CRANSTON, RI — CES Boxing heads back to The Historic Park Theater on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for Rhode Wars 5, an evening of high-level boxing and live entertainment dedicated to the memory of Providence boxing supporter Nicky Cardillo.
The event promises a showcase of rising New England talent, highlighted by the return of undefeated Providence middleweight Lamont Powell (6-0, 2 KOs).
Powell, who paused his career in 2023 to focus on his “Gloves Up, Guns Down” youth initiative aimed at mentoring at-risk young people through boxing, steps back into the ring for a compelling main event clash against Tyler Riley — a determined opponent looking to derail Powell’s comeback momentum.
In the co-main event, 21-year-old New Haven prospect Gianni Liguori (4-0-1, 3 KOs) continues his ascent in the super lightweight division. Liguori faces Deonta Williamson, a hungry challenger intent on pulling off an upset and testing the rising contender’s readiness for bigger stages.
Liguori has rapidly earned recognition as one of Connecticut’s brightest young prospects, but Williamson represents the type of matchup that shapes future title contenders.
Undercard Features Emerging Regional Talent
The undercard adds further depth to the card with several promising fighters:
- Cian Duggan (5-0, 4 KOs) — the powerful Irish super lightweight competing twice within a two-week span
- Tom Evans — a Providence police officer making his professional debut
- Alex Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) — the heavy-handed Fall River, MA puncher boasting a 100% knockout rate
- Nicholas Pecora (0-1) — the Fairfield, CT light heavyweight pursuing his first professional victory
Honoring the Memory of Nicky Cardillo
Rhode Wars 5 will serve as a tribute to Providence native Nicky Cardillo, a lifelong boxing enthusiast from Federal Hill who passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2025, at age 58. He is survived by his daughter, Anjali.
“This night is about honoring Nicky Cardillo and his family the right way,” said CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “He loved boxing and always supported Rhode Island fighters. On February 28, the next wave of boxing stars will honor his memory with spectacular performances in the ring.”
Tickets start at $68.79 and are available now. Doors open at 6:00 PM, with the opening bout scheduled for 7:00 PM.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
Discover more from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.