{"id":15017,"date":"2026-04-22T00:00:51","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T04:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/?page_id=15017"},"modified":"2026-04-22T14:28:03","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T18:28:03","slug":"boxing-in-new-england-by-kirk-lang","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/?page_id=15017","title":{"rendered":"Boxing in New England and other places By Kirk Lang"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bo\"\"<\/span>xing in New England and Other Places<\/span><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

John Scully Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jimmy Burchfield, the CEO of Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), is a man who always shows respect to fighters, active or retired, and on Saturday night, he paid tribute to one of the biggest names in Connecticut boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Former light heavyweight title challenger \u201cIceman\u201d John Scully was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from CES during a Hartford show that brought boxing back to the city for the first time in years.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It was apropos that Scully was honored in the state\u2019s capital, as he used to train out of Hartford, in numerous gyms, including Bellevue Square, the San Juan Center and the Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI really appreciate this award very much,\u201d said Scully, standing alongside Burchfield, Hartford-based attorney Jeffrey Dressler, and longtime friend Sammy Vega, one of a handful of fighters Scully closely mentored and led on the right path. Vega is the Chief Operating Officer of Dressler Law.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A big boxing fan, as well as ring announcer in his spare time, Dressler used to make significant donations to the San Juan Center to pay for trips, building repairs and equipment for fighters, according to Scully.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(L-R) Sammy Vega, John Scully, Jimmy Burchfield, and Jeffrey Dressler.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In addition to his ring career, Scully was coaching kids while fighting and has become quite the pro trainer as well since hanging up the gloves. In fact, he was in Chad Dawson\u2019s corner when Dawson upset the legendary Bernard Hopkins in April 2012. However, more than working corners of big fights, Scully has been a positive force across different gyms for decades, giving pointers, taking young boxers on trips to tournaments, advising healthy habits, you name it. He has literally impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of lives.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pat Sullivan, CES\u2019 director of operations, said at Saturday\u2019s fight card, \u201cJohn has shaped these fighters into not just better athletes but people\u2026He\u2019s always giving his time, his energy and his heart to the sport of boxing\u2026so tonight we don\u2019t just celebrate a career, we celebrate a legacy.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vega was a top notch amateur boxer in the 1990s, winning, among other titles, the 1997 National Junior Olympics at 95 pounds, as well as the 1998 National Silver Gloves at 106 pounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s the reason I\u2019m here today,\u201d Vega said of Scully. In addition to his law work, Vega is president of the Board of Directors for the CICD Hartford Puerto Rican Day Parade. There is also a belief Vega may run for Mayor in the future.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s the one that taught me how to be who I am today,\u201d said Vega, \u201cNot only as a boxer, but as a great mentor and father figure.\u201d He described Scully\u2019s honor as \u201cwell deserved.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When Burchfield had a hand at the microphone, he noted what impresses him the most about Scully is \u201cwhat you have done after your boxing career.\u201d Besides his role as a trainer and mentor, Scully has also been raising funds for fighters in need for the better part of a decade now. Money raised goes directly to the families of former world champions Wilfredo Benitez, Gerald McClellan, as well as lesser known fighters in need of assistance.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When Scully, 38-11 (21), was asked to say a few words, he said he was impressed by the fight night turnout, adding, \u201cWhen I was boxing, there were shows at the Hartford Civic Center every two months…Guys like Cuda Leeks, Troy Wortham, Pabo Figueroa, Tyrone Booze and Marlon Starling, these were the guys. There were 60 to 70 professional fighters just in Hartford.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Scully, rather than merely accepting his award with standard thank you remarks, used his moment in center-ring to inform the crowd about his fundraising efforts, and to contact him if they\u2019d like to assist.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sullivan noted that Scully \u201crepresents everything that this sport of boxing is supposed to stand for.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Reflecting on his award, Scully told The USA Boxing News,<\/em> \u201cIt was a great honor to receive the plaque in front of all those Connecticut people and especially people like Sammy Vega, who played a major role in my coaching career.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cWhen I first started boxing, I wanted to first be on big stages in Hartford, and then in Connecticut, and last night was kind of like me coming around full circle.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Riverside Rumble Report<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

People often say that boxing is the theater of the unexpected. That saying was never more evident than in two of the final four bouts of CES Boxing\u2019s Riverside Rumble, which saw two heavy favorites lose to underdog opponents.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fighting in his first main event \u2013 and fighting for his first professional belt of any kind \u2013 undefeated lightweight Jacob \u201cLefty\u201d Marrero suffered a scary stoppage in the third round of his scheduled right-rounder with Rowin Javier Sanchez, who entered the bout with a modest record of 6-2-3 (4).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jacob Marrero stalks Rowin Javier Sanchez<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

After two rounds of back and forth action between speedy southpaws – and Marrero\u2019s supporters drowning out Sanchez\u2019 few fans that made the trip from Prichard, Alabama \u2013 Rowin landed a perfect right hook that sent the Bridgeport-based Marrero crashing to the canvas on his right side.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Referee Johnny Callas probably didn\u2019t need to give Marrero a count, but he did anyway. Marrero remained motionless.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cTypically, I would have immediately waved it off,\u201d said Callas. \u201cHowever, I could not see his face at all as he had it completely covered by his gloves and he was in a fetal position. When I got down to one knee, I still had to position my head to look underneath him to see his face. Once I saw his condition, he was still out and at that moment I immediately waved it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fans in the crowd grew more nervous as he stayed in the same spot minutes after the fight ended, and as medical personnel had entered the ring, applied oxygen and set him up to be carried out on a backboard.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He was hospitalized overnight and The USA Boxing News<\/em> subsequently received word he was released later in the day. Marrero is apparently OK but \u201cdisappointed\u201d with how things transpired, according to a CES staffer.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to the main event, super lightweight Mykquan Williams, of East Hartford, scored a first-round stoppage of Guillermo Leonel Crocco, \u00a0of Buenos Aires, Argentina. An overhand right sent Crocco to the canvas, forcing a stoppage at the 1:50 mark.\u00a0 Williams moves to 24-1-2 (13) while his opponent drops to 20-7-1 (6).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mykquan<\/a>

Mykquan Williams waits as Guillermo Leonell Crocco takes a count.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Quick-fisted star on the rise Iman Lee, of Yonkers, NY, won a unanimous eight-round decision over Jose Nunez Sosa, Bronx, NY, to claim the vacant NABF super featherweight championship. Lee may have had the advantage of speed and height but the shorter Sosa was a scrappy fellow who made things very entertaining, especially with his punches in bunches style in the first half of the bout. In the fourth round, he knocked Lee off-balance when he countered an offensive burst with a stiff right hand. However, he did begin to slow down a step around this time, which allowed Lee to showcase his superior skills a bit more. By the sixth round, Lee was putting more power into his shots and remained in control as he put on a boxing clinic in the final two rounds. He won by scores of 78-74 (twice) and 77-75.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

His record improved to 15-0-1 (8) while Sosa falls to 8-3 (6).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Iman<\/a>

Iman Lee at right readies to attack Jose Nunez Sosa<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In the first upset of the night, light heavyweight Slawomir \u201cHeavy Hitter\u201d Bohdziewicz, suffered the lone setback of his professional career, getting dropped twice in a six-round bout with Jose Carlos Rivera. Bohdziewicz is CES Boxing\u2019s Polish star, a no nonsense, all business type fighter nobody thought would lose to the shorter Rivera, and who had been away from the sport for four-and-a-half years. Rivera looked a bit nervous during ring instructions but once that bell rang, he became a different person. The confidence came back. He dropped Bohdziewicz with a counter left hand in the opening frame after some steady pressure from the CES fighter. He then grew more aggressive.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Round two began with the crowd cheering for Bohdziewicz, to spur him on. However, if this was supposed to be Bohdziewicz\u2019 night, Rivera didn\u2019t get the memo. After an attempt by \u201cHeavy Hitter\u201d to bang away at Rivera in a neutral corner, Rivera flipped the script and got \u201cSlaw\u201d in a neutral corner. Bohdziewicz escaped the corner, but Rivera followed in hot pursuit, connecting with a lead straight left and right hook that sent him to the canvas for the second time in the bout. This was a more impactful knockdown, so it was fortunate for Bohdziewicz there were only about two seconds left in the frame once he got to his feet.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Slawomir<\/a>

Slawomir Bohdziewicz jags at Jose Carlos Rivera.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The last four rounds saw no knockdowns by anyone but it was a back and forth affair, with Bohdziewicz applying greater pressure and Rivera finding holes in his offense, or in spots between his offense bursts, to potshot and score with solid punches. Feeling himself, Rivera entertained the crowd with some showboating. At times held his arms aloft, as if to say \u201cC\u2019mon, I\u2019m right here.\u201d Another time, there were a couple of dance moves that preceded an attack. He could have been a little busier at times but with the knockdowns, he had done enough. He won by scores of 59-53 and 57-55 on two scorecards, while Glenn Feldman saw it was a draw with his scorecard of 56-56.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rivera, who hadn\u2019t fought since August 2021, improves to 10-5-1 (15), while Bohdziewicz\u2019 record is now 7-1 (6).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stamford\u2019s Douglas Marroquin had a live underdog in front of him in Victor Vazquez, of Yonkers, NY, in their scheduled six-rounder. However, the unbeaten middleweight did his thing once again, forcing a stoppage after the end of the third round to raise his record to 10-0 (6).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe (Vazquez) asked to stop it,\u201d said referee Steve Willis. \u201cHe might have damaged his eye.\u201d The USA Boxing News<\/em> subsequently heard a ringside doctor talking about possible \u201cdouble vision.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marroquin began the bout with a solid work rate but intensified the leather as the fight wore on. By the second round, he was assaulting Vazquez, 11-6 (5), along the ropes in impressive fashion. Vazquez spit out his mouthpiece, perhaps hoping for a reprieve. However, Willis didn\u2019t put it back in until there was a lull in the action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Douglas Marroquin forces the action against Victor Vazquez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

One round later, Marroquin continued to impress with a fierce attack along the ropes, switching his attack from the head to the body seamlessly. Vazquez was done.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cSend the contract. We sign it. We fight. Anybody can get it,\u201d said Marroquin.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In junior welterweight action, Carlos \u201cCarlito\u2019s Way\u201d Perez, of Meriden, stopped Deonta Williamson, of St. Louis, MO, in the opening round of their scheduled six-rounder. Using his right jab to keep Williamson at bay, Perez followed up with a right hook to the body that hurt his opponent. Williamson dropped to one knee but he was in no condition to continue. Callas waved the fight off. The official time was 1:51.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI wasn\u2019t looking for the knockout. I never do,\u201d said Perez. \u201cBut I went in there extremely confident because we had a great training camp with a great game plan. The quick ending was the result of that. I saw he kept leaning towards my left, leaving his body wide open, so I timed it very well and threw that well-placed body shot. Once I landed that shot, I knew it was going to be hard for him to get back up.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Perez added he wanted to thank his management team, PGsports, as well as his head coach \u201cMike Controy, Sean Malone, Dennis Rivera, my brother Kevin Perez and my strength and conditioning coach, Jonathan Hernandez.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With the victory, he is now 6-0 (1), while Williamson drops to 3-8 (3).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Super bantamweight Joseph \u201cJ-Elite\u201d Chisolm, 7-1 (6), of Stratford, notched the first distance victory of his career, outpointing Anel Dudo, of Aurora, CO, over six rounds. All of his previous victories were first-round knockouts. Chisolm won by scores of 59-55 and 58-56 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chisolm had been out of the ring for five months.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI was dealing with my own personal life problems, but I\u2019m back,\u201d said Chisolm.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jospeh Chisolm prepares to attack Anel Dudo.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

His promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, was asked what he thought of the performance.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI learned he can box. That\u2019s what he did tonight,\u201d said Burchfield. \u201cIt\u2019s a good experience. It\u2019s actually better than a first-round knockout. He gained wisdom, experience and knowledge.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dudo saw his ledger dip to 4-8-1 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lightweight Conor \u201cThe Bullet\u201d O\u2019Donovan, making the trip from Clonmel, Ireland,\u00a0 made time to see more of America by stopping Michael Douglas, 0-2, of Woburn, MA, 31 seconds into the first round with a counter right-hand.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Irelands Conor O’ Donovan stops Michael Douglas.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cI love it here,\u201d said O\u2019Donovan. \u201cI don\u2019t want to be anywhere else. Thank you CES. We\u2019re going straight to the top.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In other pro action, junior welterweight Kevante dropped and stopped Anthony Jones in the opening round of their scheduled four-rounder. The official time was 1:13. Wineglass is now 4-0 (3) while Jones moves to 0-2.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a catchweight bout of 152 pounds, Victor Guerra Vargas, of Norwalk, by way of Venezuela, dropped Jean Estiverne, of Stamford, in the second-round before forcing a stoppage with a vicious assault in the fourth frame. Vargas is now 2-0 with two knockouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Riverside Rumble also featured a slew of amateur bouts before the pro side of things. The amateur portion of the card \u2013 titled Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s Classic Invitational -comprised a total of six amateur bouts. Referee Johnny Callas, who runs the Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA), saw his fighter, Kevin Czarniak, notch a TKO victory over Cameron Thomas in the 143 pound novice class. It was interesting to see Callas outside the ring, as an interested observer, rather than inside the ring between pro pugilists.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been with COBA for a couple of years, but in the last seven months he expressed an interest to compete and buckled down on his fundamentals,\u201d said Callas. \u201cI\u2019m thrilled for him, with his second TKO [in his second fight]\u2026He is a great kid and also a great club house presence at COBA.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Callas drove Czarniak to the venue in the gym van, along with numerous fighters to root him on.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a beautiful moment after every amateur fight, boxers placed medals over one another\u2019s heads. Capping off the amateur portion of the show was Daniel Hernandez, and he didn\u2019t fail to disappoint. In his 165-pound open bout against Kameron Flynn, he threw a right to the body, which opened up Flynn for a left hook upstairs. It sent Flynn crashing to the canvas. Referee Lee Deer began a count as soon as Hernandez went to a neutral corner. Flynn attempted to rise, but fell again, forcing Deer to end matters.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Daniel Hernandez at right looks to attack Kameron Flynn.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The sensational victory earned him Fighter of the Night honors.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe feeling was surreal, but yet very amazing,\u201d said Hernandez. \u201cAs a fighter I don\u2019t go in the ring looking for the knockout but grateful to God that I was able to put my talent on display in front of my hometown (Hernandez is from nearby New Britain).\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hernandez is definitely one to keep an eye on. He\u2019s currently ranked #4 in the nation by USA Boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOverall, I\u2019m in awe of his commitment and discipline to the sport,\u201d said his father, John Hernandez. \u201cWe had a plan, he stuck to the plan and it was executed flawlessly.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpeaking to my team, said Daniel, \u201cThe next step is to definitely turn pro. Of course the Olympics aren\u2019t off the table. If the opportunity presents itself I will definitely go over it with my team. But as of right now, we plan on entering the pro ranks when the time is right.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rising lightweight Jacob \u201cLefty\u201d Marrero Looks to Impress in His First Main Event Next Week in Hartford<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fully committed to boxing after some legal trouble early in his pro career, Bridgeport-based southpaw Jacob \u201cLefty\u201d Marrero will be looking to impress on April 18 in his first main event and his first-ever bout involving a belt of any kind.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The unbeaten Marrero, 11-0 (8), will be taking on Rowin Javier Sanchez for the vacant WBC Fecarbox lightweight championship at the Connecticut Convention Center.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis fight, though it\u2019s not in my hometown, but in Connecticut (and the state\u2019s capital), I\u2019m just excited and grateful for the opportunity,\u201d said Marrero. \u201cThis is definitely one of the dreams of mine. You know, it\u2019s not the main belt, but it\u2019s a belt that means a lot to me because I\u2019ll be the first fighter from my city to actually win a title like that, so it gives me extra motivation to show everybody that Bridgeport has talent, that Bridgeport breeds champions, and I\u2019m just ready to go out there and showcase my talent. I\u2019m in the best shape of my life.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero has been in training camp since January, as he was initially training for a February bout that fell by the wayside.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero-Sanchez headlines Riverside Rumble, a Jimmy Burchfield-promoted Pro-Am show that takes place in the largest convention facility between New York and Boston, and which also provides scenic views of the Connecticut River. The 26-year-old Marrero has come a long way from incarceration in 2018 for assault and burglary.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Bridgeport's<\/a>

Bridgeport’s Jacob “Lefty” Marrero in action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIf it wasn\u2019t for boxing, I don\u2019t really know where I would be,\u201d he said. \u201cIf I wasn\u2019t in the gym at all, I think I would just be running the streets, you know, getting involved with people that I shouldn\u2019t get involved with and doing things I shouldn\u2019t be doing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When he returned to Ortiz Boxing Gym after some time away, Marrero\u2019s longtime trainer Carlos Nieves sat him down and queried him as to whether he was truly ready to dedicate himself to boxing, or not.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEver since then, I kind of locked in, said Marrero, who added he wasn\u2019t even fully focused as an amateur. Talent helped him get to a New England Golden Gloves title at 16, but he and his coach often talk about the heights he might have reached in the non-paid ranks had he been laser-focused early on. He made it as far as the quarter finals and the semi-finals of the National Golden Gloves in different years but knows he could have won it all if his mentality had been different.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cI was always one leg in and one leg out,\u201d said Marrero. \u201cI could have won multiple national titles, but I don\u2019t live in the past. I live in the present now. I just know that in any training camp where my head is focused and I\u2019m training hard, I feel like I can compete with anyone in the ring.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In Marrero\u2019s previous outing, October 11 at Foxwoods, he stopped 40-fight veteran Emiliano Martin Garcia in the second-round of a scheduled eight-rounder.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While Sanchez doesn\u2019t bring the breadth of experience that Garcia brought to the ring \u2013 he\u2019s 6-2-3 \u2013 Marrero doesn\u2019t underestimate anyone who steps between those ring ropes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve seen a little video on him,\u201d said Marrero. \u201cHe comes to fight. He\u2019s got heart. I give all my props to him. I\u2019m expecting a great fight. I\u2019m training harder than ever and whatever he brings to the table, I\u2019m ready to adapt and I\u2019m ready to showcase my skill set.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hartford now, Bridgeport in the future, perhaps? While many fighters dream of fighting in Las Vegas or Madison Square Garden, and more recently, the Barclays Center, Marrero\u2019s dream is to one day fight for or defend a belt in the Total Mortgage Arena in his hometown. Seventeen years ago, Norwalk native Travis Simms brought championship boxing to the Park City when he defended his WBA junior middleweight strap at the Total Mortgage Arena (then called the Arena at Harbord Yard), taking big-time boxing away from the casino crowd for one night. Marrero would love to follow in Simms\u2019 shoes in that respect.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI always said, if I could fight in my hometown that would be one of my biggest dreams,\u201d said Marrero, adding, \u201cBecause that just goes to show anything is possible with hard work and consistency. Dreams do come true if you put your mind to it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero fights for his city, his family, but especially his immediate family unit, his girlfriend Sydney and their two-year-old daughter Alaya.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Though still a young man, Marrero has matured a great deal since first becoming a professional fighter.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just grateful for all the trials and tribulations,\u201d he said. “Because without those lessons, without the people in my corner, none of this would be possible, and I wouldn\u2019t have the mindset that I have now.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero added, \u201cBoxing has completely changed me. Boxing has given me a new life. Boxing has given me a different perspective on life\u2026I always say to everybody, I don\u2019t have to be the world\u2019s greatest fighter, but I just want to be the best fighter I can possibly be, be the best person I can be, for my family, my gym and everybody that supports me.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero \u2013 who cites Sugar Ray Leonard, Hector Camacho, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Terrance Crawford and Shakur Stevenson as some of his favorites to watch film of -officially signed with Burchfield\u2019s CES Boxing last summer. In addition to gleaming techniques and moves from the greats of the sport, the southpaw and self-described \u201cboxer-puncher\u201d said he also often picks up things from the skilled amateurs he\u2019s around.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI watch everybody. I\u2019m very open-minded,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero said he plans to campaign at 135 pounds for some time, but will eventually move up to the junior welterweight division. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nHe added he doesn\u2019t have a motto or slogan he lives by, but notes that his \u201ctoughest opponent is myself.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI say, if my mind\u2019s not right, I\u2019ll be helping my opponent beat me,\u201d said Marrero. \u201cSo my coach always says as long as I\u2019m right, and I\u2019m training right, nobody can beat me but myself, so I always try to put that in my head.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cRun that extra mile, do those extra sit-ups, go those extra rounds. You never know what your opponent\u2019s doing, but can\u2019t nobody beat me in there when I\u2019m on my A-game, so I just try to live by that.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Go in and give 110 percent in the ring. Leave it all in the ring and you beat me at my A-game, kudos to you, but if you beat me and I know I didn\u2019t do enough in training camp, I wouldn\u2019t feel right, so I don\u2019t ever want to live with that regret.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As for April 18, \u201cI\u2019m looking to put on a boxing clinic,\u201d said Marrero.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To purchase tickets for the Hartford fight card, log onto https:\/\/cesfights.com\/tickets\/<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Muhammad Ali Honored with U.S. Postage Stamp<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There was once a time \u2013 even upon returning from the 1960 Rome Olympics with a gold medal \u2013 that Muhammad Ali, formerly Cassius Clay, couldn\u2019t get waited on at a restaurant in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Times have changed. The disrespect is long gone. Not only does Ali have a street and an airport renamed in his honor in Louisville, the United States Postal Service has released two commemorative Forever stamps . A first day-of-issue ceremony took place at the University of Louisville\u2019s L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium on January 15.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Announcer<\/a>

Announcer Bob Costa at the unveiling of the Ali Stamp<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

About 300 attended Thursday\u2019s ceremony honoring the late boxer. Famed broadcast legend Bob Costas served as Master of Ceremonies and in addition to various city, state and USPS officials, numerous luminaries offered some words, including Lonnie Ali, Ali\u2019s widow and co-founder of the Muhammad Ali Center; famed photographer Neil Leifer, who snapped the iconic photo of Ali standing over Sonny Liston; actor Jaalen West, who will be playing Ali in \u201cThe Greatest,\u201d Amazon Prime Video\u2019s upcoming limited series; and Greg Fischer, the former Louisville Mayor who is credited with the \u201cGet the Champ On A Stamp\u201d campaign.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Asked to cite his favorite moment of the ceremony, Louisville resident Kris Vance said Costas was top notch, but also, \u201cJust hearing all the tributes and from Lonnie Ali, and how she continues to keep his legacy alive with the Ali center and other ways as well.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vance has been a longtime friend of Muhammad\u2019s brother, Rahman Ali, who passed away last year. He went to college with Rahman\u2019s daughter, Satina, and she extended an invite. The event was open to the general public. Attendees just had to pre-register via e-mail. Everyone was given an Ali stamp pin upon entry. Three large sheet cakes greeted arriving Ali fans, and one had a famous quote from a young and brash Clay\/Ali, \u201cI should be a postage stamp because that\u2019s the only way I\u2019ll ever get licked.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A phalanx of officials formed a line as a high-ranking Postal Service employee pulled the sheet off of the two versions of the Ali stamp. One shows a 1970s visage of Ali above the name \u201cAli\u201d in bold and black lettering. The other shows the same image below the name \u201cAli\u201d in bold and red lettering. The images were created to recall old fight posters, according to the USPS. The full sheet of 20 stamps, which can be purchased for 15.60 at Post Offices around the country, features a handsome image of Ali in a pinstriped suit with his name above him, and also noting he was a \u201cBoxer, Activist and Humanitarian.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Muhammad Ali was an undefeated heavyweight in the 1960s when the United States Military attempted to draft him. Though he likely wouldn\u2019t have served on the front lines in America\u2019s war with Vietnam, he refused induction, as he felt no need to fight America\u2019s battles when he wasn\u2019t even being treated fairly in his own country as an African-American, especially in the less progressive Southern states. He was stripped of his titles and saw his boxing license suspended. He even faced the threat of prison. It would cost him his boxing career, and serious earnings, for three-and-a-half years. Ali was forced to speak on the college lecture circuit to try to make ends meet. There were a great deal of Americans who were displeased with his draft induction, especially those who already had issues with him changing his name and joining the Nation of Islam. However, he stood by his beliefs, returned to the boxing ring in 1970, regained the heavyweight title in 1974 against the fearsome George Foreman, lost it to Leon Spinks four years later only to regain it from Spinks months later, becoming boxing\u2019s first ever three-time heavyweight champion. His looks and charisma and principles earned him millions of fans here and abroad, and even those that took issue with him eventually warmed to him, because he became not only a national but a global icon, and with his influence helped get American hostages released from Iraq in 1990.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Lonne<\/a>

Lonnie Ali at podium<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe believed in what he thought was right,\u201d said New York-based boxing referee Arthur Mercante Jr. \u201cAt the time of the Vietnam War, people bashed him after refusing the draft, but we have Presidents that didn\u2019t go into the draft. Nobody says anything about that. But he stood on his ground, and that\u2019s one thing I\u2019ll never forget.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mercante\u2019s father, Arthur Mercante Sr., was third man in the ring (referee) for the famous \u201cFight of the Century,\u201d which paired an unbeaten Ali, in his third fight back since the three-and-a-half-year layoff, against reigning champion Joe Frazier in March 1971.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mercante Jr said of the Ali stamp, \u201cThat\u2019s a great honor for him. God bless his soul. Well deserved. I think that\u2019s an unbelievable achievement. I\u2019m sure his daughters and his wife are so proud.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lonnie Ali said at Thursday\u2019s ceremony, \u201cWe are deeply honored the Postal Service is commemorating Muhammad with an official Forever stamp. This historic recognition celebrates not only his extraordinary achievements, but the values that defined his life of courage, compassion, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to human dignity and respect.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ali<\/a>

Ali knocking out Sonny Liston in their second fight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

She added, \u201cFrom Louisville to communities across the nation and around the world, Muhammad\u2019s legacy continues to inspire people to stand up for what is right and to lead with purpose. This stamp serves as a lasting reminder that his greatest victories were not only in the ring, but in his lifelong dedication to humanity, justice and compassion for all.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The stamp ceremony took place two days before Ali\u2019s birthday. He would have turned 84 on January 17. It has been nearly ten years since his passing. He died on June 3, 2016.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe was so much more than a boxer,\u201d said Vance. \u201cHe was an activist, a humanitarian. Yes he was a boxer, but he did a lot of things outside of the sports world. He was much bigger than boxing. He was unique.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To purchase the Ali stamps, visit your local United States Post Office, or order them online at https:\/\/store.usps.com\/store\/home.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

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CES Boxing Gives $10,000 Check for Cancer Research<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pat Sullivan has worked with many champions over the years as Director of Operations for Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES) Boxing promotional company.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Though he has never thrown a punch in the ring as an amateur or professional, it is clear Sullivan is a champion of life. Establishing the Joanne Sullivan Memorial Fund following his mother\u2019s passing in 2008, he has raised more than $950,000, with funds directed to the Dana-Farber Cancer Research Institute in Boston.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And that was the figure as of early evening November 1. Later that night, during a fight card at Mohegan Sun, Burchfield along with CES\u2019 righthand men Michael Parente and Steve Maze, presented a jumbo-sized $10,000 check to Sullivan in support of his efforts. In addition, Burchfield supported a Pink Out as part of the night\u2019s festivities. Every fighter wore pink gloves; CES staffers wore pink dress shirts and ties; the round card girls wore pink crop tops;\u00a0 Sullivan wore a pink shirt, pink blazer and pink shoes; QR codes were posted in the fight programs and around the arena inviting boxing fans to donate to the Joanne Sullivan Memorial Fund; and a table was set up in the upper concourse to encourage donations, with pink T-shirts being given to everyone contributing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Burchfield said he considers Sullivan his \u201cfourth son\u201d and encouraged any generous donors out there to try to \u201cmatch this donation.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe definitely want to go over the $1 million mark before this year is over,\u201d said Burchfield, who planned to have another Pink Out event at his mixed martial arts event one week later at the Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island. Alongside support from his boxing boss, Sullivan has raised nearly a million dollars through an annual golf event at Framingham Country Club. \u00a0The three largest sponsorships are Dinner, Hole and Golf Cart, at $5,000, $1,500 and $1,000, respectively.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPat, I\u2019m so proud of you,\u201d said Burchfield after presenting the check. \u201cYour mom and dad are smiling right now in Heaven. Thank you so much for everything that you do.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Maze also encouraged boxing fans in attendance to donate.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are QR codes all over the place,\u201d he said. \u201cPlease, please help. It\u2019s a fight that everybody\u2019s in, whether it was your mother, your father, your grandmother, your grandfather, your husband, your wife. Everybody\u2019s affected by cancer. Every dollar helps.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As he accepted the generous donation, Sullivan thanked Burchfield, the CES team, Mohegan Sun for their combined efforts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He also talked about his mother.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2008 my mother passed away from breast cancer. I was only 23 years old,\u201d said Sullivan. \u201cAnd I\u2019m not ashamed to say, I\u2019m very proud to say, I am, 17 years later, I was and still am the biggest mama\u2019s boy that anyone\u2019s going to meet.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Pat<\/a>

Pat Sullivan (photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cMy mother was my best friend, my rock, the person I looked up to. She\u2019s still my hero to this day , so when she passed away it totally crushed me. But we got such great care at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, that we went in and met with the head of oncology, and said, \u2018What can we do to support what you\u2019re doing here?\u2019 \u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sullivan and his family met with Dr. Sara Tolaney, an oncologist at the time who is now the head of Dana-Farber\u2019s oncology department.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the time, she said she was on to some pretty important research,\u201d said Sullivan, \u201cAnd we told her we\u2019re going to raise as much money as we can, but the money has to go to the research [not to stock the shelves, or pay administrative fees, etc.], and I\u2019m proud to say that in the 15 years of this research Dr. Tolaney has done that we have funded, it has set the standard of care, not just in Boston, not just in Massachusetts, not just in the United States, but worldwide. People are being affected by the standard of care because of the research that we are funding.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Sullivan\u2019s said he\u2019s proud he\u2019s been able to support such change and \u201cI know that my mother\u2019s name might be on the check when it gets donated, but for everybody here that\u2019s thinking of somebody, praying for somebody, remembering somebody, I want you to know..it\u2019s also written and signed by hundreds of heavy hearts who are out here tonight in support of somebody.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Anyone looking to support the cause can make a donation at https:\/\/joannesullivanmemorialfund.org\/<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rashidi Ellis Stops Fortuna<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ready For All Comers at 147 or 154<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Welterweight contender \u201cSpeedy\u201d Rashidi Ellis was looking to make a statement this past Saturday against former WBA \u201cregular\u201d junior lightweight champion Javier Fortuna. And he did, but the end result was not what Ellis nor the Mohegan Sun crowd had hoped for.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After dropping Fortuna with a left hook near the end of the third round, Ellis continued his dominance in the fourth frame. However, Fortuna took a knee with more than a minute left, without taking a punch, or throwing one.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rashidi<\/a>

Rashidi Ellis (L) lands a jab against Javier Fortuna (photo by Will Paul CES).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Referee Ricky Gonzalez waved the fight off and Fortuna motioned that he had an injured left shoulder. The official time was 1:53.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like how he quit because he never quit before,\u201d Ellis told The USA Boxing News<\/em>. \u201cSo it was kind of hard for me to see him quit but he probably seen the pressure I was going to come with. I was just warming up.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Rashidi (L) looking for an opening against Fortuna (R). (Photo by Laila Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Considering how fast Ellis is, he definitely showed patience in the opening frame, feeling his opponent out.\u00a0 He mainly jabbed as he calmly stalked Fortuna, who largely offered up pawing right jabs. In the second frame, the quicker footed Ellis, 28-1 (19),\u00a0 began to pop in with combinations a little bit more. The first noticeable one was a jab followed immediately up with two consecutive straight right hands, about midway through the stanza. As Ellis got busier, Fortuna\u2019s work rate \u2013 he had occasional success with his straight left – would dissipate. Near the end of the round, Fortuna, 39-7-1 (28), waved his glove, inviting Ellis to get closer. Be careful what you ask for. In the next round, Ellis, of Lynn, MA, turned up the heat, looking to land his laser of a straight right hand. However, he landed a serious left hook to the body with less than a minute remaining. A short time later, another left to the body sent Fortuna, OF Braintree, MA, to the canvas, his legs awkwardly twisting as he went down. He didn\u2019t rush to get up, instead taking time to collect himself. Unfortunately for Ellis, there were only five seconds left once the action resumed. No matter, He continued where he left off in the next round, landing more eye-catching hooks, often thrown in succession, upstairs and downstairs. At one point, after a three-hook combination \u2013 two to the head capped by one to the body \u2013 Ellis flashed a big smile. One can see why, under his new promoter Jimmy Burchfield, he has a second nickname now, \u201cThe Savage with a Smile.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rashidi<\/a>

Rashidi Ellis raises hand after great victory (photo by CES).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI like to have fun in there,\u201d said Ellis.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis, 154, \u00a0continued to focus on the hook to the body. Fortuna, 154 \u00bd, kept moving laterally to try to avoid the onslaught coming his way, and was offering up very little offense at this point. Shortly after, he took the knee that forced the fight\u2019s end. Ellis looked visibly annoyed.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ellis<\/a>

Ellis (L) stalks Fortuna (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI wanted a great knockout highlight to add to the collection,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was disappointing but at the end of the day I got the victory, so that\u2019s the important thing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis is now on a four-fight win streak \u2013 all by stoppage \u2013 since a 12-round points loss to Roiman Villa in an IBF title eliminator in January 2023. He was doing great but got dropped twice in the final round.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis believes he\u2019s ready to face any of the welterweight champions but has more of an eye of the winner of the upcoming WBO title clash between champion Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney on November 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ellis is currently rated in the top ten by the WBO (#8). However, Ellis is also willing to face anyone holding belts at junior middleweight (154), and his bout with Fortuna happened to be at that weight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI believe 154 ponds is where he belongs right now,\u201d said Jimmy Burchfield, Ellis\u2019 promoter, \u201cAnd he\u2019ll fight any of the champions. We\u2019re ready for any of the champions.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rahsidi<\/a>

Rahsidi with his father Ronald Sr. before the fight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Burchfield added, \u201cHe\u2019s just another breed of fighter, that\u2019s got everything \u2013 entertainment, he can punch, he\u2019s a Sugar Ray Leonard, he\u2019s got a little bit of everything, Muhammad Ali, he\u2019s got everything baby.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis says he can still make 147 if a title opportunity arises there \u201cbut it\u2019s a lot easier to make 154.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Ellis-Fortuna main event of CES Boxing\u2019s \u201cAutumn Classic 2025\u201d card live streamed on YouTube \u2013 CESFights\u2019 channel \u2013 and the bouts will air later this month on the New England Sports Network (NESN).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI appreciate everyone that came to the fight, that showed love and support,\u201d said Ellis. \u201cAnd whoever watched it, I appreciate everybody.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cJimmy\u2019s really been keeping me busy. The four fights plus the involvement in Team Combat League. The whole year we\u2019ve been working. I should definitely get a big fight, or even a title fight, right now. I\u2019ve been in this game for so long, and I stay proving myself, so I don\u2019t see why not.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the eight-round co-main event, WBC U.S. silver lightweight champion \u201cKing\u201d Kevin Walsh won a unanimous decision victory over Jose Nunez Sosa, of Brooklyn, NY, via San Cristobal, Dominican Republic. The scores were 77-74 (twice) and 76-75.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kevin<\/a>

Kevin Walsh stands over Jose Nunez Sosa after dropping him in the 4th round. (Photo by CES)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Walsh, 125 \u00bd, overcame some early adversity to keep his unbeaten record intact. Sosa, 131, had a lot of energy at the outset of the bout and with about 1:15 remaining in the first, he connected with a left hook that seemed to briefly stun Walsh. Sosa attempted to follow up with an assault, but Walsh fired right back with a succession of lefts and rights to the head. It was like the punch lit a fire in him.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kevin<\/a>

