Denzel Whitley settles unfinished business with Kenny Larson in battle of unbeaten welterweights

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:


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




Denzel Whitley vs. Kenny Larson Marks a return to old-time boxing

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 21st 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:  

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

X (Twitter): @Granite_Chin




Granite Chin Promotions Returning to Worcester with Powerhouse card to end 2023

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 9th 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 9th, 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.




Granite Chin Promotions Signs unbeaten New England-based prospects James Perkins & Kenny Larson

QUINCY, Mass. (August 7, 2023) – Granite Chin Promotions (GCP) has announced the signings of unbeaten eastern Massachusetts prospects, super middleweight James “Pitbull” Perkins (12-0-1, 9 KOs) and junior middleweight Kenny “Lionheart” Larson (7-0, 5 KOs), to exclusive promotional contracts.

Perkins, of Lynn (MA), and Salem’s (MA) Larson both train at Broadway Boxing Club in Everett (MA) and are managed by Dennis Willcox.

“Both of these guys are awesome in and out of the ring,” GCP President Chris Traietti commented. “When their manager, Dennis Willcox, came to me about working with them, it was a no brainer. These guys want big fights, and I will deliver that. It is sincerely a pleasure and an honor to have these guys as part of the ever-growing Granite Chin family. Our roster continuously gets better and having these two continues that trend.”

(L) James “Pitbull” Perkins

A 30-year-old gravedigger, Perkins was a standout high school hockey player at St. Mary’s of Lynn. He is an entertaining, come forward brawler with lethal power in both hands. His next fight is August 19 in Worcester (MA) against Steve “The Savage” Sumpter (8-0, 7 KOs) in the eight-round “Pandemonium at The Palladium” main event for the vacant IBA Americas Super Middleweight Championship. (purchase tickets at www.ThePalladium.net.

“I’ve known Chris (Traietti) for a while now,” Perkins said. “I fought on one of his New Hampshire shows in my second pro fight. I signed with him because he’s a good guy and a good promoter. I think we can do some big things together. I’m looking forward to it.”

(R ) – Kenny “Lionheart” Larson

Larson, 33, is another fan-favorite with power in both fists, along with always being in an attack mode. He was a 2016 New England Golden Gloves (Novice) Champion. Larson is slated to be in action this Friday night (Aug. 12 rain date) versus Alfred Raymond in a six-round “stay busy” fight outdoors on the “Veterans Stadium Showcase” card at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy (MA). (purchase tickets at www.ThePalladium.net)

“I felt signing with Chris was the best choice for my career,” Larson remarked. “He will get me the best fights and further my career.”

“Pandemonium at The Palladium” and “Veterans Stadium Showcase” are both presented by Granite Chin Promotions.

INFORMATION:

Facebook.com/GraniteChin

Twitter: @Granite_Chin




BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE 2ND ANNUAL GREAT AMERICAN BOXING BASH LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM

Boston, MA (July 14, 2023) Boston Boxing Promotions presents the 2nd annual Great American Boxing Bash tonight at the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Headlining what’s become New England’s must see boxing event of the summer will be a high stakes welterweight showdown between the massively popular, Brandon Higgins (10-3, 5 KOs) and undefeated power puncher, Kenny Larson (6-0, 5 KOs).

Higgins who hails from near by Chelmsford, Massachusetts is coming off the biggest win of his career this past April when he dominated 30 fight veteran Brandon Berry in a 10 round fight scoring a shutout victory on all three cards.

Meanwhile Larson, who fights out of Salem, Massachusetts has created a buzz on the regional scene with 5 out of his first 6 fights coming by way of devastating knockout.

It’s a classic Boston Boxing Promotions main event with two streaking local prospects going toe to toe with the winner in line for an opportunity on the national stage.

The night will also feature a who’s who of undefeated and popular prospects from the area including Nick Molina, Hegley Mosquedo, Michael Bulger and women’s bantamweight prospect, Leesh Pike.

Handling the night’s PPV commentating duties will be the voice of Boston Boxing, BoxRec’s Grey Johnson and musician/fighter, Chris Jay as well as two of New England’s most popular trainers Sean Farley and Aaron Bernardo.

Full Line Up

Brandon Higgins vs. Kenny Larson

(Chelmsford, MA) (Salem, MA)

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Hegly Mosqueda vs. Ernesto Guerrero

(Londonderry, NH) (Sonora, Mexico)

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Andrii Novytskyi vs. Mariano Jose Riva

(Los Angeles/Ukraine) (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

6 Rounds – Heavyweights

Nick Molina vs. Aldimar Silva

(Lowell, MA) (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

6 Rounds – Lightweights

Dennis Ventura vs. Jon Gruber

(Lynn, MA) (Fall River, MA)

4 Rounds – Heavyweights

Steven Dunn vs. Aquila Prote

(Hollywood, CA) (Boston, MA)

4 Rounds – Heavyweights

Leesh Pike vs. Shawna Ornsby

(Salisbury Beach, MA) (Orlando, FL)

