In a breathtaking display of skill and power, “Showtime” Shea Willcox marked his professional debut with a stunning first-round technical knockout of Travis Crain. The junior welterweight match, held at the Bridgewater Veterans Club in Massachusetts during the event dubbed “Fight Night at the Vets Club 2,” showcased Willcox’s promise as he dispatched Crain in mere minutes. The referee, Jackie Morrell, stepped in to stop the bout just one minute and forty-two seconds in, after Crain hit the canvas for the third time, clearly unable to continue.
Willcox, reflecting on his performance, acknowledged his potential for improvement despite the dominant outcome. “I did what we worked on and stayed relaxed,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of patience in the ring over sheer aggressiveness. The 2024 New England Golden Gloves champion and tournament’s Most Outstanding Boxer demonstrated his prowess with a rapid-fire combination of punches—a left hook, followed by a straight right jab, and concluding with a powerful right hook—leaving Crain on the floor for several moments, grimacing in pain. This victory puts Crain at a disheartening 0-5 record as he strives to recover from the harsh realities of professional boxing.
The electric atmosphere in the venue was palpable, with Willcox feeding off the energy of an enthusiastic crowd that packed the venue. While he felt the normal jitters that come with performing under such circumstances, he credited his supporters for helping him channel the tension into a competitive edge. “I am so grateful for all my fans,” he said, echoing his desire for continued growth and his eagerness to get back in the ring within the next few months. This pivotal moment may signify the beginning of a promising career for Willcox, as he aims to stay active in the sport.
The evening, promoted by Granite Chin Promotions, attracted a sold-out crowd, further bolstering boxing’s popularity in the region. The excitement didn’t just stop with Willcox’s bout; the event featured three other undercard fights, which also provided unique moments of drama and competition that were recorded and will be shared on the Bridgewater (BTV) YouTube channel. This movement toward digital broadcasting allows fans unable to attend the matches to engage with the sport and its athletes.
Looking ahead, Granite Chin Promotions has plans for two more boxing cards this year, with the next major event scheduled for November 1st at the DCU Center in Worcester. This matchup will showcase undefeated Denzel Whitley going against Josniel Castro in a thrilling super welterweight clash expected to draw significant local interest. Then, on November 27th, heavyweight Kevin Nagle will be featured in his fifth bout of the year, promising to maintain the momentum created by Willcox’s debut.
In the co-main event, the middleweight clash between Massachusetts champion Julien “Black Dragon” Baptiste and Ryan Clark ended in a curious eight-round split decision draw. Despite Baptiste clearly controlling the fight and landing the majority of significant strikes, the judges’ scorecards reflected a contentious conclusion, with scores that didn’t align with the fight’s apparent flow. Baptiste’s ability to corner Clark and unleash stinging left and right hooks showcased his aggression, and he notably opened a serious cut above Clark’s eye, yet Clark was awarded an anomalous score from Judge Joe Apice.
This decision raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, considering Baptiste had previously defeated Clark by unanimous decision only months earlier under similar conditions. Baptiste, now unbeaten in four of his last five bouts, is left wondering how such discrepancies will affect his career moving forward.
The undercard delivered its own share of excitement, epitomized by the thrilling contest between Alfred “Keenan” Raymond and Daniel “The Hudson Valley Kid” Sostre, which concluded in a hard-fought split decision draw. Both fighters exchanged volleys with great intensity, with Raymond landing cleaner punches and inflicting damage that bore evidence on Sostre’s face. While Sostre had entered the fight looking to end a lengthy losing streak, his accuracy and power in exchanges were notable against a determined opponent.
Brandon Sandoval’s unanimous decision victory over Stephen Davis provided further action, as Sandoval’s body shots effectively wore down Davis, leading to a decisive edge in the latter rounds. Sandoval improved his record, showcasing his growing potential, while Davis faced ongoing challenges in finding his footing within the competitive landscape of professional boxing.
The event at Bridgewater Veterans Club not only highlighted the emergence of promising talents like Shea Willcox but also underscored the unpredictable nature of boxing, where every round can shift the dynamics of a fighter’s career. As Granite Chin Promotions continues to create opportunities for athletes in Massachusetts, the boxing landscape in New England appears poised for growth and excitement in the upcoming months.