Christian Carto scored an eight-round unanimous decision over tough Hector Andres Sosa in front of a huge capacity crowd at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Carto controlled most of the action by landing quick combination and solid foot movement. Sosa had some success when he was able to back Carto up on the ropes. Carto was able to land some solid flurries which he worked behind a nice double jab. Carto had a good eighth round and closed the fight out in style by winning by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75.

Carto, 121 lbs of Philadelphia is now 20-1. Sosa, 120.4 lbs of Argentina is 14-2.

Atif Oberlton stopped Christian Thomas in round two of a scheduled six-round fight featuring undefeated light heavyweights.

Oberlton dominated the action and in round two battered Thomas from one side of the ring to the other. Oberlton landed a booming left that sent Thomas to the canvas and the fight was stopped at 2:24.

Oberlton, 174.7 lbs of Philadelphia is 7-0 with six knockouts. Thomas, 177 lbs of Las Vegas is 11-1.

Kenny Robles stopped Jerome Conquest after round four of their eight-round junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Robles landed a body that seemed to hurt the leg of Conquest. Conquest tried to fight on as he finished the round and got through round four, but the pain was too much and the fight was stopped.

Robles, 141 lbs of Staten Island, NY 10-2 with four knockouts. Conquest, 139.4 lbs of Philadelphia is 11-8.

In a battle of undefeated fighters with perfect knockout records, Roberto Gomez shocked Quadir Albright by stopping him in round five of their scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

It was a back and forth fight with each guy landing hard shots. In round five, Gomez landed several overhand rights on a tired Albright. Finally, a big right hand that was followed up by another hard right that knocked Albright down along the ropes and he was counted out 1:59.

Gomez, 143.4 lbs of Mexico City is 5-0 with five knockouts. Albright, 144.7 lbs of Philadelphia 6-1.

Former world title challenger Junior Wright knocked out Colby Madison in round three of a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout.

In round three, Wright uncorked a overhand right that caught Madison on the chin that sent him plummeting to the canvas and the bout was stopped at 27 seconds.

Wright, 219.4 lbs of Evanston, IL is 19-4-1 with 16 knockouts. Madison. 236.2 lbs of Baltimore., MD is 10-4-2.

Kashon Hutchinson gained his second win over Rasheed Johnson as he took home a six-round unanimous decision in a welterweight bout.

Hutchinson, 148 lbs of Reading, PA won by scores of 58-56 on all cards and is now 10-5-1. Johnson, 148 lbs of Philadelphia is 8-5.

James Martin won a six-round unanimous decision over Alejandro Munera in a junior middleweight contest.

Martin, 153.4 lbs of Philadelphia, PA won by scores of 60-54 scores on all cards and is now 9-3-1. Munera, 149.8 lbs of Medilan, COL is 6-7-4.

PHILADELPHIA (September 22, 2022)– A huge night of boxing comes to the 2300 Arena on Saturday, October 1st as Philly favorite, bantamweight Christian Carto takes part in the eight-round main event against once-beaten Hector Andres Sosa.

The eight-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Carto of Philadelphia is 19-1 with 13 knockouts. The 25 year-old is in his sixth year as a professional, and has quality wins over Alonso Melendez (14-1) and James Smith (12-1). Carto has two consecutive first round knockouts, with his most recent being over Ernesto Sebastian Franzolini on April 22nd at The 2300 Arena.

Sosa of Buenos Aires, Argentina is 14-1 with eight knockouts. The former South American Bantamweight champion is 26 years-old and has wins over Gonzalo Roman Garay (1-0) & Ckari Cani Mansilla (15-1), Sosa is coming off a unanimous decision over Jose Armando Valdes Bernal on September 2nd in Sinaloa, Mexico.

The six-round co-feature will pit one of the top prospects in the sport as it will be a battle of undefeated light heavyweight Atif Oberlton and Christian Thomas.

Oberlton, 24, of Philadelphia boasts a mark of 6-0 with five knockouts. The fighter known as “Lord Pretty Calvo” has faced veteran competition in his early career. He has wins over Jasper McCargo (4-1-2), Erbest Amuzu (26-5) and his last bout when he took a unanimous decision over Robert Burwell on August 20th in Hollywood, Florida.

