When the doors opened at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, many fans were expecting a few knockouts. However, most spectators weren’t expecting District Heights, Maryland native Travon Marshall to be on the wrong end of one of those knockouts. After a competitive first round, Gabriel Maestre sent the previously unbeaten welterweight prospect to the canvas twice before the referee waved the fight off in the second round. Coming in as a heavy underdog, Maestre ran around the ring in celebration as his family and friends screamed from ringside.
“First of all, allow me to thank God and the team I have behind me. Nothing would have been possible without them. I was honestly surprised I knocked Marshall out so quickly,” he said after the fight.
“I saw that Marshall looked a little inhibited and didn’t want to exchange punches with me from the opening bell. Then, my right hand ended it.”
At 36 years old, Maestre isn’t wasting any time. Moments after the fight ended, he called out another unbeaten welterweight on his way to a world title shot — Eimantas Stanionis. The WBA “Regular” Welterweight Champion has been anticipating a fight with fellow unbeaten contender Vergil Ortiz, but the contest has been called off three times due to various medical issues. With Ortiz’s boxing future influx, the 36-year-old Venezuelan wants another big-time fight.
“I have to keep going, this is just another step in a long road. I want Stanionis now. Stop waiting for Ortiz, I’m right here. November, December, whenever. I’ll be ready,” he said.