Kevin Walsh (L) looks for an opening against Jose Nunez Sosa. Photo by Laila Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In addition to taking the first round, former world title contender\u00a0 \u201cSucra\u201d Ray Oliveira, who was part of the announcing team, also thought Sosa deserved the second frame on the judges\u2019 cards. Sosa was fighting loose, firing in bursts and often had success. Roughly a minute into the second round, he caught Walsh with another solid left hook, which forced the champion to smile after the shot, as if to say, \u201cI\u2019m OK.\u201d Sosa seemed to get more confident as the round wore on, as he resorted to a bit of dancing in between punching, as well as increased his punch output. Near the end of the round, when Walsh took it up a notch, firing away with both hands to Sosa\u2019s head along the ropes, Sosa pulled a Pernell Whitaker and somehow made Walsh miss most or all of his attempts. It was a great display of defensive prowess, however brief.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Walsh would begin to turn things around in the third round, circling and jabbing, occasionally letting go with the right hand. A minute in, he landed a nice uppercut\/left hook combination. About halfway through the round, it was clear Walsh was finally getting into a groove, and starting to let his hands fly more.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Gianni<\/a>

Gianni Ligouri (L) going after Alejandro Medina de la Rosa (R) photo by Will Paul CES<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The fourth round opened with both men throwing windmill punches at a furious pace. The best punch of the haymakers may have been a right hand that appeared to rock Sosa a tad. Sosa, who was fighting on U.S. soil for only the second time in his career, was looking a little tired by this point. Not long after, Walsh, tapping his chest with his right glove a few times, followed up with a beautiful jab-straight right combination. Just past the halfway mark of the round, he burst forward with an eight-punch combination. The tide was clearly turning in Walsh\u2019s favor. And at the very end of the frame, a second before the bell, as both men were exchanging leather, Walsh sent Sosa to the canvas with a short right hand.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Walsh maintained control at the outset of the fifth round largely with the jab. He was now the confident one, and as Sosa mounted a mini-assault, he used some head movement, then exaggerated it in a comical manner \u2013 moving his head left and right even when Sosa stopped punching – perhaps mocking Sosa\u2019s defensive prowess from earlier. For most of the fifth and sixth rounds, it was clear Sosa had slowed down a step. One person in the crowd \u2013 used to the two-way action \u2013 yelled, \u201cLet\u2019s go, Let\u2019s go!\u201d Another \u2013 a woman \u2013 blurted out, \u201cFight like a man,\u201d as she seemed upset with Sosa now backpedaling a bit. Walsh did his thing in the final round to further cement his dominance over eight frames.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Walsh, who had two minor belts draped over his shoulders, said in the ring while being interviewed, \u201cI want some world titles, big straps. Let\u2019s go. I\u2019m 19-0. Who wants it? Step up. Let\u2019s go!\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Slawomir<\/a>

Slawomir Bohdziewicz (L) attacks Cesar Lopez Ugarte (R). (Photo by Laila Lang).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In cruiserweight action, \u201cThe Polish Powerhouse\u201d Slawomir Bohdziewicz, of Walbrzych, Poland, registered a second-round stoppage of Cesar Lopez Ugarte, of Milwaukee, WI, by way of Aguascalientes, Mexico. He initially put Ugarte down a minute or so into the opening frame, but referee Ricky Gonzalez ruled it was caused by a punch to the back of the head. Later however, Bohdziewicz , 7-0 (6),scored a legit knockdown with a brutal left hook to the body when Ugarte, 6-6 (6), was backed against the ropes. Ugarte, 185 \u00be, got up, took more punishment and somehow managed to survive the round.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the second frame, Bohdziewicz, 190, landed a number of good right hands but ultimately another left hook did Ugarte in. He fell to the canvas referee Ricky Gonzalez was forced to end matters. The official time was 1:21.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Slawomir<\/a>

Slawomir Bohdziewicz (L) on the offensive against Cesar Lopez Ugarte (R). (Photo by Will Paul CES)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

William Guilmette, 169, of Coventry, RI, knocked out Douglas Silva, 166, of Woburn, MA, with the first punch he threw, an overhand right. Silva, who was 0-2 going in, looked awkward coming out of the corner. Guilmette took advantage. The fight was stopped 10 seconds in. Guilmette is now 2-0 (2).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Douglas Marroquin, 160 \u00bc,of Stamford, CT, raised his record to 8-0 (5) with a first-round stoppage of Jesus Cruz Silva, 160, of Monterrey, Mexico. A straight right-left hook to the body combination put Silva, 6-5 (1), on the canvas. As referee Ricky Gonzalez began his count, the entertaining Marroquin climbed and sat on the top of a neutral corner post before Gonzalez called the fight off. The official time was 1:26.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Joseph Chisolm, 123, of Stratford, CT, got less than a minute of work in against Facundo Eduardo Ased, 125, of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ased went down from a left hook to the head and referee Johnny Callas saw enough, ending matters at the 50 second mark. Chisolm improves to 6-1 (5) while Ased drops to 9-10 (5).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tevin<\/a>

Tevin Regis (L) fires a hard left jab to Anthony Mora’s jaw.(Photo by Will Paul CES)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Tevin \u201cHitman\u201d Regis, 137 \u00bc, of Dorchester, MA, ran his unbeaten record to 7-0 (6) with a fourth-round stoppage of Anthony Mora, 140, of New Britain. Regis got off to a bit of a slow start, but picked it up as the rounds wore on and scored the most brutal knockout of the night. A straight right hand sent Mora, 7-6-1 (4), to the canvas face-first, parallel to the canvas floor. Callas waved the fight off at the 1:05 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCarlito\u2019s Way\u201d Carlos Perez, 139 \u00be,of New Haven – \u00a0carrying a Puerto Rican flag into the ring bearing the face of his grandfather, who passed away last year and would have celebrated his birthday one day after the fight \u2013 won a four-round unanimous decision over Stephen Davis, 140, of Brockton, MA. The scores were 40-36 (twice) and 39-37. Perez is now 5-0 while Davis falls to 1-8-1 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Carlos Perez (R) squaring off against Stephen Davis (L). (Photo by Laila Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gianni Ligouri, 143 \u00bd, of Branford, CT, proved himself a prospect to keep an eye on with a dominant win over Alejandro Medina de la Rosa, 145, of Aguascalientes, Mexico. Ligouri, 4-0-1 (3), controlled the first two rounds with solid skills and then dropped de la Rosa, 3-7 (3), in the third frame with a straight right hand. De la Rosa subsequently tried to hold but Ligouri dropped him again, this time with a lead right hand to the temple. When the action resumed, Ligouri blasted him along the ropes with both hands, forcing Callas to end matters at the 2:35 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tyler \u201cMy Time\u201d Macari, 159 \u00bd, of Cranston, RI, scored a first-round stoppage of Katriel Young, 162 \u00be, of Kalamazoo, Michigan at the 2:34 mark. The right-handed Macari, 2-0 (2), initially dropped Young, 1-5 (1), with a straight left from a southpaw stance. Later, a right hand sent him crashing. Ultimately, a left hook to the head, followed by a hook downstairs, forced referee Ricky Gonzalez to end it.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s opening bout, Kevin Mojica, 146 \u00be, of Johnston, RI, scored two knockdowns en route to a first-round stoppage of Latreveon Grant, 144 \u00be, of Arnold, MO. The first knockdown was caused by a straight left hand, and a succession of lefts created the second knockdown. Grant made it to his feet, but referee Johnny Callas felt he was in no shape to continue. The time was 2:00. Mojica is now 3-0 (3) while Grant falls to 1-4 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Inducts 19th<\/sup> Class<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Past inductees of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame gather for the latest annual photo. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame held its 19th<\/sup> annual induction ceremony on Oct. 18, and it was a mixed crew of honorees at Mohegan Sun \u2013 retired professional referee Joe Cusano; cruiserweight Matt \u201cToo Smooth\u201d Godfrey; Rhode Island-based trainer Peter Manfredo Sr.; Scott \u201cThe Sandman\u201d Pemberton, who once engaged in the 2003 ESPN Fight of the Year with Omar Sheika; the late judge Steve Epstein; and former WIBF lightweight champion Liz Mueller.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, with Mueller\u2019s presence \u2013 the second female ever inducted into the Hall \u2013 along with Katie Taylor in the building – who was being honored as Professional Boxer of the Year \u2013 it was a representation of how far women\u2019s boxing has come in a relatively short time. Taylor recently defeated Amanda Serrano in their trilogy bout at Madison Square Garden, headlining a historic all-female card, and both women made millions. When Mueller was fighting in the early 2000s, it was hard to find other women to fight, and the money wasn\u2019t there like it is today. She retired after winning the WIBF lightweight world title in her 10th<\/sup> bout. Her record was 8-2 (2).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2025 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Peter Manfredo Sr. addresses the crowd at the Hall\u2019s 19th annual induction ceremony. <\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

A former track and cross-country star at Waterford High School, Mueller won a national Golden Gloves championship and a USA Boxing national championship after making the switch to boxing to get back in shape after being sidelined by an injury. She would subsequently turn pro and link up with trainer John Scully.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe did everything I asked of her,\u201d said Scully, who noted that Mueller was his first world champion fighter. \u201cShe never questioned my instructions or training methods. She showed no fear or intimidation in any situation. She had the best mentality that any boxing trainer could ask for.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As Mueller was driving to Mohegan Sun for her induction, she said she couldn\u2019t help but think back to the last time she was at the casino for a boxing event, her second to last fight, against Connie Bechtel, \u201c20-some-odd years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd similar to tonight,\u201d said Mueller, \u201cBack then, we were all in a room, family and fans and coaches and spectators and officials, but there was also a ring, and at some point that evening, for the first time ever at Mohegan Sun, two women were allowed to enter the ring.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mueller noted that times have changed and that there are now more opportunities for women boxers.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been really busy down at Mohegan Sun,\u201d said Mueller, naming a number of women, past and present, from Connecticut, Rhode Island and beyond, that have showcased their skills and put on crowd-pleasing fights at the Mohegan Sun Arena, including rising contenders Stevie Jane Coleman and Amelia Moore.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have time to name them all, and I think that\u2019s kind of cool,\u201d said Mueller.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2025 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Joe Cusano delivers his speech at the Oct. 18 ceremony. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Taylor, who has helped to elevate women\u2019s boxing via her three bouts with Serrano \u2013\u00a0 their second outing was seen by everyone who tuned in for the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson bout on Netflix \u2013 said she was honored to receive the Professional Boxer of the Year Award. She made Connecticut her second home about a decade ago and when she\u2019s stateside, she trains at Paul Cichon\u2019s Manchester ROCS gym.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She said she came to the United States with the ambition of \u201cchanging female boxing and putting women\u2019s professional boxing on the map\u201d and she felt she \u201cmoved well beyond that.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Alyssa Bozzi, daughter of late judge and 2025 CTBHOF inductee Steve Epstein, holds a photo of her dad on stage while her Aunt Susan spoke. Bozzi and Susan Epstein accepted Epstein\u2019s plaque from judge Glenn Feldman<\/span><\/strong><\/span>.<\/p><\/div>\n

In compiling a 25-1 professional record, Taylor admitted being away from family and friends, in months long training camps, can be difficult.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little hard dealing with the heartache and loneliness,\u201d said the recently married boxer, \u201cBut I\u2019m so grateful that I found my community in boxing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor acknowledged Cichon and the support staff at his gym, as well as her trainer, Connecticut resident Ross Enamait, who was honored on this night as Trainer of the Year, but missed the event to attend his son\u2019s baseball game.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor also gave props to her manager, Brian Peters, and \u201ceveryone at Matchroom Boxing, and from my extended team.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame President John Laudati and judge Don Trella pose for a photo with 2025 CTBHOF inductee Matt \u201cToo Smooth\u201d Godfrey. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve held open doors I think that nobody else could have opened,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for their amazing support.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor was a gracious and accommodating guest, taking photos and signing autographs for fans during the cocktail hour as well as after the induction ceremony. Even the professionals in the room were elated she was a part of the night\u2019s festivities.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Referee Johnny Callas, a 2013 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, asked to cite his favorite moments of the evening, responded, \u201cKatie Taylor and Katie Taylor.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf I have to substitute one,\u201d said Callas, \u201cI will I say I was pleased that I was able to give Joe Cusano his just due [ Callas provided introductory remarks] and make him happy on this special night for him.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former light heavyweight world title challenger John Scully chats with former NABF super lightweight champion \u201cSucra\u201d Ray Oliveira during the 2025 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Cusano, a barber who didn\u2019t become an amateur and professional referee until his 40s, told The USA Boxing News<\/em> that it\u2019s never too late in life to pursue a new path.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not over. Go for it,\u201d he said. \u201cI was 44 when I started [amateur]. I was 49 when I got my first pro license. I still managed to have a lengthy career, something that was recognized enough to get some attention and get me into the Hall of Fame. I\u2019m very proud of that\u2026 To be a part of that I am deeply humbled. If my story can inspire anybody that\u2019s what I\u2019d really like to see. My theme has been about age-ism and I would rather see people continue to contribute, continue to advance. Go for it, like Rocky would say, \u2018Go for it.\u2019 I did, and I\u2019m happy I did.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Referee Ricky Gonzalez sits with his son at the 2025 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Gonzalez was honored with the William Hutt Official of the Year Award. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

During his induction, Cusano, who was also a judge for six years after retiring from professional refereeing (13 years), acknowledged his family, and more specifically, his wife Martie, \u201cfor it was her unwavering support that provided the bedrock of my success.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He went on to thank other referees, \u201cSean Malone, Sr., Ken Ezzo, Johnny Callas, Danny Schiavone, Dick Flaherty and Mike Ortega, each a pivotal mentor, sharpening my skills and bolstering my confidence, paving the way for this incredible honor.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Another official enshrined was the late Steve Epstein, an international judge who was involved in 30 world title fights, according to Glenn Feldman, who provided introductory remarks.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor poses with her Professional Boxer of the Year Award along with, from left to right, CTBHOF President John Laudati, Master of Ceremonies Marc Robbins and judge Glenn Feldman. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cUndoubtedly, his numbers would have been far greater if he had not been taken from us years ago,\u201d said Feldman. \u201cHe was also one of the founding fathers of this great organization, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame\u2026Steve was a great friend, a great boxing judge and a great dad (of two daughters).\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Accepting Epstein\u2019s induction plaque was his daughter Alyssa and sister Susan.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrowing up,\u201d said Alyssa, \u201cI honestly didn\u2019t know much about his boxing life, other than looking at the boxing posters on our walls, and watching the fights on TV just to get a glimpse of his bald head on the side.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cI\u2019m so grateful to Glenn Feldman and the rest of the boxing family who has welcomed me into his world, and I only wish he could be here today to accept this honor. Thank you to everyone for remembering him in this way and for keeping his spirit alive in the boxing community.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Lee Deer speaks at the podium after receiving his Amateur Official of the Year Award from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Epstein was one of the original board members of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (which held its first induction in 2005) and \u201che helped the dream become a reality according to the induction program.\u201d Epstein was 58 when he passed away in 2014.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so very proud of my brother,\u201d said Susan Epstein. \u201cI remember him traveling all over and coming back and telling me what he had experienced. He loved boxing and gave it his all.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Junior welterweight Mykquan Williams, last year\u2019s Professional Boxer of the Year, accepts the Trainer of The Year Award for Ross Enamait, who trains Katie Taylor, and is also in Williams\u2019 camp. Enamait was unable to make it as he was attending his son\u2019s baseball game. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Making the trek from Rhode Island for his induction was Matt \u201cToo Smooth\u201d Godfrey, a talented amateur, who among other accolades, was the National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion in 2002 and a second alternate for the 2004 U.S. Olympic team in 2004. He compiled a 21-3 (11) record as a pro, winning the NABF and NABA cruiserweight championships along the way. He traveled to Germany in 2010 to challenge for the WBO title, but lost to champion Marco Huck. Huck was no slouch. He held the championship from 2009 to 2015, and made 13 successful title defenses, a division record shared with Johnny Nelson.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Godfrey said he would not be getting inducted \u201cif I didn\u2019t have some amazing people behind me all these years.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He started by mentioning Roland Estrada, who runs the 401 boxing gym in Cranston, Rhode Island, and who trained Godfrey since he was 12 or so.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Susan Epstein and Alyssa Bozzi accept the late Steve Epstein\u2019s induction plaque at the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Epstein was an international judge who was also on the original Board of Directors for the Hall. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHe would come to the projects every single day, every single day, in his monster pick-up truck and take me to the gym, alongside my best friend, [future 2004 Olympian] Jason Estrada.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Godfrey added, \u201cWithout his persistence to come and pick me up, and take me to the gym, I wouldn\u2019t be here [ getting inducted] today.\u201d Godfrey also gave a nod to fellow inductee Peter Manfredo , Sr.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe opened his doors to me and allowed me to train at his gym without ever charging a dime,\u201d said Godfrey. He also thanked Manfredo for setting him on a path to train others.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI train kids. I train other fighters,\u201d said Godfrey. \u201cI train groups of people and I started doing that at Peter Manfredo\u2019s gym, where he helped me out and let me take care of his classes when he didn\u2019t have the time to do it, and without him, I wouldn\u2019t be able to do what I do for a living, actually, so thank you Peter.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Godfrey also thanked his former promoter, Jimmy Burchfield, for everything he did for his career, for getting him fights on ESPN and getting him fights at the Connecticut casinos.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Matt \u201cToo\u201d Smooth\u201d Godfrey delivers his induction speech at the 2025 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI\u2019m actually 7-0, with six knockouts in the State of Connecticut,\u201d said Godfrey. Every time I headlined here, every time Jimmy Burchfield put me on, I rose to the occasion and took care of business.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Godfrey acknowledged his former manager Brett Hallenbeck, who he said eased the financial burden at times.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBeing an elite fighter at the top level, we all know it is very difficult to work a full-time job, take care of your children, take care of your wife, take care of everything and still have time to train, and when you have somebody in your corner that can ease some of that pressure and help you, it\u2019s a really big thing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

When Estrada became busy training many pro fighters, including his son, Godfrey, in the latter part of his career, switched gyms and had to make daily commutes from Rhode Island to Connecticut to train with Ross Enamait and John Scully.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the time my kids were really small,\u201d said Godfrey. \u201cAnd they didn\u2019t really understand these early morning departures. My three daughters are here today. I\u2019m so glad they could be here. “<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Peter Manfredo Sr. proudly shows off his induction plaque as CTBHOF President John Laudati, board member AJ Galante and Master of Ceremonies Marc Robbins pose for a photo with him. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cSo now they can understand this. We would get up, leave the house at 6 a.m., I would have to drive them to another town to get them to school, to get them to their childcare and everything, and I would drive two hours out here to Connecticut to train with Ross and John for a few hours\u2026At that time they didn\u2019t understand why I had to come so far to train, every day. And now, they\u2019re here today and they see why everyone else is recognizing this, this is exactly why. This is why I got up early all those days, why I dropped you guys off and drove all the way out here. This is it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Godfrey finished by saying he gave boxing the \u2018greatest years of my physical life.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m holding it together now, but you guys can\u2019t see, I\u2019ll be limping out of here,\u201d said Godfrey. \u201cMy elbows are messed up. I can\u2019t straighten out my arms. My spine is crooked (crowd laughs). I wouldn\u2019t have it any other way. I gave the best years of my life to this sport, and what this sport has given me in return, is this right here, and I truly appreciate it. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Former super middleweight contender Scott \u201cThe Sandman\u201d Pemberton, a former NABF and NABO champion who also won the vacant IBU title, against Levan Easley in March 2003, was a fighter inductee of fewer words. After a great intro from former fighter Sean Malone Sr. that touched on Pemberton\u2019s two bouts with Omar Sheika \u2013 the first of which was voted ESPN\u2019s Fight of the Year – and his battles with James Crawford, Glenwood Brown, Manfredo Jr., Jeff Lacy \u00a0and others, Pemberton implied that Malone had said it all.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Kenny Reels, a former member of the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming and Athletic Commission and 2016 Hall inductee, speaks at the podium after being called up to receive the Willie Pep Courage Award. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

However, he did thank God for \u201cletting me do the things I do without getting hurt.\u201d He also thanked those involved with the Hall for inducting him.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to thank everyone that\u2019s involved\u2026I was just doing what I loved to do, and that\u2019s fight…I don\u2019t know what to say\u2026Thank you everyone,\u201d he said. \u201cI appreciate it. I\u2019m totally humbled by this. Thank you.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A no-nonsense fighter who gave his fans their money\u2019s worth, Pemberton retired with a record of 29-5 -1 (24). Two of his losses were in his final two bouts, against IBF champion Jeff Lacy, and Peter Manfredo Jr. respectively.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Scott Pemberton<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Joining his son in the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame \u2013 Peter Jr. was inducted in 2014 \u2013 Manfredo Sr. told the 500 or so in attendance, \u201cI am deeply honored and humbled to be here tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cBoxing has been a big part of my life as long as I can remember. I was inspired as a kid by so many great boxing legends, like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, and of course the great Willie Pep. \u201c<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGrowing up, I also watched Vince Lombardi lead the [Green Bay] Packers to championships. Vince Lombardi is someone I admire for his toughness and his passion for excellence. I admired his focus on the fundamentals of the sport and how he was able to lead his team to victory.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo explained that when he made the decision to become a boxing trainer, he \u201caimed to take Lombardi\u2019s coaching philosophies combined with the various martial arts and boxing styles and techniques in order to lead my boxers to victory.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Liz Mueller<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWhat I really love about boxing is the grit, the discipline, the will to push yourself and excel beyond levels that you could ever imagine,\u201d said Manfredo. \u201cI love the balance of mental strategy and physical endurance and skill, also being able to teach others who share the same competitive spirit, the desire to develop and grow and that is the fire that really keeps me going.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo has trained numerous \u00a0professional fighters, but his most famous student is his son, Peter Manfredo Jr. The younger Manfredo went 42-7-1 (23) as a professional, and twice challenged for major world titles, against Joe Calzaghe and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo Jr. is a former NABF middleweight champion who also won the vacant IBO middleweight championship with a 10th <\/sup>round stoppage of Angel Hernandez in May 2010.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The elder Manfredo told the induction crowd a boxing trainer wears many hats.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a psychologist, you\u2019re a sports manager, a financial adviser, a life coach, and so forth,\u201d he said. \u201cAs a boxing trainer, you also have the responsibility to protect your boxer and give them good advice. When a boxer actually follows your advice and as a result, is able to achieve their dreams, this, my friends, is the kind of victory that really matters in life.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo advised the boxers in attendance to consider teaching others and passing on their unique and valuable lessons that \u201care required on the road to becoming a champion.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThese lessons are also valuable in navigating the difficult roads that are inevitable in life,\u201d he said. \u201cFind a boxing gym. YMCA. Church youth center and spend an hour a week. Give them some time because sometimes, it can change lives. I\u2019ve seen it happen, over and over, over the years.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo subsequently noted how much the induction means to him and added, \u201cYou know what they say, \u2018Behind every good man is an even greater woman.\u2019 Well, I just want to say, I\u2019m lucky. I don\u2019t have one. I have three, my daughters and my wife. Thank you ladies, for your understanding, and the sacrifices you\u2019ve made over the years, that you were by my side and I can keep doing what I love to do.\u201d \u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alyssa Bozzi and Susan Epstein, daughter and sister to the late judge Steve Epstein, pose with a photo and induction plaque of Epstein. Standing with them is CTBHOF President John Laudati, judge Glenn Feldman and Master of Ceremonies Marc Robbins. <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Earlier in the evening, the annual Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Awards were handed out. In addition to Taylor and Enamait receiving Professional Boxer of the Year and Trainer of the Year, respectively, Daniel Hernandez of New Britain was honored as the Amateur Boxer of the Year. The middleweight boxer won a national tournament in Puerto Rico earlier this year and is currently ranked number two in his weight class by the International Boxing Association. He also won Fighter of the Night at the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational held at Mohegan Sun over the summer. The Invitational was the amateur portion of a 17-bout card put on by Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s CES Boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hernandez told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cIt\u2019s amazing that tonight I am Amateur Boxer of the Year, and great champion Katie Taylor is Professional Boxer of the Year. As a little boy, I remember she would come to the gym (Martinez Boxing Club) and spar with a few pros, and I would just stand there and soak in as much knowledge as I could and try to mimic everything they were doing in the ring, and try it on the bag and then I\u2019d go home and try to shadowbox my dad.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While accepting the award, Hernandez thanked his team, his family, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame\u2019s committee that decided to honor him, and \u201call those that forced me to work hard every day.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Other award honorees were Lee Deer (Amateur Official of the Year); referee Ricky Gonzalez (The William Hutt Official of the Year); Manchester Ring of Champions Society assistant trainer Miguel Ayala (George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award); and Kenny Reels (The Willie Pep Courage Award). Reels is a 2016 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, as well as a former member of the Mashantucket Pequot Gaming and Athletic Commission, who has battled Multiple myeloma for several years.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThanks for thinking of me,\u201d said Reels. \u201cI\u2019m glad my body allowed me to be here tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The evening included a buffet style dinner – which for the second year in a row, is proving more popular than pre-arranged dinner plates of the past- \u00a0a silent auction where boxing fans were able to bid on fight posters, autographed items from legends such as Archie Moore, Willie Pep, Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran, as well as books written by Cusano (who recently penned a partly fictional memoir titled Uppercuts) and prolific author Mark Allen Baker. There was also a 50\/50 raffle. The winner received $770 and the other $770 will go into the Hall\u2019s scholarship fund for young athletes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe night was a true celebration of the sport and its community,\u201d said Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Second Vice President Robin Hayes. \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to the 20th<\/sup>\u00a0Anniversary dinner in 2026.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shermain Cain, a longtime writer who covered boxing for the Journal Inquirer<\/em>, and is now secretary of the Hall, shared a few thoughts on the evening.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was our fastest moving dinner,\u201d he said. \u201cLiz Mueller gave a great speech. Emcee Marc Robins (a veteran sports anchor with WFSB (Channel 3) was a real pro, and the buffet was a hit again.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Cain added, \u201cHaving Katie Taylor was a huge plus. She loves to train in Connecticut, and lives here, and that adds to her popularity. We\u2019re hoping she\u2019ll be a fixture at the dinner for years to come.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Questions\/Comments: kirklang@yahoo.com<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSpeedy\u201d Rashidi Ellis<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One of New England\u2019s most talented fighters returns to the squared circle this Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena, with a plan to put on a show.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

I like to have fun in there,\u201d said welterweight contender \u201cSpeedy\u201d Rashidi Ellis, who cites Prince Naseem Hamed, Roy Jones Jr. and Meldrick Taylor among his favorite fighters. Ellis will be taking on battle-tested veteran Javier Fortuna, who has fought, among others, top names like Ryan Garcia and Joseph \u201cJoJo\u201d Diaz.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe\u2019s a little awkward and crafty, but I\u2019m going to pick him apart,\u201d said Ellis. \u201cHe might be a little tricky in the beginning but I\u2019m gonna get him in maybe the fourth round, once I get the timing right.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis is on a three-fight win streak- all by stoppage – since losing a majority decision to Roiman Villa in in January 2023. It was an exciting 12-round IBF title eliminator that seemed to be going Ellis\u2019 way until he hit the canvas twice in the 12th<\/sup> and final round. Two judges scored the bout 114-112 for Villa while the third saw it a draw, 113-113. It was Ellis\u2019 first professional setback.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Speedy Rashidi Ellis (L) of the Boston Butchers attacks the body of Ryan Pino (R) in the fifth bout of a 24-bout night at Foxwoods.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cI\u2019ve been calling for a rematch,\u201d said Ellis. \u201cI even contacted him for a rematch and nothing came of it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis admits he\u2019s not a math expert, but he knows basic math, and said if rounds were judged fairly and honestly, he should have walked away with the victory, despite the 12th<\/sup> round not going his way.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI won almost every round, and considering it\u2019s a 12-round fight, it doesn\u2019t add up,\u201d he said. Ellis said he was never hurt.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI was good,\u201d he said. \u201cThey were like flash knockdowns, and I got right back up. You could see it, and the second one was more like a push.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Every time he comes to the ring, Ellis brings the excitement and seems to be having a lot of fun in there. One of five brothers and sisters, his brother Ronald fights as a pro on the west coast and his sister, Rashida, was a 2020 Olympian. She entered the official pro ranks earlier this month, and before that, fought in Team Combat League competition, winning all 16 of her one-round bouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cOur parents, Margaret and Ronald, raised us very tough,\u201d said Ellis, \u201cI guess that helped us out with boxing as well.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis had nearly 100 amateur fights, was a national P.AL. champion and also won a silver medal at the Independent Cup in the Dominican Republic in 2013, before going pro that year.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis has won some minor and regional belts along the way to his 27-1 (18) record, and he gives them all to \u201cMama.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Boston<\/a>

Boston Butcher boxer Speedy Rashidi Ellis prepares to attack a showboating Ryan Pino in the Money Rounds portion of the team format.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

If he wins a world welterweight title belt, might he keep that one on display in his home?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s keeping that as well, she gets all of them,\u201d said Ellis. \u201cI\u2019ll probably get a picture of it, but she can have it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis has the benefit of being able to train full-time in boxing, without having to juggle training and a full-time job. Asked if he has a manger helping to make that happen, he replied, \u201cI\u2019ve got myself (laughs). I find a way.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Besides his actual fights, Ellis has gained valuable experience sparring for years with the likes of Demetrius \u201cBoo Boo\u201d Andrade and Saul \u201cCanelo\u201d Alvarez. He almost got to spar with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was supposed to go spar him when he was fighting Floyd,\u201d said Ellis. \u201cI got the phone call and everything. They put it in the newspaper, and said I was going to go over there, but something happened. I don\u2019t know what happened. Miscommunication, I\u2019m not sure. I didn\u2019t end up going.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis has his sights set on the champions of his division: Brian Norman Jr. (WBO); Rolando Romero (WBA); Mario Barrios (WBC); and Lewis Crocker (IBF). However, he said he will be keeping a close watch on Norman\u2019s upcoming title defense against Devin Haney, since he is currently ranked #9 in the world by the WBO.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ellis is on the cusp of fighting for a world title, a childhood dream that will likely come true in the very near future. He\u2019s gained a bit of fame but hasn\u2019t let the hype or anything get to his head. Asked how he stays focused as he moves up in the ranks, Ellis responded, \u201cIt\u2019s easy for me because I have fun with it. I don\u2019t even look at it as a job for me, so I just have fun with it and stay dedicated, and keep focused, and do what I have to do.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And getting past Javier Fortuna is part of the mission, a step along the way to greater things.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNovember 1st<\/sup>, it\u2019s going to be an exciting fight,\u201d said Ellis.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To purchase tickets for \u201cAutumn Classic 2025,\u201d log onto CESFights.com<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Katie Taylor Honored as Professional Boxer of the Year<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Katie<\/a>

Katie Taylor holding her trophy as Boxer of the Year.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame and Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort always combine forces to put on a great induction ceremony every year.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, this year\u2019s event had a little something extra special \u2013 the presence of one of the greatest boxers in the world today, male or female. Taylor was honored by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Saturday as Professional Boxer of the Year. Not only did she defeat seven division champion Amanda Serrano in her most dominant win over her three-fight rival, Taylor and Serrano headlined a historic all-female card at Madison Square Garden on July 11.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Katie<\/a>

Katie (R) with Stevie Jane Coleman (L) and promoter Jimmy Burchfield (C).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Back in 2022, Taylor and Serrano\u2019s first bout, which was also at the Garden, was the first headlined by women. Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Past President Glenn Feldman said on that night the two women \u201cchanged the course of women\u2019s boxing\u201d and ushered in a \u201cnew era for the sport.\u201d The rematch, which took place last November, was the co-feature to the Jake Paul versus Mike Tyson mega event and was seen by millions on Netflix. It was a closely contested battle which raised the women\u2019s profiles even higher. The trilogy fight saw Taylor box more and slug less to earn a majority decision with scorecards of 97-93, 97-93 and 95-95.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKatie trains at Manchester ROCS (Ring of Champions Society) and lives in Vernon while she\u2019s training,\u201d said Feldman, who for years has been the undisputed king of boxing judges, doing more big fights than anyone else.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Feldman noted Taylor is a former Olympic gold medalist, two division champion and current undisputed super lightweight champion of the world. Footage of Taylor and Serrano swapping leather played on two large screens as \u201cThe Bray Bomber\u201d made her way to the stage to accept her award.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a huge honor,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cI\u2019m so humbled and privileged to receive this award.\u201d She added that about ten years ago, she bought a home in the Nutmeg State and \u201cdidn\u2019t know a single person in Connecticut.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Katie<\/a>

Katie signs a glove for a fan.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

She said she came to the United States with the ambition of \u201cchanging female boxing and putting women\u2019s professional boxing on the map\u201d and felt she \u201cmoved well beyond that.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In compiling a 25-1 professional record, Taylor admitted being away from family and friends, in months long training camps, can be difficult.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a little hard dealing with the heartache and loneliness,\u201d said the recently married boxer, \u201cBut I\u2019m so grateful that I found my community in boxing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cI want to especially thank, single out, Paul Cichon ay Manchester ROCS gym. They\u2019re the most genuine and humble people I ever came across in my life, and I celebrate with Paul for everything he\u2019s done for me the last few years.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Angelica Ilinksi, Katie Taylor and Daniel Hernandez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cYou opened up your gym to me and you never once asked for anything in return,\u201d said Taylor. \u201cYou guys are all about the boxing and I appreciate that. I\u2019m so grateful. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor then acknowledged her coach, Connecticut resident Ross Enamait, who was honored on this night as Trainer of the Year, but missed the event to attend his son\u2019s baseball game.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s Ross, a great family man,\u201d Cichon told this reporter.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor also gave props to her manager Brian Peters and \u201ceveryone at Matchroom Boxing, and from my extended team.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019ve held open doors I think that nobody else could have opened,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m so grateful for their amazing support.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor also acknowledged her husband Sean McCavanagh and \u201cmy parents for all the life lessons, the boxing lessons and all the lessons in between.\u201d She wrapped up by giving thanks to God \u201cfor giving me the strength and the health for each and every step along the way\u201d and made sure to thank the Hall for the impressive Professional Boxer of the Year trophy she was given.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI am so honored and let\u2019s keep representing Connecticut boxing on the world stage,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor was a gracious and accommodating guest, taking photos and signing autographs for fans during the cocktail hour as well as after the induction ceremony. She also chatted with a number of fans who cited her as an inspiration.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Twenty-year-old\u00a0 Angelica Ilinski, whose boyfriend Daniel Hernandez was honored as Amateur Boxer of the Year, trains at United Boxing Gym in Rocky Hill, CT.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMeeting Katie Taylor was one of the most inspiring moments of my life,\u201d said Ilinski. \u201cShe makes me feel strong, empowered and motivated to chase my goals in health and fitness.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A former Judo practitioner, Ilinski said she always makes time to train \u201cbecause people like her fuel my fire.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She added Taylor has inspired her to pursue becoming a personal trainer.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s not only an incredible fighter but an incredible woman,\u201d said Ilinski. \u201cOur conversation meant so much to me\u2026She deserves victory in and out of the ring. I\u2019m so grateful for my dad\u2019s support in pushing me to work hard and chase my dreams no matter what\u2026and Daniel\u2019s hard work gave me the chance to meet and speak with Katie.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Connecticut Fighter Stevie Jane Coleman Enters Top Ten Rankings<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Story Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the world of pugilism, boxers have various milestones, their pro debut, their first belt of any variety, their first world title, and so on.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Connecticut-based welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman is a fighter on the rise, but she recently achieved a milestone \u2013 a top ten world ranking.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She entered the WBO rankings in August at the 9th<\/sup> ranked welterweight, and not long before that, earned a spot as the 8th<\/sup> best welterweight, according to the WBA.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely motivation to keep climbing the ladder to reach that number one spot.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Coleman\u2019s parents, Stephen and Ivy, at one time \u201cdidn\u2019t really like the fact that I boxed but now they\u2019re super supportive.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey were happy to see I made the top ten,\u201d said Coleman.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stevie Jane Coleman emerges victorious over Suzanna Rodgriguez (Photo by Laila Lang)<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

