Changes to March 10 Winchester Card!

There are a couple of big changes on the Saturday, March 10 Squared Circle Promotions card at the Best Western Conference Center in Winchester, VA.

Dean "Pitbull" White is now off the show. White aggravated a shoulder injury in his loss to Verquan Kimbrough on February 22 in Chester, WVA.

Former WBA Heavyweight champion "The Atlantic City Express" Bruce Seldon has been added to the card. Seldon (36-6, 32 KO's) recently made his return to the ring after a two-year absence by scoring a first-round TKO over Marcus Rhode on February 10 in Philadelphia.

Seldon is scheduled to take on Travis Fulton of Cedar Falls, IA (15-17, 15 KO's). Fulton's nickname is "Ironman" but recently he has been anything but that. Fulton has lost four of his last five bouts by technical knockout inside three rounds. This includes Fulton's last bout, a third-round TKO loss to another returning boxer
-- Lou Savarese -- on January 18.

'Ding-A-Ling Man' Talks Present and Future!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #40 - Darnell Wilson Discusses Present and Future!

The hottest name in the cruiserweight division, Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson, discusses his recent victory over Kelvin Davis, his signing with Duva Boxing and his future plans.

'Touch of Sleep' Williamson Wants 'Hometown Throwdown' with Thompson!

Although he's been living in Denver, CO for awhile, heavyweight DaVarryl "Touch of Sleep" Williamson still considers himself a DC boxer. Williamson has not fought since May of last year when he scored a fourth-round TKO over Mike Mollo in Worcester, MA.

Recently, Williamson told Fightbeat.com's Kyle Waterstone that the reason he hasn't fought more is because no one wants to fight him. Williamson also told Waterstone that he would like to take on another Beltway Boxer who seems to have the same problem -- Tony "The Tiger" Thompson.

"He’s been on a roll. He beat Guinn, then one of those Ibragimov’s, and he’s talking about trying to get a meaningful fight. Well I’m right here baby. Let’s get it on. Couple of D.C. area boys putting it on the line sounds good to me. I’m ranked by the WBA & IBF, so maybe Dan Goosen & Don King can make it work as an eliminator or something. I'll fight any of those guys, they have the ranking and as far as I know, none of them have an immediate dance partner, but Tony looks most attractive at the moment, because he has been on a roll and is the flavor of the month, plus we can do this in DC and make it a real “Hometown Throwdown". Lets do this!"

Let me paraphrase the one and only "Discombobulating" Jones as I ask you this question:

"Beltway Boxing Fans: Are YOU ready to do this?" What is YOUR opinion on a Thompson-Williamson "Hometown Throwdown?"

'Ding-A-Ling Man' Joins Duva Boxing Stable!

I received an interesting press release from Duva Boxing saying that they would like to congratulate the newest member of the Duva Boxing stable -- Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson on his recent victory.

The press release calls Wilson "a dire threat" to the cruiserweight division after his crushing third-round TKO victory over former IBF Cruiserweight champion Kelvin Davis on Feb. 23 in Scranton, PA.

“With his impressive performance, Darnell left little doubt in anyone’s mind that he is a legitimate top contender,” said Duva Boxing President Dino Duva in the press release. “What he did to Kelvin Davis, he could do to any other cruiserweight in the world and promotional partner Sal Musumeci and I are dedicated to getting him a title fight as soon as possible.”

Photos from Feb. 24 Nights of Boxing!

Here are links to photo galleries from both of the boxing events on February 24.

Jill Ogues has photos from the "Rumble in Ritchie" at the University of Maryland's Ritchie Coliseum at this link:

http://roygbiv.smugmug.com/gallery/2521306#132444709

Linda Siadys has photos from the Sugar Han Productions card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA at this link:

http://photodawg1.smugmug.com/gallery/2509697

You should also check out Linda's photos from the Scott Farmer show in Winchester, VA as well. They are outstanding!

First Look at March Beltway Boxing Calendar!

March looks like another exciting month of Beltway Boxing! There will be three scheduled area pro cards, another card that has a number of Beltway Boxers slated to appear and the seventh appearance for a Beltway Boxer on national television this year.

