WORCESTER, Mass. (November 3, 2024) – World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. Junior Middleweight Champion Josniel “TG” Castro (14-1, 8 KOs) turned in a dominating performance last Friday night against previously undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (14-1, 8 KOs) in the main event on the “Worcester Championship Boxing” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at DCU Event Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida, Castro made his first title defense memorable by out-boxing Whitley for a 10-round unanimous decision (100-90, 99-91, 98-92). Castro’s crisp jab set-up his point-scoring combinations and also prevented Whitley from gaining any momentum throughout the clash.

Whitley, of Holyoke (MA), is the NABF welterweight champion who moved up in weight to challenge Puerto Rico-native Castro.

“I’m at a different level,” Castro said after the fight about the statement he had made in the ring. “I’ve been working very hard. I just fought here (Worcester) in August, but my manager (Chuck Shearns) wanted to make this fight, so we did. I worked on my jab and showed I could land it – up and down – in the fight. The best is yet to come.”

Kevin Nagle (R) remained undefeated with a win over Jake Paradise

In the co-featured event, undefeated Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle (10-0, 8 KOs) peppered a game Jake “No Love” Paradise (8-4, 8 KOs), the former Massachusetts Cruiserweight Champion fighting in front of a hometown crowd, who suffered an injury to his left knee in the first round. Nagle, of Scituate (MA), consistently trapped the immobile Paradise and connected with combinations from various angles to win a fourth-round technical knockout and capture the vacant WBC U.S. Silver Heavyweight title.

Popular Worcester welterweight Dan “Grafton Hill’s Favorite Son” Docimo (1-0, 1 KO) thought he had notched his second victory when Jaequez Jones (0-3) went down in the opening round and couldn’t continue. However, the referee ruled that Docimo had pushed Jones, who hit his head on the mat and was too injured to continue, resulting in a “no contest”.

Haitian junior middleweight Edwine Humaine, Jr., fighting out of Springfield (MA), improved to 10-0 (8 KOs) with a first-round knockout of Jimmy “The Quiet Storm” Williams (18-16-2, 6 KOs) with a short body-shot that Williams was unable to recover from.

Hometown favorite Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (19-7, 14 KOs) outclassed veteran middleweight Daniel “Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre (13-27-2, 5 KOs) enroute to an explosive ending late in the sixth round. The fighters were trash talking throughout the bout and Gray eventually caught him with a powerful right that knocked out Sostre in a neutral corner.

Two-time New England Golden Gloves Champion Justin “The Bandit” Laporte (2-0,2 KOs), fighting out of nearby Millbury (MA), won a one-sided, four-round unanimous decision over junior middleweight Rakim Johnson (7-24-1, 5 KOs) in an entertaining match from start to finish. Laporte scored two knockdowns in each of the second and third rounds, although he was buzzed a few times himself. A left uppercut sent the resilient Johnson down again in the fourth and final round, but he somehow made it to his feet, and he was still standing at the end of the fight. Laporte, a southpaw, is a U.S. Marine, licensed realtor and college student (Nichols College).

Another two-time New England Golden Gloves Champion, Jhon “Dwave” Devers Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), floored middleweight Tymar Miles (0-4) three times in round one, all the result of an overhand right, forcing the referee to wave off the fight after the third knockdown. Born in Puerto Rico, Rodriguez fights out of Worcester.

In the opening bout of the evening, 17-year-old Chicopee (MA) junior middleweight Adrian Valdez Reyes (2-0, 2 KOs) dropped Tracey Coppedge (0-5) twice in the opening round, the second time on the canvas earned Reyes the knockout victory as Coppedge was unable to beat the count after a left dropped him.

Official results below:

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“Worcester Championship Boxing” Official Results

MAIN EVENT – WBC U.S. JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Josniel Castro (14-1, 8 KOs), Champion, Boca Raton, FL

WDEC (100-90, 99-91, 98-92)

Denzel Whitley (14-1, 8 KOs), Challenger, Holyoke, MA

(Castro retained the WBC US junior middleweight title)

CO-FEATURE – VACANT WBC U.S. SILVER HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Kevin Nagle (10-0, 8 KOs), Scituate, MA

WTKO4 (1 :45).

Jake Paradise (8-4, 8 KOs), Worcester, MA

(Nagle won the WBC US Silver heavyweight title)

MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Khiary Gray (19-7, 14 KOs), Worcester, MA

WKO6 (2:21)

Daniel Sostre (13-27-2, 5 KOs), San Juan, Puerto Rico

Jhon Devers Rodriguez (2-0, 2 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO1 (1:00)

Tymar Miles (0-4), Poughkeepsie, NY

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Edwine Humaine, Jr. (8-0, 9 KOs), Springfield, MA

WKO1 (3:00)

Jimmy Williams (18-16-2, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT

Justin Laporte (2-0, 1 KO), Millbury, MA

WDEC4 (40-32, 39-33, 39-33)

Rakim Johnson (7-24-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

Adrian Valdez Reyes 2-0 (2 KOs), Chicopee, MA

WKO1 (1:09)

Tracey Coppedge (0-5), Wilson, NC

WELTERWEIGHTS

Dan Docimo (1-0, 1 KO), Worcester, MA

NC1 (0:28)

Jaequez Jones (0-4), Rocky Mount, NC

QUINCY, Mass. (September 19, 2024) – “Worcester Championship Boxing,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be headlined by a title fight that is a legitimate 2024 New England Fight of the Year candidate, at DCU Event Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Josniel “TG” Castro (13-1, 8 KOs) will defend his newly captured World Boxing Council (WBC) U.S. super welterweight title in the 10-round main event against undefeated challenger Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (14-0, 8 KOs), of Holyoke, Massachusetts.

“This is going to be the biggest main event in Massachusetts for 2024,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti exclaimed. “Two guys with something to prove. The winner will end up world-rated by the WBC, this is as good as it gets!”

The 27-year-old Castro, fighting out of Boca Raton, Florida, has endured an arduous trip to get where he is today, including a stretch in which he was homeless and on his own. Whitley, 26, is a legacy boxer, who was practically born in the ring. His father and head trainer, Derrick Whitley, and uncle/assistant trainer Darren Whitley, were solid prizefighters from 1995 to 2003. The twin brothers own, operate and train Denzel at their Whitley Brothers Boxing and Fitness in Holyoke.

Both team camps should be credited for accepting the GCP offer of this potentially explosive fight between the pair of talented, promising prospects. Neither fighter is interested in building their records the old-fashioned, easy way of fighting overmatched foes.

“I took this fight because he (Whitley) isn’t on my level,” Castro said. “They called Chuck (Castro’s manager Chuck Shearns), and I was down for it. It’s a perfect fight for us. He has a good record, and it’ll look good on my resume. I’m defending my belt and leaving there (Worcester) with a victory.

“Right now, everything in my life is smooth. I’m ready to take it to the next level in boxing and that’s what I’m focused on. I’m doing anything I can to get to the next level, taking it one step at a time. I think this fight can get me to the next level. The victory I’m about to get will better position me for better fights, pay and platforms. I want to defend my title and, afterwards, maybe I’ll stay at 154 or drop down to 147.

“He (Whitley) is a late starter. I keep the same pace and pick it up later. I’m looking forward to this fight and putting on a clinic. If a knockout comes, it comes, but I’m not going to be looking for it. Nobody is taking my belt!”

Whitley, of course, thinks otherwise. He has had tremendous success fighting as a welterweight, capturing the Massachusetts and USBF welterweight crowns, and he’s still the reigning North American Boxing Federation champion.

Denzel Whitley (L)

“I’m going to try something new, fighting at 154, because it was starting to be hard for me right now to get to 147,” Whitley explained. “So, I’m fighting at 154 and I’ll be in shape and feeling good about my body and mindset. I was given this opportunity to fight at 154 for another belt and that gives me added motivation. I have to do what’s good for me and I want to fight. I’ve had a little trouble making weight (147 lbs.) and I’m taking this test at 154. If I feel good, I may stay at 154, or I could shoot back down to 147. I like to challenge myself. Why not give this a try?

“Anything you do in sports, or to make achievements in life, you need to be great and take chances. I want to be great and I’m going to go get it. Fights aren’t going to get easier (at this stage of his career), so I’m taking a shot. This is my job and I’m ready to go.

“He (Castro) is a decent boxer who has lateral movement. But we have a game plan that I’m not going to reveal. I think it’ll be a very entertaining fight. I’m not going to back down; I’m going to bring it to him. I’m coming for that strap!”

Located in the center of Massachusetts, Worcester has become the second home for Castro and Whitley. Castro was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Lawrence (MA), and lived in-and-out of foster homes for years until he was 18, including a time when he was homeless and living in an abandoned building.

“I’ve fought in Worcester a lot (3 times, including his title-winning performance in his last fight this past August at Polar Park),” Castro noted. “It’s like my second home. I’m originally from Lawrence, not too far from Worcester. I’ve also fought on cards near Worcester — Webster and Framingham – and a lot of fans from Worcester were there. I’m comfortable fighting in Worcester.”

Whitley countered, “Worcester isn’t too far from my home, about a 50-minute drive, and this will be my fourth fight in a row in Worcester. It’s a nice city and I’ve added a few fans from there. I consider Worcester my second home. The atmosphere there – the fans always show me love – gives me even more energy. I’ve never fought at DCU Center and I’m excited to take on a new venue.”

