Xander Zayas stopped Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in round five of their 10-round junior middleweight bout.

Halfway through round one, Zayas dropped Valenzuela with a left hook. Later in the round, the two got tangled, but Zayas landed a right hand that put Valenzuela down for a second time. Zayas continued to beat up and batter Valenzuela until the bout was stopped at 42 seconds.

Zayas, 153.7 lbs of San Juan, PR is 17-0 with 11 knockouts. Valenzuela, 153.4 lbs of Agua Prieto, MEX 21-5.

Emiliano Fernando Vargas stopped Alejandro Guardado in round three of a six-round lightweight bout.

Vargas hurt and landed a hard flurry and was very impressive until the bout was stopped at 1:37.

Vargas, 135.8 lbs of Las Vegas is 7-0 with six knockouts. Guardado, 136.3 lbs of Sevilla, SPA is 5-1.

Julio Luna won an eight-round unanimous decision over Omar Aguilar in a welterweight contest.

Luna, 146.6 lbs of Gomez Palcios, MEX won by scores of 79-73, 78-74 and 77-75 and is now 21-1-2. Aguilar, 146.6 lbs of Ensenada, MEX is 25-2.

John Rincon remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Bryan Ismael Rodriguez Rivera in a welterweight fight.

Rincon, 143.4 lbs of Corpus Christi, TEX won by scores of 60-54 twice and 58-56 and is now 8-0. Rivera, 143.9 lbs of Caguas, PR is 4-2-1.

Jermaine Ortiz won a 10-round unanimous decision over Antonio Moran in a junior welterweight bout.

In round six, Moran began to bleed from the nose. In round eight, Ortiz was cut under the right eye.

Ortiz, 137.8 lbs of Worcester, MA won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-93 and is now 17-1-1. Moran, 137.5 lbs of Mexico Cuty is 29-6-1.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa IV won an eight-round unanimous decision over Brandon Valdes in a featherweight bout.

Villa, 126.7 lbs of Salinas, CA won by scores of 78-74 on all cards and is now 21-1. Valdes, 126.9 lbs of Barranquilla, COL is 15-4.

Tiger Johnson remained undefeated with a eight-round majority decision over Ricardo Quiroz in a junior welterweight fight.

Johnson, 141,7 lbs of Cleveland won by scores of 79-73 twice and 76076 and is now 10-0. Quiroz, 141.6 lbs of Oxnard, CA is 13-3.

MIAMI, Fla. (Aug. 29, 2023) – Junior middleweight phenom Xander Zayas is gearing up for his first scheduled 10-rounder.

Zayas will return against Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in the co-feature to the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15, at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. 

Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela, and the return of lightweight sensation Emiliano Fernando Vargas will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) is Puerto Rico’s latest rising superstar. He signed with Top Rank at 16 and has maintained a flawless record. Zayas had an impressive 2022 in which he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. In June, he fought for the first time during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend, defeating Ronald Cruz via eight-round unanimous decision at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro who has given stiff tests to Alexis Rocha, Souleymane Cissokho and Bakhram Murtazaliev. The 24-year-old Mexican is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

Following a recent training session in Miami, this is what Zayas had to say:

“As always, I am giving everything in my preparation for this important step in my career on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas. I feel great and am prepared to put on a show on such an important date for the Mexican fans, and even more so when it is one of my first battles between Puerto Rico and Mexico. I’m ready for the challenge!”

“I’m excited and focused on getting the job done. It’s been eight weeks of solid work throughout training camp. I know I’m going to be ready for a big fight, as I’ve been sparring alongside the experienced Mexican fighter Juan Macias Montiel, who has faced the big names in the middleweight division. I am sure his style and experience have brought out the best in me, and you will see that on September 15. I will be more than ready to give another great show to the fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching live on ESPN.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (Aug. 14, 2023) – Like father, like son.
 
