New York, NY (May 13, 2022)-Four Split-T Management fighters registered explosive knockout victories over the weekend.

On Friday, Sonny Conto remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage over Justin Rolfe in a scheduled six-round heavyweight bout in front of a packed crowd at Parx casino in Bensalem, PA.

After two rounds of beating up Rolfe with hard power shots. Conto decked Rolfe with a big left hook in round three. Seconds later, it was another hard left jook from close quarters that sent Rolfe folding towards the canvas and the fight was stopped by referee Eric Dali at 1:38.

Conto, 228.2 lbs of Philadelphia is 10-0 with eight knockouts. Rolfe, 254.1 lbs of Portland, ME is 7-4-1.

Conto is promoted by Top Rank.

Also, Friday night in Sacramento, junior lightweight Kevin Montano stopped veteran Corben Page in the opening round of their scheduled four-round bout.

Montano is now 3-0 with two knockouts.

Montano, 24, started boxing at the age of eight under coach Gary Sullenger. Sullenger has remained with Montano through his amateur and now into his professional career.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals. He had risen to the number-two ranked fighter in the country as an amateur.

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish is a graduate of Sacramento State, with a degree in Kinesiology.

Saturday night in Newark, New Jersey, Brian Ceballo remained undefeated with a sixth round stoppage over Gerald Sherrell.

Ceballo, who was making his 2022 debut took apart Sherrell, who appeared on the latest edition of The Contender and finished him off at 2:!0 in round six of their scheduled eight-round bout.

With the win, the New York native raises his mark to 13-0 with seven knockouts.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

On the same card at the Robert Treat Hotel, welterweight Kahshad Elliott scored his second consecutive knockout when he took out Tray Martin in round one.

Elliott battered Martin until the bout was stopped at 2:53. The Plainfield, New Jersey native is now 2-0 with two knockouts.

Elliott had an outstanding amateur career that saw him win 117 of 140 fights, and was a 10-time National champion in the 165-pound division.

New York, NY (May 13, 2022)-Four young prospects from the Split-T Management stable will be in action looking to stay undefeated this weekend.

Friday night in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, heavyweight Sonny Conto will headline a card at Parx Casino when he takes on Justin Rolfe in a bout scheduled for six-rounds.

Conto of Philadelphia has a record of 9-0 with seven knockouts. The 26 year-old. The popular Conto will be looking to once again thrill his hometown fans as he is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Mike Marshall on February 24th in Philadelphia.

Rolfe of Fairfield, Maine is 7-3-1 with five knockouts. The 30 year-old is a four-year-pro, and is coming off a second-round stoppage over Fabian Valdez on March 19th.

At Thursday’s weigh-in, Conto weighed in at 228.1 lbs. Rolfe was 254.1.

Conto is promoted by Top Rank.

Photo by Mario Ortega Jr.

Friday night at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento, California, undefeated junior lightweight Kevin Montano takes on Corben Page in a four-round bout,

Montano, 24, of Concord, California is 2-0 with one knockout. Montano is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Delgado on October 8, 2021 in the same venue.

Montano started boxing at the age of eight under coach Gary Sullenger. Sullenger has remained with Montano through his amateur and now into his professional career.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals. He had had risen to the number-two ranked fighter in the country as an amateur.

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish is a graduate of Sacramento State, with a degree in Kinesiology.

Page of Redding, California is 6-20-1 with one knockout. The 33 year-old Has a win over previously undefeated Ricardo Garcia and is coming off a second round stoppage win over Guillermo Osorio Zarate on May 1, 2021 in Sonora, Mexico. Page has faced 12 undefeated opponents including former world champions Jose Pedraza and Oscar Valdez.

Both Montano and Page weighed in at 130 lbs.

Saturday night at The Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, New Jersey undefeated welterweight Brian Ceballo will be in action when he takes on Gerald Sherrell in a bout scheduled eight-round bout.

Ceballo of New York is 12-0 with six knockouts. The 28 year-old has wins over Luis Alberto Lopez Longoria (1-0), Bakhtiya Eyubov (14-0-1), Ramal Amanov (16-0), and his last bout when he took a 10-round unanimous decision over Larry Gomez (10-1) on December 3rd, 2020 in Los Angeles.

Sherrell of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 10-2 with five knockouts. He has wins over undefeated Shakeem Hodge (5-0. He then joined the cast of The Contender and defeated undefeated Quatavious Cash (10-0). He also defeated Morgan Fitch (18-2-1). Sherrell is coming off a defeat to Clay Collard September 21, 2019 in Washington, Pennsylvania.

Ceballo is promoted by 360 Promotions.

On the same card in Newark, Khashad Elliott will make his second start as he takes on Tray Martin in a four-round welterweight bout.

Elliott, 21 of Plainfield, New Jersey is 1-0 with one knockout.

Elliott turned pro on October 9, 2020 with a First-round stoppage over Akeem Jackson in Las Vegas.

Elliott had an outstanding amateur career that saw him win 117 of 140 fights, and was a 10-time National champion in the 165-pound division.

