CES Boxing Rhode Wars 3 set to invade the Park Theatre – Brendan Higgins

March 12, 2023/Brendan Higgins

By Brendan Higgins, contributing writer

Photos courtesy of Kelly Gentile

CES Boxing recently held a press conference to announce the return of the Rhode Wars series on March 25^th, with a 7 pm bell-time. The main event will feature four time world champion, Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt-Hayes, 23-6-2 (7 KOs), taking on Taynna Cardosa, 5-2 (1 KO), from Brazil. This exciting night of boxing will take place inside the beautiful Park Theatre. It will also mark the first time boxing will be held in the same building that Vinny Paz and many others watched Rocky, on the big screen, for the very first time in 1976.

The press conference itself was a standing room only event. It was obvious right away that we were about to see something very different. CES president and promoter, Jimmy Burchfield Sr, continues to be on the cutting edge with his approach to promoting combat sports.

The press conference included some special guests including Cranston mayor, Kenneth Hopkins. The mayor expressed how excited he is about Rhode Wars 3 taking place in his city. Hopkins is a fight fan. He wanted to kick off the event personally.

**Jimmy Burchfield Sr. and Mayor Hopkins share a laugh at the Park Theatre**

Also in attendance was Steve Feinberg, the director of the Rhode Island Film and TV Office. Feinberg addressed the crowd sharing his experience coming to the Park Cinema in his youth. He recalled watching some of the all-time great movies like The Poseidon Adventure and Caddyshack decades earlier in this historic venue.

The press conference was held on International Women’s Day. What a great way to celebrate. First, introducing Rhode Island’s favorite daughter, and boxing hall of famer, Clampitt-Hayes in the main event.

**Jaime Clampitt-Hayes addressing the media**

Then, keeping in the International Women’s Day spirit, CES was proud to introduce their new ring announcer, Margaret Cresta to the public. Cresta will bring her vast experience from the hospitality and fitness world into the boxing ring as she makes her debut at Rhode Wars 3. She addressed the crowd and media with a combination of class, style and warmth. She will be a great addition to CES, the leader in combat sports. To complete the women’s day theme, rinewstoday.com photographer Kelly Gentile was taking photos.

***CES personality and ring announcer Margaret Cresta***

Speaking of class, the entire card is jam packed with world class prize fighters. Also scheduled to appear will be the red hot Alejandro Paulino, 11-0 (9 KOs). He is considered by many to be the top fighter in New England. He will be facing the very capable challenge of Derrick Murray, 17-7 (6 KOs), from St. Louis, Missouri, in a super featherweight contest. In addition, cruiserweight Gary Balletto III, 3-0 (2 KOs), will be in action. He will be challenged by the undefeated Raphael Torres, 2-0 (2 KOs), from Marlborough, Massachusetts. Listening to Gary address the crowd in his hometown of Cranston, was a heartfelt moment not lost on anyone in attendance. He is the spitting image of his father, Gary “Tiger” Balletto who was also at the press conference.

Another Ocean State fighter, super middleweight James Maner, 2-0 (2 KOs), from Johnston, will be in action. In addition, the undefeated Anthony Velasquez, 11-0 (9 KOs), from Springfield, Massachusetts, will tangle with Rodrigo Lopes Rodrigues, 8-4 (7 KOs), from Brazil, in a junior middleweight fight. There will be six fights in all on the 25^th.

The spectacle of a boxing ring on the Park Theatre stage is going to be an awesome sight. The fighters are ready. The fans are ready. This is going to be a night of boxing people will talk about for years to come. CES is in negotiations to make the Park Theatre the home of the Rhode Wars series. Stay tuned.

Get your tickets fast, because this event is almost sold out. For more information on this and all CES Boxing and MMA events, visit cesfights.com or visit the Park Theatre box office at theparkri.com.

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