Eduardo ‘Rocky’ Hernandez’s next fight has a home and a new promotional partner.

Matchroom Boxing confirmed that its Feb. 28 DAZN show—once budgeted for Oaxaca, Mexico—will head all the way north of the border. Hernandez’s junior lightweight showdown with Rene Tellez Giron will land at Hilton Lac Leamy in Gatineau, Canada.

The reason for the new location is Matchroom’s new venture with Yvon Michel’s GYM Promotions. The two entities will look to join forces in guiding heavyweight prospect Alexis Barriere (11-0, 9 KOs), who will face Mexico’s Ubaldo Ilagor (13-1, 12 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round contest.

“I am thrilled to announce Matchroom’s first event in Canada and the prospective of signing Alexis Barriere with our partner Yvon Michel,” said Hearn. “This will be the 19th country that we have promoted events in, and it’s one that we’re very excited to branch out to.

“Canada has a rich fighting history and there is a lot of talent there that’s looking to hit the big stage, and with Matchroom, Yvon Michel and DAZN on board, Canadian fighters are going to get the chance to shine, starting with the big-hitting heavyweight Barriere. The main event on February 28 is going to be fireworks. Rocky always brings the action and styles will gel to create an all-Mexican war to heat up Quebec.”

Added Michel: “I've been involved in professional boxing for over thirty years, and I've never been more excited than I am heading into this year. Canada is currently experiencing a tremendous upsurge in talented young boxers.

“This event on February 28, with the invaluable collaboration of Eddie Hearn, marks a major turning point for our organization and our athletes whose leader, Alexis Barriere, will pave the way from Lac Leamy.”

Barriere will end a 16-month inactive stretch with the DAZN appearance. The 29-year-old Quebec City native is trained by the famed SugarHill Steward.

“For me, it's a new start on February 28, when my international career really begins,” said Barriere. “I may not have been active in fights the last year, but it was a rich experience and learning thanks to Tyson Fury and my trainer SugarHill.

Ilagor joins countrymen Hernandez and Giron in fighting for the first time in Canada.

“I know my opponent is dangerous, but nothing is going to stop me,” insisted Ilagor. "I can't wait to give you a great show. I have got the opportunity I had been waiting for. I feel ready for this new challenge. I have been training for a month and a half in Las Vegas in the best preparation of my life.”

Mexico City's Hernandez (36-2, 32 KOs) has grown accustomed to headlining Matchroom's DAZN shows in his home country but will now hit the road.

The former title challenge has regularly worked with the global promotional outlet since 2022, and officially signed with them prior to his first career title challenge. It nearly resulted in a WBC 130-pound title haul, which slipped through his grasp in an Oct. 2023 12th round knockout to O’Shaquie Foster (23-3, 12 KOs), now The Ring’s No. 1 junior lightweight.

Two wins have since followed, both on home soil. The previously assigned location would have marked his eighth straight fight in Mexico, though he is unbothered by the new travel plans.

“Different country, same date, same opponent, same outcome – Rocky by KO,” said Hernandez.

Tellez (20-4, 13 KOs) saw his three-fight win streak end in his most recent fight.

It came in a spirited effort vs. Floyd Schofield (18-0, 12 KOs), who won a unanimous decision last Nov. 2 in Las Vegas. Tellez was credited with an eleventh-round knockdown but lost by scores of 118-109, 118-109 and 116-111 on the official scorecards.

“I can’t afford to lose this fight,” said Giron. “I’m looking to win by knockout.”