Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez receives Commemorative Belt and rematch officially announced

During the traditional Martes de Café conference, Mexican fighter Gabriela “Bonita” Sánchez attended following her weekend bout against Tamara “Rebelde” De Marco, which ended in a technical draw due to an accidental clash of heads.

WBC President Mauricio Sulaimán outlines  the results of the official review conducted after the fight:

“We reviewed the replay from different angles on several occasions. I spoke with her trainer, the supervisor, ring officials, and people from the broadcast team. We carried out a full investigation of the reports from the officials and the supervisor, analyzed the videos, and reached several conclusions.”

Mauricio reminded everyone of how the rules apply in these cases:

“After the weigh-in, the rules are read aloud, and the regulation on accidental cuts clearly states that if such a cut — in this case, from a headbutt — occurs before the fifth round, the result shall be declared a technical draw.

“Determining whether a punch or an accidental headbutt came first is impossible — what you see from one angle, another disproves. There were clearly head clashes from the first round, which is natural in boxing. Whether the cut came from a punch or a headbutt in the same area is impossible to say.”

The WBC President confirmed that the organization had decided to uphold the technical draw and order an immediate rematch, planned for February 2026, giving both fighters enough time to heal from their injuries. 

“If either fighter declines the rematch, we will move forward with another opponent,” Mauricio also announced that the Día de Muertos commemorative belt, originally created for this bout, would be presented to Gabriela Sánchez in recognition of her status as WBC Silver Champion.

 “Bonita” expressed her gratitude and determination ahead of the rematch:

“Thank you so much for the invitation. I’m very happy to be here. I’m a fighter who always gives her heart in the ring; unfortunately, the fight ended too soon. I think the doctor made a very quick decision — the cut was clean, and I could have continued. Still, I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’ll take the rematch with great motivation. I’ll proudly take that belt home to Puebla.”

With a smile, she added:

“Thank you for the belt — I’ll keep it among my most treasured possessions and wear it with pride.”

The audience applauded the brave Puebla fighter, who now looks ahead to the rematch and a new chapter in her career.