Bryan Domingo connects with a punch to the face of Oscar Pogline. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Story and photos by Ardie Crenshaw
House of Pain Promotions and Robert Garcia Boxing returned to Soboba Casino Resort on July 11 with War in the Empire II, a card showcasing rising professional talent and several local favorites before a hometown crowd.
Menifee’s Bryan Domingo earned Fight of the Night honors with a majority decision victory over Oscar Pogline in an action-packed four-round bout. Judges scored the contest 38-38, 39-37 and 39-37.
Domingo pressed the action from the opening bell, backing Pogline up with a steady attack of power punches throughout the fight. Pogline found success at times by creating distance and landing clean countershots, but Domingo’s relentless pressure proved to be the difference. The hometown favorite was greeted with loud cheers from family and friends as the decision was announced.
The evening opened with an unscored exhibition between Elisa Herrera of House of Pain Boxing and Valery Gerardo of the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy. House of Pain’s Nathan Gomez also competed in an exhibition as he prepares for his professional debut on Aug. 22 at Soboba Casino Resort.
Malikah Salazar of San Jacinto and Noel Hernandez of Wildomar delivered dominant performances on the professional card. Salazar controlled his bout from start to finish, earning a unanimous decision over Carlos Castillo. Hernandez, a former standout amateur and member of the USA Boxing National Team, needed just 25 seconds to stop Oscar Mora with a first-round knockout.
The scheduled World Boxing Federation (WBF) Eagle Warrior championship bout was canceled after one of the participants failed to make the contracted weight, preventing the title fight from taking place.
War in the Empire II continued House of Pain Promotions’ commitment to providing Southern California prospects with opportunities to compete close to home while performing in front of local supporters.
The referee counts out Oscar Mora as Wildomar’s Noel Hernandez wins by knockout. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Nathan Gomez competed in an exhibition bout. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
Elisa Herrera lands a jab in her exhibition bout. (Photo by Action Captures Media)
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