Lightweight Kaipo Gallegos looks to take the next step in his development on May 9 at Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. 

Gallegos will face Pedro Castaneda Castro (8-0-1, 5 KOs) of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, on Most Valuable Promotions' “Most Valuable Prospects 12,” which will stream on DAZN. 

Gallegos, 8-0-1 (6 KOs), a 19-year-old southpaw, fought four times in 2024. He already defeated Leonardo Padilla in February via unanimous decision as he approaches his second fight of the year. Gallegos, who trains in Las Vegas, made it clear what his intentions are heading into this fight. 

“This isn’t just about staying undefeated — it’s about sending a message to the entire lightweight division,” Gallegos said of this upcoming fight. “It’s about proving that I'm ready for bigger opportunities and bigger names. Beating someone like Castro, who's a real threat, shows everyone that I'm serious.”

Gallegos views the fight as the natural elevation of a young up-and-comer's career. He wants to get compelling contender fights, and to get there, you have to separate from fellow prospects, or fighters who could trouble prospects. Enter the 23-year-old Castro, who has an identical record as his own, 8-0-1 (6 KOs). 

"Castro is a good fighter — strong, tough, and confident, just like you would expect from a Mexican warrior who’s never tasted defeat,” Gallegos said. "I respect what he brings to the table, but I believe my skills, my IQ, and my preparation are going to be the difference. He's coming to win, and so am I. It’s going to be a war, but I plan on showing why I'm one of the best young lightweights in the world right now."

Gallegos is co-promoted by Boxlab Promotions and Shuan Boxing and trained by his father, Jayson Gallegos.

"Kaipo Gallegos is one of the brightest young stars in the lightweight division," said Amaury Piedra, President of Boxlab Promotions. “He’s got the full package — skills, power, intelligence, and the work ethic to match. This upcoming fight with Pedro Castaneda Castro is exactly the kind of test he needs at this stage of his career. Two undefeated fighters meeting at this point shows Kaipo’s mentality. He's not looking for easy fights.”