Tuesday, February 28, 2006
'Jabba' Bryan Says He's Back!
In his first interview with a Beltway Boxing reporter in a long time, Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan gives his side of the story concerning the importance of his bout with Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan.
'Sugar Poo' Talks Tri-State Title Hopes!
In this interview, undefeated light heavyweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan talks about the importance of his matchup against Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan for the Tri-State Light Heavyweight championship on March 3 at the Lincoln Theatre.
Monday, February 27, 2006
Taylor, Samuel, Robinson Slated to Appear on March 9 Ballroom Boxing Card!
Baltimore junior middleweight Maxell "The General" Taylor(12-2, five KO's) is slated to headline the next Ballroom Boxing card on Thursday, March 9 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD. Taylor's opponent is still to be determined.
The co-feature bout is scheduled to have undefeated junior lightweight Tyrell Samuel (5-0, three KO's) of Baltimore. His opponent is to be announced.
One bout seems to be already signed for the card. Junior middleweight Orazio "The Razor" Robinson of Manassas, VA (5-2-2, four KO's) will take on undefeated Jose Angel Rodriguez (4-0, one KO) of New York City. Robinson was slated to appear on the recent Clash of the Contenders at the Patriot Center, but his bout fell through.
The co-feature bout is scheduled to have undefeated junior lightweight Tyrell Samuel (5-0, three KO's) of Baltimore. His opponent is to be announced.
One bout seems to be already signed for the card. Junior middleweight Orazio "The Razor" Robinson of Manassas, VA (5-2-2, four KO's) will take on undefeated Jose Angel Rodriguez (4-0, one KO) of New York City. Robinson was slated to appear on the recent Clash of the Contenders at the Patriot Center, but his bout fell through.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
'Too Sharp' Knocked Out in Round Eight!
Former three-time world champion Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson was knocked out in the eighth round by WBO Bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez last night in a non-title bout in Las Vegas.
Gonzalez, who is normally "Mr. Excitement," took a few rounds to figure out the crafty Johnson, but then things opened up in round four when Gonzalez dropped Johnson with a straight right. Gonzalez continued the pressure and dropped Johnson for the count at 1:08 of round eight.
Johnson's record now falls to 44-5, 28 KOs. Gonzalez is now 31-4, 27 KOs.
Gonzalez, who is normally "Mr. Excitement," took a few rounds to figure out the crafty Johnson, but then things opened up in round four when Gonzalez dropped Johnson with a straight right. Gonzalez continued the pressure and dropped Johnson for the count at 1:08 of round eight.
Johnson's record now falls to 44-5, 28 KOs. Gonzalez is now 31-4, 27 KOs.
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Update on Breaking News: 'Too Sharp' Unable to Make Weight!
Fightnews.com is reporting that Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson did not make the prescribed 118 pounds necessary for his title shot at WBO Bantamweight champion Jhonny Gonzalez.
Johnson weighed in at 119.5 while the champion made weight at 117.5. Johnson was fined 10% of his purse ($4500) and the bout has now been changed to a 12-round non-title affair.
Very disappointing. Johnson has received more press about this matchup then just about any bout he has been in.
Johnson weighed in at 119.5 while the champion made weight at 117.5. Johnson was fined 10% of his purse ($4500) and the bout has now been changed to a 12-round non-title affair.
Very disappointing. Johnson has received more press about this matchup then just about any bout he has been in.
'Hammerhead' Hampton Wins at Turning Stone!
Capitol Heights, MD heavyweight Wayne "Hammerhead" Hampton won a four-round unanimous decision on the off-TV undercard of the ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" card at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
Hampton improved to 3-1, two KO's by punching out a decision over Lajuan Henderson (1-2) of Virginia Beach, VA. Hampton dropped Henderson in the 4th and final round to secure the victory.
By the way, the ring announcer for this card was none other than our own Henry "Discombobulating" Jones, who is originally from nearby Rochester, NY.
Hampton improved to 3-1, two KO's by punching out a decision over Lajuan Henderson (1-2) of Virginia Beach, VA. Hampton dropped Henderson in the 4th and final round to secure the victory.
By the way, the ring announcer for this card was none other than our own Henry "Discombobulating" Jones, who is originally from nearby Rochester, NY.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Full Report From Woodlawn!
Smithsburg, MD lightweight Dean “Pit Bull” White won an eight-round unanimous decision over Mike “Little Rock” Ricasa in the main event of a Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD.
The bout was a rematch of an October 2005 bout that Ricasa won in a six-round majority decision. White took the first Ricasa bout coming back from a five-year hiatus from the sport. Since that bout, White fought twice while Ricasa stayed idle. White said the increased activity proved to be the difference in the second contest.
“That was the biggest deal,” White said. You’ve got to stay active in boxing. That five-year layoff killed me. I was so slow (in the first bout).”
In this bout, both White and Ricasa fought a tactical bout with the southpaw White trying to land the left hand while the orthodox Ricasa looked to land a big right. By the fifth round, however it was White who started land the harder blows. In the sixth round, White turned up the heat by landing body shots. In the seventh, those shots took their toll on Ricasa, as White’s body shots set Ricasa up for a left hand that dropped him to one knee.
To his credit, Ricasa fought gamely in the eighth round, but it wasn’t enough to keep White from winning his first eight-round bout and the promoter-created “Jake the Snake (Smith) East Coast Pro Championship.”
Judges John Gradowski and Malik Waleed scored the bout 77-74 while Judge Bill Holmes saw the contest 78-73. Fightnews saw the contest 77-75.
With the win, White raises his record to 13-4, six KO’s while Ricasa falls to 6-2, two KO’s.
In the co-feature, heavyweights Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom and “Irish” Glenn Williams fought a four-round contest that substituted excitement for technical skill. The bout, at times, resembled a back alley brawl as these two tank-like boxers took turns taking shots at each other.
Two of the judges (Holmes and Kenny Chevalier) thought Bloom, fighting out of Nottingham, MD, got the better of the bout and awarded the decision to Bloom, 39-37. Judge Waleed gave the decision to Williams, 39-37. The unofficial Fightnews scored saw the bout a draw, 38-38.
Bloom remained undefeated with the victory, raising his record to 3-0, two KO’s. Williams’ record now falls to 2-21, two KO’s.
The rest of the card was a festival of knockouts. Severn, MD junior middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow knocked down his opponent, Columbus, OH’s William Armstead, four times en route to a first-round TKO. Referee Malik Waleed stopped the contest at 2:25 of the round.
Nicklow is now 2-0, 1 KO while Armstead is 2-3, 1 KO.
Baltimore, MD light heavyweight Willie “For Real” Williams made his pro debut a successful one by blasting Jay “Baby Boy” Holland of New Castle, PA. Williams rained body shots and upper cuts on Holland early and often, forcing referee Bill Holmes to stop the contest at 1:45 of the first round. Holland’s record is now 1-13.
In the curtain-raising contest, Bel Air, MD super middleweight Nick “Flash” Collins scored his second consecutive knockout with a third round KO of Philadelphia’s Charles Mack-Horne. The knockout seemed to be Collins’ main objective as he loaded up his shots throughout the bout. Collins finally achieved his goal with a crushing right hand that sent Mack-Horne to the canvas to stay. Referee Waleed stopped the contest at 2:59 of the third.
Collins is now 2-0, two KO’s. Mack-Horne falls to 1-8.
The promoter of the card was Baltimore Pro Boxing led by Jake “The Snake” Smith. The matchmaker was Josh Hall.
The bout was a rematch of an October 2005 bout that Ricasa won in a six-round majority decision. White took the first Ricasa bout coming back from a five-year hiatus from the sport. Since that bout, White fought twice while Ricasa stayed idle. White said the increased activity proved to be the difference in the second contest.
“That was the biggest deal,” White said. You’ve got to stay active in boxing. That five-year layoff killed me. I was so slow (in the first bout).”
In this bout, both White and Ricasa fought a tactical bout with the southpaw White trying to land the left hand while the orthodox Ricasa looked to land a big right. By the fifth round, however it was White who started land the harder blows. In the sixth round, White turned up the heat by landing body shots. In the seventh, those shots took their toll on Ricasa, as White’s body shots set Ricasa up for a left hand that dropped him to one knee.
To his credit, Ricasa fought gamely in the eighth round, but it wasn’t enough to keep White from winning his first eight-round bout and the promoter-created “Jake the Snake (Smith) East Coast Pro Championship.”
Judges John Gradowski and Malik Waleed scored the bout 77-74 while Judge Bill Holmes saw the contest 78-73. Fightnews saw the contest 77-75.