Thomas of Las Vegas is 11-0 with nine knockouts. Thomas has fought his whole career in Mexico, and will be making his American debut. Thomas is coming off a second round stoppage over Fernando Tamayo Alvarez January 29, 2021 in Tijuana, Mexico.

Six more bouts round out the undercard with some quality matchups featuring outstanding talent.

In eight-round bouts:

Kenny Robles (9-2, 3 KOs) of Staten Island, New York will fight Jerome Conquest (11-, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a junior welterweight bout.

Colby Madison (10-3-2, 6 KOs) of Baltimore, Maryland takes on former world title challenger Junior Wright (18-4-1, 15 KOs) of Evanston, Illinois in a heavyweight contest.

In Six-Round Bouts:

Quadir Albright (6-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Roberto Gomez (4-0, 4 KO) of Mexico City, Mexico in a junior welterweight bout featuring fighters with perfect knockout records.

Kashon Hutchinson (9-5, 2 KOs) of Reading, PA fights Rasheed Johnson (8-4, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia in a welterweight contest. This fight is a rematch of a 2019 fight where Hutchinson won a close unanimous decision.

James Martin (8-3-1) of Philadelphia takes on Alejando Munera (6-6-4) of Medellin, Colombia in a junior middleweight fight.

In a four-round bout, Erisnelsy Castillo of Las Vegas makes his professional debut when he takes on an opponent to be named in a flyweight bout.

Tickets are $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at the Following Link:

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=432

PHILADELPHIA (May 23, 2020)–James Bernadin took an eight-round unanimous Decision over Kenny Robles to capture the NBA Americas Junior Welterweight title in the featured bout at The 2300 Arena.

The exciting four-bout card was promoted by King’s Promotions.

Bernadin tried to impose his will by trying to land hard shots. Robles was able to use movement and settle down to land effective combinations. Despite eating some combination punching, Bernadin was able to stalk and land good right hands. In the final minute of the fight, Bernadin landed a big left that hurt Robles. Bernadin opened up a furious barrage of punches in an effort to stop Robles in the final frame, but Robles was able to hang on and get to the final bell.

Bernadin of Lancaster, PA won by scores of 79-73 twice and 78-74 to raise his undefeated mark to 7-0-1. Robles of Staten Island, NY is 9-2.

In the co-feature, Victor Padilla stopped Jesus Perez in round three of their scheduled eight-round lightweight contest.

It looked like it would be a real short evening as he dropped Perez in round one with a short hook. Padilla did end things in round three, when he flicked out a short left hand that put Perez down and the fight was stopped.

Padilla of Philadelphia is 10-0 with nine knockouts. Perez of Culiacan, Mexico is 13-14-1.

Thanjhae Teasley remined undefeated with a four-round majority decision over Jetter Burgos in a welterweight clash.

It was a very competitive match up until Teasley was able to come on strong in the final minute of the fight to pull out the victory by scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38.

Teasley of Bethlehem, PA is 3-0, Burgos of Bronx, NY is 1-1.

James Martin pounded out a four-round unanimous decision over Lukasz Barabasz in a junior middleweight fight.

Martin of Philadelphia won by tallies of 40-36 twice and 39-37 and is now 8-3. Barabasz of Mikolow, Poland is 1-4.

Photos by Darryl Cobb Jr.

PHILADELPHIA (May 19, 2020)–An action packed four-bout card in set for tomorrow night, Friday May 20th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

An intriguing eight-round junior welterweight between Kenny Robles and undefeated James Bernadin will headline the card in a bout for the NBA Americas Junior Welterweight Title.

Robles of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 9-1 with three knockouts. He has won over previously undefeated Shawn West (9-1, 3 KOs) and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Naim Nelson on March 11th in Bethlehem, PA.

Bernadin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is 6-0-1 with four knockouts, and already has impressive wins over previously undefeated Osvaldo Morales (4-0), Edgar Tirres (8-2-1). In his last bout, the 29 year-old Bernadin stopped Kevin Asmat in the sixth round on March 11th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Seeing action in a eight-round lightweight bout will be undefeated Victor Padilla taking on Jesus Perez (13-13-1, 7 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Padilla of Philadelphia is 9-0 with eight knockouts. The 23 year-old Padilla has wins over Romain Tomas (8-2) and his last bout when he stopped previously undefeated Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1) on March 10, 2021 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Also on the card will be King’s Promotions fighter that will take part in six-round bouts, junior middleweight James Martin (7-3) of Philadelphia taking on Lukasz Barabasz (1-3) of Mikolow, Poland.

