Rising Tides and Quiet Storms: Ashton Sylve and Julian Smith’s Triumphant Victories

ORLANDO, FL – February 2, 2024 –The Most Valuable Promotions’ (MVP) event, Most Valuable Prospects V, delivered two distinctive battles. The headline bout featured the meteoric rise of Ashton “H2O” Sylve, while the co-main event showcased Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith’s awe-inspiring journey.

H2O Sylve: A Rising Star’s Victory

Ashton “H2O” Sylve facing Estivan “Tunny” Falcao of Most Valuable Prospects V main event. Photos by: Patricia Duong

In the headlining fight, 20-year-old prodigy H2O Sylve squared off against the experienced Estivan “Tunny” Falcao for the WBC Youth World Championship. Sylve, paying homage to The Waterboy, Bobby Boucher, showcased a level of skill and maturity that belied his age.

The bout lasted ten rounds for the first time in Sylve’s career. Despite Falcao’s strong start, Sylve’s power and agility dominated the ring, finishing in a jaw-dropping right cross that sent Falcao to the canvas in the tenth round. In a post-fight in-ring interview, Sylve spoke of the discipline and hard work that allowed him to push through ten rounds. The unanimous decision victory (100-89, 99-90 x2) solidified Sylve’s status as the hottest prospect in boxing.

Falcao attempting to match Sylve’s power. Photo by: Patricia Duong

What elevated this performance was the emotional celebration that followed. Sylve, not only a champion in the ring but a new father, shared a heartwarming moment with his family and newborn son, Seven. In a post-fight in-ring interview, Sylve spoke of the discipline and hard work that allowed him to push through ten rounds.

Julian Smith: The Quiet Storm Rises

Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith facing off against Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez. Photo by: Patricia Duong

Julian “Quiet Storm” Smith went up against Orestes “El Tsunami” Velazquez in the co-main event for the super lightweight WBA International Title. Smith, a deaf Golden Gloves Champion, was considered an underdog as he was facing the undefeated Cuban prospect.

Smith delivered an impressive performance right from the start. He knocked down Velazquez in the first round with a powerful one-two combination. Smith showed incredible resilience and determination throughout the match, scoring four knockdowns, including a double knockdown in the ninth round. As the match progressed towards the final rounds, Smith displayed his energy and confidence by taunting Velazquez with a shimmy and flashing peek-a-boo between punches.

The Quiet Storm taunting El Tsunami in the ring. Photo by: Patricia Duong

The defining moment in the match between El Tsunami and Smith came when El Tsunami’s corner declared him unable to continue. This led to a TKO victory for Smith. The emotional impact of the victory was evident as Smith fell to his knees in the ring upon hearing the decision. With this win, Smith became the new WBA International champion.

In the post-fight interview, Smith’s words resonated through the arena, “A deaf person CAN make it happen,” he said. The emotional celebration continued as Smith shared a touching moment with his mother, displaying the importance of support in overcoming challenges.