Uncasville, CT, January 27, 2019

A great night of fights took place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT last night (Saturday), as JOE DEGUARDIA’S STAR BOXING presented another exciting SLUGFEST AT THE SUN. The undercard had a distinct New England flavor as the crowd came out early and loud, cheering on their local New England talent.

In the main event, New England fans were treated to feared knockout artist CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (now 23-1 19KO’s) as the Hammer-Head fans traveled from Seldin’s Long Island hometown to Mohegan Sun. Taking on Hungarian puncher, ADAM MATE (now 28-14 21 KO’s), Seldin, as usual, came streaming across the ring from the opening bell. Throwing precise haymakers, and clearly looking for the knockout, Seldin stalked Mate and just twenty seconds into the first round, landed a devastating right hand that sent Mate crumbling to the floor. To Mate’s credit, he rose off the canvas attempting to stabilize himself, defeating the referee’s ten count. However, Seldin pounced yet again, trapping Mate in the corner, dropping him once again for the final time with precise bombs. Joe DeGuardia promised boxing fans to not blink during this scheduled ten round main event and the Mike Tyson-like Seldin blitzkrieg lived up to the promise, with the Knockout coming at the official time of 0:48 seconds of the first round.

Cletus Seldin said this about his devastating KO victory:
“I am happy to be back. I have now had 2 fights since coming back from the Tommy John surgery I had last year and i feel like it’s back to normal. I can’t wait to get back in the ring again and want to thank Joe DeGuardia [Star Boxing] for keeping me busy and all of the “Hammer-Heads” who came out to support me. I am ready for the top guys in my division.”

“ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (now 10-0 3KO’s) and RONALD RIVAS (5-9-2 3KO’s) put on a show for every minute of their 8 round co-feature bout, entertaining the crowd who cheered with an ever-increasing excitement and intensity throughout the bout. Both fighters earned the respect of the fans for their effort, but it was Laureano who showed his superior skills, using an effective jab, left hook, damaging body punching, and unmatched determination, which led him to a unanimous decision victory by scores of, 80-71, 79-72 (x 2).

The fighters engaged each other from the opening bell and by the second round Rivas was cut and bleeding. In the third, Laureano banged the game Rivas on the ropes and across the ring. Laureano’s ceaseless attack overwhelmed Rivas in the 5th round sending him to the canvas with a left hook to the body. The slugging continued for the remainder of the fight to the delight of the cheering crowd at Mohegan Sun, concluding with Laureano throwing punches in bunches from all angles. Be sure to tune in for the replay of this one as the hometown hero, Anthony Laureano put on a show for his local fans.

Laureano on returning to Mohegan Sun, and his performance on Saturday night:
“I felt good in there and just love to fight in there. Rivas was a tough and determined fighter and I have much respect for him. Thank you Star Boxing for keeping me busy and moving me and thank you Mohegan Sun, NESN and all my fans – I appreciate the support.”

In a battle for the Jr. NABF Super Featherweight title, ANGEL “EL GALLO” SUAREZ (now 8-3 3KO’s) challenged champion WILLIAM “THE SILENT ASSASIN” FOSTER (9-0 6KO’s). Foster got it started early, boxing swiftly, landing by using his quick hands. However, Suarez would not be denied, finding openings in the second round, as blood began to come from the nose of Foster. The two waged war against each other, for the entirety of the 8-round title fight in a fantastic tactical battle reminiscent of yesteryear. Having gone the distance, the judges scored the bout 79-73 (x3) in favor of William Foster, who retained his Jr. NABF Super Featherweight title in an exciting bout.

JACOB “LEFTY” MARRERO (now 2-0 1KO) seemingly had all of Bridgeport behind him in his second professional bout, as he took on Hungarian ZSOLT KARVAJ (now 3-3 3KO’s) in a scheduled 4-rounder. Marrero wasted no time sending Karvaj to the canvas two times in the opening round. Finally, a straight right hand by Marrero scored purely on the chin of Karvaj, causing referee Danny Schiavone to halt the action with 1:07 expired in the first round.