DCU Center, formerly called Worcester Centrum, has hosted several major boxing events during the past 40 years like the 2010 U.S. Olympic Boxing Trials, Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard’s successful comeback fight versus Kevin Howard in 1984, and several world title fights featuring Worcester’s Jose Antonio Rivera, who defeated Alejandro Garcia Hernandez in 2005 to capture the WBA super welterweight title on a Don King-promoted event.

The full card will soon be announced. Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale at www.ticketmaster.com. Doors open at 6 pm ET, first bout at 7 pm ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

WORCESTER, Mass. (March 25, 2024) – Undefeated prospect Dennzel “Double Impact” Whitley (14-0, 8 KOs) remained undefeated, winning last Saturday night’s “Pandemonium at The Palladium 3” main event with a second-round stoppage of late replacement Joe Wilson, Jr. (3-7, 0 KOs).

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 3,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), was streamed on www.BXNGTV.com live from the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Whitley dropped Wilson at the end of round one with a nifty one-two, but he managed to rise to beat the count. Wilson may have survived but it was only temporarily, as Whitley unloaded a perfect left hook that sent Wilson to the canvas. Referee Gene Del Bianco immediately stopped the fight without counting.

The 25-year-old Whitley, fighting out of Holyoke (MA), is the reigning Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF), Massachusetts and United States Boxing Federation (USBF) welterweight champion.

The Sumpter brothers, fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), fought on the same card for the first time in 21 months. IBA Americas Super Middleweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0-1, 7 KOs) fought Antonio Louis “Tony The Beast” Hernandez (7-18-3, 4 KOs) to an eight-round majority draw in a non-title fight. Sumpter seemed to be loading up for one big punch during the first few rounds, but in the sixth round, southpaw Sumpter let his hands go, connecting on several occasions. Knowing the fight was close, Sumpter came out in the eighth round on the attack, belting Hernandez with some punishing punches, but he didn’t sustain the pressure, forcing the action only in spurts.

Sumpter’s older brother, heavyweight Quintin Sumpter (7-2, 4 KOs), out-punched a game, colorful Zach Calmus (1-1), of Gloucester (MA), in a bombs-away encounter for a four-round unanimous decision. Sumpter dropped the awkward Calmus with a left hook to the top of the head only seconds prior to the end of fourth and final round.

Springfield (MA) super featherweight Carlos “El Gallo” Gonzalez (11-0, 10 KOs), the new Massachusetts Champion, kept his undefeated record intact with another dominant performance, blasting Aldimar Silva (22-25, 14 KOs) from the opening bell until the end. Gonzalez hurt Silva with a shot and then jumped all over him, battering him in a neutral corner with 10-unanswered punches, the last forcing Silva to take a knee. Referee Gene Del Bianco counted to eight, but he didn’t like what he saw in the eyes of the former Brazilian Super Bantamweight Champion and stopped the fight. Gonzalez has stopped all but one of his 11 opponents as a pro fighter.

One of New England’s elite fighters, World Boxing Association’s (WBA) No. 14 rated super featherweight William “The Silent Assassin” Foster, III (16-1, 10 KOs), a 2-time New England Golden Gloves Champion and reigning WBA Fedecentro Champion, faced Lucas “El Pibe” Mignoni (14-6, 4 Kos), of Argentina. Fighting out of New Haven (CT), Foster dropped Mignoni with a vicious left hook to the body that dropped the Argentinian to his knees, and he was unable to beat the referee Del Bianco’s count.

The newest member of the CGP stable, Dorchester (MA) lightweight Jonathan de Pina (13-2, 6 KOs), knocked out Michael “Titan” Taylor (1-7) in the second round. De Pina, the 2018 New England Golden Gloves Champion, unloaded in the second after a feeling-out first round, trapping Taylor in a neutral corner and pounding him until referee Paul Casey waved off the fight.

(L) – Jonathan de Pina was victorious in his GCP debut

Southpaw Jetter Burgos (8-1, 6 KOs), fighting out of the Bronx, outclassed super welterweight Linwood “Mr. Composure” Dozier (10-36-3, 5 KOs) in the opening fight of the evening, mixing in a steady diet of crisp combinations and powerful body shots en route to a six-round unanimous decision.

Complete Results Below:

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OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT — SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Denzel Whitley (14-0, 8 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WTKO2 (0:35)

Joe Wilson, Jr. (3-7, 0 KOs), Manchester, CT

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Quinton Sumpter (7-2, 4 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

WDEC4 (40-35, 40-35, 40-35)

Zach Calmus (1-1, 1 KO), Gloucester, MA

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Steve Sumpter (9-0-1, 7 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

D8 (76-76, 76-76, 75-77)

Tony Hernandez (7-12-3, 4 KOs), Liberty, MO

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Jetter Burgos (8-1, 6 KOs), Bronx, NY

WDEC6 (60-54, 60-54, 60-53)

Linwood Dozier (10-36-3, 5 KOs), Belcamp, MD

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Jonathan de Pina (13-5, 6 KOs), Dorchester, MA

WTKO2 (2:39)

Michael Taylor (1-7, 0 KOs), Cortland, NY

SUPER FEATHERWEIGHTS

Carlos Gonzalez (11-0, 10 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKOI1 (2:27)

Aldimar Silva (22-25, 14 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil

William Foster III (17-1, 11 KOs), New Haven, CT

WKO1 (1:06)

Lucas Mignon (14-6, 4 KOs), Buenos Aires, Argentina

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Granite Chin returns May 11th with “Rumble at the Rink” at Quincy Youth Arena in Quincy, MA.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

WORCESTER, Mass. (December 10, 2023) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (13-0, 7 KOs) settled unfinished business in last night’s “Pandemonium at The Palladium 2” main event, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

All of the action was streamed live on BXNGTV.com from the famed Palladium in Worcester. GCP partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families.

In a fight that almost happened several times in the past, unbeaten welterweight Whitley and Larson finally met to settle unfinished business for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship. Neither had fought in a 10-rounder until last night.

After a “feeling out” first round, the strategy was for Whitley to keep his hands high and effectively counter punch, while the tough, rugged Larson more than lived up to his nickname (“Lionheart”), charging forward and throwing punches from various angles. A steady diet of counter punches enabled Whitley to take control, knocking Larson’s mouthpiece out twice early in the fight when Whitley trapped him in the corners.

The action somewhat slowed in the sixth and seventh rounds as the always poised Whitley continued to breakdown a game Larson, who kept coming at the start of the eighth, but Whitley remained dominant and unfazed by Larson’s aggressive style.

Larson was penalized a point in the ninth round when his mouthpiece came out for the fifth time during the clash. Clearly the Fighter of the Night, Whitley only had to remain upright to win, but he chose to fight right to the end, firing shots until the final bell. The judges’ wide range of scoring resulted in a somewhat questionable 10-round split decision win for Whitley (99-90, 97-92, 92-97.

“He (Larson) said he was strong, and he was,” Whitley said after the fight. “That kid is tough. If you judge by competition in a full fight this was my best fight. Every time he threw his right hand, I countered with uppercuts. I thought I was going to get him out of there, but when I had him on the ropes, he got too close to me for me to have the right range, and he got out and came right back. I have to give it up to him. The question going into this fight was who was left in New England for the winner. I think I will have to move around, fighting outside of New England in 2024, and hopefully I’ll move up in the WBC rankings after this win.”

Denzel Whitley is crowned the new NABF Welterweight Champion

Whitley is also the reigning Massachusetts and United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Welterweight Champion.

Hometown favorite Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (22-1-3, 12 KOs), of Worcester, captured his third title belt, the vacant USBF light heavyweight, stopping his Venezuelan opponent, former WBA Fedelatin Super Welterweight Champion Heber Rondon (20-6, 13 KOs), at the tail end of the first round. Ball drilled Rondon with a body shot and unleashed a couple of additional punches that dropped Rondon on his back. Ball added the USBF belt to his hardware collection that includes the New England middleweight and WBC USA Silver super middleweight straps.

Marshfield (MA) welterweight Joe Bush, a 2023 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, turned in a spectacular pro debut performance versus Jemorean Smith (0-2). Bush stopped Smith with a perfectly placed shot to the stomach that dropped Smith to his knees. He failed to beat the referee’s 10-count for a Bush knockout at the 58-second mark of round one.

Joe Bush had his hand raised in victory in his pro debut

Coming out of the corner with vengeance in his eyes, aggressive Douglas (MA) junior middleweight Robert Degaetano (2-0, 2 KOs) blasted out Devon Grant (0-7) in the opening round, flooring Grant three times to earn a technical knockout victory.

Degaetano unloaded a barrage of unanswered punches for the first knockdown, followed by a six-punch combination for the second, and a left to the head and right to the body sent Grant down again and the referee waved off the action.

In arguably the Fight of the Night, Worcester junior middleweight Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (17-6, 13 KOs) won a very competitive six-round unanimous decision (58-56 X 3) over cagey Jimmy “The Quiet Storm” Williams (18-14-2, 6 KOs), despite the New Haven fighter recording the lone knockdown of the fight. Gray fought for the first time in two years and his ring rust showed as he missed punches early, but he buzzed Williams in the second and buckled his opponent’s knees in the fourth. A former college football player who only two years ago defeated world champion Yuri Foreman, Williams used his experience and athleticism to great advantage, scoring a flash knockdown in the fourth.