Emiliano Fernando Vargas will make his ESPN-televised debut on Friday, Sept. 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas, more than 18 years after his father headlined at the venue.
 
Vargas, who scored a second-round stoppage victory against Jorge Luis Marquez Alvarado last Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena, will return in a six-round clash against an opponent to be named. Vargas’ return will open the televised tripleheader headlined by the IBF featherweight world title showdown between reigning champion Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez and two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez.
 
In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.
 
Lopez-Gonzalez, Zayas-Valenzuela and Vargas’ return will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
 
Promoted by Top Rank, tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com.

Vargas (6-0, 5 KOs) turned pro last May and has tallied five victories since signing with Top Rank later that year. Before the Alvarado knockout, “El General” shined on the Devin Haney-Vasiliy Lomachenko bill in his Las Vegas hometown, stopping Rafael Jasso in two rounds. All five of his stoppage victories have come in either the first or second round, and now Vargas, who recently turned 19, will step up to the six-round distance for the first time. His father, Fernando Vargas, defeated Raymond Joval by unanimous decision in front of a capacity crowd at American Bank Center in 2005.
 
“I’d like to thank Top Rank and my team for the opportunity to make my ESPN-televised debut on a great card in Corpus Christi,” Vargas said. “I am proud to be a Vargas, and I look forward to following in the footsteps of my father, who was victorious at the American Bank Center nearly 20 years ago.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (July 24, 2023) – Mexico’s featherweight king is set to put his crown on the line during Mexican Independence Day Weekend. 

Luis Alberto “El Venado” Lopez will defend his IBF world title against former two-time world title challenger Joet Gonzalez on Friday, September 15 at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Lopez returns stateside after back-to-back championship showdowns abroad.

In the 10-round junior middleweight co-feature, rising Puerto Rican sensation Xander Zayas takes on Mexico’s Roberto Valenzuela Jr.

Lopez-Gonzalez and Zayas-Valenzuela will be broadcast live on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ at 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT

Promoted by Top Rank, tickets starting at $30 go on sale Tuesday, July 25 at 3 p.m. CST via Ticketmaster.com.

“The fight fans in Corpus Christi and everyone watching on ESPN are in for a real treat. Luis Alberto Lopez is one of Mexico’s emerging champions, and Joet Gonzalez is a seasoned pro who is a difficult night at the office for anyone,” said Top Rank chairman Bob Arum. “I am also pleased to see Puerto Rico’s next superstar, Xander Zayas, back in the ring against a step-up opponent in Valenzuela.”

Lopez (28-2, 16 KOs) overcame numerous challenges in his quest to become a world champion. After early-career losses to Abraham Montoya and Ruben Villa, he defeated Andy Vences via split decision in July 2020 and dominated then-unbeaten junior lightweight prospect Gabriel Flores Jr. over 10 rounds in September 2021. Lopez then moved down to featherweight and stopped another undefeated foe, Isaac Lowe, in seven rounds at London’s York Hall. After two stay-busy wins, he earned his shot at the IBF title, dethroning Josh Warrington in his hometown of Leeds, England. In his first defense, the 29-year-old once again traveled to enemy territory and beat Michael Conlan via fifth-round TKO with a dazzling right uppercut in Belfast.

“We’re going to bring a memorable all-Mexican war to Corpus Christi on Mexican Independence Day Weekend,” Lopez said. “Nothing but respect to Joet, but he’s not leaving Texas with my belt. I guarantee an exciting fight, but the IBF world title will still be wrapped around my waist.”

Gonzalez (26-3, 15 KOs) debuted in the pro ranks in 2012 and was 23-0 before facing Shakur Stevenson for the vacant WBO featherweight title in 2019. He dominated veteran Miguel Marriaga in his September 2020 return before losing his second attempt at the WBO strap in a 2021 Fight of the Year contender against Emanuel Navarrete. Gonzalez then stopped Jeo Santisima via ninth-round TKO in March 2022 before dropping a split decision to Isaac Dogboe in July of that year. The 29-year-old will have his third opportunity at a world title after defeating Enrique Vivas via 10-round unanimous decision in April.

