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| CRANSTON, RI — CES Boxing returns to The Historic Park Theater on Saturday, February 28, 2026 with ‘Rhode Wars 5’, a special night of boxing and entertainment held in tribute to the late Nicky Cardillo. Tickets are priced from $68.79 and are available now at https://cesfights.com/tickets/. Doors open at 6pm, with the first bout taking place at 7pm. The event will spotlight the next generation of New England stars, headlined by the long-awaited return of undefeated Providence middleweight prospect Lamont Powell (6-0, 2 KOs). Powell, who stepped away from the ring in 2023 to focus on his “Gloves Up, Guns Down” initiative to empower at-risk youth through boxing, returns to the spotlight in the main event against dangerous spoiler Tyler Riley, a fighter intent on ruining his comeback story. In the co-feature, 21-year-old New Haven, CT standout Gianni Liguori (4-0-1, 3 KOs) continues his rapid rise up the super lightweight ranks against the upset-minded Deonta Williamson. Liguori has quickly developed a reputation as one of Connecticut’s most promising young talents — but Williamson represents the kind of test that prepares prospects for national title contention. The undercard is stacked with emerging young stars: Cian Duggan (5-0, 4 KOs) — the hard-hitting Irish super lightweight who is fighting twice in fourteen daysTom Evans — a Providence police officer making his highly anticipated professional debutAlex Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) — the heavy-handed puncher from Fall River, MA with a 100% knockout ratioNicholas Pecora (0-1) — the Fairfield, CT light heavyweight seeking his first professional victory The event is held in memory of Providence native Nicky Cardillo, a life-long boxing fan from Federal Hill who passed away unexpectedly at age 58 on December 21, 2025, leaving behind his beloved daughter Anjali. “This night is about honoring Nicky Cardillo and his family the right way,” said CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “He loved boxing and always supported Rhode Island fighters. On February 28, the next wave of boxing stars will honor his memory with spectacular performances in the ring.” For more information on Rhode Wars 5 and all other CES events, visit cesfights.com. INFORMATIONAbout CES BoxingCES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”. |
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