Tejada Captures Title as Fireworks Fly at CES Boxing’s “Summer Heat 2025”

CES Boxing’s Summer Heat 2025 lived up to its billing Saturday night at Mohegan Sun Arena, delivering a night filled with upsets, action-packed fights, and the rise of a new champion.

In the main event, undefeated junior welterweight Nicolas “TNT” Tejada (12-0-1, 8 KOs) edged out Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas (11-2, 5 KOs) via split decision over eight rounds to claim the WBC US Silver Super Lightweight Championship. The victory marked a career-defining moment for Tejada while ending Mascarenhas’ 11-fight win streak.

The 25-year-old Tejada, who also coaches the after-school boxing program at Haverhill High School, asserted himself early with a size and strength advantage. A series of power punches in round 2 rocked Mascarenhas, but the slick New Bedford fighter bounced back in rounds 3 and 4 behind crisp footwork and effective combinations.

Tejada’s pressure took over in the later rounds as he stalked Mascarenhas and landed the heavier shots. Judges scored it 77-75 for Mascarenhas and 77-75 twice for Tejada.

“Rounds 1 through 4 were close, but I felt I clearly took 5 through 8,” said Tejada. “Everything we trained for showed up tonight. He was technically the best guy I’ve fought, but I was physically stronger and more aggressive. I wanted it more.”

Tejada said he plans to bring the newly earned belt back to inspire the youth in Haverhill.

“This win is for the kids at Haverhill High. They’ll be excited to see this belt when I bring it in. I’m ready to stay active and keep the momentum going.”

The card also marked a collaboration between two regional powers in boxing promotion: CES Boxing and Boston Boxing Promotions.

“Jimmy Burchfield and CES Boxing have long set the bar for boxing in New England,” said Boston Boxing’s Peter Czymbor. “We’re proud to collaborate on fights like this that fans across the region want to see. Hopefully, it’s the first of many.”

Co-Main and Undercard Highlights:

Jacob “Lefty” Marrero (10-0, 8 KOs) looked dominant in his CES debut, earning a shutout victory over seasoned Puerto Rican veteran Alberto Mercado (17-8-1, 4 KOs). Marrero swept all three scorecards, 80-72.

Anthony “ATV” Velasquez (18-0-1, 15 KOs) delivered a highlight-reel fifth-round stoppage of Terry Chatwood (12-4-1, 6 KOs), dropping him with a right hand in the fourth and finishing with a left hook at 2:26 of round 5.

Sean Diaz (9-0, 2 KOs) narrowly edged previously unbeaten Joseph “J-Elite” Chisholm (5-1, 5 KOs) in a back-and-forth super bantamweight battle. Two judges scored it 58-56 for Diaz, while one gave it to Chisholm.

Douglas Marroquin (7-0, 4 KOs) overcame a first-round head clash and cut to stop Jamall Roby (2-6, 1 KO) in round 2. Marroquin surged with a relentless assault, finishing the bout with a brutal uppercut at 1:54.

Gianni Liguori (3-0, 2 KOs) blanked Anthony Mora (6-4-1, 4 KOs) over four rounds in an all-Connecticut lightweight clash. All judges had it 40-36.

In his pro debut, Tyler Macari (1-0, 1 KO) dropped Kevin Spraags (2-6, 2 KOs) and forced a stoppage with seconds remaining in round 1.

The Fight of the Night honors went to Ayowole Tom Jones and Jhonny Dos Santos, who fought to a thrilling 4-round majority draw. Both fighters were knocked down in a wild and emotional contest. Judges scored it 37-37 across the board.

Jonathan Figueroa (5-2, 4 KOs) notched a fourth-round stoppage win over Guatemala’s Edgar Sagui (1-3).

Anuel Rosa (6-0-1, 4 KOs) opened the night in emphatic fashion, blasting out Anderson Briceno (1-5, 1 KO) in the first round of their super lightweight contest.

With titles on the line, prospects rising, and local rivalries igniting, Summer Heat 2025 proved New England’s boxing scene is alive, thriving, and turning up the temperature.