Here's what I know so far:

Thursday, March 8 -- Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD -- The first Ballroom Boxing card of 2007. Scheduled to appear are "Da Show Shock A" Tyrell Samuel and Ron "Teflon" Boyd along with the return of Carson McCourry and the pro debut of Danny Kisner.

Saturday, March 10 -- Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD -- Baltimore Pro Boxing card featuring Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow, Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall, and "The Golden Greek" Elias Boulbassis

Saturday, March 10 -- Best Western Conference Center, Winchester, VA -- Dean "Pitbull" White slated to headline this Squared Circle Promotions card.

Friday, March 16 -- Rockingham Park, Salem, NH -- Former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken faces Valdemir Pereira in an IBF elimination bout on ESPN2. The winner is scheduled to get a shot at new champion Robert Guerrero, who just regained the title. Guerrero defeated Aiken to win his first title. Aiken won the title from Pereira.

Saturday, March 24 -- Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD -- This one has been announced but the date could change. This is a Sugar Han Productions card that is scheduled to have Oliver McCall returning along with USBA Cruiserweight champion Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo.

I'll have details on all of these events as soon as they are available.

Post-Fight Wrap-Up From Springfield!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #39 - Post-Fight Wrap-Up From Springfield!

Fightnews.com's Julian Burgower and I recap tonight's boxing card from the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.




Quick results:

Former WBC Heavyweight champion Oliver McCall won his 50th career bout with an eight-round unanimous decision over Marion "Jackhammer" Wilson.

Horace "The Reason" Grant scored a first-round TKO (:40)over Carousse Auponte.

"Money" Mike Sawyer won a four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson.

Edgar "The Tiger" Torres won by first-round TKO (1:05) over Danny Lundy.

John "No Mercy" Mackey won by four-round unanimous decision over Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers.

Kay Koroma won by first-round TKO (2:16) over George Staten.

'Ding-A-Ling Man' Does it Again!

I think it is safe to say that Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson is back in the cruiserweight mainstream. Wilson survived a second-round knockdown to score a crushing third-round TKO over former IBF Cruiserweight champion Kelvin "Koncrete" Davis tonight at the CYO Youth Center in Scranton, PA in front of a nationally televised ESPN2 audience.

Davis dropped Wilson with a pushing left hand midway through the second round. Wilson complained that he was tripped, but replays showed there was a legitimate punch thrown.

In the third, Wilson (21-5-3, 18 KO's) came out strong and landed a left hand early in the round and Davis suddenly had no defense. Wilson bombarded Davis before dropping him with a big right hand. Davis beat the count but was in no condition to continue and the bout was stopped at 1:03 of the third by referee Gary Rosato.

This is a MAJOR win for Wilson, who beat a former world champion who has faced some of the best in the cruiserweight division, including O'Neil Bell and Steve Cunningham. The win also continues a tremendous turnaround for Wilson. He once lost four straight but now has won three in a row, all by TKO. Yes, the Judah fight (at Michael's Eighth Avenue last September) was stopped by a injury to Judah's shoulder, but these are all fabulous wins for "The Ding-A-Ling Man" and should put him right back in the championship picture.

Bobby Glassmeyer Passes!

Details are sketchy on this, but I have been told that veteran Baltimore trainer Bobby Glassmeyer passed away this week. I don't have much more information on this sad note but I will have more later this weekend.

White-Kimbrough: My Take!!

Let me take this in two parts.

1. The fight itself. I am echoing the thoughts of many of you who believe that Dean White deserved at least a draw, if not the outright victory. I agree with that. I can't find any way in believing that Verquan Kimbrough won that bout. I thought White dictated the pace of the bout in the second half of the contest. He came forward and put Kimbrough on the defensive. That should have been enough for at least a draw.

Those of you who are not familiar with my work should know that I try to be as objective as humanly possible with my scoring of a bout. If I think a Beltway Boxer has lost a fight, I will say so. So I'm not saying this because White is a Beltway Boxer.

I do have a question. This may have been a mistake on ring announcer Michael Buffer's part, but Buffer announced the referee for the bout -- Tim Wheeler -- as one of the scoring judges. If that IS the case, then West Virginia is one of the few states in the country that still has the referee involved in the scoring. I would like clarification on that. It would be ironic since Wheeler was the one judge announced that saw the draw.

