Oscar De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions staged 23 shows in 2024; the first one is officially set for 2025.
Eric Priest (14-0, 8 KOs) will take on Tyler Howard (20-2, 11 KOs) in a 10-round middleweight matchup headlining a Golden Boy Fight Night on DAZN card at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, the company announced.
“Headlining under the Golden Boy banner has been a goal since we signed [in April 2023],” said Priest. “I was born to do this, and I will make the most of this opportunity. I’m ready to kick off 2025 with an explosive performance.”
The Korean-American Priest, 26, has been a touted prospect since he won the Kansas City Golden Gloves title at age 18. He fought in his pair of 10-rounders in 2024, going the distance each time with unanimous decision wins. Julian Chua trains Priest at the Brickhouse Boxing Club in North Hollywood, California.
“Eric Priest has long been one of Golden Boy’s top prospects – with a victory on January 23, he officially rises to a full-fledged contender,” said De La Hoya. “He is in an extremely tough fight against someone with 20 victories who hasn’t ever been knocked out. If Eric gets through, big fights are in his near future.”
Howard kicked off his career with 19 straight wins but has lost two out of his last three bouts against Troy Isley and Ian Green dating back to November 2021.
“What a great opportunity,” said Howard. “Eric Priest has a great reputation as an up-and-coming guy, but I plan on derailing that plan.”
Manouk Akopyan is a lead writer for Ring Magazine. Follow him on X and Instagram.