(NOV 5) HOUSTON, TX — Championship women’s boxing returns to the Lone Star State as former unified world flyweight champion Marlen Esparza makes her highly anticipated return to the ring to face former world super-flyweight champion Maribel Ramirez.

The two veterans will face each other in an eight-round bout for the vacant NABA bantamweight championship on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

The homecoming bout marks a significant moment for Houston's own Esparza (15-3, 1 KO), who steps back under the lights after an extended layoff.

Esparza has not fought in nearly 20 months, with her last appearance occurring on March 29, 2025, in a split-decision loss to Yokasta Valle in Mexico. Now moving up to the bantamweight division, the 2012 Olympic bronze medalist is eager to shake off the ring rust, capture regional championship belt, and launch herself back into the world title picture.

Veteran Ramirez (15-15-4), is a tough seasoned former world champion known for testing the elite level of the sport.

Ramirez brings a wealth of experience into this eight-round championship fight, setting the stage for a tactical battle between two battle-tested fighters looking to claim the vacant NABA crown.

WBAN / IWBHF
WBAN Instagram
WBAN Facebook

WBAN / IWBHF WEBSITES
www.womensboxing.org
www.wbanmember.com
www.floridaboxing.com
www.iwbhf.com
WBAN's Group Facebook