Rising stars in the heavyweight division, Richard Torrez Jr. and Guido "The Gladiator" Vianello will face off in a high-stakes 10-round main event on Saturday, April 5, at the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. This event is poised to be a thrilling clash of power, athleticism, and determination, as Torrez takes a seismic step up in class against the battle-tested Italian Olympian.
The entire Torrez-Vianello card will stream live and exclusively on ESPN+ in the U.S. with tickets and undercard information to be announced soon.
Bob Arum’s High Hopes for the Fight
Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum praised the matchup, stating, “This has all the makings of a heavyweight classic, two athletic big men with power and tremendous determination. Top Rank has promoted Richard and Guido from the start of their respective professional careers, and I look forward to seeing how the fight unfolds at the Palms Casino Resort.”
Torrez’s Rise to Contender Status
Richard Torrez Jr. (12-0, 11 KOs), a U.S. Olympic silver medalist from Tulare, California, has quickly risen from prospect to contender since turning pro in 2021. Known for his aggressive, volume-punching style, Torrez has shown tremendous promise. A southpaw with knockout power, he made his pro debut with a second-round stoppage of Allen Melson. He continued to impress with a dominant performance over Brandon Moore last May, stopping him in five rounds. Though his knockout streak ended with a disqualification win over Joey Dawejko last September, Torrez bounced back in December with a destructive third-round stoppage of Issac Munoz.
“This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time,” Torrez said. “I want to prove that I’m the best heavyweight out there and show what American heavyweights are made of. When they offered me Guido, I didn’t hesitate. I’m ready to go.”
Vianello’s Ambitions to Upset the American Star
Guido Vianello (13-2-1, 11 KOs), from Rome, Italy, has been on a determined path since turning pro in 2017. With a string of early first-round knockouts and a career-changing 2024, Vianello reignited his momentum with a first-round stoppage of Moses Johnson and a gritty, Fight of the Year candidate split decision loss to Efe Ajagba. Last August, Vianello stunned the crowd in Quebec City, taking down local favorite Arslanbek Makhmudov with a dominant eighth-round TKO victory. The Italian contender is now focused on proving himself as Top Rank’s best heavyweight, and he has his eyes set on challenging for world titles.
“I am excited for this fight. After fighting Makhmudov, I showed I was ready for anyone. Richard is a talented young fighter, but he has never faced anyone like me. I will show myself to be Top Rank’s best heavyweight and move on to challenge for world titles,” Vianello said.
What to Expect
Both fighters bring power, skills, and determination to the ring, making this clash a must-watch for boxing fans. Torrez, the aggressive, athletic southpaw, will face a seasoned and battle-hardened Vianello, who has proven he can handle tough challenges. This fight could be a pivotal moment in the heavyweight division, as both men are looking to make their mark.
Fans can catch the action live on ESPN+ in the U.S., with tickets and undercard details to follow. This showdown on April 5 promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most exciting rising stars in the heavyweight division!