Undefeated Springfield (MA) lightweight prospect Carlos “El Gallo” Gonzalez extended his win streak to nine with his eighth knockout. Gonzalez sent Nathan Benichou (2-19-1, 2 KOs) to the canvas in the opening round via a quick left-right combination. Gonzalez attacked full force in the second and closed the show with a lightning quick one-two.

Scituate (MA) heavyweight Kevin “Big Gulp” Nagle improved to 5-0 with his fifth knockout when pro-debuting Tadeu Costa was unable to continue after three rounds.

Cuban southpaw Danny Lafos Poll (3-0, 3 KOs) sent junior middleweight Bryan Goldsby (5-20) to the canvas three times by the middle of round one. The first was by way of a left cross, second a body shot, and the last a left to the head after which the referee stopped the fight.

Junior welterweight Carlos Marrero III (6-9-3, 1 KO) registered a mild upset, knocking out Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (16-23-4, 12 KOs) with a straight right hand in the second round. It was Marrero’s first knockout of his 18-fight pro career.

Famous Wilson (3-0, 3 KOs) dropped super middleweight Nata Gomes (0-3) with a body shot, followed by another knockdown, when the referee halted the action at 2:15 of the opening round.

Springfield junior welterweight Edwine Humaine (3-0, 3 KOs) only needed 19 seconds to stop pro-debuting Terrence Richardson, who was dropped by a three-punch combination, never recovering from the first shot to the body.

Four-time New England Golden Gloves champion Keno Luna, of Worcester, will need to wait a little longer for his pro debut. His scheduled fight last night was cancelled when his opponent, Moises Rivera, didn’t show up at the venue to fight even though he weighed in the day before.

Complete results below:

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OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT JUNIOR NABF WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Denzel Whitley (13-0, 7 KOs), Holyoke, MA.

WDEC10 (99-90, 97-92, 92-97)

Kenny Larson (7-1-1, 5 KOs), Salem, MA.

(Whitley won vacant Junior NABF welterweight title)

VACANT USBF LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Kendrick Ball, Jr. (22-1-3, 13 KOs), Worcester, MA

WKO1 (2:59)

Heber Rondon (20-6, 13 KOs), Los Teques, Venezuela

(Ball won vacant USBF light heavyweight title)

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Kevin Nagle (5-0, 5 KOs), Scituate, MA

WTKO3 (3:00)

Tadeu Costa (0-1), Boston, MA by way of Brazil

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Famous Wilson (3-0, 2 KOS), Stoney Brook, NY

WTKO1 (2:15)

Nata Gomes (0-3), Los Angeles, CA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Robert Degaetano (2-0, 2 KOs), Douglas, MA

WKO1 (1:02).

Devon Grant (0-7), Harlem, NY

Khiary Gray (18-6, 13 KOs), Worcester, MA

WDEC6 (58-56, 58-56, 58-56)

Jimmy Williams (18-14-2, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT

Danny Lafos Poll (3-0, 3 KOs), Santiago, Cuba

WTKO1 (1:43)

Bryan Goldsby (5-20, 0 KOs), Macon, GA

Keno Luna (0-0, 0 KO), Worcester, MA

CANCELED

Moises Rivera (0-9), Worcester, MA

WELTERWEIGHTS

Joe Bush (1-0, 1 KO), Marshfield, MA

WKO1 (0:58)

Jemorean Smith (0-2), Wilson, NC

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS

Carlos Marrero III (6-9-3, 1 KOs), Bridgeport, CT

WKO2 (0:53)

Tyrone Luckey (16-23-4, 12 KOs), Manahawkin, NJ

Edwine Humaine (3-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA by way of Haiti

WKO1 (0:19)

Terrence Richardson (0-1), Wilson, NC

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Carlos Gonzalez (9-0, 8 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKO2 (1:20)

Nathan Benichou (2-19-1, 2 KOs), Puebla City, Mexico by way of France

QUINCY, Mass. (October 31, 2023) – Old-time boxing returns Friday night, December 9, in Worcester (MA), as Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) presents “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” featuring a roster of legitimate fighters in real fights.

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” will be streamed live from the famed Palladium on BXNGTV.com. GCP has also partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families.

Undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will headline in the 10-round main event for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship in a rebirth of a longtime Bay State rivalry.

Whitley, of Holyoke, represents Western, Massachusetts, Salem’s Larson is from Eastern, Mass. It’s also a fight between a legacy fighter, Whitley, who is trained by his father Derrick and uncle Darrin, who were solid pro fighters during the 1990’s into the first decade of the 21^st century; Larson is a throwback fighter who only asks who, where and when he’s fighting.

And Whitley and Larson, as rare as it may be among contemporary boxers, are unbeaten prospects fighting each other, which is a sure sign of old-time boxing.

“This is a critical fight for both fighters at this stage in their career,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “The winner moves on to legitimate prospect status, while whoever falls short will have to regroup and rebuild a little bit. It is about time these two guys finally get into the ring with each other and give local boxing fans an exciting main event. The styles of each guy contrast perfectly Denzel is more of a boxer, Kenny is a pressure fighter; this is a can’t miss entertainment with the Junior NABF title on the line.”

Whitley is the reigning Massachusetts and United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Atlantic Welterweight Champion, although neither of his two regional titles will be on the line versus Larson.

Whitley vs. Larson was supposed to happen a few times, but they have not met in the ring yet. They are both anxious to take care of unfinished business on Dec. 9 in Worcester. This showdown will also mark the first scheduled 10-round fight for both combatants.

“I can’t say it (delay) will necessarily help me,” said Whitley, who was known as a notoriously slow starter until his most recent fight (August 18, 2023) at The Palladium, when he needed only 25-seconds to stop Hector Esnar Bobadilla. “I was ready before and now for this fight. It’s my first 10-round fight and I’ve gotten more rounds to be in my best shape. I’m on a belt run and want to add my third title.    My style was to get in rounds to get the proper feel and adapt in the ring. My father and uncle have wanted me to start faster, and I did in my last fight.

“I don’t know much about my opponent. He likes to fight, I like that. We do have unfinished business and we’re finally getting that now. I need to get him out of the way and move on to the next fight. He comes forward, an old-fashioned fighter, and that will make for a good fight. When I capture this belt, I hope to move up in the rankings and it helps get me a big shot in a big venue against a big name.”

Larson, who was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist, registered the most significant victory of his career last July, when he won an eight-round split decision over highly respected Brandon Higgins (10-3). But he came back less than a month later to fight Alfred Raymond, which ended in a six-round split decision.”

“A relief,” Larson expressed his feelings about finally fighting Whitley. “This is what I want and I’m glad to get a chance to prove myself. (The delay) Helped me a little because of the experience I’ve gained. I know I wasn’t at my best, but I had just fought Higgins in the fight of my life. I didn’t get a rest to recover from the fight with Higgins. Since then, though, my mind frame was clear in training camp because I had a vacation after my last fight.

“Denzel has a good record. I’m looking to prove myself against the best. He’s the best…..right now. I’m going to fight my fight at my pace. I don’t care about fighting him in Worcester. My fans travel no matter where I fight. I’m a throwback who is a rough kid that can fight.”  

Also fighting on the loaded “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2,” card is undefeated International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Super Middleweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), who will face an opponent to be determined in the 10-round co-featured event. Sumpter, fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), is one of the hottest prospects in the Northeast, coming off an impressive performance against previously unbeaten James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) by way of an eight-round majority decision in the main event this past August at The Palladium.

Also scheduled to be in action are a pair of Worcester fighters, light heavyweight Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (21-1-3, 12 KOs) and super welterweight Khiary “Too Sharp” Gray (17-6, 13 KOs). Ball is a former New England Middleweight and WBC USA Super Middleweight Champion, who will be fighting in a 10-rounder for the vacant USBF title. Pitts will be in his first fight in two years.

Card subject to change. Additional fights and fighters will soon be announced.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

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X (Twitter): @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (October 16, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced its return to Worcester (MA), closing out 2023 with arguably its best top-to-bottom card ever, “Pandemonium at the Palladium 2”, on Friday night, December 9^th at The Palladium.

GCP has partnered with Project New Hope, a Worcester-based charity that supports veterans and their families. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to Project New Hope, which provides basic needs, retreats providing healing opportunities, and its assistance program helps to “connect the dots” for those struggling to navigate current government systems.

Undefeated Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs) and unbeaten Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0-1, 5 KOs) will throw down in the 10-round main event for the vacant Junior North American Boxing Federation (NABF) Welterweight Championship. Whitley, of Holyoke (MA), is the reigning Massachusetts and USBF Atlantic Welterweight Champion, while Larson, of Salem (MA), represents the toughest test of Whitley’s young career.

Undefeated IBA Americas Super Middleweight Champion Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs) will put his unblemished pro record on the line against an opponent to be determined for the 10-round co-featured event. Sumpter, fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), is one of the hottest prospects in the Northeast, coming off an impressive performance against previously unbeaten James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) by way of an eight-round majority decision in the main event this past August at The Palladium.

“Pandemonium at the Palladium 2” will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

Also scheduled to be in action are a pair of Worcester fighters, light heavyweight Kendrick “Peppa” Ball, Jr. (21-1-3, 12 KOs) and super middleweight Khiary “TooSharp” Gray Pitts ((17-6, 13 KO). Ball is a former New England Middleweight and WBC USA Super Middleweight Champion. Pitts will be in his first fight in two years.

