Flores, Alexander, Rodriguez among winners at Rival Series 4 pro boxing card

 

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OGDEN, UT -- In a packed boxing card at Ogden, Utah's Golden Spike exhibit hall, pro boxers Samuel Flores, Isaiah Rodriguez and Demetrius Alexander were among winners in the nine bouts.

Super featherweight Rodriguez, of Ogden (seen above in photo at right), improved his record to 4-3 with a second-round stoppage over Cruz Guadalupe Carbajal (at left). Rodriguez outpunched Carbajal consistently and had him reeling when the bout was stopped midway through round 2. 

In a welterweight bout Ogden's Flores, one of the top amateur boxers in the nation, won his pro debut with a one-punch KO over journeyman Shane Bridges. Flores boxed carefully for nearly a minute and then threw a hard left hook that sent Bridges into the corner, semi-conscious. The bout was stopped at 58 seconds. 

(Both photos below, of a triumphant Flores on the ring rope, and with trainer Jason Tafoya, are courtesy of Tommy Presnell.)

Flores in the post-bout interview showed charisma, entertaining the crowd with his remarks and enthusiasm. According to Charles Presnell's The Fight Chatter, Flores sold $20,000 worth of tickets for the Rival Series IV event, from All Hearts Promotion. 

From this reporter's perspective, this seemed the highest attending All Heart Promotion to date. (It was announced afterwards that the fight had sold out the arena.)

In an intriguing match between Northern Utah cruiserweights, Demetrius Alexander won a four-round unanimous decision over boxer/trainer Shon Cross. The shorter Alexander, 4-3, was able to occasionally get inside the guard and jab of the taller Cross, 1-2, to have the edge in rounds one, three and four. Cross had a better second round, stifling Alexander and using his strength to score some body shots. 

(Photo below from bout with Alexander, at left, and Cross is courtesy of Tommy Presnell.)

In what may have been the fight of the night, super lightweights Dillan Nguyen, 2-0-1, and debuting Ricky Mamone, fought a four-round draw. Nguyen possessed strong ring generalship, but Mamone was relentless in his pressure. In round four an unintentional butt opened up a bad cut on Nguyen's forehead that bled heavily.

The cards were 39-37 for both fighters and one tally of 38-38. This reporter scored the fight 40-38 for Nguyen. However, during the break this reporter encountered fans who strongly disagreed, feeling Mamone had deserved the win. Hopefully, there will be a rematch for both these fine fighters. 

Another Mamone scored a win. Super welterweight Sergio Mamone, 1-0, gradually took charge over Ogden's John Castro, 1-1, dominating the last two rounds to win a four-round decision.

Undefeated Northern Utah boxer Isaiah Velazco, 2-0, won all four rounds over a tough but outmatched Kaeo Meyer, 0-3. Both were super welterweights.

(Photo from fight below that shows Velazco pressuring Meyer is again courtesy of Tommy Presnell.)

Middleweight Bobby Tabile of Salt Lake City moved to 4-0 with a tough four-round win over awkward but troublesome southpaw Slava Mayzus. The San Francisco boxer landed his share of punches but Tabile was more consistent. Scores were 40-36 and 39-37 twice.

In an exciting bout, super lightweight Zaden Clark of Butte Mont., lost a unanimous four round decision to former noted amateur Utah boxer Emmanuel Aldair Gonzales Secion, 2-0. Gonzales was never in serious danger of losing, but Clark gained fans' respect with his aggressive style and resiliency. On a couple of occasions Clark survived barrages of punches that wobbled him. He also had success with left and right punches that opened up cuts on Gonzales Secion.

In a bout between debuting super featherweights, Eduardo Samarripa Godinez scored a split decision win over Emilio Lopez.

On the March 7, 2026 card, seven of the nine four-round bouts both went the distance and all were competitive in varying degrees. And both Flores and Rodrigues scored entertaining, impressive stoppages. Credit goes to matchmaker Jason DeCarlo and promoter Monica DeCarlo for providing an excellent, quality card for Utah boxing fans.

