With Cool Boy Steph in the house, Johnny “Different Breed” Rivera is victorious, and The Irish Assassin Brendan O’Callaghan steals the show at The Blueprint Fight Night Series 1
By: George H. Hanson Jr., Esq.
Date: April 11, 2026
Venue: 2300 Arena– Philadelphia, PA
Promoter: Brian Costello,
Matchmaker: Nick Tiberi
Ring Announcer: Mark Fratto
Referees: Dave Braslow & Ricky Gonzalez
Ringside Doctor: Tony Al-Amin
Ringcard Ladies: Jade, Kaym & Olivia
Timekeeper: Alice “The G.O.A.T” Grady
Cutmen: Billie Briscoe & Danny Davis
Coverage: Millions.co
Gloves: “Put Up Your Dukes” brand – www.kdukesboxing.com
Photos: Darryl Cobb Jr.
I reached the arena just ten minutes before the first bout was scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM. Upon arrival, I was surprised to find that the parking lot behind the arena—my usual parking spot—was already full, and the gate was closed. Hoping to find an alternative, I drove around to the front of the arena, only to be informed that no parking was available there either. The situation made me feel reminiscent of Joseph and Mary searching for lodging in Bethlehem, only to be turned away.
Determined to find a solution, I drove a block down the road and, fortunately, located a parking spot. After parking, I got some exercise by briskly walking to the venue. At the box office, I picked up my press credential and then entered the building, making my way to my ringside seat at 7:10 PM.
My seat for the evening was strategically positioned just three feet behind timekeeper Alice “The G.O.A.T” Grady. Nearby, heavyweight contender Joey “The Tank” Dawejko was present, looking every bit ready for action. The atmosphere was further enriched by the presence of notable figures in the boxing world. Three seats to my left sat Danny “Swift” Garcia, the retired two-division World Champion, alongside his father and trainer, Angel Garcia. As the night unfolded, we were joined by one of my favorite fighters, Stephen “Cool Boy Steph” Fulton, himself a two-division World Champion. With them was Juan Marrero, an undefeated lightweight prospect widely regarded as a future world champion.
Fortunately, the first bout did not commence until approximately 7:20 PM, giving me ample time to settle in and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the packed arena. The venue quickly reached full capacity, a testament to Philadelphia’s enduring reputation as “The Capital of Boxing.”
As the evening progressed, my anticipation for the main event – the sixth and final bout – only grew. Tonight’s headline bout featured an intriguing eight-round contest between Johnny “Different Breed” Rivera and southpaw Alex “Chi-Town Heat” Martin. Rivera, just twenty years old and undefeated with a record of (9 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 5 kos) would be defending his NBA Regional Continental Junior-Welterweight title. Standing across from him was the seasoned thirty-six-year-old Martin, whose record included (19 wins – 10 losses – 0 draws – 6 kos), hailing from Chicago, Illinois.
What made this matchup particularly compelling was Rivera’s challenge: facing a fighter who has proven himself against formidable opponents. Martin holds victories over Hammerin’ Hank Lundy, a former world title contender, and rising star Daiyaan Butt. On August 8, 2022, Martin secured a unanimous ten-round decision win over Lundy in Fort Worth, Texas. More recently, on July 25, 2025, he earned an eight-round unanimous decision against Butt. These achievements highlight Martin’s skill and determination, representing two of his three wins in his last ten fights.
Martin’s unpredictability added an extra element of suspense, like the excitement you get from the State Lottery. I found myself wondering which version of Martin would appear in the ring tonight: the relentless competitor who toppled top challengers, or a less formidable presence. With Rivera’s youth and momentum set against Martin’s experience and unpredictability, the stage was set for an exciting and uncertain showdown.
The opening round followed the familiar pattern of a cautious feeling-out process. Both fighters relied heavily on the jab, each searching for opportunities to assert themselves. Rivera pressed forward, while Martin retreated, circling around the ring and peppering his jab. Aside from a handful of jabs landing, and Rivera sneaking in a few hooks to Martin’s body, there was little notable action. I scored the opening round for Rivera.
As the second round commenced, Martin adopted a high guard and moved continuously around the ring, resembling a gloved punching bag more than a competitive opponent. Rivera targeted Martin’s body, repeatedly trying to break through his defensive posture. The bout unfolded with minimal change after the second stanza, each subsequent round echoing the previous. This lack of meaningful action could prompt the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission to scrutinize Martin’s performance for possible disciplinary measures or suspension. Although it remains uncertain whether Martin was dealing with an injury, his approach throughout seven rounds consisted entirely of absorbing Rivera’s offense and defending, while offering nothing in return.