With the win, White raises his record to 13-4, six KO’s while Ricasa falls to 6-2, two KO’s.
In the co-feature, heavyweights Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom and “Irish” Glenn Williams fought a four-round contest that substituted excitement for technical skill. The bout, at times, resembled a back alley brawl as these two tank-like boxers took turns taking shots at each other.
Two of the judges (Holmes and Kenny Chevalier) thought Bloom, fighting out of Nottingham, MD, got the better of the bout and awarded the decision to Bloom, 39-37. Judge Waleed gave the decision to Williams, 39-37. The unofficial Fightnews scored saw the bout a draw, 38-38.
Bloom remained undefeated with the victory, raising his record to 3-0, two KO’s. Williams’ record now falls to 2-21, two KO’s.
The rest of the card was a festival of knockouts. Severn, MD junior middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow knocked down his opponent, Columbus, OH’s William Armstead, four times en route to a first-round TKO. Referee Malik Waleed stopped the contest at 2:25 of the round.
Nicklow is now 2-0, 1 KO while Armstead is 2-3, 1 KO.
Baltimore, MD light heavyweight Willie “For Real” Williams made his pro debut a successful one by blasting Jay “Baby Boy” Holland of New Castle, PA. Williams rained body shots and upper cuts on Holland early and often, forcing referee Bill Holmes to stop the contest at 1:45 of the first round. Holland’s record is now 1-13.
In the curtain-raising contest, Bel Air, MD super middleweight Nick “Flash” Collins scored his second consecutive knockout with a third round KO of Philadelphia’s Charles Mack-Horne. The knockout seemed to be Collins’ main objective as he loaded up his shots throughout the bout. Collins finally achieved his goal with a crushing right hand that sent Mack-Horne to the canvas to stay. Referee Waleed stopped the contest at 2:59 of the third.
Collins is now 2-0, two KO’s. Mack-Horne falls to 1-8.
The promoter of the card was Baltimore Pro Boxing led by Jake “The Snake” Smith. The matchmaker was Josh Hall.
White Defeats Ricasa in Rematch!
Dean "Pit Bull" White of Smithsburg, MD won an eight-round unanimous decision over Ellicott City, MD's Mike "Little Rock" Ricasa in their rematch last night at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD. White gained the "Jake the Snake East Coast Pro Lightweight Championship" with the victory.
In the co-feature, heavyweight Adam "Boom Boom" Bloom of Nottingham, MD won a tough four-round split decision over Glenn Williams of Palm Harbor, FL.
Junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow of Severn, MD scored a punishing first-round TKO over William Armstead of Columbus, OH. The time was 2:25.
Light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams of Baltimore, MD made his pro debut a successful one with a first-round TKO over Jay "Baby Boy" Holland. The time was 1:45.
Super middleweight Nick "Flash" Collins of Bel Air, MD won by a third round KO over Charles Mack-Horne. The time of the stoppage was 2:59 of the third.
I'll be back later in the day with a full report on this card.
In the co-feature, heavyweight Adam "Boom Boom" Bloom of Nottingham, MD won a tough four-round split decision over Glenn Williams of Palm Harbor, FL.
Junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow of Severn, MD scored a punishing first-round TKO over William Armstead of Columbus, OH. The time was 2:25.
Light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams of Baltimore, MD made his pro debut a successful one with a first-round TKO over Jay "Baby Boy" Holland. The time was 1:45.
Super middleweight Nick "Flash" Collins of Bel Air, MD won by a third round KO over Charles Mack-Horne. The time of the stoppage was 2:59 of the third.
I'll be back later in the day with a full report on this card.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Beltway Amateurs Prepare For US Championships!
A number of amateur boxers from around the Beltway will be participating in the U.S. Amateur Championships March 8-11 in Colorado Springs, CO.
Most of the Beltway contingent will be in the East Central Region of the tournament.
Leading the region will be Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Russell, Jr. , the defending national champion at 119 pounds.
Also in that region will be:
Alberto Mootoo, Capitol Heights, 112 pounds
Cecil McCalla, Randallstown, 152 pounds
Fernando Guerrero, Fruitland, 165 pounds
Dalemanik Roberson-El, Baltimore, 178 pounds (currently ranked fifth in the country)
Lucas Runion, College Park, 201 pounds
Another boxer will be in the at-large category:
Marcus Henry, Baltimore, 201 pounds (ranked number two in the nation)
There will also be two females from the area participating in the nationals. One will be Franchon Crews of Baltimore, the defending champion at 165 pounds who is currently ranked number two in the country.
The other is Myah Spruiell of Lanham, MD,who will participate in the 154-pound division.
Most of the Beltway contingent will be in the East Central Region of the tournament.
Leading the region will be Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Russell, Jr. , the defending national champion at 119 pounds.
Also in that region will be:
Alberto Mootoo, Capitol Heights, 112 pounds
Cecil McCalla, Randallstown, 152 pounds
Fernando Guerrero, Fruitland, 165 pounds
Dalemanik Roberson-El, Baltimore, 178 pounds (currently ranked fifth in the country)
Lucas Runion, College Park, 201 pounds
Another boxer will be in the at-large category:
Marcus Henry, Baltimore, 201 pounds (ranked number two in the nation)
There will also be two females from the area participating in the nationals. One will be Franchon Crews of Baltimore, the defending champion at 165 pounds who is currently ranked number two in the country.
The other is Myah Spruiell of Lanham, MD,who will participate in the 154-pound division.
March 3 Card Update!
Hopefully, you heard my interview with Cassandra White, the promoter for the March 3 "Fighting on the U" card at the Lincoln Theatre. I just wanted to recap some of the changes for the card that she talked about.
First, Thomas "KO" Snow will NOT fight Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly on this card. Both Snow and Holly will be on the card in separate bouts.
Cambridge, MD's Angel "Saumnice" McNamara has been added to the card. McNamara will face Cynthia Jones of Tampa, FL. McNamara was scheduled to headline the all-female show at BXF on February 10, but that show was cancelled.
And the interesting matchup between former world champions DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley and "Fearless" Freddie Pendleton seems to have hit a snag. I'll keep you posted on that.
The main event remains the same: Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan vs. Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan for the Tri-State Light Heavyweight title. Also, Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller will take on 2000 Olympian Dante Craig.
Also, you may be seeing a lot of Cassandra White during the week of the card. The Channel 9 story I referenced in a previous post may air that week and White is scheduled to be a guest on "Sports Talk with Glenn Harris" on Wednesday, March 1 at 8 pm ET.
First, Thomas "KO" Snow will NOT fight Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly on this card. Both Snow and Holly will be on the card in separate bouts.
Cambridge, MD's Angel "Saumnice" McNamara has been added to the card. McNamara will face Cynthia Jones of Tampa, FL. McNamara was scheduled to headline the all-female show at BXF on February 10, but that show was cancelled.
And the interesting matchup between former world champions DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley and "Fearless" Freddie Pendleton seems to have hit a snag. I'll keep you posted on that.
The main event remains the same: Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan vs. Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan for the Tri-State Light Heavyweight title. Also, Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller will take on 2000 Olympian Dante Craig.
Also, you may be seeing a lot of Cassandra White during the week of the card. The Channel 9 story I referenced in a previous post may air that week and White is scheduled to be a guest on "Sports Talk with Glenn Harris" on Wednesday, March 1 at 8 pm ET.
Cassandra White -- Part 2!
In part two of our interview, Cassandra White talks more about the main event on her March 3 card.
Meet Promoter Cassandra White!
Boxing Along The Beltway introduces you to one of the new faces on the Beltway Boxing Scene -- promoter Cassandra White -- as she talks about her first professional boxing promotion, "Fighting on the U" on Friday, March 3.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Weights for Tomorrow's Card in Woodlawn!
Here is the scale watch for tomorrow's Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD. Beltway Boxers in bold.
Dean White 130 vs. Mike Ricasa 130
Glenn Williams 214 vs. Adam Bloom 223
Willie Williams 175 ¾ vs. Jay Holland 180
Nick Collins 169-1/2 vs. Charles Mackorne 171
Jesse Nicklow 155 vs. William Armstead 148 ¾
Dean White 130 vs. Mike Ricasa 130
Glenn Williams 214 vs. Adam Bloom 223
Willie Williams 175 ¾ vs. Jay Holland 180
Nick Collins 169-1/2 vs. Charles Mackorne 171
Jesse Nicklow 155 vs. William Armstead 148 ¾
Rahman In Rochester!
