A jam-packed arena with almost 2,000 enthusiasts witnessed an unforgettable evening of boxing last night. The event, orchestrated by Toro Promotions, Inc. and Whitfield Haydon Boxing, took place at the iconic Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, Washington.
“It’s a night that’ll stick with me forever,” said Whit Haydon, the co-promoter. “I felt it was extraordinary, and I wasn’t alone—many attendees shared the same sentiment.”
The spotlight returned to the Pacific Northwest, featuring the rising super featherweight star Austin Brooks (11-0, 4 KOs) in his debut main event. He faced off against Anthony Chavez (11-4-1, 3 KOs) in a 10-round battle.
The 27-year-old Brooks, hailing from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, proved he was in a different league against Chavez, a former USA National Championships bronze medalist. Brooks, who has had several bouts broadcasted on ESPN, delivered a stunning sixth-round KO, adding a cherry on top of a spectacular night of boxing at the Emerald Queen.
Brooks and Chavez squared off in a tactical fight that took a decisive turn in the sixth. Brooks cornered Chavez with his guard down and unleashed a devastating left hook, dropping him to the mat. Chavez managed to beat the count but was overwhelmed by Brooks’ subsequent flurry, prompting the ref to stop the bout.
The undercard also lived up to expectations. Seattle featherweight Gregory Cruz (5-2-1, 3 KOs) and Roberto Negrete (4-2-1, 2 KOs) fought to a thrilling six-round split draw. The two warriors threw a combined total of over 1,500 punches, making for an enthralling match-up.
Young and unbeaten super lightweight Lorenza Caldera (7-0, 4 KOs) passed his career’s most challenging test with flying colors. He stopped Filipino veteran Jake “D’ Twins” Bornea (14-5-1, 7 KOs) in just two rounds.
Joshua Cadena (2-0, 1 KO), a local lightweight from Auburn, Washington, didn’t disappoint his hometown crowd. He secured a dominant four-round unanimous decision over the tenacious Dan Hernandez (2-3, 1 KO) in a sizzling, back-and-forth battle.
However, the night wasn’t without controversy. Undefeated Puerto Rican welterweight Axl Melendez Salgado (7-0, 4 KOs) maintained his perfect record, although the ref’s questionable decisions against Lyle McFarlane (2-2, 1 KO) tarnished the bout.
Wesley Rivers (1-3) of Detroit pulled an unexpected win, capturing three out of the four rounds on all judges’ cards against Richard Ray Howell (4-3-2, 2 KOs) from San Antonio, Texas. A late knockdown by Rivers clinched his victory.
The first fight of the night set the tone, as Angel Rebollar (7-3, 3 KOs) from Compton, California, battled Esteban Munoz (7-4, 4 KOs) in a fierce contest that ended in a split decision for Rebollar.