2. The second part of this take deals with the announcing of the fight. Bob Papa and Wallace Matthews are two very respected boxing people. Papa was the blow-by-blow man on ESPN prior to this job and Matthews is a long time boxing journalist for a number of New York based newspapers. Currently he is at Newsday.

With that said, their announcing of the White-Kimbrough bout was downright AWFUL!! I know this for a fact, when I first started covering boxing almost 20 years ago and there was a late change in the bout, it was very difficult to get pertinent and correct information about a late-arriving boxer. We all know that White took this bout on three days notice.

However, in today's world of the Internet, this is now a Google search. It was painfully clear that Papa and Matthews didn't know or didn't care to know anything about White because they either didn't expect a good performance out of him, or they expected Kimbrough to dominate the bout. When neither scenario took place, they were left hanging without information. They were EXTREMELY unprepared for this bout and it showed badly. The bout didn't go as they planned and they had no backup.

There has been enough discussion about White on this blog to fill at least four Google pages. The video of White's battle with Dorin Spivey is on the internet. Matthews does work with the same video producer that I work with, and probably could have received some video on White. There was absolutely no excuse for Papa and Matthews's callous and one-sided call of the action.

So it was a very frustrating night for all concerned. I join those in telling Dean White to keep his head up. White fought well, given the circumstances. I also suggest that West Virginia be taken off of his boxing travel plans for the rest of his boxing career.

White Loses Majority Decision in West Virginia!

Smithburg, MD's Dean "Pitbull" White lost a tough six-round majority decision to Verquan Kimbrough tonight on national television from Chester, West Virginia. The scores were 57-57, and 58-56 (twice).

I just wanted to post this quick result. I will add more comments to this post tomorrow. I have a lot to say about this.

Fightnews Profiles Tim Coleman!

One of my Fightnews colleagues, Lee Bates, has written a nice profile of undefeated Baltimore welterweight prospect Tim Coleman. Bates is based on the west coast and Coleman, as he told us a while back, once lived in Vegas.

Here is the link to the story:

http://www.fightnews.com/bates74.htm

Oliver McCall Discusses February 24 Bout!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #38 - Oliver McCall Discusses February 24 Bout in Springfield!

Former WBC Heavyweight champion "The Atomic Bull" Oliver McCall talks about his upcoming rematch against Marion "Jackhammer" Wilson on February 24 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Three Thousand Strong Greet De La Hoya & Mayweather!

Beltway Boxing fans! You came out in full force today for the press conference hyping the May 5 matchup between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. at Union Station in DC. An estimated 3,000 people showed up to watch the two superstars verbally duel. According to representatives involved with the press tour, this was the biggest turnout thus far. Remember, they were in New York and Philadelphia prior to DC.

Granted, a lot of people who were there came across the event by accident, but there were some true Beltway Boxing fans in attendance. It was so nice to see DC come out in nice numbers today. Well done!!!

'Digital' Makes the Radio Rounds!

This quick note:

I will be appearing on two radio programs today. For Beltway Boxing fans in Baltimore, listen to the Rob Long Show on Sportstalk 1570 WNST during the 4:30 half hour.

For fans in both Baltimore and DC, listen to "The Sports Groove" with Mark Gray on WOLB 1010 AM in Baltimore and WOL 1450 in DC between 7 and 10 PM.

Beltway Boxing Notes!

Folks, there is so much going on today, that I just wanted to give some Beltway Boxing Briefs of some info that I hope to expound on a little bit later this week.

The main event for the Baltimore Pro Boxing card on Saturday, March 10 at the Pikesville National Guard Armory should be a good one. Undefeated Severn, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow will take on perhaps his toughest opponent to date when he faces undefeated Matt Berkshire of Morgantown, WVA. Nicklow is 9-0, three KO's. Berkshire is 8-0, three KO's. Berkshire will make his first appearance in a ring outside of the state of West Virginia.

I hope to be able to bring you an audio interview with former WBC Heavyweight champion Oliver McCall later this evening. McCall battles Marion Wilson this Saturday at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA. By the way, the debate on the blog about that matchup has been very informative and well thought out on both sides. Thank you so much for your input on this, fans. Keep it coming.