“The Palladium has been a hotbed of boxing in Massachusetts over the last couple of years,” GCP president Chris Traietti said. “There has been an insurgence of quality shows and Granite Chin is looking to be a part of it. On December 9^th, we are going to deliver the biggest show we have ever done! Champions are going to be crowned and future stars are going to get noticed.”

Card subject to change.

Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

WORCESTER, Mass. (August 20, 2023) – In a rare battle of undefeated boxers, Steve “The Savage” Sumpter used his athleticism to defeat James “Pitbull” Perkins in the main event of last night’s “Pandemonium at The Palladium,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at the famed Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

“Our first show in Worcester was awesome and the Palladium is a great venue,” GCP President Chris Traietti remarked. “The fighters did a great job on a high-quality show in our first but not last show here.“

Sumpter never stopped moving, Perkins kept charging forward. Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), fighting out of Pittsfield (MA), Sumpter won an eight-round majority decision, albeit it on contrasting judges’ scoring – two judges had Sumpter winning each round ( 80-72) but the other had it a draw, 76-76 – for the vacant IBA Americas Super Middleweight Championship.

“The plan was for me to keep moving to tire him out,” Sumpter said after the fight. “My footwork was key because he couldn’t keep up with me. I’m bringing this belt home like I said I would.”

Styles make fights and last night’s main event was a perfect example. The first round found the athletic Sumpter moving circularly, the powerfully built Perkins going forward and applying pressure as he attempted to cut off the ring. There was a lot of feinting and little connecting from both fighters in the second or third rounds in the strategic match-up.

Sumpter went down right after the bell ending the third, ruled so by the referee, and both fighters started mixing it up in the fourth as Sumpter used his jab more effectively.

The fighters went toe to toe in fifth as the action accelerated, but neither was injured, and their boxing chess match continued into the sixth. Sumpter kept the hard charging Perkins off balance in the seventh, setting up a critical eighth and final round with the outcome still up in the air. Sumpter and Perkins let their hands go in the eighth round, leaving everything they had in the ring.

“I thought I had a pretty good performance,” Sumpter added. “It could have been a little more offensive. I started moving and he couldn’t keep up with me. When I was on the ropes, I spun off like I always do. I kept throwing my jab and moving. He was getting tired, and his hands started coming down. I want to keep fighting, keep progressing, and I’ll be right back in the gym.”

Denzel Whitley registered the quickest KO in Palladium boxing history

In the co-featured event, Undefeated Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs), of Holyoke (MA), added another title belt to his collection, defeating his Mexican opponent, Hector “El Gatito” Esnar Bobadilla (9-15-1, 4 KOs), for the vacant USBF Atlantic Welterweight Championship. A notoriously slow starter, Whitley needed only one punch – left hook to the body – to stop Bobadilla only 25 seconds into the opening round.

Springfield lightweight Carlos “El Gallo” Gonzalez (7-0, 7 KOs) extended his undefeated knockout streak to 7-0 with his seventh stoppage against transitioning mixed-martial-arts fighter Johnny “Cupcakes” Campbell (0-1) in the sixth round. Campbell was entertaining and tough, as usual, but Gonzalez was patient, finally catching Campbell in the last scheduled round. Campbell was trapped in his own corner as Cruz exploded with a barrage of punches. Campbell went down and the referee ruled that he was unable to continue.

“”I let good tonight,” Whitley commented. “I listened to everybody who has been telling me to start fast. I did…one punch and it was over. I was told that it’s the fastest knockout ever here (Palladium).”

“Sumpter and Perkins stepped up and did something a lot of fighters won’t do (two undefeated fighters in a fight),” Traietti concluded. “One of them had to win and it was Steve. He looked great, but this wasn’t a step down for Perkins, only a detour. Denzel has been listening to his (trainer) father and uncle. He only needed one punch tonight. The sky’s the limit for him.”

?
Hometown favorite Eslih Owusu pleased his Worcester fan-base

The only hometown fighter on the card, Worcester junior middleweight Eslih Owusu (10-1, 5 KOs), simply brought too much into the ring for Texas journeyman Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-55-2, 9 KOs). A past World Boxing Council (WBC) World Youth title challenger, left-handed Owusu threw punches in bunches, sending Smith down in the fourth via a left hook. Owusu finished off Smith in the following round, trapping the Texan in the corner until Smith went down for the final time.

In his stiffest test to date, three-time New England Golden Gloves Champion Felix Parrilla (8-0, 7 KOs), of New Haven (CT), faced 2008 Ecuador Olympian Luis Porozo (16-8, 9 KOs) in a scheduled eight-round featherweight match. Parrilla displayed every punch in his vast arsenal, after breaking down Porozo with a steady diet of body shots, picking up the pace in the third round as the clear aggressor. At this point Parrilla was in complete control of the action, battering Porozo who suffered a flash knockdown in the fourth, and Porozo was penalized a point in the fifth for holding. The punishment Porozo had suffered showed in the sixth and when he unwisely turned his back to Parilla in a neutral corner, the referee had seen enough, and he quickly stopped the fight.

Cuban amateur star Dany Lafos Poll (1-0, 1 KOs), a 2021 AIBA Youth Champion, had an encouraging pro debut, blasting overmatched Jeremy Gregory (0-8-1) all around the ring until a vicious left to the body dropped Gregory. The referee waved off the fight at the 2:46 mark of round one.

“The Outlaw” Ryan Venable (2-13-1) upset previously undefeated lightweight prospect Calixto Cruz (2-1), of Springfield (MA), dropping Cruz with a stunning right hook in round one. Cruz came back strong, but he fell short on the judges’ scorecards, losing a four-round split decision.

Canadian lightweight Thomas Blumenfeld opened the show quickly, stopping Richard “Hard To Hit” Bernard (1-13-1) midway through the opening round. A 2020 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, southpaw Blumenfeld decked his opponent with a multi-punch combination, then moments later he closed the show with a sweet right-left combination.

Official results below:

---

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT IBA AMERICAS SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Steve Sumpter (9-0, 7 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 76-76)

James Perkins (12-1-1, 9 KOs), Lynn, MA

(Sumpter won IBA Americas super middleweight title)

CO-FEATURE – VACANT USBF ATLANTIC WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Denzel Whitley (12-0, 7 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WKO1 (0:25)

Hector Esnar Bobadilla (9-15-1, 4 KOs), Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, Mexico

(Whitley won the USBF Atlantic welterweight title)

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Eslih Owusu (10-1, 5 KOs), Worcester, MA

WTKO5 (0;53)

Larry Smith (13-55-2, 9 KOs), Mesquite, TX

Dany Lafos Poll (1-0, 1 KOs), Santiago, Cuba

WTKO1 (2:46)

Jeremy Gregory (0-8-1, 0 KOs), Auburn, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Carlos Gonzalez (7-0, 7 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKO6 (1:29)

Johnny Campbell (0-1), Plymouth, MA

Thomas Blumenfeld (3-0, 2 KOs), Springfield, MA by way of Canada

WKO1 (1:36)

Richard Bernard (1-13-1, 0 KOs) Waianae, Hawaii lbs.

Ryan Venable (1-13-1, 0 KOs), Roanoke, VA

WDEC4 (38-37, 38-37, 37-38)

Calixto Cruz (2-1, 0 KOs), Springfield, MA

FEATHERWEIGHTS

Felix Parrilla (8-0, 7 KOs), New Haven, CT

WTKO6 (1:11)

Luis Porozo (16-8, 9 KOs), Santo Domingo, Ecuador

---

INFORMATION:

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Twitter: @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (July 6, 2023) – Undefeated Massachusetts Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (11-0, 6 KOs) is a legacy boxer. His trainers, father Derrick and Uncle Darrin, were solid pro boxers in the late 1990s through 2007.

Whitley, 24, is breaking out of his coaches’ shadows to establish himself as one of the top New England prospects. The quintessential boxer intends to make a major statement in that respect in his next fight on the August 19^th “Pandemonium at The Palladium” pro boxing card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at The Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Whitley will be fighting in his last eight-round fight before graduating to 10. But first he has to get past his next fight, against Hector “El Gatito” Ednar Bobadilla (9-14-1, 4 KOs) for the vacant United States Boxing Federation (USBF) Atlantic welterweight title.

“I’m doing 10-plus rounds when I train, so I’m ready, plus I feel great (physically) when I go eight rounds. I know I can do it (go 10). I feel like I’m on the right path. Everything is going as planned and I’m moving at a great pace. I’m ready for whatever is ahead. I’m where I’m supposed to be!”

Instead of fighting at home in Western Mass., Whitley will be traveling 50 miles to the east in Worcester, which is located in Central Massachusetts.

“I’ll be back on the road again, unfortunately, but not too far from home,” Whitley commented. “It’s only a one-hour drive from home and my people have traveled further than that to support me. I have no doubt my family, fans, and supporters will pack that place like always. With my family, team and supporters behind me, we can conquer anything, whether I’m fighting at home or on the road.

“I look forward to fighting there because it’ll be my first time, plus it’s a new venue for me to make a name for myself and gain new fans that’s always exciting. I’m working hard on my whole game so I will be a better fighter each time I step in the ring. Watch me as I continue my journey.

