Raúl Curiel (16-0-1, 14 KOs) will soon take on Jordan Panthen (11-1, 9 KOs) in a 10-round 158-lb catchweight bout.
Their bout headlines a Golden Boy Promotions card at the Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, CA. Fight fans around the world can catch the action live on DAZN. Curiel was initially slated to face Alexis Rocha. However, Rocha had to withdraw after reportedly experiencing issues cutting weight. Panthen stepped in as a result.
Below is some of what both men had to say before the Friday night card.
Raúl Curiel vs. Jordan Panthen quotes
Raúl Curiel
“The biggest thing I noticed is that my confidence is all the way back [since selecting Robert Garcia as his trainer],” said Curiel to Jake Donovan of BoxingScene prior to the opponent switch. “At Wild Card, they helped me out a lot. Freddie [Roach] taught me a lot of things. But I felt like I was stuck in my comfort zone. Personally, I knew that I needed more work. I’m a Mexican fighter, I want to improve the Mexican style.”
“With Robert, that’s the primary style they’ve taught me. Everything is just connecting and I feel ready.”
Jordan Panthen
“Very excited…I’ve got the jitters, nervous, but it’s good,” Panthen said to Lance Pugmire of BoxingScene. “It’s what I’ve trained for. They asked me about it, I thought for one or two seconds and said yes. He is a great fighter. I know he’s going to come forward and look to fight. He has a lot of experience, trained by a great coach in Robert Garcia.”
“I’m expecting a good, hard fight and I’m looking to throw hands. Coming to win, coming to do my best.”
Fight prediction
Although this is being arranged on short notice, Curiel should have the upper hand here. Panthen may be better accustomed to the weight, but his opponent had the better amateur career. Curiel should have the skillset to defeat someone like Panthen. Expect a stoppage for the Mexican fighter within eight rounds.