This item about Baltimore's own Hasim Rahman comes from Fightnews.com:
Last Friday, WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman addressed 700 students at the East Ridge High School in Rochester, NY. "The Rock" advised them to work hard and stay in school. "If you apply yourself, you can accomplish all your dreams," proclaimed Rahman. "I am the perfect example."
Following the assembly, Rahman traveled across town to the Roc Boxing and Fitness Center, where he spared with legendary champion, and Rochester resident, Carmen Basilio. Hasim, who is training in Rochester, will face challenger James Toney on March 18, 2006, in Atlantic City, NJ. The bout will be presented by Top Rank and broadcast live on HBO.
Last Friday, WBC heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman addressed 700 students at the East Ridge High School in Rochester, NY. "The Rock" advised them to work hard and stay in school. "If you apply yourself, you can accomplish all your dreams," proclaimed Rahman. "I am the perfect example."
Following the assembly, Rahman traveled across town to the Roc Boxing and Fitness Center, where he spared with legendary champion, and Rochester resident, Carmen Basilio. Hasim, who is training in Rochester, will face challenger James Toney on March 18, 2006, in Atlantic City, NJ. The bout will be presented by Top Rank and broadcast live on HBO.
Holly-Snow Added to March 3 DC Card!
According to Boxrec.com, there will be an interesting and, I think, somewhat dangerous bout added to the March 3 "Fighting on the U" card at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Undefeated junior welterweight Thomas "KO" Snow of Capital Heights, MD will take on DC's Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly.
The matchup is interesting because we have Snow (2-0, one KO) making his DC-area debut after winning twice away from home. Both of Snow's victories have come in Winston-Salem, NC including his last victory, a four-round unanimous decision over Eric Rocha on February 18.
Meanwhile, Holly (5-1, 2 KO's) is coming off a subpar performance in his last outing, losing a six-round unanimous decision to Sheldon Rudolph on November 26 at the Show Place Arena. Quite frankly, Holly was dominated in that bout and, although he wasn't stopped in the contest, he was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution because he took a lot of punishment.
This is a dangerous bout because it's the type of bout that could shorten a fighter's career before it really gets started. You have two guys who are very close in ability, from the same area who are going after each other early in their careers, and there is nothing at stake like a title or a lot of cash. I can point out examples (like Alan "Boogaloo" Watts and Bee Scottland) where the two guys met each other early in their careers, went through a war and neither man was the same afterwards.
This is a good bout for the fans. Let's hope it will lead to good situations after the bout for both men.
By the way, I plan to talk to the promoter of the card, Cassandra White, within the next 48 hours for an audio interview. I believe you will find this new promoter very eager and prepared to do well. If this card holds together, it will be one of the more fascinating cards held along the Beltway in quite some time. Check some previous posts for details about this card and I will confirm this card during the interview.
Also, stay close to WUSA-TV Channel 9. Sportscaster Joyce Jackson recently interviewed White and yours truly concerning this March 3 card. As soon as I find out the scheduled airing for this story, I will let you know.
The matchup is interesting because we have Snow (2-0, one KO) making his DC-area debut after winning twice away from home. Both of Snow's victories have come in Winston-Salem, NC including his last victory, a four-round unanimous decision over Eric Rocha on February 18.
Meanwhile, Holly (5-1, 2 KO's) is coming off a subpar performance in his last outing, losing a six-round unanimous decision to Sheldon Rudolph on November 26 at the Show Place Arena. Quite frankly, Holly was dominated in that bout and, although he wasn't stopped in the contest, he was taken to a nearby hospital as a precaution because he took a lot of punishment.
This is a dangerous bout because it's the type of bout that could shorten a fighter's career before it really gets started. You have two guys who are very close in ability, from the same area who are going after each other early in their careers, and there is nothing at stake like a title or a lot of cash. I can point out examples (like Alan "Boogaloo" Watts and Bee Scottland) where the two guys met each other early in their careers, went through a war and neither man was the same afterwards.
This is a good bout for the fans. Let's hope it will lead to good situations after the bout for both men.
By the way, I plan to talk to the promoter of the card, Cassandra White, within the next 48 hours for an audio interview. I believe you will find this new promoter very eager and prepared to do well. If this card holds together, it will be one of the more fascinating cards held along the Beltway in quite some time. Check some previous posts for details about this card and I will confirm this card during the interview.
Also, stay close to WUSA-TV Channel 9. Sportscaster Joyce Jackson recently interviewed White and yours truly concerning this March 3 card. As soon as I find out the scheduled airing for this story, I will let you know.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Gilbert Knocks Out Lange at Patriot Center!
Fightnews.com's John Buhl and Julian Burgower report that Great Falls, VA middleweight Jimmy Lange has been stopped in the third round by "Contender" rival Joey Gilbert at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Here is their complete report.
Despite a pro-Lange crowd of 6,207 people, Reno, Nev. native Joey Gilbert (11-1, 8 KOs) once again defeated fellow "Contender: Season One" participant Jimmy Lange (26-3-1, 18 KOs; Great Falls, Va.)--this time by 3rd round TKO--to win the NABO middleweight championship at the George Mason University Patriot Center on Saturday night. Meanwhile, in the co-main event former world title challenger Daniel "The Prophet" Attah (23-3-1, 8 KOs) made a victorious return to action, appearing on one week's notice for his first bout since May 2004.
As expected, from the start Lange attempted to dictate the pace of the fight with his jab--often doubling up on the punch--to utilize his reach advantage. Meanwhile, Gilbert looked for opportunities to work inside and out-muscle his opponent.
Midway through the opening stanza, Lange followed his jab with a series of body punches as Gilbert covered up. Gilbert responded with a crunching counter left hook that proved to be one of his best weapons.
Later in the first, an overhand right sent Lange to the canvas. It appeared to be a flash knockdown, but Gilbert followed up by forcing Lange to the ropes and unleashing a barrage of hooks as the round came to an end, snapping Lange's head back several times.
Looking to settle down, Lange appeared to recover during round two, sticking with his jabbing game plan, and circling to avoid Gilbert's power shots. However, Gilbert was able to score points of his own with a snapping jab of his own, and having success with the counter left hook.
Early in the third round Gilbert took control once again, connecting with a straight right that sent Lange into the corner. Several times Lange attempted to get back on the outside and keep Gilbert at bay, but Gilbert's stronger shots and impressive hand speed took their toll.
Appearing very confident, Gilbert unleashed a barrage of power shots to Lange's head, leaving him looking defenseless on the ropes. With too many unanswered punches, referee Chris Wollesen called a halt to the bout at 2:52 of round three.
Though he already owned a victory over Lange (a five-round decision win during the television competition), Gilbert was quick to recognize his trainer, Dan Birmingham, for his noted improvement.
Discussing his improved defense, he said, almost jokingly, "Dan changed my hand placement, and by that I mean putting them in front of my face."
Though Gilbert had a more dominant performance this time around, he said of Lange, "I noticed that he took me a little more serious in this fight. He was more cautious, more apprehensive."
Birmingham felt that the rigorous training regime paid dividends.
"He was [sparring] 12 rounds every day with three or four guys," he said, adding, "Joey did one hell of a job tonight."
Lange's father and manager, Johnny, reflected on the loss. He felt his son prepared well and trained hard, but made tactical mistakes during the fight.
"He laid up against the ropes, which he was told five-zillion times not to do," he said. He continued, "Birmingham's done a great job with Joey...100 percent improved."
Jimmy made no excuses for the loss, admitting his own mistakes and giving credit to Gilbert.
"I got a bad habit of laying on the ropes, and I paid for it."
Lange continued, "His jab has definitely improved, but nothing surprised me. This guy trains with the second best trainer in the world."
He concluded the press conference saying, "I wasn't hurt, but it was a good stoppage. You haven't seen the end of me."
ATTAH VICTORIOUS
The co-main event pitted Herndon, Va. fighter Daniel"The Prophet" Attah against prospect Isidro Granados (14-2-2, 8 KOs; Bellflower, Calif.) in an eight-round featherweight bout. Attah once held the WBO super featherweight title, and challenged Acelino Freitas for the WBA version in 2002.
Both fighters appeared tentative throughout the contest, circling and exchanging jabs. Attah did more did more work in the first two rounds, connecting with one-twos that did not damage Granados, but registered points on the scorecards.
Granados had his moments, particularly in the third round, landing solid body shots and a couple of noteworthy left hooks. But, as the fight progressed, Attah did just enough by picking at Granados with jabs and straight rights from the outside and tying up on the inside.
