Back With a Purpose: Lamont Powell
Headlines Rhode Wars 5 On February 28 In Cranston!
(February 26th) After more than three years away from the ring, unbeaten middleweight prospect Lamont Powell (6-0, 2 KOs) is ready to restart his rise up the rankings.
Powell headlines CES Boxing’s Rhode Wars 5 on Saturday, February 28, at The Historic Park Theater, where he faces rugged Colombian puncher Rodolfo Puentes (21-13-2, 16 KOs) in the evening’s main event.
Tickets for Rhode Wars 5 are are priced from $68.79 and selling fast. To purchase yours now (click here). Doors open at 6pm, with the first bout taking place at 7pm.
Powell, who stepped away from the ring in 2023 to focus on his “Gloves Up, Guns Down” initiative to empower at-risk youth through boxing, returns to the spotlight in the main event against dangerous spoiler Tyler Riley, a fighter intent on ruining his comeback story.
"Training has been intense, but I feel great," said Powell. "I’ve been locked in mentally and physically. This isn’t just another fight for me. I’ve been waiting a long time to get back in that ring, so I’m going all out in every training session to be in the best condition possible."
Powell’s journey is defined by resilience. In 2018, he narrowly survived an ambush just outside his Providence home. Lamont was sitting in a parked car with his uncle when a vehicle pulled up and two men stepped out. The next thing he knew, the men opened fire, unloading 36 shots into the car. While his uncle was struck in the leg, Powell miraculously escaped unscathed.
"I truly believe my mother was watching over me that night," reflects Powell. "She passed away when I was only three years old, and my grandparents raised me. I feel like she protected me."
That incident reshaped his life and gave him a new purpose.
"When you’re that close to losing your life, you see the world differently," Powell says. "I don’t take my days for granted anymore. That experience gave me a bigger reason to fight - not just for myself, but for my community and for kids who need direction in their lives."
Motivated by that experience, Powell launched Gloves Up, Guns Down, a Providence-based initiative dedicated to giving at-risk youth structure through boxing and mentorship.
"The mission is simple," Powell explained. "Give kids an alternative to the streets. Boxing teaches discipline and gives them confidence, but it’s about much more than that. If they come here and want to read, they can do that. If they want to work on their art, they can. It’s a safe space where they can express themselves."
Powell first laced up gloves at just eight years old under the tutelage of his grandfather, Phillip Copper, who became his first coach and mentor. Lamont went on to compile an impressive amateur record of 45–4, capturing three Silver Mittens championships along the way.
Powell turned professional in 2018, but his professional career has been a series of stops and starts due to COVID-19 and his responsibilities outside the ring. However, while Powell hasn’t competed since January 2023, his boxing program ensured that he never left the gym.
"I definitely stayed in the gym," agrees Powell. "When I'm not training, I'm teaching kids how to box, so I'm always sharp and in shape."
That will matter on February 28, when Lamont faces the upset-minded Puentes, an experienced fighter known for his aggressive style and knockout power.
"I know he’s tough and comes to fight," Powell said. "But at this level, it’s about preparation – and I’ve been preparing for whoever will be in front of me."
CES Boxing Founder and President Jimmy Burchfield Sr. believes Powell’s return signifies that Lamont will finally fulfill the championship-caliber potential the promoter saw in him when he first signed him.
"We’re thrilled to have Lamont back," said Burchfield. "This is a young man who turned what could have been a tragedy into purpose. Lamont isn’t just a fighter – he’s a leader in his community, and he’s positively influencing the lives of countless kids."
Looking ahead, Powell’s goals are clear: stay active, climb the rankings, and eventually compete for championships – all while continuing his work outside the ring.
"First, I want to stay healthy and fight consistently," said Powell. "I want to build my record and start moving toward bigger opportunities. But I also want to keep growing Gloves Up, Guns Down and be a positive role model for my city."
As for the fans who will pack the Historic Park Theater on February 28?
"Your support means everything to me," said Powell. "Come ready for an explosive night – I promise I’ll still be unbeaten when that final bell rings. This is just the beginning.
In the co-feature, 21-year-old New Haven, CT standout Gianni Liguori (4-0-1, 3 KOs) continues his rapid rise up the super lightweight ranks against the upset-minded Deonta Williamson.
