Mass Appeal: Ellis stops Fortuna in 4; Walsh defeats Sosa over 8 at Mohegan Sun Arena

UNCASVILLE, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena was a sea of pink on Saturday night as CES Boxing treated fans to CES Autumn Classic 2025, a loaded 11-bout card featuring two champions, several of New England’s brightest prospects, and a very worthy cause.

A portion of the night’s proceeds benefited the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston as fans and fighters alike proudly wore pink to join the fight against cancer while donating money through the JoAnne Sullivan Memorial Fund.  Fans who couldn’t attend can still join the cause by donating here: The JoAnne Sullivan Memorial Fund.

CES Autumn Classic was the first show in a four-week run across three states for CES Boxing, who last week announced a new broadcast partnership with New England Sports Network (NESN) to bring the best of the region’s Boxing and MMA to New England fans.

Savage: Ellis forces Fortuna to Quit

In the first main event, top welterweight contender “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (28-1, 18 KOs) of Lynn, MA continued his climb toward world title contention, scoring a fourth-round TKO over former two-time world champion Javier “El Abejon” Fortuna (39-7-1, 28 KOs) of Braintree, MA.

Ellis used his trademark speed and accuracy early, finding openings for his right hand and body attack. Fortuna, a saavy southpaw veteran from the Dominican Republic, looked to frustrate Ellis with movement and counters.

By round 3, “Speedy” was in full command.  A blistering left hook to the body dropped Fortuna late in the round, and moments into the fourth, the former champ took a knee citing a shoulder injury, forcing referee Ricky Gonzalez to halt the bout at 1:53 of round 4.

“Fortuna’s a good, crafty fighter,” said Ellis immediately after the bout. “I wish the fight ended differently, but I got the victory. CES has kept me active, and that’s been great. Everyone at 154 is nervous now: Vergil Ortiz, Erickson Lubin, ‘Boots’ Ennis, Charlo, whoever. I’ll fight anyone.”

‘King’ Kevin Walsh Defends the Silver; Wants the Gold

In the other main event, Brockton, MA’s Kevin “The King” Walsh (19-0, 10 KOs) kept his perfect record intact with a unanimous decision victory over Jose Sosa (8-2, 6 KOs) of Brooklyn, NY by way of the Dominican Republic.

In a thrilling eight-round lightweight clash, both fighters traded bombs early, with Sosa landing a left hook that momentarily stunned Walsh in the opening frame. Walsh answered back in kind, dropping Sosa with a right hand at the bell to end Round 4. The two continued to trade throughout, with Walsh closing strong to earn scores of 77-74 (twice) and 76-75.

“Hats off to Jose Sosa and his team,” said Walsh after the bout. “He’s a tough kid, but there’s only one king. I’ve got these silver titles – now I want gold. I’m 19-0 and ready for a world title.  Nick Ball, Stephen Fulton – let’s go!”

Undercard Action

Heavy-handed Polish prospect Slawomir Bohdziewicz (7-0, 6 KOs) of Stamford, CT continued his knockout streak with a second-round stoppage of Cesar Ugarte (6-6, 6 KOs). After scoring an early knockdown in the opening round, “Slaw” ended matters with a vicious left hook to the body at 1:21 of round 2.

Many fans expected a Mexican war, but Stamford middleweight Douglas Marroquin (8-0, 5 KOs) wasted little time in stopping Jesus Silva (6-6, 1 KO), landing a concussive short right hand to the head followed by a crunching left hook to the body that dropped the Monterrey native for the count.  Time of the ending was 1:26 of round 1. 

Electrifying super bantamweight puncher Joseph Chisholm (6-1, 6 KOs), of Stratford, CT made quick work of Facundo Ased (9-10, 5 KOs), dropping the Argentine in under a minute with a hellacious left hook to the head. Time of the stoppage was 0:50 of round 1.

Dorchester, MA’s Tevin Regis (7-0, 6 KOs) scored a scary knockout of Anthony Mora (7-6-1, 4 KOs) stopping the New Britain, CT fighter with a picture-perfect right hand in round 4 of their lightweight bout.  Time of the stoppage was 1:05 of Round 4.

New Haven super lightweight Carlos Perez improved to 5-0 with a unanimous decision victory over tough journeyman Stephen Davis (1-8-1, 1 KO).  Scores were 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.

Coventry, RI’s William Guilmette (2-0, 2 KOs) flattened Douglas Silva (0-3)with the first punch he threw, a thudding overhand right to the head that knocked the Woburn, MA native out just 10 seconds into their super middleweight bout.

Super Lightweight Gianni Liguori (4-0-1, 3 KOs) of Branford, CT dropped Alejandro Medina de la Rosa (3-7, 3 KOs) twice en route to a second-round TKO at 2:35. 

Cranston middleweight Tyler “My Time” Macari (2-0, 2 KOs) continued his hot start, flooring Katriel Young (1-5, 1 KO) multiple times before referee Ricky Gonzalez mercifully ended matters at 2:34 of Round 1.

In the opening bout of the evening, Kevin Mojica (3-0, 3 KOs) of Johnston, RI remained perfect, scoring two knockdowns of LaTreveon Grant (1-4, 1 KO) for a first-round TKO at the two-minute mark.

For more information on CES Autumn Classic 2025 and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Mohegan Sun Arena
Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for “Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America.”  Mohegan Sun Arena was also named “Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year” at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its size from both Pollstar and VenuesNow.  In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been named the “World’s Best Casino Venue,” by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for “Arena of the Year” by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit theMohegan Sun website. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.



Swerve.TV to Replay CES Boxing’s ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ on Sunday, May 25 at 7pm EST

MASHANTUCKET, CT – Don’t miss one of the most talked about fights of the year as Senor Sabor Snacks presents the replay of ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ on Sunday, May 25 at 7pm EST on Swerve.TV.

At the center of the controversy is the hotly contested main event between WBC US Silver Super Featherweight Champion “King” Kevin Walsh and former world title challenger Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams that took place on Saturday, May 10 at Foxwoods’ Premier Theater.  Fight fans and pundits in attendance were split on who should have left with the title.  Now, you can watch and decide.  

The replay also features “Savage” Steven Sumpter’s electrifying 5th round stoppage over Colombia’s Janer Gonzalez to claim the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight title.

In addition to the title bouts, the replay will showcase standout performances from rising stars Jacob “Lefty” Marrero, Slawomir Bohdziewicz, Ali Feliz, Victor Reynoso, and Will Guilmette’s highly anticipated professional debut.

Don’t miss this chance to relive an unforgettable night of championship boxing – only on Swerve Combat TV.

For more information about ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.INFORMATIONAbout CES BoxingCES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.
About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest resort casino in the Northeast, has set the standard for innovation and excellence in gaming and hospitality for over 33 years. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods continues to redefine the resort experience by offering a dynamic mix of world-class gaming, award-winning dining, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.
A destination like no other, Foxwoods offers over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, over 175,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, shopping at Tanger Outlets, and expansive gaming floors throughout the resort and unmatched amenities. The entertainment portfolio features globally acclaimed artists, exclusive live performances, and premier events hosted at its renowned venues, including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.
Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like DraftKings Sportsbook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Great Wolf Lodge, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings and deliver elevated, curated experiences for guests. The new brand campaign, “This Is How We Resort,” reflects Foxwoods’ commitment to creating unique, personalized moments—from thrilling gaming adventures to relaxing escapes—that redefine what it means to “resort”. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.
 


Walsh Reigns Supreme: Edges Williams to earn WBC 130-lbs title

MASHANTUCKET, CT – “King” Kevin Walsh (17-0, 9 KOs) vanquished the last of his regional rivals on Saturday night, winning a hard fought 10-round majority decision over Tremaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (20-3, 6 KOs) at the Premier Theater in Foxwoods Resort Casino. 
With the win, Walsh added the WBC US Silver Super Featherweight title to his growing collection. 

“Hats off to Williams, he’s a hell of a fighter,” said Brockton, MA’s Walsh, who stopped cross-town rival Irvin Gonzalez in 4 rounds last November to win the New England Super Featherweight title and followed up that impressive win with an electrifying 8th round knockout over Rhode Island’s Ricky de los Santos in February to pick up the WBC US Silver Featherweight title.  “I got the knockdown in round 4, and I think it was the difference.”

It very well may have been.  Other than the knockdown, the bout was fought on even terms over 10 rounds.  The contest began with a battle of the jabs as each man looked to establish ring generalship. 

