Philippines, 28 Jan 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


"EL GATO" FIGUEROA READY TO GET BACK IN THE MIX//PHOTO" TEAM GATO

PhilBoxing.com


Junior welterweight contender Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa is set to return to the ring on May 21st versus undefeated Russian prospect Ruslan Provodnikov (15-0 10 KOs) in the co-feature to the lightweight clash between Ji Hoon Kim and Ameth Diaz. The bout will be televised by ESPN Friday Night Fights beginning at 9pm EST. The ten round bout will be for the jr. welterweight NABA and WBO Asian Pacific title.

Figueroa has been out of action since fighting Rashad Holloway to a draw on November 11th of last year. In that bout, "El Gato" of Bronx, NY, broke his left wrist in the fight and had a subsequent surgery which was a success.

"I was on the shelf for a little while. After a pin was put in place, I couldn't fight because it couldn't get wet. In January I had the cast and pin removed and I was able to test out my hand when I sparred with Juan Urango," Figueroa stated. "My hand held up well and I am ready to go."

In addition to preparing for the Provodnikov bout, Figueroa will be sparring with Nate Campbell as Campbell prepares for his upcoming clash with Victor Ortiz.

"This sparring will work for both of us. Nate Campbell is an aggressive body puncher just like Provodnikov. I can be the active boxer like Victor Ortiz to help Campbell out and he is helping me prepare for Provodnikov's style," he shared. "Of course I am more than just a boxer and I can change my styles up but this sparring will help Campbell and myself greatly."

Figueroa is very excited to be returning to network tv.

"This is a great opportunity for me. I am a very fan friendly fighter. People have seen me fight on TV before and I think the fact that I am coming back so soon from a broken wrist can inspire people," Figueroa said enthusiastically. "It shows that no matter what happens, you have to keep moving forward."

The Puerto Rican native is by no means taking Provodnikov lightly. He knows this is a fight he needs to win and he knows what is at stake.

"It is going to be a good fight for me. Provodnikov is a great fighter and a heavy puncher but I am by far his toughest opponent that he has faced," he says thoughtfully. "People complain about a lot of non competitive fights on ESPN but this will be a tremendous co-main event. I want to fight for a championship and by beating this prospect it will get me a step closer to that."

El Gato encourages fans to follow him at facebook.com/teamgato twitter.com/gatotime2010 and youtube.com/teamgato for the latest Gato news and video footage.




Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Vitor vs Subkhankulov, Tapales vs Kalsynov in Double IBF Asia Title Fights in Moscow on Feb. 13
    By Dong Secuya, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • “It’s about owning my own journey” Jeanine Brown retuns for Title Clash March 13 – Thunderdome 53
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Long Boxing Journey settles in New Bedford, MA for Junior Featherweight prospect Joshua Alvarado
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Steph Curry is 19th leading scorer of the NBA
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Ocum is WBC Asian lightweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • Kingsley “The Black Lion” Ibeh Believes he will stop Jarrell Miller this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
    , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • David Ray Sarmiento finishes second place in Cologne January Blitz 2026.
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 27 Jan 2026
  • THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 25 JANUARY 2026: Raymund Muratalla Edges Andy Cruz; Walsh Outpoints Ocampo
    By Eric Armit, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • MFPI 5th Mindanao Summit at Mt. Apo on February 19-22
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • OLYMPIC BOXING 8: 1948 OLYMPICS AT LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
    By Maloney L. Samaco, , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Golden Gloves Launches on Meta Quest Store, Establishing the First Official Esports Competition Pathway for Amateur Boxing
    , Mon, 26 Jan 2026
  • Andy Cruz vs Raymond Muratalla: Who Will Execute?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Libranza to fight undefeated Tso for IBF Pan Pacific bantam
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Filipino Cue Artist RJ Bautista Ready to Shine at the Las Vegas Open 2026
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Xander Zayas vs. Abass Baraou Fight Week Events to Stream LIVE on Top Rank’s Social Media Channels
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Ballesteros not yet ready against Ocum
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Chocolatito Gonzalez to undergo shoulder surgery
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • NM Nika finishes Sixth in Czech Republic Blitz chess tourney
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • The Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo RETURNS! Saturday May 2, 2026 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV
    , Sat, 24 Jan 2026
  • Donaire back in Cebu
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • MURATALLA VS. CRUZ IN LAS VEGAS FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Four Pinoys in line for title shots
    By Joaquin Henson, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • After the meeting in Mexico City, the WBC is ready for 2026
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Fri, 23 Jan 2026
  • Former world title challenger Jerry Belmontes Returns to ring at home after nearly a decade in Retirement on January 31 in Texas
    , Fri, 23 Jan 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.