By Jason Marchetti at ringside
Photos: Emily Harney

Fightnews.com

In a fantastic finish to the main event, Khiary Gray (14-1, 11 KO’s) silenced the naysayers by knocking out Chris Chatman (14-6-1, 5 KO’s) in the 7th round with a crushing left hook-straight right combination. The bout was scheduled for 8 rounds and was very close approaching the final frames of the fight. Gray had trouble with Chatman’s Joe Frazier-style, bobbing, and always moving his hands. However, Gray was patient and engaged Chatman successfully in the corners of the ring until he landed his opportunity to end the fight.

Gray, 23, is back on track after dropping a loss to Ian Green this summer at Foxwoods. Chatman was his toughest test yet, and his job-site experience tonight will certainly benefit him as he builds his young career. Gray lost rounds, suffered a cut, and fought a bigger opponent who was controlling the distance for most of the fight. Despite his lack of throwing jabs for most of the fight, his power makes him one of the most exciting fighters in New England. Gray lives and trains in Worcester, MA.

Chatman, moving down from middleweight, seemed to control the pace of the fight, until he was dropped in the 4th round with a left hook. He became more aggressive and likely won rounds 5 and 6, until the fateful KO in the 7th. Chatman tried to beat the count, but fell over into the ropes in his attempt.

Anthony Marsella, Jr. (2-0, 1 KO) defeated Bardraiel Smith (0-2) in less than one minute. Marsella landed one combination and Smith hit the canvas, ending the fight.

Featherweight Irvin Gonzalez disposed of Cido Hoff in two rounds in a bout at 125 lbs. Gonzalez dropped Hoff twice in the 1st round with crushing left hands. In the 2nd, Gonzalez continued his barrage of punches including solid body shots which overwhelmed Hoff and caused the referee Joey Lupino to stop the fight. Gonzalez improves to 4-0, 4 KO’s, and Hoff falls to 1-1-1.

In a 4 round fight at middleweight, Kendrick Ball, Jr. (4-0-1, 3 KO’s) defeated Rafael Valencia (2-5-1, 2 KO’s) from Medford, Oregon. Ball was tied up each time Valencia was hurt and was never able to get off several combinations in a row. Although he overwhelmed his opponent, it was a disappointment to not have won by KO. The final scores were 40-36.

Jose Rivera dropped Ben Peak with a sneaky right hand in the first round of their scheduled 4 rounder at super middleweight. Rivera has fast hands for his weight and improves to 2-0, 2 KO’s.

Cristobal Marrero (2-0, 2 KO’s) knocked down Bruno Dias (0-2) three times before the referee called off the bout at welterweight. Marrero chased Dias for the entire first round, knocking him down with a left hook to the body twice, and an overhand right.

In the opening bout at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., Jonathon Figueroa (2-0, 1 KO) impressively defeated Isaiah Robinson (3-4, 2 KO’s) in a 4 round bout at welterweight. Figueroa, a natural jr. welterweight, stepped up in weight when his opponent was changed at the last moment. Figeuroa scored easily with straight 1-2 combinations and by using solid ring generalship to overwhelm the taller, heavier, Robinson. The final scores were 40 – 36 by all three judges. Look for Figueroa from Hartford, CT to continue his career at 140 lbs.

For more information and photos, visit www.NewEnglandBoxing.net

12►