Liguori has quickly developed a reputation as one of Connecticut’s most promising young talents — but Williamson represents the kind of test that prepares prospects for national title contention.
The undercard is stacked with emerging young stars: Cian Duggan (5-0, 4 KOs) the hard-hitting Irish super lightweight who is fighting twice in fourteen days.
Tom Evans a Providence police officer making his highly anticipated professional debut. Across the ring from Evans will be Michigan’s Katriel Young, a fighter twelve years his junior with six professional bouts under his belt.
"He’s definitely a seasoned boxer," notes Evans. "He has more boxing fights, but I think I have more experience fight-wise. I’ve fought on the big stage on national television before."
Indeed, while Evans is making his pro boxing debut, he has competed in four Muay Thai contests and in six mixed martial arts bouts, his last one taking place with CES MMA in 2020.
"That was supposed to be my last fight," says Evans. "My mother passed away from diabetes and a heart condition about three weeks later. I was having my son at the time, and I got hired by the police department in Rhode Island. I entered the academy and my police career took off, and fighting got put on the back burner."
Fighting is not something most professional fighters give up easily. But while many come back for money or the spotlight, Evans is returning for a very different reason.
"I’m fighting to raise money for the kids of Central Falls Youth Baseball Program," says Evans. I started the program in 2020 using the money from my last fight with CES. We provide everything for free: cleats, jerseys, equipment. It costs about $25–30k annually to run, but we’re fortunate: local politicians help, the mayor supports us, and the schools help promote it. This year, we’re adding girls’ softball."
Beyond his work as a full-time patrolman, Evans runs the youth program while preparing for his fight. He’s also married with three children, is one class away from earning his master’s degree in criminal justice and public administration, and he serves on his district’s school board.
"My wife keeps everything together," laughs Evans. "I get up at 6am, take the kids to school, hit the gym, do schoolwork when I can, then pick the kids up, head to work, and I’m in uniform from 4pm until midnight. Sleep usually happens between one and six in the morning."
While most debuting boxers dream of championship belts and million-dollar paydays, Evans is realistic about his goals in the squared circle.
"I’m 38 – this is a young man’s game," reasons Evans. "I’m doing this to raise money for charity. Boxing is dangerous. You take it one fight at a time and learn from it.
Trainer Peter Manfredo Sr. is making sure that Evans is fully prepared for what awaits him in the ring.
"My first coach was Peter Manfredo," says Evans. "Now he’s gonna be in my corner for my boxing debut. It’s not easy: sparring is intense. You’ve got road work, cardio – even though it’s four rounds, I train like it’s eight rounds. I’m sore and there’s wear and tear at my age, but if you’re not prepared, you’re gonna get hurt. That’s what makes boxing special."
What makes Tom Evans special is his willingness to absorb punishment for the benefit of others – and he does it with a smile.
"On February 28th, I’m gonna go out there and put on a good show. Katriel Young is a tough kid. He comes forward, likes to bang, and isn't afraid to throw punches. I’ll look like a boxer, feel like a boxer, and I’m gonna get hit. It’s okay. The kids will be there wearing their baseball jerseys, and we’re going to have fun."
Two weeks later, Evans will trade the boxing ring for the baseball diamond as more than 150 boys and girls ages 4-15 register for the spring season – proof that the Sweet Science has already delivered a victory beyond the ropes.
Alex Lopez (3-0, 3 KOs) — the heavy-handed puncher from Fall River, MA with a 100% knockout ratio Nicholas Pecora (0-1) — the Fairfield, CT light heavyweight seeking his first professional victory.
The event is held in memory of Providence native Nicky Cardillo, a life-long boxing fan from Federal Hill who passed away unexpectedly at age 58 on December 21, 2025, leaving behind his beloved daughter Anjali.
“This night is about honoring Nicky Cardillo and his family the right way,” said CES Boxing Founder Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. “He loved boxing and always supported Rhode Island fighters. On February 28, the next wave of boxing stars will honor his memory with spectacular performances in the ring.”
If you’d like to donate to the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, you can venmo @CFYB-1.
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".
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