In an electric night at “Pandemonium at The Palladium,” Steve “The Savage” Sumpter edged James “Pitbull” Perkins to capture the IBA Americas super middleweight title in a battle of two undefeated warriors. Using his footwork and tactical skills, Sumpter danced around Perkins, securing an eight-round majority decision.
Though the judges’ scoring was contrasting, with two having Sumpter winning each round (80-72) and the other a draw (76-76), the Pittsfield fighter’s agility and movement proved key in a strategic bout where both fighters were cautious in the early rounds but began mixing it up in the fourth.
The action heated up in the fifth, turning into a toe-to-toe slugfest, as Sumpter kept Perkins off balance in the latter stages. The eighth and final round saw both fighters leaving everything in the ring, but Sumpter’s jab and movement led to Perkins’ fatigue and a triumphant win.
In the co-main event, Denzel “Double Impact” Whitley showcased devastating power, notching a 25-second KO over Hector “El Gatito” Esnar Bobadilla to grab the USBF Atlantic Welterweight Championship. Whitley’s left to the body was all that was needed, solidifying his place as a rising star in the welterweight division.
The card was packed with explosive fights, from Cuban amateur star Dany Lafos Poll’s crushing pro debut to Eslih Owusu’s dominant victory over Texas journeyman Larry “Slo Mo” Smith.
Three-time New England Golden Gloves Champion Felix Parrilla continued his ascent, breaking down Luis Porozo with relentless body shots, leading to a referee stoppage. Parrilla’s arsenal was on full display, and his win over an Olympian sends a clear message to the featherweight division.
An upset came when “The Outlaw” Ryan Venable handed lightweight prospect Calixto Cruz his first defeat, dropping him with a right hook and eventually winning a split decision.
Canadian lightweight Thomas Blumenfeld started the night with a bang, dispatching Richard “Hard To Hit” Bernard with a sweet right-left combination in the opening round.
GCP President Chris Traietti reflected on the thrilling evening, praising both Sumpter and Perkins for their courage in a battle of undefeated fighters and acknowledging Whitley’s remarkable growth. The Worcester crowd witnessed a high-quality show, and the Palladium certainly lived up to its reputation as a grand venue.