In a thriller, fan favorite NATHAN MARTINEZ (now 2-0) had his second professional bout against a tough Philadelphian, JERROD MINER (now 1-3-2 1KO). The opening round saw great back and forth action, as Miner scored with two hard rights, while Martinez found a home for his right hand as well. It was a very close first round but the second saw Martinez go on an impressive body attack, landing sharp, devastating shots to the midsection of the Miner. After 4-rounds of great action, the judges saw it, 40-36 (x2), and 39-37, in favor of Nathan Martinez, who improved to 2-0.

In a 6-round welterweight bout between RONNIE “TEFLON RON” AUSTION (now 10-1 7KO’s) and Waco, Texas native, MARQUIS “THE HAWK” HAWTHORNE (now 6-9 1KO) both fighters began slow, in a feeling out first round. Austion looking to counter, while Hawthorne pressed, seemed to be the theme throughout the fight. Finally, in the fourth round, the action began to pick up, as Hawthorne was both throwing and landing in high volume. After losing a point for holding in the fifth round, Austion was unable to close the deficit, as Marquis Hawthorne, in a big upset, defeated the previously undefeated and heralded Austion by scores of 57-56, 58-55, 59-54.

DAVID PAPOT (22-0 3KO’s) of Saint-Nazaire France was scheduled to make his USA debut agains the tough COURTNEY PENNINGTON (12-3-2 5KO’s) on Saturday night, however two days before fight night, Pennington had to pull out of the bout due to back spasms. Star Boxing then brought in RONALD MONTES (18-11 16KO’s) of Columbia, on short notice, to take on the tough Frenchmen. Unfortunately Montes failed his physical due to a high pulse rate and the bout was not sanctioned by the Mohegan Tribe Athletic Commission, causing it to be pulled from the card.

Star Boxing’s “SLUGFEST at the SUN” featuring feared knockout artist, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN and Hungarian banger, ADAM MATE, is set to cause fireworks at Mohegan Sun Arena, tomorrow night (1/26). Star Boxing is pleased to announce that if you are unable to make it the stellar night of fights, we have you covered. Watch SLUGFEST at the SUN live on PPV through FITE.TV. FITE, the world leader in the digital distribution of combat sports will stream the event live on the www.FITE.TV website, FITE mobile apps for iOS, Android, and the FITE channels of Amazon Fire, Android, Apple TV, and Roku on a PPV basis. The FITE PPV will be available for just $14.99. Check availability in your area by going to the FITE.tv website. The FITE.TV PPV will be blacked out in the New England area.

To accommodate the French audience, David Papot vs Courtney Pennington will be the 3rd fight on the show and will go on at approximately 8:30 PM/ET (2:30 AM, January 27th in France) to accommodate the live audience in France.

Uncasville, CT., January 22, 2019

Four Connecticut fighters will put their boxing and punching skills on display at “Slugfest at the Sun”, on a show headlined by bangers CLETUS SELDIN and ADAM MATE. The excitement, action, and fun will all occur at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut on January 26th, on a card also featuring Star Boxing’s talented fighters DAVID PAPOT (22-0 3KO’s, Saint Nazaire, FR) against COURTNEY PENNINGTON (12-3-2 5KO’s, Brooklyn, NY) as well as RONNIE AUSTION (10-0 7KO’s, Las Vegas, NV). The entire thrilling night of boxing is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing.

The best known of the Connecticut boxers, East Hartford’s “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO, (9-0, 3KO, Hartford, CT) will put his undefeated record on the line against RONALD RIVAS (5-8-2, 3KO). Laureano is coming off a successful 2018, in which he notched three consecutive victories, and earned the Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame’s “Professional Boxer of the Year,” honors. He earned the nickname “Action” for his relentless come forward style and as always, Laureano intends to put on an exciting show from start to finish on the 26th.