“Denzel is stepping up and getting better each time,” GCP president Chris Traietti noted. “We are trying to put experienced opponents in front of him that will give him quality rounds to help him prepare him for the next level. August 19^th, Denzel can put another professional title on his resume and we’re off to 10-roiund fights and a world rating.”

The eight-round, main event pits James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs), of Lynn (MA), and Pittsfield’s (MA) Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs) for the vacant International Boxing Association (IBA) Americas Super Middleweight Championship, as well as Bay State bragging rights.

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Other fighters expected to be in action on “Pandemonium at The Palladium” include another  Holyoke boxer, super welterweight Carlos Castillo (7-0, 4 KOs), unbeaten Springfield super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (6-0, 4 KOs), and former celebrated amateur Felix Parrilla (7-0, 6 KOs).

Card subject to change. Tickets are on sale and available for purchase online at www.ThePalladium.net.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. ET, first bell at 7:30 p.m. ET.

QUINCY, Mass. (February 27, 2023) – Style make fights and a potential instant classic in on tap March 11^th in the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” main event, when undefeated Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) challenges defending Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) in the 8-round headliner, at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Springfield Championship Boxing 2”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

“This fight has all the makings to be one of those local fights that people talk about for years,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “You have a hyper aggressive guy like Kenny going up against a slick counter-puncher like Denzel. Both guys are undefeated and there’s a state title on the line. Kudos to both guys for taking this fight, one that nobody will want to miss.”

Larson, 33, is an ultra-aggressive fighter who constantly applies pressure on his opponent; Whitley’s an intelligent counter-puncher that breaks down the other guy in the ring. It figures to be an exciting showdown to determine who fights his fight. It’s so rare for a pair of undefeated prospects to fight each other so early in their professional careers.

“We are looking to showcase that we are both serious,” Larson explained. We both want to make statements! As long as I do what I’m supposed to do, fighting like I do in the gym, it doesn’t matter that I’m fighting him in his neck of the woods. (Whitley is from Holyoke, which is only 8 miles from the Springfield venue.) One night a fan said to me,

‘You fight with the heart of a lion.’ I couldn’t think of a better nickname for me. He (Whitley) beat Kris Jacobs (WMDEC8) in his last fight (to capture the vacant Mass. welterweight title) and I knocked out a guy (Ryan Clark) in the first round who defeated Jacobs.

“We’ll see what happens when the kitchen starts getting heated up (vs. Whitley). Everybody has a plan going into a fight. Anyone who knows me knows my assets and what I have for him. I’ve watched him (Whitley) on tape and saw a few things that interested me. I was kind of amused by what he had to say. Let the cards lay where they may and we’ll see what it comes down to. I’ll have people there for me. I’ve always had a huge crowd behind me since I was an amateur because of my fan-friendly style.”

Larson was a hockey player who didn’t pick up boxing until he was in high school. He started at a gym that wasn’t, as he described, super serious about boxing, more for fitness, and one day a friend suggested that he go to train at the Somerville Boxing Club., where he changed his life,  both in and out of the ring.  

“Everything there was serious,” Larson reported. “Things clicked and I had focus and direction. I had a substance abuse problem, drinking, but I changed addictions from drinking to boxing for the last 10 years. Today, I have no days off from boxing.”

Larson now trains out of Broadway Boxing in Everett (MA) with Joe Riccardi as his head trainer.

A native of Salem (MA), Larson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division.

The O must go for either Larson or Whitley. Fans will be the biggest winner!

The Cruz brothers, lightweight Isaiah (5-0, 3 KOs) and super lightweight Calixto (1-0), fighting out of Springfield, will both be in action in front of fans, family, and friends. In the 6-round co-featured event, Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz will face Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs) in the 6-round co-featured event, while Calixto meets Luis “Broccoli” Gerardo Avila (8-22-3, 5 KOs) in a 4-round bout.

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke (MA); Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), and Springfield super lightweight Liz Humphries (0-1-1)

Card subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=CHIN&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc  or from any of the participating boxers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

QUINCY, Mass. (February 22, 2023) – Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense on the March 11^th “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” card against undefeated challenger Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs), of Salem (MA), in the 8-round main event, at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Springfield Championship Boxing 2”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

The 24-year-old Whitley, fighting out of nearby Holyoke (MA), captured the Mass. 147-pound division belt last November 19^th at MassMutual Center, when he won an 8-round majority decision over Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs) in the main event.

“I’m excited to be headlining again at home (Holyoke is only 8 miles from Springfield,” the fast-rising Whitley said. “The first show was good and this one will be great. Headlining here is something special for me. I love the energy I feel from the crowd.”

“Denzel is getting better with each fight and he is eager to step up in competition to show he is the best 147-pound fighter around,” GCP president Chris Traietti commented. “He jumped on the chance to showcase that against Kenny Larson, who has a good amount of amateur experience, comes from a great gym, and always comes to fight. Two undefeated guys going at it to prove they are ready for the next level. It is going to be an awesome main event!”

It’s extremely rare for two undefeated prospects to fight each other, especially so early in their pro careers. Larson, 33, won a 6-round majority decision from Ryan Thomas Clark (2-2, 1 KO) last November 23^rd in Windham, New Hampshire. Larson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up, as well as a 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division.

“I’ve never seen him fight,” Whitley remarked. “I hadn’t heard of him until I was offered the fight. I’ve heard he likes to come forward and, if he does, this is going to be an exciting fight, because styles make fights. I’ve been training to fight somebody with his style. I can fight all different ways. I always adapt in the ring. I’ll come in a little different, but I still have my style. I learn about my opponent in the ring. I adapt to my opponent and then open up my arsenal. I’ll be ready.”

Whitley hopes to have three additional fights in 2023, including a fight for another title – regional or national – and in a 10-rounder for the first time by the end of this year.

First, though, he has to get past his toughest opponent to date, Kenny Larson.

In the 6-round co-featured event, Springfield lightweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs) will take on Akeem “Action Action” Jackson (6-5, 5 KOs).

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke (MA); Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs), Springfield super lightweight Calixto Cruz (1-0) and Springfield super lightweight Liz Humphries (0-1-1)

Card subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=CHIN&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc  or from any of the participating boxers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

QUINCY, Mass. (February 6, 2023) – In a rare battle between unbeaten Bay Staters, Massachusetts State Welterweight Champion Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) will make his first title defense on March11th against Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs) in the 8-round main event on the “Springfield Championship Boxing 2” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) at MassMutural Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

All of the action will be streamed live on BXNGTV.com.

“We are excited to be back in Springfield in 2023,” GCP President Chris Traietti said. “Each show there is going to be bigger, better and more action-packed than the previous show. On March 11^th, fans are going to see the future of Massachusetts boxing.”

The 24-year-old Whitley, of Holyoke (MA), is trained by former pro fighters and brothers, Denzel’s father Derrick and Uncle Darrin. Whitley captured the Mass. 147-pound division belt last November 19^th at MassMutual Center, when he won an 8-round majority decision over Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs).

Larson, 33, fights out of Salem (MA). His took a 6-round majority decision from Ryan Thomas Clark (2-2, 1 KO) last November 23^rd in Windham, New Hampshire. A 2016 New England Golden Gloves champion in the novice division, Lawson was a 3-time Central New England Golden Gloves runner-up.

Also schedule to be in action are unbeaten boxers such as Dominican welterweight Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke; Puerto Rican super lightweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), of Springfield; Springfield super featherweight Isaiah “Baby Warrior” Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs), and Springfield super featherweight Carlos Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs).

Bouts subject to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://massmutualcenter.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3AMMC%3AMMC22%3AEX031123%3A&linkID=mmc&shopperContext=&pc=&caller=&appCode=&groupCode=&cgc=&dataAccId=224&locale=en_US&siteId=ev_mmc or from any of the participating boxers.

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (November 20, 2022) –.Western Mass. was in the house last night for the

“Springfield Championship Boxing” Pro-Am card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at MassMutual Center in Springfield. All the action was streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

Holyoke welterweight Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (10-0, 6 KOs) and Pittsfield light heavyweight Steve Sumpter (7-0, 6 KOs) captured the vacant Massachusetts State titles in front of a sold-out venue.

“I remember where Granite Chin was 5 years ago and where it is today,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti commented. “This was unquestionably our greatest show to date. I’d like to thank our staff, Boston Boxing, sponsors, fans and, of course, all the fighters.”

A notoriously slow starter, Whitley evaluated his opponent, Fall River’s Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs), in the opening round and then took a methodical approach for the first few rounds, using his gloves-high defensive stance, effectively counter-punching in spurts.

In the eighth and final round, Whitley decked Jacobs with a right hook, but Denzel chased Jacobs from one side of the ring to the other, going for the knockout. It didn’t come but Whitley won a workmanlike 8-round split decision, surprising because one judge somehow scored, 75-75, despite the knockdown.

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(R) New Mass. State Light Heavyweight Champion Steve Sumpter

In a rare match-up of two undefeated prospects, Steve Sumpter and New Bedford’s Edet “Papito” Mkpanam put their perfect pro records on the line for the vacant Massachusetts State Light Heavyweight Championship.

A southpaw, Sumpter was the crowd favorite of the Western Mass. crowd. Both fighters were cautious in the opening round with Sumpter opening up in the second. The third belonged to the more aggressive Sumpter. Both fighters let their hands go in the fourth, ending as they pounded each other.

