In the main event of this past weekend’s Detroit Brawl, at the Lincoln Ballroom of the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn, Michigan, WBC #9- and WBO #15-ranked Hugo “The Boss” Centeno Jr. (28-4-1, 15 KOs) dropped a shock majority decision to skillful but unheralded Georgian Antonio Todd (13-5, 7 KOs) in a surprise upset 10-round middleweight main event. (photo by John Rothwell)
Fighting in front of an enthusiastic crowd and despite a strong start, the brisk pace seemed to gas Centeno out in the later rounds, which allowed the determined Todd to climb back into the mix and ultimately scrape out a 97-93, 95-95 and 96-94 majority decision win in an entertaining fight.
In the also hotly contested eight-round co-main event, Detroit’s undefeated Winfred “Hotboy” Harris Jr. (21-1-1, 10 KOs) returned home for the first time in three years to take a close but unanimous decision over Mexico City’s durable Esau Herrera (19-14-1, 8 KOs).
Harris employed a sapping body attack throughout to keep the game Mexican from turning the tide. Aside from another step up the ladder with a satisfying outcome, the victory, scored a respectable 75-73, 77-75 and 79-73, allowed Harris to also pick up the LBF USMC Super Middleweight Championship.
In a pair of anticipated Grand Rapids-centric pro debuts featured on the show, would-be 2020 U.S. Olympic team member Joseph Hicks Jr. is now (1-0, 1 KO) after scoring his first professional win, a TKO 4 (2:33) over Saint Louis, Missouri’s Montrel James (1-8). And in the other anticipated pro debut, lightweight former Amateur National Champion Joshua Pagan (1-0, 1 KO) scored two impressive knockdowns during a KO 2 victory over opponent, Glenn Mitchell (3-7, 3 KOs) of Steubenville, Ohio.
In the supporting bouts, undefeated Detroit super middleweight Gordie Russ II (3-0, 3 KOs) made a successful debut with super trainer Sugar Hill Steward in his corner by scoring two knockdowns and a TKO 1 (time 1:38) over Leslie Michael Klekotta (3-8, 2 KOs).
“Hagler-esque” Detroit middleweight Marlon Harrington (6-0, 5 KOs) furthered his lengthening trail of destruction by brutally beating down Georgia’s Terry Roscoe (2-9) in less than two minutes. Harrington had the reeling Roscoe down twice before finalizing things at 1:44 of the first. The bout had been scheduled for six.
“I am disappointed in the outcome for my fighter, Hugo Centeno,” said promoter Dmitriy Salita. “But I’m also proud to be putting on the kinds of shows where upset like this can happen. Both of the main fight were tough, competitive bouts and the undercard had a lot of action for the big Detroit boxing crowd to enjoy. I’m very happy with the quality of the event. A ticket to a Detroit Brawl will always mean an exciting night at the fights.”
Centeno is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment. Salita Promotions’ Detroit Brawl will return on March 6, 2022.