Empire Championship Series: New Mexico's Next Wave Hits the Pan Am Center

Warriors of the Empire Empire Promotions rolls into the Pan American Center this Saturday, June 13, 2026, for Empire Championship Series 5, and if you're looking for where the Southwest's next crop of talent is coming from, this is it. This card is stacked with amateur prospects looking to make a name, alongside a solid professional lineup featuring some hungry regional vets and promising debuts. The main event sees a fascinating pro flyweight clash as Christopher Tavares (6-1 amateur) makes his professional debut against Alberto Solis (0-0 pro). Tavares put together an impressive amateur run, and stepping straight into the pro ranks against an unproven Solis could be a statement. Solis is an unknown quantity, but you don't get the main event slot without some backing. This is a real sink-or-swim moment for Tavares, and a chance for Solis to spoil the party. Keep an eye on the pace here; Tavares often pushes it. Further down the pro card, Taylor Andrews (2-1 pro) faces Aden Lopez, who’s also making his pro debut. Andrews has shown some real grit in his early career, and a win here keeps his momentum going. Lopez, like Tavares, is stepping into the deep end without an amateur record listed, so he's either supremely confident or has been honing his skills quietly. This bantamweight bout could be a sleeper for Fight of the Night. Also worth watching is the bantamweight clash between Joseph Veloz (1-7 pro) and Aaron Gomez (4-3 pro). Veloz is fighting for his career, while Gomez is looking to solidify his standing as a regional gatekeeper. Expect fireworks from two guys who know what's on the line. On the amateur side, there are a few matchups that jump out. John Merino (5-0 amateur) puts his undefeated record on the line against Cole Knapp (6-3 amateur) in a lightweight bout. Merino has been flawless, but Knapp brings more experience and has faced tougher competition. This is the kind of fight that shows if Merino is truly ready for the next level. Another one to watch is Klinton Whitmire (2-0 amateur) vs. Jacob Snoeyink (3-1 amateur) at middleweight. Both are young, aggressive, and clearly looking to finish. Someone’s '0' has to go, or someone’s winning streak gets snapped. And don't sleep on Isaiah Delgado (3-0 amateur) against Elijah Quinn (2-3 amateur) at featherweight; Delgado is undefeated for a reason, and Quinn will be looking to upset the apple cart. This isn't just another regional card; it's a proving ground. You're going to see raw talent, high stakes, and the kind of fights that build careers. Don't miss out. TICKETS Grab Your Tickets!