Arkansas Boxers Nava, Blair Win at First Pinnacle Fight Night

Arkansas boxers Carlos “El Giles” Nava and Thomas “Candyman” Blair earned unanimous decisions in their lightweight bouts on Feb. 3 as part of Pinnacle Fight Night at the Maumelle Event Center.

Pinnacle Fight Night, sponsored by Arkansas Money & Politics, was the first from Victor Werley’s Pinnacle Promotions and showcased local and national up-and-coming fighters over the course of eight bouts.

Nava’s fight with Brandon Baue went the distance in the six-round main event with Nava getting the unanimous decision. Blair also had to go the distance over six rounds as well to earn the unanimous decision over Daniel Keith Bailey.

Arkansas lightweight Thomas Blair, left, won a unanimous decision over Daniel Keith Bailey.

In other fights, Michael Lemelle and Mauricio King fought to a four-round draw, Christopher Mendoza won a four-round unanimous decision from Waldo Zamudio and Ezekiel Scruggs knocked out Zac Kelley at 2:28 of round 1 of a scheduled four-rounder.

Werley plans to bring more professional boxing to central Arkansas.

“All of the fighters performed well and put on some very exciting matches,” Werley said. “One fight ended in a first round knockout, one resulted in a split-decision draw and we had three fights that ended in a judges’ decision after going the distance.”

Nava and Blair, each undefeated, are expected to fight again on future cards in central Arkansas later this year.

“The Arkansas boxing world is really on its way up,” Werley said. “There is a ton of talent in this area, and events like this will only serve to showcase that talent and help propel our hometown fighters to new heights. We are honored to be among a group of excellent promoters who are all working to carry the sport into the future.”

Top photo: Arkansan Carlos Nava, right, went the distance with Brandon Baue but won a unanimous decision.

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