Seeing action in a four-round bout will be undefeated King’s Promotions welterweight Thanjhae Teasley (2-0, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA taking on Jetter Burgos (1-0) of Bronx, New York.

The weigh-in will take place this afternoon at The Clarion Hotel in Essington, PA at 5 PM ET.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are priced at $55, $75 and $100 and can be purchased at the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=409

PHILADELPHIA (May 5, 2020)–An intriguing eight-round junior welterweight between Kenny Robles and undefeated James Bernadin will headline a big night of boxing on Friday, May 20th at The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

The card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Robles of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 9-1 with three knockouts. He has won over previously undefeated Shawn West (9-1, 3 KOs) and is coming off a eight-round unanimous decision over Naim Nelson on March 11th in Bethlehem, PA.

Bernadin of Lancaster, Pennsylvania is 6-0-1 with four knockouts, and already has impressive wins over previously undefeated Osvaldo Morales (4-0), Edgar Tirres (8-2-1). In his last bout, the 29 year-old Bernadin stopped Kevin Asmat in the sixth round on March 11th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Taking part in a six-round bout will be surging super middleweight Khainell Wheeler.

Wheeler of Bethlehem is 7-1 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old Wheeler has been impressive in beating previously undefeated Frederick Julan (12-0) and his last outing when he needed just 82 seconds in taking out Ryan Adams on March 11th in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Seeing action in a eight-round lightweight bout will be undefeated Victor Padilla taking on Jesus Perez (13-13-1, 7 KOs) of Sinaloa, Mexico.

Padilla of Philadelphia is 9-0 with eight knockouts. The 23 year-old Padilla has wins over Romain Tomas (8-2) and his last bout when he stopped previously undefeated Thomas Velasquez (10-0-1) on March 10, 2021 in Uncasville, Connecticut.

In a six-round bout, Kashon Hutchinson (10-5,1 KO) of Reading, PA takes on Damon Towns (4-0, 3 KOs) of Providence, RI in a welterweight contest.

Also on the card will be King’s Promotions fighters that will take part in six-round bouts, junior middleweight James Martin (7-3) of Philadelphia, lightweight, bantamweight Jonathan Rodriguez (10-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA will see action against opponents to be named.

Seeing action in a four-round bout will be undefeated welterweight Thanjhae Teasley (2-0, 2 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA taking on Jetter Burgos (1-0) of Bronx, New York.

More fights and opponents will be announced shortly.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are priced at $55, $75 and $100 and can be purchased at the following link.

https://2300arena.showare.com/orderticketsvenue.asp?p=409

Khainell Wheeler needed just 82 seconds to stop Ryan Adams in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight fight in front of a large crowd at The Wind Creek Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.

Seconds into the bout, Wheeler dropped Adams with a power jab. Adams never fully gained hos balance , as he was wobbled by two more punches, and the fight was stopped at 1:22.

Wheeler, 167.3 lbs of Bethlehem is 7-1 with six knockouts. Adams, 165.6 lbs of Saint Louis, MO is 8-5-1.

Kenny Robles pounded out an eight-round unanimous decision over Naim Nelson in a junior welterweight bout.

Robles, 141 lbs of Staten Island, NY won by scores of 80-72, 79-73 and 78-74 and is now 9-1. Nelson, 139.9 lbs of Philadelphia is 14-6.

Jonathan Rodriguez won a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Flores Chavez in A bantamweight fight.

In round six, Chavez was deducted a point for holding. Rodriguez dominated the action and won by scores of 60-53 on all cards.

Rodriguez, 119.6 lbs of Bethlehem is now 10-1. Chavez, 118 lbs of Baja, MEX is 9-14.

James Beradin stopped Kevin Asmat in the 6th and final round of their lightweight fight.

It was a tough scrap that was set up the day before when Benadine shoved Asmat at the weigh in. Bennadine got the better of the action, but Asmat had moments. In round six, Benadine landed several hard shots that forced a referee stoppage at 2:52.