The spectacle was so devoid of competitive action that it felt as though a heavy bag could have been placed in the ring in Martin’s place and the audience would have witnessed the same outcome—Rivera pounding away for twenty-one minutes. Out of respect for boxers, who risk their lives every time they step into the ring, I am always reluctant to criticize harshly. However, I must object to a performance where a fighter does little more than absorb punishment without meaningful resistance. Watching Martin endure twenty-one minutes of passive defense was, frankly, an indignity for the sport.
The sole instance in which Martin made a significant impact was not through skillful offense, but rather by landing an uppercut below the beltline, striking Rivera in the groin in the seventh round. This foul prompted referee Gonzalez to deduct a point from Martin. Unsurprisingly, the judges awarded Rivera a unanimous decision victory with identical 80-71 scorecards across the board. Martin’s approach throughout the bout suggested that he was simply fighting to make it to another payday, focusing on avoiding a stoppage and the resulting mandatory suspension. His lack of offensive intent or competitive drive was evident, as he appeared more interested in surviving than in winning or even engaging. The hope now is that this lackluster display might mark the end of Martin’s boxing career, as it seems clear that his days in the ring should be behind him. In fact, witnessing such an uninspired performance was so disappointing that, metaphorically speaking, I would have preferred to endure the humiliation of being stripped naked, covered in honey, and left atop an ant hill than to watch Martin’s passive display again.
The fifth bout of the evening featured Brendan “The Irish Assassin” O’Callaghan (7 wins – 4 losses – 2 draws – 2 kos) from Philadelphia, who certainly lived up to his fierce nickname. O’Callaghan faced John Brewer (4 wins – 16 losses – 1draw – 2 kos) of Jefferson City, Missouri, and wasted no time asserting dominance, finishing the contest in the second round just thirty-seven seconds after the bell with an emphatic technical knockout.
The opening round saw O’Callaghan executing the game plan laid out by his trainer, George Gee. He utilized his jab effectively and maintained control of the action from the outset. A minute into the round, Brewer switched to southpaw to confuse O’Callaghan. Despite this adjustment, O’Callaghan remained composed, continuing to use his jab and throwing several overhand rights. O’Callaghan finished the round with a flurry, putting Brewer on defense. The bell intervened just in time to spare Brewer from being overwhelmed. However, O’Callaghan returned to his corner with a cut above his left eye, the cause of which was unclear—whether from a punch, an elbow, or a headbutt. With Hall of Fame Cutman Danny Davis in his corner, there was no cause for concern regarding the cut sustained during the bout. Davis’s expertise and reputation provided reassurance that any injury would be managed efficiently, allowing O’Callaghan to remain focused on his performance in the ring.
However, entering the second round, O’Callaghan wanted to decide the outcome and displayed a heightened sense of urgency, motivated by concern over the cut and the possibility of the fight being stopped, which could have resulted in a technical knockout loss if the injury was ruled caused by a legal punch. He pressed forward with determination, backing Brewer up and trapping him in a corner. O’Callaghan unleashed a twenty-punch combination, overwhelming Brewer. Recognizing the danger, Brewer’s corner, led by Billy Briscoe, intervened to halt the bout and prevent a knockout. O’Callaghan was awarded a technical knockout victory just thirty-seven seconds into the round, a performance that earned him an additional $1,000 check for “Knockout of the Night.”
The first fight of the evening showcased two debuting heavyweights: thirty-six-year-old Sanjay “Unruly” Davis from Jamaica, fighting out of Philadelphia, and twenty-seven-year-old Justin Litz of Pennsylvania. This contest was a rematch of their earlier amateur encounter. On December 13, 2025, Davis defeated Litz by decision in a three-round amateur bout held at Harrah’s Philadelphia in Chester, Pennsylvania. Litz, standing at 6 ft 3 inches and weighing 245 lbs., was determined to avenge his loss against his 5 ft 10 inches, 210 lbs. adversary.
From the opening bell, Davis seized the initiative, staying in constant motion and unloading punches on his larger opponent. His overhand right repeatedly crashed off Litz’s head, but the big man’s granite chin kept him unfazed despite the accurate shots. Davis’ trainer, Johnny Rivera, shouted encouragement, comparing his fighter’s style to Floyd Mayweather midway through the round. The action was brisk and energetic, prompting speculation about whether the heavyweights could maintain such a frenetic pace throughout all rounds. The first round was awarded to Davis, and Rivera told him, “Easy work, you got three more in the bag!” before the start of the next round.
