CHERRY HILL, NJ – When Gabriel Gerena steps into the ring again on June 8, it will be his first fight in seven months. The break – the longest of his career since turning professional in 2022 – is not due to injury or managerial issues. The 22-year-old has been busy in his final semester of college, walking the stage at Rutgers Business School in Modern Brunswick, Modern Jersey on May 9 with his finance degree.
It was a much more rewarding graduation experience than his high school final in June 2020, when he had to receive his diploma on the bus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The lightweight/junior welterweight prospect from Piscataway, Modern Jersey, says he was inspired to study finance after seeing so many other boxers and family members go bankrupt after their incomes dropped. He hopes to pursue a career as a financial analyst or retirement planner.
“Since I was a child, I have been able to combine school and boxing, which makes me more disciplined and good at time management. I have just learned to understand my mind and my body. That’s why I wanted to finish the last semester well, but now I’m back in boxing and I feel even better,” said Gerena (5-0, 4 knockouts).
After graduating, Gerena is once again focusing on boxing, with his next fight scheduled for six rounds against Lyle McFarlane (2-5, 1 KO) in Bally’s Atlantic City. Gerena says he doesn’t know much about the 27-year-old from Tulsa, Oklahoma, but he says McFarlane will definitely be familiar with his own style.
“I’m full of action. I’ll study you at first, but eventually I’ll kick your ass. If you’re not in shape or I’m smarter than you, you’ll be out of here before the last bell,” Gerena said.
Gerena’s ability to adapt stems from a 130-fight amateur career that began at the age of nine. He has won multiple Modern Jersey State Gold Gloves and Diamond Gloves titles and competed in every major national tournament, earning a silver medal at the 2016 Junior National Championships in Kansas City, Missouri.
The boxers he faced during his amateur career included professionals Jalil Hackett, Deric Davis and Travon Marshall.
(SEE: Thomas LaManna on the showdown with Juan Carlos Abreu, returning after the defeat against Lara)
Trained and managed by his father Edgar Gerena and Ahman Elliot, he says his long amateur career and experience fighting in unique circumstances, such as this weekend’s tournament in Puerto Rico, prepared him for the pros.
“I think that’s what played a role in me being a professional. A lot of people don’t get the opportunity to fight people from all over the country, fighting in international events, so I feel ready,” said Gerena, who is of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent.
When asked what advice he would give to boxers who are trying to balance boxing and school life, he says planning and communication are key.
“Definitely talk to someone. It can be hard, boxing is a lonely sport, you have to deal with a lot of things. A lot of times you just step onto a field you don’t know, especially going from amateur to professional, it’s a completely different ball game,” Gerena said.
“Writing down things like your schedule and what you want to do prepares you for everyday life. Okay, I’ll wake up at this time, I’ll exercise at this time, I’ll work at this time, I’ll go to school at this time. Whatever your situation, just having a plan makes a huge difference.
WBN understands that despite alternative options emerging, it is more likely that Manny Pacquiao will face Mario Barrios next.
Bob Santos, coach of WBC welterweight champion Barrios, told World Boxing News that he is currently in contact with Pacquiao’s team. Asked by WBN if he had spoken to Pacquiao or representatives of any other challenger, Santos replied: “Yes, Pacquiao’s promoter, Sean Gibbons.” Pressed on whether Barrios vs Pacquiao might happen next, he added: “It’s challenging to say. We’ll have to see how this plays out.”
WBN contacted Santos after Conor Benn emerged as a potential alternative to Barrios. The British fighter, who recently returned from a suspension following two positive drug tests, is keen to return to competition.
Benn showed favor with the World Boxing Council at the recent WBC Convention, the WBC Evaluation Committee and during an interview with the sanctioning body over the weekend. “The Destroyer” is ranked second in the rankings at 147 pounds, despite less than solid opponents during his time in exile, during which Benn competed twice in the United States while his career in the United Kingdom was in doubt.
As he battled to clear his name and with the British Anti-Doping Authority finding no evidence that Benn had intentionally taken ostarine, the 28-year-old’s career took a pointed nosedive. Despite this, he remains highly rated and at least one step away from fighting for an eliminator or one of the remaining championship titles.
However, Pacquiao remains Barrios’ favorite. Now it’s up to the boxing legend and Hall of Famer who got the first votes to secure his shot. WBN believes a July date – most likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas – is the most realistic date for a Nevada swan song.
Pacquiao could extend his record as the oldest welterweight champion by six years if he can secure a huge victory over the 29-year-old world champion. At 46 years antique, such a scenario remains unlikely, but he can never be compared to one of the greatest players of this generation.
