Chordale Booker defeated Greg Vendetti at the Mohegan Sun Arena, not just winning but schooling him with scores of 99-91 (twice) and 98-92 on Saturday night. The clash topped the bill at “Winter Brawl 2024,” a jam-packed event with 10 bouts, including three WBC title scrambles, an amateur showcase, and all of it streamed live on Swerve Combat TV for the world to see.
Booker, a bit miffed by Vendetti’s doubts about his stamina and toughness, promised a lesson in tenacity and delivered just that over ten rounds. Vendetti, who had his eyes on Booker’s WBC US Super Welterweight belt, found himself on the back foot from the get-go, despite his usual high-octane attack.
Booker’s strategy of circling and countering began to pay dividends by the seventh, where he started picking Vendetti apart. Despite the relentless pressure from Vendetti, Booker kept his cool, landed body shots that had Vendetti wincing, and finished strong, proving he could handle the heat and come out on top.
In the co-main event, Ricky de los Santos grabbed the vacant WBC US Silver Super Featherweight title by outmaneuvering Nathan Martinez. The bout lived up to its evenly matched hype, but de los Santos’ jab and hooks eventually wore Martinez down, despite a few contentious moments. Cheered on by his family, de los Santos turned up the heat in the later rounds to secure a win by decision, making 2024 a year to remember with a new title and a newborn son.
Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan also shone brightly, grabbing his first pro title by dominating Dormedes Potes for the WBC US Silver Middleweight belt. Hogan’s relentless body shots and strategic striking earned him a unanimous decision victory, marking him as one to watch in the middleweight division.
Alejandro “El Abusador” Paulino stretched his unbeaten streak, overcoming D’Angelo Keyes in a fight that tested his mettle more than usual. Despite a nosebleed and Keyes’ best efforts, Paulino’s early dominance and strategic boxing in the later rounds earned him a unanimous nod from the judges.
The undercard saw Angel “Set it Off” Gonzalez take a unanimous decision over Christian Robles in a flyweight bout filled with back-and-forth action. Kevin Walsh made quick work of Darrell Rivera with a stunning counter right for a first-round knockout, and Carlos “All In” Vanegas Nunez made a victorious return with an early stoppage of Jaden Webb.
Polish prospect Slawomir Bohdziewicz kept his knockout streak alive by finishing Bruno Saraiva in the second round, much to the delight of the Polish fans in attendance. James Maner opened the show with a composed performance against Miguel Torres, using his reach and speed to secure a unanimous decision despite a point deduction.