Walsh began to pressure Williams in round 3, and the former world title challenger from New Haven, CT responded with a counter left hand and several left jabs.  Just when the ‘Mighty Midget’ was settling into the fight, Walsh went on the offensive in round 4, landing a leaping right hand that dropped Williams.  The Brockton native looked to follow up, but the crafty Williams responded with a left hand and a short right hook to stave off further punishment.

The bout became a tense chess match during the middle rounds, with each fighter working angles to gain an edge.  Walsh picked up the pace in round 8, but the southpaw Williams responded with quick left hands before evading the incoming fire.

Walsh likely sealed the deal in rounds 9 and 10, pushing the pace of the fight and desperately trying to hurt his foe.  After 10 hard rounds, the crowd waited tensely as the announcer read the judges’ scorecards, with 2 judges seeing the fight 95-94 and 96-93 for Walsh, overruling the third judge who scored the fight 96-93 for Williams.

‘Savage’ Steven Sumpter stops Janer Gonzalez to win WBC 168-lbs title

In the night’s co-feature, “Savage” Steven Sumpter (11-1-1, 9 KOs) earned the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight title, knocking out grizzled veteran Janer Gonzalez (23-8-1, 19 KOs) in round 6 of a scheduled 8 round bout.  Sumpter, of Lawrence, MA, took his time in figuring out the Miami based Colombian, patiently stalking him over the first few rounds looking for opportunities to counter. 

“I was trying to bait him in and see what he had,” explained Sumpter after the bout.  “I wanted him to walk into something.”

The southpaw began sitting on his punches in round 5, landing a heavy left hand that Gonzalez shook off.  Attempting to turn the tide, Gonzalez began moving forward in round 6, trapping Sumpter in the corner.  It turned out to be a costly mistake, as Sumpter landed a counter left hand that put Gonzalez on the canvas.  The Colombian beat the count and proceeded to trade, but another left hand dropped him hard, causing the stoppage at 1:42 of round 6.

Other results

Polish prospect Slawomir “The Heavy Hitter” Bohdziewicz improved to 6-0 (5), dropping Russell Harris (6-2, 6 KOs) twice in the 6th and final round for a last-minute stoppage.  The contest began with the taller Bohdziewicz plodding forward behind a left jab and heavy hooks and right hands, while the smaller, stockier Harris looked to counter with looping shots.  Bohdziewicz’s thudding shots began to take effect on the St. Louis native in round 5, as the exhausted southpaw desperately tried to survive Slaw’s onslaught. The Stamford, CT native finally broke through in round 6, dropping Harris with a jab, right hand combination. Harris beat the count, but Slaw dug a piercing left hook to Harris’ body that immediately dropped the Missourian to a knee, causing Harvey Dock to stop the bout at 2:15.

We already knew that Jacob “Lefty” Marrero (9-0, 7 KOs) was talented. Now we know that he can also overcome adversity.  The Bridgeport, CT native took on New York’s Wilfredo Flores (11-5-1, 5 KOs) in a battle of lightweights.  Marrero came out fast, landing quick counter left hands against the New Yorker.  Lefty hurt Flores in round 3, but the Mexican American shook it off and attempted to walk him down in round 4.  Flores almost stuck gold in round 5, staggering Marrero with a left hand.  The Bridgeport native leaned against the ropes, quickly composed himself and began to box, landing sharp counter shots.  Flores was never able to replicate his early success, as the quicker Marrero boxed intelligently while landing stinging lefts and rights.  Scores after 8 rounds were 79-73 (3x).

Highly touted heavyweight prospect Ali Feliz (6-0, 5 KOs) survived a scare, appearing to injure his knee after trading punches with Brandon Carmack (8-8-2, 5 KOs) in round 1 of their 6-round contest.  The bout continued after a few anxious minutes, with Feliz launching a series of head shots that dropped Carmack.  The Missouri native rose only to continue absorbing punishment, taking a knee later in the round from a big right hand.  Danbury, CT’s Feliz went in for the finish in round 2, dropping Carmack twice more, the second with a right uppercut to the stomach that dropped Carmack for good.  Time was 1:31 of round 2. 

With boyhood hero Peter Manfredo Jr. looking on, Will Guilmette destroyed Tymar Miles (0-6) in his highly anticipated debut, dropping the New Yorker 3 times for a first-round knockout. The Coventry native wasted little time in making a statement, dropping Miles seconds into the fight with a left hook.  Miles beat the count, but a right to the body put him back on the canvas.  The New Yorker rose to his feet again, but the follow up assault dropped him a third time, causing referee Bryan Miner to halt the bout at 1:08 of round 1. 

In an all-out war, Victor Reynoso (11-0, 7 KOs), of Providence, RI, outslugged Florida’s Chris Puryear (5-3) over 6 vicious rounds.  Reynoso launched a sneaky counter right uppercut in round 3 that dropped Puryear to his knees.  The Floridian beat the count and responded by launching his own attack in round 4, stunning Reynoso with an overhand right.  The pugilists continued to trade punches in rounds 5 and 6 before a massive right hand dropped Puryear a second time.  Puryear again beat the count, and the bloody fighters resumed trading power shots until the final bell.  Scores were 58-54 (3x).   

Someone’s ‘0’ had to go when unbeaten middleweights Douglas Marroquin (6-0, 3 KOs) and Tremaine Jones (3-1, 3 KOs)collided in a 4-round slugfest.  Marroquin, a Guatemalan and Mexican fighter based in Stamford, CT, slowly broke down Jones, launching a body assault in round 1 and walking down his taller opponent behind intelligent pressure and short shots beginning in round 2.  Marroquin hit paydirt in round 3, staggering the Louisiana native with a huge right hand to the head and following up with a relentless assault.  A right to the body doubled Jones over, but he bravely absorbed the shot and survived to see the final bell.  Scores were 40-36 (3x). 

Joseph Chisholm (5-0, 5 KOs)continued his string of first round knockouts, blasting out Markist Taylor (1-2)in quick succession. “J-Elite” was too much for Taylor, landing a 3-punch combination punctuated by a right hand to the body that dropped the St. Louis native for the count.  Time of the stoppage was 1:09 of round 1. 

New Haven, CT’s Carlos Perez (4-0) kept his perfect record intact, pounding out a 4-round decision over Florida’s Shaquille Rushing (0-4-1).  After 2 competitive rounds, “Carlito’s Way” took control of the fight, landing 3 and 4 punch combinations to Grant’s head and body to secure the jr. welterweight bout by scores of 40-36 (3x).

Kevante Wineglass (2-0, 1 KO) picked up his first knockout, detonating a huge right hand to the head to drop debuting LaTraveon Grant (0-1) in round 2 of their jr. welterweight bout.  Grant survived the round, but the bout was stopped after round 3 on the doctor’s recommendation.    

In his pro debut, Norwalk, CT based Venezuelan Victor Guerra (1-0, 1 KO) knocked out Lucien Hannah (0-4) in 3 rounds of their jr. middleweight scrap.  The boxers took turns hurting one another with right hands in round 3, Hannah early in the round and Guerra towards the end.  Guerra, of Wilmer Mendez Boxing, took advantage of his hurt opponent, following up with a two-fisted assault to the head and body that had the exhausted Hannah reeling. The New Yorker wisely chose not to continue after round 3. 

David Marshall Jr. (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut a successful one, stopping Gabriel Costa (4-9-1, 4 KOs) in round 2 of their heavyweight bout. “Marshall Law” stunned Costa with a right hand in round 1. The Bristol, RI native dropped Costa twice in round 2, the first with a blistering left hook to the body, and the second with a heavy left hook to the head that convinced referee Harvey Dock to wave off the bout at 2:25 of round 2.

For more information about ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest resort casino in the Northeast, has set the standard for innovation and excellence in gaming and hospitality for over 33 years. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods continues to redefine the resort experience by offering a dynamic mix of world-class gaming, award-winning dining, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.

A destination like no other, Foxwoods offers over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, over 175,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, shopping at Tanger Outlets, and expansive gaming floors throughout the resort and unmatched amenities. The entertainment portfolio features globally acclaimed artists, exclusive live performances, and premier events hosted at its renowned venues, including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.

Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like DraftKings Sportsbook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Great Wolf Lodge, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings and deliver elevated, curated experiences for guests. The new brand campaign, “This Is How We Resort,” reflects Foxwoods’ commitment to creating unique, personalized moments—from thrilling gaming adventures to relaxing escapes—that redefine what it means to “resort”. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.


‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ Weigh-in Results

MASHANTUCKET, CT – The weights are in from Foxwoods Resort Casino, where CES Boxing presents ‘Championship Jackpot 2025,’ a stacked 13-fight pro card tomorrow night featuring WBC US Silver Featherweight Champion ‘King’ Kevin Walsh (16-0, 9 KOs) making the first defense of his title against former world title challenger Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (20-2, 6 KOs) and heavy handed prospect “Savage” Steven Sumpter (10-0-1, 8 KOs) colliding with Colombian puncher Janer Gonzalez (23-7-1, 19 KOs) for the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight title.
  
Tickets start at $82 and are quickly selling out.  Purchase yours now at CESFights.com or Ticketmaster.  Doors open at 5pm, with the first bout scheduled for 6pm EST.

Weights from Mashantucket, CT:

  • Kevin Walsh 130 vs. Tramaine Williams 130; Super featherweights
  • Steve Sumpter 167 vs. Janer Gonzalez 167; Super Middleweights
  • Slawomir Bohdziewicz 198 vs. Russell Harris 194; Cruiserweights
  • Jacob Marrero 135 vs. Wilfredo Flores 136; Lightweights
  • Ali Feliz 226 vs. Brandon Carmack 262; Heavyweights
  • William Guilmette 159 vs. Tymar Miles 161; Middleweights
  • Victor Reynoso 147 vs. Chris Puryear 145; Welterweights
  • Douglas Marroquin 160 vs. Tremaine Jones 158; Middleweights
  • Joseph Chisholm 123 vs. Markist Taylor 125; Featherweights
  • Carlos Perez 141 vs. Shaquille Rushing 142; Jr. Welterweights
  • Kevante Wineglass 145 vs. LaTreveon Grant 145; Welterweights
  • Victor Guerra 154 vs. Lucien Hannah 156; Jr. Middleweights
  • David Marshall Jr. 202 vs. Gabriel Costa 215; Heavyweights

For more information about CES and its events, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest resort casino in the Northeast, has set the standard for innovation and excellence in gaming and hospitality for over 33 years. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods continues to redefine the resort experience by offering a dynamic mix of world-class gaming, award-winning dining, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.

A destination like no other, Foxwoods offers over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, over 175,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, shopping at Tanger Outlets, and expansive gaming floors throughout the resort and unmatched amenities. The entertainment portfolio features globally acclaimed artists, exclusive live performances, and premier events hosted at its renowned venues, including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.

Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like DraftKings Sportsbook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Great Wolf Lodge, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings and deliver elevated, curated experiences for guests. The new brand campaign, “This Is How We Resort,” reflects Foxwoods’ commitment to creating unique, personalized moments—from thrilling gaming adventures to relaxing escapes—that redefine what it means to “resort”. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.



Kevin Walsh: “The King is Here – It’s My Time”

BROCKTON, MA – Undefeated featherweight “King” Kevin Walsh (16-0, 9 KOs) makes the first defense of his WBC US Silver Featherweight title on Saturday, May 10, against former world title challenger Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (20-2, 6 KOs). 

The bout tops CES Boxing’s “Championship Jackpot 2025,” a loaded card taking place at Foxwoods Resort Casino’s Premier Theater.  Tickets for Championship Jackpot 2025 are quickly selling out – purchase yours now at CESFights.com or Ticketmaster.  

“Training’s going great,” said a relaxed Walsh a week from the fight.  “It’s just another day in the office.  I’ve been through a lot in life, so the gym is my therapy.”

Walsh only took a week off after wresting the WBC title from champion Edwin de los Santos in February in a thrilling performance.

“I’m just constantly accelerating,” explains Walsh of his improvement.  “Going rounds, sparring, running miles, doing whatever I gotta do. I don’t switch up the recipe, cause all I’ve been doing is winning.”

Indeed, ‘King’ Kevin Walsh has been on a tear, particularly as his level of competition has increased. The Brockton native defeated Massachusetts rival Irvin Gonzalez via 4th round TKO last November to win the New England Super Featherweight title and followed up that impressive performance with a dominant 8th round TKO of Rhode Island’s de los Santos to add the WBC belt. 

“It was a great fight,” said Walsh of his win over de los Santos. “Ricky’s tough.  I knew he was gonna come to fight, and at the same time, I knew he was underestimating me because we sparred a year prior to the fight and he kinda got the better of me.”

The successful sparring session gave de los Santos the false impression that he was the superior fighter, something that Walsh proved wrong on fight night. 

“Anyone who knows me knows that I’m constantly getting better,” explains Walsh, who dropped de los Santos with a tremendous right hand in round 7 before finishing him off in the following round.  “Ricky definitely slept on me, and I ended up getting the best of him, hurting him and knocking him out.”

The win was Walsh’s 4th consecutive knockout, a run that began with a 2nd round stoppage of Tackie Annan in May 2024. 

“That’s what the people like to see,” says Kevin of the conclusive endings to his fights. “I go in there to destroy.  My coaches always tell me, ‘Kev just go in there and box, the knockout’s gonna come’.  Especially in my last two fights, that’s pretty much what I did.  I wasn’t looking for the knockouts.  They just came.”

With wins over Gonzalez and de los Santos, there is only one featherweight left in New England for Walsh to conquer before turning to world aspirations. 

Enter New Haven, CT’s Tramaine Williams, a crafty southpaw who has shared the ring with the likes of 2-division world champion Angelo Leo, top contender Elijah Pierce, and grizzled veteran Yenifel Vicente. 

“He was a very good amateur boxer,” notes Walsh when asked about his opponent.  “I saw him fight for the world title against Angelo Leo. Tremaine’s a good fighter. He’s small, but I feel like he’s strong.  He seems more of a counter puncher, but at the end of the day, the King is here. It’s my time.”

At 5’4 with a 68″ reach, ‘The Mighty Midget’ presents a tough puzzle for Walsh to decipher, but it’s one that Kevin is eager to figure out. 

“Every fight is different,” explains Walsh.  “When I get in there, I’ll see what I got to do to beat him. I’m in the best shape of my life and I’m ready for whatever. I don’t know what he’s gonna do, but he doesn’t know what I’m gonna do. I could box, I could bang, I could move my feet.  I got crazy footwork when I need to use it. I’m ready for the 10 rounds, but I got that power, so the knockout is most likely gonna come.”

Assuming all goes well on Saturday, Walsh is prepared to challenge the division’s elite.

“I would like to fight some of the bigger names out there,” agrees the 32-year-old.  “That’s definitely the plan.  I’m not getting any younger, so my time is now.  Stephen Fulton [WBC], Nick Ball [WBA] or Angelo Leo [IBF]. That’s who I’m coming for.  I want those belts and I want that respect.”

Despite a soft-spoken demeanor and an undefeated record, the Brockton native has had his share of haters throughout the years.  It’s something that he feels is turning into respect with each win. 

“Absolutely,” says Walsh. “After my fights against Ricky del Santos and Irvin Gonzalez, I’m getting a lot more respect.  I’m getting a lot of love from fighters all over New England and all over the world, and lots of support from the fans.”

The King can continue gaining loyal followers with a dominant victory over the last New England featherweight standing, but he’ll have to do it in William’s home state.

“I love that it’s in his backyard and he’s gonna have a lot of people there,” says Walsh of fighting in Connecticut. “Of course, I always bring a lot of people, so the crowd is gonna be going crazy. You guys gonna see fireworks May 10!”

For more information about ‘Championship Jackpot 2025’ and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION
About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino, the largest resort casino in the Northeast, has set the standard for innovation and excellence in gaming and hospitality for over 33 years. Owned and operated by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Foxwoods continues to redefine the resort experience by offering a dynamic mix of world-class gaming, award-winning dining, top-tier entertainment, and family-friendly attractions.

A destination like no other, Foxwoods offers over 1,900 luxury hotel rooms, over 175,000 square feet of flexible space for meetings and events, shopping at Tanger Outlets, and expansive gaming floors throughout the resort and unmatched amenities. The entertainment portfolio features globally acclaimed artists, exclusive live performances, and premier events hosted at its renowned venues, including the Premier Theater and Great Cedar Showroom.

Through strategic partnerships with leading brands like DraftKings Sportsbook, Hell’s Kitchen, and Great Wolf Lodge, Foxwoods continues to expand its offerings and deliver elevated, curated experiences for guests. The new brand campaign, “This Is How We Resort,” reflects Foxwoods’ commitment to creating unique, personalized moments—from thrilling gaming adventures to relaxing escapes—that redefine what it means to “resort”. For more information, visit www.foxwoods.com.