I recently talked to Tony "The Tiger" Thompson and he is not happy that he is being left out of the running to replace Shannon Briggs on March 10 against Sultan Ibragimov. As you may know, Briggs was scheduled to defend his WBO title against Ibragimov on March 10 but had to pull out because of pneumonia. Ibragimov still wants to take somebody on, but Thompson's name did not come up in the conversation. I plan to talk to Thompson again later this week.

'Pitbull' White on The Versus Network Tomorrow Night!

You may have seen this in the comment section of an earlier post, but I can now confirm that Smithsburg, MD lightweight Dean "Pitbull" White (14-5-1, seven KO's) will take on Verquan Kimbrough on Thursday, February 22 (tomorrow night) at the Moutaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort in Chester, WVA. According to sources in the White camp, this bout will be a part of tomorrow night's telecast on the Versus Network (formerly the Outdoor Life Network) which begins at 9 PM ET.

The White camp is also hoping that a win against Kimbrough, a native of Aliquippa, PA (16-1-1, seven KO's) would lead to a rematch against Monty Meza Clay, who is also boxing on this card.

This card could get a lot of viewership because it also features two heavyweights that are trying to make comebacks from health-related career stoppages, Joe Mesi and, yes, Tommy Morrison, who will fight in a four-round bout.

Tessitore Previews 'Ding-A-Ling' Vs 'Koncrete'!

ESPN2's Joe Tessitore has a NICE preview of this Friday's cruiserweight showdown between Silver Spring's Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson and former IBF cruiserweight champion Kelvin "Koncrete" Davis on ESPN.com.

This is the link address:
http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/columns/story?columnist=tessitore_joe&id=2757891

De La Hoya-Mayweather Press Conference Comes to Union Station!

According to the website for Golden Boy Promotions, we now have a time and location for the DC leg of the Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. press conference tour.

The tour comes to Union Station (50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE in DC) on Wednesday, February 21 beginning at 2 PM. This event IS open to the public and the organizers are suggesting that you get there early. You CAN also bring your still and/or video camera.

Of course, the bout itself is scheduled for May 5 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. If you don't have a ticket, forget about it. It's all sold out. In fact, tickets sold out in three hours.

McCall vs. Wilson February 24 in Springfield!

Beltway Boxing fans in Springfield, VA will get a rare treat on Saturday, February 24 on the Sugar Han Productions card at the ABC Sports Complex.

Former WBC heavyweight champion "The Atomic Bull" Oliver McCall of Martinsville, VA will headline the show. McCall will face loooonngg-time veteran Marion "Jackhammer" Wilson of Hillcrest Heights, MD in an eight-round rematch. The two veterans met on February 5, 2005 at the Washington Convention Center. Wilson was disqualified in that bout in the sixth round for excessive holding.

The Wilson win started a nine-bout unbeaten streak for the 41-year old McCall (49-8, 36 KO's) who won his WBC title with his second-round TKO of Lennox Lewis in 1994. McCall is 8-0 with one no contest in his last nine and he has scored five knockouts in his last six bouts.

A knockout will be hard to come by against the durable Wilson (12-40-4, five KO's) who holds the distinction of never having been stopped in his 56-bout career; a career that includes bouts against seven current or former world champions (McCall, Hasim Rahman, Oleg Maskaev, Orlin Norris [a former WBA Cruiserweight champ], Shannon Briggs, Ray Mercer and Greg Page) as well as numerous current and former heavyweight contenders.

Wilson, who will turn 50 in October, has not fought since losing a four-round unanimous decision to Chazz Witherspoon on June 16, 2005 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.

There will be another veteran on the card, DC middleweight Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers who will face undefeated John Mackey of Montgomery, AL in a four-round encounter. Brothers is 6-23-3 with four KO's and has lost his last eight bouts including his four-round unanimous decision loss to Tommy Karpency on January 26 in Morgantown, WVA. Mackey, who was born in DC, is 3-0, two KO's and is coming off a second-round TKO over Tim Leonard on January 19 in Key West, FL.

