The LumColor “Phoenix Center” in Ontario, California, and the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Jamaica, hosted an eventful night of boxing featuring rising stars and legendary figures.
In Ontario, California, unbeaten lightweight Ernesto “Tito” Mercado (13-0, 12 KOs) showcased his power by scoring a second-round TKO over former world title challenger Jeremia Nakathila (23-4, 19 KOs). Mercado’s decisive knockdown in the second round led to a referee stoppage, which Nakathila contested, but Mercado’s impressive performance was undeniable.
In Kingston, Jamaica, a special charity exhibition match saw heavyweight legends Donovan “Razor” Ruddock (40-6-1, 30 KOs) and James “Lights Out” Toney (77-10-3, 47 KOs) battle it out for six rounds. The bout, featuring three-minute rounds initially reduced to two minutes, ended in a draw. Toney's speed and activity contrasted with Ruddock's occasional power shots in a nostalgic display from both fighters.
Back in Ontario, unbeaten WBA #10 super featherweight Abel Mendoza (39-0, 30 KOs) dominated 42-year-old Aristides Perez (34-25-3, 19 KOs) over three rounds. Perez was unable to continue after the third round, adding another victory to Mendoza's impressive record.
Light heavyweight Jermaine Bowen (4-3, 1 KO) achieved a sixth-round referee’s stoppage against 46-year-old local favorite Tsetsi Davis (18-9, 5 KOs). Bowen’s performance marked a significant win in his career against the more experienced Davis.
In the welterweight division, DJ Ruddock, the 34-year-old son of Razor Ruddock, making his professional debut, fought to a four-round draw with Juezier Heron (1-0-1, 0 KOs). The judges scored the evenly matched bout 38-38, 38-38, and 39-37 in favor of Heron.
Middleweight Richard Holmes (20-13, 10 KOs) emerged victorious when Jose Julio (24-17-1, 16 KOs) was unable to continue after the fourth round. Holmes’ win adds another notch to his record in a competitive middleweight division.
Image Credit: ESPN