“King” Kevin Walsh makes first WBC title defense May 10 at Foxwoods Resort Casino

MASHANTUCKET, CT – CES Boxing returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino on May 10 with a loaded card featuring 2 championship bouts and several of the best prospects in the Northeast US.

Tickets for CES Boxing’s Championship Jackpot 2025 are on sale now, beginning at $82. Purchase your tickets at CESFights.com or Ticketmaster. 

In the main event, “King” Kevin Walsh (16-0, 9 KOs) looks to make the first defense of his WBC US Silver Featherweight title against New Haven’s Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (20-2, 6 KOs).

Walsh won the WBC title in February with a spectacular 8th round knockout of Ricky de los Santos. The Brockton, MA native, who also won New England Lightweight and Super Featherweight titles in 2024, continues to inch towards a world title shot.  In his way is Williams, a former world title challenger who has shared the ring with the likes of 2-division world champion Angelo Leo, top contender Elijah Pierce, and grizzled veteran Yenifel Vicente.      

Heavy handed Lawrence, MA prospect Steven “Savage” Sumpter (10-1-1, 8 KOs) battles Georgia’s Eric Moon (11-6-1, 6 KOs) in the co-feature for the vacant WBC US Silver Super Middleweight title. The 31-year-old Sumpter is coming off a 4th round stoppage of veteran Victor Exner in February and looks to make it 2 in a row with CES Boxing.

The championship bouts are supported by competitive match-ups featuring many of the best fighters in New England.

Exciting Bridgeport, CT lightweight Jacob “Lefty” Marrero (8-0, 7 KOs) battles New York’s Wilfredo Flores (11-4-1, 5 KOs), while Polish prospect Slawomir Bohdziewicz (5-0, 4 KOs) collides with power puncher Russell Harris (6-1, 6 KOs) in a 6-round cruiserweight contest. 

Rising heavyweight prospect Ali Feliz (5-0, 4 KOs) of Danbury, CT, makes his second appearance of 2025 at Foxwoods, tackling Missouri native Brandon Carmack (8-7-2, 5 KOs) in a 6-round slugfest. 

Someone’s O has to go when Stamford, CT’s Douglas Marroquin (5-0, 3 KOs) collides with Louisiana’s Tremaine Jones (3-0, 3 KOs) in a 4-round middleweight bout.

Providence-based welterweight Victor Reynoso (10-0, 7 KOs) continues his comeback after a lengthy layoff against Jacksonville, FL’s Chris Puryear (5-2), and blue-chip prospect Joseph “J-Elite” Chisholm (4-0, 4) looks to extend his streak to 5 first round knockouts when he battles Missouri’s Markist Taylor (1-1) in a 4 round super bantamweight bout. 

Rounding out the card are New Haven, CT’s Carlos Perez (3-0) and Kevante Wineglass (1-0) in a pair of jr. welterweight bouts, and the professional debuts of Rhode Island middleweight Will Guilmette, Norwalk, CT welterweight Victor Guerra, and heavyweight David Marshall Jr. of Bristol, RI.

For more information on Championship Jackpot 2025 and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION
About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino offers guests a premier destination resort experience throughout its six world-class casinos, AAA Four-Diamond hotels featuring over 2,200 rooms, dining options for all tastes, luxurious spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, Tanger Outlet Mall and conference space for groups of all sizes. There is always something new at Foxwoods that gives guests more reasons to stay, including the opening of dining properties like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Wahlburgers and Grace by Nia; celebrity pastry chef Zac Young’s storefront, Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream; and a landmark deal with Great Wolf Lodge, opening in 2025. When it comes to sports betting and gaming, Foxwoods has partnerships with fan-favorite betting and entertainment platforms, including DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s recently formed Wondr Nation. For a detailed look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.



Ricky de los Santos & ‘King’ Kevin Walsh Prepare for War

UNCASVILLE, CT – On Saturday, February 15, Ricky de los Santos (12-1, 3 KOs) defends his WBC US Silver Featherweight Title against unbeaten New England Super Featherweight & Lightweight Champion “King” Kevin Walsh (15-0, 8 KOs).

The pair collide on CES Boxing’s massive ‘Love & War’ card taking place at Mohegan Sun Arena and broadcast live globally on DAZN.  Tickets on sale now at CESFights.com, TicketMaster or the Mohegan Sun Arena box office.

At first glance, the fighters have much in common: they have emerged as the top 2 featherweights in the northeast US, each coming off the biggest win of their respective careers last year at Mohegan Sun Arena. 

De los Santos won the WBC title against Nathan Martinez via unanimous decision in February, while Walsh dispatched of Irvin Gonzalez in 4 rounds to pick up the New England Super Featherweight title in November.  They also proudly represent the fighting New England cities of Brockton, MA (Walsh) and Pawtucket, RI (de los Santos). 

The pugilists recently sat down with The Final Bell podcast to discuss a showdown that many believe will steal the show on Saturday night.  They showed mutual respect and acknowledged the other’s strengths, but with emotions running high, they also traded a few barbs.

“He’s a tough fighter,” said Walsh when assessing de los Santos.  “He’s fast, he’s got skills and good footwork.  I’m looking forward to the challenge.  These are the moments I live for.”

Walsh had a late start in boxing.  The 32-year-old turned pro in 2021 and reeled off 15 victories in only 4 years.  2024 was his best year to date, as the Brockton native fought 5 times and won 2 titles.  With each outing, Walsh steadily increased his level of opposition and showed marked improvement, something that’s not lost on de los Santos.

“I know Kevin’s coming to fight,” said the Pawtucket resident.  “I know he’s a tough kid, I know he works hard. We all know that because we see he’s on social media showing it. He’s got a great team behind him.  Respect to CES and the Cappiello’s for moving him the way they did.  Anybody can tell you that they moved him right and now we’re here.  At this point in my career, I’m game. I wanted a fight like this.”

In de los Santos, Walsh will be facing a slick boxer who feels that he is at the top of his game.  The half Puerto Rican, half Dominican fighter turned pro in 2017 and won his first 10 bouts before being upset by Yeison Vargas in 2022.  De los Santos regrouped since the loss, knocking out Jeno Tonte in 2 rounds in October 2023 and following that up with his title winning effort over Martinez 4 months later.

Unfortunately for the 35-year-old, he hurt his hand in that fight and has not been able to capitalize on his biggest win until now.

“I hurt my hand in the third or fourth round,” explains de los Santos of his inactivity. “I was able to fight through it and get the victory, but when I took tests after the fight, I was told to take off at least 6 months. I tried to get on the last CES card, but it didn’t work out, so they made this fight happen.”

The fight between the New England rivals has significant ramifications.  De los Santos is ranked 15 with the NABF, while Walsh is ranked 18.  This fight represents the biggest test of each man’s career, with everything to gain from an impressive win on DAZN and much to lose if they stumble.
 
“In this part of my career, I can’t afford any more losses,” confesses de los Santos. “I took one – it ain’t happening again. We learned from that, so I’m coming prepared, I’m working.” 

When considering what the key difference is between them, de los Santos feels that he knows what to expect from Walsh after a sparring session that took place a while back.

“In the most humblest way, I just think I’m levels above him,” says de los Santos flatly. “We’ve shared the ring before with me playing at 50%, 60% just to get the work in. I think that my all-around game is better. It’s not so much my game plan as it’s him having to adjust to what I got going on. If need be, I could do anything. I’ve been in there with everybody, so there’s nothing that he does that haven’t seen.”

While Walsh admits that de los Santos may have gotten the best of the 4 round sparring session, he believes that it is irrelevant to what will happen on Saturday night.

“It was 1 or 2 years ago,” says Walsh of the sparring sessions.  “We’ve been in the ring together and he might have got the best of me that day, but that’s just sparring.  This is a lot different. These are 8 oz gloves, and I’ve got some lethal hands, so I feel like my power is gonna be the difference in this fight. My speed’s gonna be the difference, my overall conditioning. I’m ready for war.”

In fact, when visualizing the outcome of this fight, Walsh sees it ending in emphatic fashion. 

“The KO’s coming, 100%,” says Walsh.  “Respect to Ricky de los Santos and his team for accepting the fight because he knows I’m ready for war. I know Ricky’s tough, but I’m another animal. I’m another beast and I’m looking forward to proving that because I know a lot of people are sleeping on me and probably thinking that Ricky’s got this, but I’m really looking forward to proving all the haters and the doubters wrong.  I’ve got these lethal weapons right here with me, so I’m coming.”

