José Luis Navarro Jr. and Damián Biacho will battle for the vacant EBU super middleweight title on February 28, 2026. and Damián Biacho are officially set to face off for the vacant European Boxing Union (EBU) super middleweight title. This highly anticipated all-Spanish championship bout will take place on Friday, February 28, 2026, on Spanish soil.
JHM Promotions, which manages Navarro Jr., won the rights to organize the fight through a recent purse bid. The clash promises a compelling domestic rivalry for one of European boxing’s significant belts, setting up a pivotal moment for both fighters.
Navarro Jr.’s turbulent path to a European title shot
José Luis Navarro Jr., known in the ring as “El Cazador,” has faced a dramatic and winding road to this EBU super middleweight title opportunity. His initial attempt to claim the vacant belt saw him square off against Dane Oliver Zaren on June 19, 2026, in Madrid.
That bout, held at the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela, ended abruptly. Heavy rain and a severe storm forced officials to call off the contest in the third round, resulting in a “No Contest” ruling and leaving the championship unclaimed.
A rematch was immediately ordered by the EBU, but Zaren ultimately withdrew from contention. His decision, announced on July 14, the very day purse bids were scheduled, stemmed from his stated desire to pursue “bigger goals” and a potential world title shot, according to his promoter Primetime Boxing.
This withdrawal created an opening for a new challenger, which the EBU quickly moved to fill. For Navarro Jr., 26, from Córdoba but based in Madrid, this means another chance at the prestigious European strap.
He boasts a professional record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with an impressive 12 knockouts. “El Cazador” carries a high 70.59% knockout rate into this fight, having won seven consecutive bouts since his November 2023 loss to Gustave Tamba.
Biacho steps up for the vacant EBU super middleweight title
With Oliver Zaren out of the picture, the EBU officially designated Damián Biacho as the co-challenger. This pivotal decision sets the stage for an all-Spanish encounter that’s sure to capture national attention.
Biacho, nicknamed “Guinea,” comes into this fight with a strong professional record of 22 wins, just one loss, and no draws. The 34-year-old Madrid native has secured 7 knockouts, giving him a 31.82% KO rate.
He’s been in excellent form, having won five consecutive fights since his sole defeat to Jacob Bank in March 2025. That loss to Bank was a unanimous decision in Denmark, but Biacho has rebuilt his momentum impressively.
Biacho was preparing for an EBU Silver title fight on May 23 against Switzerland’s Angel Roque. However, that bout was postponed when Roque fell ill, further delaying Biacho’s European title aspirations.
He’s a two-time Spanish Super Middleweight champion, underscoring his domestic pedigree. Now, this EBU European title shot marks a significant elevation in his career and a chance to prove himself on a broader continental stage.
JHM Promotions secures fight rights with significant bid
The right to promote this championship contest was decided by a purse bid process on August 5. JHM Promotions, the company that manages José Luis Navarro Jr.’s career, emerged victorious in the bidding.
Their winning bid was reportedly much higher than typically seen for Spanish championship fights. Sources indicate JHM Promotions tripled the usual amounts, demonstrating a substantial financial commitment to hosting this high-stakes bout.
This significant investment highlights their confidence in the drawing power of an all-Spanish title fight on home soil. It also signals a strategic move to raise the profile of their fighter and Spanish boxing generally.
The purse bid outcome ensures the fight will be held in Spain, though the specific venue is still pending. Past fights involving Navarro Jr. have taken place in Madrid, at venues like the Hipódromo de la Zarzuela and Mad Fight Stadium, suggesting a strong possibility for the capital city to host this clash.
Contrasting styles and records collide
The upcoming bout presents an intriguing clash of styles and career trajectories. José Luis Navarro Jr., at 26, is the younger fighter with a pronounced power advantage, evidenced by his high knockout percentage.
His “El Cazador” moniker hints at his aggressive, seek-and-destroy approach. He’ll likely look to impose his power early and often, aiming to finish the fight inside the distance.
Damián Biacho, 34, brings more seasoned experience to the ring. His lower knockout rate suggests a more measured, technical approach, one that relies on outboxing opponents over the course of the fight rather than seeking an early stoppage.
Biacho’s resilience and ability to string together wins, particularly since his only recent loss, speak to his tactical prowess. This stylistic difference promises a dynamic contest, potentially featuring Navarro Jr.’s explosive power against Biacho’s composed ring generalship.
Significance for Spanish and European boxing
The EBU European Super Middleweight title is a highly respected belt, often serving as a crucial stepping stone to world championship contention. The title recently became vacant after Troy Williamson relinquished it.
Williamson had won British, Commonwealth, and European titles from Callum Simpson on December 20. However, EBU regulations prevent titleholders from holding other domestic belts like the British title if it requires a mandatory rematch, as was the case for Williamson and Simpson.
For both Navarro Jr. and Biacho, winning this title represents more than just a belt; it signifies European dominance and elevates their standing on the global stage. A victory would position either fighter for bigger opportunities, potentially including world title eliminators or unifying belts against other European champions.
This all-Spanish showdown is a significant event for boxing within Spain, tapping into national pride and fostering a compelling domestic rivalry. The winner will undoubtedly be recognized as Spain’s premier super middleweight, potentially inspiring a new generation of local talent.
The robust investment by JHM Promotions through the purse bid underscores the growing commercial viability of high-profile boxing events in Spain. This trend could pave the way for more significant matchups and increased visibility for Spanish boxers on the international scene, similar to how other European nations have seen their boxing scenes flourish. European title bouts often highlight rising stars.
For the victor, a path towards a world title shot or other major international bouts becomes clearer. For the one who falls short, the competitive nature of the fight means they’ll likely remain a prominent figure in the European super middleweight division, ready to rebuild and challenge again.
The anticipation for February 28, 2026, is building. Boxing fans across Spain and Europe will be keenly watching as these two formidable super middleweights battle it out for continental supremacy. It’s a clash that not only decides a champion but also reaffirms Spain’s place in the European boxing landscape.