-- Doug Gibson, at ringside

Le'i, Cross and Tabile among boxers at Rival Series card in Ogden on Sept. 26

 

On Sept. 26, Friday night in Ogden, Utah, at The Golden Spike Event Center, in Ogden's Weber County Fairgrounds. Six pro bouts are scheduled in Rival Series 3, from Weber County's All Hearts Promotions, Monica DeCarlo promoter, Jason DeCarlo matchmaker.

The location is 1000 N, 1200 West. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fights begin at 7 p.m.

The main event, a six-rounder, matches two Northern Utah heavyweights, Bishop Le'i, 3-0-1 against Jacob Blasko, 2-2.

The co-main event, also six rounds, matches Salt Lake City lightweight Dyllon Cervantes Alvarado, 4-6-1 against Christian Avalos, 3-3, from Carson City, Nevada. Cervantes Alvarado fought on the first Rival Series card in February, winning a decision.

In a four-round middleweight bout, debuting John Castro meets Jacob Diaz, 0-4. This will be Diaz's third Rival series bout.

Super featherweight Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 1-1, meets debuting Rene Mendoza in a four-round fight. Angel Gutierrez fought on both Rival series this year, losing a decision to Isiah Rodriguez and winning a decision over Jesus Saldano.

In a four-rounder, middleweight Bobby Tabile, 2-0, meets Eligio Hernandez Jr., 1-1. This is Tabile's third Rival Series fight and Hernandez Jr.'s second with Rival Series. They both have fought the aforementioned Jacob Diaz. Hernandez Jr. won a decision and Tabile won by second round TKO. 

In another four-rounder, Salt Lake City boxing trainer Shon Cross (seen in the photo above in his winning fight in June with Rival Series with Erik Lopez) looks to go 2-0 against Daniel Castro, 2-1. They are light heavyweights.

Tickets can be obtained at the gate but also by contacting All Heart gym at 1968 West 2000 North, Farr West, Utah. The promotion also has a Facebook page. Also, tickets can be purchased by contacting boxers. All Heart can be reached at (801) 389-3700 and via email at allheartboxingshows@gmail.com.

There will also be a stream of the card. Former pro boxer Charles Presnell, of The Fight Chatter, which includes a Substack page, a YouTube video page, and a podcast, will be providing color commentary.

"I am very excited and a little nervous for this opportunity. It is new for me, however, I am always looking for ways to grow," Presnell said.

Presnell, who lives in Brigham City, regularly attends boxing and MMA cards, including every Rival Series card.

"The two color commentators I admire most Ferdie Pacheco and George Foreman. I always enjoyed their ability to mix in knowledge and experiences into the action going on in the ring," he said.

-- Doug Gibson

Tabile, Ruiz, Cross among victors on Ogden boxing card

 

On a surprisingly chilly summer night in Ogden, Utah, a healthy crowd at the Gold Spike Exhibition Hall saw six professional boxing matches on Saturday, June 21.

The main bout matched Bobby Tabile, 2-0 against 0-4 Jacob Diaz. Middleweight Tabile pressured Diaz from the outside, forcing him to the ropes and frequently landing left and right hooks. Diaz tried to keep Tabile off him with a jab but was overwhelmed. The referee stopped the bout at 2:04 of round two. There were no knockdowns.

Charles Presnell, of the Fight Chatter Substack, also covering the fights, suggested to this reporter that a Tabile match with veteran middleweight Christian Aguirre would be an action fight, give the aggressive styles of both. Something to think about if Tabile wins his next couple of bouts.

In another middleweight bout, Julian Ruiz, moved to 2-0 with a second round TKO over debuting William Wirthlin. Ruiz (seen in top photo at left against Wirthlin) overpowered his game opponent, who despite not being knocked down, was defenseless when the fight ended midway through round two.