The second round saw a dramatic shift in momentum as Litz came alive and took control of the action. He unleashed a series of vicious body shots that visibly hurt Davis, outworking his Jamaican opponent throughout the round. Davis continued to utilize his jab, but it was clear that his energy was waning and he was fading. There was no doubt that Litz dominated the second round, seizing the advantage and raising the possibility of a comeback.
The action remained intense as the bout entered the third round. Davis responded by landing several overhand rights that bounced off Litz’s head, but these powerful shots did not seem to faze the larger man. Litz’s durability was on full display, as he marched forward through Davis’s barrage of punches—unfazed and determined to finish the fight. At ringside, Davis caught my attention, noticing the Jamaican flag tie around my neck as a sign of support. Despite being visibly exhausted, Davis managed to edge the round by landing more punches overall. He returned to his corner ahead on my scorecard, 29-28, demonstrating resilience and determination even as fatigue threatened to overtake him.
As the bout entered its fourth and final round, Justin Litz maintained his role as the aggressor. He relentlessly pressed forward, forcing Sanjay Davis onto the back foot throughout their exchanges. The action reached a dramatic peak when, during a heated exchange, Litz threw Davis through the ropes and out of the ring. It took nineteen seconds for Davis to recover and re-enter the ring, creating a moment of suspense for both the fighters and the audience. Referee Braslow immediately penalized Litz for the infraction, deducting a point from his score. Despite Litz’s robust performance in the round, the point deduction meant that the round was scored 9-9 instead of 10-9 in his favor. This adjustment was crucial to the overall outcome; without the deduction, the fight would have ended in a draw at 38-38. However, with the penalty, Davis edged ahead, resulting in a score of 38-37 on my card.
With anticipation mounting, I awaited the official judges’ decisions to see how they compared to my own scorecard. Two judges scored the bout 39-36, and the third judge’s score mirrored my own at 38-37—all in favor of Davis. Thus, Sanjay Davis emerged victorious by unanimous decision in a thrilling contest.
The third fight of the evening brought together two promising eighteen-year-old featherweights: Otabek Melikov, representing Uzbekistan and fighting out of Philadelphia, and Irvin Rodriguez from Mexico. Melikov entered the contest with an undefeated record (2 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 1 ko) while Rodriguez stood at (2 wins – 1 loss – 0 draws – 0 kos). From the opening bell, the bout was marked by relentless action as Melikov consistently threw punches while moving, never allowing Rodriguez to settle or exchange blows from a stationary position. Melikov’s strategy was clear: maintain mobility and avoid standing toe-to-toe with the powerful Rodriguez. Whenever Rodriguez managed to get close, Melikov would clinch, effectively neutralizing his opponent’s offense.
Rodriguez, whose combinations invariably began with a left hook, rarely utilized the jab, raising questions about his fundamentals. Despite lacking knockout victories on his record, Rodriguez demonstrated considerable punching power, as evidenced by Melikov’s reluctance to engage in stationary exchanges. Throughout the contest, Rodriguez pressed forward undeterred, absorbing Melikov’s hardest shots with remarkable resilience and showcasing a cast iron chin.
The spirited match served as an invaluable learning experience for Melikov, who boxed intelligently and earned a unanimous decision victory, 40 -36 on all three scorecards. As for Rodriguez, his determination, stamina, and resistance to punches suggest considerable potential. With improved boxing fundamentals, particularly the jab and defensive skills, Rodriguez could rise through the ranks. There is hope that, given their talent and tenacity, Melikov and Rodriguez may one day meet again, in a world title bout.
The atmosphere in the arena was electric as Donta “Tay Too Sharp” Swedenburg, a debuting middleweight, entered the ring. Swedenburg’s arrival was met with thunderous cheers, signaling his status as the night’s biggest ticket seller and setting the tone for what would become a memorable fight. The crowd’s excitement peaked when Swedenburg appeared from the dressing rooms and continued to build as Mark Fratto began the introductions. With Swedenburg’s name announced, the audience erupted once more, making it clear that he was the fan favorite.
Swedenburg did not disappoint his supporters. Sporting exquisitely tailored purple trunks, he began the bout against Soslan Alborov (1 win – 4 losses – 1 draw – 1 ko), a Russian fighter based in Philadelphia. Swedenburg listened to his trainers, Bud Harris and Timmy Sinese, demonstrated his talent from the start and boxed impressively for all four rounds. His performance was marked by a sharp jab, impressive lateral movement, and efficient combinations, all while maintaining a solid defensive stance. Over the course of the fight, Swedenburg’s dominance was clear, and he pitched a shutout, winning a unanimous decision with a score of 40-36 on all three judges’ scorecards.