The crowd became restless on several occasions, but Attah secured an eight-round majority decision win with scores of 80-72, 76-75 and 76-76.
After the fight, Attah discussed his comeback plans, his good physical shape despite the long layoff and the reaction of the crowd.
"I was in camp with Morales for his fight with Pacquiao. I took off 20 pounds since last week to campaign at 126," he said.
He continued, "I feel good. I took two years off due to managerial and promotional problems," adding, "I will fight anyone at 126 and am looking for a title."
As for the crowd reaction, he replied, "That's part of the entertainment. The booing makes me pick it up more."
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Jr. Middleweight
Derek Ennis (9-0, 6 KOs) Defeats Roland Cummings (22-25, 10 KOs) via TKO 1:33 Rd 2
Philadelphia, Pa. prospect Derek Ennis stopped journeyman Roland Cummings (Youngstown, Ohio) in impressive fashion, displaying a wide array of offensive firepower. Cummings, a long time veteran, did not look phased by the punishment, often taunting Ennis after receiving a shot to the face, much to the delight of the crowd. After being knocked into the ropes on several times, Ennis work to the head and body took its toll. Cummings fell to that mat halfway through the second round. Though he stood up before the ten count and protested the stoppage, referee Chris Wolleson stopped the fight.
Women's Jr. Middleweight
Tonya Gallegos (4-5, 3 KOs) Defeats Jamie Johnson (0-4) via Unanimous Decision
In the only female contest on the card, Gallegos (Denver, Colo.) out-landed and outworked Johnson (United Kingdom) for a lopsided decision victory. Johnson had limited success in the third round on the inside, but Gallegos controlled the rest of the match, winning by scores of 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.
Featherweight
Andre Nichols (1-0) Defeats Nicholas Shaheen (1-4, 1 KO) via Majority Decision
Local product Andre Nichols, from Dale City, Va., had a successful professional debut against Shaheen (Canton, Ohio), with the scorecards reading 40-36 and 39-37 for Nichols, and 38-38. Both fighters stood and exchanged wild looping power shots throughout the match, with both fighters clearly exhausted after four rounds. Nichols showed solid hand speed and better accuracy to earn the victory.
Cruiserweight
Jarell Mason-Jackson (5-4-1, 1 KO) Defeats Carlos "The Headbanger" Jones (5-8, 3 KOs) via TKO 2:02 Rd 6
Despite an eight pound weight disadvantage, Mason-Jackson stopped Jones in a match-up between fellow Washington, D.C. boxers. Each fighter went toe-to-toe and pleased the crowd with an action packed display. In the end, Mason-Jackson was just a little faster to the punch than Jones, with a series of hooks to the head leaving Jones staggered and forcing a stop to the fight.
Heavyweight
Jairus Gladney (1-0, Forrestville, Md.) Defeats Justin Wrede (0-1, Cheyenne, Wyo.) via Unanimous Decision. Scores: 40-36 (twice), 40-35.
Despite a pro-Lange crowd of 6,207 people, Reno, Nev. native Joey Gilbert (11-1, 8 KOs) once again defeated fellow "Contender: Season One" participant Jimmy Lange (26-3-1, 18 KOs; Great Falls, Va.)--this time by 3rd round TKO--to win the NABO middleweight championship at the George Mason University Patriot Center on Saturday night. Meanwhile, in the co-main event former world title challenger Daniel "The Prophet" Attah (23-3-1, 8 KOs) made a victorious return to action, appearing on one week's notice for his first bout since May 2004.
As expected, from the start Lange attempted to dictate the pace of the fight with his jab--often doubling up on the punch--to utilize his reach advantage. Meanwhile, Gilbert looked for opportunities to work inside and out-muscle his opponent.
Midway through the opening stanza, Lange followed his jab with a series of body punches as Gilbert covered up. Gilbert responded with a crunching counter left hook that proved to be one of his best weapons.
Later in the first, an overhand right sent Lange to the canvas. It appeared to be a flash knockdown, but Gilbert followed up by forcing Lange to the ropes and unleashing a barrage of hooks as the round came to an end, snapping Lange's head back several times.
Looking to settle down, Lange appeared to recover during round two, sticking with his jabbing game plan, and circling to avoid Gilbert's power shots. However, Gilbert was able to score points of his own with a snapping jab of his own, and having success with the counter left hook.
Early in the third round Gilbert took control once again, connecting with a straight right that sent Lange into the corner. Several times Lange attempted to get back on the outside and keep Gilbert at bay, but Gilbert's stronger shots and impressive hand speed took their toll.
Appearing very confident, Gilbert unleashed a barrage of power shots to Lange's head, leaving him looking defenseless on the ropes. With too many unanswered punches, referee Chris Wollesen called a halt to the bout at 2:52 of round three.
Though he already owned a victory over Lange (a five-round decision win during the television competition), Gilbert was quick to recognize his trainer, Dan Birmingham, for his noted improvement.
Discussing his improved defense, he said, almost jokingly, "Dan changed my hand placement, and by that I mean putting them in front of my face."
Though Gilbert had a more dominant performance this time around, he said of Lange, "I noticed that he took me a little more serious in this fight. He was more cautious, more apprehensive."
Birmingham felt that the rigorous training regime paid dividends.
"He was [sparring] 12 rounds every day with three or four guys," he said, adding, "Joey did one hell of a job tonight."
Lange's father and manager, Johnny, reflected on the loss. He felt his son prepared well and trained hard, but made tactical mistakes during the fight.
"He laid up against the ropes, which he was told five-zillion times not to do," he said. He continued, "Birmingham's done a great job with Joey...100 percent improved."
Jimmy made no excuses for the loss, admitting his own mistakes and giving credit to Gilbert.
"I got a bad habit of laying on the ropes, and I paid for it."
Lange continued, "His jab has definitely improved, but nothing surprised me. This guy trains with the second best trainer in the world."
He concluded the press conference saying, "I wasn't hurt, but it was a good stoppage. You haven't seen the end of me."
ATTAH VICTORIOUS
The co-main event pitted Herndon, Va. fighter Daniel"The Prophet" Attah against prospect Isidro Granados (14-2-2, 8 KOs; Bellflower, Calif.) in an eight-round featherweight bout. Attah once held the WBO super featherweight title, and challenged Acelino Freitas for the WBA version in 2002.
Both fighters appeared tentative throughout the contest, circling and exchanging jabs. Attah did more did more work in the first two rounds, connecting with one-twos that did not damage Granados, but registered points on the scorecards.
Granados had his moments, particularly in the third round, landing solid body shots and a couple of noteworthy left hooks. But, as the fight progressed, Attah did just enough by picking at Granados with jabs and straight rights from the outside and tying up on the inside.
The crowd became restless on several occasions, but Attah secured an eight-round majority decision win with scores of 80-72, 76-75 and 76-76.
After the fight, Attah discussed his comeback plans, his good physical shape despite the long layoff and the reaction of the crowd.
"I was in camp with Morales for his fight with Pacquiao. I took off 20 pounds since last week to campaign at 126," he said.
He continued, "I feel good. I took two years off due to managerial and promotional problems," adding, "I will fight anyone at 126 and am looking for a title."
As for the crowd reaction, he replied, "That's part of the entertainment. The booing makes me pick it up more."
UNDERCARD RESULTS
Jr. Middleweight
Derek Ennis (9-0, 6 KOs) Defeats Roland Cummings (22-25, 10 KOs) via TKO 1:33 Rd 2
Philadelphia, Pa. prospect Derek Ennis stopped journeyman Roland Cummings (Youngstown, Ohio) in impressive fashion, displaying a wide array of offensive firepower. Cummings, a long time veteran, did not look phased by the punishment, often taunting Ennis after receiving a shot to the face, much to the delight of the crowd. After being knocked into the ropes on several times, Ennis work to the head and body took its toll. Cummings fell to that mat halfway through the second round. Though he stood up before the ten count and protested the stoppage, referee Chris Wolleson stopped the fight.
Women's Jr. Middleweight
Tonya Gallegos (4-5, 3 KOs) Defeats Jamie Johnson (0-4) via Unanimous Decision
In the only female contest on the card, Gallegos (Denver, Colo.) out-landed and outworked Johnson (United Kingdom) for a lopsided decision victory. Johnson had limited success in the third round on the inside, but Gallegos controlled the rest of the match, winning by scores of 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.