And with that, the war of words was ignited.

“He’s in for a beating,” countered de los Santos. “I’m gonna do him filthy. I’m gonna do him dirty, I promise you. Whatever he wants to do, I’ll dog walk this dude. He knows that.  I’m telling you right now. I promise you he’s no king in that ring. That night, you’ll be the queen in that ring. In your world, you could be a king. It’s cool, but in that ring, nah.”

There’s only one way to find out who the king of the featherweights is, and that’s in the ring on February 15. 

Be sure to catch ‘Love and War’ live from Mohegan Sun Arena or on DAZN.  With 3 title fights and several of the best contenders and prospects in competitive fights, it’s an event you won’t want to miss.

For more information about CES and its events, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.”  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.


‘CES Autumn Classic’ Weigh-in Results

UNCASVILLE, CT – The weights are in from Mohegan Sun Arena, where CES Boxing presents ‘CES Autumn Classic,’ a stacked 12-fight pro card tomorrow night featuring WBC US Silver Lightweight Champion Alejandro Paulino (18-0, 14 KOs) in his stiffest test to date against Toka “T-Nice” Kahn (29-3, 19 KOs) and a Massachusetts turf war between “King” Kevin Walsh (14-0, 7 KOs) and Irvin Gonzalez (16-4, 12 KOs) for Walsh’s New England Super Featherweight title.
  
Tickets start at $77 and are quickly selling out.  Go to CESFights, Ticketmaster, or the Mohegan Sun box office to purchase yours now.  Doors open at 5pm, with the first bout scheduled for 5:30pm EST.

Fans who can’t make it to Mohegan Sun Arena will be able to see the entire card live worldwide on SwerveTV.

Weights from Uncasville, CT:

Alejandro Paulino 134.5 vs. Toka Kahn 135; LightweightsKevin Walsh 129 vs. Irvin Gonzalez 130; Super featherweightsJacob Marrero 137 vs. Placido Hoff 132; LightweightsMike Kimbel 147 vs. Sebastian Chaves 143; WelterweightsStevie Jane Coleman 144 vs. Suzanne Griffin 144; WelterweightsCassius Chaney 270 vs. Onoriode Ehwarieme 226; HeavyweightsAmelia Moore 139.5 vs. Michaele Nogue 140; Jr. WelterweightsCarlos Nunez 122 vs. Anthony Elliotti 123; BantamweightsJeff Gonzalez 148 vs. Robert DeGaetano 149; WelterweightsDouglas Marroquin 162 vs. Travis Floyd 161; MiddleweightsJoseph Chisholm 125 vs. Semaj Flextcher 121; FeatherweightsKevante Wineglass 145 vs. Jesus Salas 145; WelterweightsFor more information about CES and its events, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXINGCES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA
Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.”  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.
 


Kevin Walsh & Irvin Gonzalez meet at the Crossroads

UNCASVILLE, CT – Top New England fighters collide in a high-stakes clash this Saturday, November 2, when “King” Kevin Walsh (14-0, 7 KOs) defends his New England Super Featherweight title against Irvin Gonzalez (16-4, 12 KOs) in an 8 round turf war at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Walsh vs. Gonzalez is the CES Autumn Classic co-feature, one of the biggest and best fight cards of the year.  12 action-packed bouts featuring many of the best prospects and contenders in New England.  Tickets are priced starting at $77 and are quickly selling out.  Purchase yours now at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, CESFights.com or Ticketmaster. 

The showdown pits 2 of the best fighters from 2 iconic fight cities in Massachusetts – Walsh from Brockton, the home of legends the likes of Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler, and Gonzalez from Worcester, known for producing top fighters such as Jose Rivera, Edwin Rodriguez and Jamaine Ortiz.

Perhaps more importantly, this is a crossroads battle between a fighter on the rise in Kevin Walsh and a fighter looking to re-establish his claim as the top featherweight in New England in Gonzalez.

Walsh, who got a late start in boxing at the age of 23, has been on a tear since turning pro in 2021. The 31-year-old fought 4 times in 2023, winning the New England Super Featherweight title in the process. Walsh added the New England Lightweight title in March of this year and continued to impress, adding 4 wins, 3 of them by knockout.    

A few years ago, Irvin Gonzalez was where Walsh is today.  The Worcester native of Puerto Rican descent went pro in 2016 after a long amateur career and rattled off 12 straight wins.  As his star rose, many looked at Gonzalez as the next world champion from Massachusetts. Then came two straight defeats to Elijah Pierce and Toka Kahn, both in 2019. 

“The losses had a lot to do with outside the ring issues,” confesses Gonzalez.  “Being young and dumb. That’s pretty much what it was. I was going through a lot of things. I wasn’t there mentally and I was trying to push through it, and I just couldn’t.”

Gonzalez’s career has been up and down ever since.  Irvin rebounded with 2 wins and the WBC Youth Featherweight title in 2020 before losing the title in his first defense to future world title challenger Edward Vasquez.  A win later, Irvin was shocked by Dannis Arias in 4 rounds.  Gonzalez returned in November 2023 with a first-round stoppage before fighting for the Boston Butchers from April to July of this year.

Now on a mission to reclaim his position as one of the top fighters in New England, the 28-year-old called out the man who was now receiving those accolades, Kevin Walsh.

“I’ve seen him fight a few times,” says Gonzalez of Walsh. “He does have skills, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near my level, especially when I’m on my A game.”

“I’ve seen him around before too,” says Walsh.  “I think he’s a good fighter, but I honestly just feel like I’m a stronger fighter. I’m a faster fighter and I’m just more talented. He’s got experience and he’s been doing it longer than me, but it really doesn’t matter. I feel like I’m right there with all those guys who beat him, so I should be able to take care of Irvin Gonzalez just like them if not faster. I just feel like I’m overall the better fighter.”

The fighters agreed to meet on September 7 before a foot injury forced Gonzalez to pull out of the fight only 2 days before.  Rather than a super fight between 2 top featherweights, Walsh had to settle for a stay-busy fight against Yeifer Valencia, whom he stopped in one concussive round.

A man of his word, Walsh agreed to reschedule the fight against Gonzalez for this Saturday night. 

“I accepted the fight right away, because I hoped that he wasn’t bullshitting about the injury,” said Walsh in a recent face-to-face with Gonzalez.  “I wanted to give him that opportunity.  Nothing but respect to Irvin, but if he wasn’t injured and only pulled out because he wasn’t ready, that’s some weak shit.”

“I’m the one who asked for the fight originally,” countered Gonzalez.  “I’ve never backed down from a fight, but this is a big fight for both of us and I want to be at 100%.  I don’t want to be at 50% with one foot.  Come November 2nd, I’ll be 100% so that when we step into that ring, we’re both ready.”

If both men enter the ring at their best as they plan to do, fans are in for a special treat on Halloween weekend. 

The fight is a contrast of styles between the taller, rangier and more experienced Gonzalez and the naturally bigger, older and more active Walsh.  It is as intriguing as a fight gets between 2 top operators, neither of which agree on it being a 50/50 fight. 

“No offense to him, but he doesn’t really stand out to me,” said Gonzalez about Walsh.  “He was always fighting at 130 or 135, which is not my weight class.   I fight at 126 and when I got offered this fight, I said I’ll come up to 130 to fight him because I don’t think we’re on the same level. It might appear like we are on paper, but skill wise and experience wise, I don’t think we’re on the same level whatsoever, but I guess we’ll just have to find out.”

“I disagree with that,” says Walsh emphatically. “I’m not trying to take too much away from Irvin. He’s a great fighter. He comes forward and tries to walk his opponents down, but I just feel like he’s underestimating me.  I feel like he’s sleeping on me, and I feel like I’m just too fast and too strong of a fighter for him.”

Both men cannot be right, which makes this a can’t miss fight on Saturday night, especially since they represent 2 fighting cities in Brockton and Worcester. 
 
“I’m a different type of fighter,” said Walsh when predicting the outcome.  “I was born for this.  It means the world for me to be able to represent Brockton and follow in the footsteps of Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Rocky Marciano.  It’s history in the making.  On November 2nd, people are gonna see I’m not just a boxer, I’m not just a puncher, I can do it all, and I can go into the late rounds, but I don’t think it’s gonna go 8 rounds.”

While Gonzalez declined to offer a prediction, he guaranteed that he would represent his city of Worcester well against Brockton’s best.

