The touted prospects slated to be featured on the May 22 show at the Avalon in Los Angeles are fighting for more than just further building on their burgeoning boxing careers.
Jonny Mansour, Ricardo Ruvalcaba and Vic Pasillas are the marquee attractions for the
Championing Mental Health: A Night of Boxing show on DAZN presented by the 555 Media Agency in partnership with the WBC, Athletes for Hope and Bash Boxing.
The charity event aims to raise funds and awareness for mental health initiatives while supporting boxers. Each of the fighters on the bill will have access to six months of free mental health therapy through Athletes for Hope, a philanthropic non-profit organization founded by Muhammad Ali and other athletes in 2006.
“My vision was to create a platform that unites powerful voices and resources to change the trajectory of mental health in boxing,” said Anthony Girges, founder of 555 Media Agency and a manager to WBC cruiserweight champion Noel Mikaelian and Cody Crowley, in a statement.
“This isn’t just a night of boxing, it’s about recognizing that professional boxers are human and deserve accessible support and resources for their mental wellness. I’m honored to have the support of Athletes for Hope and the WBC, two organizations truly committed to this mission. Together, we’re using the power of boxing to shine a light on one of this generation’s greatest struggles.”
WBC Cares joined the USA Congressional Mental Health Task Force in 2014.
“Mental health is a top priority for the WBC, and we are proud to support the event,” said WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman via statement. “Our proud mental health ambassador, legendary champion Mia St. John, will be present along with special activations in support of this majestic event. Let’s all join together and make this a special night.”
In addition to live musical performances, one of the other planned activities around the show is a panel discussion with current and former fighters, mental health experts and sports personalities.
In recent years, Tyson Fury, Ryan Garcia and Danny Garcia have opened up about their mental health problems. Dr. Mena Mirhom, the chief well-being officer for Athletes for Hope, said it’s critical to spotlight boxers.
“Studies indicate that one in four people will struggle with mental health issues each year, and this is often magnified in high-intensity sports like boxing,” said Mirhom. “The physical demands are well known, but the mental resilience required is often overlooked. It’s time we break the silence and ensure boxers have the support they need to thrive both inside and outside the ring.”
Mansour (4-0, 2 KOs), a 24-year-old lightweight from San Diego, is set to headline the card against Christian Avalos (3-2-2, 0 KOs).
Pasillas (17-1, 10 KOs) will be fighting for just the second time in four years when he takes on Carlos Jackson (20-2, 13 KOs) in a featherweight fight. Pasillas' only loss came via 11th-round stoppage to Ra'eese Aleem for the WBA interim junior featherweight title in 2021.
Ruvalcaba (13-0-1, 10 KOs), a 24-year-old junior welterweight from Ventura, California, is set to take on Luis Alberto Veron (20-10, 9 KOs).
Jessie Mandapat (9-1-1, 5 KOs), Adelaida Ruiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs), Chantel Navarro (5-0, 3 KOs) and Avetis Gadyan (1-0, 1 KO) also are set to be featured on the card.
Manouk Akopyan is The Ring’s lead writer. Follow him on X and Instagram: @ManoukAkopyan.