Morgan City’s unbeaten Deonte Brown extended his perfect record and claimed the WBA Continental Americas Super Featherweight title after outpointing Grimardi Machuca in the main event of Red Owl Boxing: Boxfest XVI at the Commerce Casino in California.
Brown Dominates Machuca for WBA Continental Americas Title
The 29-year-old Louisiana native controlled the pace behind slick head movement and a sharp jab, frustrating the Venezuelan power puncher over ten tactical rounds. Judges scored it 96-94, 96-94, and 97-93 in favor of Brown, who looked a class above as he picked his moments to attack.
“I feel like I went out there and showcased my skills,” said Brown after the win. “We knew he was tough, so we wanted to come for the knockout. It would’ve been better if the knockout came, but we’ll take it how we got it. I feel like I can go ten more rounds.”
The victory moves Brown to 17-0 (11 KOs) and one step closer to title contention in one of boxing’s most competitive divisions.
Saul Sanchez and Edwin Rodriguez Battle to Stalemate
A grudge rematch six years in the making saw Saul Sanchez and Edwin Rodriguez fight to a majority draw in a fiercely contested eight-rounder. Sanchez looked to avenge his 2019 split-decision loss but found Rodriguez equally determined in a bout packed with toe-to-toe exchanges.
Sanchez (21-4-1, 12 KOs) believed he had done enough to edge it:
“I thought I won the fight. I’m not sure what the judges saw. I wasn’t surprised by his approach.”
Rodriguez (12-9-3, 5 KOs) disagreed, claiming the better work:
“The world saw what happened. I came to fight here and I wasn’t the favorite. I thought I did enough to win — I landed the cleaner, harder shots.”
Scorecards read 78-74, 76-76, and 76-76.
Darian Castro Overcomes Knockdown to Stay Perfect
Super bantamweight prospect Darian Castro showed grit and composure, overcoming the first knockdown of his career to earn a unanimous decision over Criztec Bazaldua. The 4-0 talent adjusted after an early scare, using timing and volume to turn the tide.
“I worked hard for this victory,” said Castro. “I stuck to the game plan. Through hard work and dedication, these are the results.”
Ellis Impresses on Pro Debut
In her professional debut, 2020 U.S. Olympian Shakilya Ellis outclassed veteran Maria Salinas over six rounds to announce herself in style. Using her reach and speed, the Boston-born featherweight swept the cards 60-54, 58-56, 59-55.
“It feels like I’m just getting started,” said Ellis. “I accomplished what I had to in the amateurs — now I’m trying to take over the professionals. Most of these females haven’t had to fight someone like me.”
Phipps Edges Thriller, Perez Delivers Brutal Finish
Super bantamweight Cornellio Phipps (6-0, 2 KOs) kept his unbeaten streak alive with a hard-fought split-decision win over Jessie Mandapat. In a back-and-forth bout full of exchanges, Phipps showed poise under pressure.
“I think I did good getting in there with a great opponent,” Phipps said. “I should have used more of my jab, but we pulled it off. I learned a lot from this matchup.”
Earlier, Angel Perez (10-0-1, 8 KOs) set the tone for the night with a devastating first-round body-shot KO over Sachin Rohila.
“That was amazing,” Perez said. “When I landed that body shot, I knew he was going down. I’m thankful and blessed for this win.”
Early Card Round-Up
Before the DAZN cameras rolled, Kamari Burnside (2-0) scored a convincing points win over Obed Sepulveda, while Jorge Ruiz (2-0, 2 KOs) stopped Prince Martin with a body shot in round two.
Narek Hovhannisyan (2-0, 1 KO) earned his first career knockout with a fourth-round stoppage of Eric Howard, and Isaiah Garcia (1-0) opened the night with a DQ win over Clayton Hibbert.
Late-night action saw Alejandro Alvarado, Chantal Sumrall, Samvel Gandilian, and Sasha Saldana all claim unanimous decision victories to close out an event stacked with evenly matched contests — a Red Owl Boxing trademark.
Red Owl Boxing: Boxfest XVI once again delivered on its reputation for real 50/50 fights, with prospects like Brown, Phipps, and Ellis all taking major steps forward on DAZN.
About the Author
Phil Jay is a veteran boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the global fight scene. As Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News (WBN) since 2010, Jay has interviewed dozens of world champions and reported ringside on boxing’s biggest nights.
[View all articles by Phil Jay] and learn more about his work in combat sports journalism.