Rene Palacios

René Palacios is a Mexican professional boxer competing in the featherweight division. Nicknamed “Zurdo,” Palacios hails from Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, and has quietly emerged as one of Mexico's most promising young contenders.

A decorated amateur before entering the professional ranks, Palacios was developed by longtime trainer Franco Gabaldon, who carefully guided his early career through events across Chihuahua and Sonora. Rather than signing with a major promoter early, his team chose to build his experience gradually, allowing him to mature while remaining undefeated. During this period, Palacios captured regional honors, including the American Boxing Federation American West super bantamweight title, and steadily gained experience over ten-round contests.

Palacios' lone blemish came in March 2023, when he fought Israel Gasparrillo to a majority draw in a closely contested eight-round bout. He avenged that result just over a year later, defeating Gasparrillo by split decision over ten rounds to prove his development. He continued his unbeaten run with victories over Anthony Jimenez Salas, Angel Aviles Armenta, Carlos Uriel Rodriguez, and Rafael Rosas Ramirez, displaying a growing ability to mix explosive knockout power with disciplined boxing over the distance.

His career reached a new level in January 2026 when he traveled to the United States for only the second time as a professional to face highly respected Ugandan contender Sulaiman Segawa. Entering as a relatively unknown prospect, Palacios edged Segawa by split decision to capture the NABF featherweight title, earning the biggest victory of his career and announcing himself as a legitimate contender on the international stage.