More of the same for Sumpter in the fifth and he cruised from there for a decisive 8-round unanimous decision to improve to 7-0 (6 KOs), going the distance for the first time, winning all 8 rounds on one judge’s card, 7 on the other two. Mkpanam (8-1, 7 KOs)had trouble throughout the fight getting off as Sumpter was a more potent sharpshooter.

(L) Steve Sumpter

“I went with the game plan to jab, jab, jab,” Sumpter said after the fight. “Once I realized he couldn’t stop my jab, it opened up other things because he was looking for the jab. I feel great, I can’t really explain it. Bringing this (touching his Mass. state title belt) back to Pittsfield is great.”

“Denzel had a real breakout fight,” Traietti added. “Whitley wanted to be tested and Chris Jacobs did. He fought better as the fight went along.

“I’m so proud of Steve and Edet. Not a lot of guys around here would have taken the fight (2 unbeaten prospects). They went for it and took it to another level.”.

Promising junior middleweight prospect Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), of Holyoke, MA, passed the stiffest test of his young career against veteran Tyrone “Hands of Steel” Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), who failed to answer the bell for round five.

Carlos Castillo (L) is a fighter to watch

Castillo, 24, was too powerful for Luckey, taking early control and never letting up. Castillo cracked Luckey with a right hook that put the New Jersey fighter on the seat of his trunks. Obviously hurt and near the end of the round, the always game Luckey was done.

Undefeated lightweight prospect Isiah Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs), of Springfield, cruised to his fifth win when Mexican Pablo Batres suddenly went down as he was back-pedaling in the opening round, failing to beat the referee’s 10-count

Springfield welterweight Ian “Dinamite” Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO) overpowered Ronny Arana (0-7) en route to an opening round victory. Arana took a knee, got dropped by a body shot, and then Garcia unleash a barrage of punches in the red corner. He went down again right before the end of round one and referee Melissa Kelly stopped the bout.

Hometown favorite “The Gladiator” Carlos Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs) got the pro card rolling with a third-round technical knockout of pro debuting Mathew McGee (0-1). With a large Springfield contingent rooting him on, Gonzalez, a Springfield lightweight, patiently boxed in the first two rounds, but in the third he caught McGee with a left-right combination, dropping McGee in the blue corner. Referee Jackie Morrill halted the match at that point.

Five amateur matches featuring boxers from throughout New England opened the show.

Official results are below:

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PRO RESULTS

VACANT MASSACHUSETTS STATE WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Denzel Whitley (10-0, 6 KO), Holyoke, MA

WDEC10 (79-72, 78-73, 75-75)

Kris Jacobs (5-3-1, 2 KOs), Fall River, MA

(Whitley won vacant Mass. State welterweight title)

VACANT MASSACHUSETTS STATE LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Steve Sumpter (7-0, 6 KOs), Pittsfield, MA

WDEC8 (80-72, 79-73, 79-73)

Edet Mkpanam (8-1, 7 KOs), New Bedford, MA

(Sumpter won vacant Mass. State light heavyweight title)

SUPER WELTERWEIGHTS

Carlos Castillo (6-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA by way of Dominican Republic

WTKO4 (3:00)

Tyrone Luckey (16-19-4, 12 KOs), Galloway, NJ

WELTERWEIGHTS

Ian Garcia (2-0-1, 1 KO), Springfield, MA

WTKO1 (3:00)

Ronny Arana (0-7), New York, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Carlos Gonzalez (3-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA

WTKO3 (1:18)

Mathew McGee (0-1, Fairfield, ME

Isiah Cruz (5-0, 3 KOs), Springfield, MA

WKO1 (3:00)

Pablo Batres (10-23-1, 3 KOs), Nogales, Sonora, Mexico

AMATEUR RESULTS

119 lbs. – Michael Gadreau, Jr. (MTM Boxing) UD Antonio Torres (Ortiz Boxing)

139 lbs. – Dajon Padilla (Whitley Bros.) SD Adrian Valdez (Ortiz Boxing)

139 lbs (females) – Alexendra Mencia (Private Jewels) SD Chysanthe Coulouras (Central City)

154 lbs. – Deabian Adorno (Cherry Street Boxing) RSC Matthew Nguyen (Central City)

176 lbs. – Joel Vega (Alston Boxing) SD John Morton (Rolfe Boxing)

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INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (October 17, 2022) – Undefeated welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley plans to capture his first title, ascending to a regional contender status, November 19^th against his stiffest test to date, Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs) on the  “Springfield Championship Boxing,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, at Mass Mutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Springfield Championship Boxing” will be streamed live on www.bxngtv.com.

“Denzel has been a rising star on the local boxing scene,” Granite Chin Promotions president Chris Traietti said. “Since turning pro, he has been competing at a rapid pace and continuously stepping up in competition. Kris Jacobs represents a real test for Denzel to show he is ready for the next level. Thank you to Boston Boxing Promotions for working with me to make this fight happen. With a win over Jacobs, the next one in line for Denzel would be Bryan Urday. Urday was the original opponent but, due to family obligations, November 19^th didn’t work out. But putting the cart before the horse in this situation would be foolish, nobody is underestimating the ability of Kris Jacobs. Kris has a ton of experience and comes to fight. With that said, I have all the faith that Denzel will show up ready to go.”

Whitley (9-0, 5 KOs), fighting out of nearby Holyoke (MA), is a legacy boxer, trained  by former pro fighters and brothers, his father Derrick and Uncle Darrin. His showdown with Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs), in a slated 8-rounder for the vacant Massachusetts State Welterweight title.

“My father has a New England title belt in the gym, I want to add my Massachusetts title belt,” Whitley said. I don’t know much about him (Jacobs). I saw him fight once, but they can give me anybody and I’ll still be ready. I have to do my job. I’ve trained my body to do everything, whether I’m fighting a boxer or puncher. I’ll use all my skills to adapt in the ring.”

Jacobs, of Fall River (MA(,  has defeated three previously undefeated opponents, including 2-0 Ryan Thomas Clark in his last fight by way of a 6-round split decision.

“I’ve seen him fight on the same card I’ve fought on or my friend’s card,” Jacobs remarked. “He (Whitley) fought my friend David Riberio in the amateurs. I expect to beat him (Whitley). I’ve trained even more seriously because he is undefeated. He has to be perfect. I’ve lost and understand it. Expect to see my A game there. It’s all on him!”

The 8-round co-featured event pits a pair of undefeated fighters, Pittsfield’s Steve Sumpter (6-0, 6 KOs) and Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (8-0, 7 KOs), for the vacant Massachusetts State Light Heavyweight Championship.

The tripleheader of Western Massachusetts’ top prospects , in Granite Chin’s inaugural show in Springfield, also features  Holyoke super welterweight Carlos Castillo (5-0, 3 KOs) versus Travis “Gambi” Gambardella (7-2-2, 3 KOs), of Revere (MA).

The Western Mass. tripleheader showcase also includes a 6-round throwdown between 24-year-old Castillo and  Revere (MA) welterweight Travis Gambardella (7-2-2, 3 KOs). Castillo is a skilled boxer who is stepping up in competition to fight Gambardella, who has won 5 of his last 7 fights and his two draws could have easily been victories.

The undercard is topped by undefeated lightweight prospect RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs), of Albany (NY), against battle-tested gatekeeper Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-18-4, 11 KOs) in an 8-round match. Bermudez is trained by his uncle Hector Bermudez, who owns and operates a gym in Springfield.

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-rounders is Springfield super featherweight Isiah Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, as well as Springfield lightweight Carlos Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. pro-debuting Mathew McGee, of Fairfield, Maine.

Card subject t to change.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/springfield-championship-boxing

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

QUINCY, Mass. (October 5, 2022) – “Springfield Championship Boxing,” presented by Granite Chin Promotions, will showcase the top Western Massachusetts pro boxing prospects in legitimate fights, November 19th, at Mass Mutual Center  in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Granite Chin’s inaugural show in Springfield, “Springfield Championship Boxing at Mass Mutual Center, will feature a Tripleheader of undefeated prospects such as Holyoke’s Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (9-0, 6 KOs) Pittsfield’s Steve Sumpter (6-0, 6 KOs), and Carlos Castillo (5-0, 3 KOs).

“This is the kind of show that will not only draw-in fight fans from Western Massachusetts, but from all over New England as well,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti remarked. “From top to bottom, all of these fights are evenly matched and are going to bring non-stop action. I want to congratulate all of the fighters for being eager to step up and put on a great show for local boxing fans.”

Whitley, the latest pugilist from Holyoke’s fightin’ Whitley family, meets his toughest opponent to date in Fall River (MA) welterweight Kris Jacobs (5-2-1, 2 KOs). Whitley is a red-hot prospect  trained by former pro fighters and brothers, father Derrick and Uncle Darrin. Jacobs has defeated three previously undefeated opponents, including 2-0 Ryan Thomas Clark in his last fight by way of a 6-round split decision.

“I’m excited,” Whitley said. “I fought there as an amateur in the semifinals and final of the Western New England Golden Gloves. This will be my first time fighting there as a pro. I know I’m packing Mass Mutual with all my people. I’m fighting close to home, basically in my hometown. I love the support I get from my city. I’ve been asking to fight on a bigger card and now I am. My people followed me on the road. Imagine what it’s going to be like so close to home? I look forward to fighting at home; it makes me feel good.”