She has come a long way from the young girl that wanted to box like her brothers but had to earn her way to the gym.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI used to ask my parents all the time. It was a \u2018no\u2019 since I was 13,\u201d said Coleman, who is the youngest of seven. \u201cI kept asking. Finally, he said I had to run and shadowbox for a year.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stevie Jane had to run three miles a day, with only one day off a week.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was a chubby kid so when I first started, I couldn\u2019t even run a mile or do a push-up,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Once she proved her dedication, her dad said, \u2018I gotta take her now,\u201d Coleman said. She was 16 at the time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Now 24, Coleman is on the cusp of fighting for a world title.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She has put in the work with her trainer, Paul Cichon, and her strength and conditioning coach, Carmen Dorothy, to make it this far.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stevie Jane Coleman.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cStevie is an unbelievable hard worker,\u201d said Cichon. She\u2019s dedicated, I always joke with her and say she\u2019s a pain in my [butt] because if she has to take a day off for medicals, like she has to do tomorrow (Friday), she wants to come in on Saturday or Sunday just to make up for that day. That\u2019s how dedicated she is.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Carmen added, \u201cShe\u2019s very, very dedicated. She loves to learn. The harder I push her, the more she loves it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cichon takes pride in the recent top ten rankings by the WBA and the WBO.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m extremely proud,\u201d he said. \u201cFor somebody with the lack of experience she has, she\u2019s accomplished quite a bit.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although Coleman, 6-1 (2), won a New England Golden Gloves championship as an amateur, she only had a total of 10 fights in the unpaid ranks.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For Cichon, Coleman is only his third fighter, male or female, to earn a top ten ranking. He previously reached the milestone with Matt Remillard<\/span><\/strong><\/span>, now retired, and Mykquan Williams, a talented junior welterweight who is looking to rebound from an upset loss to Antonio Moran earlier this year.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stevie Jane Coleman. (Photo courtesy of CES Boxing)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI\u2019m kind of looking forward to the next level and that\u2019s going to be up to Jimmy Burchfield (Coleman\u2019s promoter),\u201d said Cichon. \u201cHe\u2019s helping guide her to the top.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While Coleman earned her top ten ranking at welterweight, she and Cichon have decided that she will be going down a division, to junior welterweight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAfter her involvement in Team Combat League, we decided to go down to 140,\u201d said Cichon. \u201cRight now, they\u2019ve got a fight for her in Puerto Rico, at 147, but I don\u2019t want it. She said she wants to fight at 140, and that\u2019s what she\u2019s going to do.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cYou want to be on the high side of your own weight class. You know what I mean? You don\u2019t want to be a small 147. I want her to be the bigger one when she gets in the ring.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Coleman concurs.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMoving down in weight is going to be better for me I think because I keep my power,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although Coleman had a relatively brief amateur career, she has been making up for it, getting valuable lessons sparring with one of the best female fighters in the world, Katie Taylor, as Taylor has a home in Connecticut and trains at Cichon\u2019s Ring of Champions Society (ROCS) gym in Manchester.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWorking with Katie has been an amazing opportunity and I feel incredibly lucky that I was able to so much,\u201d said Coleman. \u201cI definitely learned a lot from her.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cichon and Coleman of course went to Madison Square Garden this past July to support Taylor as she headlined a historic all-women\u2019s fight card at the \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Famous Arena.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was inspiring,\u201d said Coleman, adding, \u201cI do believe I\u2019ll be there one day.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Questions\/Comments: <\/em>kirklang@yahoo.com<\/em><\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Katie Taylor to be Recognized as Professional Fighter of the Year by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Katie Taylor, fresh off her historic win at Madison Square Garden, in which she defeated Amanda Serrano in the headline bout of an all-women\u2019s card at the \u201cWorld\u2019s Most Famous Arena,\u201d will be recognized as Professional Boxer of the Year next month by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The undisputed super lightweight champion is a sports icon in her native Ireland, but Taylor lives and trains in Connecticut, in relative anonymity.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Her trainer, Ross Enamait, of Waterford, will be honored with the Trainer of the Year award.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cTo have Katie Taylor, considered by many to be the best female fighter in the world at this junction, to be honored at our induction dinner, adds to the prestige of our event,\u201d said Sherman Cain, secretary for the CBHOF.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Katie Taylor (L) and Amanda Serrano (R) in action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Taylor\u2019s July 11 win over Serrano, a seven-division champion, was the third and likely final meeting between the two great warriors. This time around, Taylor made a point to showcase her boxing skills, rather than engage in a back-and-forth slugfest. The first Taylor-Serrano fight took place at MSG and the second one took place on the undercard of the mega event between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, which aired on Netflix and brought both women\u2019s popularity to new heights. Taylor\u2019s more educated feet, and quicker hands, made the third fight far less tricky to score. Serrano would tell anyone who listened that she deserved the nod in the second fight but after their July meeting, she couldn\u2019t make such a claim. Taylor deserved the victory and cemented her status as one of the greatest female fighters of all time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great that Katie is being recognized by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,\u201d said Enamait. \u201cAs a future first ballot Hall of Fame inductee, she is certainly deserving.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cThere aren\u2019t many fighters who\u2019ve been involved in 20 world title fights; became a two-weight undisputed world champion, sold out Madison Square Garden twice, and is a multiple time Fighter of the Year recipient by the Boxing Writers Association of America. She was also involved in, and won, the 2022 Fight of the Year according to Ring Magazine, Sports Illustrated, and others, and is currently recognized as Ring Magazine\u2019s #1 pound-for-pound female fighter in the world. As I said, [this honor] is well deserved.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Taylor is the first female to ever be nominated as Professional Boxer of the Year. Board members were looking to nominate a male until someone suggested Taylor.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFrom there it was absolutely a no-brainer,\u201d said referee Johnny Callas, CBHOF Hall of Famer who serves on the Board of Directors. \u201cI confirmed that she has been a resident of Connecticut since moving here seven or eight years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Katie Taylor going to her ring corner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Callas added, \u201cPaul Cichon from Manchester\u2019s Ring of Champions Society (ROCS) boxing gym, further confirmed that when\u00a0 she is not in camp, she trains at ROCS. After that, there was no push back at all. How could there be? Katie is probably pound-for-pound the greatest women\u2019s boxer that ever lived and she is still going. The level of competition and opponents that she has faced and beaten is incomparable to any female boxer in history thus far and in my eyes that is not even debatable\u2026When Katie and Amanda Serrano headlined an all-female sold-out card at Madison Square Garden, that was the greatest measure of how far women\u2019s pro boxing has come. And [those ladies] at the top of the card in the third fight of their epic trilogy, that rates up there with Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward, Ali and Frazier, Holyfield and Bowe. That is a the truest reflection of where women\u2019s boxing has ascended to, and it is even a greater reflection as to the caliber of boxers that Katie and Amanda are.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets for the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction dinner are priced at $97.88 per person, including taxes and fees, can be purchased at Eventbrite.com.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Inductees Announced for October Induction; Women\u2019s Champ Katie Taylor Will Be Honored as Pro Fighter of the Year<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

Waterford native Elizabeth Mueller, who won the International Women\u2019s Boxing Federation World lightweight title in 2001, heads the 2025 induction class for the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Matt Godfrey, Scott Pemberton, Peter Manfredo Sr., Joe Cusano, and Steve Epstein will join Mueller as part of the induction class that will be honored at the CBHOF annual dinner on Oct. 18 at the Mohegan Sun Ballroom in Uncasville. Katie Taylor, the current WBC, IBF, and WBO World super lightweight women\u2019s champion now residing in Vernon and training at the Manchester Ring of Champions Society, will receive the Pro Fighter of the Year honor. Taylor is trained by Ross Enamait of Waterford. Enamait is the CBHOF Trainer of the Year. Taylor is the only female fighter to headline a fight card at Madison Square Garden in New York that generated a sellout.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

“To have Katie Taylor, considered by many to be the best female fighter in the world at this junction, to be honored at our induction dinner adds to the prestige of our event,” said Sherman Cain, secretary for the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.”\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After a storied career as a track athlete at Waterford High, Mueller tried her hand at boxing. She became a decorated amateur. In 1999, Mueller was a National Golden Gloves champion, a silver medalist at the World Cup in Finland, and a USA Boxing nation champion. In 1998, she was a National Police Athletic League champion and also captured a Bud Belt tile<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mueller, 50, compiled an 8-2 record as a pro, beating Clampitt twice. The second win was by unanimous decision, giving Mueller the IWBF title. After the second loss to Mueller, Clampitt would go on to win eight straight fights and capture the IWBF world lightweight title. Mueller retired after the second victory over Clampitt.\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A six-time New England Gloves champion, Godfrey was a National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion in 2002 and a U.S. National Amateur heavyweight champion in 2004. The Providence native was a second alternate for the 2004 U.S. Olympic team. Godfrey compiled a 21-3 record as a pro. He won the WBC-NABF and WBA-NABA titles. He fought for the WBO cruiserweight title in 2010, losing to Marco Huck by TKO in Germany.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Pemberton compiled a professional record of 29-6-1 while earning a reputation as someone who would take on all comers. Among his most notable foes were Charles Brewer, Omar Sheika, Jeff Lacy, James Crawford and Peter Manfredo Jr. Pemberton beat Sheika twice, both times with the IBU and NABF super middleweight titles on the line. The Fairhaven, Mass., native to Brewer and Lacy, both world champions. Lacy was 20-0 when he scored a KO over Pemberton in an IBF world super middleweight title bout in November of 2005. Pemberton retired after losing to Manfredo in February of 2006.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Manfredo is a renowned boxing coach who guided his son Peter Jr. to an IBO middleweight title. Cusano has spent three decades officiating both amateur and professional bouts. He served for several years as the chief of officials for Connecticut USA Boxing. As a member of the IBF, Epstein judged 30 world title fights before his passing in 2014.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Daniel Hernandez is the CBHOF Amateur of the Year. Ricky Gonzalez has been named the Pro Official of the Year. Lee Deer has been selected as the Amateur Official of the Year. Kenny Reels will receive the Courage Award. Miguel Ayala will be the recipient of the Contribution to Boxing Award.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets priced at $97.88 per person, including taxes and fees, can be purchased at eventbrite.com.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Jimmy Burchfield Brought the \u201cSummer Heat\u201d with 17-Bout Card at Mohegan<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Wilson \u201cIll Will\u201d Mascarenhastakes (L) a hard right from Nicolas \u201cTNT\u201d Tejada (R).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paying customers of Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s \u201cSummer Heat\u201d show at Mohegan Sun Casino this past Saturday definitely got their money\u2019s worth, with a total of 17 bouts that ran almost an hour beyond midnight.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The night kicked off with Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s Classic Invitational, which allowed 14 amateur fighters\u00a0 to showcase their skills at one of the best casinos in the world. Daniel Hernandez was honored as the Fighter of the Night for his exciting victory in the 165-pound open division against Sebastian Durand.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Invitational was followed by 10 professional bouts that didn\u2019t disappoint. One referee said to this reporter excitedly at the end of the night, \u201cWhat did you think of those fights?\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mascarenhas (R) scores with a left to Tejada’s jaw.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Many came to the arena to specifically support various fighters on the card, hailing from Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Many left after cheering on their various hometown heroes, so when the first bell rang for the final bout of the night, the arena was fairly empty.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, those that hung around were treated to a wonderful main event, an intra-state junior welterweight scrap between CES fighter Wilson \u201cIll Will\u201d Mascarenhas, of New Bedford, MA, and Nicolas \u201cTNT\u201d Tejada, of Haverhill, MA. Most of the faithful fans stood the entire fight. In fact, this reporter had to relocate to properly view the action playing out, as this wasn\u2019t a case with just one or two guys standing and not knowing how to sit. There were rows of people this time, but I can\u2019t blame them. This was a fight that made the majority in attendance stay on their feet. The action was back and forth. It was hard to definitively pick a clear winner of rounds in the early going of the eight-rounder, which saw Mascarenhas defending a regional WBC belt. He was the house fighter and was supposed to end up with the win, but all credit to Tejada. He brought the fire to \u201cSummer Heat,\u201d and when it wasn\u2019t tit-for-tat in there, it was Tejada who upped the fireworks. He closed the second round in impressive fashion with a flurry of shots in the final 30 seconds of the stanza, and employed a similar strategy in the fourth round. Tejada may have gotten a little too aggressive in the 5th<\/sup>, as he was warned for pushing a couple of times. Tejada seemed to be manhandling Mascarenhas along the ropes a minute or so into the in the sixth frame. Around this time, one of his supporters, who had been cheering him on, seemed frustrated.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWilson, let\u2019s go,\u201d she said.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mascarenhas (L) goes after Tejada (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The seventh and eighth rounds seemed to favor Tejada, who had his way with Mascarenhas whenever he decided to pick it up a notch and let the leather fly.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSkill-wise, he was definitely the toughest guy I\u2019ve faced,\u201d said Tejada, who improved to 12-0-1 (8). \u201cBut in the ring, he felt smaller than me. I was pressing the action. I was in his face the whole night.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mascarenhas, who had been unbeaten in 11 bouts since his pro debut loss, fell to 11-2 (5).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Anthony Velazquez (R) attacks Terry Chatwood (L) in a corner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In other action, Bridgeport, Connecticut\u2019s Jacob \u201cLefty\u201d Marrero \u2013 in an 8-round lightweight contest – dominated Alberto Mercado, of Humacao, Puerto Rico, en route to a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored it 80-72 for Marrero. Marrero did everything right, a constant jab, beautiful lateral movement, and a fair share of impressive power shots to keep things entertaining. Marrero\u2019s movement frustrated Mercado, who seemed to wait until the eighth and final round to put forth more of an effort to get closer to Marrero. It was too little, too late. Marrero improves to 10-0 (7) while Mercado saw his record dip to 17-8-1 (4).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Referee Ricky Gonzalez gives a count to Terry Chatwood after Anthony ATV Velazquez sent him to the canvas.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Popular Springfield, MA fighter Anthony Velazquez, 18-0-1 (15), scored a TKO of Terry Chatwood, of North Little Rock, AR. After dropping Chatwood with a right hand in the second round, Velazquez finished things off in the 5th, with a beautiful left hook that put Chatwood flat on his back less than a minute into the stanza. It looked like Chatwood wasn\u2019t going to beat the count, but somehow, he rose to his feet. However, referee Ricky Gonzalez ruled he was in no shape to continue and ended the junior middleweight clash at the 2:26 mark. Chatwood, who was looking to rebound from two straight losses, is now 12-4-1 (6).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jacob “Lefty” Marrero\u00a0 (R) of Bridgeport goes on the attack against Alberto Mercado (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Previously unbeaten super bantamweight Joseph \u201cJ-Elite\u201d Chisolm, of Stratford, CT, suffered a six-round split decision loss to Sean Diaz, who made the trip all the way from Guadalajara, Mexico. Chisolm seemed to possess the overall superior skills, as well as an advantage in hand speed. He looked like the chess master in the early going in their fistic chess match. Diaz has his moments in the fight, but it did not seem he outworking Chisholm. Chisholm was having his way with Diaz in the fourth round, pot-shotting him with the right hand to start things off. In the 5th<\/sup> frame, Diaz made a hand motion for Chisholm to stop moving and fight more in close quarters. That would seem to signal the fight wasn\u2019t going Diaz\u2019 way. In the end however, two judges scored it for Diaz 58-56 while one judge scored it 58-56 for Chisholm.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Sean Diaz (L) closes the gap against Joseph Chisholm (R) with a power attack.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Diaz advanced to 9-0 (2) while Chisholm fell to 5-1 (5).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a six-round middleweight bout that could had the potential to be ruled a no-contest due to an early clash of heads, Douglas \u201cMachismo\u201d Marroquin, of Stamford, CT, wasted no time dispatching of Jamall Roby in the second round of their middleweight match-up. Marroquin suffered a bloody gash on the top of his head in round one. However, his corner was allowed adequate time to attend to it to stem the bleeding.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Joseph Chisholm (L) showed tons of talent but lost a close decision to Sean Diaz (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

When it seemed the situation was under control, the fight resumed. Perhaps fueled by the blood, Marroquin went on a tear in the second round, with a non-stop attack that never allowed the taller Roby a moment to breathe. It was combination after combination in a neutral corner, and just as referee Ricky Gonzalez was looking to end matters, Marroquin connected with an uppercut that sent Roby to the canvas. The official time of the stoppage was 1:54.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marroquin improves to 7-0 (4) while Roby drops to 2-6 (1).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Douglas Marroquin (R) overcame a nasty cut on the top of the head to stop Jamall Roby (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gianni Patrizio Liguori, of Branford, CT, dominated Anthony Mora, with superior boxing skills en-route to a 4-round decision victory in their lightweight match-up. All three judges scored it 40-36 for Liguori. It was an exhibition in proper boxing, how to hit and barely get hit. He was never over-anxious looking for a knockout. He just stayed calm, cool and collected as he employed lateral movement, a persistent jab and quick combinations. After every quick three or four-punch combination he made sure to move laterally, which forced Mora to re-set his feet and discover catching Liguori with counters was a difficult task. Liguori is now 3-0-1 (2). Mora dips to 6-4-1 (4).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Two recent signees to CES Boxing \u2013 both making their pro debuts – experienced different results on Saturday night. Junior middleweight Tyler Macari, of Scituate, RI, scored a first -round stoppage of Kevin Spraags, of Pittsburgh, PA, while Ayowole Jones, of Providence, RI, \u00a0had to settle for a draw in his super middleweight pro start against Jhonny Rodrigo Dos Santos, of Winchester, MA.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Macari dropped Spraags with a right hand with less a minute remaining in the opening round and a follow-up barrage \u2013 mainly right hands but ending with a left hook \u2013 forced referee Johnny Callas to end matters at the 2:59 mark.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Gianni Patrizio Liquori (L) won his four-rounder against Anthony Mora (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Jones struggled a bit more in his debut, but his battle to a draw with Dos Santos was one of the most entertaining fights of the night. After a great opening round from Jones \u2013 showing he clearly had the faster hands – he also impressed in the next stanza, sending Dos Santos to the canvas with a big right hand. However, the tide would turn, and Jones hit the deck in the fourth round. He was dropped in the first minute and when he beat the count, Dos Santos quickly followed up, catching him with a big straight right. Dos Santos never let up and kept pounding away until the final bell. All three judges scored the fight a draw, 37-37.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In junior welterweight action, Jonathan \u201cToo Smooth\u201d Figueroa, of Hartford, CT, registered a fourth-round TKO of Edgar Efrain Macz Sagui, of Stamford, CT. The official time was 1:27. Figueroa was catching Sagui with a ton of straight rights and right uppercuts near the end of the opening stanza and a follow-up combination dropped him.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Liquori (L) fires a hard jab to Mora’s head.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Figueroa came out for the second round with guns blazing, seemingly focused on a second-round knockout. He didn\u2019t get it, but he scored another knockdown, a minute or less into the frame, with a combination capped off by a right hand. Sagui, tough as nails, managed to survive the round, as well as round three, but in the fourth round, he hit the canvas again and referee Ricky Gonzalez was forced to call the bout off.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Figueroa upped his record to 5-2 (4) while Sagui is now 1-3.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the opening pro bout of the night, lightweight Anuel \u201cThe Tsunami\u201d Rosa, of New Haven, stormed Anderson Briceno\u2019s body with a vicious assault of punches that sent him to the canvas. Briceno beat the count but was soon under attack again and unable to find shelter from the barrage of leather coming his way. The bout was called off at the 1:18 mark. Briceno, of New York, NY, is now 1-5 (1) while Rosa extends his unbeaten record to 6-0-1 (4).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

referee Rick Gonzalez waves off bout after Terry Chatwood got dropped and battered by Velazquez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Former professional referee Joe Cusano, who will be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in October, still assists with amateur shows on occasion and was present at Mohegan in the event he was needed. He was impressed with Saturday\u2019s card.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI do love seeing and following the careers of young New England talent,\u201d he said. We\u2019ve always been a hotbed.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

“Sucra” Ray Oliveira – former NABF super lightweight champ – works the corner of an amateur fighter during Jimmy Burchfield’s “Summer Heat” card<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In recent years, out-of-state promoters haven\u2019t been as active as in Connecticut as in years past.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWithout Jimmy, New England boxing would suffer a huge hit,\u201d said Cusano. \u201cHis shows are top notch, and he knows how to treat people. For his age he\u2019s a whirlwind of energy. I wish him well and may he continue to promote boxing.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One of Burchfield\u2019s top-notch staffers, Mariano Agmi \u2013 CES\u2019 media relations director \u2013 was noticeably absent from Saturday\u2019s show. However, he had reason to be missing in action.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Amateur fighters on Pro-Am card – “Summer Heat” .<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He\u2019s studying for the bar exam next week. An attendee of New York Law School, Agmi is also a co-host of The Final Bell Podcast.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWith the bar exam a week away, I couldn\u2019t be at the arena, but I caught all the action on Swerve.tv,\u201d said Agmi.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

Katie Taylor takes final fight of trilogy with Amanda Serrano on All-Woman\u2019s card at Madison Square Garden<\/strong><\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Story and photos by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

In what was likely the final chapter of their storied rivalry, Ireland\u2019s Katie Taylor, 135.8, defeated Amanda \u201cThe Real Deal\u201d Serrano, 136, by majority decision to successfully defend her undisputed super lightweight championship. It was a historic night, as the two women, whose first two bouts did a lot to raise the profile of women\u2019s boxing, headlined an all-women\u2019s card at Madison Square Garden that had a sold-out crowd of 19,721.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Serrano was looking for her first official victory, though she felt she did not lose either of the first two bouts. To be fair, the contests were so competitive, many boxing fans were not convinced who the better fighter was.\u00a0\u00a0If Serrano deserved to get the nod in either one, it would be the second meeting, which took place on the undercard of the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul blockbuster Netflix-supported event that took place in Arlington, TX last November. She set a CompuBox record for most punches landed by a female in a 10-round fight (324).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

\u00a0Amanda Serrano makes her ring walk.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

This time around, Taylor made a point not<\/em> to engage in a war with Serrano, and Serrano, who also looked to switch things up \u2013 fighting from the outside \u2013 found herself often hitting air with her one-two combinations.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI tried to keep my distance because apparently it (mixing it up) didn\u2019t work the first two fights,\u201d said Serrano. \u201cSo, we tried to stick with the long punches, and it just wasn\u2019t enough.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Taylor clearly has the faster hands, and from the outset of Friday\u2019s bout, she made far better use of the ring than her previous two clashes with Serrano, and as the rounds went by, one could see frustration on Serrano\u2019s face in between rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Katie Taylor (L) launches a right hand at Amanda Serrano (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cThe whole game plan tonight was to not let her feet get set,\u201d said Taylor, \u201cAnd I knew I was capable of a performance like that, but I got caught up in a bit of a war in the first two fights. I\u2019m so happy I was able to stay disciplined for this one and just outbox her. I made this one a lot easier for myself.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

It would have been nice to see Serrano, a New Yorker via Puerto Rico, get an official win in one of the three meetings, and in her adopted hometown, but she\u2019ll be OK. She was the first fighter signed by Jake Paul and Nakisa Bidarian\u2019s Most Valuable Promotions, which has since signed many talented ladies, and will always have a role for Serrano in the company. Serrano has said in the past that MVP has changed her life with the checks she has gotten in recent years. A dozen years ago, for a title fight, she only got about $5,000. Times have changed. Bidarian said at the post-fight press conference that while Serrano acknowledges what he and Paul have done for her; she has also done for them.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Katie Taylor (L) and Amanda Serrano (R) look for openings.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe started in this business less than four years ago,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd we had a vision for women\u2019s boxing. She\u2019s the trailblazer that helped us achieve it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

There was a total of 17 world titles on the line across five bouts on Friday\u2019s card, and as a result, a representative from the Guinness Book of World Records presented Paul with a certificate for the feat at the post-fight press conference.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe made history, broke numbers,\u201d said Paul a short time later. \u201cIt\u2019s just a testament to what we\u2019re capable of, but it\u2019s really the women at the end of the day, and the rest of our fighters and them continuing to put on amazing performances. It\u2019s just an honor to be here and to continue to break records.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Amanda Serrano (L) unleashes a right hand at Katie Taylor (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In the night\u2019s co-feature, Alycia \u201cThe Bomb\u201d Baumgardner, 130, retained her undisputed junior lightweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over the previously undefeated Jennifer Miranda, 129.5. The scores were 97-93 and 98-92 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so thankful to be here, a part of a historic event,\u201d said Baumgardner. \u201cI\u2019m so thankful that MVP has taken the time, literally, and given the women the opportunity to showcase their skills and just to be under the lights. Tonight was an awesome experience.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Johnson-Metcalf pre-fight instructions.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Shadasia Green, 167.25, won a 10-round split decision over Savannah Marshall, 167, to become the unified WBO\/IBF super middleweight champion. The scores were 96-93 and 95-94 for Green while one judge saw it 96-93 for Marshall. Green was the WBO champion heading into the bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ellie Scotney, 121.5, defeated Yamileth Mercado, 119.5, by unanimous decision to retain her IBF, WBO and WBC super-bantamweight belts. The scores were 100-90 and 98-92 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Shadasia Green, who came into the bout as the WBO super middleweight champion, wrested the IBF strap from Savannah Marshall, winning a 10-round decision.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In a battle for the undisputed bantamweight championship, Cherneka Johnson scored a 9th<\/sup>\u00a0round TKO of Shurretta Metcalf. Johnson, 116.75, agreed to fill in five weeks ago for WBO\/WBC champion Dina Thorslund, who found out she was pregnant with her second child. Metcalf, 117, came in as the IBF title holder and Johnson as the WBA champ, but when Thorslund had to step away, MVP got the fight approved for the WBC and WBO straps to be contested as well. Johnson was elated when two seconds after the start of the 9th<\/sup>\u00a0round, referee Charlie Fitch called time to look at Metcalf.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The Winner – Savannah Marshall<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like how she\u2019s reacting to the punches,\u201d said Fitch to the ringside doctor.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cHow am I reacting?\u201d responded Metcalf.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like how her legs are,\u201d said Fitch. \u201cI\u2019m stopping it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Metcalf was upset but, in all honesty, Johnson\u2019s pressure and aggressiveness was giving her fits the entire fight.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chantelle Cameron, 139, defended her interim WBC super lightweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Canada\u2019s Jessica Camara, 139.5. The scores were 98-92 and 99-91 (twice). It was unanimous but Camara made her work for the victory.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Baumgardner-Miranda co-main event.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Ramla Ali, 121.5, the first Somalia boxer to compete at the Olympic Games (2020), improved to 10-2 (1) with a unanimous decision over Lila Furtado, 121.25. The scores were 78-74 and 77-75 (twice). Some in the crowd booed the decision, feeling Furtado had done more than enough to deserve the nod.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the opening bout of the night, two-time Canadian Olympian Tamm Thibeault, 159.5, raised her record to 3-0 (2) with a 5th<\/sup>\u00a0round stoppage of Mary Casamassa, 156.75, now 6-1 (1). A straight left-right hook combination sent Casamassa to the canvas in the opening round. Casamassa rebounded over the next couple of rounds, but Thibeault started to turn up the heat in the fourth frame. In the fifth, it only got worse for Casamassa. Thibeault was beautifully alternating her attack to the head and body and after a right hook knocked Casamassa\u2019s head back and Thibeault followed up with combinations, the referee was forced to step in and end it at the 2:18 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Thibeault said she felt grateful to be part of the historic event at Madison Square Garden.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWe were on a card stacked with women just as talented as each other and created new dreams tonight,\u201d she said, \u201cI truly believe that\u2019s what\u2019s going to make women\u2019s boxing grow, is to get more people into it and start at the grassroots.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cAnd we\u2019ve got to create dreams for that. We\u2019ve got to create dreams for little girls who want to come up and be just like us, so I\u2019m very grateful and really happy to be here.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ali, sitting next to Thibeault at the post-fight press conference, added, \u201cThe energy walking out really hit me. It was so amazing to see so many women coming to support women. Every woman in the crowd was cheering and it was such a phenomenal movement to be a part of.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Michelle Williams and her daughter Caitlin made the trek from the Isle of Man, an island located in the middle of the northern Irish Sea. They planned their New York City sightseeing tour around the Taylor-Serrano III fight night, and to witness Taylor\u2019s greatness.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s a huge influence in women\u2019s sports,\u201d said Caitlin, who plays soccer and field hockey. We probably would have still come, but it was a bonus that the all-women\u2019s card was going on.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Michelle said over in Ireland Taylor is a true megastar.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s on the top level [with everyone else].\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Doris Mendez, a New Yorker who was attending with her sister Linda, said she had to make the pilgrimage to MSG.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cCause it\u2019s an all-women\u2019s card,\u201d she said. \u201cIt means a lot because women are finally getting the recognition that they deserve. This is history. All the women that are fighting tonight are making history.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Taylor appreciated the moment.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely unbelievable,\u201d she said at the post-fight press conference. \u201cBeing part of a show like this, to be headlining an all-female card. It was an absolute privilege, and these are the sort of opportunities that people didn\u2019t even think were even possible a few years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Team Combat League Kicks Off with Season Opener at Foxwoods<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
By Kirk Lang\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
Mashantucket, CT \u2013 Foxwoods Resort Casino \u2013 It is often said that boxing is an individual sport. That has traditionally been the case within the Squared Circle. However, Team Combat League (TCL) is looking to change that, with 12 teams representing major cities across the nation competing against one another over a 26-week span to crown a Mega Brawl champion. Though TCL is in its third season, this is the first to begin with a network deal to get seen and grow this concept.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>

The NYC Attitude.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to be great,\u201d TCL President Dewey Cooper said at Foxwoods Resort Casino on April 4, minutes after the Boston Butchers defeated the NYC Attitude in the Season III opener by a score of 225-224. \u201cThese shows are being broadcast on Dr. Phil\u2019s MeritTV. I\u2019m very proud of that because the production is much better.”<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Boston Butchers<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The past two years, \u201cwe were on our own streaming platforms, doing this organically ourselves,\u201d said Cooper.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
The Boston Butchers-NYC Attitude show was the first TCL card The USA Boxing News<\/span><\/em> has had the privilege of attending, and it was rather entertaining. Some purists may hesitate to embrace the team concept, which consists of 24 one-round fights on each night of competition, broken up into the Launch Rounds (Rounds 1-8), Middle Rounds (Rounds 9-16) and the Money Rounds (Rounds 17-24). Friday\u2019s card featured a mini concert between the Middle Rounds and the Money Rounds, featuring country artist Struggle Jennings, who took his stage name in tribute to his grandmother\u2019s husband, country legend Waylon Jennings. Jennings performed with his artist, Caitlynne Curtis. While their stars are still rising, their official video for \u201cGod We Need You Now,\u201d and the live acoustic version, have garnered 50 million views on YouTube.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Christina Cruz of the NYC Attitude fires off a right hand against Lia Lewandowski in the opening bout at Foxwoods Resort Casino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

TCL teams consist of male and female fighters across 12 weight classes and rounds are a full three minutes, as opposed to the shorter two-minute rounds women pros usually box. Season III will culminate in playoff rounds leading into the final battles in July and August.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Speedy Rashidi Ellis of the Boston Butchers attacks the body of Ryan Pino in the fifth bout of a 24-bout night at Foxwoods.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield, who is also the General Manger of the Boston Butchers, told The USA Boxing News<\/span><\/em>, \u201cAnything that\u2019s going to help boxing, I love. The boxing purist might think that this is a gimmick or something, It isn\u2019t. The TCL league has put a tremendous amount of money and effort into this, and you know here\u2019s a quote from Micky Ward last year. He watched the TCL fights, He said, \u2018I don\u2019t know if I can watch another regular match. There\u2019s so much excitement.\u2019 You see the size of the ring? No fighter has a chance to rest. It\u2019s smaller, so it\u2019s all excitement, and this is what the boxing fans want to see. They want excitement and this is what this is all about.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Miguel Teo of the Boston Butchers jabs at the head of Ryan Diaz.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NYC Attitude got off to an early lead against Boston, taking the first two matches as former New York Golden Gloves champion Christina Cruz defeated her opponent by a score of 10-9, and southpaw Enrique Leon notched a 10-9 win over Irvin Gonzalez. Leon was consistent throughout the round but turned up the heat in the final minute to seal the deal on the scorecards.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Chuck Lewandowski at left father of Lia a Boston Butchers boxer made a four-and-a-half-hour drive to see his daughter compete at Foxwoods.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

However, the Boston Butchers would secure the next two victories. Camilla Panatta, rated in the top 30 by the WBA, used a consistent jab to get the nod over Angel Yris Lopez Mendez in their featherweight bout, and welterweight Jayquran Hazel somehow did enough to outpoint Jahyae Brown, though this contest was very a much a chess match, with each man cautiously waiting to counter the other. Hazel\u2019s win tied things up 38-38.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Referee Arthur Mercante Jr gives Ryan Diaz an 8 count after getting dropped by Miguel Teo of the Boston Butchers.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cSpeedy\u201d Rashidi Ellis, who was voted TCL\u2019s Most Exciting Fighter last season, didn\u2019t disappoint in his junior middleweight contest against 29-year-old Ryan Pino. He landed the first shots of the round, and consistently threw punches in bunches. Pino was a credible opponent, and both did some showboating at times, but Ellis\u2019 speed, hand and foot, was the difference in this bout. Ellis can pop in with a combination and often get out of harm\u2019s way without taking anything in return. He landed a solid left hook with about 45 seconds left in the round. Shortly after, he reeled off head shots with both hands and then quickly maneuvered himself out of range for a counter-attack. Pino banged his chest with his glove and said, \u201cC\u2019mon!\u201d Ellis obliged him and closed the round strong with volume punching.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
With Ellis earning a 10-9 victory, he put the Boston Butchers in the lead (48-47) for the first time in the night.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Matthew Crist of the NYC Attitude at left prepares to attack Quentin Sumpter of the Boston Butchers.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NYC Attitude\u2019s Lasha Gurgul ani \u2013 in his middleweight bout with Boston Butchers\u2019 Michael Fontanez – won the next fight to tie it back up (57-57).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
However, just as Ellis had given Boston the edge with some extra flair, some extra excitement beyond the norm up to that point, Miguel Teo put Boston back in the lead with a little extra something. He scored the first knockdown of the night, for either team, in the final minute of his bout with Ryan Diaz. After landing a few solid straight right hands, Teo, a short time after, connected with a left hook that knocked Diaz back into the ropes and onto the canvas. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. gave him a standing 8-cout. Diaz beat the count and was able to survive the round, which only had about 10 seconds left on the clock. Teo won the round 10-8, which gave Boston a 67-65 lead going into the Middle Rounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Camilla Panatta originally from Italy poses for a photo. Behind her\u00a0in the suit is Team Combat League President Dewey Cooper.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Boston won the first two fights of the Middle Rounds, with heavyweight Quentin Sumpter defeating Matthew Crest and featherweight Brandi Robinson outclassing Carmarie Matos Vargas with her far better footwork and ever-present jab. Their victories gave the team a four-point lead (87-83) heading into a lightweight bout between NYC Attitude\u2019s Ryan Zempoaltecatl and Boston Butcher Elijah Peixoto. But things can turn around quickly in a team format. Peixoto suffered a stoppage loss to Zempoaltecatl. He fell on his back after taking two consecutive right hands. Mercante rushed in and wrapped his arms around Peixoto while he was still down. Zempoaltecatl earned a 10-7 points win for the knockout, bringing his NYC squad within a point of Boston\u2019s lead (94-93).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

\u00a0Brandi Robinson looks focused en route to winning her bout against New York City Attitude boxer Carmarie Matos Vargas.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Boston rebounded with two victories, as Amelia Moore did enough to defeat Stacia Suttles in their junior welterweight contest, and southpaw Keno Luna pretty much dominated his welterweight match-up with Lionel Omar Colon Santana. With those wins, Boston was now ahead 114-111.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

