Major Update On Top Rank’s Main Event Of Miguel Marriaga-Mark John Yap

Another Top Rank main event has been changed. This time, however, it is non-COVID-19 related.

During the weigh-ins for the July 16 card, Mark John Yap came into the weigh-ins over nine pounds above the contracted 128-pound limit (136.7). As a result, the main event fight with Miguel Marriaga has been scrapped. The new main event will be Felix Verdejo v. Will Madera.

BREAKING NEWS: Main event opportunity now knocks for @DiamanteVerdejo. 🥊🇵🇷#VerdejoMadera | TOMORROW | ESPN pic.twitter.com/wkluCcRuku

— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) July 15, 2020

This is the second time this year Marriaga’s (29-3) bout has been canceled. He last fought in December, beating Alfredo Mejia Vargas via knockout. Marriaga was supposed to face Shakur Stevenson for the WBO Featherweight Title back on March 14 inside Madison Square Garden, but the bout was one of the first major events in the United States postponed as a result of the coronavirus.

Verdejo (26-1) is a lightweight looking for his own title opportunity. A former WBO Latino Lightweight Champion, Verdejo defended it six times. After losing to Antonio Lozada Jr. back in 2018, Verdejo rebounded with three wins in a row. His last fight was in January, beating Manuel Rey Rojas via unanimous decision.

Madera (15-0-3) made his professional debut in 2013. The 29-year-old is 2-0-1 in his last three bouts, the draw coming against Christian Uruzquieta for the WBC International Silver Lightweight Title. He last fought in January, beating Edgar Ramirez via TKO.

The June 16 card will take place from inside the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, NV.