Also on the card will be Gaithersburg, MD heavyweight Calvin Riley. who will take on Raymond Daye of Indianapolis, IN in a four-round bout. Riley won his pro debut at the ABC Complex on April 29, scoring a first-round TKO over Mike Needling. Daye lost his pro debut by second-round TKO to Shawn Baker on July 22 in Indianapolis.

Fresh off his pro debut victory this past Saturday in Winchester, VA, Edgar Torres will fight in his hometown of Springfield when he takes on Tony Green of Indianapolis in a four-round encounter. Green is 0-2 and has been stopped in the first round in both his bouts, including his pro debut against Thomas "KO" Snow on July 28 in Louisville, KY.

Also scheduled to appear on the show are Beltway Boxers "Money" Mike Sawyer, Horace "The Reason" Grant and Kay Koroma. Their opponents are yet to be determined.

Results from Winchester, VA!

Courtesy of Boxrec.com, here are the results of last night's Left Hook Boxing (Scott Farmer) card at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA:

Front Royal, VA lightweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer bounced back from his December 9 Patriot Center loss to Ken Humphreys by winning his first six-round bout, a unanimous decision over Mike Salyers of Rush, KY. Farmer is now 5-1, four KO's while Salyers is 2-11, two KO's.

The resurgence of Manassas, VA junior welterweight Jaime "The Punisher" Palma continues. Palma won his fourth straight bout, capturing a six-round unanimous decision over Edward "Nuckie" Anderson. This is the second time Palma has defeated Anderson. Palma is now over the .500 mark at 11-10-1, two KO's. Anderson is 4-8, three KO's.

Undefeated heavyweight Juan Carlos Robles of Waynesboro, VA made short work of a debuting Kishawn Davis, scoring a first-round KO. Robles is now 7-0, four KO's.

Front Royal heavyweight Terry "T-Brick" Roy and Rush, KY's Chris Brown fought to a four-round draw. Roy remains undefeated at 2-0-1, two KO's while Brown, who bounced back from his first-round knockout loss to Horace Grant at the Lincoln Theatre on December 9, is now 1-1-1, one KO.

Front Royal junior middleweight Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck won a four-round unanimous decision over Billy Mitchem of Spartansburg, SC. Clatterbuck is now 5-0, two KO's. The 48-year-old Mitchem is 6-15-1, one KO.

Rookie junior welterweight Edgar "The Tiger" Torres of Springfield, VA won his pro debut with a first-round KO over Robert Ganaway (0-8) of Wilson, NC. There is a lot of good talk about this Mexican-born boxer.

Charles Norwood of Roanoke, VA scored a second-round KO over Charlottsville, VA's "The Sensacional" George Rivera in his pro debut. Norwood, by the way, was born in DC. Rivera's record is 1-1, one KO.

If you attended this bout, please give us some feedback.

Post-Fight Wrap-up from Suitland Senior High School!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #37 - Post Fight Wrap-Up from Suitland Senior High School!

In this podcast, I recap the Keystone Boxing pro card from Suitland Senior High School!




Here are the quick results (Beltway Boxers in Bold):

Marcus Upshaw wins six-round split decision over Jarell Mason Jackson

Tim Coleman wins six-round unanimous decision over Julio Lanzas

Tyrell Samuel wins six-round unanimous decision over Jorge Lara

Reginald Taylor wins by fourth-round technical knockout over Nick Collins

Ron Boyd wins four-round unanimous decision over Corey Goodwin

Phill Brown wins by disqualification in the third round over Darnell Chivers

Tyrell Samuel Talks About Workmanlike Win!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #36 - Tyrell Samuel Talks about Workmanlike Win!

Undefeated Baltimore junior lightweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel talks about his unanimous decision win over Jorge Lara at Suitland Senior High School.

Thompson, Barnette Win at Playboy Mansion!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson won his 25th straight bout by winning a 10th round unanimous decision over Timor Ibragimov at The Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA.

Thompson took control of the bout in the middle rounds and won the bout by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 99-91. Thompson is now 29-1, 17 KO's. Ibragimov is 21-2-1, 13 KO's.

