When Wilson Mascarenhas was stabbed at a bar in New Bedford last year, his professional boxing career was put on hold.

Now, one year later, “Ill Will” prepares for his return to the ring on May 20 for CES Boxing at the Park Theatre in Cranston, Rhode Island.

With faith and determination in his heart, Mascarenhas pulled himself out of a dark place and is once again ready to lace up and represent New Bedford under the bright lights.

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The Stabbing at a New Bedford Restaurant

In March of last year, Wilson Mascarenhas was the victim of an early morning stabbing at Morna Lounge and Grill on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford and was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital with severe injuries.

“I had broken bones and severe nerve damage,” he said.

Mascarenhas spent the next year in recovery, rehabbing his injuries and making frequent visits to medical professionals.

“I had plenty of doctors telling me what was going on and they all had different opinions,” he said. “It had me stressed out but I never lost faith.”

Mascarenhas Was Down But Never Out

The doctors were unsure if Mascarenhas would ever step foot into a boxing ring again, but “Ill Will” kept his faith and never lost hope.

“I knew I could come back through all of the trials and tribulations,” he said. “With all that trauma my body went through, it was tough, but I just knew I would be coming back.”

Mascarenhas recalled the dark period in his life when negative thoughts and an unclear future clouded his mind, and how pushing through that dark time completely transformed him.

“I was able to find myself in that experience,” he said. “It defined who I really am as a person. I am stronger than I ever thought I was.”

Mascarenhas says it’s “almost scary” to discover his true strength because no opponent will ever hit as hard as life did last year.

“It could have all ended for me, but I have another shot and now I am mentally, physically and spiritually stronger all the way around,” he said.

Mascarenhas Returns to CES Boxing on May 20

After a year of intense recovery, Wilson “Ill Will” Mascarenhas returns to the CES boxing ring on May 20 at the Park Theatre in Cranston for an emotional comeback to the sport he loves so much.

“I feel great about the fight. I just hope the competition is coming to compete and they come ready,” he said. “I feel like this is the most important (fight) for me. It’s me versus me. I’m ready.”

As a proud New Bedford resident, Mascarenhas feels a great sense of pride in representing the SouthCoast every time he fights.

“New Bedford is ready to go, the support has always been there, and I’m blessed and happy to know that the SouthCoast gave me an opportunity to represent,” he said. “It’s a sweet feeling."

On May 20, SouthCoast fans will flock to Cranston to support the triumphant return of “Ill Will" as he returns to the place he loves most: center stage, laced up and ready.

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