Featherweight
Andre Nichols (1-0) Defeats Nicholas Shaheen (1-4, 1 KO) via Majority Decision
Local product Andre Nichols, from Dale City, Va., had a successful professional debut against Shaheen (Canton, Ohio), with the scorecards reading 40-36 and 39-37 for Nichols, and 38-38. Both fighters stood and exchanged wild looping power shots throughout the match, with both fighters clearly exhausted after four rounds. Nichols showed solid hand speed and better accuracy to earn the victory.
Cruiserweight
Jarell Mason-Jackson (5-4-1, 1 KO) Defeats Carlos "The Headbanger" Jones (5-8, 3 KOs) via TKO 2:02 Rd 6
Despite an eight pound weight disadvantage, Mason-Jackson stopped Jones in a match-up between fellow Washington, D.C. boxers. Each fighter went toe-to-toe and pleased the crowd with an action packed display. In the end, Mason-Jackson was just a little faster to the punch than Jones, with a series of hooks to the head leaving Jones staggered and forcing a stop to the fight.
Heavyweight
Jairus Gladney (1-0, Forrestville, Md.) Defeats Justin Wrede (0-1, Cheyenne, Wyo.) via Unanimous Decision. Scores: 40-36 (twice), 40-35.
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Lamont Peterson Wins WBC USA Title!
Undefeated DC junior welterweight contender Lamont Peterson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Leo Moreno to win the WBC USA Jr. Welterweight championship in front of a nationally-televised ESPN audience at the Fed Ex Forum in Memphis, TN.
The judge's scorecards had Peterson winning handily with the scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 100-90. Peterson's record is now
16-0, seven KO's.
Lamont's brother Anthony (15-0, 11 KO's) was scheduled to fight on this card, but his opponent pulled out because of injury.
The next scheduled date for the Peterson Brothers will be in April on ShoBox.
The judge's scorecards had Peterson winning handily with the scores of 100-90, 99-91 and 100-90. Peterson's record is now
16-0, seven KO's.
Lamont's brother Anthony (15-0, 11 KO's) was scheduled to fight on this card, but his opponent pulled out because of injury.
The next scheduled date for the Peterson Brothers will be in April on ShoBox.
Friday, February 17, 2006
Weights for 'Clash of the Contenders!'
Here are the weights for tomorrow's "Clash of the Contenders" at the George Mason University Patriot Center:
Jimmy Lange 159 vs. Joey Gilbert 159
(NABO middleweight title bout)
Daniel Attah 127 vs. Isidro Granados 127
Jarius Gladney 237 vs. Justin Wrede 227
Jamie Johnson 152 vs. Tanya Gallegos 157
Derek Ennis 154 vs. Roland Cummings 156
Carlos Jones 186.5 vs. Jarrell Jackson 178
Andre Nichols 125 vs. TBA
Orazio Robinson 153 vs. TBA
Jimmy Lange 159 vs. Joey Gilbert 159
(NABO middleweight title bout)
Daniel Attah 127 vs. Isidro Granados 127
Jarius Gladney 237 vs. Justin Wrede 227
Jamie Johnson 152 vs. Tanya Gallegos 157
Derek Ennis 154 vs. Roland Cummings 156
Carlos Jones 186.5 vs. Jarrell Jackson 178
Andre Nichols 125 vs. TBA
Orazio Robinson 153 vs. TBA
'Discombobulating' Jones Part 3!
In the final part of our interview with Henry "Discombobulating" Jones," we discuss a very special honor he has received in his hometown of Rochester, NY.
'Discombulating' Jones, Part 2!
In part two of this interview, Henry "Discombobulating" Jones talks about how ring announcing doors have closed along the Beltway, but doors have opened across the country.
'Discombobulating' Jones Talks Racial Issues!
In this special audio interview, Beltway-based ring announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones discusses his 20-year career and the pitfalls that he has faced in being the first African-American ring announcer.
Thursday, February 16, 2006
Breaking News: Lamont Pearson Off 'Clash Of Contenders' Card!
There is major news concerning this Saturday's "Clash of the Contenders" card at the George Mason University Patriot Center.
USBA Super Featherweight champion Lamont "Bay" Pearson is now off the card because of a back injury he very recently suffered. Pearson was originally scheduled to defend his title but according to officials for Keystone Boxing, the card promoters, no opponent was willing to take the bout.
Last week, an opponent was found (but not officially named) to take on Pearson in a 10-round, non-title bout, but now the injury has scrapped those plans.
The replacement 10-round, co-feature bout will involve former superfeatherweight world contender Daniel "The Prophet" Attah. The Nigerian-born, DC-based southpaw who lost a WBO title bout by unanimous decision to former champion Acelino Freitas, has not fought since winning an eight-round unanimous decision over James Baker in May 2004 at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Attah has a record of 22-3-1 with eight KO's.
Attah's opponent will be Bellflower, CA's Isidro Granados who has a record of 14-1-2 with eight KO's. Granados will fight for the first time in 2006. Granados won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Ontiveros on December 9 in Albuquerque, NM.
USBA Super Featherweight champion Lamont "Bay" Pearson is now off the card because of a back injury he very recently suffered. Pearson was originally scheduled to defend his title but according to officials for Keystone Boxing, the card promoters, no opponent was willing to take the bout.
Last week, an opponent was found (but not officially named) to take on Pearson in a 10-round, non-title bout, but now the injury has scrapped those plans.
The replacement 10-round, co-feature bout will involve former superfeatherweight world contender Daniel "The Prophet" Attah. The Nigerian-born, DC-based southpaw who lost a WBO title bout by unanimous decision to former champion Acelino Freitas, has not fought since winning an eight-round unanimous decision over James Baker in May 2004 at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Attah has a record of 22-3-1 with eight KO's.
Attah's opponent will be Bellflower, CA's Isidro Granados who has a record of 14-1-2 with eight KO's. Granados will fight for the first time in 2006. Granados won a 10-round unanimous decision over Alberto Ontiveros on December 9 in Albuquerque, NM.
Willis Lockett in Reading, PA on February 17!
Takoma Park, MD heavyweight Willis Lockett will be in action on Friday, Feb 17 at the Riveredge Restaurant in Reading PA. Lockett's opponent in this six-round encounter will be Zack Page of Warren, OH. Lockett (7-4-4, two KO's) is coming off a win over Elijah Dickens at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA on Feb. 4. Dickens had to retire from that bout in the second round because of an injury.
Page (10-4, four KO's) was also victorious in his last contest, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Bates on December 9, 2005 in Wheeling, WVA.
Page (10-4, four KO's) was also victorious in his last contest, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Jeremy Bates on December 9, 2005 in Wheeling, WVA.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Ricasa Counts His Blessings!
In part two of our interview with Mike Ricasa, he talks about how this bout, his career, and more importantly, his life, is a blessing.
Ricasa Talks About Rematch With Dean White!
Now we hear from Mike "Little Rock" Ricasa about the Feb. 23 rematch.
Dean White Talks About Rematch With Mike Ricasa!
Boxing Along The Beltway covers both sides of the rematch for the East Coast Pro Championship between super featherweights Dean "Pit Bull" White and Mike "Little Rock" Ricasa. First we hear from Dean White.
Boxing Along the Beltway 'Too Much Going On' Update!
Sometimes there is so much to talk about, I don't know where to begin! This is when I feel like the old pro wrestling announcer Bob Caudle who used to work in the old Mid-Atlantic territory of the NWA. Sometimes there would be SO much going on, he would conduct an interview with someone like Dusty Rhodes and he would start the interview by saying "Boy, there's a lot going down now, man!"
As far as the blog is concerned, I am lining up audio interviews in the next couple of weeks with the following people:
Dean White and Mike Ricasa -- I will be talking to both men concerning their rematch on February 23 at Martin's West.
Henry "Discombobulating" Jones -- I expect this one to be a hard-hitting interview concerning some strange bias against this extraordinary ring announcer.
Cassandra White-- The newest promoter on the Beltway scene makes her debut on Friday, March 3 at the Lincoln Theatre with a card that will be fascinating to say the least.
If you look in the January 2006 archives, you'll see that I have mentioned this card before. However, there are some details that I can now fill in courtesy of White herself.
The main event will be for something called the "Tri-State Light Heavyweight Championship." The bout matches undefeated Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan against veteran Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan. As I said before, Bryan has not fought here along the Beltway in more than seven years.
The co-feature will put two former world champions in the ring against one another. Hope you're sitting down for this announcement. Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will take on the returning former IBF Lightweight champion "Fearless" Freddie Pendleton!!