Star Boxing’s ANGEL SUAREZ (8-2, 3KO, San Juan, PR), will face off against WILLIAM FOSTER III (8-0 6KO) of New Haven, Connecticut. After a slow start to his pro career, Suarez has come into his own, having reeled-off seven consecutive victories. Foster, boasts a strong amateur background, having won the Youth Super featherweight title and is a three time New England Golden Gloves champion. Foster last fought at Mohegan Sun on June 30th, in a bout that was ruled a no contest due to an accidental headbutt. Having combined for 15 consecutive victories, in bouts in which official decisions were rendered, these are two red-hot fighters who will create a firestorm in the ring on Saturday night. The winner of this bout will be crowned the JR. NABF SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT CHAMPION.

Two more fighters from Connecticut, both new to the professional ranks, will also be featured on the card. JACOB “LEFTY” MARRERO, was a USA Boxing Connecticut amateur of the year winner and sports a fine amateur record of 58-7. He now trains out of the Ortiz Boxing Gym, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He was victorious in his pro debut in October 2018 in a bout in which he won by knockout. “Lefty,” as he has been nicknamed, due to his powerful left hand, will look to make it two in a row against ZSOLT KARVAJ (3-2, 2KO, Budapest, Hungary), the stablemate of headliner Adam Mate.

NATHAN MARTINEZ (1-0, New Britain, CT) is also new to the professional ranks. He also has a fine amateur pedigree. A 2015 qualifier for USA Boxing Junior Olympic Northeast Regional Championships, Nathan won the Thomas Costello Memorial Award as the Most Outstanding Boxer at the 71st annual Lowell Sun Charities Golden Gloves Championship. He looks to notch his second pro victory against JERROD MINOR (1-2-2, 1KO, Philadelphia, PA)

Come join us on January 26th and root on the local Connecticut boxers on the card or another of your own personal favorites. It should be a night of compelling action, dramatic knockouts and fine boxing skills.

Uncasville, Connecticut (January 11, 2019)

With January 26th rapidly approaching, the hype for STAR BOXING’S “SLUGFEST at the SUN” continues to build as one of its up-in-coming fighters is ready to defend his undefeated record. Connecticut’s own “ACTION” ANTHONY LAUREANO (9-0 3KO’s) of East Hartford is all set to battle in a featured bout at Mohegan Sun against RONALD “SAVAGE” RIVAS (5-8-2 3 KO’s).

The bout will be Laureano’s fourth fight at Mohegan Sun. Laureano earned the nickname “Action” for his relentless, come-forward fighting style. This style was clearly evident in his last fight against Waco, Texas veteran MARQUIS “THE HAWK” HAWTHORNE in a bout in which Laureano had the crowd on its feet. The fighters stood toe to toe for most of the fight, with Laureano earning a unanimous decision.

2018 was a successful year for Laureano who reeled off three consecutive victories. When the East Hartford native is in the ring, fans can always expect an exciting show from start to finish. As Laureano explained: People come to fights to “see action” and “to see somebody coming forward.” “I’m that fighter that always wants to fight.” Star Boxing’s “Slugfest at the Sun” always brings fireworks to Connecticut, and Laureano is continuing the tradition of aggressive fighters who never take a step in retreat and who deliver plenty of action and excitement.

Laureano had this to say about his upcoming bout: “Super excited to be returning home to the Mohegan Sun. This is my 4th fight at Mohegan and there is nothing like fighting there. The venue is beautiful and the crowd is amazing. It makes me fight harder. I love to bring the action to my Connecticut fans and family at Mohegan.Can’t wait for January 26th. I want to thank JOE DEGUARDIA and Star Boxing for giving me this opportunity. You don’t want to miss this one!”

In the main event of “SLUGFEST at the SUN” on January 26th, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (22-1 18 KO) will test his awesome punching power against the will and toughness of another fellow power puncher, Hungarian, ADAM “BAD BOY” MATE (28-13 21 KO). Seldin,who stunned Nelson Lara this past November, in a bout televised live on ESPN+, with his vicious body attack which resulted in a first round knockout, looks to continue his inexorable climb to the Super Lightweight championship. With both fighters bringing heavy artillery into the ring the fans can look forward to an exciting slugfest.
Get your tickets to January 26th, #SLUGFESTattheSUN live from Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
Tickets start at JUST $29. (plus venue fee)
BUY TICKETS HERE!

