Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan Dominates Khiary Gray to Retain WBC US Silver Middleweight Title

Foxwoods Resort Casino – Rising middleweight star Francis “Frank the Tank” Hogan (19-0, 16 KOs) successfully defended his WBC US Silver Middleweight Title on Saturday night, earning a unanimous decision victory over Khiary “King Too Sharp” Gray (19-8, 14 KOs) in the main event of CES Boxing’s “Winter Brawl 2025.”

The Premier Theater at Foxwoods played host to the 12-fight event, with Hogan facing the toughest test of his career against the battle-tested Gray, who sought to upset the Boston native and claim the regional title.

Hogan Drops Gray Early, Controls Fight with Superior Skills

After an even opening round, Hogan turned up the pressure in round 2, landing a crushing counter right hook that sent Gray to the canvas for an eight-count. Though the veteran Gray showed heart and resilience, the 24-year-old Hogan’s size, speed, and ring IQ allowed him to control the remainder of the fight.

Gray, a former junior middleweight contender, attempted to rally with body shots and overhand rights, but Hogan’s superior reach and sharp right jab kept him at bay. By round 6, Hogan was in full control, consistently landing his straight left hand and frustrating Gray with his movement.

The Worcester native made a last stand in round 8, but Hogan met him head-on. A counter left hand dislodged Gray’s mouthpiece, and a subsequent clash of heads sent Gray to the canvas. After 10 competitive rounds, the judges awarded Hogan the victory by scores of 98-91, 96-93, and 96-93.

Co-Feature: Anthony Velasquez Scores Devastating KO Over Brian Chaves

In the co-main event, undefeated Anthony “ATV” Velasquez (16-0-1, 13 KOs) made a statement victory, stopping Argentina’s Brian Chaves (14-7, 5 KOs) in round 3 of a junior middleweight clash.

Chaves, known for his durability against world-class opposition, came out aggressively, but Velasquez’s composed counterpunching dictated the pace. By round 2, ‘ATV’ stalked his opponent, landing hard shots to the head and body.

Chaves decided to trade in round 3, but paid the price as Velasquez landed a vicious counter right hand that dropped him hard. Though Chaves beat the count, referee Arthur Mercante Jr. halted the fight at 2:29, awarding Velasquez the TKO victory.

Victor Reynoso Stops Jalen Renaud in Bloody New England Showdown

Victor Reynoso (10-0, 7 KOs) overcame a gritty effort from Jalen Renaud (10-2, 3 KOs) to secure a sixth-round TKO in a brutal welterweight clash.

Fighting for the first time in 17 months after eye surgery, Reynoso surprised Renaud by switching to a southpaw stance in the opening rounds. The two engaged in a back-and-forth war, but Reynoso’s relentless attack began to break Renaud down.

By round 5, a headbutt opened a cut over Renaud’s left eye, worsening his condition. Though he showed heart in trying to keep Reynoso at bay, the Dominican-born fighter hurt him badly with a big right hand at the end of the round.

Sensing an opportunity, Reynoso poured on the pressure in round 6, forcing referee Arthur Mercante Jr. to step in at 1:11 of the final round.

Jeffrey Torres Retires Veteran Matt Doherty with TKO Victory

Junior welterweight Jeffrey “El Bendecido” Torres (14-2, 8 KOs) scored a fourth-round TKO over veteran Matt “The Mantis” Doherty (10-10-1, 5 KOs) in a crossroads bout.

Doherty, known for his aggressive style, attempted to bully Torres on the inside, but the Puerto Rican boxer-puncher picked him apart with crisp counters.

By round 4, Torres dropped Doherty with a sharp right hand, and though the veteran got up, referee Harvey Dock waved off the fight at 2:31. After the loss, the 36-year-old Doherty laid down his gloves, officially announcing his retirement from professional boxing after a decade-long career.

Kazakh Rising Star Nikolay Shvab Overpowers Belmar Preciado

Miami-based Kazakh lightweight Nikolay Shvab (13-0, 8 KOs) kept his perfect record intact, stopping Colombia’s Belmar Preciado (22-9-1, 15 KOs) in the 8th round of their hard-fought bout.

Shvab showcased his power early, dropping Preciado in round 1 with a straight left hand. However, the Colombian veteran rallied in the middle rounds, forcing Shvab to adjust his approach.

By round 8, Shvab regained control, landing a right jab-left hand combination that sent Preciado to the canvas again. Referee Artur Mercante Jr. halted the fight at 1:17 of the final round.

Other Results from Winter Brawl 2025:

Iman Lee (12-0, 8 KOs) stopped Bernardo Uribe (17-10, 9 KOs) in round 4 (TKO, 1:52).

Steven “The Savage” Sumpter (10-1-1, 8 KOs) forced Victor Exner (11-19-3, 5 KOs) to retire after 4 rounds.

Douglas Marroquin (5-0, 3 KOs) won a shutout unanimous decision over Austin Spivey (40-36, 40-36, 40-36).

Anuel Rosa (5-0-1, 3 KOs) and Elijah Peixoto (4-0-1, 2 KOs) battled to an exciting 4-round draw (39-37 Rosa, 39-37 Peixoto, 38-38).

Joe Bush (6-0, 4 KOs) defeated Derrick Whitely, Jr. (8-5-2) via unanimous decision (60-54, 59-55, 59-55).

Shannel “The Sniper” Butler (2-0, 1 KO) edged out Melanie “Pitbull” Costa (3-1, 1 KO) via split decision (40-36, 40-36, 37-39).

Tevin “The Hitman” Regis (6-0, 5 KOs) stopped Chris Gunn in round 1 with a body shot KO (1:00).

What’s Next?

With his biggest win yet, Francis Hogan remains undefeated and looks poised for a major step up in competition at middleweight. Anthony Velasquez and Nikolay Shvab also made strong cases for higher-profile matchups as they continue their respective climbs up the rankings.

For New England boxing fans, CES Winter Brawl 2025 delivered knockouts, drama, and rising contenders, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead in regional and national boxing.