Long Island, NY (June 12, 2022) — You never know what will happen in the fight game. After two featured bouts fell out only days before the weigh-in and the other at the weigh-in, Star Boxing resiliently fought on, showing the tenacity with which has made the company the longest-running, and most consistent promotional company in New York. Star Boxing still brought the fans an entertaining and exciting 42nd edition of the critically claimed “Rockin’ Fights” series at The Paramount in Huntington, New York on Saturday night (6/11). As they say, the show goes on, and Star did so admirably without its main event or co-feature, reshuffling the four-bout card and providing fights that did not disappoint.
A bloody 8-round super middleweight prospect battle between Brazilian LUCAS MARTINS (now 14-1 11KO’s) and Irishmen TONY BROWNE (now 5-2) had the crowd on their feet and hands clapping. Martins stood tall to the tough test of Browne as both fighters jockeyed for the upper hand in a fight that saw many ebbs and flows. Martins was quicker to the draw, mostly beating Browne to the punch in a very entertaining fight. Both fighters smoothly changed from orthodox to southpaw throughout looking for new angles. The fight turned into a bloody brawl in the middle rounds as a clash of heads caused a cut under the left eye of Browne, and a later clash of heads caused a cut over the right eye of Martins. When the decision was announced, it was Martins stiff jab, effective punches and “be first” mentality that would earn him the unanimous decision (78-73 x2, 80-71).
In a show stealer ZAY FLAHERTY (now 4-0 2KO’s) went to war with QUADEER JENKINS (now 2-4 2KO’s) over 4 rounds in the middleweight division. The fans were on their feet throughout the fight as chants of “Zay” flooded The Paramount. In the third round Flaherty and Jenkins stood tall in the center of the ring freely swinging with bad intentions. Midway through the fourth round, Flaherty’s commitment to the body paid its dividends as he dropped Jenkins with a punch to the liver. Thirty seconds later, another old fashioned liver shot sent Jenkins to the canvas again, but this time he wouldn’t beat the count. Flaherty took home the TKO4 victory.
2x NY Ring Master Champion RONNY REYES (now 1-0) made his anticipated pro debut against fellow pro debut, HECTOR BECERRA (now 0-1). This 4 round lightweight bout had many standout moments as Reyes and Becerra mixed it up from the opening bell. Reyes’ speed would prove to be the difference in the fight, as he controlled the pace, hurting Bacerra in the third round. The fight went to the judges who awarded the unanimous decision shutout to Ronny Reyes (40-36 x3). In 4 rounds of action, DEQUINT HILL (now 1-1) defeated LOU MAIETTA (now 1-2-1) by unanimous decision (39-37 x3). Hill’s jab would be the difference in the fight, throwing it with power. Out of a clinch, Hill landed a right hand that had Maietta on shaky legs, but to Maietta’s credit he would shake it off and fight on. With the victory Hill gets himself in the win column for the first time.
Star Boxing CEO JOE DEGUARDIA had this to say about Saturday nights fights, “Last night’s fights were a testament to the ‘Rockin’ Fights’ series, with each fight being basically 50-50 exciting, fan friendly battles. Lucas Martins rose to the occasion and looked impressive against an extremely capable Tony Browne, and Zay Flaherty could well be a future fan favorite as he has compelling body-snatching action style. All the fighters should be proud, as well as the entire Star Boxing staff, as everyone pulled together and put on an exciting night of boxing in spite of the bad break curve ball we were thrown when we lost the Cletus Seldin and Tyrone James opponents. Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but one thing you can hang your hat on is that Rockin’ Fights deliver thrilling action.”