Unlike heavier boxers and his training regiment, Pacquiao looks in great shape despite his advanced age. Everything is set for a massive return to the boxing capital of the world, provided Pacquiao and his team can manage his political ambitions, which are expected to run from this month until May. After that time, Pacquiao could find himself in the summer finals and become the all-time champion, regardless of the result.
Barrios is based in the city, where he trained with Santos, and would be the perfect opponent to see out the career of one of the greatest fighters in history.
Deontay Wilder has not retired from boxing at the age of 39, and the former WBC heavyweight champion has not issued any official statement.
World Boxing News can confirm that reports circulating on social media are false and originated from a imitation account on Up-to-date Year’s Day. As of January 2, 2025, WBN has had no word from Wilder that he plans to hang up his gloves.
As usual, WBN also asked Shelly Finkel for comment. However, Finkel has repeatedly said in the past that Wilder is not retiring. This case seems to be no different.
The last time Wilder spoke publicly was while promoting a mental health app, the Brown Bomber was unveiling plans to return to the sport.
He said: “The push-up protocol has been disabled. Strengthen your body and train your mind; no paid subscription required! It’s not about money. It’s about a mission to strengthen mindsets and improve mental health for all. To everyone: operate your services and achieve greatness.
“There will be people who tell you, ‘No, you can’t.’ [No] People trying to stop you or putting up stop signs. [No] People who want to bring you down and keep you down. But you can’t give up.
“No matter how many times you fall, no matter how many times you get knocked down, it’s a resilient mind, a confident mind, a powerful mind that gets back up and keeps moving forward to achieve your greatness.
“Apply your service. Achieve your greatness,” he added.
Deontay Wilder could announce his retirement tomorrow if he changed his mind, but at the time of the report, there was no truth to it.
When Zhilei Zhang knocked him out on June 1 in Saudi Arabia, the formidable top-flight contender needed time to assess his situation. WBN understands that Wilder has received offers, including contact from Francis Ngannou, regarding a possible boxing match with the MMA star.
The Wilder vs. Ngannou fight only makes sense for an American his age. Many voluntary positions [of which Wilder is WBC number 13] are occupied by threatening opponents who would start each clash as favorites.
Meanwhile, the Ngannou fight is winnable with less risk and more rewards, meaning Wilder can still earn a significant payday before hanging up his gloves for good.
Rising Irish boxing star Paddy “The Real Deal” Donovan (14-0, 11 KO), the current World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight continental champion, had to withdraw from his scheduled December “stay busy” fight due to a minor injury but now is preparing to fight his biggest rival in what may be the most anticipated Irish boxing match in history.
The All-Ireland fight between Donovan, who fights in Limerick and trains in Dublin, and Lewis “The Croc” Crocker (20-0, 11 KO) of Belfast, Northern Ireland, is scheduled for March 1. “Point of Pride” will headline the Matchroom Boxing card, which will be broadcast live on DAZN from the SES Arena as part of the International Boxing Federation (IBF) world title eliminator. Just two fights away, Donovan could win a world title if he defeats Crocker as the IBF mandatory challenger.
“There is something different about a good Irish fighter and I believe I will be next,” Donovan declared. “I think turning pro at 19 and now 25 has required a lot of life changes since I turned pro. What matters most is what I learned in the gym, because it was the ups and downs in life – being a husband and father, losing loved ones – that helped me improve. I improved as a person, which helped me become a better fighter.”
A true fighter from the past, Donovan is currently rated by three of the four major sanctioning bodies: WBA No. 5, IBF No. 6 and World Boxing Council No. 14. He has dreamed of being a world champion since he was seven years senior.
“I’m in an amazing position, so I thank God for that and my team, Andy Lee (head coach/co-manager) and (Up-to-date York lawyer) Keith Sullivan (co-manager),” Donovan noted. “It’s great to be ranked so highly at this stage of my career, but I’m where I need to be. To be ranked so high on three major sanctioning bodies is great. I know I won’t stop until I become world champion.
“I’m always at the gym thinking about the next challenge. I say it’s time. I love what I do. I am very grateful to God for being in this situation. I believe in God’s plan for me to become world champion.”
“It’s definitely going to be an explosive fight,” commented Up-to-date York attorney Keith Sullivan, who co-manages Donovan with former world middleweight champion Andy Lee, who is also Paddy’s head trainer. “Two tough, resilient Irishmen who have a lot to prove to the world. We were worried about the injury, but we are sure it will not be a problem during the March 1 battle. Paddy is locked down and training difficult under the watchful eye of coach Andy Lee.
Donovan has dedicated several of his recent fights to Pieta, using his boxing platform to promote the suicide prevention charity, which provides mental health services across Ireland. Paddy lost two relatives to suicide. The Pietra Crisis Helpline, at 1-800-247-247, offers crisis intervention support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, as well as support for those grieving as a result of suicide.
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