Young Mexican boxer Marco Verde, an Olympic medalist in Paris 2024, made his professional debut with a resounding victory over Michel “El Aguila” Polina on May 3, 2025, on the Canelo vs. Scull card.
The fight took place at the ANB Arena in Riyadh, and from the first round Verde showed her power. She knocked Polina down twice in the opening round, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
Marco Verde debuts with victory
The official result was a technical knockout victory in the first round.
This victory marks the beginning of his professional boxing career with great expectations.
Marco Verde stated that he plans to hold two to three more fights during the remainder of the year.
This is just the beginning. I'm ready to take Mexican boxing to the top, even at the professional level
Marco Verde, boxeador mexicano
Who is Marco Verde?
Marco Verde Alvarez, silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, made the jump to professional boxing on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
And he did it in nothing less than a luxury setting: the ANB Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as part of the bill headlined by Saul Canelo Alvarez.
Verde, a 23-year-old native of Sinaloa, faced his compatriot Michel Polina in the middleweight category (160 pounds), in a six-round fight.
This fight represents the first step in his transition to professionalism, after an outstanding amateur career crowned with an Olympic runner-up finish.
Why six rounds?
Despite his Olympic experience, the decision to start with a six-round bout follows the common rules of professional boxing.
They are intended to allow progressive adaptation to the new competitive environment.
“Professionalism is different. The pace, strategy and physical demands change completely,” Marco Verde recently stated.
“This is a great opportunity to measure myself and find out if I have what it takes to excel in this new stage of my career.”
The six rounds would allow the young fighter to apply his technique without an excessive physical burden, however Marco knocked Polina out in the first round.
High level of quality
The event on Saturday, May 3 is considered one of the most important of the year for international boxing.
Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a powerhouse in the organization of mega sporting events, investing in infrastructure and attracting world-class figures.
Buzzy
Complete line-up of the event
Saul “Canelo” Alvarez vs. William Scull – Unification of the super middleweight title
Jaime Munguía vs. Bruno Surace II – Revenge in super middleweight
Badou Jack vs. Noel Mikaelyan – WBC Cruiser Title
Martin Bakole vs. Efe Ajagba – Heavyweight
Marco Verde vs. Michel Polina – Professional debut
Brayan León vs. Aarón Guerrero – Average weight
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