Gonzalez said, “I am thankful to Top Rank that I am receiving another shot at the world title. I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity and fulfilling my dream. Lopez is an excellent champion, but I’m coming to Texas with every intention on hearing the words, ‘And NEW!’”

Zayas (16-0, 10 KOs) has been on a rapid trajectory to super stardom since signing with Top Rank at 16. He has maintained an unblemished record since debuting as a pro in October 2019. In 2022, he scored eight-round decision wins over Quincy LaVallais and Alexis Salazar, along with a fifth-round TKO against Elias Espadas. The 20-year-old will make his second 2023 appearance after a 10-round unanimous decision win over Ronald Cruz during Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend in June. Valenzuela (21-4, 20 KOs) is a six-year pro who has given stiff tests to Alexis Rocha, Souleymane Cissokho and Bakhram Murtazaliev. The 24-year-old Mexican is coming off a third-round TKO victory against Daniel Vega in April.

Xayas said, “I am excited for the next big step in my career that will take place on September 15 in Corpus Christi, Texas, against a Mexican warrior that I know will come prepared to give his best and will bring out the best in me. I am training hard to continue showing Puerto Rico and all of Latin America what I am capable inside the ring.”

The ESPN+-streamed undercard includes an all-Mexico showdown, a U.S. Olympian, and the return of three of Top Rank’s top contenders. 

Mexican standouts Omar Aguilar (25-1, 24 KOs) and Julio Luna (20-1-2, 11 KOs) will collide in an eight-round welterweight battle. Both are on the comeback trail following losses to two of Top Rank’s finest. Aguilar suffered his first career setback against Lindolfo Delgado last August and returned with a second-round TKO win over Cristian Sonora Soltero in May. Luna dropped a 10-round decision to Giovani Santillan last August, but he bounced back with a third-round knockout win against Hassam Valenzuela in March.

Lightweight contender Jamaine Ortiz (16-1-1, 8 KOs) returns in a 10-rounder. Last October, the 27-year-old took an early lead against former lightweight champion Vasiliy “Loma” Lomachenko before losing the tightly contested battle via unanimous decision. 

Brazilian Olympic gold medalist and former two-time title challenger Robson Conceicao (17-2, 8 KOs) will see action in an eight-round junior lightweight tilt. Conceicao heads to the ring for the second time this year following a no contest against Nicolas Polanco in June.

Former world title challenger Ruben Villa (20-1, 7 KOs) returns in an eight-round featherweight clash against Colombia’s Brandon Valdes (15-3, 7 KOs). Villa dominated Maickol Lopez Villagrana en route to a fifth-round KO in May.

U.S. Olympian Tiger Johnson (9-0, 5 KOs) makes his third appearance of 2023 in an eight-round junior welterweight fight against an opponent to be named. He scored a dominant decision win over Jonathan Montrel in July.

Roman Gonzalez pounded his way to a 12-round unanimous decision over flyweight champion Julio Cesar Martinez in a super flyweight bout at The Pechanga Arena in San Diego.

Gonzalez dominated the fight as continuously backed up Martinez with straight forward power punching, Martinez was game throughout as he would sneak u a flurry, but it was Gonzalez who was so accurate with his combinations that defied his age of 34, which is considered old for the lighter weight classes. After round seven, the winner was inevitable as Gonzalez snapped the head and drove Martinez into the ropes almost constantly. Martinez fought until the end, but it was much too little, much too late as Gonzalez won by scores of 118-110, 117-111 and 116-112.

Gonzalez landed 374 of 1076 punches; Martinez was 182 of 713.

Gonzalez, 114.8 lbs of Managua, NIC is now 51-3. Martinez, who came in over the contracted weight, checked in at 116.4 lbs is now 18-2.

