On June 7, 2025, Nolan Bros Boxing Promotions made history—professional boxing returned to Fenway Park for the first time since 1956—and the Associated Press, GBH News, and NBC10 Boston all covered the event.
- The AP story by Jimmy Golen highlights how twin Boston public school teachers Mark and Matt Nolan revived boxing in the city by hosting a well‑matched, fighter‑first card at Boston’s most iconic venue.
- GBH’s Esteban Bustillos shared the Waltham gym’s evolution—from side‑hustle promoters to headliners at Fenway. He detailed the gym’s gritty energy, community mission, and stories of fighters like Sheniell Rodriguez and Rico DePaolis.
A Moment Captured on Air 📺
NBC10’s video captured the electric atmosphere and emphasized how the Nolans pitched Fenway not with bravado, but with authenticity—driven by community credibility and fair matchmaking.
The Fighters Who Made It Real
- Lexi “Lil Savage” Bolduc, the first woman ever to fight professionally at Fenway, dominated in her rematch with Sarah Couillard.
- Rico DePaolis bests top local prospect Anthony Hines in hotly contested slugfest.
- Harold “The Haitian King” Roy absolutely obliterates Tracey Johnson in one sided beatdown.
- Jareed Gaines continued his unbeaten KO streak by stopping the ever tough Victor Hugo Costa.
- Sheniell Rodriguez rose to occasion stopping Rakim Johnson on just 5 days notice when his original opponent Jayson Colon withdrew from their scheduled bout.
These bouts were more than just exhibition—they were milestones.
What They’re Saying
Richard Johnson, curator at Boston’s Sports Museum, put it simply: Fenway isn’t only for baseball—this event brought back the park’s legacy as a site of multi‑sport competition.
Check out the full GBH article here: Waltham brothers seek a boxing renaissance. Their next venue? Fenway Park!