The U.S. Air Force Special Warfare Partnered with OTX for 2025 Season Opener in San Diego

United States Air Force Special Warfare Operator Leo Zapata Met with Fighters for an Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Experience

BROOKLYN, N.Y., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States. Air Force recently teamed up with Overtime Boxing (OTX) as the official sponsor of their first fight of 2025 at Sycuan Casino Resort in San Diego. Among those in attendance was United States Air Force Special Warfare Operator Staff Sgt. Leo Zapata who received an exclusive look at the preparation for OTX alongside the fighters in recognition and honor of his service.

On Friday, March 21, Staff Sgt. t Zapata joined a mitt work session and received pointers from OTX fighters Jonny Mansour, Maliek Montgomery and Kurt Scoby. Staff Sgt. Zapata then attended a press conference with the fighters and had the opportunity to ask about insights into their training and routines. Staff Sgt. Zapata also met with OTX broadcast talent Akin "Ak" Reyes, Barak Bess, and Corey Erdman for a behind-the-scenes look at the sport.

On Saturday, March 22, before the night's action began, fans had the chance to meet Staff Sgt.  Zapata and take on U.S. Air Force special warfare drills to test their own grit and strength. Later that evening, Staff Sgt. Zapata and members of the recruitment team watched as Mansour stole the show in a featured bout and electrified his hometown crowd by knocking out his opponent in under two minutes. Following the fight, Staff Sgt. Zapata and Mansour planned to keep in touch and train together at Mansour's local gym.

A California native, Staff Sgt. Zapata enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 2014 after a year-long wait to ship out for basic training. He signed up as a Tactical Air Control Party Specialists (TACP) from the start and successfully completed the rigorous pipeline on his first attempt, graduating in December 2014 with Eagle 97 flight. Over his 11-year United States Air Force career, he served at Fort Bliss, TX, completing two combat deployments to Afghanistan and Operation Inherent Resolve. Zapata later moved to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA and deployed to South Korea. Throughout his service, he completed both Airborne and Air Assault training. Off duty, Staff Sgt. Zapata is a proud husband and father to a 3-year-old daughter, balancing family life with his passions for soccer, shooting, travel, and hopefully returning to skydiving.

Looking ahead, OTX will travel to Philadelphia for OTX 14 on June 13th. As part of its partnership with DAZN, all fights will be available to stream for free on the DAZN app, as well as on DAZN and Overtime social channels. Fans can also catch OTX fights on Victory+.

About OTX

OTX (Overtime Boxing) is about that ACTION delivering future world champions a platform unlike any other available to them.

The OTX platform is rooted in a year-round content experience on social, shining a spotlight on everything from how boxers train to their lifestyles outside of the ring. No one is telling these stories for the next generation, and no one is better suited to step into the ring to do so than Overtime.

In its third year, OTX continues to dominate in and outside the ring, generating over 5BN views and 4.6MM followers on social channels and racking up over 1MM views on live streams.

About United States Air Force Special Warfare

The Airmen who make up Air Force Special Warfare are the most specialized warriors on the planet. They are the ones other special forces look to when the mission calls for their unique skills and fearless commitment. A job for the mentally tough and physically strong, these Airmen are the elite experts of Global Access, Precision Strike, and Personnel Recovery, and will go anywhere in the world to conquer every challenge.

Learn more by visiting www.airforce.com and finding a Special Warfare recruiter near you.

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SOURCE Overtime Sports, Inc.