In a dazzling display of skill and determination, the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, played host to an unforgettable night of boxing on February 23, 2026. The ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ lived up to its name, delivering a thrilling spectacle of championship performances and rising stars making their mark in the sport.
The main event saw local hero Alex Bray, hailing from Melbourne, Florida, put on a masterclass in the super welterweight division. Bray, with an unblemished record of 11-0 and 8 KOs, outclassed his Argentine opponent, Rodrigo Damian Coria, over ten rounds to claim the WBA Continental Latin American title. Bray’s precise combinations, ring intelligence, and defensive prowess earned him a unanimous decision victory with scorecards of 97-93, 99-91, and 100-90.
‘This is a dream come true,’ Bray stated after the fight. ‘To win my first regional title in my home state is something I’ll never forget. Coria is a tough, experienced fighter, but I stayed composed and executed my game plan perfectly. This belt is just the beginning; I’m ready for bigger challenges.’
The co-main event featured the heavyweight showdown between undefeated Cuban Dainier ‘The Fear’ Pero and veteran Donald Haynesworth. Pero, ranked WBA #7, defended his WBA Continental USA Heavyweight title with a statement victory. Pero’s powerful combinations left Haynesworth with a broken nose, forcing the referee to stop the fight in the second round. With a record of 13-0 and 10 KOs, Pero is set to climb even higher in the heavyweight rankings.
‘I had a great training camp, and it showed in this fight,’ Pero said. ‘Every fight is a step toward the world title, and I treat it that way. I respected Haynesworth’s power, but my speed, conditioning, and preparation made the difference. The heavyweight division is on notice; I’m coming for everyone.’
In the lightweight division, Gabriela Tellez continued her ascent with a first-round stoppage victory over Crystal Garcia Nova. Tellez’s relentless pressure forced Nova to retire due to a shoulder injury, earning Tellez the WBA Female Continental Americas title. With a record of 7-0 and 3 KOs, Tellez is quickly making a name for herself in the lightweight division.
‘I came in prepared to dominate from the first bell,’ Tellez stated. ‘Although the fight ended due to injury, I trained to set a fast pace and show I belong at the top of this division. Winning this title proves that I’m on my way to bigger fights. This is a huge step forward, and I’m only getting started.’
The ‘Sunshine State Showdown’ was a testament to the bright future of boxing, with young talents like Bray, Pero, and Tellez showcasing their skills and determination. As they continue their ascent in their respective divisions, the boxing world eagerly awaits their next performances.
Team_TBE Boxing
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