Lara stops Sanchez in Three Exciting Rounds

In a wild slugfest. Mauricio Lara stopped Emilio Sanchez in round three of their 10-round featherweight bout.

In round one, Lara dropped Sanchez with a hard right. In round three, Sanchez came roaring back as he landed barrages of power punches that tired Lara out. Lara came roaring back by landing vicious shots that continuously snapped the head of Sanchez back. Lara landed two more booming shots that knocked Sanchez to the ground just before the bell, and the fight was over at 2:59.

Lara, 126 lbs of Mexico City is now 24-2-1 with 17 knockouts. Sanchez, 126 lbs of Pacoima, CA is 19-2.

Fierro and Burgos Battle to a Draw

Angel Fierro and Juan Carlos Burgos battled to a 10-round draw in lightweight contest.

Fierro took a scorecard 96-94; while two other tallies were 95-95.

Fierro landed 144 of 579 punches. Burgos was 113 of 476.

Fierro, 134.6 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is now 19-1-2. Burgos, 134.2 lbs of Tijuana, MEX is 34-6-3.

Cissokoho Decisions Valenzuela

Souleymayne Cissokho remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Roberto Valenzuela Jr. in a super welterweight bout.

In round two, Valenzuela began to swell under his left eye. In round three, Valenzuela was cut on the nose. In round four, Valenzuela turned the tide and landed a hard combination to the body and sent Cissokho to the canvas. In the final minute of the round, Cissokho uncorked a huge right that put Valenzuela on his back. Valenzuela got to his feet and was bleeding all over his face.

Cissokho landed 132 of 479 punches; Valenzuela was 92 of 474.

Cissokho, 153.8 lbs of Saint-Denis, FRA won by scores of 100-90 and 99-91 twice to raise his record to 15-0. Valenzuela, 154 lbs of Sonora, MEX is 19-3,

Diego Pacheco remained undefeated with a 2nd round stoppage over Genc Pllana in a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Pacheco dropped Pllana with a right hand. In round two, a left hook/right hand combination put Pllana on the deck and the fight was stopped at 1:29.

Pacheco, 170 lbs of Los Angeles is 14-0 with 11 knockouts. Pllana, 171 lbs of Hagerstown, MD is 9-4-1.

Marc Castro hit the canvas, but remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Julio Madera in a lightweight fight.

In round two Castro hit the deck from a combination. Castro won the rest of the fight and won by scores of 58-55 on all cards.

Castro, 134.8 lbs of Fresno, CA is 6-0. Madera, 134.4 lbs of Mexico City is 3-2.

2021 Australian Olympian Skye Nicholson made a successful pro debut with a six-round unanimous decision over Jessica Juarez in a junior lightweight bout.

Nicholson, 129 lbs of Queensland, AUS won by scores of 60-54 twice and 59-55 and is now 1-0. Juarez, 129 lbs of San Diego is 3-1.

Anthony Herrera stopped Jose Toribio in round four of a scheduled four-round bantamweight bout.

In round one, Toribio began to bleed over his right. In round four, Castro landed a hard combination that was culminated by a left hook that dropped Toribio and the fight was stopped at the 24 second mark.

Herrera, 118.4 lbs of Los Angeles is 2-0 with two knockouts. Toribio, 118.2 lbs of San Diego, CA is 7-5.

Vergil Ortiz Jr. kept up that pace of being one of if not the top prospect in boxing as he stopped Brad Solomon in round five of a scheduled 10-round welterweight bout at the Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio, California.

In round four, Ortiz dropped Solomon with a hard jab. In round five, Ortiz landed a hard jab that up a flurry of punches that put Solomon down for a 2nd time. Ortiz finished off Solomon with a hard right and left that made Solomon take a knee and the fight was stopped at 2:22.

Ortiz, 147 lbs of Grand Prairie, TX is 15-0 with 15 knockouts. Solomon, 146.8 lbs of Douglasville, GA is 28-2.