“I look at Worcester as the fighting city of Massachusetts,” said Gonzalez, naming Jamaine Ortiz, Jose Rivera, Bobby Harris and many others to back up his claim. “We’re the top dogs.  I’m a die-hard Worcester native and to fight somebody from Brockton, a different city from Massachusetts, it means a little bit more. Which city is better?  I guess we’ll find out on November 2nd.” 

Brockton vs. Worcester.  Experience vs. Activity.  Two men at a crossroads in their careers.  This is a fight you don’t want to miss. 

Tickets available at the Mohegan Sun box office, CESFights.com or Ticketmaster. 

For more information on these cards and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Mohegan Sun Arena finished 2021 with its first “#1 Indoor Arena” ranking for its capacity in the world according to Pollstar and VenuesNow, ranked among the top 10 venues in the U.S. regardless of size based on ticket sales, and was named “2021 Innovator of the Year” by Celebrity Access for its ViacomCBS residency.  In recent years, the “Most Beloved Venue in America” has also been the “#1 Casino Venue in the World,” “#1 Social Media Venue in the World” and a seven – time national award – winner for “Arena of the Year.”  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.

 


Irvin Gonzalez: “Kevin Walsh is not on my level!”

MASHANTUCKET, CT – Irvin Gonzalez (16-4, 12 KOs) challenges “King” Kevin Walsh (13-0, 6 KOs) for the New England Super Featherweight Championship on Saturday, September 7 at Foxwoods Resort Casino, the premier resort casino in the Northeast.

The bout is CES Boxing’s co-main event on a stacked ‘Live Championship Boxing’ card featuring 2 championship bouts and several of the best contenders and prospects in New England. The entire card will be televised live on Swerve Combat TV.

Tickets for Live Championship Boxing are available at CESFights.com and Ticketmaster. Doors open at 6pm, with the first bout at 7pm. Get your tickets now as they are quickly selling out!

For Gonzalez, a Worcester, MA native of Puerto Rican descent, an impressive win over Walsh signals his claim as “king” of the super featherweights in New England.

“It puts me back in the spot where I should have been years ago, fighting for titles that actually mean something,” says the 28-year-old when considering what a victory would do for his career. “It will show that I’m still the best 126/130 pounder coming out of New England.”

Like Walsh, Gonzalez was once an undefeated prospect on the way to world title contention. Turning pro in 2016 after an extensive amateur career, Irvin quickly won his first 12 bouts, 9 of them by stoppage. Then came 2019, a challenging year that saw Gonzalez lose 2 fights in a row, the first by knockout.

“My performances that year had a lot to do with issues outside the ring,” confesses Gonzalez. “I was just young and dumb, going through a lot of things. I wasn’t there mentally, and I was trying to push through it, and I just couldn’t.”

Following those losses to Elijah Pierce and Toka Kahn Clary, Gonzalez regrouped to win his next 2 bouts, picking up the WBC Youth World title in the process. Then came a razor thin decision loss in 2020 to world title challenger Edward Vasquez at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

“If you go back and rewatch that fight, they robbed me,” says a vehement Gonzalez about the encounter. “I beat him hands down, and in the first round of that fight, I had him hurt. He was on shaky legs, and I took my foot off the pedal.”

Gonzalez fought 3 more times following that frustrating defeat, going 2-1. His last bout was a first-round blowout of Rodolfo Montoya in November 2023.

However, while Gonzalez has not had a full bout in 9 months, he has been in the ring. The Worcester native joined the Boston Butchers in May of this year and fought 8 times for them, helping the Butchers enter the Team Combat League playoffs in July.

“It was a great experience,” says Gonzalez of his time with the Butchers. “It was a different atmosphere, a different game because you only have one round to score a point for your team, so you had to have a different mentality going into that ring.”

The experience rekindled Gonzalez’s love for the sport as he forged strong relationships with many of fighters on the team.

“I love the overall energy of the league,” explains Gonzalez. “It brought me back to the amateur days when we were all going to national tournaments together. We built bonds that we never had before.”

Those bonds led Gonzalez to join teammates Alejandro Paulino and Elijah Peixoto at the Big 6 Gym in Providence, RI, where Dr. Roland Estrada is preparing the 3 pugilists for separate bouts on September 7.

“Training has been going great,” says Gonzalez. “This will be my first fight at 130 but after this fight I’m going back down to 126. I don’t want to fight at 130. I’m making an exception for this fight because Kevin walks around like he’s the best 130-135 pounder in New England and that’s just not the case. We’ll find out September 7 who’s the best at 130, but from 126 to 130, I think I got it down. At 135, you’ve got Alejandro Paulino. Kevin thinks he’s the best in New England, so I’m just here to prove that he’s not.”

While many consider this fight to be a 50/50 matchup, Irvin believes that Walsh’s record is a mirage. Gonzalez doesn’t hold back when offering his opinion on Walsh’s previous opponents. He believes Walsh has yet to face a fighter of his caliber, and this fight will be a wake-up call for the Brockton native.

“I’ve seen him fight a few times,” says Gonzalez when assessing Walsh. “He does have skills, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t think he’s anywhere near my level, especially when I’m on my A game. When I’m not on my A game, yeah, he might be, but when I’m on my A game, he ain’t got nothing for me, especially if you look at the opponents he’s fought. In the professionals, he hasn’t fought a soul. On paper, yes, Kevin Walsh might be 13-0, but he’s fought all cab drivers. He’s fighting a real fighter this time. I’ve been in there with Elijah Pierce, Toka Kahn, Edward Vazquez. Toka Kahn alone blows all his opponents out of the water.”

Analyzing this fight, Gonzalez has the edge in youth and experience, while Walsh appears to be the naturally bigger man. The question is which of them has the superior skillset and what factor will speed and power play in the fight.

“I give him all the respect in the world, but I’ve had over 130 amateur fights and I’ve been in the game since I was 8 years old, so it’s very different,” insists Gonzalez of the experience gap. “I fight at 126 and when I got offered this fight, I said I’ll come up to 130 to fight him because I don’t think we’re on the same level. It might appear like we are on paper, but skill wise and experience wise I don’t think we’re on the same level whatsoever, but I guess we’ll just have to find out September 7th.”

On September 7, we will all find out who is the king of the super featherweights in New England.

For more information on Live Championship Boxing and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION

About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast. Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino offers guests a premier destination resort experience throughout its six world-class casinos, AAA Four-Diamond hotels featuring over 2,200 rooms, dining options for all tastes, luxurious spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, Tanger Outlet Mall and conference space for groups of all sizes. There is always something new at Foxwoods that gives guests more reasons to stay, including the opening of dining properties like Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Wahlburgers and Grace by Nia; celebrity pastry chef Zac Young’s storefront, Sprinkletown Donuts & Ice Cream; and a landmark deal with Great Wolf Lodge, opening in 2025. When it comes to sports betting and gaming, Foxwoods has partnerships with fan-favorite betting and entertainment platforms, including DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s recently formed Wondr Nation. For a detailed look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.



“King” Kevin Walsh prepares for War against Irvin Gonzalez on September 7

MASHANTUCKET, CT – On September 7th, CES Boxing returns to Foxwoods Resort Casino with “Live Championship Boxing,” a blockbuster card featuring 2 championship bouts and several of the best contenders and prospects in New England in competitive matchups that will be broadcast live on Swerve.TV.

A can’t-miss regional turf war will erupt when “King” Kevin Walsh (13-0, 6 KOs) of Brockton, MA, defends his New England Super Featherweight title against top contender Irvin Gonzalez (16-4, 12 KOs) of Worcester, MA, in the scorching co-main event. 

Tickets for ‘Live Championship Boxing’ are available at CESFights.com and Ticketmaster.  Doors open at 6pm, with the first bout at 7pm.  Get your tickets now as they are sure to sell out!  

While Kevin Walsh loved to fight as a kid, the Brockton native never imagined becoming a pro boxer, let alone a champion, when he was in and out of jail just 10 years ago.

“I grew up in Brockton, MA, looking up to the wrong people,” explains Walsh.  “I was always fighting in the streets, fighting in school, stuff like that. I got into trouble, got incarcerated and went to jail.  I did a year in DYS [Department of Youth Services] and when I got out, I got into some more trouble and I did a couple months here, a couple months there.”

The street life was leading the Brockton native to a future of spending a large portion of his adulthood behind bars. 

“I lost my father when I was 17, and he was my best friend” reflects Walsh.  “I had no guidance.  I went to jail again and I said to myself, ‘what should I do to get out of this mess? What can I do?’ And I thought to myself, ‘what would my father want me to do?’ When I was a kid, my father always told me that I was going to be something great one day. He would definitely want me to become a boxer. He always loved the fight world and the fight life, so I thought: you know what, stop fighting and start boxing.” 