Bernadine, 135.7 lbs of Lancaster, PA is 6-0 with four knockouts. Asmat, 135.1 lbs of North Bergen, NJ is 6-3.

Julian Gonzalez remained perfect as he stopped Carlos Padilla at the end of round two of their six-round lightweight contest. Gonzalez beat down Padilla and the bout was stopped

Gonzalez, 134.1 lbs of Reading, PA is 6-0 with six knockouts. Padilla, 138.9 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 17-11-1.

LeAnna Cruz remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Anyela Lopez in a bantamweight fight.

Cruz, 113.7 lbs of Allentown, PA won by scores of 40-36 and 39-37 twice to go to 2-0. Lopez, 115.3 lbs of Tucson, AZ is 2-2.

Quadir Albright remained perfect with a 3rd round stoppage Antonio Wattell in a scheduled six-round junior welterweight bout.

In round one, Albright landed a huge right that knocked Wattell down and out of the ring. Wattell was about to beat the 20 count of referee Shawn Clark. Wattell fought back in round three, Albright dropped Wattell with a hard combination to the head. Albright finished off the fight with a vicious body combination that forced a referee stoppage at 2:57.

Albright, 141.6 lbs of Philadelphia is 5-0 with five knockouts. Wattell, 140.6 lbs of Houston, TX is 3-6-2.

In an exciting battle of pro debuting welterweights, Thanjhae Teasley stopped Daniel Jiles in round two of their four-round fight.

Jiles used his length early, but Teasley was able to make the adjustments and get inside and batter Jiles until the bout was stopped at 2:29.

Teasley, 147.4 lbs of Bethlehem, PA is 1-0 with one knockout. Jiles, 147.5 lbs of Philadelphia is 0-1.

Bethlehem, PA (February 11, 2022)–Super Middleweight’s Devar Ferhadi and Khainell Wheeler will appear in the eight-round headline bout of a King’s Promotions card at the Wind Creek Bethlehem Events Center on Friday night, March 11th.

The eight-bout card is promoted by King’s Promotions.

Ferhadi, 27 years-old of Frederick, Maryland via Iraq is 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 10 year veteran has a win over undefeated Vincent Baccus (4-0-1). In his last bout, Ferhadi took an eight-round unanimous decision over Blake Mansfield on June 5, 2021 in Philadelphia.

Wheeler, 28 years-old of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, has a record of 6-1 with five knockouts. The three-year pro is coming off his career best win as he took a six-round split decision over previously undefeated Frederick Julan (12-0) on December 2, 2021 in New York City.

In the eight-round co-feature, Kenny Robles battles Naim Nelson in a junior welterweight contest.

Robles, 30 years-old of Staten Island, New York, has a record of 8-1 with three knockouts. The five-year pro has a win over previously undefeated Shawn West (3-0), and his last outing when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Isaac Luna on March 19, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.

Nelson, 31 years-old, of Philadelphia is 14-5 with one knockout. The 11 year-professional has wins over Korey Sloane (1-0), Esteban Rodriguez (5-1-1) and Jerome Rodriguez (6-0-3). Nelson is coming off a 4th round stoppage defeated to undefeated Jesus Ramos on December 26, 2020 in Los Angeles.

In a six-round bout, undefeated James Bernadin (5-0, 3 KOs) of Lancaster, PA takes on tough Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ

The 29 year-old Bernadin has been on a roll as in his last two fights, he has wins over Osvaldo Morales (4-0) and a first-round stoppage of Edgar Torres (8-2-1).

Asmat, 27 years-old, has a win over Ernesto Ornelas (1-0). He is on a three-fight win streak, with his latest win being a third-round stoppage over Weusi Johnson on June 22, 2019 in Philadelphia,

In six-round bouts:

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-0, 6 KOs) of Philadelphia takes on Jose Flores Chavez (9-13, 5 KOs) of Baja, Mexico in a bantamweight contest.

Julian Gonzalez (5-0, 5 KOs) of Reading, PA takes on an opponent to be named in a junior lightweight fight.

Quadir Albright (4-0, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia battles Antonio Wattell (3-8-3, 2 KOs) of Houston, Texas in a junior welterweight affair.

In four-round bouts:

LeAnna Cruz (1-0) of Bethlehem, PA will square off with Anyela Lopez (2-1-1, 1 KO) of Tucson, AZ in a bantamweight bout.

Thanjae Teasley of Bethlehem, PA and Ajoola Oladeinde of La Plata, MD in a welterweight fight of pro debuter’s.

Tickets for this great evening are priced at $75, $100 and $150 and can be purchased at

PHILADELPHIA (October 14, 2021)–King’s Promotions is set to return to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia on Saturday, November 20th with a big card of boxing planned that will feature outstanding talent in competitive fights.

Making his hometown debut will be top prospect Atif Oberlton.

Oberlton will take part in a six-round light heavyweight bout against Brent Oren (4-6, 1 KO) of Harrisburg, PA.

Oberlton, 23 years-old of Philadelphia is considered one OF the top prospects in the sport, and he is coming off a 5th round stoppage of Jasper McCargo (4-1-2) on June 27th in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Oberlton of Philadelphia was the number-two ranked light heavyweight in the United States and was a favorite to be part of the United States Olympic team, but he decided to turn his attention to the paid ranks.

Oberlton competed in approximately 100 amateur fights where he won many tournaments, including: U.S. National Junior Olympics; Two-time National Golden Gloves champion and Eastern Elite Qualifier. Oberlton placed 2nd at the 2020 United States Olympic Trials.

Oren is coming off a huge win as he upset previously undefeated Omar Salem (9-0) on August 28th in Myrtle Beach, SC

In six-round bouts, Kenny Robles (8-1, 3 KOs) of Staten Island, New York takes on Naim Nelson (14-5, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in a super lightweight encounter.

James Bernadin (4-0-1, 2 KOs) of Lancaster, PA will fight Kevin Asmat (6-2, 5 KOs) of North Bergen, NJ in a lightweight battle.

Quadir Albright (3-0, 3 KOs) of Chester, PA moves up to six-rounds and takes on his biggest challenge to date in William Hernandez (7-1, 4 KOs) of Burien, Washington in a super lightweight contest.

James Martin (7-3) of Philadelphia is back home to fight Edgar Torres (8-2-1, 4 KOs) of Woodbridge, VA in a welterweight fight.

Jonathan Rodriguez (9-1, 3 KOs) of Bethlehem, PA fights the battle-tested Roberto Pucheta (10-20-2, 6 KOs) of Jalisco, Mexico in bantamweight tussle.

Jeremy Cuevas (13-1, 10 KOs) of Philadelphia will take part in a super light fight against an opponent to be named.

In four-round bouts:

Julian Gonzalez (4-0, 4 KOs) of Reading, PA will fight Tyric Gainey (0-1) of Paterson, NJ in a super featherweight fight.

Devon Young (1-0, 1 KO) of AIken, SC takes on rugged Nicoy Clarke (2-6) of Jersey City, NJ in a heavyweight fight.

Rasheed Johnson (7-4, 3 KOs) of Philadelphia fights Andres Abarca (2-5) of Normandy Park, WA in a welterweight fight.

Tickets for this outstanding evening of boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $50 and can be purchased at https://2300arena.showare.com/ordertickets.asp?p=382&src=default

BROOKLYN, NY — With one hammer of a right hand, Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (41-0-1, 39KO) successfully defended his WBC heavyweight title for the ninth time, scoring a dramatic first round knockout over rival Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-2, 18KO) in the main event of a SHOWTIME Championship Boxing broadcast in front of 13,181 paid fans at the Barclays Center.

It took the Alabama-native Wilder just 2:17 to explode his missile of a right hand on Breazeale’s chin, who immediately crumbled to the mat where he was counted out by referee Harvey Dock despite trying to get back on his feet.

Wilder, 33, never gave Breazeale a chance to get into the fight, as he caught “Trouble” midway through the first with an equilibrium shot that momentarily wobbled the challenger. Cautious not to get caught with another counter right, the 33 year-old Breazeale was reluctant to let his right hand go. Instead, the former US Olympian opted to throw pawing jabs, trying to create openings that would never appear.

The end came suddenly and conclusively when, after a separation by Dock, the 6’7” Wilder uncorked a right from hell that provided a definitive and conclusive ending to a multi-year feud.

