Andres Cortes (23-0, 12 KOs) isn’t slowing down. The unbeaten Las Vegas super-featherweight returns on October 18 at Thunder Studios in Long Beach, California, taking on Puerto Rican puncher Derlyn Hernandez-Geraldo (13-4-1, 11 KOs) in a ten-rounder headlining Night of Champions V, promoted by DMG Boxing and Promotions.
Cortes has been in steady climb since breaking into the world rankings, sitting WBO #6, WBC #8, IBF #13. He’s fresh off a strong showing earlier this year and looks to stay sharp as the title picture starts to open up at 130 lbs.
Cortes keeps the engine running
While others take long layoffs, Cortes keeps grinding at home in Vegas. Trained and managed by his brother Luis, he’s doubled down on discipline and rhythm.
“I’ve had a great camp—very focused, very intense,” Cortes said. “We worked on everything, especially tightening up my defense and staying in rhythm. Staying active keeps me where I need to be.”
That’s the quiet killer in his game: repetition. Every fight’s treated like a title bout, no shortcuts, no coasting. He knows the division’s stacked and every round counts.
Hernandez-Geraldo brings danger
The Puerto Rican isn’t flying in for a payday. With 11 KOs in 13 wins, Hernandez-Geraldo’s a puncher who presses forward and looks to break rhythm fighters. Cortes knows it.
“He’s got power, and I respect that,” Cortes admitted. “I know he’ll come forward and try to make it a fight. That’s exactly what I want. I’ll use my skills and IQ to break him down round by round.”
It’s the kind of stylistic clash that either ends violently or proves just how far Cortes has matured. He’s never been one to run; he likes to solve pressure with precision.
Staying ready for 2026 title run
This will be Cortes’ second fight of 2025, another step toward that title shot he’s been chasing since 2022. He knows momentum matters.
“This is about staying ready,” he said. “When that title opportunity comes, I want there to be no question I’m prepared.”
If he wins clean again, expect Top Rank to push harder for a big-name opponent early 2026—maybe someone holding a belt or sniffing the top five.
Honestly this whole event feels like a soap opera with all these dramas between fighters 🤣 Can’t wait to see who throws the best punches while pretending they hate each other haha!
Right? It’s like reality TV but with more sweating and less scripted lines 😂 Let’s just hope they don’t trip over their own feet!
*sigh* another article hyping up fighters like they are unbeatable gods… 😂 I mean come on! They are human and make mistakes too! Let’s see who actually delivers when it counts.
Totally agree Rholmes! Fighters have their ups and downs; it’s not always about hype.
Wow, it’s crazy how many fights are lined up! But let’s be real—Cortes has had some issues lately. What if he loses again? It’s not just about his record; it’s about performance under pressure.
@Dennis, true but you gotta give him credit for wanting to keep fighting! If he wants a title shot, he needs to take risks and prove himself against tough opponents.
I agree with Dennis here, pressures can crack diamonds or break em apart! Cortes better bring his A-game or it could end badly… 💔
Honestly, this article really don’t give enough info on what makes these fighters special. Just listing their records ain’t enough to get me hyped. I need more details on their fighting styles or something!
I am so excited for the fights! Cortes is going to blow Jimenez out of the water! 🥊 This is going to be one heck of a night! Can’t wait to see all the action unfold and cheer for my favorites! 🎉
Yeah, right. You really think Cortes can handle Jimenez? That guy’s tough, man. I think it’s gonna be a real challenge for him, not some walk in the park like you imagine.