“I have to give him [Solomon] some credit,” said Vergil Ortiz Jr. “He’s difficult to figure out and made me use my brain. I tried to take my time, and not rush things. I had to utilize my jab, figure out the right time to throw a punch. I think I tripped with him with my foot, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. He came to fight.”

“I shouldn’t be chasing on the ropes like that. He let his guard now. Luckily, I did throw the right punch and hurt him. I knew he would be a tough cookie to break. Luckily, I have a good team behind me and all my smarts. I felt I was very patient, and needed to pick it up, can’t lay low. I did a good job. I would say high B or A on this one.”

Former world champion Alberto Machado moved up in weight and stopped Luis Porozo in round two of a scheduled 10-round lightweight bout.

In round two, Machado dropped Porozo with a left to the body. Seconds later, it was the same punch that sent Porozo to the canvas. Machado ended it with….you guessed, another left to the body that sent Porozo down for the 10-count at 2:59.

Machado, 135 lbs of San Juan, PR is 22-2 with 18 knockouts. Porozo, 134 lbs of Santo Domingo, ECU is 14-2.

On the 3rd knockdown: “It’s a shot we were working on in camp,” Alberto Machado.”He was a fighter that would open up, so we worked on that in camp, going to the body. They told me to put my hands up, be more passive with my offense, throw my jab more, and as you could see he had a chaotic style. Thank god we got the victory we were looking for.”

“No because I actually was trying to land to the head, but saw the opportunity to the body, so took advantage of it. I was landing that good hand. I only had ten seconds till the end of the round, so wanted to end on a good note, and threw my hands, and got the win.”

On his performance: “I think I did well, made good adjustments. He’s a good fighter, I know the style he has. I think I did well because of the adjustments I made. I’m happy I ended the year on a positive note with the victory. I’ve been through very difficult situations that all of us boxers go through, some changes in camp, and in my weight. I’m ready for this division and the big challenge. I’m ready for another big fight against a former world champion, Mexico vs Puerto Rico, come on Francisco Vargas, let’s do it.”

Bektemir Melikuziev won a 10-round unanimous decision over Vaughn Alexander in a super middleweight bout.

In round seven, Melikuziev was cut around the left eye from a headbutt.

Melikuziev, 167.4 lbs of Indio, CA won by scores of 100-90 on all cards, and is now 4-0. Alexander, 166.4 lbs of St. Louis is 15-4.

Melikuziev out-landed Alexander 253-34.

Joel Diaz (trainer) on behalf of Bektemir: “I’m happy that he went rounds and was able to get in the ring with a veteran and break him down.”

Alexis Rocha stopped tough Roberto Valenzuela after round five of their scheduled 10-round welterweight bout.

Rocha had a few anxious moments in round two, but was able to get through and dominate the next several rounds that forced Valenzuela to bow out of the fight.

Rocha, 146.6 lbs of Santa Ana, CA is 15-0 with 10 knockouts. Valenzuela, 146.8 lbs of Sonora. MX is 17-2.

“He caught me in the second round,” said Alexis Rocha.”I got lazy. It’s my fault. I started letting my hands go after the third, and then I kept hurting him. It was important that I finished the fight. It’s a learning experience.”

Luis Feliciano remained undefeated with a 10-round unanimous decision over Herbert Acevedo in a junior welterweight bout.

In round three, Feliciano sent Acevedo to deck with a right hand. Feliciano was cut around the left eye.

Feliciano, 140 lbs of Milwaukee won by scores of 100-89, 99-90, and 97-92 and is now 14-0. Acevedo, 139.2 lbs of Los Angeles is 16-3-1

“I give props to Herbert Acevedo,” said Luis Feliciano.”He’s a tough and rugged fighter. I thought he was out when I dropped him in the third round. I tried to get the finish, but he weathered the storm. I’m happy to finish year with a win, and we are on to the next.”

Eric Bazinyan stopped Saul Roman in round three of a scheduled eight-round super middleweight bout.