INFO:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN”: KO ARTIST CLETUS SELDIN RETURNS TO MOHEGAN SUN
In the main event of “SLUGFEST at the SUN” on January 26th, CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (22-1 18 KO) will face another big puncher in Hungarian, Adam Mate. Seldin, one of the premier punchers in his division looks to continue his quest for the Super Lightweight championship by testing his mettle against the will and toughness of Mate. When two bangers such as Seldin and Mate square off in the ring the fans are treated to plenty of thrills and action.

FACTS:
“SLUGFEST at the SUN” is presented by Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing. The event takes place Saturday, January 26th at Mohegan Sun, in Uncasville, CT.

Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightest in boxing. This includes, three-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, former WBC International Light Heavyweight champion Joe “Beast” Smith Jr., world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Famer, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the northeast’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.

The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly, action packed, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.

On January 26th, Star Boxing plans to start your year off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN.”
PAST RELEASES:
SELDIN VS. MATE MAIN EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
TICKETS:
Tickets for the live event start at $29 (plus venue fee) and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com by clicking HERE or by going to www.StarBoxing.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Mohegan Sun Box Office at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT.
MOHEGAN SUN:
Mohegan Sun Arena is now ranked consistently among the top venues in the world according to Billboard Magazine, Pollstar and Venues Today. It has won “Casino of The Year” at the Country Music Awards in 2008 & 2010 and in 2013, was voted “Arena of The Year” at the G2E Global Gaming Conference in Las Vegas. Mohegan Sun Arena was also ranked among the top 10 arena venues in the nation for 2014, regardless of size. In 2015, Mohegan Sun took home the IEBA award for “Casino of the Year.” Mohegan Sun also won “Casino of the Year” in 2 categories at the 2013 & 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit Mohegan Sun. For information on this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711, ext. 27163.

New York, December 19, 2018

Star Boxing returns to Mohegan Sun on January 26th, for another edition of the exciting “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster! More information on the undercard will follow, so stay tuned to Star Boxing on all social media platforms, @StarBoxing, for announcements.

“SLUGFEST at the SUN” at Mohegan Sun will kickstart an incredible year of boxing. Be there to start your 2019 off with a bang. Be sure to get your tickets now, through Ticketmaster, HERE.

CLETUS “THE HEBREW HAMMER” SELDIN (Long Island, NY 22-1 18KO) is bringing his devastating punching power to the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville CT, in the main event of an eagerly anticipated Star Boxing show on January 26th. Seldin will face the heavy-hitting Hungarian, ADAM “BAD BOY” MATE (28-13 21KO), in a scheduled 10 round Jr. Welterweight contest. Seldin is coming fresh off his first round knockout of Nelson Lara last month in Oklahoma on ESPN+.

With 21 KOs in his 28 victories, Mate is a formidable puncher in his own right. A victory for the Hungarian would instantly propel him into prominence and he is sure to go all out to capitalize on this opportunity. For Seldin, a win would place him at the doorstep of a world championship. When two punchers such as Seldin and Mate square off against one another, in a high-stakes contest such as this, both will be gunning for the knockout and an exciting finish is expected.

Cletus Seldin had this to say about his upcoming bout: “I am excited to be fighting Adam Mate in front of my loyal fans at Mohegan Sun. I love that star boxing keeps me active. On January 26th you will see that I am ready to contend for the 140 lb. World Championship.”

Adam Mate commented: “I am ready to capitalize on this great opportunity and look forward to displaying my talent in front of a U.S. audience.”

JOE DEGUARDIA, CEO and promoter of Star Boxing said this about SLUGFEST at the SUN: “We are excited to be back at Mohegan Sun to showcase knockout artist Cletus Seldin against Adam Mate. Both Seldin and Mate will put on a show that will thrill the fans.”

