CRANSTON, RI — CES Boxing delivered a thrilling night of fights and heartfelt moments on Saturday, February 28, as Rhode Wars 5 electrified a near sellout crowd at The Historic Park Theater.
Between bouts, comedian Lil Mo Mozzarella kept fans entertained with his signature humor, maintaining high energy throughout the evening. The event also featured an emotional tribute to Providence native and devoted boxing supporter Nicky Cardillo, who passed away unexpectedly at age 58 on December 21, 2025. Surrounded by community and family, the ceremony honored Cardillo’s passion for the sport and served as a powerful reminder that boxing is as much about connection as competition.
Liguori Passes Career Test with Dominant Stoppage
Undefeated prospect Gianni Liguori (5-0-1, 4 KOs) faced the toughest challenge of his young career — and passed with authority.
The 21-year-old Branford, Connecticut native displayed maturity beyond his years in stopping heavy-handed Deonta Williamson (3-7, 3 KOs) following three completed rounds. Guided by respected trainer Stacey McKinley, Liguori established control early with sharp combinations and crisp fundamentals.
Williamson, known for his knockout power, looked to counter with looping left hooks from a crouched stance. But Liguori’s jab dictated range, and clean right hands, uppercuts, and hooks steadily wore his opponent down. Williamson took a knee in round two and was visibly fatigued by the end of round three. His corner halted the bout before the fourth round began.
“I needed a tough test for my experience,” Liguori said. “I did my best and he was durable up until his corner stopped it.”
Having turned pro in 2024 and signed with CES Boxing in July 2025, Liguori continues to emerge as one of New England’s brightest young talents.
Lamont Powell Sends Message with 23-Second Knockout
After three years away from competition, Lamont Powell (7-0, 3 KOs) made an emphatic return.
Powell detonated a perfectly timed right hand just seconds into his bout against Colombia’s Rodolfo Puentes (21-14-2, 16 KOs), dropping him hard to the canvas. Referee Joey Lupino immediately waved off the contest at just 23 seconds of round one.
“Anyone at 160 can get it,” declared the 32-year-old Powell afterwards. “This year, we want all the smoke, and I want to win a title.”
With fellow undefeated middleweights Douglas Marroquin and James Maner also under the CES banner, the 160-pound division in New England is heating up fast.
Evans Shines in Pro Debut, Donates Purse to Youth Baseball
At 38 years old, Tom Evans (1-0) proved heart and conditioning can overcome youth.
The North Providence patrolman returned to action for the first time since May 2020 and outworked Michigan’s Katriel Young (1-6, 1 KO) en route to a shutout unanimous decision (40-36 x3).
Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Evans set a relentless pace from the opening bell, digging to the body and backing Young up with hooks and right hands. Though warned in round three for holding and hitting, Evans closed strong, sealing the victory on all three scorecards.
In a powerful gesture beyond the ring, Evans donated his entire fight purse to the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, which he founded in 2020. The program expects 150 boys and girls to participate in its upcoming spring season.
Some victories transcend boxing — and this was one of them.
Duggan Stays Busy, Scores Sixth Win in Six Months
Ireland’s Cian Duggan (6-0, 5 KOs) continues to build momentum.
The 23-year-old recorded his sixth victory in six months by stopping veteran David Minter (4-9, 3 KOs) at 2:52 of round three. After adjusting to Minter’s awkward style, Duggan landed a stiff jab followed by a sharp uppercut and right hook combination that dropped the 43-year-old for the count.
Other Notable Performances
Nicholas Pecora (1-1, 1 KO) bounced back from a disappointing pro debut with a first-round stoppage of Jacob Fawley (0-1). Fawley suffered a shoulder injury during an exchange, and Pecora capitalized with two clean right hands before the bout was halted at 0:57 of round one.
Opening the card, Axel Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) delivered a composed four-round unanimous decision victory (40-36 x3) over durable veteran Stephen Davis (1-9-1, 1 KO). Training out of Bernardo Boxing, Lopez controlled the bout behind a steady jab and consistent body attack.
From explosive knockouts to emotional tributes, Rhode Wars 5 showcased the passion, promise, and power of New England boxing — and CES Boxing once again proved why it remains a cornerstone of the regional fight scene.
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.
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