In round two, Roman was cut over his left eye from an accidental headbutt. In round three, Bazinyan landed a perfect right that sent Roman down and out at 46 seconds.

Bazinyan, 167.2 lbs of Quebec, CAN is 24-0 with 18 knockouts. Roman, 164.8 lbs of Tijuana, MX is 45-14.

“I learned from fighting a veteran, someone with almost 60 fight,” said Erik Bazinyan.”I tried to show my skills and fight my fight. The timing was right, so I got him out of there.

HAMPTON, N.H. (April 13, 2019) – Popular Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira operated last night on previously undefeated Roberto “El Viejo, Jr.” Valenzuela, Jr., re-capturing the New England welterweight title, by way of an eight-round unanimous decision in the main event on the “Riot at the Rim” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GCP), at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Silveira (16-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, rocked his 19-year-old Mexican challenger, Valenzuela (14-1, 13 KOs), whose father and cousin also fought on the card, in the first round with a right that dropped his tall, lean opponent. In fact, Silveira stopped Valenzuela’s father two years ago via a second-round stoppage.

The aggressor for most of the fight, Silveira was cruising along until the seventh round, when he suffered a low blow that, naturally, slowed him down considerably, eventually leading to a knockdown in the eighth round, the result of a shot taken to the back of his head,

Silveira originally won the N.E. welterweight title in 2011, holding it for two years, but he never lost the strap in the ring. He was inactive for nearly 3 ½ years and relinquished his title because of inactivity. “I never really lost the belt,” Silveira said after the fight. “I got back what I was supposed to have. This kid hit hard. One of the reasons for this (performance) is that I stayed in shape and had a real training camp instead of training only after work (carpenter). I thought it showed in the ring tonight.

“From watching video of him, I was looking for his right. My coach said to slip it and come back with a right, and I hit him right on the button. But he hit me with some good shots, too, and I was a little gassed in the last two rounds.”

Silveria has some unfinished business, though. He was supposed to face Travis Demko for the N.E. title in an intra-Massachusetts battle for the belt and Bay State bragging rights. Unfortunately, though, Demko suffered an injury during training and withdrew from the title fight.

“He was injured,” Silverira added, “and I respect that. I was excited to be in a title fight with two local guys. I’d definitely like to fight Demko.”

New England cruiserweight champion Chris Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), who is the GCP promoter, was supposed to fight Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC), but the Brazilian was unable to enter the U.S. to fight due to visa issues.

“I was disappointed with Gilberto’s visa situation, but there was no time to let it get me down,” Traitti remarked. “As the promoter, I had to focus on the rest of the card, and it turned out to be awesome. I had every intention of this being the biggest Granite Chin Promotions show and it exceeded my expectations. Hopefully this was the start of our next chapter, upping my game, and I plan to promote two more shows this summer.”

In the most competitive fight of the night, French junior welterweight Romain Tomas (8-2, 2 KOs) pulled off a mild upset in the co-featured event, winning a six-round split decision over previously unbeaten Omar “The Beast” Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), fighting out of Danbury, CT.

Omar Bordoy (L) and Romain Tomas turned in the Fight of the Night

Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (8-1, 6 KOs) rebounded from his lone pro loss, destroying Mexican challenger Francisco “El Mono” Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), dropping him three times for a statement-like first-round technical knockout.

Khiry Todd (R) destroyed Francisco Medal

WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), of Pembroke, MA, added another title belt to his display case, stopping Brazilian Claudio “Quexada” Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs) with a devastating left hook to the liver, resulting in a first-round knockout for the vacant ABF Continental Americas Championship.

Highly-regarded featherweight Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams, a 10-trime national amateur champion from New Haven, CT, remained undefeated and continued his journey towards a world title shot. Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), who was ranked as high at No. 3 in the world before an inactive period, displayed his vast skills during a workmanlike effort en route to an eight-round unanimous decision victory over his veteran Mexican foe, Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs). Williams is promoted by Roc Nation Spots.

