By David Algranati
R&B Promotions launched its 2026 campaign Saturday night at the Hard Rock Atlantic City with Fight Night 5, a six-bout card that featured undefeated prospects, closely matched fights, and multiple stoppage victories. The evening was topped by Philadelphia’s Richard “The Menace” Johnson, who delivered an impressive main event performance.
Main Event — Richard Johnson Stops Eli Grant
Twenty-one-year-old Philadelphia prospect Richard Johnson headlined a professional boxing card for the first time and made the opportunity count, scoring a second-round stoppage over Cincinnati’s Eli “Power” Grant in a four-round super middleweight contest.
Grant entered with height and reach advantages and momentum from a prior upset knockout victory, but Johnson’s sharper technique and punching accuracy proved decisive. After controlling the opening round, Johnson methodically broke Grant down in the second, landing clean power shots from range.
In the second round, a left uppercut from the southpaw Johnson sent Grant through the ropes. Although Grant rose at nine, referee David Fields ruled he was unable to continue.
Official result: Johnson TKO 2 (1:23).
Johnson improves to 9-0 (5), while Grant falls to 1-1 (1).
Co-Main Event — Junior Gonzalez Outpoints Gio Figueroa
New Jersey-based Colombian bantamweight Junior “Demoledor” Gonzalez earned a competitive unanimous decision over New York’s Gio Figueroa in a six-round co-main event.
Gonzalez used quick footwork to overcome height and reach disadvantages early, darting inside to land fast combinations. Figueroa found success boxing from distance in the middle rounds, but Gonzalez repeatedly neutralized those efforts with power shots.
Both fighters had moments late, including uppercuts from Figueroa as Gonzalez pressed forward. The judges scored the bout 58-56 on all three cards for Gonzalez.
Gonzalez advances to 4-0-1 (1). Figueroa’s record moves to 6-1-1 (5).
Rodney Brooks Stops Darius Lesane in Heavyweight Clash
Undefeated heavyweights Rodney “Bad Newz” Brooks and Darius “Dah Gravedigga” Lesane met in a high-impact four-round bout featuring a combined seven knockouts entering the fight.
Lesane showed faster hands early to take the first round, but Brooks’ size advantage — including roughly 70 pounds — and composure shifted momentum in the second. Brooks’ steady jab to head and body appeared to wear Lesane down.
A powerful right hand sent Lesane through the ropes, prompting referee David Franciosi to stop the bout without a count.
Official result: Brooks KO 2 (2:12).
Brooks remains unbeaten at 6-0 (5). Lesane drops to 3-1 (3).
Justin Peñaranda Halts Skyler Bray
In one of several matchups featuring undefeated fighters, Justin “The Promise” Peñaranda scored a second-round TKO over Skyler “The Bulldog” Bray in a six-round lightweight bout — the first scheduled six-rounder for both fighters.
Peñaranda used his height and reach effectively, landing clean power punches from the outside while preventing Bray from establishing inside pressure. A strong right hand closed the first round, and continued heavy shots in the second visibly hurt Bray.
With Bray taking sustained punishment in a neutral corner, referee Shada Murdock stopped the contest.
Official result: Peñaranda TKO 2 (1:17).
Peñaranda improves to 4-0-1 (4), while Bray falls to 3-1-1 (3).
Christian Figueroa Stops Avonte Barr
Atlantic City’s Christian “Spazz” Figueroa kept his perfect knockout streak intact with a second-round stoppage of Philadelphia veteran Avonte Barr in a four-round light heavyweight bout.
Barr started strongly, landing several early shots, but Figueroa quickly responded with his own power to seize control. The second round featured competitive exchanges until a late left hook from Figueroa staggered Barr into the ropes, resulting in a knockdown.
Following the round, Barr’s corner advised referee David Franciosi to stop the fight.
Official result: Figueroa TKO 2 (3:00).
Figueroa moves to 2-0 (2). Barr’s record becomes 1-4 (1).
Mikel Sherard Wins Pro Debut Over Benji Gomez
The evening opened with the professional debut of southpaw Mikel “A-Town” Sherard, who scored a clear unanimous decision over fellow left-hander Benji “The Brawler” Gomez in a four-round super lightweight bout.
Sherard consistently got off first with straighter punches and higher output, scoring knockdowns in both the second and third rounds. Gomez showed toughness by continuing after each knockdown, but Sherard maintained control throughout.
Judges returned scores of 40-34, 40-34, and 40-33 for Sherard.
Sherard begins his career at 1-0, while Gomez drops to 1-7.
Event Notes
Fight Night 5 featured several competitive prospect matchups and continued R&B Promotions’ emphasis on pairing undefeated fighters against meaningful opposition. The event is available for streaming and on-demand replay via BXNGtv.com, with a full photo gallery accompanying the event coverage.
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