Walsh was 22 when he got out of jail and decided to change his life.  With a court case looming, Kevin opted to find refuge in a gym instead of the streets that he had known so well. 

“Right after I got out of jail, I went to a couple of great local MMA professional fighters from my city, Steven Dunn and Lionel Young,” recalls Walsh.  “They took me under their wing and showed me the fight world. At first, I thought I would try MMA, so I started training with those guys.  Eventually, I got a call for a boxing match. Steve Dunn said, ‘alright, you’re gonna box, so we’re gonna hook you up with Mike Cappiello.'”

While Walsh was used to fighting in the streets, he had never actually boxed before and didn’t know what to expect when he entered the Cappiello Boxing Gym in Brockton, MA. 

“I was still just a street fighter,” elaborates Walsh.  “I went to Mike’s boxing gym for a month before my fight and ended up knocking the dude out in the first round. I fell in love with it. I just clicked with Mike right away and he said, ‘you know, I think you should stick with boxing,’ and I said yeah, let’s do it.”

Cappiello, a former pro boxer who is related to Brockton legend Rocky Marciano, became Kevin’s trainer as Walsh launched his amateur career.  However, Kevin still had to deal with a looming court case and a judge who could derail his career before it really took off.

“I was literally fighting for my life,” explains Walsh.  “The judge saw me making a name for myself in the amateurs and changing my life, and he decided to give me another chance.  He gave me 3 years’ probation instead of 3 years upstate, and I took full advantage of that.”
    
The 31-year-old has never looked back.  Instead of spending 3 years in prison, Kevin spent 5 years as an amateur under Cappiello’s tutelage before turning pro in 2021. 

Walsh is now a perfect 13-0 with 6 knockouts and beginning to emerge as a prospect to watch.  “King” Kevin also has some hardware to go with the notoriety: in January 2023, Walsh won the New England Super Featherweight title, defending it once before moving up to lightweight in pursuit of a second New England title, which he won in March of this year against veteran Matt Doherty.

“It felt good to win those titles,” says Walsh.  “I just gotta stay humble and keep working. They’re local titles, but I’m aiming for something much bigger than that.  I’m aiming for a world title and more.”

While Kevin has passed every test CES Boxing has given him thus far, he faces his stiffest one on September 7th when he drops back down to Super Featherweight to defend his title against the 16-4 Irvin Gonzalez. 

In Gonzalez, Walsh is facing a younger, taller fighter who turned pro 5 years before Kevin and has shared the ring with the likes of Toka Kahn Clary, Elijah Pierce, and world title challenger Edward Vasquez. 

“I feel like it’s time for me to take on a good opponent like Irvin Gonzalez,” says Walsh of the 28-year-old Worcester native, who is moving up from featherweight for the title shot. “He’s fought on 1 or 2 of my cards, so I’ve seen him fight before. I think he’s a good fighter, but I honestly just feel like I’m a stronger fighter, a faster fighter and I’m just more talented. He’s got experience and he’s been doing it longer than me, but it really doesn’t matter. I just feel like I’m overall the better fighter.”

While Walsh shows a healthy respect for Gonzalez, he shakes his head at the notion that this is a 50/50 fight.

“I’m not trying to take too much away from Irvin, because he’s a great fighter,” explains Walsh. “He comes forward and tries to walk his opponents down, but I just feel like he’s underestimating me.  I feel like he’s sleeping on me, and I feel like I’m just too fast and too strong of a fighter for him.”

Walsh reasons that if Kahn Clary, Pierce and Edwards were able to beat Gonzalez, he has the skills to do the same.

“I don’t really like to compare myself,” says Walsh. “I think all those guys are great fighters, but I feel like I’m right there with all of them if not better, so I should be able to take care of Irvin Gonzalez just like them if not faster.”

And with that, a declaration of war has been made between 2 of the top fighters in Massachusetts, each vying to pass the other to enter the world stage.

“He was talking a little bit of smack on social media, and he called me out, so you know I had to answer that real quick,” concludes Walsh.  “I got the hardware and the city behind me.  I’m feeling good and confident. September 7th is gonna be fireworks and I’m looking forward to the challenge.  Irving Gonzalez is going down!”

For more information on Live Championship Boxing and all other CES Boxing events, visit cesfights.com.

INFORMATION
About CES Boxing

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.”, “Mayweather vs. Gotti III” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.

About Foxwoods Resort Casino

Foxwoods Resort Casino offers guests a premier destination resort experience throughout its six world-class casinos, AAA Four-Diamond hotels featuring over 2,200 rooms, dining options for all tastes, luxurious spas, award-winning golf, state-of-the-art theaters, Tanger Outlet Mall and conference space for groups of all sizes. There is always something new at Foxwoods, including the recently announced landmark deal with Great Wolf Lodge, opening in 2024, our new 80,000 sq ft expo center opening in November 2022 and a new High Stakes Bingo Hall which opened July 2022, giving guests more reasons to stay than ever. When it comes to sports betting and gaming, Foxwoods has partnerships with fan-favorite betting and entertainment platforms, including DraftKings and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe’s recently formed Wondr Nation. For a detailed look at Foxwoods Resort Casino and Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation visit Foxwoods.com.



Paulino, Mascarenhas, Walsh & Duran Jr. shine at Rhode Wars IV

CRANSTON, RI – Since its inception in early 2022, “Rhode Wars” is designed to serve as a proving ground for the next generation of CES stars looking to join the list of past greats such as Vinny Paz and Peter Manfredo Jr. as well as current stars like Jamaine Ortiz.  

The ring is a truth machine, and the series is meant to weed out the true prospects from those who have more work to do in the gym.  Rhode Wars IV was no exception.  The show featured the CES debuts of two recent signings from legendary fighting families, the development of several New England prospects, and the pro debuts of two of Rhode Island’s own fighters.    

The event did not disappoint, as the bouts were evenly matched to the delight of the fans who came to support their local favorites at the packed Historic Park Theater in Cranston on a rainy Saturday night.  

Paulino annihilates Perez

In the main event of the evening, New London, CT’s Alejandro “El Abusador” Paulino stopped Colombia’s Jonathan Perez in the sixth and final round of a lightweight bout to improve his record to 13-0 with 11 knockouts.

‘El Abusador’ was in control of the bout from the opening bell, nearly dropping Perez with a left hook in the opening stanza.  A subsequent right to the body caused Perez’s gloves to touch the canvas, but referee Joey Lupino ruled it a slip.  Paulino continued landing at will in round 2, when a right to the head finally dropped Perez, who mustered up the will to beat the count and survive the round.

The knockdown appeared to wake up the Colombian, who responded in round 3 with several right hands of his own.  The shots did little to discourage Paulino, as the New Londoner returned to his dominant ways in rounds 4 and 5, stunning Perez repeatedly with laser straight right hands that left a welt under the Colombian’s left eye.   

Paulino continued looking for the knockout in round 6, and he finally found the opportunity he was seeking as he trapped Perez against the ropes and landed a combination that dropped the Colombian to the canvas.  Perez got up, but this time Paulino put a final exclamation on the night, ending matters with a follow up attack that caused referee Ricky Gonzalez to halt the bout at 2:20 of the round.  With the loss, Perez falls to 40-37 with 32 KOs.   

Mascarenhas makes triumphant return

In the co-feature, Wilson Mascarenhas shut out Ghana’s Benjamin Lamptey in a 6 round welterweight contest.  All three judges scored the bout 60-54 for the New Bedford resident.

‘Ill Will’ thrilled the raucous crowd, which included Saturday Night Live’s Kenan Thompson, with his smooth boxing and rapid-fire combinations.  Many fans wondered whether Mascarenhas would show any ill effects from a stabbing he suffered shortly after his last outing in March 2022 that kept him out of the ring for 18 months.  

The New Bedford resident was able to quell any concerns in round 1, patiently working behind an educated jab and appearing to be the sharper of the two pugilists.

Wilson dominated rounds 2 and 3, landing crisp combinations to the head and body of the mostly upright and stationary Lamptey.  The Accra native looked to counter, but he was never able to mount much of an attack against the quicker Mascarenhas.  

With the crowd chanting “Ill Will,” the Portugal native upped the ante in rounds 4 and 5, walking Lamptey down with a stiff jab and firing combinations whenever his opponent’s back touched the ropes.  Mascarenhas moved the fight to the inside in round 6, ripping short hooks to the body and rights to the head as the bout came to a close.  With the win, Mascarenhas improves to 7-1 (2 KOs) while Lamptey drops to 13-10-2 (9 KOs).      

