Amari Jones cemented his status as a rising force in the middleweight division by stopping Vincenzo Gualtieri via third-round technical knockout on Friday night. The Oakland native, known as “The Reaper,” systematically dismantled the former world champion at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. The referee brought an end to the IBF middleweight title eliminator at the 2:29 mark of the third round after Amari Jones dropped the German veteran twice in a dominant display for Golden Boy Promotions.
The victory marks a turning point for the 24-year-old Amari Jones, who entered the ring with a weight of 159.2 lbs. By defeating a former titleholder like Vincenzo Gualtieri, he moves into a prime position to challenge for the vacant IBF middleweight championship. This performance was easily the most significant of his career, providing the first major stoppage win on a high-profile stage broadcast worldwide on DAZN.
Vincenzo Gualtieri, 33, struggled to cope with the speed and accuracy of his younger opponent from the opening bell. Despite entering the fight with a four-fight winning streak in Germany, “Il Capo” could not replicate the form that saw him win a world title against Esquiva Falcao in 2023. Amari Jones used his 6-foot frame to dictate range, landing heavy orthodox power shots that eventually buckled the veteran’s legs.
Amari Jones dominates IBF eliminator with explosive power
The opening rounds saw Amari Jones establish a stiff jab that disrupted Vincenzo Gualtieri’s rhythm. While the German fighter tried to stay compact, he was frequently caught by sharp counter-punches as he attempted to close the distance. This clinical approach echoed the technical precision seen when Shane Mosley Jr. utilized a disciplined jab strategy to control the pace in his recent high-stakes encounters.
The end began early in the third round when Amari Jones landed a clean combination that sent Vincenzo Gualtieri to the canvas for the first time. Though the former champion beat the count, he appeared visibly shaken and unable to recover his defensive posture. Amari Jones did not hesitate, launching a sustained offensive barrage that forced a second knockdown shortly after.
With Vincenzo Gualtieri backed against the ropes and absorbing heavy punishment, the referee intervened to prevent further damage. The official time of the stoppage, 2:29 of round three, sparked a massive celebration from the Northern California crowd. Amari Jones has now successfully navigated past a former world champion, proving he belongs among the elite at 160 pounds.
Full fight card results from SAP Center
The Golden Boy Promotions event featured a deep lineup of talent across several weight classes. While the middleweight main event stole the headlines, the undercard provided plenty of drama for the fans in San Jose. Following the trend of big-name matchups across the globe, such as the rumored rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, the California card focused on building the next generation of stars.
The confirmed results from the May 22, 2026, card are as follows:
- Amari Jones vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri: Jones wins by KO, Round 3 (2:29).
- Robin Safar vs. Yamil Alberto Peralta Jara: Safar wins by Split Decision (WBC Silver Cruiserweight Title).
- Darius Fulghum vs. Yoanki Urrutia: Fulghum wins by RTD, Round 3 (3:00).
- Tristan Kalkreuth vs. Marco Antonio Canedo: Kalkreuth wins by KO, Round 6 (0:51).
- Jordan Fuentes vs. Dante Paris Ibarra Hernandez: Fuentes wins by Unanimous Decision.
- Jose Medrano Jr. vs. Anel Dudo: Medrano Jr. wins by KO, Round 4.
- Jordan Panthen vs. Jean Rivera-Pacheco: Panthen wins by KO, Round 3.
- John Ramirez vs. Lucas Emanuel Fernandez: Ramirez wins by Unanimous Decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92).
- Enkhmandakh Kharkhuu vs. Adrian Herrera: Kharkhuu wins by Unanimous Decision (77-75, 78-74, 80-72).
Cruiserweight and super middleweight highlights
In the co-main event, Robin “Robz” Safar secured the WBC Silver Cruiserweight Title with a hard-fought split decision win over Yamil Alberto Peralta Jara. Both fighters weighed in near the 200-lb limit, and the 12-round contest was a back-and-forth tactical battle. The victory keeps Robin Safar in the hunt for a full world title shot in a surging cruiserweight division.
Darius “DFG” Fulghum also turned in a dominant performance, stopping Yoanki “Diamante” Urrutia in three rounds. Darius Fulghum displayed the kind of amateur-honed skill that fans expect from top prospects, similar to how Richard Torrez Jr. anticipates displaying his skill in his own upcoming eliminator. The corner of Yoanki Urrutia opted to stop the fight after the third round, citing his inability to continue.
What is next for middleweight contender Amari Jones
By winning this IBF eliminator, Amari Jones is now the mandatory challenger or a primary candidate for the vacant IBF middleweight championship. His performance in San Jose will likely see him jump even higher than his pre-fight IBF No. 4 ranking. At just 24 years old, the Oakland native represents a fresh faces in a division that has recently seen several long-reigning champions move up or retire.
Vincenzo Gualtieri, on the other hand, faces a difficult road back to title contention. At 33, the Wuppertal resident has now suffered two stoppage losses in his last few high-level outings. While he remains a respected name in Europe, he will need to rebuild significantly to earn another trip to the United States for a major promotional headliner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Amari Jones fight at the SAP Center?
Amari Jones fought Vincenzo Gualtieri, a former IBF middleweight world champion from Germany. The bout served as the main event for the Golden Boy Promotions card on May 22, 2026, in San Jose, California.
How long did the fight between Amari Jones and Vincenzo Gualtieri last?
The fight lasted until the third round. Amari Jones won by Technical Knockout (TKO) at the 2:29 mark of round three after dropping Vincenzo Gualtieri twice and forcing a referee intervention.
What was at stake in the Amari Jones vs. Vincenzo Gualtieri match?
The contest was an official IBF middleweight title eliminator. By winning, Amari Jones has positioned himself to fight for the vacant IBF middleweight world championship in his next bout.
