UNCASVILLE, CT (September 16, 2026) – The 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame will celebrate a historic induction class on Saturday, October 10th at Mohegan Sun, including a special honor for former New England featherweight and super featherweight champion, Joey Negron of Bridgeport. A special ceremony taking place inside Mohegan Sun’s Earth Ballroom is slated for 6:00pm, with tickets available HERE via Eventbrite. The full class of 2026 being recognized at the event are Luis Rosa Sr., Kent Ward, Ken Ezzo, Fernely Feliz Sr., and Rich Cappiello.
After a slow start in 1986, 18-year old Joey Negron caught fire, going undefeated in his next 10 bouts. The streak included a victory over Mike Cappiello to capture the USA New England super featherweight title in May 1991 in Fall River, MA. Soon after Negron scored a TKO over Julio DeJesus to win the USA New England featherweight crown. He successfully defended the title in February 1992 with a TKO victory over Carlos Vergara.
Although he lost his final two pro bouts in Florida and finished with a career record of 14-7-4, Negron faced formidable competition. He retired after six rounds against former world champion John John Molina, who owned a 42-4 record when they met in October 1997. In May 1998, Negron dropped a decision to the undefeated Frank Olsen, who entered the fight with a 25-0 record. As an amateur, Negron was a New York State Golden Gloves champion.
In 2009, Luis Rosa Sr. founded the Boxing in Faith Gym in New Haven, CT with his wife Marilyn. He has earned praise for his ability to mentor and train both amateur and professionals that have come to his gym. One of the best prospects to come out of the gym was his son, Luis Rosa Jr., who passed away in a tragic auto accident in 2018.
A fixture on the New London, CT boxing scene for years because of his leadership, knowledge and dedication as a trainer at the Whaling City Athletic Club, Kent Ward earned further acclaim when he established Championship Rounds, which is a program for boxers with disabilities like Parkinson’s Disease.
Since 2005, Ken Ezzo has been a prominent referee and judge in the amateur and professional ranks in Connecticut. Ezzo is also a recognized historian of the sport, specializing in boxing’s golden era of the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s.
A Dominican Republic native, Fernely Feliz Sr. is a former professional heavyweight who now runs the Champs Boxing Gym in Danbury, CT. He trains sons Ali and Fernely Jr, the latter of whom is an undefeated prospect.
One of the most prominent promoters in New England, Rich Cappiello was honored earlier this year with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Nolan Brothers Boxing. In addition to being involved with “The Contender” reality show, Cappiello has been lauded for his contributions to the Rocky Marciano Foundation. From 1996-2013, Cappiello promoted several events that featured Connecticut fighters.
Recognitions at the 2026 Connecitcut Boxing Hall of Fame Ceremony also include:
- Kamarre Kemp for “Amateur Boxer of the Year.”
- Chordale Booker for “Pro Boxer of the Year”
- Marilyn Rosa for “Pro Official of the Year”
- Phyllis Roy for “Amateur Official of the Year”
- Paul Cichon for “Trainer of the Year”
And finally, the “Contribution to Boxing” award will be presented to Kirk Lang, a longtime journalist and advocate for the sport throughout Connecticut. The late Mark Foster will also receive the “Willie Pep Courage Award.”
For more information on the 2026 Connecticut Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, visit ctboxinghof.com
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Owned by Mohegan, Mohegan Sun is one of the largest, most spectacular entertainment, gaming, dining and shopping destinations in the United States. Situated on 185 acres along the Thames River in scenic Southeastern Connecticut, Mohegan Sun is home to two unique casinos, 1,600 deluxe hotel rooms, two world-class spas, two distinct convention centers, an expo center, a golf course, over 70 shops, restaurants and bars as well as three award-winning entertainment venues including a 10,000-seat Arena. Mohegan Sun is within easy access of New York, Boston, Hartford and Providence and located 15 minutes from the museums, antique shops and waterfront of Mystic Country. More information is available by calling 1.888.226.7711 or visiting mohegansun.com. Connect with us on Facebook, follow us on X and Instagram @mohegansun and view us on YouTube.
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