Boxer Malik Nelson of Avenel wins pro debut in front of hometown crowd at Prudential Center

NEWARK - Malik Nelson wasn't entirely sure how his pro debut would go.

Nelson, a 21-year-old from Avenel, had a successful amateur career since first walking into a boxing gym with his father, Melvin Nelson, when he was just 5 years old, "a baby coming into the game."

But Saturday night at the Prudential Center was the first time Malik Nelson had a hometown crowd.

Nelson won his first professional fight by technical knockout, knocking Alejandro Ramirez down twice the first round and leaving him unable to continue 34 seconds into the fourth and final round of the super featherweight fight. 

"It's definitely great to be back, and on this stage," Malik Nelson said, as his father held an ice pack to his dominant left hand.

"It was different, being able to fight in front of friends and family."

As his hand was raised as the winner, Nelson turned and saluted his fans, many wearing white T-shirts with "Team Nelson" on the front. They were raucous during his fight, the first of a card partially broadcast live on FOX PBC Fight Night. They stood in one ringside section, some waving the Puerto Rican flag.

Nicknamed "The Natural," Nelson is a seven-time national amateur champion. He had prepped for the debut by living in a house with three other boxers.

Nicky "The Bull" Vitone of Montville dropped a split decision, four-round welterweight fight to Jersey City's Jordan Rosario. Vito Mielnicki Jr., a 19-year-old from Roseland, stopped Noah Kidd by TKO in the second round of the co-headline fight.

Mielnicki had been scheduled for a rematch with James Martin Saturday night, to avenge the only loss of his career. However, Martin came into Friday's weigh-in heavy, and a cascade of changes resulted. 

Keeshawn Williams, the fourth in the house, did not fight on Saturday night. After being announced as the winner, Mielnicki — who had made his pro debut at the Prudential Center — shouted, "Jersey in the house," and thanked Nelson, Vitone and Williams for their contributions.

Nelson defeated Mielnicki in his first amateur fight at age 10, according to his mother, Janet Cruz. Mielnicki took the rematch, "and after that, they became inseparable."

"This has been something he's done with his dad and his uncle for years," Cruz said. "I told him he was destined to be here. His talent, I knew he was different. He traveled with other kids, and he was special."

More boxing:Montville's Nicky 'the Bull' Vitone drops split decision in front of home fans

Melvin Nelson said his son's debut was "beyond my expectations," emerging without any visible injuries. He credited Malik's "perseverance and experience," particularly after taking more than two years off to pursue an undergraduate degree in business administration at Monmouth University.

Just three semesters short of his degree, Malik Nelson plans to return to college in the fall. But he'll also be back at Freehold Boxing Gym, working out with his father and uncle, former IBF cruiserweight champion Imamu Mayfield.

"I'm confident in him," Cruz said. "I'm one of his biggest supporters. I believe in his abilities. Anything he does, he does it to perfection."

Jane Havsy is a sports reporter for DailyRecord.com. For full access to live scores, breaking news and analysis, subscribe today.

Email: JHavsy@gannettnj.com Twitter: @dailyrecordspts