“Handsome” Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), fighting out of Gloucester, MA, battered the body of veteran Mexican super middleweight Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela (67-79-2, 56 KOs) at the beginning of the opening bell and he continued peppering his opponent upstairs and downstairs throughout their fight. Gedney, a 2017 Rocky Marciano Tournament novice champion, won by way of a fourth-round technical knockout, when referee Leo Gerstel halted the one-sided fight.

In only his third pro fight, Henry Gedney (L) defeated a fighter, Robert Valenzuala, who has had 148

Undefeated Providence prospect Anthony “Ai” Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), the reigning IBA Americas welterweight champion, dropped his Mexican opponent, Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuala (11-16, 3 KOs) early in the first round, then a little later he caught Valenzuela with a powerful left to the body for a knockout. Marsella is promoted by Mayweather Promotions.

In a battle between a pair of pro-debuting junior welterweights, Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO) finished off Emmerson Noguiera (0-1) with a vicious right to the body midway through the opening round.

Nelson Perez (R) had an impressive pro debut

Brooklyn junior welterweight Sidney “Keelo” Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs) pitched a shutout against Andy Aiello (1-3-1), winning all six rounds on the three judges’ scorecards for a six-round unanimous decision.

Andy Aiello (L) showed tremendous grit in his fight vs. Sidney Maccow

New Britain, CT featherweight prospect Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), the 2017 New England Golden Gloves Most Outstanding Boxer, out-classed North Carolina featherweight Chantae “Malik” Bowens (0-2) for an impressive first-round knockout. Martinez trapped Bowens in the red corner and unleashed six rapid-fire punches to close the show.

Boston super middleweight Rob Butler (1-0) won his pro debut in an action fight that opened the night, taking a four-round unanimous decision from journeyman Rodrigo Almeida (1-10).

Official results below:

OFFICIAL RESULTS

MAIN EVENT – VACANT N.E. WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Derek Silveira (16-2, 8 KOS), Salem, MA
WDEC8 (79-72, 78-72, 77-73)
Roberto Valenzuela, Jr. (14-1, 134 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico
(Silveira won the N.E. welterweight title)

VACANT ABF CONTINENTAL AMERICAS CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Vinnie Carita (20-1-1, 19 KOs), Pembroke, MA
WKO1 (2:37)
Claudio Porto (8-5-1, 7 KOs), Sao Paulo, Brazil
(Carita won ABF Continental Americas cruiserweight title)

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Henry Gedney (3-0, 2 KOs), Gloucester, MA
WTKO4 (1:53)
Roberto Valenzuela(67-79-2, 56 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico

Rob Butler (1-0), Boston, MA
WDEC4 (40-36, 40-36, 39-37)
Rodrigo Almeida (1-10), Woburn, MA

JUNIOR MIDDLEWEIGHTS
Anthony Marsella, Jr. (12-0, 6 KOs), Providence, RI
WKO1 1:19)
Engleberto Valenzuela (11-16, 3 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Sonoma, Mexico

WELTERWEIGHTS
Khiry Todd (8-1, 6 KOs), Lynn, MA
WTKO1 (1:30)
Francisco Medal (13-17, 8 KOs), Urupan, Mexico

JUNIOR WELTERWEIGHTS
Romain Tomas (8-2, 1 KO), Brooklyn, NY by way of France
WDEC6 (59-55, 58-56, 56-58)
Omar Bordoy (7-1, 2 KOs), Danbury, CT

Nelson Perez (1-0, 1 KO), Marlborough, MA
WKO1 (1:17)
Emmerson Noguiera (0-1), Woburn, MA

Sidney Maccow (6-8, 3 KOs), Brooklyn, NY by way of St. Marteen
WDEC6 (60-53, 60-64, 60-64)
Andy Aiello (1-3-1), Bridgewater, MA

