Queens, New York (May 9, 2022) – With the opening bell, and the first punch thrown, professional boxing officially made its emphatic debut at Carnesecca Arena at St. John’s University Saturday night at “Borough Boxing.”
The main event saw DANNY “EL GALLO” GONZALEZ (now 20-4-1 7KO’s) go to war with PAULO GALDINO (now 12-5 8KO’s) in the welterweight main event. Gonzalez, stepped on the gas early, dropping Galdino in the first round after a flurry of punches had Galdino on unsteady legs. Gonzalez looked to close the show, but Galdino was able to survive the round. Thrilling action continued the entire bout as the southpaw Galdino began putting punches together. Gonzalez would pick his spots with exciting bursts to return the favor, and both warriors continued to trade at will to the delight of the fans in a back & forth memorable battle that saw impressive and brutal body work by both fighters. At the final bell the scorecard reflected the back-and-forth action in the ring. Galdino was given a razor thin 8 rd. split decision upsetting Gonzalez in his backyard.
Result: Galdino wins via split decision (76-75 Gonzalez, 77-74 Galdino, 76-75 Galdino)
In the co-feature, MAUREEN “THE REAL MILLION DOLLAR BABY” SHEA (now 30-2-1 13KO’s) proved she is a force to be reckoned with at super bantamweight as she put on a show with fellow warrior CALISTA “CALI” SILGADO (now 19-14-1 13KO’s). Silgado showed remarkable resolve, willingly trading punches and crisp body shots with the heavy-handed Shea. However, it would be Shea’s superior boxing ability that would prove the difference in the fight. Shea won the fight via an impressive unanimous decision and is poised to make a title run at 118-122 lbs.
Result: Shea wins via unanimous decision (79-73, 79-73, 77-75).
The undercard similarly thrilled fans. Bronx based, “The Nigerian Nightmare” AFUNWA KING (now 4-1 1KO) won the battle of the boroughs besting Brooklyn born and raised, KAMRON HUMPHREY (now 3-1 2KO’s). King took the fight to Humphrey, scoring a knockdown in the second round. King controlled the action for much of the fight, keeping Humphrey on his heels.
Result: King wins via unanimous decision.
Glendale, Queens’ MAT “THE FUTURE” CASTRO (now 3-0 2KO’s) excited his hometown fans, dropping the game ANGELO THOMPSON (now 0-3) in the second round of their 4-round super welterweight fight. Thompson would gut it out, get back to his feet and kept Castro on his toes, but it would not be enough as Castro’s firepower and boxing skills made the difference.
Result: Castro wins via unanimous decision. (39-36, 39-36, 38-37)
In the opening bout of the night, NYPD Officer, EMMANUEL ETIENNE (now 2-0 1KO) defeated Elizabeth, New Jersey’s TUNDE FATIREGUN (now 0-2). The first two rounds had great action as both fighters mixed it up to the body the head. In the third, a tired Fatiregun would be deducted a point on two separate occasions for pressing down on the head of, and holding Etienne. Finally, the referee called the fight off for the same reason.
Result: Etienne wins by DQ in the fourth round.
“What an excellent night of boxing for the first ever show in Carnesecca Arena history,” said CEO of Star Boxing, JOE DEGUARDIA. “The fights emulated the grit and determination of the history and quality of Borough Boxing. Maureen Shea bit down against a tough opponent and got the job done. Paulo Galdino and Danny Gonzalez put on a thrilling fight for the fans, as did all combatants. Thank you to everyone involved in the show and the fans who came out to support their fighters and the show. We look forward to returning to St. John’s University and will announce our future events schedule soon.”