Championship match to co-main Wilder v. Breazeale on SHOWTIME

In order to appeal to the fans hoping for a war between Deontay Wilder and Dominic Breazeale on May 18, there needs to be something on the line. SHOWTIME agreed with its fans, giving them a proper co-main event.

Gary Russell Jr. will defend his WBC Featherweight Title against Koko Martinez inside the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. In the opener of the main show, Juan Heraldez will face Argenis Mendez. The main card starts at 9 p.m. ET.

Making his fourth title defense, Russell (29-1) will look for his 18th win via knockout. He has not lost the title since winning in 2015. He hasn’t fought since last May, last defeating Joseph Diaz Jr.

“Gary Russell Jr. is one of the most skilled fighters in the sport and he’ll look to stake his spot atop the featherweight division on May 18 against the always exciting former champion Kiko Martinez,” said President of TBG Promotions Tom Brown. “The event will also feature a battle between a rising contender in the 140-pound division in Juan Heraldez going up against one of the division’s toughest and most active contenders in Argenis Mendez. This is truly going to be an electric night leading up to heavyweight champion of the world Deontay Wilder in the main event.” 

In his way is the 33-year-old former Super Bantamweight Champion in Martinez (39-8-2). On a four-fight win streak, Martinez may be Russell’s toughest opponent to date. That may be valid due to Martinez’s track record of fights against Leo Santa Cruz, Carl Frampton and Josh Warrington.

Prospects will be looking to get ahead of the game as Heraldez (16-0) will look to add his 11th knockout win to his impressive resume. The 28-year-old has gone from the Mayweather v. McGregor undercard to winning two fights in 2018. He defeated Eddie Ramirez via KO back in February. His super lightweight bout against Mendez (25-5-2) will be a big test for him. On a two-fight win streak, the Brooklyn native (Mendez) won the IBF Super Featherweight Title against Juan Carlos Salgado back in 2013. A win here could propel Heraldez into the stratosphere.

You can buy your tickets to Wilder v. Breazeale and all fights surrounding it at Ticketmaster.com and the Barclays Center box office.