On Friday, in the main event on ProBox TV, former world champion Can “Monster” Xu lost a split decision in his ring return against Brandon “Leoncito” Benitez.  The scores were 96-94, 96-94 for Benitez and 97-93 for Xu.

“On paper it’s an upset but the scoring, for me, the right guy won the fight,” said Paulie Malignaggi from ringside. “Xu can fight at a high level and Benitez proved tonight that he can fight at a high level. In the latter half of the fight Benitez was starting the exchanges and finishing the exchanges. But Xu stayed in his face the whole time. That was a good, entertaining fight and I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.”

Roy Jones Jr followed up with: “Xu came out on the attack frequently landing the jab but then by round 4 Benitez began countering with combinations. Xu was landing a nice overhand right but didn’t throw it enough and Benitez was landing about 6 shots to every one of Xu’s.”

In the co-featured bout, Cesar “Rainman” Francis KO’d Francisco “Roca” Armenta with an uppercut in round two.  

Francis rocked Armenta in the opening seconds of round two then landed a right uppercut at 2:39. Armenta hit the canvas and Roy Jones Jr stated: “Armenta is out cold.” Armenta landed flat on his back, the referee sent Francis to the neutral corner then knelt over Armenta and waved the fight off at 2:31.

“It was a beautiful performance,” said Francis following the KO. “I worked hard.  My corner made it a tough training camp and listen, I got the knockout baby. People don’t realize I have a lot of experience.  I have been in the game of boxing my whole life since I was eight.  This is incredible.  You have the 140 lb. “rain man” right here and ProBox TV has a great promotion, and they have a great fighter right here.”

Other Results:

Valsaint Wins by TKO 2

162 lbs. Darrelle Valsaint, Orlando, FL, 6-0 5 KO’s vs. 160.8 lbs. Paul Mendez, Delano, California, 21-4-2 11 KO’s 

Islam Wins Unanimous Decision 80-71, 80-71, 80-71

162.6 lbs. Kanat Islam, California via Altay, China, 28-1 22 KO’s vs. 166.8 lbs. Javier Maciel, Buenos Aires, Argentina, 34-17 23 KO’s