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.
Badillo is a heavy favorite, but Zapata’s experience and rankings across all four sanctioning bodies make him a legitimate threat.
FIGHT ODDS
Erick Badillo – 900
Gerardo Zapata + 650
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 11, 2025