4 Rounds – Bantamweights

Michael Bulger vs. Johnny Kim

(Medford, MA) (Johnston, RI)

4 Rounds – Middleweights

Mario Ramirez vs. Igor Pessoa

(Simi Valley, CA ) (Boston, MA)

4 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Higgins vs. Larson takes place tonight Friday, July 14 at The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Limited tickets will be available at the door and fans can watch at www.CombatSportsNow.com

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 tens of thousands of fans around the world. Boston Boxing Promotions returned to live audiences with The Great American Boxing Bash in the summer of 2021 which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton

?in Windham, New Hampshire. Their annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular has become a tradition for hardcore boxing fans with 5 consecutive sellouts including the 2022 edition which received extensive news coverage on television and in print. 2023 marks Boston Boxing Promotions’ 10th Anniversary and the company, run by Peter Czymbor and Nick DiSalvo has become one of the most popular and well respected club boxing promoters in the country.

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!

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Kenny “Lionheart” Larson challenges Mass. Welterweight Champion Denzel Whitley in battle of undefeated prospects

QUINCY, Mass. (February 27, 2023) – Style make fights and a potential instant classic in on tap March 11th 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.




Mass. Welterweight Champion Denzel Whitley defends title vs. challenger Kenny Larson

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 11th “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 19th 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 23rd 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.




Mass. Welterweight Champion Denzel Whitley defends title vs. challenger Kenny Larson

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 11th, 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 19th 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 23rd 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.




BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS PRESENTS THE SOLD OUT THANKSGIVING EVE BOXING SPECTACULAR

Boston, MA (November 23, 2022)

Boston Boxing Promotions returns tonight to the Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire for The Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular live on www.CombatSportsNow.com.

The annual event, which is entirely sold out for the 5th consecutive year, has become one of the most anticipated nights of club boxing in the entire country and a holiday tradition for hardcore fight fans.

This year’s main event has captivated New England boxing fans and beyond as the two most popular fighters in the Merrimack Valley, Brandon Higgins (9-2, 5 KOs) and Nick Molina (11-0, 5 KOs) go head to head for the New England Super Lightweight Championship in a legitimate 50/50 fight that has become a matter of civic pride.

Molina who fights out of Lowell, Massachusetts, the boxing crazed home of Micky Ward, will put his undefeated record on the line against the toughest opponent of his career in Brandon Higgins who hails from neighboring Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

Higgins vs. Molina has become of one of the most talked about fights between two Massachusetts fighters in recent memory receiving advance news coverage on tv and in newspapers leading to an advance sell out with tickets now being re-sold online for 4 times their value.

The night will also feature a who’s who of undefeated and popular prospects from the area including James Perkins (8-0-1, 6 KOs), Nicky Tejeda (2-0, 2 KOs), Kenny Larson (5-0, 5 KOs), Shayna Foppiano (4-0-1, 2 KOs) and more.

The Thanksgiving Eve Spectacular’s always lively commentary duties will be handled by a trio of Boston Boxing Promotions favorites: musician-fighter-commentator, Chris Jay, Boston Boxing Promotions 2020 Trainer of the Year, Sean Farley, fan favorite fighter, Kyle Cusick (4-2, 1 KO) and will feature a guest appearance by world champion trainer, Joseph ‘Hoss’ Janik (Andrew Cancio, Francisco Santana, Victor Ortiz).

Full Line Up

Brandon Higgins  vs. Nick Molina

Chelmsford, MA      Lowell, MA

8 Rounds – Super Lightweights

New England Super Lightweight Title

Shayna Foppiano vs. Leann O’Malley

Everett, MA        Las Vegas, NV

4 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Nicky Tejada vs. Javier Torres

Haverhill, MA  Watertown, NY

4 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Kenny Larson vs. Ryan Clark

Salem, MA     Berwick, ME

6 Rounds – Super Welterweights

Jordan Yantin vs. Mike Taylor

Malden, MA       Cortland, NY

4 Rounds – Super Lightweights

Kreaton Crouse vs. Michael Alvarez

Gloversville, NY. Bath, ME

4 Rounds – Super Welterweights

James Perkins vs. Aaron Trecell

Lynn, MA      Boston, MA

6 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Laquan Lewis vs. Dylan Felion

New York, NY       Rutland, VT

4 Rounds – Super Welterweights 

The Thanksgiving Eve Spectacular takes place tonight Wednesday, November 23 at The Castleton in Windham, New Hampshire. Tickets are completely sold out and fans without a ticket are asked kindly to not try and attend the event but to watch live on www.CombatSportsNow.com

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 last summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton

?in Windham, New Hampshire. Their annual Thanksgiving Eve Boxing Spectacular has become a tradition for hardcore boxing fans with 5 consecutive sellouts including the 2022 edition which received extensive news coverage on television and in print.

Follow Boston Boxing Promotions on Social Media!