Two featherweight prospects fought a competitive opening bout, with Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 1-1, winning a unanimous decision over Ogden's Jesus Saldana, making his debut.

After an even first round, Gutierrez (seen at right against Saldana in the above photo) swept rounds two and three, keeping Saldana off balance with feints and side to side movement. Gutierrez scored several body shots, particularly during the third round. Saldana rallied the final 90 seconds of round four. Scores were 40-36 (twice) for Gutierrez, and 39-37 for the unanimous decision. Utah Fight Game scored the bout 40-38 for Gutierrez.

Super welterweight Isaiah Velazco, who trains and spars with Ruiz, floored Dakota Highpine three times enroute to scoring a second-round TKO (2:26). Velazco, 1-0, counterpunched very well against the aggressive Highpine, 0-2.

A sloppy but entertaining slugfest resulted in debuting Emmanuel Aldair Gonzales scoring a majority decision over Cruz Carbajal, 0-5. This was a back-and forth even match with good moments for both boxers. Gonzales received 40-36 nods from two judges with another calling the bout 38-38, which matches Utah Fight Game's tally.

Shon Cross, 33, trainer at Factum gym, made his pro debut as a cruiserweight, winning a four round decision over Erik Lopez, 0-2. Cross fought a cautious but effective bout, narrowly winning round one with just his jab. Cross (seen in the photo above, at right, greeting Lopez prior to bout) gradually upped his offense against his wild-swinging opponent, adding right crosses and body shots to his tiring opponent. Cross nearly stopped Lopez, who was battered into the ropes at the end of round three. Lopez, to his credit, lasted the distance, even landing a solid right at the end of the bout. The tallies were 40-36 twice and one call of 39-37. Utah Fight Game scored the bout 40-35 for Cross.

A scheduled heavyweight bout between Bishop Le'i (3-0-1) and Trevor Kotara, 4-4-1, was a late scratch.

The All Heart Promotions team, promoter Monica DeCarlo, and matchmaker Jason DeCarlo, plan another card in Ogden in November.

-- Doug Gibson

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In other fight news, Jarome Hatch, a Texas MMA and bareknuckle fighter with Utah ties, scored a stoppage win on June 21 in Nashville, Tenn., over Cody East, previously No. 1 contender. It was voted Fight of the Night.

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According to former pro boxer and trainer Tim Carroll, there will be a 12-bout Fullmer amateur card Saturday, June 28, at 10960 South Park Road, South Jordan, UT 84095. The bouts start at 7 p.m. What's very interesting is Carroll, who is also a standup comedian, will entertain the crowd, along with other comedians. The comedy sets will take place between bouts with a top comedian honored at end of night. The above address is where the Fullmer Legacy Center is located. 

And on Saturday, July 5, at Crossfit gym in Clearfield, boxing trainer Pablo Padilla's birthday will be celebrated. There are lots of activities planned. All information is on flyer below.

Ruiz, Saldana among pros competing in Ogden boxing card June 21

 

Nearly three years ago, Salt Lake City's Julian Ruiz made his professional boxing debut a successful one. Middleweight Ruiz, (in above photo at left) scored a win over Najeeh Belcher. 

Ruiz has enjoyed a professional career in MMA, fighting on Professional Fighters League and Fierce Fighting Championship cards, compiling a pro record of 4-2, with a long amateur tenure.

But he's returning to the boxing ring Saturday June 21, in Ogden. At the Golden Spike Event Center, 1000 N, 1200 West, Ogden, Utah. Gates open at 6 p.m. Fights start at 7 p.m. Ruiz meets debuting William Wirthlin. There are eight bouts scheduled, all featuring prospects and scheduled for four rounds. It's the second fight card from All Heart Promotions. Promoter is Monica DeCarlo. Matchmaker is Jason DeCarlo.