Also on the card, DC lightweight Ty Barnette scored a first-round TKO over Marcus Brashears of Amarillo, TX. Barnette remains undefeated and is now 9-0-1, seven KO's. Brashears is 4-5-1, two KO's.

By the way, the weights for tonight's card at Suitland Senior High School can be found in the comments section of the previous post.

Weights from the Playboy Mansion!

Here is the scale watch for two bouts tonight featuring Beltway Boxers from the Playboy Mansion in Beverly Hills, CA:

Tony Thompson 240 vs. Timor Ibragimov 225. Thompson will put his WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title on the line.

Ty Barnette 135 1/2 vs. Marcus Brashers 135

'Pitbull' White Returns in Winchester March 10!

It seems that Winchester, VA is rapidly becoming a new hotbed of boxing in the area. On the heels of this Saturday's Scott Farmer card at the Winchester Sportsplex, Squared Circle Promotions is putting on a show on Saturday, March 10 at the Best Western Banquet Hall on 711 Millwood Avenue.

A number of Beltway Boxers are scheduled on the show, including Smithburg, MD lightweight Dean "Pitbull" White who will take on Frankie "Panchito" Zepeda of Shelbyville, IN.

As you know, White (14-5-1, seven KO's) is coming off the biggest victory of his career, the eight-round unanimous decision victory over Dorin Spivey on December 9 at the George Mason University Patriot Center. This scheduled 10-round bout is only the second time White has participated in a bout scheduled for more than eight rounds.

Zepada (16-4, nine KO's) won his first 15 bouts, but has lost four of his last five. In his last outing, Zepada lost by fifth-round TKO to former world champion Paul Spadafora in Spadafora's comeback fight on November 22 in Erie, PA.

Also slated for this card is WBE Middleweight champion Perry Ballard of Leesburg, VA. Ballard (18-1, 14 KO's) hasn't fought since winning the WBE Middleweight title on April 15, stopping Bobby Elkins in the second round in Martinsburg, WVA. Ballard is scheduled to take on "The Scrapyard Dawg" Travis Clybourn of Columbia, SC in another 10-round encounter. Clybourn (14-36-1, eight KO's) has lost his last four, including a second-round TKO to Jean Paul Mendy on April 29 in Greensboro, NC.

Ellicott City, MD featherweight Mike "Little Rock" Ricasa returns to action on this card, as he faces veteran Reggie Sanders of Fort Wayne, IN in a scheduled six-round bout. Ricasa (7-2, three KO's) stopped Andrew Mendez in the first round on June 21 at Martin's West. Sanders has only one win in his last 13 bouts. His last contest was a four-round split decision loss to Jaime Palma on the December 9 Patriot Center card.

This card is also scheduled to feature the return of Alexandria, VA junior welterweight Kompa (Kay) Koroma. Koroma (1-0) has not fought since making his pro debut in September of 2005 at the Patriot Center, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Terrell Davis. Koroma is scheduled to face veteran Rashaan Abdul Blackburn of Cleveland, OH. Blackburn (8-40-2, four KO's) has lost seven straight, including his last outing, a six-round unanimous decision loss to Marteze Logan on November 4 in Alexandria, LA.

Also scheduled to appear on the show are Waynesboro, VA boxers Juan Carlos Robles and George Rivera and cruiserweight Ibn Ali, the nephew of Muhammad Ali. Ibn Ali lived in the Beltway area for awhile, but now makes his home in West Virginia.

This is not the only show on March 10. The next Baltimore Boxing card at the Pikesville National Guard Armory is also on this date. More about that card as soon as information comes in.

Tim Coleman Talks Past, Present and Future!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #35 - Tim Coleman Talks Past, Present and Future!

Undefeated Baltimore welterweight Tim Coleman talks about his last bout against Jason Champion and his future goals.

Jarell Mason Jackson Talks About His Career!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #34 - Jarell Mason Jackson Talks About His Career!

Suitland, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson talks about his resurgent career and his future goals. Jackson will be a part of the Saturday, Feb. 17 Keystone Boxing card at Suitland Senior High School.

Ballroom Boxing Returns March 8!

Ballroom Boxing returns on Thursday, March 8 with an interesting show that will tug at the memories of long-time Beltway Boxing fans.

