Boxing Match Preview: Rene Calixto (23-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Willibaldo Garcia (22-5-2, 13 KOs)

Fight Details

Matchup: Rene Calixto (23-0-1, 9 KOs) vs. Willibaldo Garcia (22-5-2, 13 KOs)

Date: Friday, May 23, 2025

Venue: Gimnasio Marcelino Gonzalez, Zacatecas, Mexico

Division: Super Flyweight (115 lbs)

Rounds: 12

Title on the Line: Vacant IBF World Junior Bantamweight Championship

Broadcast: ESPN2, Disney+

Fighter Profiles & Recent Form

Rene Calixto

Age: 30

Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Professional Rounds: 123

Ranking: WBO #9, IBF #4

Calixto enters the ring undefeated, boasting a 23-0-1 record with 9 knockouts. He is known for his technical precision, defensive awareness, and counterpunching ability. His last fight against Garcia ended in a split draw, making this rematch highly anticipated. Calixto has fought 36 fewer professional rounds than Garcia, but his ability to control the pace could be a key factor.

Willibaldo Garcia

Age: 35

Height: 5’4″ (163 cm)

Stance: Orthodox

Professional Rounds: 159

Ranking: WBO #8, IBF #3

Garcia brings more experience into this fight, having fought 159 professional rounds compared to Calixto’s 123. With 13 knockouts in 22 wins, Garcia has a higher KO percentage (59%) than Calixto (39%), making him the more powerful puncher. He believes he was robbed in their first fight, and he will be looking to prove himself in this rematch.

Key Matchups & Fight Analysis

Speed vs. Power

Calixto is the faster, more technical fighter, while Garcia has the power advantage. If Calixto can maintain distance and avoid Garcia’s heavy shots, he could outbox him over 12 rounds.

Defensive Strategy

Calixto’s defensive movement and counterpunching were effective in their first fight, but Garcia has vowed to increase his aggression. Expect Garcia to press forward early, trying to land big shots.

Championship Stakes

With the vacant IBF World Junior Bantamweight title on the line, both fighters have extra motivation. Garcia has never won a world title, while Calixto is looking to cement his undefeated legacy.

FIGHT ODDS

Rene Calixto                      – 140

Willibaldo Garcia             + 120

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, May 22, 2025