As he returns to boxing, Ruiz told Utah Fight Game there are key differences between boxing and MMA. It can be tougher to throw boxing-quality punches in an MMA bout, he says. "What I mean by that is they get tired and don’t know how to set things up. Some can throw hard and are good punchers. But boxing is a lot more than that. Huge difference, two different sports. I always say you can train boxing getting ready for an MMA fight. But you can’t train MMA getting ready for a boxing match," adds Ruiz.

"There a lot more muscles and body parts involved. That’s why I like to take (boxing) matches because it sharpens your hands which are the most vital weapons you can have in MMA. "(There's)a lot of grappling, kicking, weight lifting. 

"The strength and conditioning is completely different. The timing is slightly different. The pace is not the same. MMA training camp is a lot more brutal, and makes the boxing seem like an active rest to be honest," adds Ruiz.

Also fighting on the card Saturday is Ogden's Jesus Saldana. The super-featherweight makes his pro debut against Mauro Angel Gutierrez, 0-1. Gutierrez lost a competitive decision earlier this year to Ogden's Isaiah Rodriquez, who is also fighting on the June 21 card.

Saldana (in photo below)  has been an amateur fighter for more than a decade. Utah Fight Game asked him if he has a long-term boxing goal, which he enthusiastically answered with a yes.

Saldana, who jusggles a career in real estate with the "sweet science," saw his opponent's fight earlier this year and with his trainers has a game plan he intends to follow. 

"My training schedule consists of a lot of running, 5-6 miles daily, and lots of sparring with the best boxers from Ogden to Salt Lake City. My love for boxing started 13 years ago when I first stepped foot inside a boxing gym (Marshall White). Some of my favorite boxers include Marvin Hagler, Manny Pacquiao, Julio Cesar Chavez and Erik Morales," said Saldana.

TRAINING

Ruiz is training hard for the bout. "Right now I have Gary Gomez and Sione Pouha as my head coaches. And I train with both pretty much every day, so I’ve been training twice a day. But I work and get help from others, guys that are close friends, even like family to me. Jalel Lopez, Joe Bish and Aaron Garcia have been helping me a lot."

Ruiz' main sparring partner is Isaiah "Chais" Velazco -- also fighting on the card -- but he also spars with boxers Jon Bryant and Aaron Garcia Jr.

"I got so much love for each one of these guys and I look up to each one of them, on top of that they know there stuff. That’s why this is an opportunity to really level up and elevate my game!" Ruiz adds. 

As for his opponent Wirthlin, Ruiz has trained with him in past and says he respects him.

OTHERS ON CARD

There are some intriguing matchups on the Ogden card. Shon Cross, trainer at Factum gym, makes his pro debut at age 33 in a light heavyweight bout. He meets Erik Lopez, 0-1. Also, an interesting heavyweight bout matches Bishop Le'i (3-0-1) versus Trevor Kotara, 4-4-1. 

Isaiah Velazco, debut, meets Dakota Highpine, 0-1, super welterweights; Emmanuel Aldair Gonzales Secion, debut, meet Cruz Guadalupe Carbajal, 0-4, super lightweights; Middleweight Bobby Tabile, 1-0, -- who won on an earlier card this year from All Heart Promotions, fights Jacob Diaz, 0-3. 

As mentioned, featherweight Ogden pro boxer Isaiah Rodriguez, 3-3, also fights Saturday. He meets Jeremiah Lozano, 0-3.

"We are ready for war. Training hard to make the fight easy," Rodriguez said.

Ruiz has shown lots of talent in the cage and ring. He's optimistic about a boxing future.

"I do see myself building my record and having a big super-fight down the road. And I would love to be back on for November (All Heart Promotions card), I already have an opponent in mind. But I have to play it by ear and just see how everything goes!"

Tickets can be bought on fight day or earlier by contacting boxers on card or visiting All Heart Boxing gym, 1968 N. 2000 West, in Farr City, Utah. The boxing event is titled Rival Series II.

-- Doug Gibson