BiYu Promotions Lightweight Faces Unbeaten Alan Chaves at Prudential Center in Newark Live on DAZN and TNT in the USA
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC (August 24, 2026) — There comes a point in a fighter’s career when an opportunity feels a little different. For BiYu Promotions lightweight Eridson Garcia (23-2, 14 KOs), that moment has arrived.
The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native will face undefeated Argentine puncher Alan Chaves (22-0, 19 KOs), of San Miguel, Buenos Aires, in a 10-round bout for the WBO Latino Lightweight title at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event, promoted by Matchroom Boxing, will be broadcast live on DAZN in the UK and TNT in the USA.
Garcia knows exactly what is in front of him. Chaves is unbeaten, carries legitimate power and will enter the ring with plenty of confidence. That's part of what makes this fight so appealing to Garcia. He isn't looking for an easy road. At this stage of his career, he wants the fights that can move him forward. And this is one of them.
Garcia has been putting in the work at home in the Dominican Republic, where long days in the gym have been mixed with the comfort of familiar surroundings. Being close to home has brought a little extra meaning to camp, but Garcia admits there hasn't been much time to relax. With a title fight approaching, the mood has been all business.
“This has been a really good camp for me,” Garcia said. “It hasn’t been easy, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it to be. My team has pushed me hard because they know what this fight means to me. Every day we’re working on something, conditioning, timing, defense, putting combinations together, just trying to get a little better each time we walk into the gym.”
Training in the Dominican Republic has also reminded Garcia of the people he hopes to represent when he steps through the ropes in Newark.
“There’s something special about preparing at home,” Garcia continued. “You see the people who have supported you, you see young fighters in the gym with their own dreams, and it keeps you humble. I remember being one of those kids. I’m thankful to be in this position, but being thankful doesn’t mean I’m comfortable. I’m still hungry. I feel like there is a lot more out there for me, and I have to go earn it.”
There is no mystery surrounding the danger Chaves brings. With 19 knockouts in 22 victories, the unbeaten Argentine has built a reputation as a fighter who can end a bout quickly. Garcia respects that. He just doesn't fear it. Rather than spending camp worrying about Chaves' record, Garcia has focused on the things he can control, his preparation, his game plan and his mindset.
“You have to respect a guy who is 22-0 with 19 knockouts,” Garcia said. “He’s proven he’s one of the best fighters in the world. He can punch, he’s confident, and I’m sure he believes he’s coming here to beat me. I understand all of that. But I’m not going into the ring thinking about his record. When the bell rings, it’s just me and him, and we both have to fight, and he’s going to see the best version of myself.”
Garcia feels the ups and downs of his own professional journey have prepared him for a moment like this. His two defeats haven't taken away his confidence. If anything, he believes they have taught him lessons an undefeated record simply can't provide.
“I’ve had nights where everything went my way, and I’ve had nights where I had to go home and really look at myself,” Garcia said. “That’s boxing. Those experiences made me grow up as a fighter. I know how to stay calm when things aren't perfect. I know how to make adjustments. Against a fighter like Chaves, those little things matter. I believe in my experience, and I believe in my ability.”
There is confidence in Garcia's words, but no bravado. He knows he still has to prove it.
“I’m expecting a hard fight,” he added. “I don’t want anybody to give me anything. I want to earn this title.”
Garcia isn't pretending this is just another fight. Winning the WBO Latino Lightweight title would be meaningful on its own, but defeating an unbeaten opponent with Chaves' credentials could also change the trajectory of his career.
“Of course, I think about what a win could do for me,” Garcia said. “I’m human. You think about fighting the best guys and putting yourself in position for something even greater. That’s what I want for my career. I didn't come this far just to stay in the same place.”
Still, Garcia quickly brings the conversation back to the job at hand.
“None of those things happen if I don’t win this fight,” he continued. “That’s why my sole focus is on defeating Chaves. Right now, he is the biggest fight of my career because he is the next fight. I want to win that belt, bring it back home to the Dominican Republic and enjoy that moment with my family and my team. After that, we can talk about what’s next.”
Bobby Harrison, President of BiYu Promotions, has watched Garcia put in the work and believes this opportunity has arrived at the right time. For Harrison, one of Garcia's most important qualities is that he understands the difference between being given an opportunity and actually taking advantage of one.
“This is the kind of fight Eridson wanted,” Harrison said. “He wants to challenge himself. Alan Chaves is undefeated, he has 19 knockouts, and everybody can look at those numbers and understand what kind of fighter we're dealing with. But Eridson didn't hesitate. He believes in himself, and we believe in him.”
Harrison has also been impressed by Garcia's attitude throughout the buildup.
“What I like about Eridson is that he’s hungry without feeling entitled,” Harrison continued. “He understands nobody owes him anything in this business. He's been working, he's stayed focused, and now he has a real opportunity in front of him. I'm excited for him because I know how much this means to him.”
A victory, Harrison believes, could put Garcia in an entirely different conversation at lightweight.
“If Eridson goes out there and beats a 22-0 fighter with 19 knockouts and comes home with the WBO Latino title, people are going to take notice,” Harrison said. “That's a meaningful win. It can help him in the rankings, lead to bigger fights and put him closer to the opportunities we've been working toward. But just like Eridson, we're not getting ahead of ourselves. First things first, we have a tough fighter in front of us, and we have to handle business.”
For Garcia, the final days leading into the fight are about staying focused and appreciating the moment without becoming overwhelmed by it. Years of training, sacrifice, wins, setbacks and lessons have brought him here. Now he wants to make it count.
“I’m grateful,” Garcia said. “I'm grateful to Bobby Harrison and BiYu Promotions, my trainers, my family and everybody who has stayed with me through this journey. But I still have that hunger. I still wake up wanting more for myself and my family. This is a big opportunity, and I plan on giving everything I have to make the most of it. I want to leave Newark with that belt around my waist and show people that Eridson Garcia is ready for the next level.”
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