93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts
By Stacey Collier II
ROCHESTER, NY – On March 7th, 2025, the 93rd Aquinas Mission Bouts boxing event took place at the Aquinas Institute in Rochester, New York. The event featured a total of seven bouts, a presentation of donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation, and an awards ceremony at the end to crown the best fighters of the night. The fighters included both girls and boys, ranging from grades 7-12.
Historic Overview
The Aquinas Mission Bouts began in 1932 and is held every March. The Aquinas community each year gathers in the Wegman-Napier gym to watch students, who are amateur boxers, showcase their skills in a three-round bout. Currently, the program is led by boxing coach Dom Arioli, who has dedicated his time and teachings to the program for 45 years. Coach Arioli is also the owner of ROC Boxing & Fitness and a member of the Aquinas Institute Hall of Fame. His impact has drawn in the community and the likes of legendary heavyweight boxer, Muhammad Ali.
Coach Interviews
Coach Arioli recalled the time he met Ali in Rochester in 1994. He said at dinner; Ali grabbed him by his collar and lifted him up. Then, Ali smiled at him and asked if he was the coach. After Coach Arioli said yes, Ali told him “Don’t screw it up”. That moment stuck with him throughout his career. When training fighters, Coach Arioli stated he wants them to be good people in the world and treat others with respect, along with working hard. As the Mission Bouts event approaches 100 years, Coach Arioli is optimistic the program can continue to be successful and hopes to attract more fighters. With concussions and other long-term health problems being a public concern, he wants everyone to know he prioritizes safety first and he welcomes anyone who wants to be a part of the program.
Coach Katia Chaban, also known as Coach Kat, was the scorekeeper of the event. She has been a part of the Aquinas Boxing Program for 17 years. As a former boxer, she was inspired by Coach Dom’s dedication to the program. She was introduced to Coach Dom while working as an amateur official. She went to practice and fell in love with Coach Dom’s regimen. Coach Kat says he is an incredible human being. Also, she cites community and a family environment as the source of the power of the boxing program. Many of the audience members were involved in the program as boxers and are related to the fighters who participated in this year’s event. She stated no other known tradition in the country has the longevity of Aquinas Mission Bouts Boxing.
Foster Regains Super Featherweight Crown in Rematch at Turning Stone
Verona, NY – O’Shaquie Foster won a tightly contested split decision over Robson Conceicao to regain the WBC Super Featherweight title at Turning Stone Casino. Judges Max DeLuca and Eric Marlinski scored the bout 115-113 in favor of Foster, while Tom Shreck turned in a 115-113 score in favor of Conceicao.
It was the second time Foster and Conceicao met in the ring, and it was the second time a fight between them ended in a split decision. However, there was far less controversy this time. Less than four months ago, Conceicao defeated Foster via a highly controversial split decision that was widely panned by the boxing community. As a result, Conceicao came into this fight as the WBC Super Featherweight Champion, with Foster the challenger seeking revenge. He did just that.
This fight was much closer than their last fight. Foster hurt Conceicao in Round 8 with a short-left hook. Conceicao weathered the storm and was able to land good power punches of his own. “I’m not satisfied with this performance. I always feel like I could do better,” Foster said in a post-fight interview. Conceicao was far more accurate in the rematch, landing 32% of his power punches compared to just 16% in their first fight.
Foster walked down Conceicao and was willing to stand in and trade punches with him at various points throughout. “I think all of you want to see a third fight,” Conceicao said (in Spanish) in his dressing room post-fight. The fight proved far more exciting than their July contest, much to the delight of fans at Turning Stone.
Usyk Edges Fury to Claim Undisputed Heavyweight Crown
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – In a showdown for the ages, Oleksandr Usyk outpointed Tyson Fury by split decision to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in the four-belt era. This was the first undisputed heavyweight title fight in 25 years, with huge traveling crowds for both fighters and over 30,000 people in attendance. The highly anticipated ‘Ring of Fire’ bout at the Kingdom Arena delivered on its promise, with both fighters showcasing grit and skill.
Usyk set a high pace from the opening bell, darting in and out with quick jabs and straight lefts. The Ukrainian Southpaw found early success, landing clean shots to Fury’s midsection and head. Fury, known for his size and unorthodox style, took a few rounds to adjust but started finding his rhythm by the third round, using his jab and reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.