Walsh decisions Williams in a War

In the fight of the night, Brockton’s Kevin Walsh outlasted Orlando, Florida’s Marcello Williams over 6 rounds in a lightweight war.  The bout was a contrast in styles, as the sharper Walsh was forced to trade early and often with the wild and persistent Williams.

Williams pressured Walsh from the opening bell, launching haymakers to the head of the patient Walsh, who responded with a big uppercut midway through the round.  The fighters traded heavy leather in round 2, with Walsh sharply countering the Brazilian’s wild advances.  

Williams landed a left hook and an uppercut in round 3, but a big right hand from Walsh briefly halted his momentum.  Walsh wisely chose to box in round 4, but the relentless Brazilian caught him with a right hand that forced the Brockton native to fire back with a left uppercut and right hand at the bell.  

The bout continued to follow this pattern in round 5, with Walsh landing the crisper punches early on and Williams weathering the storm to land heavy shots in the second half of each round.

Sensing that the fight was up for grabs, Walsh came out firing in round 6, finally staggering an exhausted Williams with a left hook to the head.  The fighters again engaged in a back-and-forth war until the final bell. The judges scored the fight 59-55 (2x) and 58-56 for Walsh, who improved his perfect record to 9-0 with 4 KOs as the unrelenting Williams dropped to 4-18-1.   

One Legend continues, the other stalls as Duran Jr. decisions Florez and Hagler Jr. suffers a knockout defeat

Alcibiade “Robert” Duran Jr. (12-3, 9 KOs) impressed fans in his CES debut, pounding out a 6-round unanimous decision win over Colombian Luis Florez (26-27, 21 KOs) in a 6 round junior middleweight showdown.  

With mentor Vinny Paz looking on, the son of the legendary “Hands of Stone,” landed at will against the sturdy Florez, switching between orthodox and southpaw stances throughout the contest.

Duran came out as a southpaw in round 1, focusing on Florez’s body and countering well to the head.  A 3-punch combination staggered Florez in round 2, and Duran continued to land heavy shots to the Colombian’s head and body.  

Duran, who fights out of Pedro Diaz’s ‘Mundo Boxing’ gym in Florida, threw the proverbial kitchen sink at Florez, walking the Colombian down and nailing him with heavy left hooks and right hands in rounds 3 and 4.  

The game Florez took the punches well, but he was unable to mount a significant assault of his own.  Scores were 60-54 (2x) and 59-55.  After the fight, Duran stated that he’d like to drop down to the welterweight division, where he feels most comfortable.       

Leonardo Ledeira (3-8, 3 KOs) can tell his future grandchildren that he once beat the grandson of a legend, as the Revere, MA resident spoiled James Hagler Jr.’s (3-2, 1 KO) CES debut in a 4 round light heavyweight bout.  

Hagler Jr. hurt Ledeira to the head in round 2, but the Brazilian responded in round 3 with a ferocious body assault that badly hurt the Atlanta native.  

Hagler Jr., who lost over 30 pounds in training camp for this bout, did his best to weather the storm, but a final left hook to the body dropped him for the full 10 count and the bout was called at 1:08 of the round.  

“I had to lose too much weight ahead of this fight, and it took a toll on my body,” said a disappointed Hagler Jr.  “I’d like to come back quickly to make up for this loss.”  

Other Action:

In her pro debut, Melanie Costa (1-0) destroyed England’s Daisy Preston (0-6-1) in round 2 of a 4 round featherweight bout.  The Providence native swarmed Preston from the opening bell, ripping shots to Brit’s midsection as she pressured her taller opponent.  Costa ended matters in round 2, landing a series of heavy shots that crumbled Preston to the canvas.  The bout was called off at 1:32 of the round.  

North Providence’s Michael DiDino (1-0) also made his professional debut a successful one, winning a competitive 4 round decision over Joel Young (0-2) in a lightweight bout.  The pugilists traded combinations throughout the first and second rounds, with the Southpaw DiDino landing the sharper blows.  A right hook appeared to hurt Young in round 3, but the Beltsville, Maryland native was able to tie up long enough to clear his head.  The fighters fought on the inside in round 4, with Young pressuring DiDino, who was cut by an accidental headbutt.  After 4 rounds, scores were 39-37 (2x) and 40-36 for the North Providence native.         

In the opening bout of the night, Springfield, MA’s Calixto Cruz (2-0) shut out Scotland’s Kevin Traynor (1-2, 1 KO) over 4 rounds in a welterweight matchup.  Traynor looked to pressure Cruz in rounds 1 and 2.  He was able to trap Cruz along the ropes on a few occasions, but the Springfield native effectively fought his way out or spun Traynor to avoid any significant damage.  After a competitive first 2 rounds, Cruz began to focus on Traynor’s body in round 3, jabbing to the body before launching right hands to the head.  Calixto’s higher workrate was the difference in the bout, as he consistently landed combinations to the head and body while the Scotsman was limited to single shots.  Scores were 40-36 (3x).

For more information, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @CESBOXING.

INFORMATION

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the east coast.  Founded by Jimmy Burchfield Sr. in 1992, CES has promoted several world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, and Ray Oliveira.  CES Boxing has promoted such superfights as “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones” and “The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton”.



TONIGHT! BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS RETURNS LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM?

FULL LINE UP
James Perkins, Lynn, MA.vs. Stephen Langlais, Acushnet, MA.6 Rounds, Super Middleweights
Kris Jacobs, Fall River, MA.vs. Ryan Clark, Berwick, ME.6 Rounds, Welterweights
Kevin Walsh, Brockton, MA.vs. Braulio Avila, Big Bear Lake, CA.4 Rounds, Lightweights
Rico Depaolis, Watertown, MA.vs. Stephen Stengel, Winchendon, MA.4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights
Kenny Larson, Salem, MA.vs. Jay Gregory, Auburn, NY.4 Rounds, Welterweights
Kyle Cusick, Fall River, MA.vs. Tony Andreozzi, Swansea, MA.4 Rounds, Middleweights
Fernanda Araujo, Stoneham, MA.vs. Liz Humphries, Springfield, MA.4 Rounds, Junior Welterweights
Andrew Perez, Lawrence, MA.vs. Bruce Richards, Montpelier, VT.4 Rounds, Super Middleweights
Perkins vs. Langlais takes place April 22nd at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.boxingnh.com. The event will stream live on WWW.COMBATSPORTSNOW. for 19.99.
ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS
Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. In 2020, Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxing Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash this past summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton?in Windham, New Hampshire.
Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!



TONIGHT! UNDEFEATED PROSPECTS, KEVIN WALSH VS. NATE BALAKIN HEADLINE BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS’ SUNDAY SNOWED IN SPECTACULAR! LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM

Kevin Walsh, Brockton, MA.
vs. Nate Balakin, Tyngsboro, MA.
6 Rounds, Junior Welterweights

Kris Jacobs, Fall River, MA.
vs. Ryan Clark, Berwick, ME.
6 Rounds, Welterweights

Alejandro Paulino, New London, CT.
vs. Braulio Avila, Tlaxcala, MX.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Rodrigo DaRocha, Boston, MA.
vs. James Perkins, Lynn, MA.
4 Rounds, Light Heavyweights

Michael Bulger, Malden, MA.
vs. Ian Beatease, Schuylerville, NY.
4 Rounds, Junior Middleweights

Justin Morales, Malden, MA.
vs. Mike Taylor, Cortland, NY.
4 Rounds, Lightweights

Sean Bey, Stoughton, MA.
vs. Enzo Baptista Guimaraes, Rutland, VT.
4 Rounds, Heavyweight

Laquan Lewis, New York, NY.
vs. Kenny Larson, Salem, MA.
4 Rounds, Welterweights

Walsh vs.Balakin takes place Sunday, January 30th at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.boxingnh.com. The event will stream live on WWW.COMBATSPORTSNOW. for 19.99.

ABOUT BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS

Boston Boxing Promotions was founded in 2013 and is dedicated to the resurgence of professional boxing at the regional level, particularly in the New England area. Since that time, it has presented professional boxing events in places like Boston, Cape Cod, New Bedford and New Hampshire. Boston Boxing Promotions was the first independent boxing promoter on the east coast to hold an event during the pandemic. The event led to a popular series of empty venue shows broadcast live and for free on YouTube watched by thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxin Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash this past summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire.

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!
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