MVPW02: New York’s Luis Gjolena Bulldozes Way To Second-Round KO

The undefeated Luis Gjolena is a well-decorated member of Albania’s national team and a highly touted prospect in boxing’s heavyweight ranks. The Albanian, who hails from Staten Island, New York, is noted for his impressive cardio, as well as his knockout power, stopping five opponents in the seven wins on his record. His last fight came in February, scoring a first-round knockout of Ramiz Hadziaganovic.

This will be a massive step up in competition for Robert Salinas. “Big Bubba” enters this fight with a 4-2-1 record and three knockouts to his name. Salinas last fought in January, battling Homero Fonseca to a draw.

ROUND 1

Salinas takes the center. Gjolena landing a couple of strong shots early. Left by Gjolena. Right hand by Gjolena. Gjolena landing a couple of strong left hands near the ropes, and he drops Salinas! Salinas is up. Gjolena continues to land with the left. A couple of strong inside shots by Gjolena. Left hook by Gjolena. Hook by Gjolena. A couple of jabs by Salinas. Combination by Gjolena. Right hands from both men. Gjolena tries to pressure, but Salinas works a combination. Gjolena with powerful shots coming in to back Salinas up to the ropes. Gjolena landing with the left again. Gjolena landing inside to the body. Power shots from both men.

ROUND 2

Left hook by Gjolena. Gjolena with a strong combination. Gjolena landing a small flurry on Salinas against the ropes. Salinas coming in. Gjolena landing a combination. Salinas targets the body. Gjolena lands a POWERFUL straight left, and Salinas is down! No count needed; Salinas is DONE! Luis Gjolena stays unbeaten by delivering a second-round KO in his backyard!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Luis Gjolena def. Robert Salinas via second-round KO (0:45)