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 Connecticut 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
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
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.
WHAT:Tickets for all 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame college events at Mohegan Sun Arena are on sale now.
EVENTS:
Basketball Hall of Fame Exhibition Event Monday, October 12 6:30 PM ET – Syracuse vs. UConn (Women) Tuesday, October 13 7:00 PM ET – Syracuse vs. UConn (Men)
Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off Saturday, November 7 4:00 PM ET – Rhode Island vs. Monmouth 7:00 PM ET – Providence vs. Nebraska
Basketball Hall of Fame Women’s Showcase Tuesday, November 24 5:00 PM ET – UCLA vs. St. John’s 8:00 PM ET – UConn vs. South Carolina
WHERE: Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Uncasville, CT 06382
Book The All-Inclusive Party Package During the Heart of Fantasy Draft Season, August 1st – September 8th
UNCASVILLE, CT (July 8, 2026) – Draft season begins at Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, where the Next-Level Draft Party invites fantasy football die-hards to take their draft out of the group text and into the ultimate destination, the massive Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook. From Saturday, August 1st through Tuesday, September 8th, guests can level up their draft day experience with premium seating, all-inclusive food and beverage offerings, and exclusive perks designed to take every league’s draft to elite status. Plus, each package comes with a custom draft board!
The 2026 Playmaker Package offers an all-inclusive sofa draft experience perfect for fantasy football leagues looking to celebrate in style. Available throughout the week, this package includes MVP Sofa Seating for up to 12 guests, ensuring a comfortable and winning atmosphere for every pick, trade, and surprise selection.
Guests will enjoy wings (10 per person) paired with unlimited fries, along with an open bar featuring beer, house liquor, and select cocktails. Each group will receive a draft board with stickers to bring their draft strategy to life, while the draft commissioner will receive a coveted turnover chain to award to the league champion at the end of the season. To complete the experience, each guest will take home branded sunglasses as a fun keepsake from their draft celebration.
The Playmaker Package delivers a full four-hour draft experience and includes a bounce-back offer of $25 in football season food and beverage credit per guest, redeemable between September 9, 2026, and January 10, 2027. This offer is valid once per guest, per visit. Pricing for the Playmaker Package is $110 per person Monday through Thursday and $150 per person Friday through Sunday, with an eight-person minimum required. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook. To reserve a Next-Level Draft Party package, click HERE.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN
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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
Mohegan is excited to announce the appointment of Joe Soper as VP of Sports & Entertainment, where he will oversee strategy and programming for Mohegan Sun’s entertainment as well working collaboratively across Mohegan’s overall portfolio, which includes Mohegan Pennsylvania in Northeast Pennsylvania as well as Fallsview Casino Resort and Casino Niagara In Niagara Falls, Ontario, CA. Mohegan Sun is home to more than 120 concerts and sporting events annually inside the 10,000-seat Mohegan Sun Arena alone, which just recently announced two special 25th Anniversary shows with the legendary rock band, Metallica.
Joe Soper returns to Mohegan following his service on the Mohegan Tribal Council, where he has held the role of Corresponding Secretary since 2019. In this role, Soper was responsible for all correspondence issued by The Tribal Council, and for communicating all appropriate information from the Council to members of the Mohegan Tribe. Prior to his years on the Mohegan Tribal Council, Soper built a 15-year career at Mohegan Sun, first as a Senior Financial Analyst followed by serving as Director of Sports & Entertainment. In his leadership role as Director, Soper was a key asset in helping to grow Mohegan Sun Arena into one of the world’s busiest and most decorated live entertainment venues in the world, while also supporting booking, programming and development initiatives across Mohegan’s broader portfolio.
“Joe Soper is a proven leader with invaluable insight and expertise not only as it applies to Mohegan Sun’s Sports & Entertainment, but as it applies throughout our entire enterprise and we’re thrilled to welcome him back to lead one of the most dynamic areas of our business,” -said David Martinelli, CMO of Mohegan. “His dedication and experience will prove integral to the continued momentum in elevating the future of live entertainment at Mohegan Sun.”
As VP of Sports & Entertainment, Soper will not only oversee the strategic direction and day-to-day programming of Mohegan Sun’s robust entertainment but will also play a key role in cultivating and strengthening high-impact industry partnerships. This includes working closely with leading promoters like Live Nation, top music agencies such as CAA and WME, as well as major sports and entertainment organizations including WWE, to attract premier talent, secure first-to-market performances, and continue elevating Mohegan Sun’s position as a top-tier destination for live entertainment.
Soper attended Western New England University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance.
ABOUT MOHEGAN
Mohegan is the owner, developer, and manager of premier entertainment resorts in the United States and Canada. Mohegan’s U.S. operations include resorts in Connecticut and Pennsylvania and Canadian operations are based in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The brand’s iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, provides cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base and meets the digital needs of North American customers. Mohegan is owner and operator of Connecticut Sun, a professional basketball team in the WNBA. For more information on Mohegan and its properties, please visit mohegangaming.com.
Future bets on the Tournament also open on March 15th inside the Sportsbook; 68-field Tournament takes place March 17th – April 6th
UNCASVILLE, CT (March 11, 2026) – Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook, one of the hottest spots to view the best tournament in sports, is currently taking reservations for the bracket busting early rounds, and beyond. The marquee tournament matchups that get underway on Thursday, March 19th through Sunday, March 22nd, will be in high demand at the Sportsbook, with more information on booking stadium seating, table options or MVP upgrades available HERE. Nothing But Net (And Bets) inside the 11,000 square-foot Mohegan Sun FanDuel Sportsbook offers viewing of all the major games on the Northeast’s largest video wall, as well as featuring no shortage of betting kiosks, cashier windows, delicious food and drink options and more.
What also makes this time of year unique in Connecticut is the futures betting window for the NCAA Division I Basketball Tournament. Wagers on championship picks or deep‑run contenders aren’t available throughout the year, though starting later in the day on Sunday, March 15th and running until tip-off on March 17th, guests can place these exclusive futures bets. This is also the only time all year to bet on UConn. The UConn Women enter as defending national champions and currently ranked #1, while the UConn Men—who have cut down the nets in two of the last three years—are currently ranked #6. Other top Men’s contenders include Duke, Arizona and Michigan.
A Back Court Viewing Party will also take place at Mohegan Sun’s former bus lobby, in the Autumn entrance of the resort on Thursday, March 19th and Friday, March 20th only. Back Court Viewing Party tickets include a buffet, seating, multiple wide screens and a bar sponsored by Modelo, which is also the drink sponsor for Nothing but Net (and Bets). More information is available HERE.
Modelo is the official drink sponsor for both events.
Guests that cannnot make it out to the property but still want to wager on the tournament can do so on the online sportsbook available through ct.sportsbook.fanduel.com and iOS + Android apps.
ABOUT MOHEGAN SUN 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 also operates an iGaming division, Mohegan Digital, in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Ontario, CA providing cutting-edge online gaming solutions to Mohegan’s loyal fan base. 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.
