Giorgio Isaila opponent changes to South American champion

Giorgio Isaila now faces Facundo Arce

Undefeated super-lightweight prospect Giorgio 'Dracula' Isaila (10-0, 6 KOs) now faces experienced Argentinian opponent Reuquen Cona Facundo Arce (18-23, 7 KOs) on September 19 at the Electric Ballroom in London, part of nine-fight Warren Boxing Management card, topped by the all-British battle between Alfie Winter and Manny Zion.

25-year-old rising star Isaila was due to face Belgian title contender Abdul Utmanzai (7-2, 2 KOs), but he has now been subjected to a last-minute change of opponent.

30 from Buenos Aires, Facundo 'Toto' Arce is a former WBA Fedebol lightweight champion.

The 43-fight veteran won the WBA Fedebol title in 2021, but lately he fights on the road and has taken on the likes of British contenders Archie Sharp, Cameron Vuong, Tom Welland, and reigning British lightweight champion Louie O’Doherty. He took all four of those fighters the distance and even managed to drop Archie Sharp twice in the first round of their 2024 scrap. He also dropped highly-rated Irishman 'Sugar Ray' Moylette that same year.

So Isaila should expect to be in for a long night against a risky opponent, their 140lbs super-lightweight contest scheduled for six rounds.

Trained by former British champion Matt Marsh, the title-chasing prospect from London assures that he isn't fazed by the late change, "No, it doesn’t affect nothing in my way. Me and my coach Matt Marsh have prepared really, really hard, alongside my nutritionist Jack Coak to make the weight. 

"I’m fighting at 140lbs so I can 'touch' the super-lightweight division for once and that could send me to the Southern Area title. 

"So obviously the styles and boxing changes, but as long as I’m prepared like I am now, nothing can affect me.

"My last six opponents pulled out last minute, so I’m quite used to this routine."

A fan of Roberto Duran and Gervonta Davis, the stylish Isaila is a busy boxer with a high workrate and big engine. Able to turn on a sixpence, he is constantly switching stance, pivoting left and right to find different angles for his sharp punches, a big fan of working to the body to break down his foes. His power is proven by the six KOs he's scored within his last eight outings.

He came to boxing late but made up for lost time by winning national amateur titles within just 20 bouts, then turned pro only two years after stepping into a boxing gym for the first time.

Three years on from his pro debut, Giorgio plans to challenge for the Southern Area super-lightweight title later this year, a belt that is currently in the hands of Surrey's Aaron Prospere (16-2, 4 KOs), for now.

Dracula admitted that he would love to sink his teeth into the champion, "If it's not vacated, I would love to fight Aaron Prospere. If it becomes vacant then I'll need someone to take the fight, so it's a 50-50 expectation, but I do want that title, for sure!"

29-year-old Prospere won the English super-lightweight title in July, so the Southern Area belt will likely be given up officially anytime soon.

A convincing win on Saturday night could propel Isaila into Southern Area title contention next.

DID YOU KNOW? The Southern Area title is the oldest prize in British boxing and the super-lightweight belt that Isaila plans to challenge for is currently 67-years-old. Notable titleholders over the years includes promoter Chris Sanigar, British and European champion Clinton McKenzie, British and European Union champion Lenny Daws, and 'The Fighting Fireman' Terry Marsh, who was rumoured to have been the boxer that shot Frank Warren.