Dominican Olympian Alexy de la Cruz made his official boxing debut with CES Boxing on Saturday, September 26, 2026, headlining the promotion’s event. The card showcased a blend of established talent and promising local prospects, with New England contender Kendrick Ball Jr. featured in the co-main event.
This marked CES Boxing’s anticipated return to the Rhode Island venue, where they have historically staged numerous memorable fight nights. The September 26 event, kicking off at 7:00 PM ET, promised an evening of high-stakes action for local boxing enthusiasts.
Dominican Olympian Alexy de la Cruz Takes Center Stage
Alexy de la Cruz, boasting an undefeated record of 9-0 with 3 KOs, led the “Fight Night in America” card in an eight-round super featherweight bout. The former 2020 Tokyo Olympian, who hails from Hato Mayor del Rey in the Dominican Republic, faced Angel Luna (20-19-1).
De la Cruz, a 5′ 10″ southpaw, entered the ring with considerable amateur pedigree, looking to extend his professional winning streak. His addition to the CES Boxing roster highlights the promotion’s commitment to bringing diverse and high-caliber talent to the New England fight scene, offering fans a glimpse of future championship contenders.
Landing an Olympian for a promotional debut is always a statement. It signals serious intent from both the fighter and the promoter to build a significant presence in the boxing landscape. For de la Cruz, this fight was a crucial step in his ascent through the super featherweight ranks.
Kendrick Ball Jr. Eyes Local Victory
Worcester, Massachusetts native Kendrick Ball Jr. stepped into the co-main event against Argentina’s Job Herrera (13-5-1, 6 KOs) in a six-round light heavyweight contest. Ball Jr., an orthodox fighter standing 6′ 2″ with a 75″ reach, brought a professional record of 23-2-3 with 13 KOs into the bout.
This marked Ball Jr.’s twelfth appearance at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort, a venue where he boasts an impressive 10-0-1 record with 7 knockouts. His consistent performance and strong local following make him a perennial draw for CES Boxing events in the region. Assessing fighter careers often involves evaluating their regional dominance.
The 33-year-old light heavyweight contender aimed to further solidify his position in the division against Herrera. His father, Kendrick Ball Sr., serves as his manager, adding a personal dimension to his professional journey. Ball Jr.’s experience and fan base are critical components of the regional boxing ecosystem.
Facing Job Herrera presented a test for Ball Jr. Herrera, with his own respectable record, looked to spoil the local favorite’s homecoming. These co-main events often deliver some of the night’s most competitive action, providing a platform for both fighters to advance their careers.
Emerging Talent on the Undercard
The “Fight Night in America” undercard featured several promising Rhode Island-based fighters, showcasing the depth of local talent CES Boxing continues to cultivate. Among them were three unbeaten prospects eager to maintain their perfect records.
Undefeated Rhode Island Prospects
Will Guilmette (3-0, 3 KOs), a 24-year-old super middleweight from Coventry, Rhode Island, put his 100% knockout rate on the line against Keegan Young. Guilmette, who made his professional debut in May 2025, also works as an apprentice journeyman wireman, balancing his boxing aspirations with a demanding trade.
Tyler Macari (4-0, 3 KOs), a 27-year-old super welterweight from Cranston, Rhode Island, with a 75% knockout rate, was scheduled to face Steven Farrar (0-5-0). Macari began his professional career in July 2025, quickly accumulating an impressive record.
Johnston, Rhode Island’s Kevin Mojica (5-0, 5 KOs), a 28-year-old southpaw welterweight, faced Josh Melvin (3-1-1, 2 KOs) in a four-round super lightweight bout. Mojica, a former Division 2 baseball player, transitioned to boxing after a rotator cuff injury, making his pro debut in February 2025 and quickly showcasing significant power.
Other Notable Undercard Bouts
The card also included Aywole Tom Jones, a light heavyweight from Providence, Rhode Island. While BoxRec shows his career primarily spanning 2015-2024, CES Boxing confirmed his participation, highlighting a veteran presence among the younger fighters. Fighters often face scrutiny as their careers evolve, balancing new challenges with established track records.
Additionally, Michael David Clark, known as “The Punching Preacher,” made his professional debut in a four-round lightweight bout against Deonta Williamson. Clark, a minister following a family tradition in religious leadership, brings a unique narrative to the sport.
CES Boxing’s Enduring Impact on New England
This “Fight Night in America” event marked CES Boxing’s first return to Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort since May 2024, a venue with deep historical ties to the promotion. CES Boxing founder Jimmy Burchfield Sr. expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It feels great to be back at Bally’s.”
Burchfield Sr. emphasized the many “memorable nights” his promotion has staged in Lincoln, reaffirming their commitment to the area. He highlighted the blend of “some of the best young talent in Rhode Island” alongside established names like Alexy de la Cruz and Kendrick Ball Jr., underscoring the event’s appeal.
Founded in 1992, CES Boxing has become a cornerstone of combat sports in New England. Burchfield Sr., a Rhode Island native, is renowned for nurturing young fighters and has promoted numerous world-class athletes, contributing significantly to the region’s boxing legacy. His promotional work extends to major events like “The Thriller on Triller: Tyson vs Jones Jr.”
The choice of Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort, with its extensive event center and gaming space, provides an ideal setting for such a card. The venue’s capacity to host significant sporting events underscores its importance to the regional entertainment landscape and the boxing community.
Regulatory Framework and Future Outlook
Professional boxing events in Rhode Island operate under the stringent oversight of the Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation’s Division of Gaming and Athletics. This regulatory body plays a crucial role in ensuring the integrity and safety of combat sports within the state.
Their responsibilities encompass supervising athletic laws, establishing rules for boxing and mixed martial arts, and monitoring the conduct of events. They also handle licensing for promoters, fighters, and officials, alongside collecting taxes and fees, ensuring security, and mandating medical examinations and drug testing for contestants. Regulatory decisions often shape fighter careers and promotional strategies.
As of Saturday, September 26, 2026, official results for the “Fight Night in America” event were still pending widespread release. Boxing record-keeping sites like BoxRec had listed the scheduled bouts but had not yet updated with the outcomes. Fans eagerly awaited confirmation of the night’s winners and how these results would impact the careers of the featured fighters.
The return of CES Boxing to Bally’s Lincoln signals continued vitality for the New England boxing scene. Events like “Fight Night in America” provide essential platforms for both seasoned pros and up-and-coming talents, fueling the sport’s local popularity and contributing to its broader narrative.
This steady stream of local cards is vital for the development pipeline, allowing fighters to build their records and gain invaluable experience before potentially stepping onto larger national or international stages.
For Alexy de la Cruz, a successful CES Boxing debut could propel him towards more significant opportunities in the super featherweight division. For Kendrick Ball Jr., maintaining his dominant record at Bally’s Lincoln reinforces his status as a local boxing icon, crucial for drawing consistent crowds. These individual narratives weave together to form the compelling tapestry of professional boxing.
The inclusion of numerous local prospects also highlights the ongoing efforts to nurture homegrown talent. These fighters, some still balancing day jobs with their professional aspirations, represent the future of the sport in the region. Their performances at events like “Fight Night in America” are critical proving grounds.
Moving forward, the success of “Fight Night in America” will likely encourage CES Boxing to schedule more events at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort. This continuity is essential for fighters seeking regular bouts and for fans looking for accessible, high-quality boxing entertainment. The promotion’s strategy of mixing Olympic-level talent with established regional stars and local hopefuls appears to be a winning formula.