The 90th edition of the Scott Wagner promotion at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie will feature the return of popular Baltimore super middleweight "Irish" Carson McCourry. This will be McCourry's first bout since August of 1995 when he was knocked out in the second round by John Tookes in Baltimore. McCourry's record was 8-2, five KO's when he fought from 1991-1995. Seven of his 10 bouts were in Glen Burnie.

This card will also feature the pro debut of one of the top trainers in the area, Danny Kisner. Kisner had a stellar amateur career but instead of turning pro, became an exceptional trainer in the area. Now, Kisner has decided to finally test his waters in the pro ranks.

Also scheduled for the card will be Baltimore light heavyweight Cory "Black Ice" Cummings. Cummings (15-2, 12 KO's) will try to bounce back from two tough losses; a 10-round unanimous decision loss to former world champion Keith Holmes on October 7 in Rosemont, IL and a local split decision loss to Barry Butler at Martin's West on September 14.

More on this card as it becomes available.

My Thoughts on Instant Replay!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #33 - My Thoughts on Instant Replay!

In this audio commentary, I give my thoughts on instant replay and whether it benefits the Beltway Boxing Scene!

Thompson-Ibragimov February 16 on Comcast Sportsnet!

According to Comcast Sportsnet's website, they will be showing Tony "The Tiger" Thompson's bout against Timor Ibragimov locally on Friday night, February 16 at 11:30 pm ET. That will be a half-hour delay from the actual time of the telecast.

Those of you who have satellite capabilities or live elsewhere in the area, will be able to see "The Best Damn Sports Show Boxing Special" at its regular time at 11 PM ET on your Fox Sports Net station.

Instant Replay: Yea or Nay?

This has become the newest hot button topic in boxing; the use of instant replay. The New Jersey State Boxing Commission is using instant replay to determine a number of situations including knockdowns versus slips, causes of cuts (headbutt vs. punches) and low blows.

As I'm writing this, I'm watching ESPN2's Friday Night Fights where there was a serious instance in which instant replay could have been used. I have not talked to any representatives of the local commissions about this and to tell you the truth, I haven't completely made up my mind on it, but I'm curious to know what you think about instant replay in boxing. Please vote in the new poll.

The results of the last poll:

What bout would you most like to see along the Beltway in 2007?

Anthony Peterson vs. Dorin Spivey (18) 20%

Hasim Rahman vs. Tony Thompson (13) 15%

Emmanuel Nwodo vs. Darnell Wilson (16) 18%

Dean White vs. Dorin Spivey III (3) 3%

Sharmba Mitchell vs. Jimmy Lange (7) 8%

William Joppy vs. Keith Holmes (5) 6%

Thomas Snow vs. Tyrell Samuel (15) 17%

Jimmy Lange vs. Ishmail Arvin (7) 8%

Mark Johnson vs. Dorin Spivey (2) 2%

Other (2) 2%



Total Votes: 88

'Digital' on 'Inside Sports' This Friday!

This TV reminder for Beltway Boxing fans living in Prince George's County: I will be a guest of the legendary Bill McCaffrey on the long-running cable show "Inside Sports" this Friday. The show can only be seen on Prince George's Community Television, channel 76 at 5 and 6:30 pm.

We'll be talking about the February 17 boxing card at Suitland High School as well as other local boxing news. One or more of the boxers that will be on the February 17 card will be on the program with me.

De La Hoya-Mayweather Press Tour Coming to DC!

Just a heads-up. Washington, DC will be one of the 11 stops on the press tour for the May 5 bout between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather. The tour stops here in DC on Wednesday, February 21. The Nation's Capital is sharing that day with Philadelphia. According to the press release, the press conference WILL be open to the public!

I just got off the phone with Golden Boy Promotions and they were unable to provide details on where and what time the press conference will take place in DC. I will check back with them next week.

Beltway Boxers in Winchester, VA on February 17!

A number of Beltway Boxers are scheduled to appear on the next Scott Farmer-promoted card on Saturday, February 17 at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA.

Slated to headline the card are popular lightweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer and the resurgent Jaime "The Punisher" Palma . Also scheduled to be on the card are undefeated cruiserweight Juan Carlos Robles and undefeated Front Royal boxers Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck and Terry "T-Brick" Roy.