Although Alborov pressed forward aggressively and aimed his punches with determination, Swedenburg responded with the calm confidence typical of an experienced pro. He delivered a masterclass in boxing, expertly navigating his opponent’s attacks, including several powerful overhand rights. Alborov’s determination and ruggedness were evident, but Swedenburg’s skills proved superior. To quote boxing legend Michael Gerard Tyson, “Swedenburg’s style was impetuous and his defense was impregnable.” The bout was a wonderful debut for Swedenburg, solidifying his status as a favorite among Philadelphia boxing fans.
Following the action-packed bouts and outstanding performances witnessed throughout the evening, both fighters were rewarded for their exceptional efforts. Each competitor received a check for $1,000 in recognition of their participation in what was deemed the “Fight of The Night.” This acknowledgement underscored the skill, determination, and entertainment value displayed in the ring, making the event memorable for fans and participants alike.
Thank you for reading this far. Well, Alex Martin isn’t the only fighter whose performance tonight makes a compelling argument for suspension by the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission. In the fourth bout of the afternoon, someone forgot to tell Alejandro “Finito” Herrera (5 wins – 5 losses – 1 draw – 2 kos) Jalisco, Mexico – that the Junior Black Mafia has been disbanded and no longer operating in Philadelphia. Because tonight he came to lay down and not get down!
The fourth bout – a scheduled four-round junior-featherweight contest featured sixteen-year-old David “King” Garcia of Las Vegas, who entered with an undefeated record (5 wins – 0 losses – 0 draws – 4 kos), facing thirty-four-year-old Herrera. The bout concluded abruptly when Herrera took a knee and remained there until referee Ricky Gonzalez counted him out. The decisive blow appeared elusive, as it was unclear which punch led Herrera to the canvas, prompting questions about the validity of the stoppage.
From the opening bell, Garcia’s performance lacked the polish expected of a rising star. His movements resembled a gloved robot—throwing punches in a manner reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s “robot dance” on “Soul Train.” This awkward display left little impression, raising doubts about his abilities. It was difficult to discern whether the spectacle was a trick of the eye or a reflection of Garcia’s style.
A closer look at Garcia’s record reveals that his previous five opponents had a combined tally of 4 wins, 26 losses, 1 draw, and 1 ko—twenty-one of those losses coming by knockout. This raises concerns about the quality of opposition Garcia has faced thus far. The intent is not to disparage anyone, especially a teenager, but the level of competition makes it difficult to fairly assess his potential. The metaphor stands: you cannot expect a pigeon to be described as a gamecock, nor can Garcia be compared to the legendary Wilfred Benitez at this stage. Across five bouts, Garcia has faced adversaries who have provided minimal opposition.
Garcia faced Herrera, who seemed more interested in taking a knee than trading blows—as if he were a quarterback in a football huddle. Reflecting on past standards, thirty years ago the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commission would have withheld Herrera’s purse for such a performance. The outcome and display speak for themselves.
Tonight’s card offered a wealth of memorable moments across its six scheduled bouts, showcasing the full range of boxing—from skillful displays and a knockout to moments of controversy. The evening was a testament to the sport’s unpredictability and excitement, with each match contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in the packed venue. The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting the satisfaction and anticipation that filled the air throughout the event. Congratulations to the “Irish Assassin,” who earned the “Knockout of the Night,” and for Donta Swedenburg and Soslan Alborov, who were recognized for their roles in the “Fight of the Night.” Your efforts and displays of skill made this event a memorable occasion for everyone in attendance.
Stephen Fulton and Danny Garcia weren’t the only celebrities in the building. Among those in attendance, it would be incomplete not to acknowledge the presence of my favorite uncle, Hall of Fame Promoter J. Russell Peltz. He occupied his customary ringside seat, a position he has long held at Philadelphia boxing events. Seated alongside him was our mutual friend, Rachel Rose, whose support for the sport is well known. Just a seat away sat Pennsylvania Hall of Fame boxer and Philly legend Anthony Boyle, adding further distinction to the gathering. Their presence underscored the significance of the event and the sense of tradition that permeated the evening.
All in all, the night stood out as a truly special occasion for boxing, with the combination of celebrated guests and thrilling matches making it memorable for everyone involved.
Continue to support the sweet science, and remember, always carry your mouthpiece!
ghanson18@icloud.com
