UNCASVILLE, Conn. – CES Boxing kicks off 2025 with a bang on Saturday, Feb. 15 with ‘Love and War,’ a massive card featuring three championship bouts, two world-title contenders, and many of the best prospects in the country.
The action takes place at the majestic Mohegan Sun Arena and includes the return of “Jimmy Burchfield’s Classic Invitational XII,” an amateur showcase featuring the region’s best amateur talent in one spectacular night.
Tickets to CES Boxing’s ‘Love and War’ are available now at CESfights.com, TicketMaster, or the Mohegan Sun Box Office. Priced beginning at $77, the card makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone who enjoys the sweet science at a venue featuring many of the best restaurants, bars, and amenities in the world – all under one roof. Doors open at 4 p.m. with the first amateur bout scheduled for 5 p.m.
The main event features welterweight sensation “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (25-1, 16 KOs) as he takes on tough-as-nails Ecuadorian Jose Angulo (16-9, 9 KOs) in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC US Silver Welterweight championship.
Ellis made an impressive return to the squared circle in 2024, leading the Boston Butchers to the Team Combat League’s semifinals, while notching 11 wins in the process. After the successful season, the Lynn, Massachusetts native made quick work of Argentine veteran Brian Chaves last October in his first ever main event in his home state.
In Angulo, Ellis faces a former Ecuadorian champion who has given ex-world champion Alberto Machado, popular contender Cletus Seldin and top prospect Ernesto “Tito” Mercado, fits in competitive fights.
The card also features two scintillating featherweight title bouts, as Springfield, Massachusetts puncher Carlos Gonzalez (14-0, 13 KOs) defends his NABA Featherweight title against Nicaraguan Alex Espinoza (23-6-2, 8 KOs) while Providence, Rhode Island’s Ricky Delossantos (12-1, 3 KOs) defends his WBC US Silver Featherweight championship against Brockton, Massachusetts’ “King” Kevin Walsh (15-0, 8 KOs) in a New England grudge match.
A top contender will also be in action, as WBO No. 5 ranked Chordale “The Gift” Booker (23-1, 11 KOs) takes on former two-time WBO African Super Welterweight champion Patrick Allotey (44-7, 34 KOs).
Now in his second bout as a middleweight, Stamford’s Booker is looking to close in on a world title shot. The 33-year-old first must turn back Allotey, a devastating puncher from Ghana who has faced the likes of former world champions Jaime Munguia and Patrick Teixeira.
Several of the top prospects in New England – and beyond – will be in competitive fights, as Lawrence, Massachusetts’ Steven Sumpter (9-1-1, 7 KOs) takes on Burley Brooks (7-2, 5 KOs) in a light heavyweight slugfest, while Nashua, New Hampshire’s Mike Fontanez (10-0, 6 KOs) battles the son of a legend Ray Oliveira Jr. (10-3, 2 KOs) in a jr. middleweight contest.
Blue-chip New England prospects Ali Feliz (4-0, 3 KOs), WBA No. 5 ranked Amelia Moore (1-0), and Joseph “J-Elite” Chisholm (3-0, 3 KOs) will also be in action as they progress towards contender status.
Rounding out the card is New Haven, Connecticut’s Carlos Ojeda (2-0) and the pro debuts of Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Anthony Nieves and Providence, Rhode Island’s Kevin Mojica.
As if that weren’t enough, fans will also be treated to many of the very best amateur boxers in the country that will take place at 5 p.m. EST prior to the professional card and is included in the ticket price.
For more information about CES and its events, follow CES Boxing on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @CESBOXING.
