CRANSTON, RI — CES Boxing provided an exciting evening full of fights and heartfelt moments on Saturday, February 28 Rhode Wars 5 electrified a nearly sold-out crowd at The Historic Park Theater.
In between fights, comedian Lil Mo Mozzarella kept fans entertained with his signature humor, keeping his energy high throughout the evening. The event also included an emotional tribute to Providence native and devoted boxing supporter Nicky Cardillo, who passed away unexpectedly on December 21, 2025 at the age of 58. 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 it is about 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 succeeded with authority.
The 21-year-old from Branford, Connecticut, showed maturity beyond his years in stopping the heavy-handed Deonta Williamson (3-7, 3 KOs) after three completed rounds. Under the guidance of respected trainer Stacey McKinley, Liguori provided early control with sharp combinations and sharp fundamentals.
Williamson, known for his knockout power, appeared to counter from a crouched position with a looping left. But Liguori’s jab dictated the range, and the clean right hands, uppercuts and hooks steadily wore down his opponent. Williamson took a knee in the second round and was visibly tired by the end of the third round. His corner stopped the fight before the fourth round started.
“I needed a tough test of my experience,” Liguori said. “I did my best and he was steady until his corner stopped it.”
After turning pro in 2024 and signing 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 a three-year absence from competition, Lamont Powell (7-0, 3 KOs) made an emphatic return.
Powell exploded a perfectly timed right hand just seconds into his fight against Colombian Rodolfo Puentes (21-14-2, 16 KOs), sending him crashing to the canvas. Referee Joey Lupino immediately waved the match off just 23 seconds into the first round.
“Anyone at the age of 160 can get it,” 32-year-old Powell said 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 quickly.
Evans shines in professional debut and donates wallet to youth baseball
At age 38, Tom Evans (1-0) proved that heart and fitness can overcome youth.
The North Providence police officer returned to action for the first time since May 2020, defeating Michigan’s Katriel Young (1-6, 1 KO) en route to a unanimous decision shutout (40-36 x3).
Trained by Peter Manfredo Sr., Evans set a brutal pace from the opening bell, digging to the body and supporting Young with hooks and right hands. Although warned for holding and striking in round three, Evans finished strong and sealed the win on all three scorecards.
In a powerful gesture outside the ring, Evans donated his entire combat wallet to the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, which he founded in 2020. The program expects 150 boys and girls to participate in the upcoming spring season.
Some victories transcend boxing – and this was one of them.
Duggan stays busy and takes sixth win in six months
Ireland’s Cian Duggan (6-0, 5 KOs) continues to build momentum.
The 23-year-old recorded his sixth win 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 combination of an uppercut and a right hook, dropping the 43-year-old for the count.
Other notable achievements
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 fight was stopped at 0:57 of the first round.
Opening the card, Axel Lopez (4-0, 3 KOs) scored a four-round composite unanimous decision victory (40-36 x3) over durable veteran Stephen Davis (1-9-1, 1 KO). Training out of Bernardo Boxing, Lopez controlled the fight with a steady jab and consistent body attack.
From explosive knockouts to emotional tributes, Rhode Wars 5 showcased the passion, promise and power of boxing in New England – 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 martial arts and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He is also a former MMA fighter and kickboxer. He is also the chief photographer of the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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