CES Rhode Wars 3, Clampitt-Hayes takes center stage – Brendan Higgins

by Brendan Higgins, contributing writer

Photos courtesy of Blind Girl Media, Kelly Gentile

Lights, Camera, Boxing. On Saturday night, a sold out Park Theatre crowd had the privilege of witnessing a night of professional boxing they will not soon forget. Rhode Wars 3 had something for everyone. The venue itself has deep meaning and memories for anyone who grew up in Rhode Island. Some of the top fighters in New England competed in a boxing ring erected on the stage of the former Park Cinema.

The entire card, from top to bottom, was filled with exciting fighters. This night however, belonged to Hall of Famer, Jaime “The Hurricane” Clampitt-Hayes. The crowd support for Clampitt-Hayes was intense. During the first five bouts, the fighters entered the ring from the side of the stage. In sharp contrast, and in living color, the Hurricane swept into the arena coming directly down the long isle through her supporters. With her Hollywood looks and superhero physique, the crowd went absolutely bonkers as the four-time former world champion stormed the ring. Talk about making an entrance.

As for the fight, it was eight rounds of non-stop action in the lightweight division. Taynna Cardosa, of Brazil, came into this fight looking to spoil the movielike scenario set up for Clampitt-Hayes. With over 200 amateur fights under her belt, and a professional record of 5-3 (1 KO), Cardosa had every intention of spoiling the night for Rhode Island’s favorite daughter.

Clampitt-Hayes, however, would not be denied. She stuck to her game plan for eight solid rounds, while running her record to 24-6-2 (7 KOs). Her pursuit of Cardosa was relentless for the entire fight. In the final minute of the eighth round, the two warriors went toe to toe until the referee separated them at the final bell. It was a fitting ending to the fight. As the decision was announced, Clampitt-Hayes showed a rare display of in-ring emotion as she covered her mouth and nose with her hand. She fought back tears as the crowd lifted her up in support. This was a moment Hollywood movies are made of, except this was real life. Very real.

Try to imagine entering an enclosed area, also known as a boxing ring, to face off against a highly skilled and capable adversary who wants to hit you in the face and body until you are unconscious. That is what fighters do. That is what Clampitt-Hayes has done for over two decades. Just like she has done so many times in the past, it was mission accomplished for Clampitt-Hayes.

In a post-fight, in-ring interview, Clampitt-Hayes praised her opponent. She predicted Cardosa will be a champion in the near future. She also thanked her team and her fans. Then she shocked the boxing world by issuing a challenge to Heather Hardy. Stay tuned for more on this developing story.

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In other action, Gary “Batman” Balletto Jr, 4-0 (2 KOs), of Cranston, scored a six round unanimous decision over Raphael Torres, 2-1 (2 KOs), of Marlborough, Massachusetts, in a cruiserweight contest. This fight had all the drama of a Hollywood action movie. The crowd was heavily involved in this one.

As soon as the two fighters were in the ring, a chant for Torres could be heard in the building. Then, a chant of ‘Gary, Gary,’ drowned out the Torres chant. You could tell at that moment this was going to be an emotional fight. Both fighters entered the ring undefeated, and something was going to have to give. After his victory, Balletto addressed his hometown fans as he mentioned the recent passing of his grandmother. The Balletto family was well represented for this fight. Gary “Tiger” Balletto Sr was in the corner for his son’s fight. Earlier in the day, Aiden Balletto was victorious in an amateur contest, defeating Anthony Williams, during the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational tournament.   

Junior middleweight Anthony Velasquez, 12-0 (11 KOs), of Springfield, Massachusetts, easily handled Rodrigo Lopes Rodrigues, 8-5 (7 KOs) from Brazil, with a first round knockout. James Manor of Johnston stayed undefeated while improving his record to 3-0 in a super middleweight fight. Super featherweight Alejandro Paulino 12-0 (11 KOs) is considered by many to be the hottest fighter in New England. He kept his reputation intact as he made quick work of Derrick Murray of St Louis, Missouri, who fell to 17-8-1. Paulino scored a first round knockout to remain unbeaten. Jeff Gonzalez, from the Bronx, New York, 2-0 defeated Jesus Salas 1-2 (1KO) in a welterweight fight.

In attendance for this historic night of boxing was Mayor Kenneth Hopkins. I was impressed with the way the mayor was hanging out with no security. He wore a hoodie and jeans and mingled in the crowd the entire night. Also on hand was the grandson of Marvin Hagler who recently signed with CES. In addition, the world of Hollywood was represented by the director of the Rhode Island Film and Television Office, Steve Feinberg. In addition, actor, writer and director, Tom DeNucci, was at ringside enjoying the fights.

This was a unique evening in the ocean state. It set the stage for CES to return to the Park Theatre to continue the Rhode Wars series. First, on Saturday, May 20^th and then on Saturday, August 19^th.

CES Boxing will also be back at the Mohegan Sun Arena on April 22^nd with Championship Jackpot. As always, Jimmy Burchfield, Sr. delivered another exciting card of professional boxing with a busy spring and summer on the horizon.

Saturday night also saw the debut of the new CES ring announcer Margaret Cresta. Considering this was her first outing, she came across as a professional who was perfect in her role.

From bell to bell this night of professional boxing was entertaining as well as cinematic. There were multiple storylines. There was drama. There was intrigue. And of course, there was action. If you missed out on Saturday night, I suggest you get tickets early for Rhode Wars 4 and beyond. These are guaranteed to be sold out box office hits.

For more info on CES Boxing and MMA visit cesfights.com. That’s a wrap!  

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Brendan Higgins, writer and author, RIPTA bus driver, former professional wrestler (Knuckles Nelson), and North Kingstown resident.

We welcome Brendan as a contributing writer to RINewsToday.

To read a story about Brendan, from our sports department, go to: https://rinewstoday.com/knuckles-nelson-waking-up-from-the-wrestling-ring-to-the-yoga-mat-john-cardullo/

To read all stories by Brendan, here, go to: https://rinewstoday.com/brendan-higgins

Higgins is the author of “Waking Up: From the Wrestling Ring to the Yoga Mat