proved his mettle by handing Saul Bustos his first professional defeat, showcasing his capacity to derail undefeated records. He also holds a notable victory over former world title challenger Pablo Cesar Cano. This veteran presence ensures Jones won’t be facing an easy night in his homecoming bout.
Veteran Experience Against Undefeated Youth
The matchup between Jones and Sanchez offers an intriguing clash of styles and experience levels. Jones, with his amateur background and quick ascent in the pros, relies on speed, agility, and precise striking. Sanchez, by contrast, brings the tactical wisdom and grit honed over many years in the professional game.
This 8-round super welterweight contest is precisely the kind of challenge Matchroom’s “Project Series” is designed to provide. It’s a litmus test for Jones, allowing him to prove he can navigate the complexities of a veteran opponent who won’t be easily intimidated. Such encounters are vital for developing a fighter into a future contender, preparing them for the rigors of championship bouts.
Fans attending the event, or watching live on DAZN, will witness whether Jones’s youthful exuberance and skill can overcome Sanchez’s seasoned resilience. The outcome will offer significant insight into Jones’s immediate trajectory towards his world title aspirations. Other CES Boxing’s Fight Night events often showcase similar dynamic matchups.
“Project Series 2” Showcases Talent
The “Project Series” initiative, spearheaded by Matchroom Boxing in partnership with DAZN and Boxlab Promotions, represents a crucial development platform for boxing. The series focuses on nurturing emerging talent, providing them with regular, competitive fights that elevate their profiles and prepare them for bigger stages. It’s a commitment to the future of the sport, identifying and cultivating the next generation of champions.
The “Project Series 2” event in Orlando follows the successful inaugural “Project Series” card held on August 28, 2026, at the same Caribe Royale venue. That event featured Corey Marksman against Christian Barreto, setting the precedent for high-quality, prospect-driven boxing. The series aims to bridge the gap between promising amateur careers and the demands of professional title contention.
Full Card Details and Undercard Prospects
While Omari Jones and Alan Sanchez headline the evening, the “Project Series 2” card is stacked with other compelling matchups featuring a host of undefeated and rising prospects. The first bout is scheduled to begin at 5:45 PM ET, leading up to the main card at 8:00 PM ET.
- Jordan Orozco Hernandez (17-0, 17 KOs) brings an unblemished knockout record.
- Yusniel Abrahante (8-2, 1 KO) aims to add another win to his resume.
- Donte Layne (8-0, 7 KOs) seeks to continue his impressive knockout streak.
- Keithland King (11-2, 11 KOs) looks to rebound.
- Ronny Alvarez (7-0, 6 KOs) aims to maintain his perfect record.
- Narciso Carmona (12-2-1, 1 KO) offers a solid challenge.
- Diego Yaniel Ortiz Nieves (4-0, 4 KOs) is another exciting knockout artist.
- Fidencio Hernandez (4-0, 3 KOs) steps into the ring undefeated.
- Jusiyah Shirley (9-1, 7 KOs) aims to build on his strong record.
- Angel Hernandez (6-0, 6 KOs) brings another perfect knockout record.
- Ryan Santiago (1-0, 1 KO) seeks his second professional win.
This deep roster ensures continuous action and offers fans the chance to see multiple future stars in development. The strategic planning behind these cards is evident, giving prospects the right level of competition at each stage of their journey. Some might say Omari Jones has the potential to be boxing’s new Canelo if he continues his winning ways.
Event Logistics and Broadcast Information
The “Project Series 2” event will unfold at the Caribe Royale Orlando, located at 8101 World Center Drive, Orlando, Florida 32821. This venue has become a familiar home for significant boxing events in the region. Spectators can anticipate an electric atmosphere, particularly with Jones fighting in his hometown.
For those unable to attend in person, the entire card will be streamed live on DAZN, ensuring global accessibility for boxing enthusiasts. The main card begins at 8:00 PM ET, following the initial bouts that kick off earlier in the evening.
Tickets are still available for purchase via Ticketmaster.com and AXS.com, with resale options also present on AXS Marketplace, where the cheapest verified resale tickets begin at $81.25.
Orlando’s Growing Boxing Profile
Orlando’s role as a growing hub for boxing is further cemented by events like “Project Series 2.” The Caribe Royale Orlando has previously hosted major boxing occasions, including the “World of Havoc” amateur boxing tournament from August 6-12, 2026. This consistent hosting of high-profile events demonstrates the city’s commitment to the sport and its athletes.
The “Project Series” choosing Orlando for its initial and subsequent events highlights the city’s suitability as a testing ground for up-and-coming talent. It provides local fans with unique access to the sport’s future stars, creating a vibrant boxing community.
Such consistent engagement is vital for developing a robust boxing scene, ensuring that fighters like Jones don’t have to go far to prove their worth. In fact, some fighters might even be evading big fights elsewhere to take part in these development series.