TC _round card girl holding up a sign for round 11 which is also bout_11 in Team Combat League.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NYC Attitude\u2019s Filip Stankovic would help his team close the gap, however. Forty-five seconds into the fight, Stankovic dropped 31-year-old Laurent Humes with a right to the top of the head. Humes protested, saying it was a behind-the-head shot that put him down. Referee Johnny Callas ruled it was a legit knockdown. With almost two minutes remaining when the action resumed, Stankovic took full advantage. The first left hook he landed wobbled Humes and made him stumble into a corner. Humes absorbed two overhand rights before a left hook sent him to the canvas. Referee Johnny Callas immediately signaled the end of the fight, as Humes had suffered two knockdowns in a half round of action.\u00a0 The stoppage victory tied up the night at 121-121.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

_Isaac Carbonell of the NYC Attitude braces for an attack from Steven Sumpter of the Boston Butchers.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Cooper said the one round fight format makes the TCL fighters \u201chave to fight at a faster pace,\u201d and added, \u201cThat will help them in their [normal] fights as well.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
NYC Attitude won a second consecutive bout when Isaac Carbonell got the nod (10-9) against Boston\u2019s Steve Sumpter, and that put NYC in the lead with a team score of 131-130.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Popular Boston Butcher Amelia Moore works the pads just ahead of her bout with Stacia Suttles.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Boston\u2019s Miguel Teo turned things around. Matched up once again with Ryan Diaz, he dropped him twice to put his team ahead by one point, 140-139. The final bout of the Middle Rounds saw heavyweight Iegor Plevako, of the NYC Attitude, use an aggressive approach to keep Mayberry fighting off the backfoot. Plevako was further impressive as the round wore on, and by the last 30 seconds or so, Mayberry was looking a bit wobbly in there. To his credit though, he never went down. Plevako won it 10-9, tying it up149-149 heading into the pivotal Money Rounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Country rapper and singer Struggle Jennings entertains the crowd.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

NYC took the first two bouts of the Money Rounds to take the lead, 169-167. But here\u2019s where it gets tricky. In the third bout, a rematch of the earlier chess match between Boston\u2019s Jahyae Brown and NYC\u2019s Jayquran Hazel, Brown was deemed the winner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Ryan Zempoaltecatl at right looks for an opening against Boston Butchers boxer Abraham Nova.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

However, he was given a 10-8 victory, rather than a 10-9 win, even though he scored no knockdown. A review of the broadcast shows even the TCL studio announcers were perplexed. It was surmised an extra point was given because someone knocked out earlier couldn\u2019t fight in the Money Rounds. However, The USA Boxing News\u2019 bout sheet matched up to how the fights played out. There was no change. Also, why would someone\u2019s departure count in Brown\u2019s tally against Hazel?\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\"\"<\/a>

Stacia Suttles at left and Boston Butcher Amelia Moore saw their second battle earn TCL Fight of the Night honors Bout 20 of 24.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Brown\u2019s extra bonus point allowed Boston to tie it up 177-177 as far as the team score. Moore then won her rematch against Stacia Suttles, fighting through a bloody and broken nose, to give Boston a 187-186 lead. Boston\u2019s Robinson and Ellis won their second bouts against Matos Vargas and Pino, respectively, giving the Butchers a three-point advantage, 207-204. NYC won the final two bouts of the Money Rounds, but it wasn\u2019t mathematically possible to turn things around. Boston ended up victorious overall, 225-224.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Boston Butcher boxer Speedy Rashidi Ellis prepare to attack a showboating Ryan Pino in the Money Rounds portion of the team format.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Wearing matching team jackets and trunks, the Butchers hugged when the decision was announced. It was a different sight to see at a boxing match, as this is something you normally see on the sidelines of a basketball game.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Boston Butchers boxer Camilla Panatta throws a right jab at Angelyris Lopez Menedez in the final bout of Team Combat Leagues season three debut fight card.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Ellis, who is 26-1 as a pro outside of TCL combat, said he likes the team concept.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s fun,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019re all together. \u201cIt\u2019s like a team. It is a team sport. We\u2019re all working together trying to get the most points.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Legor Plevako of the NYC Attitude fires a stiff right to the head of Ronnie Mayberry.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Fellow Boston Butcher Lia Lewandowski said you never know who you might fight.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s like going in blind and learning how to adapt within that quick time,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
2004 Olympian Jason Estrada, who helped his father Roland attend to the fighters, gives TCL a thumbs up.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s exciting, super duper exciting,\u201d he said. \u201cThis is more team-oriented. The amateurs. It\u2019s sort of a team. But if you win, that\u2019s you. Here. You win, it\u2019s actually the team. I like it.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Butcher fghters await the result of the final team score.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

TCL honored three boxers as Stars of The Night \u2013 Miguel Teo, Ryan Zempoaltecatl and \u201cSpeedy\u201d Rashidi Ellis. The rematch between Moore and Suttles, or rather, the 20th round of the night, was awarded Fight of The Night.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
TCL President Dewey Cooper told The USA Boxing News, \u201cThere were more twists and turns than I expected today. Boston goes up big, New York gets two knockouts in a row and Boston fights back in the Money Rounds.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Boston Butchers boxer Lia Lewandowski an undefeated pro poses with her father Chuck Lewandowski at the end of the TCL fight night.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

He added, \u201cThat\u2019s what so compelling about TCL. It\u2019s a true team sport. It\u2019s like other sports. It\u2019s a rollercoaster ride of a night. Congratulations to the Boston Butchers for getting it done at the end, by one point.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
<\/div>\n
Cooper said TCL gives fighters \u201cthe platform to fight weekly or bi-weekly.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
\n
\"\"<\/a>

Musical performer Struggle Jennings whose grandmother was married to Waylon Jennings is interviewed after the fights.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re making money weekly or bi-weekly. They\u2019re getting their hands wrapped. They are getting in there to perform in front of people,\u201d said Cooper. \u201cThey\u2019re fighting frequently. They\u2019re going to fight 10 times in the next 14 to 15 weeks. They\u2019re going to be active and there\u2019s no ducking. You may fight a guy with a lot of experience, or you may fight a guy coming out of the amateurs. You\u2019re getting a lot of experience in a short amount of time with TCL.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n
For more information on the league and the season, log onto www.teamcombatleague.com.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Team Combat League Gets Endorsement from two Veteran Referees<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span>
\nSometimes old school fight fans are often resistant to change. Thirty years ago, the sight of a professional female fighter was considered a novelty, perhaps a passing fad. That has sure changed, as thousands of women, like their male counterparts, have claimed world championship honors since the 1990s.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nA new concept in boxing that hasn\u2019t yet been fully embraced, but is catching on, is team combat.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

TCL Team Combat League features male and female fighters from different regions competing across weight classes in one-round contests and a winner is decided on overall team performance. TCL made its debut in Connecticut two years ago at Mohegan Sun Casino and it makes its return to the Nutmeg State this Friday, April 4, this time at Foxwoods Resort Casino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Referee Arthur Mercante Jr in action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Two veteran referees, who have been officiating traditional boxing matches for decades, don\u2019t see a problem with a team format featuring one-round fights.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Connecticut-based referee Johnny Callas, who will be working the team event at Foxwoods\u2019 Rainmaker Expo Center, said of TCL, \u201cI\u2019m a boxing purist. However, I appreciate anyone who is trying to add entertainment value to our great sport and\/or widen the audience without bastardizing boxing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI think TCL checks all those boxes and is an entertaining concept to a younger and varied audience. I think attempting to take the individual sport of boxing and presenting it in team format is incredibly creative and entertaining. I appreciate any attempt to grow our sport as long as it does not cheapen it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas worked about 100 of the one-round matches in 2023 over multiple nights when TCL first came to Connecticut, so he can attest to its entertainment value. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cThe concept that one round of all out TCL is like three rounds condensed, or the last round of a championship fight, is a great one and very real,\u201d said Callas, \u201cEspecially when you have two skilled boxers who want to win that round as if it is a championship fight rolled into one round.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Referee Johnny Callas in action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cWhen this is the case it is beyond entertaining and exciting Then add the rapid succession of one round right after another with match-ups changing round by round, it can be exhilarating for the audience.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One former ex-fighter told this reporter he\u2019s not a fan of a team format, likening to the recent trend of bouts between YouTube personalities.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cNone of it appeals to me at all,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s just gimmicks.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, the difference between YouTuber versus YouTuber match-ups and the team combat scenario is the fact TCL features legitimate boxers, but just in condensed bouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

New York-based referee Arthur Mercante Jr. – son of International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Arthur Mercante Sr, who officiated Ali-Frazier I and numerous other high-profile bouts – will also be working the TCL bouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Boxing Promoter and general manager Jimmy Burchfield of the Boston Butchers.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI like this Team Combat League,\u201d said Mercante. \u201cIt just keeps the action going, one 3-minute round. In the past, if there were two knockdowns in that one round you automatically lose the fight, and the winner moves on in the tournament. But I\u2019m not sure they\u2019re still going by that rule.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cWhoever started this was brilliant. I\u2019m a boxing referee. I\u2019m a fan too, and now it\u2019s at Foxwoods, which is another great venue. It seems like they\u2019re moving all over. They had it in Boston.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Friday\u2019s fight night is the first of weekly action between TCL\u2019s region-based teams, and fans will see the Boston Butchers take on NYC Attitude. There will be 24 bouts with 16 fighters on each team\u2019s roster. TCL\u2019s coaches will decide which fighters from the \u201cLaunch Rounds (1-8)\u201d and \u201cMiddle Rounds (9-16)\u201d will return for the decisive \u201cMoney Rounds (17-24).\u201d The winners of the Boston Butchers versus NYC Attitude match-up will be determined by overall team performance scored on an individual round, 10-point must system by State Athletic Commission judges. This night of fights, as well as subsequent team match-ups, will be available to watch on Dr. Phil\u2019s Merit TV.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mercante knows there may be critics out there, but he believes it will be embraced with time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s going to have its pros ands cons, like anything,\u201d he said. \u201cSome people are gonna like it. Some people aren\u2019t going to like it. I think it\u2019s a great idea, that one round.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cThey truly fight hard, and you see some great fights cause these kids wanna fight hard to stay in the tournament and win.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

New England boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield is the general manager of the Boston Butchers and a few of his fighters help comprise the team roster, including Stevie Jane Coleman, who went 5-2 with the Butchers last year, Steven Sumpter, a Lawrence, MA-based light heavyweight, and lightweight Elijah Peixoto, who will be competing in his second season as a Butcher.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe chemistry is great amongst the team,\u201d said Burchfield. \u201cThey say steel sharpens steel, and I see everyone pushing their teammates to be the best fighters they can be. I think we\u2019re going to go all the way this year.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the Boston Butchers versus NYC Attitude on Friday April 4. That will be followed by various team match-ups in Tennessee, Los Angeles, CA, Pennsylvania, and April 18 in Houston, TX, which will see two different match-ups, including the Butchers facing off against the Dallas Enforcers. Bouts continue through April into July, and in mid-July quarterfinal match-ups will begin, and a team champion will eventually be crowned in late August.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kevin Cassidy is the CEO Team Combat Entertainment, and its president is New York-based Dewey Cooper.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas worked the first season with referees Harvey Doc, Ricky Gonzalez and Mercante.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all had a blast, but all typically would do our set of five bouts between ten boxers and we would be huffing and puffing after them,\u201d said Callas, who runs the Charter Oak Boxing Academy in Hartford. \u201cWhen the night was over, which would sometimes go on for three plus hours and four teams we would be wiped out and relieved that we finished and got out unscathed and injury free.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In part because of all the TCL bouts he refereed, Callas was honored as the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Official of the Year in 2023. <\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nIt was a \u201chuge honor,\u201d said Callas, adding, \u201cIn accepting my award I called it my \u2018Purple Heart\u2019 for surviving TCL.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nCallas is not of the belief that the team format cheapens or degrades the great sport of boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI would be the first to say that [if it were the case],\u201d he said. \u201cI think it is simply an attempt to transition in some way to a team format to add entertainment value.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To buy tickets, and for more information about Friday\u2019s event, in which doors open at 8 p.m. and the action commences at 9 p.m., log onto www.teamcombatleague.com.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Questions\/Comments: kirklang@yahoo.com <\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Hogan Cruises Past Gray to Remain Unbeaten In Main Event of \u201cWinter Brawl 2025\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

Returning to Connecticut after a card at Mohegan Sun, promoter Jimmy Burchfield – the hardest working man in New England boxing \u2013 delivered again seven days later \u2013 this time at Foxwoods Resort Casino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Headlining \u201cWinter Brawl 2025,\u201d an exciting night of 12 bouts, was WBC U.S. silver middleweight champion Francis Hogan, of Weymouth, MA, who extended his perfect record to 19-0, with 16 knockouts, after taking a unanimous 10-round decision over Khiary \u201cKing Too Sharp\u201d Gray. The judges saw it for Hogan by scores of 98-91 and 96-93 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Foxwoods Premier Theater<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The opening stanza was pretty much a feel-out round for both fighters, except for one instance in which Hogan, a southpaw, waved an extended right hand in front of Gray and then blasted him with a straight left.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Turning up the heat in the second frame, Hogan sent Gray to the canvas with a counter right hook in the opening seconds. Gray tried to plead his case that he was hit behind the head, but referee Harvey Dock indicated it was a valid shot and credited Hogan with the knockdown.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In bout 12 – Francis Hogan lands a left against Khiary Gray.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Hogan, the taller fighter, usually employed his right jab to keep Gray on the outside. Gray, who normally fights at the junior middleweight, tried to press the action in the latter half of the second round, but Hogan\u2019s footwork made Gray miss by inches, and he was bouncing on his toes by round\u2019s end.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In many ensuing rounds, Gray, 19-8 (14), was fighting out of a crouch, smiling, waiting, trying to be the counterpuncher as Hogan would step forward. However, he wasn\u2019t busy enough, or landing enough impressive shots, to take the rounds. It was like this was a cat and mouse game, but the mouse was in no way shape or form evading the cat. In the seventh frame, he landed a nice one-two combination, but similar quality offense was far and few between. In the eighth round, he let his hands go a little but landed nothing meaningful to deter Hogan\u2019s forward attack.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Khiary Gray leaps in with an assault on Francis Hogan.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The ninth round was a little more competitive, but neither man looked to overtake the other, though the end of the 10-rounder was approaching. However, in the 10th<\/sup> and final frame, Hogan was back boxing on his toes, connecting but giving Gray little opportunity to possibly land a fight-ending punch. The crowd was chanting \u201cFrankie, Frankie\u201d as their man was clearly on his way to victory.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

The winner – Francis Hogan.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Hogan spoke to The USA Boxing News<\/em> after his victory.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel great. This was a good fight. I definitely was in shape. I could have done another 10 rounds. I was just trying to break him down and see what he had. Once I realized he really didn\u2019t have much on his shots I kind of just walked him down.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cA few shots (of his) did land but nothing that hurt or anything. They bounced off a glove and then hit me in the face or something, but he really didn\u2019t have much snap. A lot of people were saying he was going to punch hard. I definitely know he knew I was going to punch hard. And he definitely felt it when we were in there, and that\u2019s why he started backing off, and fighting scared really, throwing stuff and trying to grab me, or move out of there. I think he felt a couple of shots and felt that his bets bet was to throw and scurry and run.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Though Hogan had a great win, he said if there was anything he could have done better in there, it would have been \u201cpunching in between when he was throwing, and I was walking him down.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Francis Hogan attacks with Khiary Gray near the ropes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cA couple of times I was caught off-balance,\u201d said Hogan.\u00a0 \u201cNot that he hurt me or anything. I was just caught off-balance when the shots hit my gloves and I couldn\u2019t really respond the way I wanted to, but we\u2019ll definitely work on that back in sparring and working off catching and firing right off it. Besides that, I felt great though.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Brian Chaves lands a body shot against Anthony Velazquez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In the night\u2019s junior middleweight co-feature, Anthony \u201cATV\u201d Velazquez stopped Brian \u201cEl Elegante\u201d Chaves in the third round of a scheduled eight-rounder. Chaves, coming off losses against Rashidi Ellis and junior middleweight contender Chordale Booker, who is scheduled to face WBC 154-pound champion Sebastian Fundora in Las Vegas next month, hoped to turn things around against Velazquez. He rushed across the ring at Velazquez as soon as the bell rang. However, Velzquez stayed calm and largely controlled the action with his jab. Round two would see Velazquez begin to land some harder shots and in the third frame, with about 50 seconds left on the clock, a right hook sent Chaves to the canvas. Referee Arthur Mercante Jr. waved it off and there wasn\u2019t any dispute from Chaves.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 11th bout Anthony Velazquez attacks Brian Chaves along the ropes<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI was being patient,\u201d said Velazquez. \u201cI just took my time and landed my shot.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Velazquez improved to 16-0-1 (13) while Chaves fell to 14-7 (5).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In welterweight action, Victor Reynoso, a correctional officer at a maximum-security federal prison, stopped CES fighter Jalen Renaud in the six round of their scheduled eight-rounder. After an opening round that was a toss-up to call, and a second round which Renaud seemed to earn, Reynoso began to let loose with some hard shots in the third frame. After a stiff right and a follow-up left hook, which earned cheers from the crowd, Renaud\u2019s nose could be seen dripping blood. A doctor took a look at Renaud between rounds three and four, held two fingers up, checking to see that he was cognizant. He passed the test and was allowed to come out for the fourth frame. Renaud did OK in Round 4. One round later, an offensive assault from Reynoso, but namely a huge right hand, almost dropped him along the ropes. However, Renaud managed to survive the round.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 10th bout Victor Reynoso attacks Jalen_Renaud.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Reynoso continued the aggression in the sixth frame, with a focused attack to the head. Renaud was firing back but his punches didn\u2019t seem to have any effect on Reynoso. After a left hook followed by a right hand, and then two successive right hands, Renaud looked like he was in trouble. Another left hook-straight right combination whipped Renaud\u2019s head sideways and sent blood from his mouth flying out of the ring. Reynoso was throwing another right hand when referee Arthur Mercante Jr. stepped between the fighters to end matters. The official time was 1:11. Renaud was very upset with the stoppage, and at one point stormed out of the ring, but promoter Jimmy Burchfield persuaded him to get back in for the official result.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe kid was pissed off,\u201d said referee Arthur Mercante Jr., \u201cBut he was taking a beating. He was outclassed.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cOnce you make the call, you make the call. I had the doctor check them out right before that round. He was taking a lot of head shots.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Reynoso improved to 10-0 (7), while Renaud fell to 10-2 (3).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Junior welterweight Jeffrey \u201cEl Bendecido\u201d Torres, 27, stopped 36-year-old veteran Matt \u201cThe Mantis\u201d Doherty in the third frame of their scheduled six-rounder. The official time was 2:31. Torres picked up the pace as the bout wore on and began to attack with more fury in the third frame. When the bell rang for the 4th<\/sup> round, Torres \u2013 knowing he had landed some solid shots one round prior \u2013 rushed across the ring at Doherty. Soon after, a hard left to the head made Doherty bend down and try to grab Torres\u2019 legs. Seconds later, a stream of punches in center-ring forced referee Harvey Dock to step in and call off the fight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 9th bout Jeffrey Torres lands a left hook against Matt Doherty.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Torres, 14-2 (8), said after the victory, \u201cWe knew he was a tough opponent. He went the distance with a lot of top prospects. We got ready.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Doherty placed his gloves in center-ring after the fight announcing his retirement.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a long journey for me,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m having my third baby. I work a full-time job and get up at 4 a.m., five days a week, just to train. I love the game.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Doherty additionally told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cWhether I won or lost Saturday, that was the decision, to retire. It\u2019s been amazing.\u201d Besides boxing, Doherty has also competed in mixed martial arts, bareknuckle boxing, as well as one professional Muay Thai bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been amazing,\u201d he said. \u201cBut I have a wife and two other kids at home, and a baby on the way.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\nDoherty retires from boxing with a 10-10-1 (5) record.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lightweight prospect Nikolay \u201cIceman\u201d Shvab, wearing simple black trunks \u2013 no contrasting colors on the sides or the waistband \u2013 was all business against Belmar Preciado, who made the trip from Ibague, Colombia. He dropped his opponent with a straight left hand with little more than 30 seconds left in the opening round. One might have thought things were going to end early, like maybe the next round. But it was not to be.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 8th bout Nikolay Shvab launches an assault on Belmar Preciado.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Even though Shvab seemed to loosen up, with more punches and more movement, Preciado would hang in there. In the third frame, Shvab\u2019s plan seemed to be to get close to Preciado and just bang away. Moving around the ring and scoring with long range punches, it seemed, is not his thing. Towards the end of the round, he measured Preciado with a right jab and followed up with a solid straight left along the ropes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Despite being outgunned and outclassed, Preciado didn\u2019t give up. He still looked like a determined fighter in the fourth round, doing the best he could. However, a doctor looked at Preciado between rounds four and five but allowed the fight to go on.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A minute or more into the fifth round, Shvab connected with a succession of punches to Preciado\u2019s body, and seconds later, repeated the feat. It did not deter Preciado.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One round later, in the latter half of it, he got more spirited and strung together more punches than the crowd had seen in some time, which prompted cheers from the crowd.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, Shvab seemed to hurt Preciado early in the 7th<\/sup> frame with a left to the body. In the 8th<\/sup>, Shvad dropped him with a right jab-straight left combination. Mercante Jr. didn\u2019t bother to give a count as he waved the fight off at 1:17.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shvab, who trains out of Miami\u2019s famous 5th<\/sup> Street Gym, which was where a young Muhammad Ali trained out of \u2013 raised his record to 13-0 (8). Preciado, who has now lost four in a row, saw his ledger fall to 22-9-1 (15).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Southpaw featherweight prospect Iman Lee looked impressive in dispatching Bernardo Gomez Uribe, of Guadalajara, Mexico in four rounds. While so many on this card looked impressive, Lee seems to have that certain something that makes you willing to bet the house he\u2019ll become a world champion.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 7th bout Iman Lee attacks Bernardo Uribe in a corner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

After an opening round in which each fighter held back a little, Lee picked it up in the second frame, countering Uribe\u2019s attack, with his faster hands, from a neutral corner. A beautiful right hook to the body dropped Uribe in round three. The 35-year-old veteran got to his feet but proceeded to take a ton of punishment for the remainder of the round.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lee didn\u2019t waste any time continuing the assault on Uribe in the fourth frame. He sent Uribe to the canvas with a body shot early on, and sent him crashing again with another shot downstairs. As soon as Uribe, 17-10 (10), hit the floor, Dock called the fight off. The time was 1:52.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Lee, of Yonkers, NY, extended his undefeated record to 12-0 (8).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Light heavyweight Steven \u201cThe Savage\u201d Sumpter made Victor Hugo Exner retire on his stool after four completed rounds, extending his record his record to 10-1-1 (8). The bout was scheduled for eight rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 6th bout Steven Sumpter waits to counter some forward aggression from Victor Exner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Sumpter knocked Exner back a step with the first or second shot he landed in the fight and before the opening round was over, he dropped Exner with a body shot. But Exner hung in there for a bit, even as he took shots along the ropes in the early going of the second frame. Later, Exner was in a corner but was impressively landing a few nice punches. However, it was often Exner who was coming forward in the bout, though he was not the bigger puncher. The third round was a punch-fest, with neither man looking to back down. A Sumpter supporter in near ringside was admonishing him for giving Exner a little confidence, yelling, \u201cSee, you gave him hope. Take that hope away.\u201d Later in the round, Exner was teeing off on Sumpter in Sumpter\u2019s corner. If it seemed the fight was turning in Exner\u2019s favor, that was short-lived. Sumpter had an extended stay in a neutral corner, countering Exner\u2019s aggressive attack with some solid punches. From press row vantage point, it seemed Exner would be able to fight on. However, his corner indicated Exner was done, and Mercante Jr. ruled Sumpter the winner by TKO.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Exner dropped to 11-19-3 (5) with the loss.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In middleweight action, Douglas Marroquin, of Stamford, CT, won a unanimous decision over Austin \u201cDream Killer\u201d Spivey, of Miami, FL. Spivey was making his pro debut and should have known Marroquin was a talent of some level. Marroquin\u2019s ring walk for this four-rounder included a singer, a guitar player, a human dressed as an 8-foot robot and when the bell was about to sound to begin the fight, Marroquin was seen wearing furry boots. One lady at ringside said, \u201cI thought that was just for the ring walk.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 5th bout Austin Spivey goes on the attack against Douglas Marroquin.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Marroquin used his faster hands and more educated feet to easily outbox Spivey. Spivey may have the nickname \u201cDream Killer,\u201d but he did not ruin Marroquin\u2019s perfect record and future dreams. In fact, Marroquin didn\u2019t even lose a round on the judges\u2019 cards. All three saw it 40-36 for Marroquin, who improves to 5-0 (4).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the bout that could easily be called the most even action-packed affair, Anuel \u201cThe Tsunami\u201d Rosa, of New Haven, CT, and Elijah Peixoto, of East Providence, RI, battled to a split decision draw. The result was fair, as both junior welterweights put on a great performance, and no one really had a clear edge over the other. Rosa came out in the opening round as the aggressor and seemed to stun Peixoto slightly with a shot with little more than a minute remaining. Less than 30 seconds later, Peixoto connected with a solid straight right hand. Rosa hit the canvas in the second frame, Mercante Jr. ruled it was due to a push, not a punch. After that, Peixoto seemed to take the second round, as it seemed Rosa was tiring early for some reason.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, both men came out with guns blazing in the third frame. It could be said Peixoto was the aggressor, but Rosa landed a right hand at one point that seemed to hurt Peixoto, and momentarily stopped him from firing back. The fourth round had great back-and-forth action, and there was no letup, as both swapped leather like madmen until the final bell. It was hard to decide who deserved the closing stanza.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One judge saw it for Rosa, another for Peixoto, and the third edge had it even at 38-38.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rosa is now 5-0 -1 (3) while Peixoto sees his record change to 4-0-1 (2).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In welterweight action, Joe Bush, of Marshfield, MA, won a unanimous six-round decision over southpaw Derrick Whitley Jr., of Springfield, MA. The scores were 60-54 and 59-55 (twice). Bush applied pressure over the course of the fight and Whitley didn\u2019t have enough on his punches to deter him. Bush, 27, improves to 6-0 (4) while Whitley falls to 8-5-2.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 4th bout Elijah Peixoto gets ready to launch a punch at Anuel Rosa.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In a female featherweight bout, Shannel \u201cThe Sniper\u201d Butler, got to punch a cop and not get arrested, as her opponent, Melanie \u201cPitbull\u201d Costa, works full-time as a police officer in Norton, MA.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Costa was the pressure fighter of the two, but Butler used her height and reach advantages to stick and move and win the fight. Two judges had it 40-36 for Butler, who had former light heavyweight world title challenger Eric Harding in her corner, and the third judge saw it 39-37 for Costa. Harding told The USA Boxing News<\/em> after the fight he\u2019d like to get the name of the judge who had it the opposite way for Costa, to make sure he\/she\u2019s not a judge for any of Butler\u2019s future bouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

In the 2nd bout Shanne; Butleris announcer the victor over Melanie Costa.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Butler advanced to 2-0 (1) while Costa dropped to 3-1 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the first bout of the evening, junior welterweight Tevin \u201cThe Hitman\u201d Regis, of Dorchester, MA, stopped Chris Gunn, of Port Huron, CT, with a body shot at 1:00 of the opening round. It was not the pro debut Gunn had been hoping for. Regis, however, saw his record expand to 6-0 (4).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Sponsoring March 1 Charter Oak Boxing Academy \u2013 Trinity College Boxing Invitational<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Johnny Callas is more than a respected professional referee. He\u2019s a former national amateur boxing champion, currently works for the Department of Children and Families (Child Protective Services) and is also the founder, executive director and head coach of the Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA), which has been helping children and young adults for 36 years.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On Saturday, COBA is organizing the Charter Oak Boxing Academy – Trinity College Boxing Invitational. The title sponsor of the event is the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. The first bell will be 2p.m. at the Trinity College Field House, 1697 Broad Street, Hartford, CT.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

1984 CCSU college boxing team holding All American certificates Johnny Callas is fourth from left.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Twenty-eight bouts will take place over five hours featuring boxers from Trinity College, West Point, the Coast Guard Academy out of New London, Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), University of Connecticut, Lock Haven State University, University of Massachusetts and Crandal University from Canada. In addition, USA Boxing registered fighters from New England will also be taking part.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For Callas, who was a three-time All-American and national champion in the 1980s while representing CCSU, Saturday\u2019s event rekindles some old memories but also shows that collegiate boxing is not thing of the past.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love this event because it shows COBA\u2019s relationship with collegiate boxing, which basically was part of the origin story for Charter Oak and is really the spine of the whole program,\u201d said Callas.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cThis is showcasing the whole rise of collegiate boxing in Connecticut and the Northeast. Collegiate boxing was really big in the 1980s and 1990s, especially in Pennsylvania. However, it\u2019s never been bigger and it\u2019s growing exponentially [the Eastern Collegiate Boxing Association (ECBA) region].<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas said the growth of collegiate boxing in the area is due in part to three men who came out of the CCSU boxing program \u2013 himself, Mike Campisano and Tommy Barile. Campisano is the head coach of UConn\u2019s program and Barile restarted the Coast Guard Academy\u2019s program after it had been dormant for close to two decades. Callas, in addition to running COBA, is also the head coach of the Trinity College boxing program.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to COBA athlete participation, other clubs scheduled to participate include former light heavyweight champion Chad Dawson\u2019s Champion Breed Boxing, Gladiator Gym out of New Jersey, Cherry Street Boxing out of Pittsfield, MA, CUS Boxing, a new gym in Connecticut. and former women\u2019s boxing champion Jamie Clampitt\u2019s On The Ropes Boxing, which is bringing fighters down from Rhode Island.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Johnny Callas (R) with one of his boxers circa 2018.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

All boxers will receive trophies and there will be six Outstanding Boxer trophies. Food and drinks will be provided. Former amateur boxer Hiram \u201cHydro\u201d Cardona, also a talented rapper, will serve as the event\u2019s MC\/ring announcer and DJ B-Easy will provide the musical soundtrack. Local State Representatives, Hartford City Council members, and possibly Hartford\u2019s Mayor, will be in attendance. A post-fight reception and dinner will take place at the popular TAP Caf\u00e9, across from the campus on New Britain Avenue.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas loves events like this, which allow the boxers to put their talents on display for family members and friends after all the hard work in the gym.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re committed to creating champions in the ring, but even more so, champions of life,\u201d said Callas.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As for Saturday\u2019s Invitational, Callas added, \u201cIf people enjoy this, two weeks later, they can attend the ECBA Championships hosted by UCONN in Bristol, Connecticut, where more than thirteen college teams from the east and Canada will be fighting for berths to the NCBA Championships in April.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If there are any additional questions about Saturday\u2019s event, please call 860-918-2844.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Alejandro Paulino decisions Toka Kahn Clary on headline bout of CES Autumn Classic<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Laila Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino (L) connects with a body shot at Toka Kahn (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Lightweight Alejandro \u201cEl Abusador\u201d Paulino passed the biggest test of his career at Mohegan Sun on Nov. 2, earning a 10-round majority decision over talented veteran Toka Kahn Clary in a \u201ccrossroads fight.\u201d Although one judge saw it a draw, 95-95, the other judges had Paulino the clear victor, by scores of 97-93 and 96-94.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A pro for only three years, Paulino was elated.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been training really hard in the gym and now I\u2019ve been 10 rounds with an experienced southpaw,\u201d said \u201cEl Abusador\u201d in a post-fight press release. \u201cThis is the best I ever felt. I want to fight tough competition, guys who will lead me to a world title.\u00a0 I want to be a champion.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino. Photo by Will Paul – CES<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Going into bout, Kahn Clary was 29-3 and was coming off a two-year layoff. His only losses in the last five years were to Shakur Stevenson and Kid Galahad, who became a world champion after facing Kahn. Paulino wanted to show he had the goods to defeat a talented veteran with far more experience than him.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Early in the opening round, Paulino missed with a lead right hand but later connected with a slew of left and right hands as Kahn got near a corner. However, Kahn is not one to stay in one spot and used beautiful subtle movement, round after round, to make Paulino work for the win. However, over the course of the first half of the fight, he was sometimes too defensive. He used his feet beautifully but was not always as active with his hands.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the third frame, Paulino let loose with rapid-fire combinations, but Toka ducked and slipped most of the assault.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino briefly traps the elusive Toka Kahn in a corner<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI knew he wasn\u2019t going to fight the first four rounds,\u201d said Paulino. \u201cI knew that he wanted to take the fight to the later rounds because I had never been 10 rounds.\u00a0 He said that I was green, and he saw me make mistakes in the later rounds.\u00a0 He was going to try to get me tired and take me out.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kahn would get a little busier with his hands in round five and just before the bell, closed the round with a nice right jab-left to the body combination. There were chants of \u201cAle-jandro\u201d in the finale minute round six, as his fans wanted to see him tag Kahn with a bit more lather.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kahn increased his work rate in round seven. A minute into the frame, he fired off a quick straight left. Fifteen seconds later he let both hands fly at center-ring. Particularly impressive was a left uppercut-straight left combination. Paulino seemed a little more energized by the offense from the other side, because just before the bell, he did an \u201cAli Shuffle\u201d while ripping off a few shots.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Toka Kahn and Alejandro Paulino square off in the opening round of their crossroads fight.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The final three rounds were very competitive, with a lot of tit-for-tat action. Paulino did manage to get Kahn on the ropes in the final seconds of the 10th<\/sup> and final round, closing the show impressively like the young contender that he is.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was not surprised,\u201d said Paulino of Kahn\u2019s late surge. \u201cI won the first 8 rounds.\u00a0 When you\u2019re just going backwards and not throwing any punches, you\u2019re going to have a lot of energy.\u00a0 He didn’t even try to win one round in the beginning.\u00a0 It was like 8-0 for me before he started stepping it up.\u00a0 I took one round off because I knew that I had a lot of rounds in the bank, but I finished strong in the last round.\u00a0 I wasn\u2019t going to lose this fight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino\u2019s trainer, Roland Estrada, told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cI think our game plan worked to perfection. I also felt I understood their game plan even before the fight started. Their strategy seemed to be to go into the later rounds and turn it up hoping Alejandro got tired. We addressed that during a strenuous training camp. It was Alejandro\u2019s first ten-rounder so we wanted him to feel comfortable going the entire ten, if need be.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Toka Kahn (R) launches a straight left at Alejandro Paulino (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Estrada added, \u201cAs expected, Toka definitely picked it up in the second half of the fight but thankfully Alejandro was able to match him every time. I think going forward and consistent head movement and combinations were the key to the win. Honestly, I thought we won fairly easy, even though the judges had it closer. In hindsight, the ten rounds were a blessing. Fighters need to feel that early in their career.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With the win, Paulino defended his WBC USA Silver lightweight championship and advanced to 19-0 (14) while Kahn fell to 29-4 (19).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cKing\u201d Kevin Walsh, of Brockton, MA, defended his New England super lightweight championship with a fourth-round stoppage of fellow Massachusetts resident Irvin Gonzalez.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino (facing camera) looks to attack Toka Kahn.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The official time was 23 seconds. Gonzalez, of Worcester, likely expected Walsh, who has a reputation as a puncher, to come out and attack from the outset of their scheduled eight-rounder. However, Walsh and his team had a plan to box and make Gonzalez follow him.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he lulled him to sleep a little bit,\u201d said Rich Cappiello, Walsh\u2019s manager. \u201cHe thought he was going to be the aggressor. Kevin kept moving, moving. Letting him get a little tired. And I told him, the second half of the fight, when you get close, let it go, you hit him on the chin, you\u2019ll get him, and that\u2019s what happened.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Each man had their moments before the end. Gonzalez was pressing the action from the start as Kevin elected to box. Gonzalez upped the aggression in the second round and landed enough right hands to create a welt under Walsh\u2019s left eye. Although Walsh made a point to box rather than attack like a bull, he did let loose with some crowd-pleasing combinations in the third frame.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jacob Marrero (R) in the opening round against Placido Hoff (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Walsh did not waste any time in the 4th<\/sup> round. He jumped on Gonzalez at the bell to start the stanza and after went in for the kill after landing a big right hand.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Walsh unleashed a piston-like attack of rights and lefts to the head as Gonzalez backed against the ropes. Gonzalez, 16-5 (12), tried unsuccessfully to avoid the onslaught with some body movement, but after taking nearly 20 blows in succession, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. was forced to step in and end matters.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI want to give a big shout out to Irvin,\u201d said Walsh during an in-ring interview. \u201cYou\u2019re a beast for stepping up.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Walsh, who advanced to 15-0 (8), added, \u201cHard work and determination pays off.\u201d Hailing from the same town as Marvelous Marvin Hagler and former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano, Walsh is the city\u2019s latest fistic hero.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s given the city of Brockton a lot of hope,\u201d said Cappiello, a relative of Marciano. \u201cBrockton has changed a lot, but Kevin\u2019s success gives people a sense of pride, and people really follow him. He\u2019s really likeable.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kevin Walsh (L) fires off a jab against Irvin Gonzalez (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Jacob \u201cLefty\u201d Marrero, 137, of Bridgeport, CT, scored the quickest win of the night, with a first-round stoppage of Placido Hoff, 132, of Providence, RI. The unbeaten lightweight started off looking like he might make the opening stanza more of a feel-him-out kind of round, as he was content to pop the right jab and fight off the backfoot. However, once Marrero found out he could land his lighting straight left hand, he increased its frequency, and soon after, referee Arthur Mercante Jr., had no choice but to jump in and halt the bout. The official time was 2:55.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Marrero improves to 8-0 (7) while Hoff falls to 2-3-1.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Unbeaten southpaw Mike \u201cThe Savage\u201d Kimbel, 147, of Waterbury, CT, dominated Sebastian Gabriel Chaves, 143, of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to earn a six-round unanimous decision victory. Two judges saw it a clean sweep at 60-54 while the third judge had it 59-55. Even though Chaves had lost seven of his last eight fights, Kimbel, who clearly had the better technique and the bigger frame, never really let loose with guns blazing. Rather, he was content to box his way to victory rather than try to go for the knockout. He did pick things up a notch in the fifth round, putting more combinations together and making the uppercut a more frequent weapon.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kevin Walsh goes on the defense from the early aggression of Irvin Gonzalez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Round six began with chants of \u201cMikey, Mikey.\u201d Kimbel maintained a decent work rate, but never felt pressured to go in for the kill. He advanced to 8-0 (5) and Chaves fell to 6-8 (2).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stevie Jane Coleman, 144, of Colombia, CT, won a unanimous four-round decision over Suzanna Rodriguez Griffin, 144, of Indianapolis, IN. The scores were 40-36 (twice) and 39-37. Every round was competitive, but Coleman appeared to do just enough to earn every round. Trained by Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame trainer Paul Cichon, Coleman, whose only loss was her pro debut, advanced to 6-1 (2).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