The middle rounds saw Fury’s confidence grow. He began landing his trademark right uppercuts and body shots, taunting Usyk with his hands behind his back, and even switching to Southpaw, momentarily utilizing his showboating antics to land massive blows. Despite this, Usyk remained composed, picking his spots and scoring with his sharp left hand.
The fight’s turning point came in the ninth round when Usyk rocked Fury with a barrage of punches, nearly sending the Gypsy King to the canvas. Although Fury beat the count, he never fully regained control. Usyk pressed the action, outboxing Fury in the championship rounds and securing crucial points on the scorecards.
The judges’ scores reflected the battle’s intensity. One judge scored it 114-113 for Fury, but the other two had it 114-113 and 115-112 for Usyk, crowning him the undisputed champion.
Round-by-Round Highlights
- Round 1: Usyk starts strong, landing body shots and a solid overhand left. (10-9, Usyk)
- Round 2: Fury responds with a big right uppercut, showing his power. (10-9, Fury)
- Round 3: Fury finds his groove, using his jab effectively. (10-9, Fury)
- Round 4: Fury continues to dominate with his jab and uppercuts. (10-9, Fury)
- Round 5: Fury targets Usyk’s body, opening a cut over his eye. (10-9, Fury)
- Round 6: Fury’s best round, taunting Usyk and landing big shots. (10-9, Fury)
- Round 7: Usyk rallies, landing overhand lefts and pushing Fury back. (10-9, Usyk)
- Round 8: Usyk dominates, landing multiple lefts and cutting Fury. (10-9, Usyk)
- Round 9: Usyk floors Fury with a barrage of punches. (10-8, Usyk)
- Round 10: Usyk keeps the pressure on, landing clean shots. (10-9, Usyk)
- Round 11: Usyk outworks Fury, maintaining control. (10-9, Usyk)
- Round 12: A close round, but Usyk’s precision gives him the edge. (10-9, Usyk)
What’s Next?
After the bout, Fury received a one-week medical suspension, while Usyk required stitches for a cut over his eye. Both fighters are eyeing a rematch scheduled for October 12 in Riyadh. Promoter Frank Warren expects the rematch to be even better, as both fighters have now tasted each other’s power and strategy.
Usyk’s victory solidifies his position as one of boxing’s elite, adding the heavyweight crown to his cruiserweight achievements. For Fury, this loss is a bump in the road, but the Gypsy King is determined to reclaim his titles and further cement his legacy.
The boxing world eagerly awaits the rematch, in which these two warriors will once again battle for supremacy in the heavyweight division.
Raymond Ford wins WBA title with Shocking 12th Round TKO
VERONA, NY – Raymond Ford, a native of Camden, New Jersey, finished his first main event fight for the WBA World Featherweight title at the Turning Stone Resort with an unexpected 12th-round technical knockout over Otabek Kholmatov with just seven seconds remaining.
Kholmatov dominated the fight, swinging in the first four rounds with precision and aggression, landing multiple overhand left jabs that kept Ford on the defensive. In the fifth round, Ford, known for his resilience, began to find his rhythm with a barrage of hard-hitting jabs that forced Kholmatov to readjust his strategy.
As the fight continued, both fighters traded blows back and forth, keeping the crowd roaring. Falling behind on the judge’s scorecards, Ford began to assert his dominance in the later rounds, landing a devastating left uppercut in the eighth and a straight left in the tenth that seemed to rock Kholmatov.
“I started off a little slow. I felt I didn’t have the energy and the legs to be the sharper boxer I know I can be. That was due to a tough weight cut. So, this may be my last fight at 126. Then, we’ll go up to 130 and call out the champions there,” said Ford.
But just when it seemed like Kholmatov had the upper hand, Ford let go of a flurry of punches in the twelfth round as he heard the crowd rooting for his victory. With seven seconds left on the clock, Ford delivered a powerful right hook that sent Kholmatov crashing into the corner and his legs unsteady.
“I knew I had to stop him. The rounds were too close. I just had to bring that dog out that my coaches were talking about. I always knew I had it in me. I come from a rough background. There’s nothing that can stop me. Ever,” Ford said.
