Heavyweight Action for Don King’s “Only in America 92 Celebration”

By Matthew Benoliel

November 5, 2023. Miami, Florida.  Don King Productions, Inc. returned to Casino Miami Jai-Alai last evening for another night of championship boxing, punctuated by the crowning of a new WBC World Cruiserweight Title. 

In the main event, Noel Mikaelian (now 27-2, 12 KOs) from Miami, FL via Armenia, knocked out Ilunga Makabu (now 29-4, 25 KOs) of Johannesburg, South Africa via DRC. Makabu challenged for the WBC World title back in February on the undercard of Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, but was stopped by Badou Jack in the twelfth round. Jack soon vacated the title, which was up for grabs last night. Mikaelian, on the other hand, was coming off a three-fight win streak in which he collected both the WBC International and WBC Silver Cruiserweight belts from Jesse Bryan and Youri Kalenga, respectively. 

The southpaw Makabu spent most of the first round with his lead hand extended, trying to find his range. Several jabs connected on his opponent, but nothing significant was landed by either fighter. Mikaelian changed gears in the second round and dropped Makabu with a right hand. With a minute left to go in the round, Mikaelian seized the advantage and came just short of a second knockdown at the end of the round, landing several unanswered hooks to Makabu’s midsection. Round three was again dominated by Mikaelian, who rocked Makabu with a right hand. Referee Gene Del Blanco issued the standing eight count and the action was allowed to continue. With one minute to go in the round, Mikaelian landed another vicious combination, wobbling Makabu and prompting Del Blanco to call a halt to the action. 

On a side note, the great Canelo Alvarez once challenged Makabu in a bid to win a title at Cruiserweight. It will be interesting to see if Canelo decides to make this move in the upcoming future. 

Heavyweight Jonathan Guidry (now 20-1-2, 12 KOs) retained his WBC Fecarbox and NABA Gold Heavyweight titles defeating Jesus Escalera (19-1, 19 KOs). Escalera has managed to compile an impressive knockout streak and one would have expected this fight to last more than two rounds. Guidry, whose only career loss was in a WBA world title match against Trevor Bryan in January of 2022, dominated this bout from the onset. In round two, Guidry landed a left hook to the liver of Escalera that ended the fight. 

In other heavyweight action, Cassius Chaney (now 23-1, 16 KOs) defeated hometown favorite and former WBA World Heavyweight Champion Trevor Bryan ( now 22-2-0, 15 KOs).  Bryan found himself in deep trouble after a sharp right uppercut from Chaney landed him on the canvas. Bryan got back up but took another big shot by Chaney which wobbled him at the end of the round. Chaney landed another big right hand at the end of the third round. The fourth frame saw a lull in the action and Chaney allowing Bryan back into the action. It seemed that Chaney was just taking a break. As he stood waiting for the bell to begin the fifth round, he gave his opponent a cold stare across the ring and sure enough turned up the heat, landing several big combos that left Bryan once again on shaky legs. Round six was less eventful, and a better round for Bryan, who was given another chance but failed to throw his right hand. Round seven was devastating for the former champion as Chaney landed a big right hand, than another, and a final one which sent Bryan straight down to the canvas. Bryan was in trouble and had to be stretchered out. All here at The Fighting News are praying for Trevor Bryan’s safety and recovery as he was heard saying that he could not feel his legs. 

In a middleweight attraction, Alexander Castro (13-1-0, 12 KOs) easily defeated Hector Bobadilla (9-16-1, 4 KOs) by TKO stoppage at 1:15 of round three. A big left hook dropped Bobadilla in the second round but he was saved by the bell. After being checked by the ringside physician, round three ensued, and Bobadilla tried to rally, but was dropped by a final left to body.

There were two swing bouts on the card. The more notable of the two featured lightweights Isaiah Efrain Riquelmy (now 6-1-0, 4 KOs), whose only career loss came at the hands of rising prospect Benigno Aquilar (11-0, 4 KOs). Riquelmy faced Rondale Hubbert (15-25-3, 9 KOs) of Duluth, Minnesota. Efrain controlled the action throughout the six rounds with a stiff jab and impressive combinations from a variety of angles. Fighting out of a southpaw stance with former world champion Nate Campbell in his corner, Riquelmy scored an unanimous decision, winning all rounds on the judge’s scorecards. 

In a six round contest at super middleweight, Cory Caad (4-4, 2 KOs) of San Antoni, Texas defeated Isiah Hart (6-4-1, 4 KOs) of Mays Landing, N.J.. Caad dominated the action against Hart’s unorthodox style to win decisively by scores 59-55 x 2, and 60-54. 

The production featured an interview with Don King and a slideshow highlighting his long career as boxing’s premier promoter. Former World Champions Corey Spinks, Michael Moorer, and Pinklon Thomas were in attendance. 

Don King’s Only in America 92 Celebration was shown on PPV on FiteTV.com and www.Donking.com

Don King Productions, Inc. returns to Casino Miami Jai-Alai on December 2nd with another exciting card featuring Adrien Broner.