2020 Olympic alternate Amelia Moore, 139.5, of Colorado Springs, CO, cruised to a four-round unanimous decision victory in her pro debut against Michaele Nogue, 140, of Egg Harbor, NJ. She increased the firepower in the third round and looked like she had referee Johnny Callas on the verge of stopping the fight, with Griffin trapped along the ropes. However, Griffin never stopped fighting back. Both women continued to give their all in the fourth and final frame. When it was over, Moore was announced the winner, as all three judges saw it 40-36. With the loss, Nogue drops to 2-6-1.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Mike Kimbel (R) goes on the attack against Sebastian Gabriel Chaves (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In a bantamweight battle of southpaws, Carlos Vanegas Nunez, 122, of Port Chester, NY, dominated Anthony Eliotti, 123, of St. Louis, MO, over six rounds. The scores were 59-55 (twice) and 58-56. The action was not always exciting, but Nunez made sure to close the show strong in the final minute of the sixth frame. He also showed excellent choice in ring entrance music. Whereas most fighters\u2019 songs were filled with profane lyrics and curse words, Nunez\u2019 music pick was Frank Sinatra\u2019s \u201cThat\u2019s Life.\u201d He improved to 9-1 (7) with the win over Eliotti, whose record is now 4-3 (4).\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stevie Jane Coleman attacks Suzanna Rodriguez Griffin.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Jeffrey Gonzalez, 148, of East Haven, extended his undefeated record to 5-0 (4) with a four-round unanimous decision over Robert Degaetano, 149, of Douglas, MA. The judges saw it 59-55 (twice) and 58-56. Degaetano is now 3-2 (3).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Douglas Marroquin, 162, of Stamford, CT, who went the distance for the first time in his young career, advanced to 4-0 (3) with a four-round unanimous decision over Travis Floyd, 161, of Douglasville, GA. The scores were 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Joseph Chisholm-Semaj Flextcher bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Joseph \u201cJ-Elite\u201d Chisholm, 125, of Stratford, CT, earned the first knockout of the night (and one of only two stoppage victories) when he stopped Semaj Flextcher, 121, of Lancaster, TX, in the opening round. Showing impressive hand speed, he dropped Flextcher with a left hook as both men were throwing leather. Flextcher made it to his feet but when the action resumed, he was sent to the canvas after taking an overhand right. The official time of the stoppage was 1:12. Chisholm advances to 3-0 (3) while Flextcher\u2019s record looks the opposite, at 0-3<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kevin Walsh poses for photos after stopping Irvin Gonzalez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Kevante Wineglass, 145, of Waterbury, CT, earned a four-round unanimous decision over Jesus Salas, 145, of New Bedford, MA to make his pro debut a successful one. The scores were 40-36 and 39-37 (twice).\u00a0 Wineglass began patient but was making more of an effort to cut off the ring and land crisp straight left hands in the third frame. Salas made it to the final bell but is now 1-3 (1) in his four-bout pro career.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Unbeaten Lightweight Alejandro Paulino in Crossroads Fight on Nov. 2<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos courtesy of Will Paul\/CES Boxing<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There comes a time in every young fighter\u2019s career when they must participate in what\u2019s called a \u201ccrossroads fight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Such fights pit youth versus experience, and the veteran is typically a still viable opponent who can upset the rising star. Get past the veteran and you can take your career to the next level. Fall short and it can kill all the progress you\u2019ve made.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino Action Shot.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Unbeaten lightweight contender Alejandro Paulino will engage in his crossroads fight on November 2 at Mohegan Sun Casino, when he takes on the talented Toka Kahn Clary, whose only defeat in the last five years was a 10-round decision loss to Shakur Stevenson.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Two of Kahn Clary\u2019s three career losses were to future world champions, Shakur Stevenson and Kid Galahad, and he made it to the final bell in both bouts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cI\u2019m always motivated for my fights but I\u2019m not going to lie. It\u2019s a little extra motivation because he\u2019s 29-3, he\u2019s got the experience, he\u2019s been on the big stages. It is motivating. I\u2019m training super hard for this fight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI try to train hard for all my fights but I\u2019m training extremely hard for this fight. He\u2019s got a lot of experience and I\u2019m really looking forward to seeing what he brings to the table.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Paulino turned pro in May 2021 and now boasts an 18-0 record with 14 knockouts. Kahn Clary is returning to the ring after a two-year hiatus and is looking to take Paulino\u2019s WBC USA silver lightweight championship.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino\u2019s string of victories has brought him closer to his goal of becoming a world champion boxer. He\u2019s currently rated in the Top 40 at lightweight by the WBC (#37 as of Sept. 19, 2024).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cAny step-up fight that I need to take, I feel like my team always, they let me know, like, this fight, you\u2019re good.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cWe don\u2019t say not to any fight, but every fight we take is for a step-up, so when we get to that time to fight for a world title, I\u2019ll be ready.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino believes he\u2019ll truly be ready by the end of next year. The champions in his division are Shakur Stevenson (WBC), Gervonta Davis (WBA), Vasiliy Lomachenko (IBF) and Denys Berinchyk (WBO).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThis [fight against Kahn] is my first 10-rounder so it\u2019s only up from here,\u201d said Paulino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even at this point in his career, Paulino is enjoying the accolades and where his talent has brought him so far.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Alejandro Paulino covering up.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cIt feels great, amazing, that I\u2019m getting this exposure, at this time in my career,\u201d he said. Headlining at Mohegan and Foxwoods, two of the biggest casinos in the country. It\u2019s just getting me ready for when I get to the next stage, and I will not feel pressured, because I will already have experienced it before.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino has headlined at Foxwoods in the past, but November 2 will mark his first time headlining at Mohegan Sun. Promoted by Rhode Island-based promoter Jimmy Burchfield, and trained and managed by Roland Estrada, the sky is the limit if he stays dedicated to his craft. That should not be a problem. Paulino recently stepped down from his 9 to 5 job to better focus on his blossoming boxing career.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, Paulino used to have to drive from his home in New London, Connecticut to Estrada\u2019s gym in Rhode Island, five days a week, to train.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThat\u2019s dedication,\u201d said Estrada. However, Paulino will not have to make that trek five days a week anymore.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cLast winter I decided I\u2019d have to figure something out for him before he burned out,\u201d said Estrada. \u201cI literally bought a 16 x10 shed and made a little house for him and placed it right in the gym driveway. Now he stays there Monday through Friday and goes home on weekends.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino said Estrada is \u201cthe reason I\u2019m where I\u2019m at right now.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cHe\u2019s a great coach, one of the best in the business (and also the father of 2004 Olympian Jason Estrada). He\u2019s the best coach in general, in my eyes.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estrada said one of Paulino\u2019s best attributes as a fighter is \u201chis ability to absorb knowledge and listen.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThe kid has the goods,\u201d said Estrada. \u201cAs we continue to tighten his defense eventually this kid will be a force in the lightweight division. As a person he\u2019s as humble as they get. I often compare him to a young teenager. Young teenagers tend to listen because they think you know everything. As they get older, they think they know more than you. Hopefully he keeps that young mentality.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Estrada added it\u2019s been a great training camp, and there\u2019s been proper preparation for Kahn Clary, a southpaw (left-handed fighter).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cAlejandro has already sparred 125 rounds versus southpaws and on November 2 he will shine. Guaranteed.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One year ago, Paulino was honored by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame as its Professional Boxer of the Year<\/em>.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIt meant a lot,\u201d said Paulino, \u201cBecause getting those awards is showing that hard work pays off.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Paulino can see himself competing at 140 pounds (junior welterweight) in the future, and possibly 147. For right now though, he is focused on accomplishing as much as he can in the lightweight division. He loves the modern greats of the lightweight division, such as Lomachenko and Manny Pacquiao. Going further back in history, Paulino enjoys watching clips of Roberto Duran when he terrorized the 135-pound division.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe hit hard,\u201d said Paulino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Even if one day Paulino becomes one of boxing\u2019s biggest stars, don\u2019t expect him to flash his wealth like \u201cMoney\u201d Mayweather.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBesides a world title, I just want to get a house, get my mom a house, my dad, whatever he wants, and help my family out, to be honest.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI just want to be stable. I\u2019m simple. I don\u2019t like all that [flashy] stuff. I don\u2019t even really like cars like that. I just want to win a world title and make enough money, so my parents don\u2019t have to work anymore.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tickets for the Nov. 2 CES Boxing card, which features a total of 13 bouts, can be purchased at cesfights.com\/tickets.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cATV\u201d Velazquez Gets the Nod in an Exciting Scrap in Springfield, Mass<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Carlos Gonzalez Stops Former Olympian Duke Micah<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Alyssa Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Velazquez, of Springfield (R) gets ready to jab Frenchman Florent Dervis (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Springfield, MA<\/em>. Making its mark across New England one fight card at a time, Reyes Boxing Inc. brought boxing to the big room at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on Sept. 14, and hometown hero Anthony \u201cATV\u201d Velazquez did not disappoint.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Headlining his first main event, the 28-year-old Velazquez won a hard-fought 10-round decision over Frenchman Florent Dervis, who now trains out of Clearwater, Florida, to earn the vacant Junior NABF super welterweight championship. The judges had it as\u00a0a unanimous decision for Velazquez by scores of 98-92 and 96-94 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Florent Dervis (L) nails Anthony Velazquez (R) with a jarring right to the jaw.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Action was fairly even over the first four rounds, as Velazquez and Dervis showed respect for one another and did not make any careless moves. In the first minute of the fifth frame, however, Velazquez looked like he woke up and was throwing punches with more authority. Velazquez\u2019 more spirited attack prompted Dervis, a southpaw, to turn up the heat. With little more than a minute remaining in the stanza, Dervis attacked with two impressive straight lefts followed by a right hook.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In many rounds, Dervis displayed solid lateral movement and would step in quickly to score with combinations. Conversely, Velazquez would have mini-rallies that riled up the hometown crowd, even if it was just a two-punch burst. Velazquez got busier around the seventh frame, with a more consistent body attack. The start of the eighth round saw him land a beautiful right to the head followed by a right to the body. Dervis would have his moments in the session, but Velazquez closed the round strong with an impressive combination.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Anthony Velazquez (R) fires a jab toward Florent Dervis (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The tenth and ninth rounds were closely contested and when the bell rang to end the 10-round contest, both men jumped on opposite corner posts to raise their fists, although Dervis got to his ring post first. Unfortunately for the Frenchman, he would not get the nod.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Michael Reyes, of Reyes Boxing, Inc., chief trainer to Dervis, said afterwards, \u201cI think it was a great fight that easily could have gone either way.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI think that Florent really stepped up and made an amazing go of it.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Velazquez said, \u201cHe [Dervis] was tough. He took some hard shots, so respect to him.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Velazquez (R) blocks a punch thrown by Dervis (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

For Velazquez, a Puerto Rican-American, it was a beautiful weekend. He kicked things off in downtown Springfield Saturday evening, and one day later, the celebration continued with Springfield\u2019s Puerto Rican Day Parade.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Velazquez improved to 15-0-1 (13 KO\u2019s) while Davis fell to 10-2 (5 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s special co-feature attraction, Springfield\u2019s Carlos Gonzalez earned the vacant WBA NABA featherweight title with an 8th<\/sup> round TKO of former Olympian Duke Micah of Ghana. The official time was 2:50.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Carlos Gonzalez (L) corners Duke Micah (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Micah\u2019s only defeat prior to facing Gonzalez was a stoppage loss to WBO bantamweight champion John Riel Casimero in September 2020.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Shortly after his big win, Gonzalez – being interviewed by ring announcer John Vena \u2013 said, \u201cIt seems easy but it\u2019s not easy. I go to the gym every single day, twice a day.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cHow I made it look easy, I \u2018ve got to give that to my coach and my team. They pushed me.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Micah, 32, fought well before Gonzalez, 27, eventually wore him down.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Former Olympian Duke Micah, of Ghana, lands a left against hometown boxer Carlos Gonzalez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cI fought [in the past] at 140. He stood in there like a lion, a warrior, so hats off to him,\u201d said Gonzalez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Micah, of Accra, Ghana, seemed to take the first round with a busier jab and work rate overall. However, Gonzalez would rile up the crowd with some nice combinations around the latter half of the second frame. He dominated round three and although there was tit-for-tat offense from both fighters at the start of the fourth, Gonzalez landed a beautiful straight right to the head with a minute or so remaining.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gonzalez continued to pull away and in the seventh round he dropped Micah with a right to the head. In the final minute of the eighth, Gonzalez landed multiple chopping rights to the head. Gonzalez followed up with a barrage of left hooks and right hands that made Micah stagger back a step or two. Referee Kevin Hope was then forced to end matters at the 2:51 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Carlos Castillo, of Holyoke, MA, scored a first-round stoppage of Daulis Prescott.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gonzalez\u2019 coach, Hector Burmudez, told Vena a world title opportunity could be as close as a year or so away.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIt depends on who it is,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gonzalez raised his record to 13-0 (12 KO\u2019s) while Micah fell to 24-2 (19 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In super lightweight action, Kasir \u201cMazzi\u201d Goldston, 21, of Albany, NY, notched a second-round stoppage of 39-year-old Argentinian Diego Gonzalo Luque. The official time was 2:19. Goldston rocked Luque with a big right hook in the final minute of the opening round and continued to dominate in the second frame. A succession of hooks, followed by a straight left and a right uppercut, forced referee Melissa Kelly to end matters.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kasir Goldston rocks Diego Gonzalo Luque with an assault that would end the bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Unbeaten junior middleweight Carlos Castillo, from nearby Holyoke, MA, extended his record to 8-0 (5 KO\u2019s) with a first-round knockout of 39-year-old Daulis Prescott, of Barranquila, Columbia. A lead right hand sent Prescott, 34-23 (26 KO\u2019s), to the canvas. He tried but failed to beat referee Kevin Hope\u2019s 10 count.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Undefeated super middleweight Laurent Humes, of Springfield, MA, ran his record to 11-0-1 (11 KO\u2019s) with a second-round stoppage of 41-year-old Patrick Pierre, of New Orleans, LA. Humes came out looking sharp at the opening bell and soon landed a beautiful left to the body. Meanwhile, Pierre looked a bit a bit too stiff and upright, especially for a 30-plus fight veteran. It was not long before Humes was slamming right hands to the side of his head with Pierre, 6-29-4, along the ropes. Near the end of the round, a two-fisted attack to the head and body, followed by a succession of rights dropped Pierre. He beat the count, was allowed to continue, but was saved by the bell one second later.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Unbeaten Laurent Humes (L) prepares to attack Patrick Pierre (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Humes would finish things off in the second frame. He started with a little showboating, holding his right arm out but then firing a left jab. However, he soon got back to business, hurting Pierre with a left hook. Pierre stumbled back a couple of steps to a neutral corner. Just as Humes was about to go in for the kill, referee Melissa Kelly stepped in to halt the action. The official time was 1:19.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Laurent Humes avoids a punch thrown by Patrick Pierre.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Super lightweight Derrick Whitley, Jr, whose father and uncle boxed professionally as well, improved to 8-4-1 (2 KO\u2019s) with six-round unanimous decision over Jose Angel Roman, of Clarksville, Indiana.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

You would have thought with the cheers Whitley got every round that it was a world championship fight. It was not. But when you are a hometown fighter, from a fighting family, you\u2019re going to have that kind of support. Whitley\u2019s bout was also the competitive contest of the night up to this point, though Whitley was in control. Whitley began the first round showcasing the uppercut early. A southpaw, he started to throw the straight left a little more in the second frame. He teed off on Roman, 12-35-5 (5 KO\u2019s), in a neutral corner a minute into the third frame and the crowd was loving it. This was the first \u201copponent\u201d of the night that did not wilt under pressure.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Derrick Whitley, JR. delivers a body shot to of Jose Angel Roman.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Roman came out aggressive to begin the fourth round, but Whitley would continue to outwork him with his faster hands. Even if a Whitley win was obvious, Roman never gave up. In fact, his best rounds may have been the final two, especially the sixth round, which featured the most back-and-forth exchanges.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Whitley was pleased to showcase his skills in the Arena at the MassMutual Center.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhen you get a chance like this, take full advantage,\u201d he said. \u201cI got to perform in front of the people I love.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Derrick Whitley, Jr. (L) absorbs a left hook thrown by Jose Angel Roman (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Junior middleweight southpaw Kenny \u201cThe Menace\u201d Paklos, of Oceanside, CA, went to 4-0 (3 KO\u2019s) with a first-round stoppage of Shonta Barnes, of Wilson, NC. Barnes went down almost immediately after the opening bell, from a Paklos left hand. He beat the count but was soon battered with a two-fisted attack along the ropes that sent him to the canvas for a 10-count. The official time of the stoppage was 1:40. Barnes\u2019 record now stands at 0-9.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Junior middleweight Edwine Humaine, Jr., of Springfield, MA, via Port-au-Prince, Haiti, scored a first-round stoppage of Aelio Mesquita, of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Humaine was the aggressor from the start and near the end of the round dropped Mesquita in a neutral corner with a clubbing right to the head. Referee Kevin Hope waved the fight off before reaching a full count. The official time was 2:58.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kasir Goldston, of Albany, NY, scores a stoppage win over Diego Gonzalo Luque.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In the evening\u2019s opening bout, 36-year-old boxing coach Julio Rivera made his pro debut against southpaw Daquanti Johnson, 0-5-0, of Wilson, NC, registering a first-round stoppage. The light heavyweight connected with numerous right hands that sent Johnson to the canvas. Johnson would beat the count but when the action resumed, a single right hand from Rivera put him down for the second time. Referee Melissa Kelly had seen enough and stopped the bout at the 1:16 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cDown and Dirty XI\u201d Coming to Springfield<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Reyes Boxing Inc., the steadily rising six-year-old promotional company, is bringing boxing to the big room at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, MA on Sept. 14 with \u201cDown and Dirty XI.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve already done Maine, New Hampshire and the Boston area and so we are now heading on to Springfield,\u201d said Reyes Boxing President Michael Reyes. We have plans to get to Connecticut and Rhode Island. It\u2019s a New England series so we plan to hit every New England state.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Springfield is literally just over the border from Connecticut so it\u2019s only a matter of time before Reyes Boxing is doing shows at Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun – two of the biggest casinos in the country.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Reyes, a former officer with the United States Marine Corps., is pleased with how far his company has come in a short amount of time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve learned. We\u2019ve built. We\u2019ve had some really quality fights with some really quality guys,\u201d said Reyes. \u201cA lot of my guys have fought on Showtime, ESPN and DAZN.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Reyes Boxing President Michael Reyes<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cSo, as far as a six-year-old company, we\u2019ve done a lot and we\u2019ve been to a lot of places, especially in the last three years. We\u2019re happy with our growth. We\u2019re happy to see where we\u2019re going.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDown and Dirty XI\u201d marks the first time boxing is taking place in the Arena at the Mass Mutual Center, which is located across the street from MGM Springfield and just a few blocks away from I-91.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Headlining the 12-bout card will be Springfield\u2019s own Anthony Velazquez in a junior middleweight title fight against France\u2019s Florent Dervris. Beloved by the Puerto Rican community in his hometown, Velazquez looks to gain wider support with and each and every victory. His record currently stands at 14-0-1. Velazquez is on a two-fight win streak since an April 2023 draw with Rashid Stevens at Mohegan Sun, on a card that was promoted by Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s CES Boxing. His two victories since that draw have been by knockout, eliminating the suspense of scorecards.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The press conference for the Sept. 14 show will take place at MGM Springfield on September 3. The casino will also be hosting the after-party.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is the first time boxing\u2019s taking place in the Mass Mutual stadium, which they call the Arena,\u201d said Reyes. \u201cI think this is going to be the best show Massachusetts has all year long. I think the talent pool is deep with guys we have fighting and I\u2019m excited. I\u2019m excited to be in the Arena. I\u2019m excited to bring big-time boxing out to western Massachusetts and push further down.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Junior Middleweight Anthony Velazquez.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

If Reyes pushes down beyond Connecticut, New York City promoters may have some competition.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Although Reyes is a former amateur fighter, and loved boxing since his early years, “I didn’t know that there was a calling when I was kid to be a boxing promoter.”<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, “But now that I’m here, I love it. I’m addicted and I’m all in\/”<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

To purchase tickets for the card, log onto www.massmutualcenter.com<\/a><\/u><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Fighters Mingle Once Again at John Scully\u2019s Amateur Boxers Reunion<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Alyssa Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Former light heavyweight world title challenger John Scully \u2013 who has recently been in the spotlight for raising funds for retired boxers \u2013 held his latest Amateur Boxers Reunion at\u00a0Diamante\u2019s\u00a0Bar\u00a0on 8th<\/sup>\u00a0Avenue on August 10. Diamante\u2019s, owned by ring announcer David Diamante, is one block over from the famed Madison Square Garden, otherwise known as \u201cThe World\u2019s Most Famous Arena.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Scully has made his reunions at least an annual event, though sometimes he organizes two or three gatherings within a calendar year. The first one was held in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2014, and earlier this year, a mingling of pugilists took place in Detroit, Michigan.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a guy here I fought 40 years ago, and I haven\u2019t seen him since,\u201d said Scully, amidst a packed house at Diamante\u2019s. \u201cI see guys I looked up to when I was a kid. I see guys that I sparred with. I love seeing guys see each other.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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Former multi-title holder Iran Barkley.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

He added, \u201cGuys who haven\u2019t seen each other in years, but they fought each other. When you fight a guy in a tournament, you don\u2019t even talk to him. You just fight and that\u2019s it, but when you see each other 25, 40 years later, it\u2019s like you\u2019re best friends. It is like you\u2019re family. People would think you know each other. It\u2019s like, nah, I haven\u2019t spoken to him in my life.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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John Duddy and John Scully.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A broadcast of\u00a0the Olympics\u00a0competition was playing on multiple screens at Diamante\u2019s, but no one was paying attention, as it\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0Olympic boxing. Rather, former opponents knocked back drinks, or not, and traded memories of days past, while others caught up to men they idolized when they were starting out in boxing. In one corner of the room, former middleweight and super middleweight contender Michael Olajide could be seen sitting with a young man who\u00a0seemed to be\u00a0enjoying stories from the charismatic and still very lean\u00a0former fighter who once traded leather with the legendary Thomas \u201cHitman\u201d Hearns.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\n

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Former boxer Randall Crippen being interviewed at John Scully\u2019s Boxers Reunion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Others who made \u00a0it to the reunion, to name a few, included former WBO heavyweight champion Shannon Briggs; former WBA middleweight champion William Joppy; former three-division world champion Iran Barkley; ex-welterweight\u00a0title challenger Larry Barnes; former WBO super bantam king Junior Jones; former middleweight champion Vito\u00a0Antuofermo; 1970s welterweight contender Harold Weston, Jr.; former #1 lightweight contender Israel \u201cPito\u201d Cardona; ex-WBO\u00a0middlewieght\u00a0king Lonnie Bradley; former Olympian Jerson Ravelo; popular former middleweight contender \u201cIreland\u2019s\u201d John Duddy; \u00a0former IBF cruiserweight champion Al \u201cIce\u201d Cole; Randy Gordon, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission; \u00a0and former welterweight champion Aaron \u201cSuperman\u201d Davis.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Lonnie Bradley and Les Fabri.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Davis attended last year\u2019s reunion and came back for more.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt feels good to be here,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Junior Jones had similar sentiments.\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s great to see all these great guys from the past and the future, it\u2019s great just to mingle with everybody,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former welterweight title challenger Larry Barnes posing with former amateur boxer Steve Nusser.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Father-son duo Alonzo Beckett Sr. and Alonzo Beckett Jr., of the New England Video Production and Ad Agency, conducted interviews with dozens of boxers near the second-floor bar entrance to capture\u00a0fight career recollections for future generations.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Former New England Golden Gloves champion Shakha Moore (1995), came to Manhattan from Norwalk to take it all in. It was his first ever John Scully Amateur Boxers Reunion.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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L-R. Michael Olajide and Shannon Briggs.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\u201cWhat I love about it is you get to reunite with old friends, and you get to see some of your old professional fighters. I saw William Joppy and Al \u201cIce Cole\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Milton K. Luban, who deals in boxing collectibles, had a table of pictures and gloves in a corner area\u00a0that fans could\u00a0purchase\u00a0to get autographed. Briggs, taller than everyone at the gathering and with a personality to match his height, was one of the most sought after for signatures and photos.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former world champion Junior Jones.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Steve Nusser \u2013 who fought international competition in his amateur days, including against Russian and West German boxers, and lost in the semi-finals of 1982 Golden Gloves competition\u00a0to future Olympic and world champion Mark Breland \u2013 said \u201cit\u2019s\u00a0an honor to be here among all these legends.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Nusser added, \u201cI got so much joy from watching them. They inspired me and hopefully I inspired somebody who saw me.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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John Scully signing autographs for fans at his reunion.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mount Vernon, New York-based Larry Barnes, who lost a welterweight title challenge to the great Felix \u201cTito\u201d Trinidad in 1995, enjoys the reunions.\u00a0 \u201cIt feels good being with all these guys because we\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0see each other like we used to at the fights, so when we get together\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0really special.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former New York State Commissioner Randy Gordon (R).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Scully had reunion T-shirts available at the latest reunion and estimates he sold about $500 worth. Money raised will help fighters in need, for general expenses, and\u00a0to help them attend events like the reunions and the annual Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame gala.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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\u201cI raise the money for these guys because I want them to be a part of it,\u201d said Scully.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Former WBO middleweight champion Lonnie Bradley was enjoying his first reunion.\u00a0\u201cThis is my\u00a0first\u00a0with the boxers,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m running into all the faces that inspired me, that helped me come along in the\u00a0sport, and\u00a0grew up with me in this sport.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Milton K. Luban, a sports memorabilia dealer, sells photos and gloves to fans at the boxers’ reunion event.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Bradley said he\u00a0wasn\u2019t\u00a0hoping to run into anyone in particular, \u201cjust that older group of fighters from back then, I would say, the mid-1980s, so these are the guys\u00a0I\u2019ve\u00a0been looking forward to meeting since I turned pro.\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Questions\/Comments:\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>kirklang@yahoo.com<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\u201cWinter Brawl 2024\u201d Hits Mohegan Sun<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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.Chordale Booker after defeating Greg Vendetti. (Photo by CES).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

February\u00a0 \u2013 Uncasville, CT.<\/em> – Junior middleweight contender Chordale \u201cThe Gift\u201d Booker was offended that Greg \u201cThe Villain\u201d Vendetti had questioned if he had the toughness and the stamina to handle a long, drawn-out tough fight. It provided extra motivation for him in training.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vendetti, 154, of Wakefield, MA, \u00a0should have stayed quiet and not talked trash, because Booker, 155, of Stamford, CT, won a unanimous 10-round decision in the main event of CES Boxing\u2019s \u201cWinter Brawl 2024\u201d at Mohegan Sun Arena. The judges saw it for Booker by scores of 99-91 (twice) and 98-92.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It turned out to be a more entertaining tussle than the numbers would lead one to believe, at least early on. Vendetti, as is his style, was the aggressor at the opening bell but Booker jabbed and moved and did not make things easy for his opponent. It was not until there was half a minute left in the round that Vendetti was able to catch Booker along the ropes with an assortment of power shots.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Chordale Booker (R) fires a right fist at Greg Vendetti (L). (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Booker boxed very effectively in the second frame, using his height and reach to his advantage. Vendetti\u2019s supporters chanted his name at the start of the third round. Though Booker has the style and the skills more suited for sticking and moving, he decided to take a page from Vendetti\u2019s playbook and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Vendetti, trading punches in close. During one exchange, he opened a cut over Vendetti\u2019s right eye and near the end of the frame, he landed a beautiful straight left to the body followed by a right hook downstairs.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

No one really dominated the slower fourth round but round five, like round three, featured some great close quarters action that was tit for tat.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Booker elected to create some distance again in the sixth and thus, seemed to frustrate Vendetti. However, Vendetti got back into pressure fighter mode in the seventh frame, moving forward in a crouch trying to land bombs. It looked like Vendetti has studied a lot of the legendary former heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano\u2019s style. The only thing is, if you\u2019re going to copy Marciano\u2019s style, one must also throw as many punches as he did, with serious intentions. Oftentimes, Vendetti was doing his Marciano impression but not letting his hands go as much as he should have when he did get within Booker\u2019s jabbing range.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Geg Vendetti punishes Chordale Booker (R) along the ropes. (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

From the eighth round on, Booker pretty much controlled the action, employing his quick jab more so than in prior rounds. Early in the 9th<\/sup> frame, Booker caught Vendetti with three or four shots to the body that seemed to hurt him. Vendetti would try his smothering ways once again, but Booker got the better of their exchanges, especially with his newfound focus on the body. When Booker managed to create some pace between them, near the end of the stanza, he connected with two impressive left uppercuts.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Booker did not let up in the 10th<\/sup>, as he blasted Vendetti with an array of shots along the ropes. Vendetti would lean over low, utilizing what he thought was an interesting defensive strategy, but as he leaned, Booker punched and kept piling up points.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If Vendetti, 154, had emerged victorious, he would have won Booker\u2019s WBC U.S. Super Welterweight Championship. The title was vacated one day prior when Booker, 155, weighed in one pound over the weight limit.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Chordale Booker (R) opens up with both fists on Greg Vendetti (L). (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Booker, who was rated #14 by the WBO and #33 by the WBC going into the Vendetti bout, raised his record to 22-1 (10 KO\u2019s). Vendetti fell to 23-6-1 (12 KO\u2019s), losing for the second straight time (his previous fight was back in October 2022). Booker has now won five straight fights since his only career defeat, a stoppage loss to unbeaten Austin Williams in April 2022 at Madison Square Garden.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Boxing promoter Jimmy Burchfield was impressed with Booker\u2019s performance.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI thought it was a great main event,\u201d Burchfield said. \u201cI think Vendetti was inactive for too long, and it showed.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the eight-round featherweight co-feature, Ricky Delossantos, 125 \u00bd, of Providence, RI, turned back the challenge of Nathan Martinez, 125 \u00bd, of New Britain, CT, to win the vacant WBC US Silver Super Featherweight Championship. After two rounds of back-and-forth action, Delossantos stepped up his punch rate and it made a difference. His consistent jab did a better job at keeping Martinez at bay, and his sharp left hooks made Martinez think twice about walking in on him. Delossantos also displayed greater head movement than the first two rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Ricky Delossantos (L) faces a crouching Nathan Martinez (R). (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The fourth frame saw Delossantos and Martinez each have their moments, but Delossantos began to take over the fight in the fifth frame. He started with some great bodywork and later teed off on Martinez in a neutral corner. In the sixth, Nathan turned his back while under fire from Delossantos, but claimed he was the victim of a headbutt. To us at ringside, it looked more like right to the head. As the round wound down, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. was watching Martinez with a keen eye, and it looked for a moment like he might stop the fight, but he elected not to. Delossantos would dominate rounds 7 and 8 to earn a unanimous decision by scores of 79-73 and 78-74 (twice).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Ricky Delossantos, in red trunks, battling Nathan Martinez, in white trunks. (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Delossantos raised his record to 12-1 (3 KO\u2019s), while Martinez fell to 8-3 (2 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Francis \u201cFrank The Tank\u201d Hogan, 160, of Weymouth, MA, earned the WBC US Silver Middleweight Championship with a unanimous eight-round decision over Dormedes Potes, 160, of Barranquila, Colombia. Extending his undefeated record to 16-0 (14 KO\u2019s), Hogan, a southpaw, dropped Potes in the third frame with a straight left to the head. \u00a0He continued to dominate the contest in rounds four through six.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In round seven, Hogan seemed to hurt Potes with a straight left downstairs. A couple of seconds later, a drilling left to the body forced a retreating Potes to take a knee. Hogan did not let up in the eighth and final round, but Potes managed to stick around to hear the final bell.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Francis Hogan (L) squared off against Dormedes Potes (R). (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

