UNCANSVILLE, CT.—— ‘Prime Time’ Chris Colbert lived up to his nickname by ending the night with an empathic statement, knocking out the hard-hitting Jaime Arboleda in the 11th round of their featured bout. Colbert, of Brooklyn, came out firing and looking to dispel any notion that he’s not a puncher. He started the fight by delivering a seven punch combo in the first half of the opening round. But, Arboleda (16-2, 13 KOs) would not stop stalking the champion, forcing him against the ropes and firing off power shots, but unfortunately, they weren’t landing flush. Colbert’s fast hands found the wrong home in the 8th when referee Steve Willis docked him a point for low blows. But Colbert’s hand speed was much too much for Arboleda. In the waning seconds of the 9th round, and while cornered, Colbert landed an uppercut and followed it up with a two-punch combo and then a left hook that left Arboleda dazed and deciding to go down to avoid further punishment and end the round. Then in the 11th, Colbert sent Arboleda down twice, and after he got up again, enforced his will by delivering combos while Arboleda was leaning against the ropes forcing Willis to call a halt to the bout with 1:37 remaining. Colbert’s record improves to 15-0 with 6 KOs.
Also featured on the co-main event was 2016 Olympian and Mayweather Promotions prospect Ricardson Hitchins. The Brooklyn native took on former world champion Algenis Mendez that considered a step up in his development. Hitchins, 23, stayed behind a laser jab and was thought to be the clear victor, but he was given the nod by way of a split decision. Judges scored the bout 99-91, 98-92 for Hitchins, and 97-93 for Mendez. With the win, Hitchins moves to 12-0 with 5 KOs.
