By Jake Donovan

Daniel Rosario searches for his third straight win as he helps kick off the summer season of Boxeo Telemundo this Friday in Kissimmee, Florida (Telemundo, 11:35 p.m. ET). The junior welterweight prospect from Puerto Rico takes on Mexicos’s Aaron Garcia in the main event that plays to a familiar Puerto Rico vs. Mexico series theme. 

The show returns following an impressive spring season that saw its numbers continue to rise, improving on its totals from a 2014 run that included personal highs enjoyed by Telemundo’s boxing coverage. 

“This formula (three seasons of four consecutive weekends of boxing) has proven to really connect with our viewing audience and also the local crowds,” said Felix ‘Tutico’ Zabala Jr., whose All-Star Boxing company is the series’ primary content provider. “The conclusion of the super flyweight tournament earlier this year performed extremely well and overall we continue to dominate the Spanish programming market.”

Boxeo Telemundo has held firm as the highest-rated boxing program on Spanish television. The spring season—which ran this past March—saw ratings improve 14% overall from last year, averaging 388,000 viewers per episode. More telling was the considerable spike in viewers in the coveted 18-49 year-old market, climbing 22% above last year’s figures. 

“We’ve worked hard to retain our dedicated fan base and also tap into new markets,” Zabala notes. “We’re thrilled that younger viewers are gaining interest in the sport, it only speaks to the health of boxing’s future.” 

Rosario (10-1, 9KOs) has emerged as a series favorite in recent years, although his Telemundo debut was anything but memorable. The rising prospect saw his unbeaten record snatched in an upset loss to Edgar Ortega in Aug. ’13 on the road in Mexico. He has since rebounded with knockout wins over Jose Leal and Alphonso Black, both of which aired live on the network.

The July 17 headliner will serve as the third straight fight in Florida for Rosario, who hails from Caguas, Puerto Rico. Rosario trains with Evangelista Cotto, uncle and former trainer of Caguas’ best-known athlete, reigning World middleweight king Miguel Cotto. 

Garcia (14-3-1, 10KOs) comes in riding a nine-fight win streak, although largely comprised of inexperienced opposition. The showdown with Rosario will mark his first career bout outside of Mexico. 

In the co-feature, unbeaten rising prospect Yunier Dorticos faces veteran Galen Brown in a scheduled 10-round cruiserweight bout. 

Friday’s show is one of two in the summer season to take place in Florida. The July 31 edition will air live from Tampa, topped by Daniel Lozano in his first fight since losing in the super flyweight tournament finals to David Carmona in March. The local favorite faces Ricardo Rodriguez in a scheduled 10-round super flyweight bout. 

The other two cards for the summer season (July 24 and August 7) will take place in Mexico City.

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox