UNCASVILLE, Conn. — The Mohegan Sun Arena was electric as CES Boxing presented a stacked ‘Love and War’ card, broadcast live globally on DAZN. The card had something for every boxing fan, including three title bouts, a fight-of-the-year contender, a heavyweight slugfest, and the rise of a female star.
In the main event, Lynn’s “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (26-1, 17 KOs) continued to show why he is one of the most avoided welterweights in the world, stopping former Ecuadorian champion Jose Angulo (16-10, 9 KOs) to win the vacant WBC US Silver Welterweight title.
Ellis immediately imposed his superior speed and technique in rounds one and two, repeatedly snapping Angulo’s head back behind stinging jabs and sharp right hands. The 28-year-old Ecuadorian began tentatively, covering up and shaking his head whenever Ellis landed.
“The Savage with a Smile” picked up the pace in round three, throwing dazzling combinations and counter right hands that befuddled Angulo. Urged by his corner to let his hands go, the Ecuadorian finally began countering in round four, attempting to back Ellis into the ropes. Unfortunately for Angulo, Ellis boxed as effectively on the backfoot as he did going forward, peppering Angulo with quick flurries in rounds five and six.
Ellis began putting more sting in his punches in round seven, landing heavy shots to the head that rattled Angulo and causing him to cover up again. After the round, Angulo’s corner decided that the Ecuadorian had enough, citing a perforated eardrum.
With the win, Rashidi believes he is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity.
“I want Brian Norman, Jr., Mario Barrios, or the winner of (Jaron) Ennis vs. (Eimantas) Stanionis,” Ellis said. “Any of the champions. I’ve been ready for my shot.”