TONIGHT! SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th – MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS RETURNS LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM

Boston, MA (August 13, 2022)

Boston Boxing Promotions returns tonight, Saturday, August 13, 2022, with a night of professional boxing at the legendary Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Weigh-ins took place at Title Boxing in Burlington, Massachusetts yesterday and the card will stream live on www.combatsportsnow.com

Full Card – Subject to Change

Brandon Higgins vs. Dustin Reinhold

Chelmsford, MA Fall River, MA

6 Rounds – Welterweights

Carlos Gongora vs. Oscar Riojas

Boston, MA Laredo, TX

8 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Mykquan Williams vs. Saul Corral

East Hartford, CT. Agua Prieta, Mexico

8 Rounds – Welterweights

Juan Carillo vs. Victor Fonseca

Baranquilla, Columbia Tijuana, Mexico

8 Rounds – Light Heavyweights

Daniel Robles vs. William Parra Smith

Oxnard, CA Anchorage, AK

6 Rounds – Lightweights

Kenny Larson vs. Ryan Clark

Salem, MA Berwick, ME

6 Rounds – Welterweights

Nicolas Tejada vs. Carl Langston

Haverhill, MA Portland, ME

4 Rounds – Welterweights

Kody Koboski vs. Jay Gregory

Oxnard, CA Auburn, NY

4 Rounds – Junior Middleweights

Parade of Champions takes place tonight Saturday, August 13 at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com/Tickets. The event will stream live on www.CombatSportsNow.com

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 last 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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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th – MELROSE, MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON BOXING PROMOTIONS RETURNS LIVE ON COMBATSPORTSNOW.COM

Boston, MA (August 9, 2022)

Boston Boxing Promotions returns this Saturday, August 13, 2022, with a night of professional boxing at the legendary Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts.

In the main event, Chelmsford, MA’s Brandon Higgins (8-2, 5 KOs) will take on Fall River, MA’s Dustin Reinhold (7-5, 3 KO’s) in a six-round welterweight contest. The bout will be a rematch of their first encounter last November in Windham, NH. The all action fight, which Higgins won by majority decision, was a candidate for New England’s 2021 Fight of the Year.

Boston’s Carlos Gongora (20-1, 15 KOs), the former IBO Super Middleweight Champion of the world will face battle tested Oscar Riojas (28-15-1, 16 KOs) of Laredo, TX in an eight-round super middleweight contest. Gongora is currently ranked #9 in the world and is looking to make a statement to secure another world title opportunity.

Salem, MA’s Kenny Larson (4-0, 4 KOs) will meet Berwick, ME’s Ryan Clark (2-1, 1 KO) in a six-round welterweight bout. Larson has stopped all four of his previous opponents in impressive fashion since making his professional debut last November. Clark will look to bounce back from the first loss of his career last April.

Local favorite, Nicky Tejada (1-0, 1 KO) of Haverhill, MA makes his home-state pro debut against Portland, ME’s Carl Langston (0-0). Tejada won his pro debut earlier this summer in Verona, NY on a card that was part of International Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Weekend. Langston is a longtime veteran of the New England mixed-martial-arts and kickboxing circuit and will be making his boxing debut.

In a bout with international flavor, undefeated prospect Juan Carrillo (7-0, 5 KOs) of Baranquilla, Columbia is scheduled to take on Victor Fonseca (18-11-1, 14 KOs) of Tijuana, Mexico in an eight-round light heavyweight encounter.

Also featured on the card will be a pair of fighters from the boxing hotbed of Oxnard, California.

Lightweight power puncher Danny Robles (8-2-1, 6 KOs), who holds a state record for “Fastest Knockout” at 13 seconds, and junior middleweight, Kody Koboski (2-1, 2 KO’s) who is coming off his first loss against Fernando Vargas Jr. earlier this year on the undercard of Keith Thurman’s return, will both appear in separate bouts.

Full Card- Subject to Change

Brandon Higgins  vs. Dustin Reinhold

Chelmsford, MA      Fall River, MA

6 Rounds – Welterweights

Carlos Gongora vs. Oscar Riojas

Boston, MA        Laredo, TX

8 Rounds – Super Middleweights

Juan Carillo vs. Victor Fonseca

Baranquilla, Columbia     Tijuana, Mexico

8 Rounds – Light Heavyweights

Daniel Robles vs. William Parra Smith

Oxnard, CA      Anchorage, AK

6 Rounds – Lightweights

Kenny Larson vs. Ryan Clark

Salem, MA       Berwick, ME

6 Rounds – Welterweights

Nicolas Tejada vs. Carl Langston

Haverhill, MA      Portland, ME

4 Rounds Welterweights

Kody Koboski vs. Jay Gregory

Oxnard, CA       Auburn, NY

4 Rounds – Junior Middleweights 

Parade of Champions takes place this Saturday, August 13 at Memorial Hall in Melrose, Massachusetts. Limited tickets remain and are available at www.BostonBoxingPromotions.com/Tickets. The event will stream live on www.CombatSportsNow.com

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 last summer which featured 3 consecutive sold out weekends at the The Castleton

?in Windham, New Hampshire.




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!