The Mohegan Sun Arena saw “Speedy” Rashidi Ellis (26-1, 17 KOs) stop former Ecuadorian champion Jose Angulo (16-10, 9 KOs) to win the vacant WBC US Silver Welterweight title.

Ellis immediately imposed his superior speed and technique in rounds 1 and 2, repeatedly snapping Angulo’s head back behind stinging jabs and sharp right hands. The 28-year-old Ecuadorian began tentatively, covering up and shaking his head whenever Rashidi landed.

“The Savage with a Smile” picked up the pace in round 3, throwing dazzling combinations and counter right hands that befuddled Angulo. Urged by his corner to let his hands go, the Ecuadorian finally began countering in round 4, attempting to back Ellis into the ropes. Unfortunately for Angulo, Rashidi boxed as effectively on the backfoot as he did going forward, peppering Angulo with quick flurries in rounds 5 and 6.

The Lynn, MA native began putting more sting in his punches in round 7, landing heavy shots to the head that rattled Angulo and causing him to cover up again. After the round, Angulo’s corner decided that the Ecuadorian had enough, citing a perforated eardrum.

With the win, Rashidi believes that he is knocking on the door of a world title opportunity.

“I want Brian Norman, Jr., Mario Barrios, or the winner of Ennis vs. Stanionis,” said Ellis after the win. “Any of the champions. I’ve been ready for my shot.”

Carlos Gonzalez and Alex Espinoza battle to a 10-round Draw

In the co-main event, Carlos “El Gallo” Gonzalez (14-0-1, 13 KOs) retained his NABA Featherweight Championship with a 10-round draw against tough Nicaraguan Alex “Supernova” Espinoza (23-6-3, 8 KOs).

Gonzalez, of Springfield, MA, first walked into a boxing gym 2 and a half years ago. The 27-year-old is a quick study, however, winning 14 bouts in 2 years while winning the NABA title by knocking out fellow prospect Duke Micah in the process.

Espinoza, a former WBC International Silver champion, was riding a two-fight win streak going into the bout. The fight began with Gonzalez pressuring Espinoza in rounds 1 and 2 behind hard hooks and right hands. The more experienced Espinoza upped the pace beginning in round 3, focusing on Gonzalez’s body and engaging the Puerto Rican in spots.

The Nicaraguan was able to force Gonzalez to box on the back foot in round 4, and the Springfield native responded with effective counters in rounds 5 and 6. Despite being outgunned by the more powerful Gonzalez, Espinoza was able to set a fast pace that visibly tired the less experienced champion by round 7.

Gonzalez appeared to get his second wind in round 8, determined to press the action behind stiff jabs and right hands. Espinoza came roaring back mid round, landing left and right uppercuts that pushed Gonzalez back. A right hand from Gonzalez knocked Espinoza’s mouthpiece out, but the tough Nicaraguan again dug deep.

The fighters left nothing to chance in the 10th and final round, trading shots in close until the final bell. After 10 nip and tuck rounds, the judges scored the bout a draw with scores of 97-93 for Gonzalez, 96-94 for Espinoza, and 95-95.