Super lightweight division takes center stage before Garcia and Barrios
Ryan Garcia challenges Mario Barrios for the WBC welterweight title, but the real ranking movement may happen at 140 pounds. Two world title fights and a WBA eliminator will tighten mandatory lines in the super lightweight division.
Richardson Hitchins (20-0) defends the IBF junior welterweight belt against Oscar Duarte (30-2-1).
Hitchins fights long and disciplined at 140. He starts with the jab and keeps it pumping, using it to set range and set the pace. High guard tight, elbows tucked, chin behind the left shoulder. He picks you off with straight counters when you fall short. Everything is compact. He scores clean when opponents square up.
Duarte brings 23 knockouts and a pressure style built on heavy hands. He steps in behind a tight guard, cuts the ring, and goes to work once he has his feet set. He digs hooks to the ribs, then brings the right hand over the top with power. If he gets his weight over the front foot and turns his hips through the punch, he can change a fight with one exchange.
Gary Antuanne Russell, 18-1, puts the WBA belt on the line against unbeaten Andy Hiraoka, 24-0. Russell fights with snap and inside aggression, quick combinations, strong pace. Hiraoka is tall for the division, long arms, 19 knockouts, straight punches down the pipe. Russell must close distance without getting clipped on entry. Hiraoka must keep the fight long and disciplined.
Frank Martin, 19-1, meets Nahir Albright, 17-2, in a fight that could restore Martin’s standing after the Gervonta Davis loss. Martin has thirteen knockouts and real hand speed. Albright is rugged and active, coming in with three straight wins. This is a test of Martin’s ring composure and punch selection under pressure.
At super middleweight, Bektemir Melikuziev, 16-1, faces Sena Agbeko, 29-4, in a WBA eliminator. Melikuziev applies steady pressure and commits to body shots. Agbeko carries 23 knockouts and will fire back if given space. An eliminator means positioning with the sanctioning body, and that always affects matchmaking down the line.
Amari Jones, 15-0, continues his development against Luis Arias, 22-6-1, at middleweight. Arias has shared the ring with experienced names and knows how to survive tough spots. Jones must show maturity, not just talent.
Mohammed Alakel, 7-0, opens the card against David Calabro, 5-1, at super featherweight. Alakel has been active and aggressive, but this level requires sharper defense and smarter pacing.
This undercard leans heavily on the 140 pound division. Two belt defenses on the same night tighten the rankings and affect mandatory lines. For contenders, these are the rounds that either move you forward or push you back into rebuilding mode.
Date, Venue, Start Time, TV and Live Streaming
Date: February 21, 2026
Start Time: 5:00 PM PT local | 8:00 PM ET | 1:00 AM UK on February 22
TV and Live Streaming: DAZN PPV
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Fight card:
Ryan Garcia vs. Mario Barrios, 12 rounds, for Barrios’ WBC welterweight title
Richardson Hitchins vs. Oscar Duarte, 12 rounds, for IBF super lightweight title
Gary Antuanne Russell vs. Andy Hiraoka, 12 rounds, for WBA super lightweight title
Bektemir Melikuziev vs. Sena Agbeko, WBA super middleweight eliminator
Frank Martin vs. Nahir Albright
Amari Jones vs. Luis Arias
Mohammed Alakel vs. David Calabro