All three judges scored it for Hogan 80-70. Potes, who has now lost two straight bouts, saw his record drop to 14-6-1 (10 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rising star Alejandro Paulino, who was voted 2023\u2019s Pro Boxer of the Year<\/em> by the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, cruised to a unanimous decision over D\u2019Angelo Keyes, 129, of Houston, TX. All three judges scored the eight-round contest 79-71.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As early as the opening round, Keyes grabbed and held while taking leather from Connecticut boxer. Paulino, 129 \u00bc, of New London, CT, seemed frustrated as he tried to get Keyes off him.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the second round, Keyes seemed to focus more on punching rather than grabbing. Paulino, though, was able to see his foe\u2019s wide looping power shots from a mile away. Paulino dropped Keyes twice in the third frame, the first via a right hand to the head in a neutral corner, and the second knockdown was the result of a flurry of shots to the head and body. The ringside doctor examined Keyes between rounds but decided to let him fight on.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Keyes rallied back from the knockdowns to give a solid effort in the fourth round. Just when D\u2019Angelo was having his highlight moment, he got cracked with a beautiful left hook. Paulino then stepped up his attack and teed off on his adversary with rights and lefts to the head, throwing shots with more bad intentions than any point prior. Paulino would dominate round five but Keyes, it could be said, took round six with his best effort of the night.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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James Maner being interviewing after his win. (Photo by Kirk Lang)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Paulino got busier and more aggressive in the seventh round and by the end of the frame was focusing more on attacking the body. The eighth and final round was not the most exciting, but it was clear, Paulino had done more than enough to get the nod.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Angel \u201cSet It Off\u201d Gonzalez, 111, of Hartford, CT, remained unbeaten with a hard-earned eight-round decision victory over Christian Robles, 111 \u00bd, of Lakewood, CA. The scores were 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 for Gonzalez, who extended his record to 13-0 (7 KO\u2019s). Robles, who usually favored a body attack while Gonzalez focused his shots upstairs, fell to 8-2 (3 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Round after round resulted in competitive back-and-forth action. While Gonzalez had the better overall skills, Robles was terribly tenacious. Gonzalez landed a big right hand in the sixth round that sent Christian to the canvas. In the seventh, Gonzalez teed off on Robles in a neutral corner. He was landing so many hard shots, it looked like he might get the stoppage. Robles bravely never folded under the pressure. He made it to the eighth round and both guys gave a great account of themselves, especially in the final minute, swapping leather as if getting paid by the number of punches thrown.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In lightweight action, \u201cKing\u201d Kevin Walsh, 134 \u00be, of Brockton, MA, improved to 11-0 (5 KO\u2019s) after a straight right hand dropped Darrell Rivera, 135 \u00bd, of San Juan, Puerto Rico early in the opening frame. Referee Ricky Gonzalez, seeing Rivera fall flat on his back, waved the fight off without bothering to give a count. Walsh was patient, carefully watching what was coming his way, when he countered with the right.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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With the loss, Rivera fell to 10-3-1 (8 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Carlos \u201cAll In\u201d Vanegas Nunez, 125 \u00bc, of Port Chester, NY, scored two knockdowns in the opening round against Jaden Webb, 125 \u00bc, of Beebe, AR, before the bout was called off at the 2:00 mark. Vanegas Nunez first dropped Webb with a straight right. He followed up with a string of power shots that forced referee Arthur Mercante Jr. to call the slaughter off. Vanegas Nunez is now 7-1 (5 KO\u2019s) while Webb sinks to 2-2 (2 KO\u2019s)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In other action, Slawomir Bohdziewicz, 197, of Walbryzch, Poland, improved to 3-0 (3 KO\u2019s) with a second-round stoppage of Bruno Saraiva, 188 \u00bc, of Boston, MA. Bohdziewicz came out at the opening bell throwing some serious left hooks, which forced Saraiva (0-2) to grab and hold early on. Not long after, Bohdziewicz connected with a thudding right hand to the head as he moved in to close the distance. It was not long before Bohdziewicz landed a left to the body that caused Saraiva to drop to his knees. Referee Dave Fields administered a count, but Saraiva was unable to make it to his feet in time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 Providence, Rhode Island-based James Maner, a tall and lanky southpaw, used his speed, as well as his height and reach advantage to outhustle Miguel Torres, 164, of Dorchester, MA, over four rounds in the opening bout of the pro portion of promoter Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s Pro-Am show. All three judges saw it 39-36 for Maner. Maner, 164, of Providence, RI, had lost a point in the second frame when he hit Torres after referee Arthur Mercante Jr. had ordered the fighters to break. Maner improved to 5-0 (2) while Torres dropped to 2-1 (2 KO\u2019s).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The first half of the mega fight card featured 10 amateur bouts that was separately titled \u201cJimmy Burchfield\u2019s Classic Invitational.\u201d All the fighters were awarded WBC medals from WBC representative Michael George. Boxing fans got their money\u2019s worth on this night, as they were entertained by 19 fights over the course of seven hours.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIt was an unbelievable night of fighting,\u201d said Burchfield. \u201cIt was a great night of boxing.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Inducts 17th<\/sup> Class; Makes History with First Female Boxer Induction<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Alyssa Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Uncasville, CT. <\/em>The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, as always – with an assist from Mohegan Sun \u2013 put on another fine event in celebrating a new class of inductees.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Writer Sherman Cain accepting plaque for inductee Matt Remillard.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

However, this 17th<\/sup> annual induction ceremony, held on November 18, saw a couple of \u201cfirsts\u201d take place.\u00a0 Shelly Vincent became the first ever female boxer inductee and former middleweight contender Tarvis Simms joined his brother in the state hall, making them the only sibling fighters to have accomplished such a feat. Former WBA junior middleweight champion Travis Simms was inducted back in 2012.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Willie Pep Courage Award Winner – Christy Martin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

For Vincent, whose mother died of cancer when she was a teenager, which left her homeless for a time, and who also suffered physical and sexual abuse growing up, boxing gave her a focus when she was still dealing with a myriad of trauma.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Two fistic greats Iran Barkley and Marlon Starling pose with fans.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cBoxing saved my life,\u201d she said. \u201cBoxing gave me a family at a time when I needed it most. I was lost. Suicidal. My mother was only 36 when she passed. And a few months later, my great grandmother, who was like a second mother to me, passed away also.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Silent Auction at Ceremony.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

It seems hurt can\u2019t escape Vincent. On a day that was supposed to be a joyous one, she admitted during her induction speech that her grandmother died earlier in the day.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Master of Ceremonies Randy Gordon, 2023 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee Arthur Pelullo, boxing judge Glenn Feldman and Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame President John Laudati.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cI never had goals of winning belts or getting awards. I was dealing with depression and thoughts of suicide,\u201d said Vincent. \u201cSo boxing, on fight nights, for me, set me free. I finally felt like I was free\u2026Boxing became my therapy.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vincent, a native of New London, would relocate to Providence, RI for her boxing career. Turning pro in 2011, she captured the UBF super bantamweight championship with a majority decision over Jackie Trivilino. She would subsequently win the IBA super bantamweight title. Vincent\u2019s only losses were to the New York City-based Heather Hardy. She got to fight at Madison Square Garden in her second bout against Hardy. Vincent retired with a 27-2 record.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former legendary heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney (R) with a father and daughter at the Induction Banquet and Ceremony.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cI want to be remembered for speaking out and having a voice for all those that didn\u2019t and fighting for what\u2019s right and standing by it no matter what the consequences are,\u201d said Vincent.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dessert at the Induction Ceremony.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

She added a past opponent, who seemed to live by the slogan \u201csex sells,\u201d told her she wouldn\u2019t ever make it big because she \u201cwas a fat little boy that wouldn\u2019t be on TV because no one would want to see me.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Conn. Boxing Hall of Fame Museum with 2023 Inductee Mark Allen Baker’s books on display.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

However, she would appear on various networks, because of her personality and her skill, without having to resort to trying to sell sexy, Vincent noted.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Author Mark Allen Baker posing with his 2023 CTBHOF plaque.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cMy goal is to prove to all those gay kids that you can do it being yourself,\u201d she said, \u201cAnd to those young ladies, that you can do it completely covered.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Vicent added that the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction was \u201cbeyond anything I ever hoped for.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 <\/b>Professional<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> Boxer of the Year – Alejan<\/span>dro Paulino.<\/b><\/p><\/div>\n

Inducted along with Vincent and Simms were former NABF heavyweight champion Tony Grano, esteemed author Mark Allen Baker, former NABF and NABO featherweight champion Matt Remillard and promoter Arthur Pelullo.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Whereas Vincent touched on abuse \u2013 physical and sexual \u2013 and how boxing helped her get through it, Grano touched on bullying and how boxing can help combat it while also boosting one\u2019s self-confidence.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI was bullied. I was picked on,\u201d said Grano, who went on to say that the \u201cbullying epidemic is the second leading cause of deaths in our youth and young adults ages 10 to 24.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 Inductee Shelly Vincent – the first female boxer inducted into the Conn. Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cLet me tell you right now. The only way to stop the bullying is to give these kids the confidence to stick up for themselves. Bullying doesn\u2019t come from a place of confidence. And when someone sticks up for themselves with confidence the bullying stops. I know firsthand.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 Inductee Arthur Pelullo.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Tony added, \u201cI would much rather my kid or any kid get in a fist fight and stick up for themselves than go home and [commit suicide].\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 Inductee and boxing author Mark Allen Baker at podium.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Grano was a heavyweight on the rise after winning the NABF title and signing with promoter Don King. However, after suffering a herniated disk in his neck during a training camp, he needed spinal infusion surgery and that stalled his career. He subsequently retired with a 20-3-1 record. While everything didn\u2019t go as planned, there was a lot of pride in his voice when he said he went from having dyslexia as a kid to \u201cbecoming the fifth ranked heavyweight in the world by the World Boxing Council, the most prestigious sanctioning body there is.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Grano noted he was voted Amateur Boxer of the Year<\/em> at the Hall\u2019s first ever event in 2005, so to be inducted now, 17 years later, \u201cI\u2019m just so honored and blessed.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 CTBHOF Program on table.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

He congratulated all the inductees of past years, many of whom were seated at tables throughout the Uncas Ballroom.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cThey dared to be great in something they were passionate about, in something that they loved, and went out there to chase a dream\u2026Like them, I tried to be great in the sport.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For Tarvis Simms, being inducted into the same hall as his brother was very emotional. Though he came with a prepared speech, there were times he struggled to read the words, as he seemed to be fighting back tears. He began by mentioning his deceased father, Travis Simms Sr., Larry D. Paulk, an older brother he lost too early, and his late Norwalk-based childhood trainer John Harris.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Not long after, he thanked his twin brother Travis.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI can\u2019t think of a better person to share this experience with,\u201d he said.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A former National Golden Gloves champion who registered nearly 200 victories as an amateur, Simms turned pro and won the WBF All-American middleweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Delray Raines in Bridgeport, CT in 2008. Simms\u2019 only loss came at the hands of Allan Green in 2009 in a bid for the vacant NABO super middleweight championship. He fought twice more, winning each time, and retired with a stellar record of 27-1-1, with 11 knockouts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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New Board Member Steve Ike, Randy Gordon, Tony Grano and CTBHOF President John Laudati.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cThis prestigious recognition,\u201d said Simms, \u201cIs not solely a reflection of my individual achievements but a testament to my unwavering support and dedication of my trainers, family and friends, who have been by my side throughout this remarkable journey.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As he continued his speech, Travis made his way on stage and stood at least eight feet back from his brother. \u00a0In addition, Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame President John Laudati handed off Tarvis\u2019 induction plaque to Travis so he could personally give it to his brother.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 Inductee Tony Grano at podium.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

When Tarvis looked to his left as his brother stepped forward to greet him with his Hall of Fame plaque, he was pleasantly surprised.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI had no idea he was there. It totally caught me off guard,\u201d Tarvis told The USA Boxing News<\/em>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI really needed that. He must have known that I was up there struggling, and he came up there at the right time.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Peter Hary, Vice President of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, was on stage and witnessed it all, as he had provided introductory remarks about Tarvis.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIt was a very emotional moment that showed a tremendous display of humanity,\u201d he said. \u201cIt was a moment that transcended the sport.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The only 2023 boxer inductee not in the building was former NABF featherweight champion Matt Remillard. Longtime Journal Inquirer writer Sherman Cain, who also serves on the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame\u2019s Board of Directors, accepted on behalf of Remillard. The Manchester-based pugilist would fight not only in the ring but outside the ring, according to Cain, which led to a period of incarceration.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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2023 Inductee Shelly Vincent.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe had four fights [after that] but he really just didn\u2019t have a feel for the game anymore,\u201d said Cain. \u201cAnd Matt decided that boxing had both helped and hurt him and that he needed to take a break.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Cain added, \u201cHe needed to try to be a better friend, a better husband and a better man.\u201d Taking a sabbatical from boxing, Remillard even skipped his induction, \u201cbut he is very glad and honored to be an inductee into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,\u201d said Cain. Remillard retired with a 27-1 record with 15 knockouts, His only defeat was to future world champion Mikey Garcia in 2011 in a bout televised on HBO.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Philadelphia-based promoter Arthur Pelullo gave the second shortest induction speech, behind only Mark Allen Baker\u2019s. The President and CEO of Banner Promotions, Pelullo brought many great fights to Connecticut\u2019s casinos, including bouts with Acelino Freitas, Diego Corrales and Larry Holmes.\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After expressing his love for Connecticut and acknowledging that boxing is the \u201cgreatest sport in the world,\u201d Pelullo said he admires every fighter that makes that climb to the ring \u201cwhether they win a world title or not.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe tenacity, the guts to get in the ring and do what they do, nobody does that,\u201d he said, adding, \u201cFight night allows these guys to challenge their own fears and I\u2019ve had the pleasure and the honor of promoting some of these men.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mark Allen Baker, who referee Johnny Callas introduced, hyped up Baker because he said Baker is too soft-spoken and humble to say much about himself. He noted his past career as a rock promoter and even a stint as a host of a VH1 show related to rock and roll memorabilia. A prolific writer, Baker has penned more than 30 books in 20 years, with at least a dozen focusing on the sport of boxing. Baker is among the best writers of the sport of prizefighting. His works have been favorably reviewed in The USA Boxing News<\/em>.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s aware of the literary talents of the 20th<\/sup> century when it comes to boxing,\u201d said Callas. \u201cThe great writers like Joyce Carol Oates, Hemingway and Norman Mailer.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI\u2019m here to make the case and it\u2019s not going to be hard, that our next inductee should be mentioned alongside those names. I\u2019ll even go so far as to say he is more prolific of a boxing writer than each and every one of them.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas described Baker, whose two most recent boxing books have profiled Willie Pep and Tony Canzoneri, as \u201cConnecticut\u2019s best kept secret.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Callas also thinks Baker bears a resemblance to Led Zeppelin guitar legend Jimmy Page, so when Baker was called up for his induction, his entrance music was \u201cWhole Lotta Love.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI knew he was going to do that,\u201d said Baker upon reaching the podium. \u201cI told my wife, I said, just be ready for some Led Zeppelin.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Baker thanked the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, his friends and family, including his wife Alison, his publishers, \u201cmany of them, but especially McFarland.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMost of all I\u2019d like to thank my readers,\u201d said Baker. He added, \u201cI\u2019d also like to thank all of you. It has been an honor and privilege to write about so many of you in this room, and this wonderful sport. I\u2019m very humbled by this award and incredibly grateful.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Baker had donated some books to the Hall\u2019s silent auction. Other auction items included a Muhammad Ali-themed Monopoly board game, a framed photo signed by former heavyweight champion Max Schmeling, fight posters, a Rocky Marciano decanter, gloves signed by Riddick Bowe and Sugar Ray Leonard, and photos signed by former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson and former heavyweight contender George Chuvalo. In addition, the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame raised a nice chunk of change with its traditional 50\/50 raffle.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to honoring the greats, Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame President John Laudati said the hall supports amateur boxing tournaments in the state as well as retired boxers in need, which could mean help with medical bills or help with the rent. The hall also has a scholarship fund for young adults looking to further their schooling.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Gathering of past inductees with former triple champion Iran Barkley at the right.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Early in the evening, prior to the inductions, numerous individuals were honored with awards. Paul Ianuzzi (of Brooklyn, CT) was given a special award for oldest professional debut (52); Ahmed Sheikh of Team Combat League was given a special award for the innovation and advancement of the sport of boxing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Seven others were honored with six traditional awards the hall bestows. New Haven-based Brian Clark, inducted a few years back for his work as a trainer, was chosen as the Amateur Official of the Year<\/em>; referee Johnny Callas, who also runs a gym in Hartford, was honored as The William Hutt (Pro) Official of the Year<\/em>. Heading into the induction dinner, Callas refereed 171 bouts in 2023, some of which were for Team Combat League\u2019s one-round contests.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ali Feliz, a super heavyweight out of Danbury, was recognized as The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year<\/em>. This past December, in just his 12th<\/sup> bout, Feliz captured the USA National Championship in Lubbock, TX. New London lightweight Alejandro Paulino, who went 4-0 in 2023, and won all four by knockout. Those victories have raised his record to 15-0 (12). Diana Guerrera and Emily Harney were the co-honorees of The George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award<\/em>; Harney for her photography work and Guerrera for her volunteer work at amateur boxing events. Last but not least, Christy Martin made a visit to Connecticut to accept the Willie Pep Courage Award<\/em>. Martin\u2019s honor follows the publication of a book detailing the abuse she suffered at the hands of her controlling ex-husband Jim Martin. Fighting for Survival: My Journey Through Boxing Fame, Abuse, Murder and Resurrection<\/em> was co-written with famed journalist Ron Borges.\u00a0 Christy was shot and stabbed by Jim, who was found guilty of attempted second-degree murder. He is presently serving a 25-year sentence for his actions.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Tarvis Simms inducted as he follows his brother in the CTBHOF.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cWhen I first got the call from Coach Johnny that we\u2019re giving you the Willie Pep Courage Award<\/em>, just Willie Pep, I was like, over the top. Excited. Amazed,\u2019 said Martin. \u201cBut my fighting style and Willie Pep\u2019s fighting style would never be confused, the slick, smart, great awesome boxer that he was. Me, I bled a lot, so I got hit a lot. So, I can\u2019t see myself in the same sentence as Willie Pep.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cBut to get the courage award, I started to think more about Willie Pep\u2019s life and after being in a plane crash [in which some people died], after breaking a couple of vertebrae in his back, he came back and won 27 fights consecutive before losing again, so then I went, OK, I do fit in with Willie Pep, I do have that kind of courage.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI got off the floor after being shot and stabbed and left for dead. And I fought six months later. I did lose, but I wanted to show Jim Martin that I could win without him. I got my 50th<\/sup> win when I got myself up off that floor after he shot and stabbed me and left me for dead. I\u2019m so proud to get this Willie Pep Courage Award.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Former amateur boxer Samy Vega, currently the Chief Operating Officer at Hartford-based Dressler Law, regularly attends the annual induction event.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cIt\u2019s always a fantastic experience to see the boxing community come together to celebrate and honor the inductees,\u201d he said. \u201cEach inductee had a special and inspiring story that truly captured the essence of boxing.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Jennifer Zhang, of Boston, MA, asked to name a highlight moment of the evening, responded, \u201cThe most memorable part of the night was to watch my coach Shelly Vincent, become the first woman to be inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

She added, \u201cI think she\u2019s a trailblazer in women\u2019s boxing and I\u2019m so lucky to be able to learn from her.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

__________<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

John Gotti III brutally stops Alex Citrowske in the opening frame in the exciting <\/strong>Winter Brawl<\/em><\/strong><\/span> at the Mohegan Sun Casino Arena<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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John Gotti III -R- fires combination against Alex Citrowske -L-. PHOTO BY KIRK LANG.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Bill Peterson, CES Boxing and Kirk Lang<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

January 21 \u2013 Uncasville, CT \u2013 Mohegan Sun Arena<\/em>. Connecticut\u2019s first boxing card of 2023 \u2013 titled Winter Brawl<\/em> <\/span>– turned into the John Gotti III show, what with the planned 10-round main event between Juiseppe \u201cThe Sicilian Nightmare\u201d Cusumano and Istvan \u201cThe Hungarian Hammer\u201d Bernath falling through the day before, when it was announced Cusumano would be unable to fight due to illness.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gotti, the son of John A. Gotti and grandson of the legendary \u201cTeflon Don\u201d John Gotti, ex-head of the Gambino crime family, was not officially the new main event, but considering the arena practically emptied out after his fight, the 10-round featherweight clash between local favorite Irvin Gonzalez Jr and Dannis Aguero Arias \u2013 which was expanded from 8 rounds to 10 when the heavyweight fight fell through – turned into the de-facto walk-out bout.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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John Gotti III sends Alex Citrowske to the canvas in the opening frame. PHOTO BY CES BOXING.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gotti, a former mixed martial arts competitor, was looking to notch his second pro victory, but considering the fan support he had, with many of his most ardent fans wearing \u201cGotti\u201d baseball-style caps, you would have thought he was a champion, or at least a top-20 ranked contender already. He had six MMA fights under promoter Jimmy Burchfield, whose home base is in nearby Rhode Island, and Burchfield so far promotes his boxing matches, though he has not officially signed Gotti, of Oyster Bay, NY, to an exclusive contract.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Alex Citrowske, 174, of Saint Cloud, MN, may not have been the stiffest test for Gotti, but the undefeated 30-year-old did what he had to do, and looked good doing so, before registering a first-round stoppage in the scheduled 4-rounder. Gotti, 175 \u00bd, dropped Citrowske three times before referee John Callas was forced to wave off the one-sided beating at the 2:59 mark.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0A good-looking man with a well-tailored beard, and muscles that make him look like he can be the next action movie hero, Gotti wasted no time at the outset of the opening round pounding away at Citrowske with repeated left hooks and straight rights meant to do harm. Citrowske tried to get on his bicycle and avoid the storm, but that was not to be as a left hook-straight right combo sent him to the canvas. To his credit, Alex got to his feet rather quickly, as he would each time he was dropped, but he was in over his head against Gotti.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After being given a standing 8-count, Gotti resumed his attack, first trying to bomb away with consecutive right hands. A hard left hook created the second knockdown. When the action resumed, Gotti made a point of trying to land something meaningful with three different straight right-left hook combinations. After the last combination missed its mark entirely, Gotti tried something new. He held his left hand out like a measuring stick for a second, and then delivered one of his patented straight right-left hook combinations. It worked perfectly as Citrowske hit the canvas hard, and though he showed no quit in him, getting up rather fast, Callas had seen enough and waved his arms to call a halt to the slaughter.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gotti, who turned pro in October, improved to 2-0 while Citrowske saw his ledger fall to 1-2-1 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As for Worcester, Massachusetts\u2019 Irvin Gonzalez Jr., things did not go exactly as planned for him. Not only was his main event fought in front of a near empty house, Gonzalez suffered a stoppage loss in front of hundreds of fans who made the trek from his home state to Mohegan Sun to see him. The 31-year-old Dannis Aguero Arias, who replaced original opponent Headley Scott, of Jonesboro, GA, was no second-rate substitute. He came into the fight with an impressive 19-2 record with 16 knockouts and was riding a streak of eight consecutive stoppage victories. His 4th<\/sup> round TKO of Gonzalez made it nine straight. Gonzalez, 125 \u00bd, started off the fight strong. In the opening stanza, he used his height to his advantage and was the busier fighter.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dannis Aguero Arias -L- attacks Irvin Gonzalez Jr. -R-. PHOTO BY BILL PETERSON<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gonzalez also seemed in control for the majority of the second round before Arias, 123 \u00be, stepped it up in the final minute of the frame, as he unleashed a barrage of leather in Gonzalez\u2019 direction in a neutral corner. He made even more use of his fists in the third frame and one assault forced referee John Callas to administer a standing 8-count against Gonzalez in Arias\u2019 corner.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Dannis Aguero Arias holds up his hand in victory as he stops Irvin Gonzalez Jr. PHOTO BY CES BOXING<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In round four, Arias connected with a solid right in the early going and another right hand later in the round, with about a minute remaining, sent Gonzalez crashing to the canvas at center-ring. Callas did not bother to give a count as he waved the action off at the 2:04 mark. Arias, now 20-2 (17), captured the vacant WBC silver featherweight title with his victory. Gonzalez, who had not fought in 13 months due to elbow and hand surgeries, saw his ledger dip to 15-4 (11).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Junior middleweight Chordale Booker, 18-1 (7), won a dominant, though less than scintillating eight-round decision victory over McAllen, Texas\u2019 Angel Hernandez. The scores were 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mitch Louis-Charles, a Quebec, Canada native now fighting out of Boston, MA, pulled off the upset of the night when he stopped previously unbeaten Josniel Castro, 9-1 (7). Castro was content to fight off the backfoot in the early going of the <\/b><\/span><\/span>bout, but<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span> got more aggressive in the third round. Maybe he should have stuck to sticking and moving rather than pressing forward, because Louis-Charles got off some good combinations at the start of the fourth stanza, not long after, a beautiful right to Castro\u2019s jaw sent him to the canvas and he never beat the count. The official time of the stoppage was 1:36.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a year-and-a-half I hadn\u2019t fought,\u201d said Louis-Charles. \u201cMy coach was telling me to get more active and use that double jab [which set up the right hand].\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Louis-Charles, 154 \u00bd, said a lot of pre-fight trash talking \u201cmotivated me\u201d and made him put forth an extra effort to show Castro, 153 \u00bd, who the better man is. He upped his record to 7-3-2 (4).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In light heavyweight action, Kendrick Ball Jr., of Worcester, MA, 174, escaped with a majority draw after looking less than his normal self against Argentinian Victor Hugo Exner. Exner, who had the most impressive back muscles of the night, took the fight to Ball, who found himself unable to keep the shorter man at the end of his longer arms. Exner, 174 \u00bd, applied more pressure as the rounds wore on, and by the end of the sixth, most reporters at ringside thought unbiased judging would see Exner\u2019s hand raised in victory. Reporters and boxing fans alike were dismayed when the majority draw was announced. On the bright side, at least Exner was given a draw against the local guy, rather than heading home with a robbery loss. It could have been worse. Ball\u2019s record is now 19-1-3 (12) while Exner\u2019s ledger stands at 9-12-2 (3). Although Exner did not get the win, he proved that you should never pre-judge a man by his record. He had more losses than wins, but gave the once-beaten Ball all he could handle over six rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Kendrick Ball Jr. -R- opens up with a two-fisted attack on Victor Hugo Exner -L-. PHOTO BY KIRK LANG.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Rising local lightweight Alejandro Paulino, 134, of New London, CT, won via 5th<\/sup> round stoppage over Alliance, Ohio\u2019s Ryizeemmion Ford, 8-4 (6). He dropped Ford, 134, in the third frame and in the fifth stanza, stunned his man with a hard right, then followed up with a barrage of shots that forced referee Danny Schiavone to end matters at the 1:17 mark. Paulino upped his record to 12-0 (10).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Kevin Walsh, 130 \u00bc, of Brockton, MA, claimed the vacant New England junior lightweight title with a six-round majority decision over New York City\u2019s Christian Otero. The scores were 59-55, 59-54 for Walsh, while one judge saw it 57-56 for Otero. A right hand put Otero on the canvas in the opening round, however, that did not deter him as he was aggressive over the course of the fight. Walsh\u2019s boxing ability, though, was a level above Otero\u2019s. Walsh raised his unbeaten record to 7-0 while Otero dropped to 4-3.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In heavyweight action, Gabriel Aguilar Costa, of Woburn, MA, overcame a second-round knockdown to earn a split decision victory over Brockton, MA native Chad Leoncello. It was sweet revenge for Costa, who suffered a stoppage loss to Leoncello two months ago. Costa is now 1-3 while Leoncello falls to 1-1-1.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mixed martial arts fighter Mike Kimbel, 141 \u00bd. Of Waterbury, CT, had a great pro boxing debut, stopping Baldwin, New York\u2019s Robert Banks in the fourth round of their scheduled four-rounder. The action was moderate through three frames, but in the fourth Kimbel stepped it up, stinging Banks with numerous shots, most notably left hooks. After a final assault, referee John Callas stepped in and waved it off. The time was 1:50. Banks is now 0-2.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Stevie Jane Coleman, 134, of Columbia, CT, earned a hard-fought four-round decision victory over Michaela Nogue, 134 \u00bd, of Egg Harbor, NJ. Two judges had it 39-37 for Coleman, while one judge saw it a draw at 38-38. Nogue did put forth a solid effort, especially in the middle rounds, but Coleman finished strong in the final stanza to get the edge in a competitive scrap. Her record now stands at 4-1 (1) while Nogue dips to 2-3.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

____________<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

Heavyweight Cassius Chaney rebounds with first-round stoppage at Mohegan Sun in stirring KO-filled CES Promotions \u201cSummer Heat\u201d fight\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span>show.<\/b><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

August 20 \u2013 Uncasville, CT. <\/span><\/em>Heavyweight Cassius Chaney is back to his winning ways after stopping Matthew \u201cEl Matador\u201d McKinney in the first round of a scheduled eight-round special attraction at Mohegan Sun Saturday night.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cassius Chaney -L- sends Matthew McKinney -R- reeling back.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Chaney, who suffered his first pro setback to George Arias back in December, was not exactly elated when he earned the victory at the 2:07 mark. That is because McKinney seemed to find the canvas all too easily from punches that barely landed. After the third knockdown \u2013 the result of a body punch – referee Johnny Callas stepped between the fighters and called it off.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaney, 252, of New London, CT, who headlined CES Promotions \u201cSummer Heat\u201d card, was visibly displeased and could be seen mouthing, \u201cCome on man,\u201d as McKinney, 260, of Fullerton, CA, laid at his feet.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Heavyweight Cassius Chaney with his handlers and the Round Card Girls. Photo by CES Boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Cassius would subsequently tell this reporter, \u201cI was very disappointed because I really needed the rounds.\u201d But McKinney was not looking for a battle.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe [McKinney]told me he did not want to get knocked out and suspended,\u201d said Chaney, referring to the fact that if McKinney had been knocked out cold, he would face a 90-day suspension that is supposed to be honored nationwide with every state athletic commission.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The winner Cassius Chaney. Photo by CES Promotions.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Chaney had trained for nine weeks, although he was expecting to face Shawn Miller, not McKinney. He was looking to put on a real show in his first fight with CES Promotions. Chaney was promoted for years by Main Events but elected to part ways when his contract expired.<\/span><\/p>\n

Two days after the fight at Mohegan, Chaney said he was \u201cstill upset\u201d because \u201cit was a lot of work and I felt really good and CES put in a lot of work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Cassius added, \u201cMy fans and supporters were looking forward to it going some rounds.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Maybe things did not go the way Chaney had planned, but he came to do his job, even if McKinney clearly was not as eager to mix it up and give the fans an entertaining main event. In fact, McKinney, 9-6-2 (6), would make a hasty exit from the arena. He was seen leaving, check apparently in his pocket, going up the arena escalator and quickly exiting the arena, before some members of the press were done using the bathroom, and before they had made their way up the escalator.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Super Featherweight Alejandro Paulino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Chaney, who played basketball for the University of New Haven before making the transition to The Sweet Science<\/em>, is already looking to move on past McKinney.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m hoping to fight again soon, possibly in South Africa if it works out,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019m going there, possibly to box Kevin Lerena for his fight, and fight on the card while I\u2019m there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

With Saturday\u2019s victory, the 6\u20196\u201d Chaney improved to 22-1 with 15 knockouts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Juiseppe Cusumano -L- holds off the attacking Dennis Ventura -R- with his jab. Photo by CES Boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In other heavyweight action, 6\u20194\u201d heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano, 235, of Carni, Siciliy, demolished Dennis Ventura, 215 \u00bd, of Lynn, MA, in the second round in the night\u2019s co-featured bout. A minute into the first frame, Cusumano seemed focused on an opening round knockout, as he let loose with a blistering attack. Ventura, however, survived that early onslaught, as well as another two-fisted volley before the round\u2019s end.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Ventura thought he could weather some early storms and upset \u201cThe Sicilian Nightmare\u201d later in the fight, it was not to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

Cusumano, in the opening moments of the second round, caught Ventura along the ropes and let loose with an array of left hooks to the body. With no response from the hurt Ventura, who was half-slumped along the ropes, referee Danny Schiavone was forced to step in and wave the fight off at the 1:53 mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Heavyweight winner Juiseppe Cusumano. Photo by CES Boxing.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Cusumano improved his overall record to 21-4 (19) and is now on a two-fight win streak since his last defeat, a stoppage loss to Daniel Dubois a year ago in August. Ventura fell to 4-2 (3).<\/span><\/p>\n

Unbeaten middleweight Frances Hogan, 159 \u00bc, of Weymouth, MA, got off to a slow start against Cleotis Pendarvis, of Lancaster, CA, but ultimately closed the show in impressive fashion in the fourth round with a beautiful right jab-straight left combination that made Pendarvis collapse at Hogan\u2019s feet along the ropes. The fight was halted at the 2:59 mark. Prior to the end, Hogan had scored a knockdown in the third round, courtesy of a huge overhand left, followed by a right hook to the body. Frances improved to 12-0 with 11 knockouts while Pendarvis dropped to 21-11-2 (9).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Heavyweight Juiseppe Cusumano -L- batters Deniis Ventura -R- against the ropes.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Unbeaten super featherweight Alejandro Paulino, 136, of New London, CT, had a lively opponent in Brandon Idrogo, 134, of Bronx, NY, at least in the early going, but Paulino showed over the six-round contest who the better fighter was. He was awarded the fight by scores of 60-59, 59-55 and 58-56. Paulino started to turn it up a notch in the third frame and in the sixth and final round, he was ripping uppercuts and left hooks, trying to close the show in impressive fashion for his many cheering fans, who stood up and stomped their feet in appreciation. Alejandro strung all kinds of power punches together, but Idrogo proved to have a solid chin and an equally durable mid-section. With the win, Paulino upper his record to 11-0 (10) while Idrogo fell to 6-3 (6).<\/span><\/p>\n

Jalen Renaud, 148 of Springfield, MA, cruised to a six-round decision over Michael Ogundo, 144 \u00be, of Quincy, MA. The scores were 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56. He is now 9-0 (3) while Ogundo tumbles to 16-16 (13).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gary Balletto Jr. with his arm’s raised. Photo by CES Boxing.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Cranston, Rhode Island-based Gary Balletto Jr., whose father used to fight for Jimmy Burchfield, scored a second-round stoppage of Jeremiah David Austin, of Niagara Falls, NY. He started off fast in the opening round, teeing off on Austin in the opening minute, but then calmed things down a bit. Halfway through the second frame, however, Gary again took it up a notch. This is clearly a guy who does not exactly like to patiently box as he fired off rights and lefts in rapid succession. Referee John Callas was watching closely as Balletto, 178, hammered his opponent with brutal left hooks. He was giving Austin, 181 \u00bd, a chance, but Balletto kept pounding away with bad intentions. Finally, Callas stepped between the fighters and called it off. The official time was 2:55. Balletto is now 3-0 (2). For Austin, who was unfortunately making his pro debut, he will have to look for his first win another day.<\/span><\/p>\n

Heavyweight Sean Bey, 218 1\/3, of Providence, RI, dropped John Shipman, 206, of Dallas, TX, twice in opening round and once in the opening seconds of the second frame to force a stoppage at the 12-second mark! This fight followed a theme for Bey, as none of his pro fights have gone past two rounds. He raised his record to 7-0 (7) while Shipman goes to 4-3 (2).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jonathan DePina -R- opens up on Cristian Otero -L-.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Jonathan DePina, 135, of Boston, MA, earned a six-round decision victory over Cristian Otero, 135 \u00bc, of New York, NY, by majority scores of 59-56 and 58-56 (twice). To be honest, though, this fight could have easily gone in Otero\u2019s favor. He came out in aggressive fashion at the start of the fight, and one would have thought Cristian was the favored fighter, not the so-called opponent. Otero was letting his hands go round after round, while DePina was often laying back. DePina may pack a little bit more power than Otero, but many in press row did not feel his power edge deserved him the fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