For more information on #SeldinMate, click here.
ABOUT “SLUGFEST at the SUN”:
Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series is the premier professional boxing experience in Connecticut. Live from the beautiful Mohegan Sun Arena, “SLUGFEST at the SUN” has seen some of the best and brightness in boxing. This includes, three-time world champion Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, former WBC International Light Heavyweight champion Joe “The Beast” Smith, Jr., and world title challenger Delvin Rodriguez, amongst many others.

Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, Joe DeGuardia, has consistently given the boxing fans of Connecticut, world class fights, right in their own backyard. “SLUGFEST at the SUN” also gives the northeast’s rising boxing stars an avenue to world title contention. From world title fights, to world class boxing skill, Mohegan Sun has seen it all, delivered by Star Boxing.

The “SLUGFEST at the SUN” series offers an affordable, fan friendly, entertaining night out, that is guaranteed to have you on your feet from the opening bell.

On JANUARY 26TH, Star Boxing plans to kick your new year off right, with yet another thrilling “SLUGFEST at the SUN” experience.
GET YOUR “SLUGFEST at the SUN” TICKETS TODAY!
FIGHT NIGHT: SATURDAY, JANUARY 26TH, 2019
BUY TICKETS HERE!
TICKETS:
Tickets starting at $29.00 (plus facility fee) are now on sale through Mohegan Sun Box Office, Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 1 (800) 745-3000. Additional information and ticket links available by visiting www.starboxing.com.
SOCIAL MEDIA:
For more information follow Star Boxing on Twitter and Instagram; @StarBoxing, Facebook; www.facebook.com/StarBoxing; visit www.StarBoxing.com or Mohegan Sun on Twitter and Instagram; @MoheganSun, Facebook; www.facebook.com/MoheganSun. Follow the conversation by tweeting #SLUGFESTattheSUN

LOS ANGELES –Forget Anthony Joshua. Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury still have some unfinished business.

A Wilder-Fury draw in a terrific fight Saturday night at Staples Center made a rematch a lot more likely than a big money date with Joshua for either heavyweight.

Both Fury and Wilder showed great resilience, power and – in the end – guts in a bout that was close most of the time.

In the final three minutes, both fighters fought their way out of trouble and defeat.

Wilder needed at least a knockdown. He got it with a concussive right-left combo. For a fleeting second, it looked as if Fury would not get up. Wilder went to a neutral corner, rolled his shoulders and smiled.

But the celebration was premature. He, like everybody else, had underestimated Fury, who about a year ago was about 150 pounds heavier than he was at opening bell for Showtime pay-per-view bout.

Fury got up, avoided the loss, survived for another day, another shot at Wilder. Judge Alejandro Rochin of Mexico scored it 115-111 for Wilder. Robert Tapper of Canada scored it 114-112 for Fury on a card initially announced at 114-110 and then corrected. The third card announced was from judge Phil Edwards, who scored it 113-113. Edwards is from the UK, Fury’s home country. UK fans filled Staples Center. They probably wanted to give Edwards his Brexit papers. But they, too, probably want a rematch

“Let’s do it,’’ said Wilder (40-0-1, 39 KOs), who kept his World Boxing Council belt. “In the UK, wherever. Wherever there’s the most money.’’

If the Staples crowd reaction was any indication, both Fury and Wilder can expect raise. Wilder was guaranteed $4 million, according to the California Commission. Fury collected a $3 million guarantee. The crowd screamed for more, especially through the six final rounds.

In the early going, Fury appeared to be in control. Wilder missed and missed with his big wind-up shots. But in the ninth, Wilder’s feared power touched Fury just enough to knock down the Manchester City fighter for the first of two times.

“With two knockdowns, I thought won the fight,’’ Wilder said.

But the clever Fury made Wilder looked awkward with agile footwork. It often left Wilder looking like a windmill, swinging his arms aimlessly, above and short of Fury. All the while, Fury mocked him.

“Listen, I got knocked down twice,’’ Fury said. “But I got up twice and won the fight.’’

The argument will continue. The only answer rests in a rematch.

Hurd’s body shot ends Welborn’s upset bid

Jarrett Hurd calls himself Swift. Make that Swift To Respond.