The referee, Charlie Fitch, stepped in and declared the stoppage, declaring Ford the champion. “I didn’t even hear him say ‘And New.’ I was just so in the moment. This is a blessing.”
Raymond “Savage” Ford is the first person to beat Kholmatov and has won his 15th professional fight. In the post-fight interview, Ford expressed moving up in weight after winning his first professional title, describing how difficult it was to make weight for this bout.
Home Crowd Hero: Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington Delivers KO
NEW YORK, NY– Top Rank’s triple header card on Friday opened with a bang. The event started with a fourth-round knockout by Bruce “Shu Shu” Carrington against Bernard Torres (18-2, 8 KOs). The Brooklyn native showcased why he is a top prospect in the featherweight weight class with his slick footwork and calculated combinations.
Carrington asserted his dominance from the opening bell by utilizing a piston-like jab to set the tempo and dictate the flow of the fight, gradually dismantling Torres’ defense. With an 18-2 record, Torres was outmaneuvered as Carrington unleashed multiple powerful combinations.
Carrington’s accuracy was surgical, with over a third of his punches landing flush on target. Torres struggled to find his footing only landing 24 punches throughout the contest.
“Shu Shu” became more aggressive in the fourth round, landing multiple combinations. With just seconds left, he landed a brutal right-hand knockout to Torres.
After the conclusion of the fight, Carrington looked into the crowd and yelled, “This is my house!”
In a post-fight interview, Carrington expressed gratitude to his fans and their role in his success. “It always means the world to perform in front of my home crowd, New York City, Madison Square Garden. Ya’ll make me want to turn up every time. Every single time I fight here, I get a knockout. Every time I fight here, I get a stoppage.”
Carrington started his boxing career when he was just 12 years old at the NYC Cops & Kids Youth Center, where he received free training. Carrington attributes his success, both in and out of the ring, to the program, the support of NYPD Police Officers, and the unwavering support of his family.
Carrington, whose boxing journey was documented in the film “Brownsville Born,” intends to use his platform to promote the nonprofit organization NYPD Cops & Kids Program. He hopes to inspire the next generation of boxers from his neighborhood to make positive choices. Carrington visited the center before his fight to speak with the children about his path from Cops & Kids to fighting under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden. As a gesture of goodwill, he donated 80 tickets to his fight.
With an improved record of 11-0 seven of those wins by knockout, Carrington is making an effort to prove himself to be a dominant force in the featherweight division.
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
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.
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 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 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.
Jake Paul Delivers Christmas K.O. in Orlando, Eyes World Championship
Orlando, FL – On December 22 at the Caribe Royale Resort, Jake Paul brought back the ‘Problem Child’ in a first-round knockout against Andre August. The heavy favorite, Paul, delivered a powerful right uppercut, sending August to the canvas at 2:32 of the first round, marking Paul’s first knockout in two years and improving his record to 8-1.
“I said first-round all week,’ Paul exclaimed during the post-fight press conference. “I manifested this. This is the power of manifestation.”
In a strategic move towards fighting pure boxers, Paul faced August, a little-known opponent, and marked his first victory against a traditional boxer. Before this, Paul’s only other bout against a traditional boxer ended in a split-decision loss to Tommy Fury.
Before the fight, Paul showed unusual calmness during his ring walk to the song “Rockin Around the Christmas Tree” alongside his brother, Logan Paul, the WWE United States Champion. There was never a hint of anxiety from Paul, who confidently entered the ring, even winking at August during pre-fight instructions.
Approximately 4,000 fans cheered loudly, not just during Paul’s ring entrance and knockout punch but also during his in-ring interview. “All I wanted to do was give you a knockout for Christmas,’ he declared, eliciting more cheers from the enthusiastic crowd.
As for what’s next, Paul mentioned announcing his fight plans but kept it vague, emphasizing his focus on being one of the best in the world and creating a historic sports story.
In a post-fight in-ring interview with Ariel Helwani, Paul reflected on his changed approach. “A couple of years ago, I didn’t really have any challenges,’ Paul said. “I was just beating everybody, not focused, doing stuff outside the gym I shouldn’t have been. And now I’m lasered in.”
