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CES Boxing Opens Gym Doors Ahead of Providence Return

By Sports Desk · · 3 min read
A boxing ring with red ropes and a canvas floor inside a gymnasium

Fighters step onto the canvas in Providence for a free preview session before Saturday's main event at Bally's Lincoln Casino Resort.

Key points

  • CES Boxing hosts a free open workout on Wednesday, September 23, at Big Six Boxing Academy in Providence.
  • Dominican Olympian Alexy de la Cruz and light heavyweight Kendrick Ball Jr. headline the upcoming Saturday card.
  • Tickets for the September 26 event at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort start at $70.

The air in the Providence gym hangs heavy with the scent of chalk and leather. Gloves thud against pads in a rhythmic, dry percussion that shakes the dust from the rafters. It is Wednesday evening, and the final preparations for Fight Night in America are unfolding in real time at Big Six Boxing Academy. The red ropes of the ring stretch taut under the fluorescent lights, framing the sweat-slicked bodies of the athletes moving through their routines. This is not a rehearsal; it is the raw, unfiltered pulse of the sport before the curtain rises.

CES Boxing has opened the doors to the public, offering a free window into the intensity of the upcoming card. Fans and media gather at 816 Douglas Ave. to witness the fighters’ final steps before they step onto the Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort stage. The atmosphere is electric, charged with the anticipation of Saturday’s return to the venue, a moment that has been building since the last event in May 2024.

Dominican Olympian Steps Into Spotlight

Alexy de la Cruz moves with the precision of a trained killer. The newly signed Dominican Olympian, carrying a perfect 9-0 record with three knockouts, is the focal point of the session. He is set to headline the eight-round super featherweight main event on Saturday. His presence commands the room, a stark contrast to the younger prospects surrounding him. De la Cruz’s debut for CES Boxing is a significant milestone, marking his arrival on a major platform. The crowd leans in, eyes fixed on his footwork and the sharp snap of his hand speed.

Beside him, Kendrick Ball Jr. works the bag with a ferocity that echoes through the gym. The Worcester light heavyweight, boasting a 23-2-3 record and thirteen knockouts, is returning to Bally’s for the first time since 2018. He will face Argentina’s Job Herrera in the six-round co-feature. Ball’s experience is palpable in his heavy, deliberate strikes. The session serves as a final check of his readiness, a physical testament to his years in the ring. The air vibrates with the impact of his punches, a visceral reminder of the power on display.

Rhode Island's Next Generation Takes Form

The future of local boxing is visible in the sweat and strain of the upcoming stars. Will Guilmette, Tyler Macari, and Kevin “Kutthroat” Mojica move with the confidence of the unbeaten. All three carry perfect records, with Mojica showing a hard-hitting style that draws attention. Their movement is fluid, a display of skill that promises a new era for the state. The energy they bring is different, raw and hungry, a counterpoint to the seasoned veterans.

Alongside them stand Michael Clark and Vinny Tedesco, two newly signed prospects making their professional debuts. This is their first public glimpse, a moment of high tension and high stakes. The crowd watches closely, eager to see if the hype matches the performance. The open workout provides a rare, intimate look at these fighters before they face the lights of the casino floor. It is a preview of the next chapter in their careers, written in sweat and effort.

Media Access and Event Details

For journalists and photographers, the session is a goldmine of content. Interviews and video opportunities are available with the fighters in attendance. The open format allows for a deeper dive into the personalities behind the gloves. As reported by FightNews, this access is part of the broader effort to engage the community before the main event. The atmosphere is collaborative, with the press and fans sharing the same space, the same air, the same anticipation.

The main event takes place on Saturday, September 26, at Bally’s Lincoln Casino Resort. Tickets for the full card are available starting at $70. The open workout on Wednesday serves as the final prelude to the night’s action. It is a chance to connect with the sport on a human level, to see the effort behind the spectacle. The ring awaits, the ropes are ready, and the story is about to begin.

Based on reporting by FightNews, compiled by the Tradingbird desk.

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