Yonkers’ Iman Lee Fights For First Pro Title April 18 In Hartford

Unbeaten Yonkers native Iman Lee (14-0-1, 8 KOs) takes a major step toward contender status on Saturday, April 18, when he faces Dominican Jose Nunez Sosa (8-2, 6 KOs) for the vacant NABF Super Featherweight Championship at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

The 10-round bout serves as the co-main event of CES Boxing’s The Riverside Rumble, a stacked card featuring two championship fights and many of the top prospects in the country.

Tickets for The Riverside Rumble are on sale now at CESFights.com. Doors open at 4pm, with the Jimmy Burchfield Classic Invitational amateur showcase beginning at 5pm.

At just 26 years old, Lee enters the biggest fight of his professional career following a breakout year in 2025. The Yonkers product gained valuable international experience as part of the WBC Grand Prix featherweight tournament, where he went 2-0-1 against top competition and a variety of styles from around the world.

“I learned to be calmer and take my time,” said Lee of his key takeaways from the experience. “Those were six-round fights where you had to showcase everything quickly, but I learned to slow down, pick my shots better, and listen to my coaches. It really opened my eyes.”

Lee faced a wide range of styles during the tournament, defeating slick Argentine Juan Manuel Albornoz in round one and Mexican pressure fighter Hector Calderon in round two before drawing with South Africa’s Bekzizwe Maitse in the quarterfinals.

“The experience showed me that I have to adapt no matter the style, height, or type of opponent,” said Lee. “It also proved that I can adjust on the fly in the ring if I need to.”

Learning to adjust mid-fight to be successful is a trait that will serve Iman well as he transitions from prospect to contender.

That adaptability will be tested again on April 18, when Lee faces Jose Nunez Sosa, a hard-hitting 26-year-old from the Dominican Republic known for his aggressive style and knockout power, with six of his eight wins coming inside the distance.

“I’ve sparred with him a couple of times in the past, so I’m familiar with him,” said Lee. “He likes to fight, so for me, it’s about staying calm and sharp, using my reach, and relying on my stamina.”

The bout also marks Lee’s debut at 130 pounds after competing primarily at featherweight.

“I didn’t have to move up – I did it for the opportunity to fight for the NABF title,” explains the 5-foot-10 Lee. “It means a lot for me to fight for that belt.”

In addition to capturing the NABF title, a win on April 18 would position Lee firmly within the WBC rankings and move him one step closer to a world title opportunity.

“There’s no rush,” said Lee when considering how soon he’d like to fight for a world title. “I just want to keep gaining experience so that when the time comes, I’m ready.”

Fighting less than two hours from his hometown, Lee is expected to draw strong support from the New York area and is eager to deliver a statement performance.

“I’m very thankful for everyone who is coming out to support,” Lee said. “I’m looking forward to putting on a great performance on a stacked card.”

For more information on The Riverside Rumble and all CES events, visit cesfights.com.

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