Marco Romero scores first-round TKO in Las Vegas boxing prelims as young talents shine

By NoSmokeBoxing

Three promising young fighters asserted their dominance on the undercard of a major Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) event in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 22, 2026. New PBC signee Marco “El Tiburon” Romero delivered a stunning first-round technical knockout, while Joseph “The Prodigy” Brown and Aldo Blancas secured decisive victories, highlighting a night of emerging talent at the T-Mobile Arena.

Romero, a middleweight prospect, quickly dispatched Kahlil Mitchell in just over two minutes of their bout. Super welterweight Joseph Brown navigated a six-round decision against Alton Wiggins, and junior welterweight Aldo Blancas outpointed MMA fighter Ricky Mamone over four rounds. These preliminary results set the stage for the main card, which featured the WBA Welterweight World Championship clash between Rolly Romero and Teofimo Lopez.

Romero’s TKO debut on Las Vegas boxing prelims

Marco “El Tiburon” Romero, making his highly anticipated debut under the Premier Boxing Champions banner, wasted no time in showcasing his power. The 20-year-old American from Olathe, Kansas, lived up to his “shark” moniker by aggressively pursuing Kahlil Mitchell from the opening bell in their 165-pound catchweight bout.

Romero, who entered the fight with an impressive 14-0 record and 12 knockouts, landed flush and hard shots that visibly rocked Mitchell in various corners of the ring. Referee Allen Huggins intervened at 2:33 of the first round, halting the contest as Mitchell succumbed to the relentless pressure.

This dominant performance elevated Romero’s professional record to 15-0 with 13 KOs, marking a significant statement in his first professional fight in Las Vegas.

The win against Mitchell, who now falls to 6-2 with 4 KOs, underscores Romero’s potential in the middleweight and super middleweight divisions. His amateur career was sensational, boasting a 130-5 record and 23 U.S. national titles. This successful PBC debut signals a new phase for Romero, with his team indicating this fight would provide his “first real payday” under a major promoter.

Amateur pedigree meets professional power

Romero’s transition from a storied amateur career to the professional ranks has been seamless, now marked by an 86.67% knockout ratio following his latest win. His ability to finish opponents early has made him a compelling prospect to watch.

His camp, led by manager and head trainer John Brown, along with his father Salvador Romero, has meticulously guided his development. With this victory, Romero has now won all 36 professional rounds he’s competed in, having been taken the distance only twice in his career before this bout. His performance suggests he’s ready for increasingly tough challenges in the competitive middleweight landscape.

Brown’s workmanlike decision amid crowd reaction

Teenager Joseph “The Prodigy” Brown secured a six-round unanimous decision victory over 30-year-old Alton Wiggins in a super welterweight contest. The 19-year-old Canadian, fighting out of Vancouver, British Columbia, displayed a diligent performance against the durable southpaw Wiggins.

Wiggins proved a tough opponent for Brown, absorbing shots and staying in the fight throughout the scheduled six rounds. Brown, however, clearly outboxed his older adversary, with all three judges scoring the bout 60-54 in his favor. This result improved Brown’s undefeated record to 8-0 with 5 KOs, while Wiggins’ record now stands at 3-3-1.

The fight was not without its moments of controversy, as Brown began to showboat in the final two rounds. A smattering of boos could be heard from the crowd as the final bell rang, indicating some dissatisfaction with his late-round antics. Despite the crowd reaction, his consistent performance secured him the win.

Mayweather Promotions prospect builds resume

Brown, a fighter signed with Mayweather Promotions, has been touted as a “Mayweather Prodigy” since meeting Floyd Mayweather Jr. at age 16. His amateur record is almost mythical, holding an undefeated 67-0 record across boxing and kickboxing, including six national titles and a Muay Thai world championship. He even boasts the second-fastest amateur boxing knockout at 10 seconds.

This fight represented another step in building his professional resume against a seasoned, if not elite, opponent. While his showboating drew some criticism, it also demonstrated a confidence that belies his age. As he continues to mature, Brown will need to balance his flashy style with consistent, dominant performances to climb the super welterweight ranks.

For other young fighters looking to make a name for themselves, facing established challenges is a vital part of their development.

Blancas overcomes tough MMA fighter challenge

Young junior welterweight Aldo Blancas successfully staved off a resilient challenge from MMA fighter Ricky Mamone in a four-round contest. The 19-year-old from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned a unanimous decision victory, moving his professional record to an unblemished 3-0 with 2 KOs.

The judges scored the bout 39-36 twice and 40-35 in favor of Blancas, indicating a clear advantage over his opponent. Mamone, making his second professional boxing appearance, dropped to 0-1-1. Blancas, who trains in the esteemed David Benavidez camp, demonstrated solid boxing skills and composure against an opponent known for his toughness from mixed martial arts.

Blancas reportedly dropped Mamone in the second round, a testament to his developing power and precision. His connection to the Benavidez camp provides him with elite-level sparring and mentorship, which is crucial for a fighter at his stage of development.

This win further solidifies his position as a prospect to watch in the competitive junior welterweight division. Emerging talents like Blancas are often on paths that could lead to significant bouts, potentially even a European Title Clash further down the line.

Emerging talents shaping boxing’s future

The preliminary bouts in Las Vegas showcased a compelling glimpse into boxing’s future, with all three victorious fighters demonstrating significant potential. Marco Romero, Joseph Brown, and Aldo Blancas are all under 21 years old, representing a new wave of talent poised to make their mark in various weight classes. Their performances reflect the robust amateur systems and dedicated coaching fostering the next generation of champions.

Romero’s explosive power, Brown’s technical skill (despite the showboating), and Blancas’ disciplined boxing all point to promising careers. These preliminary cards are vital proving grounds, allowing young fighters to gain crucial professional experience under the bright lights of major events. It’s where they learn to manage pressure and adapt to different styles, preparing them for bigger stages.

The investment by promoters like PBC and Mayweather Promotions in these young athletes signals confidence in their long-term potential. These fighters are not just building records; they’re building fan bases and reputations that could one day lead them to main event status. Their continued development will be keenly watched by boxing enthusiasts eager to see who rises to the top of the sport.

Las Vegas: Boxing’s enduring yet shifting capital

Las Vegas continues to serve as a pivotal stage for boxing, hosting major events and showcasing emerging talent. The preliminary fights at the T-Mobile Arena were part of a larger fight night, reminding audiences of the city’s enduring legacy as the “undisputed boxing capital of the world” since the 1970s. Venues like Caesars Palace and the MGM Grand have historically defined the sport’s grandeur here.

However, the boxing landscape is evolving. While Las Vegas remains central, its dominance is increasingly challenged by other global players, notably Saudi Arabia, which has aggressively pursued and secured numerous major boxing events. This competition pushes Las Vegas to continually deliver high-quality cards that attract both top-tier talent and passionate fans.

For the young fighters featured on this preliminary card, competing in Las Vegas provides invaluable exposure and a taste of the big league atmosphere. It’s a crucial part of their journey towards potential championship glory, a path many aspire to as they navigate the complexities of professional boxing.

The city’s iconic status continues to draw fighters and fans alike, maintaining its allure despite the shifting global dynamics of the sport. Such moments contribute to a fighter’s legacy, much like a significant career milestone for a seasoned champion.

About NoSmokeBoxing

More from NoSmokeBoxing →