DePina improved to 9-1 (4) while Otero fell to 4-2 (2).<\/span><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s opening bout, 21-year-old Stevie Jane Coleman, 146 \u00bd, of Columbia, CT, wasted no time dispatching of Jesenia Rivas, 146 \u00bc, of Denver, CO. The official time was 39 seconds of the first round. Coleman came out pumping some jabs in Rivas\u2019 face. Jesenia offered some leather back, but Coleman, during an assault, rocked Rivas, who was making her pro debut, with a left hook. She followed up with a straight right, then followed that up with another left hook-straight right combination. With referee Danny Schiavone keeping a close eye on matters, he was forced to call a halt to the action after a Coleman blasted away at Rivas\u2019 head with a half dozen power shots to the head. The night was a \u201cfirst\u201d for Coleman, as she scored the first stoppage victory of her career. She has clearly been improving every fight under trainer Paul Cichon. In fact, her only loss was her pro debut. Enjoying an unbeaten run since then, she raised her overall record to 3-1 (1).<\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Sean Bey, Gary Davis\u00a0 and CES promotions.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Jalolov Stops Mulowayi in Final Round of ShoBox Main Event<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Verona, NY<\/em>. It was not always a pretty affair throughout the contest, but 2020 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist Bakhodir Jalolov ended matters in impressive fashion with a final round stoppage of 35-year-old Belgian Jack Mulowayi.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bakhodir-Mulowayi was the 8-round main attraction of a\u00a0ShoBox:The New Generation<\/em>\u00a0broadcast promoted by Lou DiBella and held at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York on June 10.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The 27-year-old Bakhodir, of Sariosiyo, Uzbekistand, seemed to drop Mulowayi with a straight left midway through the round. However, perhaps because it was a delayed reaction fall after some wobbly legs from Mulowayi, referee Benjy Esteves ruled the trip to the canvas a slip.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bakhodir clearly possessed the better overall skills and with his power \u2013 he had knocked out every man he faced going in \u2013 it seemed there was a good chance he would render the judges\u2019 scorecards useless. With Mulowayi doing little to deter Bakhodir from coming forward, the southpaw Uzbek fighter would continually find openings for his favorite punch \u2013 the straight left. A straight left had Mulowayi on unsteady legs in the third frame. Bakhodir followed up with an aggressive attack, but Mulowayi hung in there.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Things turned a bit ugly in the fourth frame, with Mulowayi, 242, warned for hitting behind the head early on, and later, Bakhodir, 251, had a point deducted for excessive holding when Benjy Esteves was unable to separate the two fighters. The crowd expressed its displeasure with the grappling with some booing before Esteves took the point away. Bakhodir can be a force in the future, but it seems he would rather hold when he gets an opponent in close quarters rather than work over his foe with shorter range punches.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bakhodir briefly showboated in the fifth frame when he took a page of Sugar Ray Leonard\u2019s handbook to wind-up with one hand only to jab with the other. Soon after, he did a Roy Jones Jr., raising a leg off the canvas in an exaggerated fashion before letting loose with a punch that targeted his rival\u2019s face.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Bakhodir Jalolov stops Jack Mulowayi in the 8th Round. Photo Courtesy of Showtime \u2013 Stephanie Trapp.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

There was no more game playing after the fifth. A left hand from Bakhodir, thrown more like a hook, sent Mulowayi to the canvas face-first and even the fight fans in the cheap seats must have heard the thud his face meeting the canvas made. Fortunately, Mulowayi was able to get up from the knockdown. In addition, there were just a couple of seconds left in the round, so Bakhodir couldn\u2019t mount a follow-up attack. Bakhodir tried to finish his adversary off in the early part of the seventh, but he could not, and when Bakhodir\u2019s punch output lessened in the second half of the frame, Mulowayi resorted to some trash-talking.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But his time was coming.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One round later, Bakhodir came out punching in combination, and his last shot was a huge straight left hand that put Mulowayi flat on his back! Referee Benjy Esteves waved the fight off without a count and called ringside physicians over. Mulowayi stayed on the mat for several minutes before he got up on his own accord.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Bakhodir raised his record to 11-0 (11 KO\u2019s), while Mulowayi saw his ledger drop to 11-3-1 (7 KO\u2019s).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cI feel really good about my performance,\u201d said Bakhodir. \u201cThe opponent was at a really good level and a great fighter.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cHe [Mulowayi] was a really tough durable guy.\u201d Mulowayi had never been on the canvas, amateur or pro, prior to getting in the ring with Bakhodir.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In another heavyweight contest, Bronx, New York-based George Arias out-hustled Alante Green, of Cleveland, OH, over eight rounds to raise his unbeaten record to 18-0 (7 KO\u2019s). The scores were 78-74 and 77-75 for Arias, while one judge saw it 77-75 for Green.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Green, who was coming up from cruiserweight for the first time, did not have the firepower to make Arias hesitate. More athletically gifted and possessing the harder punches, Arias scored points while fighting off his backfoot, taking advantage of Green\u2019s come-forward but largely ineffective game plan. Green had a few moments in the contest, such as the third stanza when he landed a solid left hook with Arias backed against the ropes. Soon after, he scored with two consecutive hooks.\u00a0 At the very end of the round, he caught Arias with a thudding straight right.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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George Arias fires a left hand at Alante Green. (Photo by Kirk Lang).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Arias, however, got back on track in the fifth round, and continued to put rounds in the bank with his superior boxing skills. Green resorted to holding in the sixth frame, but it was not excessive enough to warrant a point deduction. Arias dominated the seventh frame, but Green seemed to save some energy for the eighth and final round. He was a bit busier with his hands and he also used his feet more, making himself a little bit more difficult to hit than in previous rounds. It was a nice mini comeback, but it was too little too late. Arias got the victory and the previously unbeaten Green saw his record fall to 10-1-1 (7 KO\u2019s).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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George Arias clobbers Alante Green with a left hook. Photo Courtesy of Showtime \u2013 Stephanie Trapp<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

In a lightweight contest scheduled for eight rounds, Quebec, Canada native Chann Thonson, 132 1\/2, punished and bloodied formerly undefeated Tyler Tomlin, 134, of Cheatham County, TN, en route to a fifth-round stoppage. The time was 1:01.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thonson came out a man on a mission, looking to cut the ring off quickly. Before the opening round was over, he had marked up Tomlin\u2019s left eye with a straight right. He administered a one-sided pummeling in the third frame and had Tomlin walking back to his corner on shaky legs after landing some serious power punches. By the fourth round, Tomlin was bleeding from the mouth and nose, and his left eye was looking worse.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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L-R \u2013 Chann Thonson trades with Tyler Tomlin. Photo Courtesy of Showtime \u2013 Stephanie Trapp.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

A minute or so into the fifth round \u2013 after Thonson was gifting Tomlin with leather fist after leather fist \u2013 referee Mark Nelson had a ringside doctor take a close look at Tomlin. On the advice of the doctor, Nelson waved the fight off at the 1:01 mark.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Thonson extended his undefeated record to 11-0 (7 KO\u2019s) while Tomlin fell to 13-1 (9 KO\u2019s).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Coming into the ring with a 72-pound weight advantage, \u201cThe Sandman\u201d Amron Sands, 282, of Orlando, FL, outworked Joe Jones, 210, of Jersey City, NJ, over 8 rounds to win by scores of 77-75 on all three scorecards. He is now 12-2 (9 KO\u2019s) while Jones dips to 13-5 (10 KO\u2019s).<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In a light heavyweight contest, New Haven, CT\u2019s Charles Foster, 173, stopped Bo Gibbs Jr, 172 1\/2, of Carney, OK, at 2:48 of the 4th<\/sup>\u00a0round. Foster sent Gibbs to the canvas in the opening session with a straight left and continued to dominate throughout the contest. He hurt Gibbs early in the fourth round with another left. Later, the same punch made Gibbs look like one of those bobblehead dolls. Finally, a variety of power shots from both hands had the referee watching matters with a close eye. Soon after Gibbs\u2019 mouthpiece went flying, referee Charlie Fitch ended matters.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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L-R. Bo Gibbs Jr. advances towards Charles Foster. Photo by Al Derouin.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Foster improved to 21-0 (11 KO\u2019s) and Gibbs dropped to 23-3 (9 KO\u2019s). These more significant fights and other bouts were promoted by New York City-based Lou DiBella. Also, a special thank you to Turning Stone Director of Public Relations Kelly Abdo for her efforts in making sure\u00a0The USA Boxing News<\/em>\u00a0had credentials. Abdo and her team were busy preparing for multiple events related to the International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend, including not only the Friday night fights, but also the Saturday banquet and the Sunday induction, which took place at the casino for the first time in the Hall of Fame\u2019s history.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Kirk Lang and Al Derouin \u2013\u00a0<\/strong>courtesy of SHOWTIME<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Boxing Hall of Famer Gaspar \u201cEl Indio\u201d Ortega Dies<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0One of the Last of the 1950s TV Stars<\/em><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Gaspar \u201cEl Indio\u201d Ortega, a true warrior of 1950s era boxing, died Thursday on December 16, 2021. He was 86. Ortega was one of the last men standing from that Golden Age of fisticuffs, along with former 1950s welterweight champion Tony DeMarco, of Boston. But the last 14 months have seen the passingo of both old school pugilists. DeMarco, who was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame just two years ago, died in October 11, 2021, and now Ortega\u2019s passing leaves a hole in the Connecticut Boxing community.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Both Ortega and his son Michael are inductees in the esteemed Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, Gaspar as a fighter and Michael as a world-class referee. Retired referee Joe Cusano, who lived about a mile or so down the road from Ortega in East Haven, remembers Ortega not just as a great warrior, but as a valuable member of society aterward, when Ortega ran a drug program for the City of New Haven in the 1990s called Project More<\/em>.\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe helped a lot of people including my brother, who ultimately died from drug overdose years later,\u201d said Cusano. \u201cHe helped my brother and impressed my parents with his fluid Italian.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in Mexicali, Mexico, on October 31, 1935, Ortega turned pro at 17 after first trying his hand at another dangerous sport – amateur bullfighting. His first bout was a first-round knockout. Half Mexican and half Indian, he became famous for wearing an Indian headdress into the ring for his bouts, to pay homage to his mother\u2019s bloodline.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gaspar Ortega (L) fires away at Benny Paret (R).<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Ortega relocated to New York City in 1954 and became one of the famous faces of televised boxing. He had a trio of bouts with Tony DeMarco between November 1956 and February 1957, winning the first two by split decision before DeMarco exacted some revenge in their third meeting. DeMarco had reigned as welterweight champion the previous calendar year, so he was still in top form when Ortega bested him.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Gaspar split a pair of bouts with welterweight legend Kid Gavilan in 1957, earning a \u201cW\u201d three months after losing a decision to the \u201cThe Cuban Hawk.\u201d All in all, Ortega fought 10 past or future world champions and five Hall of Famers. He retired with a record of 131-39-6 (69 KO’s), though Ortega said he had more fights, and more wins, than are officially listed. His lone title opportunity came against Hall of Famer former welterweight and middleweight champion Emile Griffith on June 3, 1961 in Los Angeles, CA in 1961’s Fight of the Year<\/em>. Ortega would lose the World’s Welterweight Title contest via a 12th<\/sup> round stoppage, but he believed he over-trained for that fight, because there\u2019s only one other stoppage loss on Ortega\u2019s 175-plus fight record, and an earlier fight with Griffith, 14 months prior, showed he was an equal to the champ.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gaspar Ortega -L- with Kid Gavilan -R-.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The first meeting with Griffith was a non-title affair and the action went back and forth as Griffith won a close split-decision before his home base at Madison Square Garden. Ortega did not beat the champ when he fought Griffith in 1961, but in another bout in \u201961, four months earlier, against Benny \u201cKid\u201d Paret, Ortega showed he was not only able to go tit-for-tat with a champion, he could actually beat one. Paret was the reigning World Welterweight Champ when they fought in February, but Ortega had begrudgingly agreed to Paret’s request that the title would not be on the line. Gaspar won a 10-round decision at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. Griffith then beat Paret for the title a month later, which set up Gaspar\u2019s title shot against Griffith. Ortega would fight on for four more years, retiring in 1965 two months shy of his 30th<\/sup> birthday. His career saw him fight 20 times at Madison Square Garden.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gaspar Ortega of East Haven<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Ortega ranks third as far as most victories by a Mexican boxer, according to the World Boxing Council, which presented Ortega with a WBC belt 20-plus years ago. Only Luis Villanueva \u201cKid Azteca,\u201d with 192, and Luis \u201cBaby\u201d Vazquez, with 138, rank higher.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fellow Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame fighter inductee Luigi Camputaro was saddened to hear of Ortega\u2019s passing. \u201cGaspar was a good man, both in and out of the ring,\u201d he said. \u201cHe was a great role model to all.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gasper Ortega vs. Emile Griffith tale of the tape.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

It was about 20 years ago when Ortega and AJ Raccio, who was involved with Hamden\u2019s Parks and Recreation Commission, teamed up to open a boxing gym for troubled youth. From that partnership, the two would co-train Elvin Ayala and could be seen working his bouts at the Connecticut casinos. Most of the attendees at the fights had no clue the slender man working Ayala\u2019s corner was a Mexican and 1950s era boxing legend.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Richard Schwartz, vice president of the New York-based Ring 10, which helps fighters in need, remembers Ortega fondly. \u201cPure skill and determination and was as tough as a bucket of nails, Schwartz said. \u201cOrtega fought in an era when fighters were far more active, and Ortega was far more active than most. In May 1964, Gaspar fought 11 bouts in one month. I asked him, \u2018How come you fought so many times?\u2019 He replied, \u2018I had to put food on the table.’ He was tough.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Gaspar Ortega being honored at a boxing show.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

\u00a0\u201cEl Indio\u201d may not have ever won a world title, \u201cbut he was a gallant warrior who held his own with the greats and was a real classy gentleman,\u201d said Schwartz.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ortega was inducted into at least three boxing halls \u2013 The Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame (2006), The New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame (2003) and the World Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Questions\/Comments: kirklang@yahoo.com<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

_________<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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CES BOXING STARTS OFF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH MERRY MIRACLE UPSETS\u00a0 AND JOLTING JINGLE BLOWS AT THE HOLIDAY BASH!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Story by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

Springfield, MA. <\/span><\/em>With less than a month before Christmas, two underdog boxers walked out of the Mass Mutual Center late Saturday evening feeling like kids again<\/span><\/p>\n

Forty-year-old Mike Guy – who had not won a fight in two years \u2013 not only defeated local hero Kendrick Ball Jr., of Worcester, MA, but also picked up some shiny hardware, the WBC USNBC super middleweight championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

The other upset of the night was Puerto Rico\u2019s Jayron Santiago Lopez, who won a split decision over New Britain, CT\u2019s Nathan Martinez. After an accidental headbutt opened a cut over Martinez\u2019 eye in the sixth and final round, the fight went to the scorecards and Santiago Lopez got the nod with two judges scoring the bout for him 58-56. The third judge saw it 58-56 for Martinez.<\/span><\/p>\n

Going into the featherweight bout, Santiago Lopez had more losses than wins. Now he record is at least even steven at 8-8-1 (5).<\/span><\/p>\n

Kendrick Ball was the taller man against Mike Guy \u2013 6\u20192\u201d compared to 5\u20198\u201d \u2013 was younger and on an eight-fight winning streak. He previously fought in August across the street from The Mass Mutual Center at MGM Springfield, winning a decision over Tyi Edmonds. Guy, on the other hand, had not tasted victory in 2021 heading into his bout with Ball, and he went winless the entire calendar year of 2020. It seems he had had enough. He certainly was not going to finish 2021 without a \u201cW.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Upset Winner Mike Guy – Photo by Will Paul.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Known for his relentless style, Guy brought everything he had on this night and did not disappoint. He caught Ball with a solid right hand to begin the opening round and before it was over, Guy dropped him with an overhand right! Ball got up off the canvas, but Guy delivered more punishment with Ball bullied against the ropes.<\/span><\/p>\n

The second frame saw Guy trying to capitalize on the knockdown late in the first round, but Ball did not wilt under the pressure. Guy continued his forward march in round three, bombs away. Ball finally created a little distance with some improved boxing late in the stanza. He also experienced some success with keeping Guy at bay in the fourth round. Ball boxed well in round five and by the end of round six he was ripping off impressive combinations. Guy, however, regained control in the seventh frame, especially in the second half of the stanza when he threw combinations as if he was being paid by the punch.<\/span><\/p>\n

Guy established who was boss at the start of the eighth round with a beautiful straight right-left hook wallop. He followed up with a barrage of leather as Ball, seemingly tiring, was unable to maneuver away from the ropes. Ball had a brief moment in which he summoned the energy for a mini-rally, but it was not enough. Guy came back and cracked him with a beautiful combination at the round\u2019s end to remind Ball that this was not going to be a holiday celebration for the local hero.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early in the ninth round, Guy knocked Ball\u2019s head back with a huge right hand. He followed up with a flurry of punches along the ropes, forcing the referee to step in and call a halt to the proceedings at the 1:26 mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

With the surprise loss, Ball fell to 17-2-2 (11), while Guy\u2019s record improved to 13-7-1 (6).<\/span><\/p>\n

As for the Martinez-Santiago Lopez fight, early on it looked as if things might bode well for Martinez. Although he started slow in the opening frame, he dropped Santiago Lopez in the second round after connecting with consecutive right hands. Martinez continued to dominate the frame, although his work rate seemed to slow in the third round. It was not a particularly impressive session from either guy, but Santiago Lopez probably deserved the round, due to the fact he was busier. Martinez looked like a sharpshooter in the fourth round, taking his time to pick his shots rather than just fire away hoping to land something big.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jalen Renaud scores with a right hand. Photo by Will Paul.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Santiago Lopez worked behind a solid jab in the fifth round. Between his steady jab and side-to-side movement, Martinez found it hard to get an edge on him. He finally let his hands go in the final 10 seconds of the frame, but it was too little too late.<\/span><\/p>\n

An early accidental headbutt in the sixth frame would send the fight to the scorecards, and from this reporter\u2019s perspective, the local fighter should have been a little worried, as he did not exactly dominate. Sometimes a hometown hero can get a decision he does not deserve, but justice prevailed on this night, with the correct fighter getting the decision victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Santiago Lopez, who had lost three of his previous four bouts, upped his ledger to 8-8-1 (5), while Martinez fell to 7-2 (2).<\/span><\/p>\n

In other action, longtime CES-promoted pugilist Shelly \u201cShelito\u2019s Way\u201d Vincent, 27-2 (1), pitched a one-sided shutout of ShellyBarnett, 5-6-2. Though 42, she looked more like 22 against the far less experienced of the two Shellys. Not normally known for her boxing finesse, Barnett had Vincent looking like the female version of Willie Pep, slipping punches like the great featherweight legend. Vincent, a fan-friendly featherweight who always sports a brightly colored mohawk, has now won four in a row since her last defeat, a decision loss to Heather Hardy for the vacant WBO featherweight title back in October 2018. Hardy is the only person to ever defeat Vincent. She also beat her back in 2016, when the vacant WBC International title was up for grabs.<\/span><\/p>\n

In junior middleweight action, Jalen Renaud, of Springfield, MA, registered quite possibly the knockout of the night with a fourth-round stoppage of muscle-bound Jurmain McDonald, of Jefferson City, MO. While Guy stopping Ball was an impressive finish, definitely the upset of the night, Renaud\u2019s bout-ending shot was more thunderous than Guy\u2019s succession of blows bringing an end to his opponent.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Renaud, tall and lanky, was more athletic than his body beautiful foe. McDonald would impress if he was at the beach, but in the ring, it was all Renaud. McDonald looked stiff and slow by comparison. He was not exactly busy with his hands and there seemed to be no spring in his legs. In the fourth frame, Renaud landed a right hand counter that sent McDonald crashing and flat on his back. The referee waved the fight off immediately, at the 1:37 mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

Renaud is now 7-0 (3), as McDonald fell to 5-5 (2).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Jalen Renaud gets his arm raised in victory. Photo by Will Paul.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Steadily improving 21-year-old welterweight Stevie Jane Coleman improved to 2-1 with a four-round decision over LeAnn O\u2019Malley, 1-1, of Las Vegas, NV. O\u2019Malley looked to be the aggressor against Coleman. However, Coleman\u2019s boxing skills, which are being constantly sharpened under the tutelage of Paul Cichon, a Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, carried her through to victory. Coleman lost her pro debut in May, but rebounded this past September at the Hartford Civic Center against Christina Barry.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Stevie Jane Coleman emerges victorious. Photo by Will Paul.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

Springfield featherweight Joshua Orta, extended his unbeaten record to 8-0 (4) with a fourth-round stoppage of Kody Murray, 0-1, of Bristol, VT. A barrage of blows quickly had Murray, a late substitute opponent, literally sitting on the bottom ring rope taking a ton of punishment. The referee ruled it a knockdown and as he was giving a count he decided to end matters at the 2:24 mark.<\/span><\/p>\n

In a heavyweight battle, Timothy Hatfield, of Providence, RI, won his pro debut with a first-round TKO of Rodrigo DaRocha, of Woburn, MA. Soon after the opening bell, a two-fisted attack put DaRocha down near a neutral corner and he was unable to beat the count. The official time of the stoppage was 1:03. DaRocha fell to 0-2.<\/span><\/p>\n

Springfield super featherweight Isaiah Cruz, 2-0 (1), spoiled the pro boxing debut of Darren Mima, of Kingston, NY, with a fourth-round TKO. Cruz was the far quicker fighter over the first three rounds. Mima, perhaps frustrated by his own shortcomings, and unable to match Cruz punch for punch, resorted to excessive holding in the third round. Mima is apparently used to grabbing, as he is a 19-fight MMA veteran. However, this is boxing and the punch-and-grab tactics only seemed to make Cruz angry. One round later, he pounded his foe with hard left hands to the body. Cruz was then able to create some distance between himself and Mima. Although Mima\u2019s grabbing tactics made a comeback, it would be a short return. Cruz put Mima down with a crackling left hook. When Mima got up and the fight resumed, another left hook would force the referee to end the contest, mere seconds before the bell to end the four-rounder. The official time was 2:58.<\/span><\/p>\n

The eight-bout card was presented by Jimmy Burchfield\u2019s Classic Entertainment & Sports. Burchfield is New England\u2019s most active promoter for decades and rightfully has a plaque on the wall of the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame. Burchfield was inducted in 2012.<\/span><\/p>\n

_________<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

Film of legendary featherweight king Willie Pep begins filming in West Hartford, Connecticut<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Alyssa Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

West Hartford Connecticut. <\/em><\/strong>Five Penske Truck Rental vehicles could be seen parked in front of 146 and 150 Raymond Road this past week. However, it was not a case of anyone moving in or out, but rather, moving on up.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pep film actor\/producer James Madio<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

That is because legendary 1940s era featherweight champion Willie Pep, who was born in Middletown and grew up in Hartford, will see his story immortalized on the big screen. The rental trucks housed, among other items, wardrobes, lighting equipment, and various period props. The interiors of the two West Hartford residences served as the Pep home and Willie\u2019s sister\u2019s home as scenes with actors were overseen by director Robert Kolodny.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s been nearly 80 years since Pep won his first world title and most everyone that saw him perform in his prime has passed on. However, writer\/producer Steve Loff and actor\/producer James Madio want to make sure Pep, one of the greatest featherweights of all time, and arguably the greatest defensive fighter that ever lived, is given his just due. If fighters of lesser skill and legend can see their stories turned into movies, then Pep surely deserves a film.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Pep was the youngest to win the featherweight title (20 years old), was the first featherweight boxer to regain the title and at one point boasted a record of 135-1-1. Even after fighting on into his 40s, he retired with a ledger of 229-11-1. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

James Madio, perhaps best known for a co-starring role in The Basketball Diaries<\/em> with a young Leonardo DiCaprio, and as a key cast member of the HBO series Band of Brothers<\/em>, was told by his boxing fan father years ago that he looked like Pep and that portraying the legend was a role he was born to play. When Loff linked up with Madio in 2008 in Los Angeles, he noticed a picture of Pep on his bulletin board. After Madio gave him the back story, Loff said he would be glad to help make the Pep project a reality. Thirteen-and-a-half years later, after a revised script that now focuses on one period of Pep\u2019s life \u2013 his 1960s comeback \u2013 it is finally happening.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pep film outside photo actors and director under tent.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cWe never gave up,\u201d said Loff. \u201cWillie always signed, \u2018Keep punching.\u2019 So that was something that always kept Jim and I going. I never felt even years ago when I had the draft that wasn\u2019t getting traction, before I wrote the new draft, I never felt we were dead. I always felt like, for some reason, I always felt like, if we just keep going, it\u2019s not a matter of if we\u2019ll make this movie. It\u2019s just a matter of when. I\u2019m proud that we stayed with it for all this time.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And as for Madio, he said he\u2019s \u201cdedicated to bringing Willie\u2019s story to audiences and to cement Willie\u2019s legacy in cinematic history.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Actors playing a young Pep and his sister.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

And Madio is not above pitching in wherever he\u2019s needed. Shortly after he arrived on location \u2013 before he was in wardrobe \u2013 he was outside with crew members. When one individual who was helping hold the roof-area aluminum framework of a canopy tent amid strong rains and wind got called away, Madio immediately raised his arm to grip a portion of the framework. Another crew member told him he did not have to do that and took over for him, but his quick assist showed his humbleness and that no task is beneath him, though he is the star of the movie.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pep film actor\/producer James\u00a0Madio<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Madio said his grandfather (James Madio Sr.) was a \u201cknock-around club fighter from New York in the late 1930s.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Willie Pep in his boxing prime.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cNo record or serious bouts but he fought for watches and jewelry,\u201d he said. Madio\u2019s father turned him into a boxing fan.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

After not getting any support for a Pep movie for some time, Loff revised the original 240-page script from a cradle to grave tale into a faux documentary script focusing on Willie\u2019s comeback in the 1960s.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was like a bible, a little too long,\u201d said Loff. \u201cAbout five to six years ago, I came up with this idea, when our project was floundering, and it was too big a budget, I said what if we had found some documentary footage in the days and weeks leading up to Willie\u2019s comeback. What if I wrote that story and made that the script? And when I did that, that changed everything.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Sandy Saddler<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Loff added, \u201cThat\u2019s when we really started to get interest. Appian Way, Leonardo DiCaprio\u2019s production company partnered with us on this. It opened everything. I think it was just a more inspired way to tell the story so that reflected on the page. There\u2019s heart and soul in the way this story\u2019s being told now and I was just really excited about that approach, and it afforded me an intimacy with the characters that I wasn\u2019t getting as this objective observer and trying to tell the story of all the facets and pieces of Willie\u2019s life.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rain made Friday\u2019s filming more challenging, but it didn\u2019t throw the shoot off schedule, although movie cameras are so sensitive, the sound of torrential rain outside could possibly be picked up and interfere with dialogue. Friday represented day 10 of a scheduled 18-day shoot and the fifth and final day of interior scenes at the Raymond Road residences. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Scenes shot involved Pep, Pep\u2019s son Billy, played by Keir Gilchrist, and Willie\u2019s sister Fran, played by Shari Albert. Cast and crew was scheduled to move on to exterior scenes in the south end of Hartford, where Pep grew up.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pep film camera crew inside.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

And for prop master Diego Quecano, that meant overseeing everything from period cars to car key chains to re-creating license plates, including Pep\u2019s \u201cW*Pep\u201d plate.\u201d The movie takes place in the 1960s but there are various flashbacks to the 1940s, Quecano said. The crew had its work cut out for it when it had to re-create a fight at Madison Square Garden at a local boxing gym. There will be no digital effects for the Garden scene, yet Quecano promises, \u201cIt\u2019s really beautiful. You\u2019re going to see it in the film.\u201d Quecano secured 1940s era pencils and pads for the actors playing judges, among other things, from local antique shops. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

For scenes at the Pep home, Quecano was responsible for cooking all the Italian food that will be on camera. \u201cAnd because this is the 1960s, we have a Jello mold,\u201d said Quecano. It\u2019s all about the details. Even a watch Madio will wear has an engraving on the back that says, \u201cFor the Champ – It was a pleasure watching you fight.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The film is being made on a budget of roughly 1.5 million dollars. More often, films are being shot here in the Nutmeg State, in part because of an enticing tax credit not seen in New York City and other locales. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Loff explained Connecticut allows a 30 percent tax credit on all monies, \u201cwhether it\u2019s above the line talent like cast and directors or producers or below the line expenses, all of it qualifies for 30 percent tax credit.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cSo if we spent a million in theory, we get $300,000 back. There\u2019s always a loss. You assume a 5 or 10 percent loss. On $1 million, you\u2019re probably going to get $250,000 let\u2019s say. You\u2019re going to lose a little bit, but what we did here is we used that credit, and I\u2019m still working through this process, we\u2019re using the tax credit to take a loan up front.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Pep film with John Scully and director and Kirk Lang.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Big budget films sometimes get five to six weeks\u2019 worth of shoot time. Blockbuster movies may even get 12 weeks at times. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got 18 days,\u201d said Loff. \u201cIt\u2019s really tight. $1.5 million is really tight. You can\u2019t pay people what they deserve to get paid for their services. You\u2019re getting a much younger crew, so it\u2019s important that you have good management at the top. We have a few veterans. You sprinkle in a few veterans. We have a great DP, a director that works fast, so despite the fact that we have a young crew, despite the fact we have a short schedule of 18 days and not a lot of money to work with, we\u2019re doing our best to maximize all that and we are on schedule and on budget as of today.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

For many, seemingly random occurrences or run-ins are not so random, and Madio ran into Loff in Los Angeles back in 2008 mere days after his dad told him he looked like Willie Pep. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s when I told [Loff] the Willie story and we immediately started the development process. Over a decade later here we are. Unreal. A dream come true.\u201d <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The film\u2019s working title is Pep <\/em>and is slated for a late 2022 or early 2023 release, according to Loff. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

_________<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Boxing Returns to Connecticut<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Boxing returned to Connecticut\u2019s capital city on Friday September 24 \u2013 after a lengthy absence due to the Corona Virus \/ COVID 19 pandemic \u2013 with a six-bout card promoted by CES Boxing. The main event saw Greg \u201cThe Villain\u201d Vendetti, of Stoneham, MA, win a 10-round decision over New Haven-based CES fighter Jimmy Williams at the Connecticut Convention Center.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vendetti, 31, earned the nod with clear-cut scores of 99-91 and 97-93 on two judges\u2019 cards.\u00a0 However, judge Ken Ezzo, somehow had it 96-94 for Williams. Fortunately, two judges paid attention to what transpired in the ring and the right man walked away with the victory. Vendetti also earned the vacant WBC USNBC silver super welterweight title.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cA piece of hardware is always good for the collection,\u201d said Vendetti, who added, \u201cI feel good. I got the job done. I wanted the knockout but what can you do?\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Williams, 35, gave a good account of himself over the first two rounds, but the more aggressive Vendetti – preferring hard left hooks and chopping right hands rather than a steady jab \u2013 seemed to take control in the third frame. After nailing Williams with a big hook less than 20 seconds into the round, he followed up with a whirlwind attack with Williams trapped against the ropes. He would continue to land big shots and had the crowd cheering in the final 30 seconds as he let loose with a barrage of leather.\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The bearded and heavily tattooed Vendetti continued to impress in rounds five and six, as Williams was unable to land hard stiff jabs to make his opponent think twice about coming forward. He also seemed to forget to follow up his jab with straight right hands or better yet, combinations, that might have curtailed Vendetti\u2019s desire to come at him like a bull.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The seventh-round saw Vendetti trying some big right uppercuts with Williams once again up against the ropes. Williams didn\u2019t do anything in the 8th<\/sup> to try to turn things around. In the first half of the 9th<\/sup> round, Vendetti seemed to rock Williams with a big shot.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the last minute of the 10th<\/sup> and final round, Williams, 152 \u00bd, let his hands fly a little more, which created some nice two-way action between the two fighters. Williams again got bullied to the ropes, but this time he fired back with equal aplomb, and both fighters\u2019 efforts had dozens standing and cheering them on.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Greg<\/a>

Greg \u201cThe Villain\u201d Vendetti<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Vendetti, 153, raised his record 23-4-1 (12) while Williams fell to 18-6-2 (6). Williams fell to 18-6-2 (6).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Williams thought his career was back on track in his previous fight, when he defeated former junior middleweight champion Yuri Foreman in June in Atlanta, GA. However, Foreman was 11 years removed from his seven-month championship reign. And with the loss to Vendetti, Williams has only two wins in his last eight fights. Before Vendetti, he was on a two-bout win streak, but before that suffered consecutive defeats, had a draw and had another pair of losses before that.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the 8-round co-main event, undefeated middleweight on the rise Chordale Booker won a lopsided eight-round decision over Silveiro Ortiz, 157, of Yucatan, Mexico.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Booker, who raised his record to 17-0 (7), was fighting in his home state for the first time. He didn\u2019t get to truly impress, as Ortiz\u2019 strategy to hold and clown around made things a bit ugly. He was twice deducted points, once for hitting behind the head and the second time, in the seventh round, for hitting below the belt.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI knew he was a veteran type,\u201d said Booker, \u201cUses his head, punches low. He did what he could to try to survive the fight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

CES Boxing matchmaker Michael Parente admitted, \u201cBooker had his hands full.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cOrtiz is a tough veteran who rarely gets stopped and you can see why,\u201d he said. \u201cHe\u2019s tricky, elusive and likes to maul his opponents, and when you\u2019re not used to that style it can be frustrating. \u201c<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Parente added, \u201cI\u2019m sure Chordale wanted to close it out with a knockout in front of his fans, but this fight will be good for him in the long run. Not every opponent will stand in front of you as a stationary target. They\u2019re all different and he faced a unique one on Friday that I think will be a good lesson going forward.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Booker was asked who he wants next.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhoever wins this next fight (between Williams and Vendetti), I want him next,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Returning to the ring for the first in nearly two years, featherweight Nathan Martinez, 126, of New Britain, won a unanimous six-round decision over Francisco Dominguez, 126 \u00bd, of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The 19-year-old Martinez was simpler busier and more aggressive than the 35-year-old veteran in front of him. He raised his record to 7-1 (2) while Dominguez fell to 7-12-1 (1).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Undefeated Angel Gonzalez, 116, of Hartford, registered the only stoppage of the night when Juan Gabriel Medina, 117, of La Ramona, Dominican Republic, quit on his stool before the start of the fifth round. It was unclear why Gonzalez\u2019 corner informed Dr. Michael Schwartz they were done, as Medina\u2019s fourth round with Gonzalez was fought on even terms. Gonzalez is now 6-0 (4) and Medina dropped to 12-8 (11).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Ramon Caraballo, 146, of New Britain, had a successful pro debut in taking a four-round unanimous decision over Samuel Lajoie-Dery, 146, of Montreal, Canada. Lajoie-Dery came out on a tear in the opening round but after he got hit with a solid straight left in the second frame it made him think twice about attacking so aggressively. \u00a0Caraballo followed up with a volley of shots that put Lajoie-Dery on the canvas in center-ring. However, he made it to his feet and finished the round in impressive fashion, connecting with three good straight right hands just before the bell to end the stanza.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Lajoie-Dery also tasted the canvas in the first 30 seconds of the third round. And once again, he came back strong. However, his no quit heart wasn\u2019t enough to win the fight. Caraballo got the nod on all three cards. Two judges had it 38-36 and a third card had it for Caraballo by a score of 38-37.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Carlos Perez, 140, of New Haven, fighting for the first time since 2019, won a unanimous four-round decision over Tyriek Gainey, 134, of Paterson, NJ. All three judges scored it 40-36. Gainey loses his pro debut while Perez rises to 2-0.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the second swing bout of the night \u2013 and the only female match-up \u2013 Stevie Jane Coleman, trained by Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inducted trainer Paul Cichon, also cruised to a unanimous four-round decision by scores of 40-36 on all three cards. \u201cScary\u201d Christina Barry may have been bigger but she wasn\u2019t better. Coleman bounced back from an unsuccessful pro debut in May, when she suffered a six-round majority decision loss to Kelsey Wickstrum. However, that fight took place in Tennessee. On Friday evening, she refused to lose in her home state, in front of family and dozens of friends. Coleman is now 1-1. Just 20 years old, she has plenty of time to fine-tune her skill set.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The September 24 card marked CES Boxing\u2019s third post-COVID boxing show with fans (There had been a behind-closed-doors event in October 2020), according to Parente, who added he was \u201cthrilled\u2019 with Friday\u2019s turnout.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThere are still restrictions in place to ensure the safety of fans, fighters and staff, but it\u2019s great to see boxing in front of a live audience again,\u201d he said. \u201cI thought the crowd was energetic and amped up throughout the night. This was the first boxing event in Hartford since October 2019. The fans in this area waited a long time and it showed on Friday.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

_________<\/strong><\/span><\/b><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

 <\/p>\n

Arturo \u201cThunder\u201d Gatti\u00a0 and\u00a0 \u201cBad\u201d Chad Dawson \u00a0Lead Connecticut Hall of Fame Induction Cl<\/span><\/strong>ass of 2019<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Story By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by <\/span>Alyssa Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The late Arturo \u201cThunder\u201d Gatti, who was dubbed \u201cThe Human Highlight Reel\u201d for his blood-and-guts performances and ability to bounce back from the brink of disaster, was posthumously inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame at Mohegan Sun on November 9.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

