Boxing Match Preview: Erick Badillo (17-0-0, 8 KOs) vs. Gerardo Zapata (15-2-1, 5 KOs)

Two top-ranked contenders in the 108-pound division square off in a high-stakes WBC final eliminator as undefeated Mexican prospect Erick Badillo (17–0, 8 KOs) takes on Nicaragua’s battle-tested Gerardo “El Cascabel” Zapata (15–2–1, 5 KOs) on Saturday, July 12 at the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California. The winner will earn a mandatory shot at the WBC world champion, currently Panya Pradabsri of Thailand.

Fight Details

Event	Info
Date	Saturday, July 12, 2025
Location	Save Mart Center, Fresno, CA
Time	Ring Walk ~10:00 PM ET
Broadcast	ProBox TV ($1.99/month)
Title at Stake	WBC Light Flyweight Eliminator
Weight Class	Light Flyweight (108 lbs)
Rounds	12

Fighter Breakdown

🇲🇽 Erick Badillo

Age: 29

Style: Orthodox, technical boxer-puncher

KO Rate: 47%

Strengths: Timing, body work, composure under pressure

Recent Form: Undefeated; WBC Silver titleholder in 2024

Rankings: WBC #2, IBF #14

🇳🇮 Gerardo Zapata

Age: 30

Style: Orthodox, volume puncher

KO Rate: 33%

Strengths: Durability, stamina, experience

Recent Form: 3–1–1 in last five fights; wins over regional champions

Rankings: WBC #7, WBA #7, WBO #4, IBF #15

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Badillo	Zapata
Height	5’5″	5’5″
Reach	—	—
Pro Debut	2018	2018
Total Rounds	97	105
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox

Both fighters are evenly matched in size and experience, but Badillo holds a slight edge in power and momentum.

Key Storylines

Title Shot on the Line: Winner becomes mandatory challenger for the WBC world title, likely facing Pradabsri or Balunan later in 2025.

Badillo’s Breakout Moment: With an undefeated record and rising fan base, Badillo looks to solidify his status as Mexico’s next light flyweight star.

Zapata’s Road Warrior Mentality: Fighting outside Nicaragua for the sixth time, Zapata embraces the underdog role and vows to “shock the world”.

Stylistic Chess Match: Badillo’s precision and patience vs Zapata’s volume and pressure could produce a tactical war over 12 rounds.