Joshua Pagan Remains Undefeated With UD Over Haskell Rhodes

Joshua Pagan of Michigan outdueled veteran Haskell Rhodes in the “Fight of the Night” and the main event of Salita Promotions’ “Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico” event on Friday with a unanimous decision victory from the Coca-Cola Music Hall and on DAZN.

Pagan, whose father grew up in Puerto Rico and later moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Pagan was born, had enthusiastic fans in his corner all night as he moved his record to 11-0 (4 KOs) in the 10-round lightweight victory over Rhodes (31-7, 16 KOs). Scores were 100-90 and 99-91 twice.

Joshua Pagán was in command throughout the fight. Photo: Jesus Muriel

“It was amazing tonight, and the entire crowd was filled with just so much energy,” Pagan said. “I wanted to get the knockout, but he was just so experienced. I give him a lot of credit.”

The all-action fight highlight came in the fifth round with exchanges by both fighters, bringing fans to their feet to show their appreciation to both boxers.

“I wish I would’ve had a couple more rounds,” said Rhodes. “It was a good fight. My hat’s off to Joshua. He fought a clean, smart fight. I love boxing and getting up every day and going to the gym. So I can’t wait to see what’s next for me.”

Carrillo Prevails over Castillo

Juan Carrillo dominated Lenin Castillo to win a unanimous decision and the IBF Light Heavyweight Latino title. Photo: Jesus Muriel

In the co-feature, Juan Carrillo of Barranquilla, Colombia (13-0, 9 KOs)  won the IBF Light Heavyweight Latino title by a decisive unanimous decision over veteran Lenin Castillo of the Dominican Republic (25-6-1, 19 KOs). The judges scored the fight 98-92, 99-91, 100-90.

I was looking for the knockout and tried to get him out of there, but he was a tough opponent,” said Carrillo. “Hopefully, what’s next for me is an opponent with a big name.”

Tapia Defeates Dudek

Kiria Tapoa had little trouble with Beata Dudek. Photo: Jesus Muriel

Hometown San Juan favorite Kiria Tapia (5-0, 0 KOs) remained undefeated with a dominating six-round unanimous decision over Beata Dudek of Hungary (4-5, 4 KOs). The judges all agreed on a shutout, 60-53. Tapia knocked Dudek to the canvas in the first round. She threw her wide left at will in dominating the outclassed Hungarian.

“I was happy to have all the support of my family and fans in attendance,” Tapia said. “I want to keep improving and progressing and my team and I are confident it could lead to a world title shot someday. The early knockdown set the tone for what I was able to do for the rest of the fight.”

Da’Velle Smith needed just one round for a TKO win. Photo: Jesus Muriel

Opening the DAZN card, “Motor City” Detroit’s Da’Velle Smith (10-0, 8 KOs) scored a first-round TKO over Gilberto Santos of Brazil (16-16, 12 KOs). It was never a contest as Smith knocked Smith to the ground twice before the referee had seen enough and called the bout at 2:28 of the first round.

“I felt amazing, and it was fun out there. It didn’t last long but I don’t get paid extra for overtime,” said Smith. “I was able to show the fans in Puerto Rico and around the world just a bit of what I can bring. He came in overweight, but we didn’t complain. We just show up and win.”

Undercard Results

Allen Morales went home a winner. Photo: Jesus Muriel

In preliminary action, all four winners came from the island of Puerto Rico. Allen Morales won a second-round knockout victory; Jorge Vizcarrando from Trujillo Alto delivered a fourth-round TKO at 15 second of the round. Karla Davila and Antonio Mota from Toa Baja both won unanimous decisions.

“Big Time Boxing Puerto Rico” was promoted by Salita Promotions in collaboration with PR Best Boxing Promotions (PRBBP) and 21 Events and is part of Salita Promotions’ “Big Time Boxing USA” series, the leading developmental series for promising prospects and young contenders on their journey toward a world championship.