Yes, I know that Pendleton has not fought in almost five years and yes, he just turned 43 years old. I even checked Boxrec to make sure it wasn't Freddie Pendleton, Jr. that Cassandra White was talking about. It is indeed the same Pendleton who participated in one of the greatest bouts ever seen in this area, the USBA Junior Welterweight title bout against Darryll Tyson on the undercard of the Beltway Brawl in 1995 at the USAir Arena.
There is another interesting matchup on this card. Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller will take on 2000 US Olympian Dante "Inferno" Craig. Miller needs to shake off the tough draw he had against Jason Naugler last November at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. Craig needs a win to continue his streak. The last time Craig fought along the Beltway, he was stopped in the fourth round by George Armenta in March 2004. Since that bout, Craig (15-4, 11 KO's) has won six in a row.
Also on this card will be locals Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly and Thomas Snow, a junior welterweight from Capitol Heights, MD (1-0, 1 KO) who will be making his home debut.
I will get into more details on this card as we get closer to it, but let me add that March will be an extremely busy month, because we will have three cards within the first 10 days of the month! Not only do we have the show on March 3, but then we have the next Ballroom Boxing show slated for Thursday, March 9 and the next BXF show scheduled for Friday, March 10. Add to the schedule the Friday, March 24 Baltimore Pro Boxing show at the Pikesville Armory and you have the Beltway Boxing version of March Madness!!
As far as this Saturday's card at the Patriot Center is concerned, I have been told that USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont "Bay" Pearson will be on the card but he will be in a 10-round, non-title contest. A representative for Keystone Boxing would not release the name of the opponent, but said that there is one for Pearson for this contest.
As far as the blog is concerned, I am lining up audio interviews in the next couple of weeks with the following people:
Dean White and Mike Ricasa -- I will be talking to both men concerning their rematch on February 23 at Martin's West.
Henry "Discombobulating" Jones -- I expect this one to be a hard-hitting interview concerning some strange bias against this extraordinary ring announcer.
Cassandra White-- The newest promoter on the Beltway scene makes her debut on Friday, March 3 at the Lincoln Theatre with a card that will be fascinating to say the least.
If you look in the January 2006 archives, you'll see that I have mentioned this card before. However, there are some details that I can now fill in courtesy of White herself.
The main event will be for something called the "Tri-State Light Heavyweight Championship." The bout matches undefeated Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan against veteran Lloyd "Jabba" Bryan. As I said before, Bryan has not fought here along the Beltway in more than seven years.
The co-feature will put two former world champions in the ring against one another. Hope you're sitting down for this announcement. Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will take on the returning former IBF Lightweight champion "Fearless" Freddie Pendleton!!
Yes, I know that Pendleton has not fought in almost five years and yes, he just turned 43 years old. I even checked Boxrec to make sure it wasn't Freddie Pendleton, Jr. that Cassandra White was talking about. It is indeed the same Pendleton who participated in one of the greatest bouts ever seen in this area, the USBA Junior Welterweight title bout against Darryll Tyson on the undercard of the Beltway Brawl in 1995 at the USAir Arena.
There is another interesting matchup on this card. Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller will take on 2000 US Olympian Dante "Inferno" Craig. Miller needs to shake off the tough draw he had against Jason Naugler last November at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro. Craig needs a win to continue his streak. The last time Craig fought along the Beltway, he was stopped in the fourth round by George Armenta in March 2004. Since that bout, Craig (15-4, 11 KO's) has won six in a row.
Also on this card will be locals Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly and Thomas Snow, a junior welterweight from Capitol Heights, MD (1-0, 1 KO) who will be making his home debut.
I will get into more details on this card as we get closer to it, but let me add that March will be an extremely busy month, because we will have three cards within the first 10 days of the month! Not only do we have the show on March 3, but then we have the next Ballroom Boxing show slated for Thursday, March 9 and the next BXF show scheduled for Friday, March 10. Add to the schedule the Friday, March 24 Baltimore Pro Boxing show at the Pikesville Armory and you have the Beltway Boxing version of March Madness!!
As far as this Saturday's card at the Patriot Center is concerned, I have been told that USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont "Bay" Pearson will be on the card but he will be in a 10-round, non-title contest. A representative for Keystone Boxing would not release the name of the opponent, but said that there is one for Pearson for this contest.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Aiken Named NABA Fighter of the Month!
Newly-crowned NABA Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken was recently named the NABA Fighter of the Month for February. The NABA honored Aiken, a native of Forestville, MD, for his January 20th seventh-round TKO over Darby Smart to win the NABA title. Aiken is 14-3, 11 KO's.
Clash of the Contenders Weigh-in Open to Public!
The official weigh-in for the February 18 "Clash of the Contenders" card at the Patriot Center will be held on Friday, February 17 at Champps Restaurant and Bar located in the Fair Oaks Mall. The weigh-in begins at 5 pm and the public is invited.
Here's what I know of the card so far:
The main event is still intact: Jimmy Lange vs. Joey Gilbert, 12 rounds for the vacant NABO Middleweight title.
Derek Ennis vs. Jesse Orta, six round junior middleweight bout. This should be a very good contest. The Philadelphia, PA-based Ennis (7-0, 5 KO's) fought on the Michael's Eighth Avenue card on January 26 and knocked out Martinus Clay in the first round. You may remember Orta scored a stunning first round TKO over Orazio "The Razor" Robinson on the Lange-Perry Ballard undercard on September 17, 2005.
Since that bout, Orta (6-7-1, four KO's) has fought three times and was 1-2 during that stretch. One of the losses came in a five-round unanimous decision to "Contender" participant Juan De La Rosa during the big "Contender" rematch card in Los Angeles on October 15.
Robinson will try to bounce back from the loss to Orta when he faces Edward Paredes in a six round junior middleweight contest. Robinson, a native of Manassas, VA, is 5-2-2, four KO's. Paredes, a native of Lawrence, MA who fights out of Hollywood, FL, has a record of 6-1, three KO's and has won his last five bouts including a six-round unanimous decision over Rodney Tappin on February 10 in Huntington, NY.
In women's action, British boxer Jamie "Rocky" Johnson will battle Tonya Gallegos in a six-round contest. Johnson, who hails from Royal Turnbridge Wells, England, has fought very sparingly as a pro in the past. In fact, Boxrec.com has her listed for just three bouts between 1992-1995. The contests came against serious competition; two losses to Deidre Gogarty and one loss to Jane Couch.
In a 2002 interview with the Women's Boxing Archive Network, Johnson said she fought 16 non-sanctioned bouts that she described as "semi-pro." Johnson has been training in the same Florida-based camp as Jimmy Lange and Lange told me she is very talented.
Gallegos, a native of Denver, CO, will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak. Gallegos (3-5, two KO's)lost a four-round unanimous decision to Tricia Turton on January 20 in Temecula, CA.
Also on the card, Fairfax, VA's "Money" Mike Sawyer will face an opponent to be determined. Saywer is coming off a rib-breaking first-round KO over LaGene Richardson in his pro debut on February 4 in Springfield, VA.
Making his pro debut will be superfeatherweight Andre Nichols, who is the son of noted Northern Virginia trainer Asim Hanif. Nichols is a graduate of Woodbridge, VA.
There is a 10-round co-feature bout still being finalized for this card. It looks like USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont "Bay" Pearson will not be on this card, unless it is a 10-round non-title contest. Pearson was slated to defend his title on this card, but promoters had a tough time finding an opponent.
Here's what I know of the card so far:
The main event is still intact: Jimmy Lange vs. Joey Gilbert, 12 rounds for the vacant NABO Middleweight title.
Derek Ennis vs. Jesse Orta, six round junior middleweight bout. This should be a very good contest. The Philadelphia, PA-based Ennis (7-0, 5 KO's) fought on the Michael's Eighth Avenue card on January 26 and knocked out Martinus Clay in the first round. You may remember Orta scored a stunning first round TKO over Orazio "The Razor" Robinson on the Lange-Perry Ballard undercard on September 17, 2005.
Since that bout, Orta (6-7-1, four KO's) has fought three times and was 1-2 during that stretch. One of the losses came in a five-round unanimous decision to "Contender" participant Juan De La Rosa during the big "Contender" rematch card in Los Angeles on October 15.
Robinson will try to bounce back from the loss to Orta when he faces Edward Paredes in a six round junior middleweight contest. Robinson, a native of Manassas, VA, is 5-2-2, four KO's. Paredes, a native of Lawrence, MA who fights out of Hollywood, FL, has a record of 6-1, three KO's and has won his last five bouts including a six-round unanimous decision over Rodney Tappin on February 10 in Huntington, NY.
