With each show, the Boxeo Telemundo series is returning back to old form.

Further proof comes in the latest installment, which takes this Friday live from Auditorio Blackberry in Mexico City. Headlining the show, unbeaten Mexican lightweight prospect Denilson Jair ‘Kaiser’ Valtierra faces countryman Emanuel ‘Pollo’ Lopez in a scheduled 10-round regional title fight.

The event marks the first time that the long-running boxing series will take place in Mexico since the pandemic. The past 12 shows have aired live from Central Florida, all but two taking place at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee, Florida and with all of the shows in 2021 to date coming with fans once again in attendance.

The last boxing event to air on U.S. television in front of a live crowd prior to the pandemic was the March 13, 2020 edition of Boxeo Telemundo. Valtierra (14-0, 7KOs)—who hails from Leon, Mexico—appeared on the undercard of that show, having since added two wins ahead of his first televised headliner.

“2021 is going to be a big year for me,” vowed Valtierra, who is coming off of a 10-round win this past February. “I am excited to be back on Boxeo Telemundo but this time as a headliner defending my (WBC Latino) title.

“After this fight, I wanted to invade the U.S.”

Lopez (30-12-1, 14KOs) makes his network debut, while returning to the ring for the first time since Sept. 2019. The veteran journeyman from Chiapas, Mexico has been forced to hit the road in four of his last six starts, having suffered defeats on each occasion but posting two wins in his home country during that stretch.

Friday’s bout will be the first in Mexico for Lopez since June 2019.

“We are happy to be back in the ring after a long layoff,” notes Lopez. “We took some time off from my career due to COVID-19. We are now ready to give a great performance on Friday night.”

As has been the case with all shows on the series since the pandemic, the telecast and main event will air live beginning 12:00 a.m. ET.

Jake Donovan is a senior writer for BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox