CES Boxing is strutting back into the grand Mohegan Sun Arena on Saturday, February 3, toting along a trio of electrifying title fights and the “Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Invitational.” This is where the region’s cream-of-the-crop amateurs strut their stuff under the bright lights, all packed into one mind-blowing evening.
What’s a better holiday cheer-spreader than snagging tickets for a night crammed with boxing thrills? Swing by CESfights.com, Ticketmaster, or the Mohegan Sun Box Office to grab your passes. Prices kick off at a cool $67, making it the primo present for that boxing fanatic in your life.
The main showdown parades Chordale “The Gift” Booker (21-1, 10 KOs) back into the ring. He’s set to guard his WBC Silver Super Welterweight tiara for the second time against the ex-world title aspirant Greg “The Villain” Vendetti (23-5-1, 12 KOs).
Hailing from Stamford, CT, Booker’s 2023 was spotless with a 4-0 record and three foes hitting the canvas. He’s got his eyes on a World Title, but first, he’s got to tango with Vendetti from Wakefield, MA. This National Guardsman gave Erislandy Lara, the WBA Super Welterweight champ, a sweat-inducing 12-round tussle back in 2020.
In the co-main event, Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (15-0, 14 KOs), an undefeated southpaw, squares off with Paul “El Gallo Negro” Mendez (21-5-2, 11 KOs) over the shiny, vacant WBC USA Silver Middleweight belt.
Hogan’s fan brigade from Weymouth, MA will flood in to see their 23-year-old pugilist vie for his first major title, squaring up against his most seasoned adversary yet.
The third title tango of the night spotlights Ricky de los Santos (11-1, 3 KOs) versus Nathan Martinez (8-2, 2 KOs) in an 8-round brawl for the vacant WBC US Silver Featherweight strap.
De los Santos, Providence, RI’s own, rebounded from an upset loss to the seasoned Yeison Vargas in March 2022. Martinez, from New Britain, CT, is itching to notch the most significant victory of his fledgling career.
The card is stacked with New England’s boxing elite. Watch as Alejandro “El Abusador” Paulino (15-0, 13 KOs) from New London, CT, collides with Ghana’s Holy “Jaw Breaker” Dorgbetor (10-0, 6 KOs) in a surefire barnstormer.
Also, Angel “Set It Off” Gonzalez (12-0, 7 KOs) from Hartford, CT, continues his ascent in the flyweight ranks, facing off against Christian Robles (8-1, 3 KOs) in an 8-rounder, while Kevin Walsh (10-0, 4 KOs) from Brockton, MA, trades leather with Puerto Rico’s own Darrell Rivera (9-2-1, 7 KOs) in a 6-round lightweight dust-up.
Undefeated prospects Slawomir Bohdzieweicz (2-0, 2 KOs), James Maner (4-0, 2 KOs), and Jeff Gonzalez (4-0, 2 KOs) will also showcase their skills, eyeing contender status.
As if all this weren’t enough to get your gloves twitching, fans will be treated to a parade of the nation’s top amateur boxers with the return of the much-loved ‘Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Invitational.’ This amateur showcase kicks off at 5pm EST before the pro card and is included in your ticket price.