Martin of Moberly, Missouri is 3-5 with two knockouts. The 22 year-old has won two consecutive fights and is coming off a four-round majority decision over Vincent Montgomery on April 16th in Arnold, Missouri

By Mario Ortega Jr.-

In life, and in boxing, there is no substitution for experience. Exciting super featherweight prospect Kevin Montano believes that, despite his relative young age of 24-years-old. After years of learning and perfecting his trade over the course of a long amateur run, Montano and his team felt he had gained the experience needed to embark on a successful professional career and the Sacramento State graduate made the move to the paid ranks in August of last year. After notching two wins in 2021, the gifted young pro goes for win number three this coming Friday night, in front of his hometown fans at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, California against the professionally more experienced 27-fight veteran Corben Page. 

Montano (2-0, 1 KO) of Sacramento began boxing at the age of eight, training under renowned Concord, California-based veteran trainer Gary Sullenger, who still trains him to this day. “My family and friends wanted me to stay out of trouble, so they kept me in the gym,” recalls Montano. “When I won my first fight at nine, I loved the feeling of winning. Nothing compared to performing in front of a crowd, and having your name announced as the winner.”

Montano kept the winning feeling with him throughout over 160 amateur fights, achieving great national and international recognition along the way. “Personally, I wanted to get the most out of my amateur career and gain experience fighting the most different types of fighters that I could, especially going into the Olympic Trials and fighting overseas with Team USA,” explains Montano. “I wanted to see it all, because I have seen a lot of fighters turn pro too early and come across a style that they are not used to. There’s a lot of very awkward or very slick types of fighters out there. If you aren’t used to that in the amateurs, you definitely won’t be used to that in the pros. I feel like I have seen it all over these 160 bouts. I feel like I am well seasoned to turn pro, so that is why we turned pro at this time.”

Montano, who earned his degree in kinesiology, has a student’s approach to the boxing business. “In my eyes, just kind of like high school, there is a four-year cycle where everyone turns pro,” says Montano. “For me, this was like my graduation year. The Olympic cycle is every four years. So I went for Olympic Trials, it didn’t go as planned, so it was time to graduate and take the next step in my career.”

The next step began with a second-round knockout in front of his Sacramento and Bay Area fanbase last August. Two months later, Montano returned to the DoubleTree Hotel with a four-round unanimous decision. Beginning his professional career in his adopted hometown is a luxury Montano has not taken for granted. “I like to call it my adopted hometown, because I have been here for several years now and the city has shown me a lot of love,” says Montano. “I am very comfortable here. The people love me and I love them back. I have been here for four or five years. I pursued a higher education and the city grew on me and I grew on them.”

Montano began his boxing training in Concord, where Sullenger has been based for decades. Now as a professional, living in Sacramento, Montano still makes the drive to get his boxing work in the Bay Area with his lifelong trainer. “I go down there about three times a week,” explains Montano. “It’s a lot of commuting, but this is my profession, so it is all worth it. He tunes me up, tells me what I need to work on. I get any extra sparring and then I go up here because my strength coach is in Sacramento, but my boxing coaches are in the Bay Area.”

Not surprisingly, the college graduate/professional boxer does not take any shortcuts when it comes to his homework, studying his opponents before fight night. “I definitely study my opponents, so I know what he has got and I don’t think he has that much to bring,” says the supremely confident Montano. “I am very confident in my ability, especially my strengths: my speed and my athleticism. I am also very well-rounded in experience. I have had over 160 amateur fights and now my power is developing. I am looking to capitalize on that in this fight.”

While he does hope to be expanding his horizons soon when it comes to fight locations, Montano is very appreciative to be fighting before his family and friends. If things all go according to plan, Montano will be back at the DoubleTree Hotel in August as well. “I want to thank everybody that bought tickets to come out and support me and watch me fight live,” says Montano, with appreciation in his voice. “That means a lot to me. Even if you tried to make it and couldn’t make it, I know a lot of things happen, so I do understand. I want to give a lot of attention to my supporters, because they are definitely a driving force that keeps me going.”

With years of experience and his local fanbase supporting him from ringside, Montano is more than confident that Friday the 13th in Sacramento will be a nightmare for one Corben Page. “I don’t underestimate anybody,” explains Montano. “I know that I am more than experienced enough to handle somebody like this. I have been fighting for 16 years now. I’ve seen it all. I feel like this is just another guy that I have to get past. I do expect to dominate him and stop him for sure. I feel more than ready.” 

Tickets for the event, titled “May Madness: Show Up or Shut Up” and promoted by Upper Cut Promotions, are available online at uppercutpro.com

Photos by Julio Sanchez 

Mario Ortega Jr. can be reached at ortegajr.mario@gmail.com or followed on Twitter @MarioG280 

NEW YORK (October 12, 2021) – This past Friday night, super featherweight prospect Kevin Montano lwon a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Delgado to raise his mark to a perfect 2-0 in a fight that took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, California.

Montano is managed by Split-T Management.

Montano of Sacramento won by shutout scores of 40-36 on all cards.

He won his pro debut when he took out Tyler Marshall in two rounds on August 6th at the same venue.

The 24 year-old Montano, is from Sacramento, and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals.

