(October 23rd) "Speedy" Rashidi Ellis (27-1, 18 KOs) continues his march toward a world title on Saturday, November 1, when he defends his WBC US Silver Welterweight Title against former two-time world champion Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (39-6-1, 28 KOs).  The bout co-headlines CES Autumn Classic 2025 at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Tickets for CES Autumn Classic 2025 are quickly selling out.  Purchase yours now at CES Fights, Ticketmaster or the Mohegan Sun Arena website.  Doors open at 5pm, with the first bout scheduled for 6pm EST.

Ellis enters the bout ranked #9 in the world by the WBO while riding a wave of momentum with 3 dominant stoppages since joining CES Boxing last October.

"This is the most active I've been in the last 10 years," said the 31-year-old of the activity that has been missing throughout much of his career.  "Before, I was fighting once a year, sometimes every two years.  Ring rust is real – all my biggest wins were after long layoffs. Imagine if I was active going into them."

Indeed, Rashidi’s biggest wins came in a rematch against Eddie Gomez in 2019 after over a year layoff, and a dominant unanimous decision over Alexis Rocha almost a year later.

Since joining forces with CES Boxing, Ellis is 25-3 over 2 seasons with Team Combat League's Boston Butchers and is preparing for his fourth fight in 12 months.  A major opportunity almost came earlier this month, when Ellis was in negotiations to face east coast rival Jaron "Boots" Ennis on October 11 – a potential breakout fight that ultimately fell through.  Ennis instead wound up facing the unheralded Uisma Lima, whom he starched in one round in his hometown of Philadelphia.

"I saw the highlights, but the highlights were basically the whole fight," Ellis said with a laugh. "I already knew what was gonna happen. Lima’s a good prospect, but he wasn’t ready for Boots. He just sat there and got hit.  Me and Boots would’ve been a different story.  It would’ve been a very exciting, technical fight.  A lot of skill, a lot of trash talk, a real fight."

Despite missing out on the opportunity, Ellis hasn’t closed the door on that elusive matchup.

"If the opportunity comes again, I definitely want to fight him," he said. "147, 154, 160 -- I don’t care what weight it is. I’d fight him anywhere."

For now, Ellis’ focus is squarely on Fortuna: a dangerous, awkward veteran who’s fought at the highest levels for more than a decade. The Dominican native, now based in Braintree, Massachusetts, captured world titles at 126 and 130 pounds with wins over Patrick Hyland and Bryan Vasquez, respectively.  'El Abejon' also boasts wins over former world champion Jesus Cuellar and contender Sharif Bogere.

"I've seen him a lot," said Ellis.  "I ran into him years ago when I used to fight in the Dominican Republic.  He's based in Boston now, so I see him around when we train there.  He’s very crafty and awkward.  The first 3 rounds are gonna be tricky, but after that, I’m gonna get him."

The matchup pits Ellis’ size, speed and power against Fortuna’s southpaw style, experience and ring IQ – a perfect test for a fighter eager to go deeper rounds before challenging the elite at 147.

"I get better as the rounds go on," explained Ellis.  "I’ve been blowing guys out early, but I’d actually like to get more rounds under my belt.  Fortuna’s a good fighter – he’s been training, he’s motivated, and I want him at his best."

While Ellis prepares for November 1, he’s keeping his eyes on the welterweight title picture, particularly the bout between WBO champion Brian Norman Jr. and Devin Haney on November 22 in Riyadh.

"I’d like to fight the winner," said Ellis, "but really, I'd like to fight Norman.  I’ve always wanted to fight him."

In addition to Norman Jr., Rashidi would also welcome an title shot against WBC Champion Mario Barrios.

"They’re protecting him," admitted Ellis. "They don’t want him to fight somebody like me, but I hope that happens. I doubt it, but I hope so."

The Lynn, Massachusetts native believes his activity and increasing regional fan support will soon make those fights unavoidable.

"People here are finally seeing me fight in person instead of just on TV," said Ellis of his New England fan base.  "Before, I was fighting overseas or across the country, so fans didn’t get to see me in person. Now they do, and the love’s been real."

The ‘Savage with a Smile’ expects a big crowd on November 1 when he takes on Fortuna at Mohegan Sun Arena.

"If you're in New England, come by and show support," Ellis said.  "Fortuna is entertaining and he comes to fight, and I always do too.  The undercard is stacked.  It’s gonna be a great boxing night with good fights all the way through."

For more on CES Autumn Classic 2025 (click here).

ABOUT CES BOXING

CES Boxing is one of the top promotions on the East Coast.  Founded in 1992 by Jimmy Burchfield Sr., CES Boxing has promoted many world class fighters, including Jamaine Ortiz, Juiseppe Cusumano, Hank Lundy, Vinny Paz, Peter Manfredo, Mariusz Wach, Jason Estrada, Matt Godfrey, Chad Dawson and Ray Oliveira. CES Boxing has promoted such super fights as "The Thriller on Triller: Tyson v Jones Jr.", "Mayweather vs. Gotti III" and "The Contender: Manfredo v Pemberton".

ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN ARENA

Mohegan Sun Arena, one of the busiest sports and entertainment venues in the world, was awarded the 2024 Newsweek Readers’ Choice award for "Best Casino with Live Entertainment in America."  Mohegan Sun Arena was also named "Best Casino/Resort Venue of the Year" at the 35th Annual Pollstar Awards. In 2021, the 10,000-seat Arena also received its first worldwide "#1 Indoor Arena" ranking for its size from both Pollstar and Venues Now.  In recent years, the "Most Beloved Venue in America" has also been named the "World’s Best Casino Venue," by Hartford Magazine, and is an eight-time national award winner for "Arena of the Year" by the Academy of Country Music Awards and one from G2E Las Vegas. For more information on concerts and other great events, visit the Mohegan Sun website. For this week’s schedule, call the Entertainment and Special Events hotline at 1.888.226.7711. Complimentary self-parking is available in three convenient garages.