June 7, 2003; Atlantic City, NJ; Arturo Gatti (white trunks) and Mickey Ward (white\/red trunks) trade punches during their second fight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

While no one associated with Gatti was present to accept his induction plaque \u2013 trilogy opponent Micky Ward, who usually attends the annual dinner, was home nursing a double ear infection – top notch judge Glenn Feldman, founder and past president of the Hall, read some remarks he sought out from Kathy Duva, of Main Events, Gatti\u2019s former promoter, and Pat Lynch, Gatti\u2019s manager.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Arturo \u201cThunder\u201d Gatti (R) and Micky Ward (L) engage in one of their memorable ring wars!<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHe was an icon, an idol, a legend, an energetic impish presence and a great and loyal friend,\u201d said Duva, who would add that the induction honor was \u201cbittersweet.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gatti\u2019s life ended in July 2009 at only 37 years of age under a cloud of controversy. His death was initially treated as a murder, with his Brazilian wife looked at as the prime suspect. A knife and bloody purse strap seemed to implicate her. However, Gatti\u2019s death was subsequently ruled a suicide by Brazilian authorities.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Bad Chad Dawson (R) vs. Antonio Tarver (L).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Though the induction came 10 years after Gatti\u2019s life was cut short, his presence was definitely felt on this night, due in large part to a gigantic banner that Feldman and Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame President John Laudati unveiled and raised to the roof of the Uncas Ballroom.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis banner will be raised to the roof at the Mohegan Sun Arena,\u201d said Feldman, \u201cHopefully at the next boxing match.\u201d It featured an image of Gatti and Ward entrenched in battle with the words \u201cFight of the Century.\u201d That\u2019s not exactly an exaggeration either, since the fight was truly an epic battle, as well as the fact the current century (that of the 21st<\/sup> variety) isn\u2019t even 20 years in yet.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The previous boxing match dubbed \u201cFight of the Century\u201d took place between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier 31 years prior to Gatti-Ward I, in the 20th<\/sup> century.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

“Bad” Chad Dawson at Ceremony,<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Feldman, reading words from Lynch, said, \u201cArturo was one of the most special and gifted fighters boxing has ever seen. He was known as the heart and guts warrior and was exactly that.\u201d Lynch added, \u201cArturo never quit in the ring and he never quit in life.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Gatti was a modern posthumous inductee along with another legend, referee Arthur Mercante Sr. Mercante Sr. refereed more than 140 title fights across 47 years, and became a judge after retiring as a referee in 2001. The first title bout he worked was the second fight between Ingemar Johansson and Floyd Patterson on June 20, 1960. The most famous bout he worked was the first Ali-Frazier fight, which took place at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971. Mercante had many assignments in Connecticut over the years. \u00a0One of his children, Arthur Mercante Jr., followed in his father\u2019s footsteps to become a top notch referee.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Mercante noted he inducted his father into the International Boxing Hall of Fame back in 1995.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd now here I am 24 years later for his induction into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame, he said, adding, \u201cIt is especially moving because he is still recognized as one of the best referees in the sport.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Two-time USBA welterweight champion Delvin Rodriguez at ceremony.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Mercante added, \u201cTo continue to be recognized by your peers all these years later is quite an accomplishment and my family and I are humbled and thankful for the award, which means another award that my brothers and I will have to fight over.\u201d\u00a0 Mercante had said early in his speech that the Connecticut award marks his father\u2019s seventh induction into a Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The living members of the 2019 induction class were former light heavyweight champion \u201cBad\u201d Chad Dawson and two-time USBA welterweight champion Delvin Rodriguez. Two other inductees who went in posthumously were Teddy \u201cRedtop\u201d Davis and featherweight Eddie Compo.\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Davis, who once took legendary featherweight champion Willie Pep the distance in back-to-back fights in 1948, won the New England lightweight title in Boston in 1953 against George Araujo. He retired in 1960 and passed away in 1966 at 42 years old. The New Haven-based Compo won his first 25 professional fights and eventually fought for the title against Pep in Waterbury in 1949. The match was much anticipated, as Compo boasted an impressive record of 57-1-3 heading into his fight with the featherweight legend. However, Pep recorded a 7th <\/sup>round TKO. Compo retired from the ring in 1955 and finished his career with a 75-10-4 ledger. He passed in 1998 at the age of 69.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dawson\u2019s entry into the Hall marked the first time in 15 gatherings that an active fighter saw induction, and as such, rather than speaking solely about past glory days, both he and promoter Jimmy Burchfield promised there\u2019s more entertaining fights ahead.<\/span><\/strong><\/span>
\n\u201cChad has given the world of boxing so many thrills throughout the years, and it\u2019s not over yet,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s far from over.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

John Rinaldi, the Publisher of The USA Boxing News<\/em> receives a roaring ovation when announced at the Hall of Fame dinner.<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Six years removed from the last time he held a world title, Dawson is confident he can rise again after some setbacks.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 37. I\u2019m not that young 23-year-old kid that won that world title back in 2007,\u201d said Dawson. \u201cI\u2019m older, more mature\u2026I just learned so much over the years. When I won my world title I thought I was the man, but I was still a little boy. I\u2019m 37 and I\u2019m still learning how to be a man, still learning every day, learning from my wife, learning from the people around me. People don\u2019t understand that boxing is a dangerous sport. If I told you I wasn\u2019t scared every time I get into that ring I\u2019d be lying to you.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

(L-R)Randy Gordon, CBHOF judge Glenn Feldman and CBHOF President <\/span><\/span><\/strong>
John Laudati hold the plaque for 2019 CBHOF inductee – the late <\/span><\/span><\/strong>
Arturo Gatti.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n

He added, \u201cIt\u2019s a dangerous sport and due to recent ring tragedies we just had, you know sometimes I\u2019ve got to second-guess myself and think am I doing the right thing at my age? Should I still be fighting? Should I give it up? But I\u2019ve still got that passion inside me and I still believe I\u2019ve got one more world title inside me and I still can be one of the best fighters in the world.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

As he talked at the podium, Dawson was surrounded by his four children of varying ages \u2013 all boys – wearing T-shirts under their suit jackets with images of their father on them. The oldest one, Chad Jr., now 16, earned a bit of fame himself years back when he would accompany his father into the ring in his prime years, throwing educated punches as a toddler that he learned from his champ dad. He and another son now box amateur.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAll four of my boys look up to me,\u201d said Dawson. \u201cThey are the greatest gift God gave me.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dawson won the light heavyweight title in February 2007 with a unanimous decision over previously unbeaten Tomasz Adamek. He would go on to twice defeat Antonio Tarver as well as Glen Johnson and in October 2011 fought Bernard Hopkins to a no-contest in a bid to become champion again after having lost his light heavyweight crown to Jean Pascal. The fight was initially ruled a TKO victory for Dawson but that result was later ruled a no-contest when it was determined Hopkins was unable to continue after getting thrown from a clinch in the second round. A rematch took place in April 2012 and Dawson dominated the boxing legend en route to a unanimous decision victory. And Hopkins\u2019 career was far from over. Though Dawson gave him fits, Hopkins went on to win the IBF light heavyweight belt, as well as the WBA strap, in 2013 and 2014, respectively, in his late 40s, further cementing his legendary status as one of boxing\u2019s all-time greatest pugilists.\u00a0 Hopkins won three world titles in his 40s between 2011 and 2014, but he never had his way with Dawson, because at his peak, Dawson was as good as anyone. In fact, The Ring<\/em> magazine once had him ranked 10th<\/sup> on their pound-for-pound list. However, no less than Floyd Mayweather Jr., once gave him even better praise. During one of his retirements, he proclaimed Dawson the best pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Arthur Mercante Jr. accepts award for his deceased dad Arthur Mercante Sr.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Dawson isn\u2019t that young gun anymore but he told everyone assembled at the induction dinner,\u201d Don\u2019t write me off yet. I\u2019ve still got one or two special moments in me.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The night\u2019s final inductee was Rodriguez, who retired in 2017 with a 29-9-4 record. During his peak, he could always be counted on for truly entertaining fights. A two-time USBA welterweight champion and a regular face of ESPN\u2019s Friday Night Fights broadcasts, he won 19 of his first 22 bouts (one bout in there was a draw).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He would lose his USBA belt to Jesse Feliciano by stoppage in March 2007 but regained the belt in July 2008 with an 11th<\/sup> round TKO of Oscar Diaz in Diaz\u2019 hometown of San Antonio, Texas. Diaz was 26-2 at the time.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In 2008, he tangled with Isaac Hlatshwayo and managed a draw in Hlatshwayo\u2019s home country of South Africa. The two would meet again, this time at Mohegan Sun in August 2009 with the vacant IBF welterweight championship on the line.\u00a0 It was Rodriguez\u2019 first world title shot. Once again, he fell a tad short, losing a split decision.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

However, the night of his Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame induction, Feldman presented Rodriguez with an IBF championship belt.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Past Inductees gathered at Induction Ceremony.<\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Feldman told him, \u201cMany people felt you had won one, if not both of your fights against Isaac, and in honor of those two great fights, please accept this IBF world title belt. This is a belt that may have alluded you 10 years ago, but we\u2019re going to make up for that right now, and on behalf of IBF President Daryl Peoples (who was sitting at a nearby table), congratulations.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rodriguez was elated to be enshrined among greats such as Marlon Starling, Willie Pep and others, but on a more basic level, he was simply happy to see so many familiar faces again.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAn event like this brings so many memories back to mind,\u201d he said, as he looked out into the crowd and saw referee Johnny Callas, a gym owner who also served as a mentor to Rodriguez as a youth. Rodriguez came to the United States at 8 years old from the Dominican Republic. He also talked about Ishmael \u201cMike\u201d Salazar, who was a volunteer trainer at the Hat City Boxing Club in Danbury. Salazar passed away in 2016 at the age of 98. Rodriguez, who now does some broadcasting work, also made sure to mention his wife Evelyn, who has been \u201cwith me since she was 15.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI\u2019ve got so many friends because of boxing. Good friends, bad friends, but you learn. You learn business. I became a businessman because of boxing\u2026Thanks to all the people that surrounded me. There are so many people that couldn\u2019t make it tonight. It is because of everyone that my life turned out the way it is.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the inductees, there were five awards presented early in the night. Kevin and Roma Smith received the Amateur Officials of the Year Award; Feldman took home The William Hutt Official of the Year Award; Felix Parilla, who was named the Outstanding Boxer at the New England Tournament of Champions for the second straight year, earned The Roland Roy Amateur Boxer of the Year honors; NABA light heavyweight champion Charles Foster, 29, received the Professional Boxer of the Year award; and Sherman Cain, a longtime writer for the Journal Inquirer in Manchester, was presented The George Smith Contribution to Boxing Award.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The night\u2019s Master of Ceremonies was Randy Gordon, former Editor-In-Chief of The Ring<\/em> magazine, former chairman of the New York State Athletic Commission, and current host of \u201cAt the Fights\u201d on Sirius XM Radio Network. The night began with a cocktail reception just outside the Uncas Ballroom. There was also a silent auction and a 50\/50 raffle that earned one lucky winner $895.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fighter attendees at the 15th<\/sup> annual dinner\/induction, included, among others, \u201cIceman\u201d John Scully, \u201cPoison\u201d Junior Jones, three-division champion Iran Barkley, former ESPN welterweight champion Troy \u201cSchoolboy\u201d Wortham, former IBO super middleweight champion Dana Rosenblatt, former NABF junior welterweight champion \u201cSucra\u201d Ray Oliveira, former USBA lightweight champion Israel \u201cPito\u201d Cardona and ex-welterweight king Marlon Starling.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Scully, a regular attendee, told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cI love going to the event because I am sure to see someone I have not seen in a long time from my boxing past in the state.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He added, \u201cI think most guys like me are at the age and time in their boxing career where they really appreciate running into people from days gone by.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Steven Ike, a local boxing historian and serious autograph collector, said his highlight moment of the night was running into two granddaughters of the late Vic Cardell, a 2007 inductee who fought the likes of Kid Gavilan, Ike Williams, Carmen Basilio and others in the 1950s.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

He gave them the only Vic Cardell autograph he had.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThey had never met him (Cardell passed in 1987). I just felt they should have it,\u201d he said. \u201cIt made them happy.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve got to love the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame,\u201d said referee Danny Schiavone, \u2018Because it\u2019s geared toward honoring the great boxing people from around our region.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n
\n

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Dawson Defeats Grachev<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

October 11, 2019 \u2013 Hartford, CT – <\/span>Returning to the ring for the second time following a two-year layoff, former light heavyweight champion \u201cBad\u201d Chad Dawson looked sharp in taking an eight-round unanimous decision over Russian-born Denis Grachev at the Connecticut Convention Center.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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The winner – Chad Dawson.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Dawson took far less punches than he did back in June against Quinton Rankin, who caught him numerous times with straight lefts and dropped him and almost stopped him with a left uppercut in the fifth round of their eight-round affair at Foxwoods Resort Casino.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dawson boxed beautifully against Grachev, even if that meant giving the crowd less action than it hoped for. When Grachev tried to pressure Dawson, the 37-year-old New Haven pugilist sidestepped like a light heavyweight Willie Pep or stepped back just enough to be out of range of the shorter Grachev\u2019s punches.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Former light heavyweight champion \u201cBad\u201d Chad Dawson (L) lands a straight left to the jaw of Denis Grachev (R).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Someone in the crowd yelled out \u201cLet\u2019s get this party started,\u201d at the start of the third round, apparently displeased with the lack of back-and-forth action and Dawson\u2019s unwillingness to unnecessarily put himself in harm\u2019s way over the first two frames. Dawson knew how close he came to losing in his previous fight, so he made sure this time out to keep his opponent at the end of his punches, at the end of his longer arms.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Halfway through the third stanza however, Dawson began to get a bit more aggressive, clearly putting more steam on his punches. The fourth was another good round for Dawson and in the fifth, he displayed some shifty movement that had Grachev punching at air.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Main Events-promoted heavyweight Cassius Chaney (L) scored a first-round knockout of former cruiserweight title challenger Santander Silgado (R).<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Grachev had his best moment of the fight halfway through round six when he countered a hard left uppercut from Dawson with a hard right hand. Grachev followed up with more leather as Dawson seemed content to try Muhammad Ali\u2019s rope-a-dope technique employed against George Foreman in 1974. Before the round was over, Dawson was off the ropes and landing some good shots to end the round, including another uppercut and a quick one-two combination just before the bell to end the stanza.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fifteen seconds into the 7th<\/sup> round, Dawson ripped Grachev with a three-punch combination and as the round progressed, Dawson showcased some slick footwork, making the man who thought he was going to frustrate Dawson with pressure look foolish. Dawson closed the round with some impressive straight left hands. The eighth and final round was another dominant three minutes from the former champion.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dawson was announced the winner by scores of 80-72 (twice) and 79-73.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m 37 years old but I feel like I\u2019m 25,\u201d said Dawson,\u201d who is once again reunited with his amateur trainer Brian Clark, who was inducted into the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame last year. Dawson, who will be inducted into the same Hall on Nov. 9, added, \u201cI\u2019m ready for any of the big guys at the top. If any of these guys wanna test me, the better the competition, the better I\u2019m gonna perform.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With his latest victory, Dawson wins the vacant WBC USNBC light heavyweight title and improves to 36-5 (19), with two no-contests. Grachev is now 19-9-1 (10).<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s co-feature, unbeaten Main Events-promoted heavyweight Cassius Chaney scored a first-round knockout of former cruiserweight title challenger Santander Silgado. Following a couple of jabs with the first right hand he threw, Silgado, 28-8 (22), fell flat on his back and was laid out, positioned like he was in the midst of making a snow angel. He didn\u2019t move for a minute or two but eventually got up with some kindly assistance and left the ring on his own accord.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chaney said he had wanted to get some rounds in, \u201cbut once he threw a few punches my thoughts changed.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Chaney added, \u201cHe wanted to land something sneaky so I felt I needed to land something clean that he felt. And I threw a basic double jab-right hand combination. He saw the jab but the right hand landed right on the chin and I knew he was done.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The official time of the stoppage was 1:03. Chaney improved to 17-0 (11). A former University of New Haven basketball star, Chaney turned to pro boxing at a later age than most. However, this 32-year-old, who doesn\u2019t drink, smoke or do any other drugs, is determined to do everything it takes to achieve his goal of becoming heavyweight champion, and this year has been an impressive one. His win over Silgado was preceded by an ESPN+-televised performance back in July in which Chaney knocked Joel Caudle out of the ring before stopping him a short time later. This New England prospect is on the fast track to reaching contender status.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

David Benavidez Gives Boxing Fans a Taste of Training Camp<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Alyssa Lang and Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n

It was billed in a press release as his official start of training camp but David Benavidez\u2019 challenge of WBC super middleweight champ Anthony Dirrell was still months away when he took on three sparring partners under the pavilion at the International Boxing Hall of Fame in upstate New York during the Hall\u2019s 30th<\/sup> annual induction weekend.\"\"<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not really the start of my camp,\u201d said Benavidez. \u201cI still have 16 weeks left \u2018til the fight. So I just came out here, enjoyed the people, got some good sparring and just enjoyed myself. I put a show on for the fans.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez (second from left) with his three sparring partners.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Benavidez, 21-0 with 18 knockouts, became the youngest ever super middleweight champion in September 2017 when, at 20 years old, he won a 12-round decision over Ronald Gavril for the vacant WBC super middleweight championship. However, a career misstep saw him test positive for a banned substance last September and he lost his crown.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

At the time, Benavidez was scheduled to make the second defense of his belt against Dirrell. The title subsequently became vacant and Dirrell took possession of it in March with a victory over Avni Yildirim.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez working out at the Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The June 7th sparring in Canastota, New York, along with some shadowboxing the following day, provided a little sample of training camp life for approximately 100 boxing fans that crowded around the outdoor ring in perfect weather. Benavidez, who is intent on getting his belt back, didn\u2019t appear to be too far from fighting weight, and looked sharp as he went three rounds a piece with a trio of local sparring partners.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez getting ready for WBC champ Anthony Dirrell.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Benavidez, far more experienced than his opponents, clearly seemed to be holding back at times, but he also made sure to work on defensive maneuvers. However, he did let his hands go here and there, including when he positioned Syracuse, New York-based 6-foot-four-inch pro boxer Lawrence Gabriel, whose record currently stands at 3-2-1, into a neutral corner. Benavidez let the crowd know he could turn the heat up whenever he felt like it. In fact, although Gabriel has survived bullets – in 2015 he was the victim of multiple gunshot wounds while trying to stop a crazed gunman at a Syracuse bar – he couldn\u2019t survive Benavidez. He came close though. As his third and final round with the former world champion neared its end, Gabriel got caught with a beautiful hook to the body. He rose to his feet, but needed a break and leaned against the ropes until the bell rang.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez stretching out at the Boxing Hall of Fame.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s a big puncher and he snaps every single punch,\u201d Gabriel said. \u201cAnd he gets his body into the right position to get power on all of his punches. He\u2019s tough.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Next up for Benavidez was the smallest of the three sparring partners \u2013 Luis \u201cAzucar\u201d Rojas. What Rojas lacked in stature he more than made up for in aggressiveness. Unfazed by Benavidez\u2019 pedigree as a recent ex-world champion, he\u2019d get in close and confidently let loose with combinations, usually to the head. Benavidez seemed to admire his opponent\u2019s tenaciousness, but a well-placed power punch every so often let Rojas know who the real king of the ring was.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019s good,\u201d said Rojas, who added, \u201cI think he can be better. I\u2019ve seen him fight before. I know he\u2019s better than that.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez sparring.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Did Rojas think Benavidez was holding back?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

What did he learn from his three rounds with the former champion who is still at the top of the class at super middleweight?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThat you\u2019ve got to stay ready, all the time,\u201d said Rojas, who admitted to not being at his peak physically at this point in the summer.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez sparring before the Hall of Fame crowd.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

The last sparring partner for Benavidez was 25-year-old Michael Rycraft, of Utica, NY. Tall and quick with his hands as well as his feet, Benavidez had to work harder in those final three rounds.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe last one, he was the best one,\u201d said Benavidez. \u201cSo I had to use every movement right. There could be no wasted movements.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

As good as Rycraft was, Benavidez left him with a bloody nose his corner-men had to attend to.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

David Benavidez sparring before the crowd.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Rycraft seemed to appreciate the sparring, the opportunity, more so than the others that scrapped with Benavidez. He was seen talking with him and thanking him well after the sparring was over.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

He told The USA Boxing News<\/em>, \u201cIt\u2019s a blessing. It\u2019s a blessing to be in this position, to learn from a champion, a true champion, a young champion at that.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Avid boxing enthusiast Mark Jones, of Syracuse, NY, who watched Benavidez\u2019 nine rounds of sparring \u2013 a pre-cursor to actual training camp -believes Benavidez has the goods to defeat Dirrell.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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David Benavidez in action.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cI think he\u2019ll beat Dirrell based on his youth and the fact that Dirrell is in the post-prime phase of his career,\u201d he said. \u201cBenavidez has a big frame. I think he could eventually perform well at light heavyweight.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dirrell-Benavidez is scheduled to take place in late September in Los Angeles.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Clary Decisions Gonzalez to Win Vacant NABA Super Feather Title<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

By Kirk Lang<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Photos by Al Derouin<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

August 29, 2019 \u2013 Mashantucket, CT \u2013 Foxwoods Resort Casino.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In an all New England match-up of super featherweights, Providence, Rhode Island\u2019s Toka Kahn Clary, 128, won a lopsided 10-round decision over previously once-beaten Irvin Gonzalez, 127, of Worcester, MA to take the vacant NABA super featherweight title. The scores were 99-91 twice and 98-92. However, this fight was far more competitive and exciting than the scorecards would indicate.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Toka Kahn Clary (R) stabbing Irvin Gonzalez with a straight right.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

While Kahn Clary clearly had the speed advantage \u2013 at times looking like a southpaw version of a young Shane Mosley \u2013 his 23-year-old opponent was never discouraged and always answered back with punches of his own \u2013 often delivered in spirited combinations – that kept things interesting. Kahn Clary-Gonzalez headlined the latest installment of DiBella Entertainment\u2019s Broadway Boxing, held on this night at Foxwoods Resort Casino\u2019s Fox Theater.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kahn Clary, trained by Peter Manfredo Sr. earlier in his career, is now a pupil of Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach. Kahn Clary\u2019s sparring sessions with all-time great Manny Pacquiao seem to have given him an extra level of confidence in the ring, knowing that if he can trade shots with Manny at the Wild Card gym, then he can surely dare Irvin Gonzalez to try to hit him.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gonzalez seemed a little bit in awe of Kahn Clary\u2019s speed in the early going, hardly able to avoid the right jab and Kahn Clary\u2019s preferred weapon of choice \u2013 the straight left hand. Kahn Clary bloodied Gonzalez\u2019 nose in the second round. In the third frame, Gonzalez began to step up his aggression, willing to fire back more than he had in the first two rounds. The end of the fourth frame saw Gonzalez get off a couple of stiff right hands. If Kahn Clary wasn\u2019t so quick-fisted, Gonzalez would have had more highlight reel moments. The fifth round featured great ebb and flow with both men trading serious punches that spurred on their respective cheering sections. Later in the round, Kahn Clary missed some big bombs that might have dropped Gonzalez had they landed. The final 30 seconds of the round turned into a live-action Rock \u2018em, Sock \u2018Em Robots affair. Gonzalez even seemed to hurt Kahn Clary as he took some shots along the ropes. However, Kahn Clary stood there strong and immediately fired back with a succession of power punches.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Hurshidbek “Hershey” Normatov (R) Walter Wright.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gonzalez seemed a little arm weary to start the sixth frame but may have done enough throughout the round to earn the stanza, as Kahn Clary seemed to ease off the gas a bit himself. However, Kahn Clary came back strong in the seventh round, beginning with a right jab-right hook combination. In addition to his speed, it\u2019s other things Kahn Clary does that are impressive, such as the lost art of feinting. Over and over again, he\u2019d feint with his lead hand, or make a half step with his lead foot, and make Gonzalez think he was going to step forward and punch and then he\u2019d fool him. Gonzalez was not only contending with far superior hand speed, he was often unsure of when Kahn Clary was actually going to attack. The combination of his speed and his feints often left Gonzalez perplexed, but the young pugilist showed no quit in him. He kept trying and gave a great account of himself. Gonzalez boxed well in the 8th<\/sup> frame but Kahn Clary landed the best punch of the round \u2013 a smashing straight left to the face that might have briefly stunned Gonzalez \u2013 with less than 20 seconds to go.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Stephen “Big Shot” shawvs. Willie Jake Jr.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Gonzalez\u2019 nose would bleed once more, in the 9th<\/sup> round, after a beautiful straight left from Kahn Clary with about 1:20 left to go. Late in the 10th<\/sup> frame, Kahn Clary absolutely battered Gonzalez in a neutral corner. Referee Johnny Callas kept a watchful eye on things, seemingly ready to stop the fight, but every time it looked like Kahn Clary might get the stoppage, Gonzalez fired back with something. He eventually got out of the neutral corner but couldn\u2019t get away from Kahn Clary, who kept firing punches from all angles until the final bell, giving the crowd a great ending to a dominant but entertaining victory.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

He improves to 27-2 (18) while Gonzalez falls to 12-2 (9).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Kahn Clary\u2019s last defeat was a close decision loss at featherweight last October to unbeaten top contender Kid Galahad. Now fighting at super featherweight, he feels he\u2019s not draining himself to make weight.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Stephen “Big Shot” Shaw knocking down Willie Jake Jr.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

Asked whether he might return to the 126-pound class or stay at 130, Kahn Clary responded, \u201cI\u2019ve still got a six-pack at 130. I\u2019m staying here. One-hundred-and-twenty-six kills me. I\u2019m staying here.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s co-main event, WBA super middleweight champion Alicia \u201cThe Empress\u201d Napoleon-Espinosa, 161, of Lindenhurst, NY, stopped Schemelle Baldwin, 163, of Newark, DE, in the fourth round. The official time was 1:30.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Napoleon-Espinosa, 12-1 (7), was making the second defense of her belt and apparently had trouble finding an opponent of similar pro experience. Baldwin came into the fight with a record of 3-0-1 (2). Not only did the records not compare, Baldwin was also significantly slower of hand than the champion. Napoleon-Espinosa had her way with Baldwin, firing bursts of punches while consistently moving in and out of range without getting countered. Baldwin\u2019s mouthpiece was sent flying in the second round. Early in the third frame, Napoleon-Espinosa began hammering away at Baldwin in Baldwin\u2019s corner. The assault lasted for more than a minute. When the fight was dangerously close to getting stopped Baldwin let loose with a haymaker to show she still had some fire in her.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The fourth round was a repeat of the previous frame, with Baldwin again getting blasted in her own corner. A plastic piece of her chest protector fell out. Soon after, with Baldwin merely serving as target practice for the champion, referee Al Lobianco stepped in and ended matters.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Undefeated Hurshidbek \u201cHershey\u201d Normatov, 152, of Andijan, Uzbekistan, now based in Brooklyn, NY, won the NABA super welterweight title with a lopsided eight-round decision over 38-year-old veteran Walter Wright, 154, of Seattle. WA. The scores were 80-72 (twice) and 79-73. Normatov\u2019s straighter punches and effective use of the ring negated Wright\u2019s offensive attempts for the most part. Wright\u2019s corner was yelling and imploring him to get closer and cut the ring off as early as the third round. Wright finally seemed to let his hands go at the start of the fourth frame. It seemed he was getting braver as the fight wore on. However, Normatov, a 6\u20192\u201d southpaw, nailed him with some very stiff straight lefts to close out the round and make him think twice about being brave.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Normatov opened the fifth with some impressive combinations. In the sixth he was back circling the ring, scoring with jabs and straight lefts. Normatov maintained control in rounds seven and eight but for some reason kept looking up at the clock in the final round, which seemed odd because he didn\u2019t look all that tired and he never let loose with punches in bunches to close out the final 10 to 15 seconds of the fight in impressive fashion. Normatov is now 9-0 (3) while Wright falls to 17-7 (8).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Stephan \u201cBig Shot\u201d Shaw, 251, of St. Louis. MO, extended his undefeated record to 12-0 (9) with a fourth-round stoppage of Willie Jake Jr, 233, of Indianapolis, IN. He dropped Jake in the opening round and then twice in the third stanza \u2013\u00a0 the first of the third round knockdowns had Jake going through the ropes nearly falling on judge Glenn Feldman\u2013 before seriously hurting Jake in the fourth with a left hook as Jake was in a neutral corner. Shaw followed up by targeting the head with hooks, straight right hands and uppercuts. Soon after, referee Johnny Callas ended matters, giving Shaw a TKO victory at the 0:56 mark. Jake is 0-2 in 2019 after riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak that dated back to July 2016. His record now stands at 8-3-1 (2).<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Former WBC\/IBF\/IBO light heavy king Chad Dawson returns to the ring in start of comeback trail to become champion once again<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Story by Kirk Lang<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Mashantucket, CT \u2013 Foxwoods Resort Casino – Making his return after more than two years away from the sport, former light heavyweight champion \u201cBad\u201d ChadDawson is giving himself one more go-round to try to reach the elite level once again.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In December 2017, he was TKO\u2019d by Andrzej Fonfara, and in October 2014, Dawson \u2013 two fights removed from losing his WBC belt to Adonis Stevenson by first-round knockout\u2013 was outpointed by little known Tommy Karpency.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The 36-year-old New Haven fighter\u2019s latest comeback almost hit a sour note. After outboxing fellow southpaw Quinton Rankin, 32, of Charlotte, NC, with relative ease over the first four rounds of their eight-round main event, Dawson got caught with a perfect rear hand left uppercut from Rankin that created the fight\u2019s only knockdown and had Dawson buzzed for some time.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Fortunately for \u201cBad\u201d Chad, a follow-up left hand to the back of the head from Rankin when Dawson was \u201cdown\u201d \u2013 he did not hit the canvas, but collapsed to a squatting position and made contact with the ring floor with both gloves \u2013 prompting referee Micheael Ortega to provide him more time to recover than simply a standing 8-count.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Richard Schwartz, one of Rankin\u2019s cornermen, complained that Dawson was given 41 seconds to clear his head before the action resumed. However, if Rankin, 32, had not thrown the illegal punch after the knockdown, he would have been able to mount a follow-up attack sooner rather than later while Dawson was in his most vulnerable state.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

With roughly 1:20 remaining in the round, the action resumed and Rankin, 179, attacked Dawson, 178, along the ropes. Soon after however, time was called and Dawson received another respite, the result of referee Michael Ortega taking a point from Rankin for another punch behind the head. The slight break seemed to be the trick for the ex-champ because when both men to box again, Dawson looked like his younger self, ripping hard rapid-fire shots to the body with both hands. Trapped in a neutral corner, now seeing the man he dropped turning the tide in the same round, Quinton looked visibly tired. In addition to power punches, Dawson also did not forget the jab, and a series a right jabs set up a beautiful left uppercut seconds before the bell to end the round.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

While Rankin\u2019s most consistent punch of the night was a sneaky straight left, he also made the fight ugly. In addition to some punches behind the head, he was often guilty of pushing up on his opponent’s chin with his right arm. In the seventh round, Rankin finally had a point deducted for such a maneuver.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the eighth and final round, the former champion boxed smartly, not wanting to give his opponent any possible chance to score another knockdown, or worse, connect with a fight-ending punch. With a minute left in the stanza, Dawson impressed the judges and the audience with a trio of right hooks in rapid succession. When there were only twenty seconds left on the clock, Dawson landed a solid right hook to the body, and Rankin, in one last good effort, countered with a hard straight left.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Other than the fifth round, the fight was pretty much a one-sided affair, as the judges had it 80-68 and 78-72 twice.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cHe [Rankin] was very durable, a very strong guy,\u201d said Dawson. \u201cHe came to win and think for a two-year layoff that was a good guy to come back against. The kid was strong. He was better than what his record said.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Dawson, 37, improved to 35-5 with 19 knockouts while Rankin fell to 15-6-2 with 12 knockouts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the night\u2019s co-main event, another New Haven fighter notched a lopsided victory. Featherweight Tramaine Williams won a 10-round unanimous decision against Neil John Tabanao of the Philipines. The scores were 99-91 twice and 98-92. Williams, like Dawson, learned the fundamentals of boxing under the tutelage of local legend Brian Clark at New Haven\u2019s Ring One Boxing gym. Because of the New Haven connection with the top two guys on the A-side of the bout sheet, the fight show was billed as \u201cHomecoming Kings.\u201d Foxwoods Resort Casino is little more than an hour from New Haven.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

But whereas Dawson is trying to return to former glory, Williams\u2019 star is still rising. The sky is the limit for him as long as he stays dedicated to his craft. Generally considered the most talented young boxer in the Nutmeg State, the win over Tabanao is the latest step on the path to a world title opportunity.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The opening round of Williams-Tabanao was a feel-out round for both fighters. Neither man had many solid connects and it seemed like they were an inch too far apart from one another at all times. Williams certainly possesses the speed to quickly close the gap but he seemed content to be patient and observe his man from afar, at least in the opening stanza.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A minute into the second round, Williams jumped in with two straight lefts that caught Tabanao\u2019s attention. Later in the frame, Williams seemed content to make his adversary miss. A very solid defensive fighter, Williams draws comparisons to the recently deceased Pernell Whitaker, boxing\u2019s former pound-for-pound king.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The third round saw Williams gradually increase his offensive output and \u201cThe Mighty Midget\u201d ended the round with a beautiful right hook with about 12 seconds left in the frame. The fourth round saw increased use of the right hook but the best punch of the round was perhaps a lead straight left with about 25 seconds left.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Williams, 123, upped the aggression in the fifth stanza, yet also showcased some great upper body movement in evading Tabanao\u2019s offensive attempts. Tabanao, 123, had some success in the sixth with a few right hands to the body, but Williams never allowed him to get into a groove. As Williams continued to dominate in rounds seven and eight, Tabanao was simply perplexed. Unable to land anything of significance, he found himself rushing at Williams like a bull at one point in the 9th<\/sup> frame.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

In the tenth and final round \u2013 halfway through the frame – Williams landed two successive straight lefts that caused Tabanao to fall back a step. He followed up with some good power shots, but was unable to get Tabanao out of there early.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Williams, 123, improved to 18-0 with 6 knockouts. Tabanao saw his ledger dip to 17-6 with 11 knockouts.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u201cTramaine controlled the action, the fight, to his pace,\u201d said Williams\u2019 trainer Mike Conroy, who had no issue with his fighter taking Tabanao the full 10 rounds. \u201cSometimes people don\u2019t understand the art of boxing. Everybody wants to see the knockout but we knew he was a durable guy so we were not going to go in there and try to knock somebody out that hadn\u2019t ever been stopped.\u201d<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

On July 27 at the College Park Center in Arlington, VA, Williams, 26, won a 10-round unanimous decision over Yenifel Vicente, 33, to capture the vacant USBA and NABO super bantamweight championships on the undercard of the super lightweight unification clash between Maurice Hooker and Jose Ramirez. That means that Williams engaged in two fights in less than a month, which makes Tramaine on pace to earn \u201cPro Fighter of the Year\u201d honors from the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019. The late July clash with Vicente was Williams\u2019 fourth bout of the year, and that still leaves August through December for him to rack up a few more wins. <\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

<\/div>\n

by Kirk Lang<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Boxing in New England and Other Places By Kirk Lang       __________ John Scully Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award By Kirk Lang Jimmy Burchfield, the CEO of Classic Entertainment and Sports (CES), is a man who always shows respect to fighters, active or retired, and on Saturday night, he paid tribute to one […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-15017","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15017","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=15017"}],"version-history":[{"count":32,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15017\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29672,"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/15017\/revisions\/29672"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theusaboxingnews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=15017"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}