“I had no reservations about fighting there (in his opponent’s home base), because I’m used to it,” Jacobs explained. “It’s not an issue. I fought two other guys in their backyards – Harry Gigliotti and Brandon Higgins — and beat them. I’m not worried about fighting him in his backyard, I’m going there to win the fight.”

Granite Chin’s best overall show pits a pair of undefeated prospects in an 8-round bout for the vacant Massachusetts Light Heavyweight Championship, Sumpter vs. New Bedford’s Edet “Papito” Mkpanam (8-0, 7 KOs).

Sumpter has stopped all six of his professional opponents to date campaigning as a super middleweight, while Mkpanam was a 2018 New England Golden Gloves silver medalist.

“This is my first time fighting at Mass Mutual,” Sumpter commented. “I’m excited about that but it’s just another fight. I’ll have a lot of people there supporting me. I love that. There’s nothing better than having a bunch of support. It’s not a big deal for me to move up to light heavyweight after fighting as a super middleweight, but my first two pro fights were at light heavyweight. Super middleweight is probably where I’m going to make my home.”

“I’m not concerned about fighting in his backyard,” Mkpanam commented. “Honestly, it’s part of boxing and I’ve got to do it. I’m an old-school fighter and boxers need to fight on the road. Now, it’s my time. I felt it was time to take a step up like in the old days. Today a lot of guys fight guys with losing records, no tests, and people know who will win before the fight starts. I accepted this test to fight another undefeated fighter. Steve’s undefeated and we are going to put on a great fight for the fans.”

Rounding out the tripleheader of the Western Mass. power base in a 6-round bout is 24-year-old Castillo against Revere (MA) welterweight Travis Gambardella (7-2-2, 3 KOs). Castillo is a skilled boxer who is stepping up to fight Gambardella, who has won 5 of his last 7 fights and his two draws could have easily been victories.

“I’m really excited for this one,” Castillo admitted. It’s going to be a pretty good fight. I really want to put on a show for the city. I fought there as an amateur a few times at the Western New England Golden Gloves. I reached the finals in 2016, 2017 and 2018. Every year there was a sold-out crowd. It’s only 10 minutes away from Holyoke. This will be my first fight there as a pro and I’m sure it is going to be crazy. I don’t feel any pressure fighting at home. It’s my job and I will do what I got to do. I’m just excited to put on a show for the people.”

“Not at all,” Gambardella answered a question about being concerned about fighting in his opponent’s backyard. “It’s part of boxing and I understand what I’m getting into. I don’t talk about it, just fight my fight. I’m an active fighter who keeps moving forward; Mexican style but I move my head a lot.”

Topping the undercard is an 8-rounder between undefeated lightweight prospect RayJay “The Destroyer” Bermudez (16-0, 11 KOs) and gatekeeper Tyrone “Hands of Stone” Luckey (15-18-4, 11 KOs) in an 8-round match. Bermudez is trained by his uncle Hector Bermudez, who owns and operates a gym in Springfield.

Also fighting on the undercard in 4-rounders is Springfield super featherweight Isiah Cruz (4-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA, as well as Springfield lightweight Carlos Gonzalez (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. pro-debuting Mathew McGee, of Fairfield, Maine.

Tickets range between $203.00 and $48.00 and are available to purchase online at https://www.massmutualcenter.com/events/detail/springfield-championship-boxing

Doors open at 6 p.m. ET, first bout at 7 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (June 26, 2022) – The first doubleheader in Massachusetts’ long professional boxing history, “Road 2 Stardom”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, was a major success last night, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham, Massachusetts.

All the action was streamed live and exclusively on BXNGTV.com.

“I’m very happy with our show,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti said. “Any chance to have my guys fighting on the same card, I jump on it. I’m one of most innovative promoters in New England. I like to do different things. Any company needs to evolve and be creative. We experienced doubleheaders in New Hampshire and brought it here (Mass.). It’s very likely that you’ll see Granite Chin doubleheaders on a regular basis. I’m setting the standard!”

In the evening card’s main event, rising welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (8-0, 6 KOs) methodically and thoroughly outboxed upset-minded Maycon Oller Da Silva on his way to career win No. 9 without a loss, by way of a one-sided 6-round decision (59-54 X 3).

After a “feeling out” first round, Whitley came out in the second controlling the pace, landing some sweet combinations on his much taller opponent’s head and body. Whitley showed his high ring IQ, poise and solid all-around skills in the third as he started breaking down Silva, who had been dropped only seconds before the end of the second round by a sneaky right. Whitley’s dominance continued, whether he counter punched or led, right to the end of the fight. Whitley, who was unmarked, won all six rounds on the three judges’ scorecards.

Billed as a potential Fight of the Night, the co-featured event more than lived up to its pre-fight billing, as Bryan “Mex” Urday (2-1, 0 KOs) and “Nasty” Nate Balakin (3-1, 1 KO) stood toe-to-toe in the middle of the ring, trading punishing shots from the opening bell to the end. Urday seemed to take control in the fourth when he clipped Balakin with an overhand right that temporarily turned the tide, but the equally tough Balakin came back strong in the same frame.

The back-and-forth momentum continued as both fighters left everything in the ring, somehow neither fighter showing signs of tiring, and Urday was awarded a 6-round unanimous decision (59-55, 58-56 X 2) for the vacant Massachusetts Welterweight Championship.

(L-R) Nate Balakin and new Mas. Welterweight champion Bryan Urday were in the Fight of the Night

Constantly developing welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (9-0, 7 KOs) blasted out Bryan Goldsby (5-17) in the opening round, hurting Goldsby with each punch he connected with until he ended the bout a little more than one minute into round one. Goldsby landed on the mat and referee Tom Clark had seen enough.

Welterweight Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (10-0, 4 KOs) kept his unblemished record intact with a stunning second-round stoppage of Argentinian Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-11, 7 KOs). Aubel started clowning around in the ring and Molina made him pay for it almost immediately, snapping a straight right that sent Aubel to the canvas. Referee Melissa Kelley stopped the fight after looking in Aubel’s eyes.

2020 New England Golden Gloves Champion David Ribeiro (1-0, 1 KO) had an impressive pro debut, dropping welterweight Rakim Johnson four times en route to a second-round technical knockout. Fighting out of the City of Champions, Brockton (MA), Ribeiro displayed his full arsenal, effectively using both hands from various angles to deck Johnson three times in the opening round, once in the second, after which referee Tom Clark waved off the fight.

In a rematch of a fight last November, Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs) avenged a loss by 4-round split decision, taking a 6-round unanimous decision in a very competitive match. Neither fighter was hurt in a fight that was difficult to score due to its on-and-off action.

The first fight of the evening card produced an upset as DeWayne Wisdom (8-61, 3 KOs) won for the first time since 2017, snapping a 25-fight losing streak, by stopping junior middleweight Rob “The Golden Child” Nolette (1-2, 1 KO) in the second round. Wisdom caught Nolette with a good right and Nolette hit the deck as referee Clark halted the fight.

Sumpter brothers shine on matinee card

Steve Sumpter (R) headlined his first show yesterday

Fighting in his first main event, as well as his first scheduled 8-rounder, super middleweight Steve Sumpter (6-0, 6 KOs) needed rounds but opponent Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-17-1, 6 KOs) didn’t cooperate as Sumpter took Woods’ soul with some masterful boxing and power punching. Woods went down twice in the second, once in the third, and referee Paul Casey ended the fight in the fourth with Sumpter pounding Woods on the ropes.

Hometown favorite Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of Framingham, destroyed cruiserweight Igor Pessoa (0-2) in the co-featured event. Torres damaged Pessoa with a strong right to the temple, putting him on the canvas, and Pessoa never really recovered. Seconds later, Torres connected with a right to the top of the head, Pessoa went down again, and counted out midway through the opening round.

Cruiserweight Scott “Bombz” Lampert (3-5, 2 KOs) spotted his opponent Drew “Hard Body” Nolan (0-5) 14 pounds, but their weight disparity didn’t matter as Lampert won a 4-round unanimous decision in an old-fashioned brawl.

Florida light heavyweight Carlos Arredondo (3-0, 3 KOs) pounded Michael Medeiros (0-2), who hit the deck from an overhand right that put Medeiros down in round one, and out for good in round two for a technical knockout.

Undefeated Gabriel “Menace” Morales (4-0, 2 KOs) certainly lived up to his nickname, throwing crisp combinations in bunches against Issac Haynes (0-2). Sixteen unanswered punches, mostly to the body, nearly ended the fight in the opening round, but Haynes survived, at least until the following round, in which Morales landed six head shots resulting in referee Casey jumping in to stop the fight.

Heavyweight hopeful Quintin Sumpter (5-0, 4 KOs) – Steve’s older brother – outclassed journeyman Tracey “The Titan” Johnson (4-11-6, 0 KOs), dropping Johnson with a right hook at the end of round one. Sumpter broke through Johnson’s high peekaboo-like defense and in the fourth round of this entertaining bout, Sumpter blasted Johnson with a powerful right that hurt Johnson and referee Marcel Varela immediately waved off the fight for a 2nd round TKO victory for the continually improving Sumpter.