Just as it looked as if Hurd (23-0, 16 KOs) might lose his junior-middleweight belts in a significant upset, he rallied, throwing a wicked body shot that finished the UK’s Jason Welborn (24-7, 7 KOs) at 1:55 of the fourth round.

The aggressive Welborn had been rocking Hurd with repeated shots from head to body through three-plus rounds. Then, Hurd, of Accokeek, MD, decided to go to work. He got it done with one punch.

Luis Ortiz ends dull fight with 10th-round stoppage

The Staples crowd booed. But Luis Ortiz didn’t hear their impatience until the end. Finally, however, the Cuban heavyweight did what could have been done five rounds earlier. He stopped Travis Kauffman of Reading, Penn., midway though the 10th and final round with a succession of punches.

Ortiz (29-1, 25 KOs) also knocked down Kauffman (32-3, 23 KOs) in sixth, eighth and earlier in the 10th. For Ortiz, there’s been talk of a rematch with Deontay Wilder, who was waiting in his dressing room waiting to defend his WBC title against Tyson Fury. Wilder got up from a knockdown and stopped Ortiz in the Cuban’s only loss.

UK heavyweight Joe Joyce opens pay-per-view card with first-round stoppage

Joe Joyce opened the Showtime pay-per-view part of the Fury-Wilder card at Staples with a UK accent. Joyce (7-0, 7 KOs) also kept it short and sweet, scoring a first-round stoppage of Newark heavyweight Joe Hanks (23-3, 15 KOs).

Joyce landed a right that forced Hanks to hold on to the ropes. Without those ropes, he would have been on the canvas. It should have been scored a knockdown. It wasn’t, but it didn’t matter. Seconds later, Joyce landed left, dropping Hanks, who was flat on the floor with no chance of continuing in a that ended at 2:25 of the first.

Guerrero wins comeback bout in a swift stoppage

It didn’t take long for Robert Guerrero to start his comeback. To be exact, he got it done within two rounds against overmatched Hungarian Adam Mate (28-13, 21 KOs). In winning a second-round stoppage, the 35-year-old Guerrero (34-6-1, 19 KOs) scored a knockdown in the first and two more in the second, unleashing three reasons to think his comeback has a real chance at succeeding.

Wilder family stays unbeaten with a Marcellos victory

The Wilders kept the 0 in the family midway through a card Saturday that would end with Deontay Wilder’s heavyweight title defense against Tyson Fury in a Showtime -pay-per-view bout.

Marcellos Wilder, Deontay’s little brother and a big cruiserweight, went to 3-0 (2 KOs) with a unanimous decision of David Damore (1-4-3) of Bakersfield, Calif. Marcellus, whose record includes two KOs, flashed some of Deontay’s power, knocking Damore through the ropes in the second round.

Light-flyweight Jessie Rodriquez stays unbeaten, wins unanimous decision

Jessie Rodriquez, a San Antonio light-flyweight trained by Robert Garcia, was quick and accurate, an overwhelming combination in a one-sided decision over Josue Morales (8-9-3) in the second bout on a card featured by the Wilder-Fury heavyweight title fight.

Philadelphia light-middle weight Julian Williams scores quick stoppage

It was never a question of if, just when. The when was early. A stronger Julian Williams (25-2, 16 KOs), a Philadelphia light-middleweight, sent Mexican Francisco Javier Castro (28-9, 23 KOs) crashing into the ropes. Seconds later, Castro was unable to defend himself in a bout stopped at 2:40 of the second round.

First Bell: UK featherweight Isaac Lowe wins fifth-round stoppage in opener to Fury-Wilder card

UK fans were still singing outside Staples Center when a UK fighter struck an opening key that they hope to hear throughout Saturday.

UK featherweight Isaac Lowe (16-0-3, 6 KOs) opened the Tyson Fury-Deontay Wilder show with a matinee victory, landing undefended strikes to the head and body that floored Argentine Lucas Rafael Baez (33-17-5, 17 KOs) twice in the fifth round. At 2:11 of the fifth, the non-televised bout was over in a stoppage that left a dazed and slumped over on a stool for a couple of minutes before he could leave the ring under his own power.