Amateurs Deliver Incredible Show in Woodlawn!

If you'll remember, the last thing Jake "The Snake" Smith said in my interview with him was "support the amateurs." Hundreds of people took that advice to heart last night at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.

An estimated crowd of 900 packed the house to witness a card that probably set a new standard for amateur boxing along the Beltway.

In one of the featured bouts of the evening, Gary A. Russell (Allen to his family and friends)of Enigma Boxing in DC, won by decision over Charm City Boxing's Emmanuel Taylor in a 136-pound bout. Both young men showed exceptional skills during the contest, demonstrating why they are both highly ranked in their weight class.

Both also showed that their boxing bloodlines remain strong. Russell is the younger brother of Gary Russell, Jr., the number one ranked bantamweight in the United States and third-ranked in the world. Taylor is the younger brother of pro junior middleweight Maxell "The General" Taylor. By the way, Emmanuel Taylor participated in his 180th amateur bout last night; at the age of 15.

Last night was also the amateur swan song for 165-pounder Elias Boulabassis of the Baltimore Boxing Club. Boulabassis went out in grand style, knocking down Daniel Ankers of the Lincoln Way Club of York, PA three times before the contest was stopped in the second round.

Boulabassis, who will carry the nickname "The Golden Greek," is scheduled to make his pro debut on August 12 in Ocean City, MD.

But the bout that everyone will be talking about was the only women's bout on the card. Heather Monroe won a decision over her Baltimore Boxing Club compatriot Tanisha Kemp in one of the most exciting slugfests seen in recent memory.

Kemp was in control of the action in the first round, pummeling Monroe enough to gain two standing eight-counts. However, Monroe fought back bravely and earned a standing eight-count of her own.

The third round was a two-minute give-and-take slugfest that had fans out of their seats throughout Martin's West. Monroe did just enough to earn the win.

In other bouts on the card:

185-pound Novice: Glenn Carey of Baltimore Boxing won a decision over fellow club member Jason Saddler.

182-Novice: Lloyd Thomas of Upton Boxing forced the referee to stop the contest in the first round against Baltimore Boxing's Darryl Wirtz.

178-Novice: Eric Ward of Baltimore Boxing won by retirement in the third round against compatriot Michael Snowden.

142-Novice: Eric Lowe of Loch Raven won a decision over Mpoyi Mukankol of Washington, DC Boxing and Fitness.

165-Novice: Richard Lin of Baltimore Boxing won by decision over teammate Zeke Crane.

190 Pound: Robert Reed of DC Boxing and Fitness scored the stoppage of the night, dropping Joel Edwards of The Next Level gym in Baltimore with a crushing right hand in the second round.

152 Pound: Lenwood Dozier of BXF Gym in Millersville, MD won by decision over Ricky Johnson of Keystone Boxing Gym in Marlow Heights, MD.

201+ Pound: Dorsett Barnwell of Enigma won when Mark Orendorff of Baltimore Boxing retired in the third.

201+ Pound: Tavon Sol of The Next Level wins by decision over Zakki Scott of DC Boxing and Fitness.

This was a tremendous amateur show that in many ways had the feel of a pro show. There were some great bouts, you had devastating stoppages and a very enthusiastic crowd.

This card was the best amateur show I have seen in person since the 2001 Platinum Gloves. Just an incredible card!