Flying out his corner like he was shot out of a cannon, junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (2-0, 2 KOs) fired punches from all angles, trapping Robert Bricks (0-11) on the ropes right off the opening bell, unloading a barrage of sizzling, rapid-fire punches until Bricks moved. But Iannuccilli caught him on the ropes again, connecting with some badly intended punches, until Bricks took a knee. Referee Ryan halted the bout at the 56-second mark of round one when he didn’t like how Bricks responded for a technical knockout.

Junior middleweight Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (3-2, 1 KO) opened the doubleheader with a 4-round unanimous decision over veteran Rynell Griffin (8-53-2, 2 KOs) in a spirited fight between dueling southpaws.

Complete results below:

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OFFICIAL RESULTS

EVENING CARD

MAIN EVENT – WELTERWEIGHTS

Denzel Whitley (9-0. 6 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WDEC6 (59-54, 59-54, 59-54)

Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-5, 1 KO), Concord, NY by way of Brazil

CO-FEATURE – VACANT MASSACHUSETTS WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP

Bryan Urday (2-1, 0 KOs), Brockton, MA

WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 58-56)

Nathan Balakin (3-1, 1 KO), Tyngsboro, MA

(Urday won the Mass. Welterweight title)

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

DeWayne Wisdom (8-61, 3 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

WTKO2 (2:05)

Rob Nolette (1-2, 1 KO), Providence, RI

WELTERWEIGHTS

Josniel Castro (9-0, 7 KOs), Boca Raton, FL

WTKO1 (1:08)

Bryan Goldsby (5-17, 0 KOs), Macon, GA

Julien Baptiste (4-2, 2 KOs), Woburn, MA

WDEC6 (60-54, 5856, 58-56)

Alfred Raymond (1-3, 0 KOs), Warwick, RI

Nicholas Molina (10-0, 4 KOs), Lowell, MA

WTKO2 (0:55)

Jose Aubel (8-11, 7 KOs), Monte Caseros, Corrientes, Argentina

David Ribeiro (10, 1 KO), Brockton, MA

WTKO2 (0:47)

Rakim Johnson (6-18-1, 5 KOs), Indianapolis, IN

MATINEE CARD

MAIN EVENT – SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Steve Sumpter (6-0, 6 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WTKO4 (0:33)

Manny Woods (17-17-1, 6 KOs), Saint Petersburg, FL

CO-FEATURE — CRUISERWEIGHTS

Raphael Torres (2-0, 2 KOs), Framingham, MA

WKO1 (1:43)

Igor Pessoa (0-3), Somerville, MA by way of Brazil

HEAVYWEIGHTS

Quintin Sumpter (5-0, 4 KOs), Holyoke, MA

WTKO4 (2:30)

Tracey Johnson (4-11-6 (0 KOs), Boston, MA

CRUISERWEIGHTS

Scott Lampert (3-5, 2 KOs), Dover Plains, NY

WDEC4 (40-46, 40-36, 39-37)

Drew Nolan (0-5), Franklin, NY

LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHTS

Carlos Arredondo (3-0, 3 KOs), Margate, FL

WTKO2 (2:09)

Michael Medeiros (0-2), Woburn, MA by way of Brazil

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS

Anthony Andreozzi (3-2, 2 KO), Swansea, MA lbs.

WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)

Rynell Griffin (8-53-2, 2 KOs), Las Vegas, NV

Luke Iannuccilli (2-0, 2 KOs), Methuen, MA

WTKO1 (0:56)

Robert Bricks (0-11), Endicott, NY

LIGHTWEIGHTS

Gabriel Morales (4-0, 3 KOs), Lowell, MA

Isaac Haynes (0-2), Schenectady, NY

QUINCY, Mass. (June 2, 2022) – Undefeated Holyoke (MA) welterweight prospect Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley (8-0, 6 KOs) continues his career progression June 25th, when he headlines a show for the first time, “Road 2 Stardom”, at Sheraton Hotel in Framingham.

“Road 2 Stardom”, presented by Granite Chin Promotions, is the first day-night professional boxing doubleheader in Massachusetts history. Boxing fans will be available to watch both shows via live stream at BXNGTV.COM for only $24.99.

The 26-year-old Whitley, who is trained by former pro boxers, his father Derrick and uncle Darren Whitley, takes Brazilian Maycon Oller Da Silva (1-4, 1 KO) on the evening’s portion of the event in the 6-round main event.

“I’m really excited,” Denzel talked about headlining a show for the first time. “It’s an achievement of mine. I was in the co-feature my last four fights. This tells me I’m on the right track. I’m the top guy on this show. I’ll be a little nervous but that’s natural before a fight. I’m comfortable now doing what I need to win, flowing smoothly and adapting faster. My ring presence has improved, and I won’t hesitate to showcase my skills to show my skills are better.

“I have my foot in the door (headlining for first time). Everything’s slowing, no complaints. I’m going to be stepping up the level of competition. This is my last fight at 6 rounds. I’m fully focused on this fight to win impressively in front of my fans. And there will be more fans there for me this show because headlining for the first time has caused a buzz.”

Whitley will be opposed by a fighter, Oller Da Silva, who he’s familiar with because he Oller lost a 6-round unanimous decision this past April 29th to Whitley’s brother, Derrick Whitley, Jr..

“I was supposed to fight him (Oller) before,” Whitley explained. “He just fought my brother. He got to fight him and now I have a chance to fight him. If I get a knockout, great, but at the end of the day, I won’t be looking for a knockout. It’ll be a good night if I do. I know this show is about me. I won’t lose focus. This is my job!”

“With Denzel,” Granite Chin president Chris Traietti commented, “we are taking a steady pace to get him on the national level. This will be his last 6-round fight and we plan to up his competition to 8 and 10-round fights that are coming. He was kept busy, so he is staying sharp, and the increase in competition shouldn’t be an issue. I am excited for what’s to come.”

Another undefeated fighter, Pittsfield (MA) super middleweight Steve Sumpter (5-0, 5 KOs), will headline the day card in an 8-round match versus Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-16-1, 6 KOs).

Massachusetts intra-state rivals Nathan Balakin (3-1, 1 KO), of Tyngsboro, and Attleboro’s Bryan Urday (2-1) are matched in the 6-round co-featured event for the vacant Massachusetts Welterweight Championship. Balakin vs. Urday has the makings of the Fight of the Night.

Undefeated Floridian welterweight Josniel “TG” Castro (8-0, 6 KOs), who has New England ties and supporters, returns to continue his march toward the top against Bryan Goldsby (5-16) in a 6-rounder.

In another 6-round bout, Woburn (MA) junior lightweight Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste (3-2, 2 KOs) attempts to get back on the winning track in a rematch against Alfred “Keenan” Raymond (1-2), of Warwick (RI), who won their first encounter last November by way of a 4-round split decision.

Promising Springfield (MA) super middleweight prospect Laurent Humes (5-0, 5 KOs) puts his undefeated record on the line against cagey veteran Larry “Slo Mo” Smith (13-50-2, 9 KOs) in a 6-round fight.

Undefeated welterweight Nicholas “Saint Nick” Molina (9-0, 3 KOs), of Lowell (MA), faces upset-minded Argentinian Jose “El Chino” Aubel (8-10, 7 KOs) in a 6-round match,

Brockton welterweight David Ribeiro, a 2020 New England Golden Gloves champion, is scheduled to make his delayed pro debut in a 4-round bout versus Rakim Johnson (6-17-1, 5 KOs). Ribeiro was originally slated to make his debut May 7,, but his opponent pulled out of their fight at the last moment.

Providence junior middleweight Rob “The Golden Child” Nolette (1-1, 1 KO) meets DeWayne Wisdom (7-61, 3 KOs) in a 4-rounder to open the night’s action.

Sumpters Time

Pittsfield’s undefeated Sumpter brothers, super middleweight Steve (5-0, 5 KOs) and heavyweight Quinton (4-0, 4 KOs), will be showcased on the afternoon card.

Steve headlines in his first scheduled 8-rounder against Florida veteran Manny “Shake Em’ Up” Woods (17-6-1, 6 KOs), while Quinton is matched against Boston’s Tracey “The Titan” Johnson (4-10-6), whose brother is world champion Demetrius Andrade, in a 6-round fight.

Local favorite Raphael Torres (1-0, 1 KO), fighting out of nearby Marlboro (MA), faces Brazilian cruiserweight Igor Pessoa (0-2) in the 4-round co-featured event.

Other 4-round fights during the afternoon session include Dracut (MA) lightweight Gabriel “Menace” Morales (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. Issac Haynes (0-1), Swansea (MA) junior middleweight Anthony “The Gentle Savage” Andreozzi (2-2, 1 KO) vs. Rynell Griffin (8-52-2, 2 KOs), New York cruiserweights Scott “Bombz” Lampert (2-5, 2 KOs) vs. Andrew Nolan (0-4), Methuen junior middleweight Luke Iannuccilli (1-0, 1 KO) vs. Robert Bricks (0-10), and Florida light heavyweight Carlos Arredondo (2-0, 2 KOs) vs. Michael Medeiros (0-1).

Both cards are subject to change.

Separate admission tickets are available for purchase at tickerriver.com (Search: Road2Stardom): day – $45.00 (general admission), $60.00 (ringside) and $750.00 for a table of 10; night – $50.00 (general admission), $75.00 (ringside) and $1,000 for a table of 10.

Doors open at 1:00 pm ET and 7 p.m. ET, respectively, with first bouts at 1:30 p.m. ET and 7:30 p.m. ET.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin