On November 13, 2024, the Greater Newark Boys and Girls Club was transformed into a battlefield of rising talent as Strict Biz Promotions hosted an unforgettable night of boxing. Fans from across Delaware packed the venue to witness six exciting bouts, featuring a mix of debuting fighters, local prospects, and experienced warriors. Each fight told its own story, with the main event between Jalique Holden and JeoVanny Tellez capping off the evening in spectacular fashion.
Holden vs. Tellez: A Featherweight War for the Ages
The main event began with fireworks as JeoVanny Tellez (13-2-0 9 KOs) charged out of his corner, immediately pressuring Jalique Holden (8-0-0 6 KOs). Tellez, known for his heavy hands, quickly found his range and unleashed a series of powerful punches that kept Holden on the back foot.
For much of the first round, Holden struggled to counter Tellez’s aggression. The Newark crowd watched anxiously as Tellez landed flush shots that seemed to stagger the previously undefeated fighter. But Holden’s resilience shone through as he weathered the storm, ending the round battered but still standing.
Holden Adjusts and Fires Back
In the second round, Holden made critical adjustments. Utilizing his jab and footwork, he began to circle the ring, creating distance and landing sharp punches to the body. This slowed Tellez’s momentum and gave Holden the breathing room he desperately needed.
However, the drama wasn’t over. Toward the end of the round, Tellez connected with a thunderous right hand that momentarily stunned Holden. Yet the younger fighter showed incredible grit, recovering quickly and continuing to hold his own. This resilience would set the tone for the remainder of the fight.
Precision vs. Power: Holden Takes Over
By the third round, Holden had found his rhythm. His sharp counters and precise combinations began to frustrate Tellez, who resorted to questionable tactics. Repeatedly, Tellez held Holden’s left hand under his arm to stifle his offense while throwing punches with his free hand.
The referee, positioned on Tellez’s left side, missed much of the infraction, leaving the crowd in uproar. But Holden stayed focused, landing the cleaner and more effective shots throughout the round.
An All-Out War in the Final Rounds
The fourth and fifth rounds turned into a battle of wills. Holden, now fully in control, alternated between inside fighting and long-range boxing, landing punches with pinpoint accuracy. Tellez, swinging for the fences, connected with a few big shots, but Holden’s granite chin absorbed the punishment.
The exchanges became more intense as both fighters refused to back down. By the end of the fifth round, the crowd was on its feet, cheering for the heart and skill displayed by both warriors.
Holden’s Masterclass in the Sixth Round
The final round showcased the best of Holden’s abilities. His footwork, ring IQ, and composure allowed him to dominate Tellez, who continued to swing wildly in search of a knockout. Holden’s crisp combinations and evasive movement punctuated a brilliant performance.
When the final bell rang, the Newark crowd erupted in applause. Holden earned a hard-fought majority decision victory, with two judges scoring in his favor and one calling it a draw. The fight solidified his status as a rising star in the featherweight division.
Image Courtesy of Kenny Ludwig Photos
David “Hot Sauce” Hardy Shows Maturity Beyond His Years
The co-main event featured David Hardy (3-0-0 3 KOs), an 18-year-old featherweight prospect, against Tristian Lackey (0-2-0 0 KOs). Despite his youth, Hardy displayed a level of confidence and composure rarely seen in fighters his age.
From the opening bell, Hardy controlled the action with a calculated approach. He changed levels seamlessly, landing jabs, overhands, and hooks to the body. Lackey, while game and determined, couldn’t keep up with Hardy’s pace and precision.
In the second round, Hardy turned up the intensity. Sensing an opportunity, he pressed forward aggressively, forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight just 32 seconds into the round. Hardy’s dominance left no doubt about his potential as a future star in the division.
Carlos Rivera Impresses in Dominant Pro Debut
Super featherweight Carlos Rivera (1-0-0 0 KOs) announced his arrival to the professional ranks with a commanding performance against Stephen Davis (1-6-0 1 KO). Rivera came out aggressively, cutting off the ring and landing sharp combinations to the head and body.
By the second round, Rivera’s pressure was unrelenting. He shrugged off Davis’s counterpunches, even taunting his opponent by punching his own chin after absorbing a clean shot. Rivera continued to land punishing body shots, visibly hurting Davis.
The final round saw Davis attempt to mount a comeback, increasing his output. However, Rivera’s pace and precision proved too much, earning him a unanimous decision victory.
Allen Otto Stops Michael Scott in Middleweight Clash
The night opened with a middleweight bout between Michael Scott (0-2-1 0 KOs) and Allen Otto (3-0-1 3 KOs). Scott started strong, using his jab to control the action and landing straight lefts to the body. However, Otto’s power turned the tide in the second round. After dropping Scott twice, Otto sealed the deal with a third-round TKO.
Langer Outclasses Wilson in Cruiserweight Bout
In a four-round cruiserweight contest, Tyler Langer (3-0-0 2 KOs) faced debuting fighter Anthony Wilson (0-1-0 0 KOs). Langer’s superior technique was evident as he landed combinations at will while slipping most of Wilson’s shots. All four rounds followed the same pattern, resulting in a dominant unanimous decision victory for Langer.
Wilkins and Lynn Showcase Skill in Exhibition
An exhibition bout between unbeaten welterweights Adonis Wilkins (4-0-0 3 KOs) and Frankie Lynn (5-0-0 3 KOs) provided a display of skill and technical prowess. Though the fight didn’t count toward their records, it hinted at a potential future rivalry between these two talented prospects.