After more than three years away from the ring, middleweight Lamont Powell (6-0, 2 KOs) is ready to restart his rise up the rankings. Powell headlines CES Boxing’s show on Saturday, February 28th at The Historic Park Theater, where he faces Colombian puncher Rodolfo Puentes (21-13-2, 16 KOs) in the main event. Tickets can be purchased now at CESfights.com. "Training has been intense, but I feel great," said Powell. "I’ve been locked in mentally and physically. This isn’t just another fight for me. I’ve been waiting a long time to get back in that ring, so I’m going all out in every training session to be in the best condition possible."

 

Powell’s journey is defined by resilience. In 2018, he narrowly survived an ambush just outside his Providence home. Lamont was sitting in a parked car with his uncle when a vehicle pulled up and two men stepped out.  The next thing he knew, the men opened fire, unloading 36 shots into the car. While his uncle was struck in the leg, Powell miraculously escaped unscathed.  "I truly believe my mother was watching over me that night," reflects Powell. "She passed away when I was only three years old, and my grandparents raised me. I feel like she protected me."

 

That incident reshaped his life and gave him a new purpose. "When you’re that close to losing your life, you see the world differently," Powell says. "I don’t take my days for granted anymore. That experience gave me a bigger reason to fight - not just for myself, but for my community and for kids who need direction in their lives."

 

Motivated by that experience, Powell launched Gloves Up, Guns Down, a Providence-based initiative dedicated to giving at-risk youth structure through boxing and mentorship. "The mission is simple," Powell explained. "Give kids an alternative to the streets.  Boxing teaches discipline and gives them confidence, but it’s about much more than that.  If they come here and want to read, they can do that. If they want to work on their art, they can.  It’s a safe space where they can express themselves."

 

Powell first laced up gloves at just eight years old under the tutelage of his grandfather, Phillip Copper, who became his first coach and mentor.  Lamont went on to compile an impressive amateur record of 45–4, capturing three Silver Mittens championships along the way.

 

Powell turned professional in 2018, but his professional career has been a series of stops and starts due to the coronavirus pandemic and his responsibilities outside the ring.  However, while Powell hasn’t competed since January 2023, his boxing program ensured that he never left the gym.   "I definitely stayed in the gym," agrees Powell.  "When I'm not training, I'm teaching kids how to box, so I'm always sharp and in shape." 

 

That will matter on February 28th, when Lamont faces the upset-minded Puentes, an experienced fighter known for his aggressive style and knockout power. "I know he’s tough and comes to fight," Powell said. "But at this level, it’s about preparation – and I’ve been preparing for whoever will be in front of me."

 

CES Boxing Founder and President Jimmy Burchfield Sr. believes Powell’s return signifies that Lamont will finally fulfill the championship-caliber potential the promoter saw in him when he first signed him. "We’re thrilled to have Lamont back," said Burchfield. "This is a young man who turned what could have been a tragedy into purpose.  Lamont isn’t just a fighter – he’s a leader in his community, and he’s positively influencing the lives of countless kids."

 

Looking ahead, Powell’s goals are clear: stay active, climb the rankings, and eventually compete for championships – all while continuing his work outside the ring. "First, I want to stay healthy and fight consistently," said Powell. "I want to build my record and start moving toward bigger opportunities. But I also want to keep growing Gloves Up, Guns Down and be a positive role model for my city."

 

As for the fans who will pack the Historic Park Theater on February 28th? "Your support means everything to me," said Powell.  "Come ready for an explosive night – I promise I’ll still be unbeaten when that final bell rings.  This is just the beginning."