4/5/2025 ESPN+: Richard Torrez Jr. vs Guido Vianello

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LAS VEGAS (Feb. 14, 2025) — Rising heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr. and Guido “The Gladiator” Vianello will clash in a high-stakes 10-round main event on Saturday, April 5 at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas.

Torrez, a U.S. Olympic silver medalist, takes a seismic step up in class against the battle-tested Italian Olympian.

Promoted by Top Rank, the entire Torrez-Vianello card will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. Ticket and undercard information will be announced soon.

“This has all the makings of a heavyweight classic, two athletic big men with power and tremendous determination,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Top Rank has promoted Richard and Guido from the start of their respective professional careers, and I look forward to seeing how the fight unfolds at the Palms Casino Resort.”

Torrez (12-0, 11 KOs), who hails from the farming community of Tulare, California, captured Olympic silver in the super heavyweight division in Tokyo. A southpaw volume puncher, he turned pro the following March with a second-round stoppage of Allen Melson. Torrez, a high school valedictorian who builds model rockets in his spare time, has since rocketed from prospect to contender. Last May, he dismantled fellow unbeaten Brandon Moore in five rounds. His knockout streak ended last September after Joey Dawejko was disqualified for repeatedly spitting out his mouthpiece. Torrez got back on the knockout train in December with a third-round blitzing of Mexico’s Issac Munoz.

“This is something I've been working toward for a long time,” Torrez said. “I want to prove that I’m the best heavyweight out there and show what American heavyweights are made of. When they offered me Guido, I didn’t hesitate. I’m ready to go.”

Born and raised in Rome, Vianello (13-2-1, 11 KOs) had four first-round knockouts in his seven fights before being held to a draw against Kingsley Ibeh. He reignited his career in 2024 with a first-round stoppage of Moses Johnson and a split decision defeat to top contender Efe Ajagba in a Fight of the Year-type scrap. Last August, he traveled to Quebec City, Canada, and beat down local favorite Arslanbek Makhmudov en route to an eighth-round TKO. He now hopes to upend another decorated home country hero.

Vianello said, “I am excited for this fight. After fighting Makhmudov, I showed I was ready for anyone. Richard is a talented young fighter, but he has never faced anyone like me. I will show myself to be Top Rank’s best heavyweight and move on to challenge for world titles.”

 

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April 5: Lindolfo Delgado-Elvis Rodriguez Junior Welterweight Battle Confirmed as Co-Feature to Richard Torrez Jr.-Guido Vianello Heavyweight Showdown at Palms Casino Resort LIVE on ESPN+ Lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason steps up against Giovanni Cabrera in undercard action Tickets go on sale Friday, February 28 at 12 p.m. PT via Ticketmaster

LAS VEGAS (Feb. 27, 2025) — Undefeated Mexican Olympian Lindolfo Delgado and Dominican standout Elvis Rodriguez will collide in a 10-round crossroads junior welterweight showdown on Saturday, April 5, at Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Delgado-Rodriguez will be the co-feature of the 10-round main event between rising heavyweights Richard Torrez Jr. and Guido Vianello. The entire Torrez-Vianello card will stream live and exclusively in the U.S. on ESPN+. The undercard will showcase Cleveland-born lightweight phenom Abdullah Mason, who returns in a 10-rounder versus slick southpaw Giovanni Cabrera. Promoted by Top Rank, tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 28 at 12 p.m. PT and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com. “This is a real fight between two top contenders who know a title shot is within reach,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “Lindolfo and Elvis are highly ranked and fully aware of the stakes. Abdullah Mason is making a quick turnaround and will be in the lightweight title discussion sooner than people realize.” Delgado (22-0, 16 KOs) made his pro debut in April 2017 and built an 11-0 record before signing with Top Rank in March 2021. After a nearly two-year layoff, he returned in June 2021 to beat Salvador Briceño by eight-round decision. Delgado's breakthrough came in August 2022 when he upset then-unbeaten knockout artist Omar Aguilar by unanimous decision. In 2024, he continued his rise, stopping Carlos Sanchez in the seventh in March, earning a hard-fought split decision over undefeated Bryan Flores in August, and blitzing Jackson Marinez in five rounds in December. Delgado said, “I've overcome every challenge that’s come my way. April 5 will be no different. Elvis Rodríguez is tough, but beating him puts me in the world title conversation. I promise to put on a great performance and bring a huge win home for Mexico." Rodriguez (17-1-1, 13 KOs) made a name for himself in the Top Rank Las Vegas Bubble, going 5-0 with four knockouts from July 2020 to February 2021. After a loss to Kenneth Sims Jr. that May, he bounced back with four straight victories, including a decision win over once-beaten Joseph Adorno in February 2023 and a seventh-round stoppage of former world champion Viktor Postol in July. He re-signed with Top Rank in May 2024, then tallied 10-round victories over Jino Rodrigo in June and Kendo Castañeda in September. Rodriguez said, “I’m motivated for this fight, which is why I'm working harder than ever. I know this is the kind of fight that can change the course of my career and put me where I want to be. That’s why, on April 5, we’ll make the most of this opportunity and walk away with my hand raised. I know what my opponent brings to the table, but I also know I have what it takes to walk away with the win.” Mason (17-0, 15 KOs) went 5-0 with five knockouts within four rounds in 2024 and firmly entered the Prospect of the Year discussion. The southpaw slasher turned pro as a 17-year-old in 2021 and has not been pushed the distance since August 2023. Mason started 2025 in vintage fashion, flooring Manuel Jaimes four times en route to a fourth-round TKO. Cabrera (22-2, 7 KOs) notched decision wins over Rene Tellez Giron and Gabriel Flores Jr. in 2022 before dropping a split decision to Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz in July 2023. He looks to rebound from last July’s third-round stoppage to top lightweight contender William Zepeda. Mason said, “In 2025, I want all the smoke. I respect Giovanni Cabrera for accepting the fight, but he’s the next one on my way to the world championship. I look forward to making a statement on April 5 at The Palms in Las Vegas.”