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Yoel Romero and Ras Hylton to headline the first season of Dirty Boxing Championship in Miami

Dirty Boxing's premiere event in November showcased thrilling matchups, leading to its full launch on March 22, 2025, with Yoel Romero facing Ras Hylton in the main event. Led by Mike Perry, the promotion merges Boxing, Muay Thai, and MMA rules. Fighters use five-ounce gloves in a unique 18-foot ring for striking and ground-and-pound action.
Yoel Romero and Ras Hylton to headline the first season of Dirty Boxing Championship in Miami
Yoel Romero vs Ras Hylton. Image via: Dirty Boxing Championship / Instagram
On the 23rd of November, 2024, Dirty Boxing had its premiere event in Miami, Florida. Post the successful pilot event, Dirty Boxing is now out there planning the proper hard launch on March 22 at the Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Miami. While the premiere event saw some of the most interesting clashes, including the Yoel Romero vs Duane Crespo pair up, Romero has been lined up to face the Maine-based heavyweight Ras Hylton.



Post the successful pilot event, DBX 1 is all set for a hard launch on March 22, 2025

Titled “The Soldier of God,” Yoel Romero, paired against Ras Hylton (6’6’’), will have a significant height disadvantage in the main event. The 47-year-old Cuban fighter is one of the most active and dangerous competitors with his most recent bout taking place at the November pilot event, where he secured a first-round knockout victory over Power Slap fighter Duane Crespo. That win marked his second triumph of 2024, as he had also defeated Thiago Santos by unanimous decision in a PFL fight earlier in February.
Ras Hylton, nicknamed as “Rasquatch The Jamaican Shamrock”, currently stands with a pro MMA record of 10-8-0 (W-L-D). Previously fought for Bellator and PFL, the Jamaican fighter took a long break post his defeat against Josh Marsh on 23rd September 2023. This was the second consecutive loss in his last three fights. The pair up shall serve as a redemption chance for the Jamaican Shamrock.
Dirty Boxing captures the limelight of the fighter community owing to its unique hybrid set of rules. Mike Perry, who recently made his venture into the promoter space, through this new promotion, introduces a set of rules that mixes elements of Boxing, Muay Thai and MMA.
“Opponents will box the sweet science gloved like an MMA fighter with the freedom to throw elbows like a Thai fighter,” Perry stated in a press release.
With these new rules in motion, fighters will compete inside an 18-foot ring using five-ounce gloves in three three-minute rounds. While the regular fights will have three rounds, championship fights will feature five three-minute rounds. The sport primarily focuses on striking but allows ground-and-pound, provided the attacking fighter remains standing on both feet.

The DBX 1 fight card currently includes the following matchups:
  • Yoel Romero vs. Ras Hylton (Heavyweight Main Event)
  • Cody Chovancek vs. TBA
  • Maurice Greene vs. TBA
  • Ulysses Diaz vs. TBA
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More matchups and details are expected to be announced as the event approaches. Fans can look forward to an action-packed night as Dirty Boxing officially makes its mark in the combat sports world.

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