In women's action, British boxer Jamie "Rocky" Johnson will battle Tonya Gallegos in a six-round contest. Johnson, who hails from Royal Turnbridge Wells, England, has fought very sparingly as a pro in the past. In fact, Boxrec.com has her listed for just three bouts between 1992-1995. The contests came against serious competition; two losses to Deidre Gogarty and one loss to Jane Couch.
In a 2002 interview with the Women's Boxing Archive Network, Johnson said she fought 16 non-sanctioned bouts that she described as "semi-pro." Johnson has been training in the same Florida-based camp as Jimmy Lange and Lange told me she is very talented.
Gallegos, a native of Denver, CO, will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak. Gallegos (3-5, two KO's)lost a four-round unanimous decision to Tricia Turton on January 20 in Temecula, CA.
Also on the card, Fairfax, VA's "Money" Mike Sawyer will face an opponent to be determined. Saywer is coming off a rib-breaking first-round KO over LaGene Richardson in his pro debut on February 4 in Springfield, VA.
Making his pro debut will be superfeatherweight Andre Nichols, who is the son of noted Northern Virginia trainer Asim Hanif. Nichols is a graduate of Woodbridge, VA.
There is a 10-round co-feature bout still being finalized for this card. It looks like USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont "Bay" Pearson will not be on this card, unless it is a 10-round non-title contest. Pearson was slated to defend his title on this card, but promoters had a tough time finding an opponent.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Cauthen Stops 'Bubby' Thompson in Philadelphia!
New Jersey junior middleweight Terrence "The Heat" Cauthen stopped DC's Vincent "Bubby" Thompson in the eighth round at the Legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia. The following description of this bout and other contests on the card comes from Fightnews.com's Kurt Wolfheimer.
Terrance "The Heat" Cauthen (29-3, 8KOs) of Trenton, New Jersey continued his quest for another world title, with an impressive eighth round stoppage of Vincent Thompson (22-8, 9KOs) of Washington DC.
The southpaw Cauthen started the bout tentatively, but by the fifth round, he was landing pinpoint combinations and walking through the light combinations of the game, but outmatched Thompson. Cauthen continued the onslaught in rounds six and seven. This time though, it was combinations that began with body shots followed with uppercuts inside, which was wearing down Thompson. Finally, in the eighth and final round, Cauthen connected with a straight left, followed by a right hand flush on jaw of Thompson, stunning him. Cauthen seeing the opening turned on the heat as he landed twenty unanswered punches on a badly hurt Thompson, who was covering up, forcing referee Shawn Clark to call a halt to the bout at 1:21 of the round to the delight of the pro-Cauthen crowd.
Also on the card,orthodox Junior Middleweight William "The Bobcat" Boggs of Philadelphia, PA hurt his right hand early in round one, but switched to southpaw throughout the bout, increasing his power in taking every round off of ring veteran Larry Brothers of Silver Spring, MD over four rounds. Boggs increases his record to 2-0 while Brothers falls to 6-18-3 with four KOs.
Terrance "The Heat" Cauthen (29-3, 8KOs) of Trenton, New Jersey continued his quest for another world title, with an impressive eighth round stoppage of Vincent Thompson (22-8, 9KOs) of Washington DC.
The southpaw Cauthen started the bout tentatively, but by the fifth round, he was landing pinpoint combinations and walking through the light combinations of the game, but outmatched Thompson. Cauthen continued the onslaught in rounds six and seven. This time though, it was combinations that began with body shots followed with uppercuts inside, which was wearing down Thompson. Finally, in the eighth and final round, Cauthen connected with a straight left, followed by a right hand flush on jaw of Thompson, stunning him. Cauthen seeing the opening turned on the heat as he landed twenty unanswered punches on a badly hurt Thompson, who was covering up, forcing referee Shawn Clark to call a halt to the bout at 1:21 of the round to the delight of the pro-Cauthen crowd.
Also on the card,orthodox Junior Middleweight William "The Bobcat" Boggs of Philadelphia, PA hurt his right hand early in round one, but switched to southpaw throughout the bout, increasing his power in taking every round off of ring veteran Larry Brothers of Silver Spring, MD over four rounds. Boggs increases his record to 2-0 while Brothers falls to 6-18-3 with four KOs.
Digital Joins The BWAA!
Allow me to toot my own horn for a moment.
I recently became a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). This is something that I have contemplated for some time. It is an honor to be part of this organization and join some really legendary names such as the current president, Tim Graham, the past president Bernard Fernandez and the membership chair, Steve Farhood. All these names and many others are people I have read and enjoyed for many years. To join this group is a big step for me.
I recently became a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA). This is something that I have contemplated for some time. It is an honor to be part of this organization and join some really legendary names such as the current president, Tim Graham, the past president Bernard Fernandez and the membership chair, Steve Farhood. All these names and many others are people I have read and enjoyed for many years. To join this group is a big step for me.
Ricasa-White II in Woodlawn February 23!
After a successful promotion in Pikesville, MD, Baltimore Boxing will promote a card at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD on Thursday, February 23. The main event on the card will be a rematch of one of the closest contests of 2005.
Maryland super featherweights Mike “Little Rock” Ricasa and Dean “Pit Bull” White will do battle in a bout for the promoter-created “East Coast Pro Championship.” Ricasa, who fights out of Ellicott City, won the first matchup over the Smithsburg-based White by a close, six-round majority decision on October 27 at Martin’s West. By this being a “championship”, I’m assuming this will be a 10-round bout.
Ricasa (6-1, two KO’s) has not fought since the win over White. White (12-4, six KO’s), has fought twice since the loss to Ricasa. White lost a six-round unanimous decision to Oronde Dawley in December 2005, in Lancaster, PA , then won a six-round split decision over Marty Robbins on the last Baltimore Boxing card on January 20 in Pikesville, MD.
I hope to talk to both Ricasa and White this weekend concerning this bout.
The co-feature will pit undefeated Baltimore, MD heavyweight Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom (2-0, two KO’s) against Glen Williams of St. Petersburg, FL.
Also on this card will be Maryland boxers Jesse "The Beast" Nicklow and Nick Collins, who made successful debuts in their last outings.
Maryland super featherweights Mike “Little Rock” Ricasa and Dean “Pit Bull” White will do battle in a bout for the promoter-created “East Coast Pro Championship.” Ricasa, who fights out of Ellicott City, won the first matchup over the Smithsburg-based White by a close, six-round majority decision on October 27 at Martin’s West. By this being a “championship”, I’m assuming this will be a 10-round bout.
Ricasa (6-1, two KO’s) has not fought since the win over White. White (12-4, six KO’s), has fought twice since the loss to Ricasa. White lost a six-round unanimous decision to Oronde Dawley in December 2005, in Lancaster, PA , then won a six-round split decision over Marty Robbins on the last Baltimore Boxing card on January 20 in Pikesville, MD.
I hope to talk to both Ricasa and White this weekend concerning this bout.
The co-feature will pit undefeated Baltimore, MD heavyweight Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom (2-0, two KO’s) against Glen Williams of St. Petersburg, FL.
Also on this card will be Maryland boxers Jesse "The Beast" Nicklow and Nick Collins, who made successful debuts in their last outings.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Mitchell Faces 'The Punisher' on April 12!
Thanks to "Discombobulating" Jones for the tip on this one.
Former WBA Junior Welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell will be back in action on April 12. Mitchell's opponent for this bout is one of the rising stars in boxing, undefeated Paul "The Punisher" Williams of Augusta, GA.
I've seen Williams a few times and in every bout, he has impressed me. His record of 28-0, 20 KO's is no joke. Williams is ranked in the top 15 by the WBA (13), the IBF (15) and the WBO (15).
Mitchell (56-5, 30 KO's) is the biggest and most experienced name on Williams' record. Mitchell has faced much better competition during his career than Williams.
However, Williams is very hungry and that could prove to be the difference. This is a scary fight for Mitchell. He has to use his experience to beat the tough southpaw.
The bout will be held at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CA and is scheduled to be an ESPN2 telecast.
Former WBA Junior Welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell will be back in action on April 12. Mitchell's opponent for this bout is one of the rising stars in boxing, undefeated Paul "The Punisher" Williams of Augusta, GA.
I've seen Williams a few times and in every bout, he has impressed me. His record of 28-0, 20 KO's is no joke. Williams is ranked in the top 15 by the WBA (13), the IBF (15) and the WBO (15).
Mitchell (56-5, 30 KO's) is the biggest and most experienced name on Williams' record. Mitchell has faced much better competition during his career than Williams.
