Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. claimed the vacant NABA Gold Featherweight Championship on Saturday, August 8, by stopping Kenneth Taylor in the second round. delivered a spectacular performance on Saturday night, August 8, stopping veteran Kenneth “The Problem Child” Taylor in the second round to claim the vacant NABA Gold Featherweight Championship. The main event of BOXFEST XIX, held at the County Coliseum in El Paso, Texas, concluded abruptly when Carrillo Jr.
landed a decisive left hook, sending Taylor to the canvas and marking a significant milestone in the young fighter’s undefeated career.
Carrillo Jr. dominates with early power
The victory, streamed live on DAZN, elevated Carrillo Jr.’s professional record to an impressive 7-0 with four knockouts, showcasing his growing power and precision in the ring. For Taylor, the loss dropped his record to 15-7-2 with six knockouts, a setback for the more experienced fighter who had hoped to capitalize on this title opportunity.
From the opening bell, Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. asserted control, dictating the pace and landing sharp combinations against Kenneth Taylor. The young fighter’s strategy was clear: press forward and look for an early finish, a tactic that paid dividends almost immediately.
The first round saw Carrillo Jr. in command, using his agility and reach effectively to keep Taylor on the defensive. He demonstrated the crisp boxing skills that have defined his ascent through the ranks, keeping Taylor at bay while looking for openings.
Just one minute into the second round, Carrillo Jr. found the breakthrough he was seeking. A powerful left hook caught Taylor flush on the chin, sending him sprawling to the canvas. Referee Rafael Ramos initiated a count, but it quickly became clear that Taylor was unable to continue, prompting Ramos to wave off the contest.
This swift and conclusive finish underscored Carrillo Jr.’s potential in the featherweight division. He not only secured his first major professional title but also extended his perfect professional record, hinting at bigger fights on the horizon for the fighter who resides in Wichita Falls, Texas.
NABA featherweight title significance
Winning the vacant NABA Gold Featherweight Championship represents a crucial step for Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. The North American Boxing Association (NABA) title often serves as a stepping stone to higher-tier championship opportunities for rising prospects.
For a fighter with only seven professional bouts, securing a regional title like this accelerates his trajectory within the sport. It provides valuable recognition, improves his ranking in a competitive division, and positions him for future challenges against more established names.
The featherweight division remains one of boxing’s most vibrant weight classes, featuring a mix of seasoned champions and hungry contenders. Carrillo Jr.’s emphatic win signals his readiness to engage with the division’s elite, potentially opening doors to fights that could define his career. This sort of quick rise can sometimes lead to controversial career moves if not managed carefully by his team.
The undefeated rise of Emmanuel Carrillo Jr.
Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and residing in Wichita Falls, Texas, Emmanuel Carrillo Jr., known by his aliases “Chosen One” and “Chingon,” has quickly made a name for himself. His professional career, which began on June 22, 2024, has been marked by consistent victories and an increasing knockout ratio.
Prior to Saturday night’s fight, Carrillo Jr. held a 6-0 record with three knockouts, giving him a 50% KO percentage. This latest stoppage improved that figure and further solidified his reputation as a power puncher, much like other legendary boxers had to overcome early career tests, despite his relatively modest 5’5½” frame and 68-inch reach.
His amateur background is equally impressive, boasting nearly 200 fights and multiple national championships. This extensive amateur experience clearly laid a solid foundation for his professional transition, equipping him with the skills and composure needed to dominate early in his pro career.
Kenneth Taylor’s fighting journey
Kenneth Taylor, 35, hailing from Tyler, Texas, entered the ring with considerably more professional experience than his younger opponent. Making his debut on July 30, 2016, Taylor had accumulated a record of 15-6-2 with six knockouts before BOXFEST XIX.
Known as “The Problem Child,” Taylor’s career spans a decade, featuring numerous bouts against various contenders. His 5’7″ height and 67-inch reach offered a slight physical advantage over Carrillo Jr., but it wasn’t enough to counter the young phenom’s aggression and timing on Saturday.
This loss marks the seventh professional defeat for Taylor, potentially signaling a critical juncture in his career. While he possesses a respectable knockout percentage of 40% (six KOs in 23 bouts prior to this fight), his recent performances will certainly prompt reflection on his path forward in the demanding world of professional boxing.
BOXFEST XIX undercard results
The main event was supported by a lively undercard, featuring several competitive matchups that entertained the El Paso crowd. Red Owl Boxing, with promoter James Bartley at the helm, showcased a mix of rising talents and determined veterans.
Ayanna Vasquez outpoints Maria Salinas
In the six-round featherweight co-feature, Ayanna “Asesina” Vasquez (8-2-1, 1 KO) secured a victory over the seasoned Maria “Polvorita” Salinas (27-16-6, 7 KOs). Vasquez proved effective with her countering early on, though Salinas pressed forward consistently throughout the bout.
The fight intensified as it progressed, with Salinas becoming more competitive in the later rounds. Both fighters traded freely in the sixth, making for an exciting finish to their encounter. Ultimately, Vasquez’s early control likely sealed her win.
Christina Cruz dominates Randee Lynn Morales
Christina Cruz (7-1) added another win to her record by defeating Randee “Babydoll” Lynn Morales (6-8, 4 KOs) in a six-round super flyweight contest. Cruz controlled much of the action, consistently beating Morales to the punch and finishing the fight with strong momentum.
Ariana Carrasco maintains perfect record
Ariana Carrasco (2-0, 1 KO) kept her professional slate unblemished with a four-round decision over Chanisse Jenner (0-1). Carrasco dominated from the opening bell, securing identical scores of 40-36 from the judges. Her control ensured a comfortable victory and an extended undefeated streak.
Devon Garcia finishes strong against Patrick Harris
Devon Marquis Garcia (5-0, 4 KOs) emerged victorious against Patrick Harris (1-7, 1 KO) over four rounds. Harris showed resilience and became more competitive in the third round. However, Garcia closed the fight powerfully, dropping Harris with a right uppercut late in the fourth, leading to judges’ scores of 39-36 and 40-35 twice in his favor.
Cahir Gormley secures decision win
Rounding out the card, Cahir “The Gail” Gormley (4-0, 2 KOs) earned a four-round decision over Jerome Lloyd (0-2-1). Gormley displayed superior boxing skills, controlling the action and receiving unanimous scores of 40-36 from all three judges. This win continues Gormley’s promising start to his professional career.
The future of Red Owl Boxing and Carrillo Jr.
Red Owl Boxing’s BOXFEST XIX, promoted by James Bartley, delivered a night of impactful boxing action, culminating in a definitive title victory. Events like these are crucial for developing local talent and providing platforms for emerging stars like Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. to shine on a national stage via DAZN.
For Carrillo Jr., the NABA featherweight title opens up a multitude of possibilities. His youth, combined with a dominant style and an undefeated record, makes him an intriguing prospect in the featherweight division. The challenge now will be to maintain this momentum and strategically navigate the next phases of his career.
The NABA Gold title serves as a launching pad, and his team, including manager Trifon Petrov, will likely be evaluating options for further title defenses or even more significant eliminator bouts. Fighters who secure regional belts often seek another title shot at a world championship, positioning themselves for a big payday and greater recognition.
His next fight will be a test of his ability to step up to increasingly tougher competition.
As the boxing calendar progresses into late 2026 and 2027, all eyes will be on what’s next for “Chosen One.” Will he attempt to unify regional belts, or will his management push for an opportunity at one of the “big four” world titles? Whatever the choice, his swift stoppage of Kenneth Taylor has firmly put Emmanuel Carrillo Jr. on the map.