It was a particularly contentious lead-up to the fight, as both fighter’s displayed genuine animosity toward each other. On Tuesday Wilder, who is co-trained by Jay Deas and former Olympic Gold Medalist and welterweight world champion Mark Breland, made headlines by suggesting he wouldn’t lose any sleep if he killed Breazeale in the ring. Their dislike stems from a 2017 altercation in an Alabama hotel lobby in which Breazeale claims he was attacked by Wilder and his brother, Marsellus. Breazeale and his then-coach Manny Robles sued Wilder, but had their lawsuit dismissed by a judge a few months later.

Prior to tonight, Wilder’s last fight was in December when he battled lineal heavyweight champion, Tyson Fury (27-0-1, 19KO), to a dramatic draw in a Fight of the Year candidate that saw Wilder send Fury to the mat twice, including once in the final round. Many thought Wilder, who weighed in at 223.¼ lbs for tonight’s fight — 11.¼ more than the Fury fight, would immediately run it back against the big Englishman, but after Fury surprised the boxing world by signing a promotional contract with Top Rank (ESPN+), boxing politics interfered and Wilder moved forward with a fight against his mandatory challenger, Breazeale.

Coming into the contest, the 6’7” Breazeale was riding a three fight TKO win streak since his suffering his only other career defeat, a 2016 loss in London’s O2 Arena to unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua (22-0, 21KO).

“Everything just came out of me tonight. I know it’s been a big build up,” Wilder said afterward. “There’s been a lot of animosity and a lot of words that were said and it just came out of me tonight. That’s what makes boxing so great.”

In reference to his pre-fight words, “I just told Breazeale I love him and of course I want to see him go home to his family. I know we say some things, but when you can fight a man and then you can hug him and kiss him, I wish the world was like that. We shake hands and we live to see another day and that’s what it’s all about.”

Breazeale also spoke after the fight, questioning the stoppage. “I think the ref stopped it a little early because I could hear him saying seven and eight, but that’s boxing,” he said. “He did his job and kept us safe for our next fight,” he then conceded.

“This was a situation where he landed the big right hand before I did,” he added. “I thought I was going to come on in the later rounds. I’ll be back and go for the heavyweight title again.”

Russell Stops Martinez In 5 To Retain Featherweight Title

In the co-main event, “Mr.” Gary Russell, Jr. (30-1, 18KO) successfully defended his WBC world featherweight title, scoring a 5th round TKO against former three-time world challenger Kiko Martinez (39-9-2, 28KO).

For a fighter who only fights once per year, Gary Russell Jr. surely doesn’t show any ring rust. The southpaw practitioner dissected the 33 year-old Martinez tonight from the opening bell, scoring at will while hardly tasting any leather himself.

It was clear from the early goings that Russell’s speed was going to be too much for Martinez to handle. Russell, 30, time and again got off first when he wanted to, and countered when he felt like.

In the third round Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD, landed a right that opened a cut of the Spaniard Martinez’s left eye that only worsen over the next round and a half. As the fourth round drew to a close, the gash split wider and blood began to stream down Martinez’s face, prompting referee Ricky Gonzalez to call time to have the ringside physician examine Martinez. After inspecting the cut, the doctor advised Gonzalez to stop the contest, at the 2:52 mark of round 5.

Tonight marked the fourth successful title defense for Russell since winning the belt against Jhonny Gonzalez (66-11, 54KO) in 2015. Russell is often criticized for the long layoffs he takes between fights. He’s defended his title once per year since 2015, but has stated his intention to fight more frequently. Russell’s lone career blemish remains majority decision against current WBA/WBO lightweight champion, Vasiliy Lomachenko (13-1, 10KO) in 2016.

Two of Russell’s younger brothers, Gary Antuanne (9-0, 9KO) and Gary Antonio (14-0, 12KO) also picked up wins on tonight’s undercard.

For Martinez, tonight marked the fourth time in his career that he was stopped inside the distance. His most impressive win remains his 2014 stoppage of former Japanese world champion, Hozumi Hasegawa (36-5, 16KO).

“I did pretty well. We stayed behind the jab and he couldn’t get past it,” Russell said. “We knew that intellect over athleticism would get it done.”

“We want (WBA Featherweight Champion) Leo Santa Cruz,” he added. “We want to make this fight happen.”

Juan Heraldez Argenis Mendez Fight To Draw

Mayweather Promotions prospect Juan Heraldez (16-0-1, 10KO) battled to a ten round majority draw against fellow super lightweight and former IBF world featherweight champion, Argenis Mendez (25-5-3, 12KO) to open the televised portion of the SHOWTIME broadcast.

The fight was slow to take form, but after four rounds of relative inaction, the pace picked up in the fifth when both fights started to let their hands go. Heraldez, a Las Vegas-native found success with combinations and landed a partially blocked right that grabbed the 32 year-old Mendez’s attention. Towards the end of the action-packed fifth and exchange between the fighter’s drew blood from Heraldez’s mouth.

In the seventh, a perfectly timed counter right over a Mendez jab halted the Dominicans momentum. And in the ensuing round, a check left hook from Mendez landed squarely on the chin of Heraldez. Later in the round, though, Heraldez stormed back, knocking Mendez off balance with a strong jab that followed a straight right hand.

For most of the fight Heraldez, who fights out of the Mayweather Boxing Gym under the tutelage of Otis Pimpleton, tried to employ slick defense and counter and pop-shot his way past Mendez. But his best work came when he was the aggressor, popping jabs to set up right hands. Similarly, Mendez’s most successful work came via old fashioned one-twos, which when thrown, did so with conviction.

At the end of ten, judge Julie Lederman turned a scorecard of 97-93 for Mendez, but was overruled by judges John Basile and Kevin Morgan who saw it even, 95-95. 15rounds.com also scored the fight a even.

The result makes it back to back draws for Mendez, who drew against Anthony Peterson (37-1-1, 24KO) in March.

Heavyweights Alfonso and Kiladze Fight To An 8 Round Draw

In tonight’s lesser anticipated battle between two big men, Cuban-born Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8KO) battled to an eight round draw against Sachkere, Georgia’s Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18KO).

It was a decent bounceback performance from the 33 year-old Kiladze who was coming off three consecutive losses inside the distance to contenders Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15KO), Michael Hunter (16-1, 11KO) and Joe Joyce (8-0, 8KO). Kiladze’s best work came in the fight’s early goings, has he was able to successfully counter Alfonso.

As the fight wore on, however, the larger Alfonso (250lb.) began to impose himself on Kiladze (219lb.) and in the seventh round began to batter his counterpart.

At the end of eight, however, judges scored it 77-75 both ways and 76-76 resulting in a draw. A just result.

Gary Antuanne Russell Stops Marcos Mojica In 4
In tonight’s lesser anticipated battle between two big men, Cuban-born Robert Alfonso (18-0-1, 8KO) battled to an eight round draw against Sachkere, Georgia’s Iago Kiladze (26-4-1, 18KO).

It was a decent bounceback performance from the 33 year-old Kiladze who was coming off three consecutive losses inside the distance to contenders Adam Kownacki (19-0, 15KO), Michael Hunter (16-1, 11KO) and Joe Joyce (8-0, 8KO). Kiladze’s best work came in the fight’s early goings, has he was able to successfully counter Alfonso.

As the fight wore on, however, the larger Alfonso (250lb.) began to impose himself on Kiladze (219lb.) and in the seventh round began to batter his counterpart.

At the end of eight, however, judges scored it 77-75 both ways and 76-76 resulting in a draw. A just result.

Gary Antuanne Russell Stops Marcos Mojica In 4

The second of three Gary Russell’s to step through the PBC-marked ropes tonight, Gary Antuanne Russell (9-0, 9KO), made easy work of fellow lightweight Marcos “Bombardero” Mojica (16-4-2, 12KO), knocking him out in the 4th of their scheduled 8 round clash.

The former 2016 US Olympian, Russell, had his way with from the onset, showcasing a level of power and hand-speed that Mojica couldn’t deal with. Russell, a southpaw, connected at will throughout, but started landing potential fight-ending shots in the latter stages of the third. In the fourth, Russell, who fights out of the Russell family-owned Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD, sent Mojica crashing hard to the mat courtesy if a vicious right hook. That was the beginning of the end, as the 22 year-old Russell kept the pressure on and ultimately delivered a definitive left hook to the ribs that sent Mojica back to the mat where he was counted out by referee Raul Caiz. The official stoppage came at the 2:13 mark of round 4.

All of Russell’s 9 professional wins have come before the final bell.