However, Williams is very hungry and that could prove to be the difference. This is a scary fight for Mitchell. He has to use his experience to beat the tough southpaw.
The bout will be held at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, CA and is scheduled to be an ESPN2 telecast.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Washington Post Has Article on Russell Family!
You have seen articles written about Gary Russell, Jr., the amateur boxing sensation from Capitol Heights.
In today's Washington Post, there is a nice article about the whole family, focusing on the father, Gary Russell, Sr. The article was written by Les Carpenter.
This is the second nice piece written by the Post on the amateur scene in recent months. The Washington Post Magazine had a wonderful story about Barry Hunter and the job he has done with the Headbangers Gym back in November.
Unfortunately, as the Carpenter story points out, Russell and Hunter are rivals and this is why Gary, Jr. did not participate in the recent USA meet against Belarus at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.
But today's story is a nice read.
In today's Washington Post, there is a nice article about the whole family, focusing on the father, Gary Russell, Sr. The article was written by Les Carpenter.
This is the second nice piece written by the Post on the amateur scene in recent months. The Washington Post Magazine had a wonderful story about Barry Hunter and the job he has done with the Headbangers Gym back in November.
Unfortunately, as the Carpenter story points out, Russell and Hunter are rivals and this is why Gary, Jr. did not participate in the recent USA meet against Belarus at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.
But today's story is a nice read.
BXF All-Female Card Cancelled!
The all-female card that was slated for Friday, February 10th at BXF Gym in Millersville, MD has been cancelled. Promoters cancelled the show because they could not meet the state-required 26 rounds of boxing.
According to a press release, the card will not be rescheduled and no word on whether any of the scheduled bouts will be placed on BXF's next show, which is scheduled for Friday, March 10.
According to a press release, the card will not be rescheduled and no word on whether any of the scheduled bouts will be placed on BXF's next show, which is scheduled for Friday, March 10.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Results from Springfield, VA!
Here's what happened at last night's card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA courtesy of my Fightnews.com colleague John Buhl.
Three Washington, DC metro area prospects had successful debuts tonight--led by the much anticipated first pro bout for Mike Sawyer (Falls Church, Va.)--on a fight card promoted by former area boxer Han "Sugar" Kim at ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.
Mike Sawyer (1-0, 1 KO) Defeats Lagene Richardson (0-1) via KO 2:48 Rd. 1. Super middleweight Mike Sawyer was originally scheduled to appear on the undercard event featuring the return to action of "The Contender" participant Jimmy Lange back in August. Due to medical reasons Sawyer was pulled from the bout just moments before fight time. He did not let the delay affect his performance in the night's main event.
Facing Lagene Richardson (a Boston, Mass. fighter also entering his first professional match), Sawyer wasted no time taking control of the fight and exciting the local crowd.
A straight right from Sawyer sent Richardson to the canvas early in the round, but Richardson appeared to recover quickly. However, Sawyer landed strong body shots on the inside, including a left hook to the rib cage that clearly slowed Richardson. That left hook was followed by a quick barrage that sent Richardson to the canvas and unable to answer the ten count at the 2:48 mark of the opening period.
Zain Shah (1-0, 1 KO) Defeats Leo Edwards (1-3) via TKO 1:55 Rd. 2
Shah (Centreville, Va.)got his career started on the right track stopping Leo Edwards of Philadelphia, Penn. in a junior middleweight match. He used his jab to settle into the action and keep the shorter Edwards at bay. Trying to close the distance, Edwards continually came forward, leaving himself open to punishment.
Shah capitalized, scoring a knockdown with a right hook while Edwards was off balance. When action was restarted, he pounced on Edwards with a flurry against the ropes, forcing referee Rick Ellis to halt the contest.
Willis Lockett (7-4-4, 1 KO) Defeats Elijah Dickins (2-1) via TKO end of Rd.2
Takoma Park, Md. cruiserweight Willis Lockett secured a stoppage victory over Elijah Dickins (Boston, Mass.) in rather unusual circumstances.
The first two rounds were even, with Lockett doing good body work inside against the ropes, while Dickins used superior hand speed to land the occasional jab and power shot (especially the left hook) from the outside. However, near the end of the second round, Dickins appeared to injure his hand after throwing a left hook. The hand injury forced him to back out of the match rather than
answer the bell for round three.
Victor Randall Davis (1-0) Defeats Charles Mack (1-2) via Split Decision
Both fighters in this four round light heavyweight fight were hesitant to mount any serious attack, content to trade jabs and feel each other out for the first two rounds. The pace picked up a bit in round 3, with Davis (Washington, D.C.) landing a couple of straight rights.
Both combatants finally let loose in the final round. Randall landed the more impressive blows, with a couple of right hand power shots connecting to the face of Mack (Philadelphia, Penn.). Aided by that and a point deduction from Mack for excessive hitting to the back, Randall was victorious by scores of 38-37 (twice)and 36-39.
Three Washington, DC metro area prospects had successful debuts tonight--led by the much anticipated first pro bout for Mike Sawyer (Falls Church, Va.)--on a fight card promoted by former area boxer Han "Sugar" Kim at ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.
Mike Sawyer (1-0, 1 KO) Defeats Lagene Richardson (0-1) via KO 2:48 Rd. 1. Super middleweight Mike Sawyer was originally scheduled to appear on the undercard event featuring the return to action of "The Contender" participant Jimmy Lange back in August. Due to medical reasons Sawyer was pulled from the bout just moments before fight time. He did not let the delay affect his performance in the night's main event.
Facing Lagene Richardson (a Boston, Mass. fighter also entering his first professional match), Sawyer wasted no time taking control of the fight and exciting the local crowd.
A straight right from Sawyer sent Richardson to the canvas early in the round, but Richardson appeared to recover quickly. However, Sawyer landed strong body shots on the inside, including a left hook to the rib cage that clearly slowed Richardson. That left hook was followed by a quick barrage that sent Richardson to the canvas and unable to answer the ten count at the 2:48 mark of the opening period.
Zain Shah (1-0, 1 KO) Defeats Leo Edwards (1-3) via TKO 1:55 Rd. 2
Shah (Centreville, Va.)got his career started on the right track stopping Leo Edwards of Philadelphia, Penn. in a junior middleweight match. He used his jab to settle into the action and keep the shorter Edwards at bay. Trying to close the distance, Edwards continually came forward, leaving himself open to punishment.
Shah capitalized, scoring a knockdown with a right hook while Edwards was off balance. When action was restarted, he pounced on Edwards with a flurry against the ropes, forcing referee Rick Ellis to halt the contest.
Willis Lockett (7-4-4, 1 KO) Defeats Elijah Dickins (2-1) via TKO end of Rd.2
Takoma Park, Md. cruiserweight Willis Lockett secured a stoppage victory over Elijah Dickins (Boston, Mass.) in rather unusual circumstances.
The first two rounds were even, with Lockett doing good body work inside against the ropes, while Dickins used superior hand speed to land the occasional jab and power shot (especially the left hook) from the outside. However, near the end of the second round, Dickins appeared to injure his hand after throwing a left hook. The hand injury forced him to back out of the match rather than
answer the bell for round three.
Victor Randall Davis (1-0) Defeats Charles Mack (1-2) via Split Decision
Both fighters in this four round light heavyweight fight were hesitant to mount any serious attack, content to trade jabs and feel each other out for the first two rounds. The pace picked up a bit in round 3, with Davis (Washington, D.C.) landing a couple of straight rights.
Both combatants finally let loose in the final round. Randall landed the more impressive blows, with a couple of right hand power shots connecting to the face of Mack (Philadelphia, Penn.). Aided by that and a point deduction from Mack for excessive hitting to the back, Randall was victorious by scores of 38-37 (twice)and 36-39.
Friday, February 03, 2006
February Beltway Boxing Preview!
In this post, I give a preview of the boxing schedule for February.
January Beltway Boxing Review!
This post recaps a busy month of Boxing Along the Beltway in January.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
'Bubby' Thompson, Part 2!
In the second part of this interview with Vincent "Bubby" Thompson, he talks about what he sees ahead of him in the junior middleweight division.
'Bubby' Thompson Faces Cauthen on Feb. 10!
Washington, DC junior middleweight Vincent "Bubby" Thompson will take on 1996 Olympic Bronze medalist Terrence "Heat" Cauthen on Friday, Feb. 10 at the legendary Blue Horizon in Philadelphia, PA.
In this audio interview, Thompson talks about his preparations for this bout, including his work with Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson.
In this audio interview, Thompson talks about his preparations for this bout, including his work with Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson.
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