U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Partners with OTX for 2025 Season Opener
In an exciting collaboration, the United States Air Force recently announced its partnership with Overtime Boxing (OTX) to serve as the official sponsor for OTX's first bout of the 2025 season, held at the stunning Sycuan Casino Resort in San Diego, California. This event not only showcased thrilling boxing matches but also honored the service of Air Force personnel, particularly through the presence and participation of Staff Sgt. Leo Zapata, a U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Operator.
During the days leading to the event, Staff Sgt. Zapata had a unique opportunity to engage directly with fighters from OTX. On March 21, he joined in a mitt work session where he trained alongside boxers Jonny Mansour, Maliek Montgomery, and Kurt Scoby, receiving invaluable training tips and insights from these experienced athletes. The collaboration highlighted the shared values of discipline and preparation between the armed forces and the boxing community.
The following day, the excitement escalated as fans flocked to meet Staff Sgt. Zapata before the night’s fights began. Attendees were invited to participate in U.S. Air Force special warfare drills, providing them an interactive experience that tested their grit and strength. The atmosphere was electric, especially when Mansour triumphed in his feature bout, delivering an incredible knockout in under two minutes, much to the delight of his hometown supporters.
Following the action-packed card, camaraderie flourished between Staff Sgt. Zapata and Mansour, who expressed intentions of staying connected and training together at Mansour’s local gym. This partnership serves as a remarkable example of how sports and armed forces can unite to foster connections and mutual respect.
Staff Sgt. Zapata, a proud California native, enlisted in the Air Force in 2014 and has had a distinguished career marked by numerous accolades and experiences, including two combat deployments and various advanced training courses like Airborne and Air Assault. Through it all, he balances his professional responsibilities with his family life and hobbies such as soccer, shooting, and travel.
Looking ahead, OTX’s schedule is buzzing with activity as they prepare to head to Philadelphia for OTX 14 on June 13. In keeping with their commitment to accessibility, all fights will be streamed for free via the DAZN app and their social media channels, ensuring fans don't miss any of the action.
About OTX
Overtime Boxing, or OTX, has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the boxing world, dedicated to showcasing future champions and delivering remarkable content that captures the essence of boxers' training and lifestyle. In just three years, OTX has made significant strides, accumulating over 5 billion views and more than 4.6 million followers across social media platforms, establishing itself as a prominent force in the sports arena.
About the U.S. Air Force Special Warfare
The elite personnel of Air Force Special Warfare are recognized as the most specialized warriors globally, highly sought after for their unique skills and unwavering commitment. Their roles involving Global Access, Precision Strike, and Personnel Recovery place them at the forefront of critical military operations worldwide. With a strong foundation in mental and physical toughness, these Airmen embody the spirit of devotion and excellence.
To learn more about their work and find a Special Warfare recruiter near you, visit
www.airforce.com.