For Mojica, the result spoils his US debut. He had only fought outside of Nicaragua on one other occasion, suffering a TKO loss to Daniyar Yeleussinov (6-0, 3KO) in Monaco.

Richardson Hitchins Batters Alejandro Munera En Route To TKO4

Brooklyn’s own Richardson Hitchins (9-0, 5KO) made it three for three on the night for Mayweather Promotions prospects, as he put a beatdown on fellow super lightweight Alejandro Munera (4-2-3, 4KO) scoring a TKO4 in a contest initially scheduled for 8.

Hitchins, a former 2016 Haitian Olympian, dominated from the opening bell, landing at will against his wild-swinging Colombian counterpart. Hitchins, 21, almost ended the fight in the first when he landed a slick left uppercut that clearly hurt the 29 year-old Munera. The fight would last just two more rounds anyway, as Hitchins continued to batter Munera, who was fighting outside of Colombia for the first time, eventually dropping him with a left to the liver toward the end of the third. Before the bell sounded to signal round four, the ringside physician advised the referee to stop the contest to prevent further punishment.

Mayweather Promotions bantamweight prospect Dylan “The Real Dyl” Price (8-0, 6KO) slugged his way to a 5th round TKO against Manuel Salvador Monzo (4-7-2, 2KO) in a bout originally slated for six.

Manzo, 29, took an all or nothing approach from the opening bell, as the Mexican came out of his corner wailing away at a somewhat unsuspecting Price. Price didn’t get rattled or allow himself to be overwhelmed, however. Rather, the patient and calculating 20 year-old, fought fire with fire, trading blows in the early goings, but was conscious to not waste his punches, always throwing with purpose. Conversely, Manzo threw too often, too wide, and too recklessly and by the fourth round was out of gas.

As Manzo tired, his punches lost steam, and his defense opened up. The southpaw Price took full advantage and began to dominate the fight with combination punching, landing at will toward the end the fourth.

In the fifth, a right uppercut wobbled Manzo, and the ensuing punches that landed were enough to prompt the ringside physician to signal to referee Raul Caiz to stop the contest at the 1:34 mark.

The fight snaps a 5-fight unbeaten streak for Manzo who started his career 0-6-1 and hadn’t lost since October 2017.

It was Price’s fifth fight at the Barclays Center and first win inside the distance since January 2018.

Antonio Russell Earns Technical Decision Over Saul Eduardo Hernandez

In the first of three fights to feature a Gary Russell, 26 year-old bantamweight Gary Antonio Russell (14-0, 12KO) earned a six round technical decision (60-54×2, 59-55) in a bout originally scheduled for eight against rugged Mexican Saul Eduardo Hernandez (13-13-1, 8KO). A clash of heads late in 6th sent Hernandez sprawling to the mat in pain, where he remained until the ringside physician examined him and advised the referee to stop the contest.

It was a match fought mostly at close range and saw both boxers willing to eat a punch to land one of their own. Save for two memorable Hernandez rights, however, Russell eluded most of his counterparts’ offense. Russell, who fights out of his family’s Enigma Boxing Gym in Capitol Heights, MD scored with blitzing combinations that eventually wore Hernandez down. If it wasn’t for three initial rounds of headhunting, Russell likely could have put an end to the contest earlier if he’d invested in the body opening rounds

It was Russell’s second consecutive fight at the Barclays Center. He last fought here in March on the undercard of Brian Castano and Erislandy Lara’s junior middleweight title fight.

Kenny Robles Overwhelms Roy McGill, Stops Him In 5

In a contest slated for six, Staten Island’s Kenny Robles upped his record to 6-1, 3KO, scoring 5th round stoppage over fellow super lightweight Roy McGill (6-3, 3KO) to kick off a nine fight card from the Barclays Center which will culminate when Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder (40-0-1, 39) makes his tenth defense of his WBC world heavyweight title against mandatory challenger Dominic “Trouble” Breazeale (20-1, 18KO) live on SHOWTIME.

Robles, 28, consistently got off first and took the fight to his 30 year-old counterpart. McGill, a Harrisburg, PA native had no answers for Robles’ volume punching and pressure. After Robles, a former New York Golden Gloves Champion, fired off a lengthy unobstructed combination, referee Shada Murdaugh stepped in to stop the punishment at the 1:43 mark of the fifth round.