Story and Photos By David Algranati
R&B Promotions returned to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for the fourth time this year, staging a stacked twelve-bout showcase titled “Fight Night 4.” The card delivered knockouts, breakout performances, and rising prospects from across the region — all streamed live on BXNGTV.com.
From a heated rematch to an eye-opening debut to championship-style performances, the show reaffirmed Atlantic City’s status as one of the most vibrant fight hubs in the country.
Farrell-Francis Stops Barr in Emotional Rematch
The night opened with a storyline rich in history, as De’Jon Farrell-Francis (4-3, 3 KO) met Avonte Barr in a four-round cruiserweight rematch. Their first clash — Barr’s pro debut and Farrell-Francis’ first career win — took place in 2024, but both entered the sequel coming off knockout victories.
Farrell-Francis pressed the action from the opening bell and took the first round despite suffering a cut over his right eye. Barr responded effectively in the second with sharp, straight punches, until a late right uppercut from Farrell-Francis dropped him. Barr beat the count and fought on, but the momentum had shifted.
In round four, a right-uppercut/left-hook combination put Barr down again. Though he rose, referee Shada Murdock waved it off at 1:25 of the round, giving Farrell-Francis a decisive TKO and the emotional edge in the rivalry.
Jose Soto’s First-Round KO Streak Continues
Cherry Hill’s Jose “The Real Hitman” Soto (4-0, 4 KO) remained impossibly efficient as a professional boxer, scoring his fourth straight first-round stoppage. Despite giving up height and reach to Julio “King Groot” Dos Santos, Soto landed a crushing left hook in the first 20 seconds that changed the fight instantly. Dos Santos never recovered, and after an unanswered barrage referee Eric Dali halted the bout at the 0:56 mark.
Christian “2 Reckless” Ortiz Dominates in Return to Atlantic City
Philadelphia’s Christian Ortiz (7-0, 5 KO) put on a commanding performance in his return to Atlantic City. Facing Daniel Olea — the most experienced opponent of his career — Ortiz showed range, body-work, and ring generalship, dictating the action from both inside and outside.
After four one-sided rounds, Olea retired on his stool, giving Ortiz the TKO victory at 3:00 of the fourth.
“Moobanga” Haywood Survives First Test — and Scores Another KO
Known for ending fights in under 130 seconds, Tyreem “Moobanga” Haywood (7-0, 7 KO) entered unfamiliar waters when Anthony Dill pushed him to a second round — and even bloodied his lip in the process.
But Haywood stayed composed and trusted his power. A concussive right hand with Dill on the ropes sent him to the canvas, and referee Shada Murdock stopped the bout at 2:33 of the second. Haywood remains perfect as a professional with another knockout added to the streak.
Lovera Scores Two Knockdowns in First-Round TKO
Super flyweight prospect Amilliohn “2smooth” Lovera (2-0, 1 KO) impressed in his second pro fight, dropping Angel Ibarra twice in the opening round. A right hand set the tone early, and a follow-up assault prompted referee Shada Murdock to stop the contest at 2:46 of round one.
Rodney “Bad Newz” Brooks Stops Woodson in Second
Heavyweight Rodney “Bad Newz” Brooks (5-0, 4 KO) kept his unbeaten record intact against Anthony S. Woodson III. Brooks out-worked Woodson in the opening round, then scored a knockdown in the second. Woodson beat the count, but a follow-up flurry with Woodson on the ropes brought referee Ricky Vera in at 1:37 of round two.
Christian “Spazz” Figueroa Debuts With Lightning KO
Hometown favorite Christian “Spazz” Figueroa (1-0, 1 KO) made his pro debut in emphatic fashion against Lisandro Perez. A series of clean, powerful hooks sent Perez down twice in the opening minute. The way Perez fell on the second knockdown prompted referee Eric Dali to stop the fight immediately at 0:43 of round one.
Josh “The Real War” Jones Shines Against Danny Gonzalez
In a compelling super lightweight clash, undefeated Josh Jones (10-0-1, 4 KO) took on once-beaten Danny “Dangerous” Gonzalez. Jones’ southpaw hand speed and precision dictated the first two rounds, and swelling developed around Gonzalez’s left eye by the third. After absorbing another difficult round in the fourth, Gonzalez and his corner elected to stop the bout at the bell.
Jones remains unbeaten with a statement victory.
Francisco “Sisco Kid” Rodriguez Continues KO Streak
Welterweight sensation Francisco “Sisco Kid” Rodriguez (8-0, 8 KO) delivered another explosive performance, knocking down Ivan Basurto in the second round and unloading powerful combinations that left Basurto unwilling to continue for the third. The stoppage was ruled at 3:00 of round two — Rodriguez’s eighth stoppage in as many fights.
Juan “Different Breed” Rivera Goes Eight for the First Time
In one of the night’s most anticipated matchups, Juan “Different Breed” Rivera (9-0, 6 KO) took on rugged Argentine veteran Jonathan “El Porto” Eniz. Rivera controlled the early rounds with combinations and telling power shots, including a highlight-reel right uppercut in the third.
As the fight progressed, Eniz landed clean counters but couldn’t keep Rivera from out-working him. After eight competitive rounds, Rivera earned a unanimous decision by scores of 80-72, 80-72, and 79-73.
Richard “The Menace” Johnson Scores Fastest KO of His Career
Philadelphia’s Richard “The Menace” Johnson (8-0, 4 KO) wasted no time in the co-main event, landing a devastating left uppercut to the body of Joseph Esquivel early in the first round. Esquivel collapsed moments later and was unable to beat the count, resulting in a knockout at 0:47 of round one, the fastest of Johnson’s career.
Connor “Adaboy” Adaway Rises to the Moment in a Thrilling Main Event
The featherweight main event saw British veteran Connor “Adaboy” Adaway (10-2-1, 4 KO) square off against power-punching Carlos “Lil’ Manos de Piedra” Jackson (20-4, 13 KO). Jackson pressed forward from the opening bell, but Adaway remained calm under pressure, circling and choosing the right moments to engage.
Once Adaway established his rhythm, his power and work-rate took over. In round seven, a heavy right hand dislodged Jackson’s mouthpiece for the second time, and Adaway swarmed with unanswered punches until referee Shada Murdock stopped the bout at 2:07 of the round.
It was a breakout performance for Adaway, who now sits on a three-fight unbeaten streak.
Closing Thoughts
“Fight Night 4” showcased what R&B Promotions has rapidly become known for — high-energy matchups, rising prospects, and a platform where young fighters build real momentum. With twelve fights, multiple knockouts, and fighters from across the Northeast showing out for their fanbases, Atlantic City remains a thriving battleground for the sport.