FEATHERWEIGHTS
Tramaine Williams (17-0, 6 KOs), New Haven, CT
WDEC8 (80-72, 80-72, 78-74)
Ernesto Guerrero (30-27, 20 KOs), Aqua Prieta, Mexico

Nathan Martinez (3-0, 1 KO), New Britain, CT
WKO1 (1:03)
Chantae Bowens (0-2), Wilson, NC

INFORMATION:
Facebook.com/GraniteChin
Twitter: @Granite_Chin

QUINCY, Mass. (March 31, 2019) – Former New England welterweight champion
Derek “The Surgeon” Silveira has a new opponent for his April 12th main event fight for the vacant N.E. welterweight title on a stacked “Riot at The Rim” card, presented by Granite Chin Promotions (GSP), at The Rim in Hampton, New Hampshire.

Silveira (15-2, 8 KOs), fighting out of Salem, MA, will now take on 19-year-old Mexican knockout specialist Roberto “Viejo” Valenzuela, Jr, (14-0, 13 KOs), who has replaced injured Travis “The Outlaw” Demko (8-1, 1 KO), of Stoughton, MA, in the scheduled eight-round headliner.

“Losing Travis was tough blow but the determination to put on a jam-packed card didn’t waiver,” GCP promoter Chris Traietti said. “Derek’s camp was ready for a step-up fight and, quite frankly, Granite Chin was ready to make a statement in 2019. After a few days with the phone glued to my ear, Roberto Valenzuela Jr stepped up and took the fight. He’s bringing a great record at 14-0 to the table and Derek didn’t even flinch at the offer.”

The Quincy, MA- based Traietti (27-4, 21 KOs), an Iraq War veteran and college graduate, is also fighting on the “Riot at The Rim” card in the 10-round co-featured event The reigning New England cruiserweight champion, Traietti faces Brazilian knockout artist Gilberto “El Magico” Matheus Domingos (22-10, 20 KOs), a former Brazilian light heavyweight champion, for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) FECARBOX cruiserweight title.

WBC Latino cruiserweight champion Vinnie “American Nightmare” Carita (19-1-1, 18 KOs), a court officer in Brockton (MA) who lives in Pembroke (MA), faces Brazilian fighter Claudio “Quexado” Morroni (8-4-1, 7 KOs) in an eight-round bout for the vacant ABF Colonial Atlantic Cruiserweight Championship.

In another exciting 8-round fight, undefeated New Haven, CT featherweight prospect Tramaine “The Mighty Midget” Williams (16-0, 6 KOs), promoted by Roc Nation Sports, is a former 10-time national amateur champion who will be fighting veteran Ernesto “Monito” Guerrero (31-26, 21 KOs), of Mexico.

Undefeated welterweight prospect Omar Bordoy (7-0, 2 KOs), of Danbury, CT, meets Frenchman Roman Tomas (7-2, 1 KO), now living in Brooklyn, NY, in a six-round match.

Undefeated Providence welterweight prospect Anthony “A1” Marsella (11-0, 5 KOs), the 24-year-old International Boxing Association (IBA) champion who is handled by Mayweather Promotions, squares off against Engleberto “Guarura” Valenzuela (11-15, 3 KOs), of Mexico., in a six-rounder.

Gloucester, MA middleweight “Handsome” Henry Gedney (2-0, 1 KO) throws-down with New Jersey’s Darryl “Dreamking” Bunting (3-5-2, 1 KO) in a four-rounder.

Also fighting on the undercard is Lynn, MA welterweight Khiry “TNT” Todd (7-1, 5 KOs) against his Mexican opponent, Francisco “El Mono” Medal (12-16, 8 KOs), in a six-round bout.

All fights and fighters are subject to change.

Ticket prices are $60.00, $45.00 and $35.00 and available to purchase online at www.TicketRiver.com (search word: Riot at the Rim).

Doors open at 7 p.m. ET, first bout scheduled at 7:30 p.m. ET.