He added, “I found my spirituality…And that’s changed my entire life and staying consistently on the grind in the gym.”
Paul’s journey in the ring has transformed him from a Disney Channel star in 2017 to one of the most marketable figures in boxing today. Despite the critics, Paul remains unapologetic, shutting down naysayers with a stern message, “Shut the (expletive) up!”
Beyond the ring, Jake Paul is expanding his impact on the sport. In a recent announcement, Paul revealed his partnership with USA Boxing to shine a spotlight on the nation’s top competitors at the Paris Olympics. Paul will train with Olympic qualifiers and other fighters at USA Boxing’s home base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, amplifying their stardom on his social media channels.
“My commitment to boxing is much more than my in-ring accomplishments,” Paul expressed on X. “I am determined to make my impact outside the ring bigger than anything I do within it.”
Paul’s mentorship will extend to the Paris Olympics, where he plans to accompany the U.S. team in July. This collaboration aims to bolster recognition for USA Boxing athletes and help them build brand value as they compete on the world stage.
As Jake Paul continues to evolve inside and outside the ring, the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move, wondering what challenges and triumphs await the ‘Problem Child’ in the chapters yet to be written in his remarkable sports story.
Jake Paul isn’t resting after this triumph. The ‘Problem Child’ is already gearing up for his next challenge, and this time, he will be part of the undercard in Amanda Serrano’s unified Featherweight championship bout against Nina Meinke.
While Serrano takes the spotlight as the main event, Paul is enthusiastic about being part of the co-main event, demonstrating his respect for her and the sport.
Paul announced in a social media post, “Guess who’s back. Jake already? Yes, I’m on a mission. But this one is much bigger than me. This one is for the greatest Puerto Rican boxer ever, Amanda Serrano. This one is for the people of Puerto Rico. This one is for all of boxing to see how powerful women are in this sport.”
Scheduled for March 2 in San Juan, Puerto Rico’s Coliseum, with negotiations ongoing for Paul’s opponent, he aims to showcase the power of women in boxing and mark the next chapter in the ‘Problem Child’s’ journey.
Amanda Serrano and Danila Ramos: Trailblazers in Women’s Boxing
ORLANDO, F.L. — In a historic moment on Friday, October 27, 2023, Amanda Serrano, the undisputed featherweight champion hailing from Puerto Rico, etched her name in the annals of boxing history. With her career dedicated to empowering the future generation of female fighters, Serrano took center stage in a bout that transcended tradition and blazed a new path for women’s boxing.
This was no ordinary match; it was a milestone. The first Women’s Championship match to extend over 12 grueling three-minute rounds. Serrano used this night as a platform to ignite change, not just within the ring, but for women’s sports.
Serrano defended her WBA, IBF, and WBO titles against her mandatory opponent, the remarkable Danila Ramos, a 38-year-old pugilist hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Ramos made history in her own right, becoming the first black-Brazilian woman to excel at this level and the second Brazilian woman to clinch a world championship title.
Beyond the punches and jabs, these two women fought a battle that resonated far beyond the ropes, shifting the narrative, and setting a new standard for women’s boxing. With the extended time, Serrano and Ramos promised a showcase of technique and skill, moving away from the frenetic pace that had characterized female boxing for years.
Serrano’s strategy was centered around well-executed counter shots, effectively neutralizing Ramos’s offense with precision combinations. In a sport where female bouts traditionally consisted of 10 rounds, each lasting two minutes, the additional 16 minutes proved inconsequential to these two exceptional athletes. Serrano’s victory elevated her record to an impressive 46 wins, with only 2 losses and 1 draw.
After the match, Serrano shared her hopes saying, “This was a historic night. I hope it is just the beginning because I know there are a lot of women coming after me. I see a bright future for us.”
The audience turned out in droves to witness this fierce contest, with flags fluttering in the air and a sense of unity among the spectators. The emotion and energy in the arena were palpable, a testament to the love and support for these trailblazing women who are reshaping the narrative and making a stand in the world of sports.
As the final bell resonated, Serrano and Ramos came together in an emotional embrace, celebrating the incredible heart and dedication they share for the sport. For female athletes worldwide, this event marked the beginning of something extraordinary, a beacon of hope for the future of women’s sports in all disciplines.