Photo / Kevin Montano Instagram Page

NEW YORK (October 8, 2021) – Super Featherweight prospect Kevin Montano looks to go to 2-0 when he takes on Jose Delgado in a scheduled four-round bout that will take place tonight at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, California.

Montano of Sacramento won his pro debut when he took out Tyler Marshall in two rounds on August 6th at the same venue.

The 24 year-old Montano, who is managed by Split-T Management, is from Sacramento, and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals.

Photo / Kevin Montano Instagram Page

NEW YORK (August 9, 2021) – It was a knockout weekend for Split-T Management as four of it’s athletes all scored knockout victories bouts that took place on two continents.

On Friday night at The DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, Kevin Montano made a successful pro debut by taking out Tyler Marshall in the 2nd round of their junior lightweight bout.

Montano, who was fighting in front of his hometown fans, put on a dominating performance against the nine-fight veteran Williams, and got the stoppage victory at 1:42 of round two.

The 23 year-old Montano is from Sacramento, California and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals.

On Saturday afternoon, Former world title challenger Ebanie Bridges was impressive in stopping Bec Connolly in round three of a scheduled eight-round bantamweight bout.

The bout was seen live and worldwide on DAZN

In round three, Bridges landed a hard uppercut that was followed by a flurry to the head that sent Connolly to the deck. Bridges then landed a hard overhand right that was followed by a left to the jaw that forced a referee stoppage at 1:22.

Bridges, 118 3/4 lbs of New South Wales, AUS is now 6-1 with three knockouts. Connolly, 118 lbs of Swindon, ENG is 3-10.

“To be back here in the UK, and to win and get my hand raised is amazing,” Bridges told DAZN. “Las time I was unlucky, although I still got a good reception. It was good to get in here and get my hand raised for my fans. I had a few people here supporting me so shout out to everyone that came. I saw you there with your Aussie flags and I appreciate you. It feels great.

“Winning is what it’s all about. It’s all good having the fanbase and the social media presence but if you’re not winning it can only go so far. Winning is important. It feels good. She was more difficult in the sense she was holding and a bit rough on the inside. That was new for me. I’m not used to people holding.

“I thought I would finish it in the later rounds. I knew I would break her down. I was just aiming for her body for the first few rounds because I wanted to break her body down so I could open her up to the head, and that’s exactly what we did. That’s what our plan was.

“By the third round I already had her hands dropping from going to the body and then that’s why that right hand was landing.

On Saturday night at the Whitesands Event Center in Plant City, Florida, brother Marques and Dominic Valle each remained undefeated with knockout victories of their own.

Marques needed just 30 seconds to destroy Jimmy Rosario in their four-round welterweight bout.

It was a left hook to the live that ended Rosario’s night and lifted Marques’ record to 3-0 with three knockouts.

The former Team USA member, having less than 50 career amateur fights, Valle made it all the way to the 2020 Olympic Trials, where he impressed with his ability to consistently walk down more experienced opposition.

Dominic needed two rounds to dispose of 30-fight veteran Michael Gaxiola.

The time of the stoppage was 2:15 for Valle, who raised his mark to 2-0 with two knockouts.

Dominic won the 2016 National Silver Gloves and in 2018, he was a National Junior Olympics champion.

The Valles of Wesley, Chapel Florida, are promoted by Pro Box Promotions.

NEW YORK (August 6, 2021) – Split-T Management’s new signee, Kevin Montano will make his pro debut TONIGHT at the DoubleTree Hotel in Sacramento, California.

Montano will take on eight-fight veteran Tyler Marshall in a four-round super featherweight bout.

The 23 year-old Montano is from Sacramento, California and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in the 2021 Nationals.

Montano checked in at 129 lbs. Marshall was 127 lbs.

NEW YORK (August 2, 2021) – Split-T Management has signed lightweight Kevin Montano

The 23 year-old Montano is from Sacramento, California and had a distinguished amateur career that saw him rise to the number-two ranked lightweight in the United States.

“Leading up to the end of my amateur career, Split-T Management CEO David McWater was there for me in so many ways. Dave gave me so much advice, and seeing how he treated me in amateurs, I feel that I am in the right spot. He has so many great fighters like Teofimo Lopez , I feel that Dave has the power and intelligence to move my career with success,” said Montano

“I grew up in a bad town that was on par section A Housing, My family and friends wanted me to stay out of trouble, so my they kept me in the gym. When I won my 1st fight at nine, I loved the feeling of winning. Nothing compared to performing in front of a crowd, and have your named announced as a winner.”

Montano started boxing at the age of eight under coach Gary Sullenger. Sullenger has remained with Montano through his amateur and now into his professional career.

During Montano’s amateur career, Montano was a three-time California State Champion, the 2017 National Golden Gloves runner-up, 2017 Eastern qualifier runner-up, 2019 Western qualifier runner-up and he placed third in 2021 Nationals.

Montano, who is fluent in both English and Spanish is a graduate of Sacramento State, with a degree in Kinesiology.

He lists Roberto Duran, Pernell Whitaker, Teofimo Lopez and Canelo Alvarez as favorite fighters.

He will make his pro debut this Friday night, August 6th in Sacramento.