More information on this card as it comes in.

University of Maryland Hosting Weekend of Boxing Events!

The University of Maryland Boxing Club is hosting two boxing-related events on campus on Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24. On the 23rd, the club is co-sponsoring a one-man play called "Ali: The Man, The Myth, The People's Champion."

The play stars Vincent Cook, who played Jimmy Ellis in the movie Ali starring Will Smith. This is a free show that will be held at the Hoff Theater at 8 PM. Earlier in the day, the theater will host a free showing of the great documentary "When We Were Kings" at 3 PM.

Then on the 24th, the club will host "The Rumble in Ritchie" a collegiate boxing show at the historic Ritchie Coliseum. The card is scheduled to feature national collegiate champions from the United States Naval Academy and the University of Reno. Former Terp boxers are also scheduled to be in attendance. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students with their ID. Tickets are scheduled to be sold at the February 17 boxing card at Suitland Senior High School.

Sugar Ray Leonard Retrospective Begins!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #32 - Sugar Ray Leonard Retrospective Begins!

It was 30 years ago today that the great Sugar Ray Leonard began his hall of fame boxing career. On February 5, 1977, Leonard defeated Luis Vega at the Baltimore Civic Center. Leonard confidant JD Brown joins me to talk about that day and the Leonard legacy.

A View from Fisherville!

Major League Boxing promoter Joe Hensley had a packed house of 1,200 at the Augusta Expoland in Fisherville, VA. I listed some of the results but Hensley sent me an article from Robert Sisk of the Waynesboro News-Virginian about the event. Sisk did get one result wrong in the article: Jonathan Felton stopped Alonzo Cutchins in the first round; Sisk has the result backwards.

Robles to riches

By ROBERT SISK
rsisk@newsvirginian.com
Sunday, February 4, 2007

FISHERSVILLE - Expoland was filled with a buzz.
Excitement filled the room as one of Fishersville's own was getting ready to make his entrance - Juan Carlos Robles was in town.
The distinct sound of Harley Davidson pipes came from the entranceway drowning his Bad To The Bone entrance music. Perched on an orange and black motorcycle he drove to the ring, his opponent, Derek Amos, waited for their re-match to begin.
Amos and Robles were no strangers, in their last meeting Robles won in a split decision. This time a longer, tougher fight waited - and Robles was ready.
Robles wanted another knockout to add to his record, but after the fight went through all six rounds, and the official raised his arm, the unanimous decision was just as sweet.
"Well the crowd was happy with it," he said after the bout. " People won't want to come back if they don't enjoy it."
In the first two rounds Robles came out of his corner with a mission, never letting up and hardly allowing Amos to find an open target. In the second round he nearly had Amos on the ground with a vicious right hook that left his challenger struggling to stay on his feet.
The biggest flaw for the undefeated cruiserweight Robles (6-0, 3 KO), was finding Amos' body. Amos had learned a few things since their last fight, and kept himself protected.
"I think that was something he worked on since the last fight," Robles said. "He is tough as nails."
Robles wasn't the only future star that put a show on for the fans - George Rivera kept fans on their feet. The two boxers both train with Bruce Frank from Staunton Boxing Club.
Rivera was in his first professional bout ever against Calvin Horne from Wilson, N.C. When he entered the ring his family escorted him.
His fight was scheduled to go four rounds, but the junior middleweight only needed 1 minute and 55 sec-onds.
A hard left-right hook combo, left Horne facedown and motionless on the blue mat - his first pro fight, and first knockout.
"[I am feeling] a lot of emotions, a lot," he said. " God was on my side."
After the win fans roared to their feet, cheering the Charlottesville boxer. He simply reached over the ropes, and grabbed his oldest son, Isaac and lifted him above his head.
Both fighters are undefeated, and plan to stay that way.
"I don't want to lose, no one wants to lose," Robles said.
Robles will have an opportunity to defend his undefeated streak on Feb. 17 in Winchester.
Fans will get a chance to see professional boxing in Fishersville again. After a questionable Adam Seal TKO by William Bailey, in the co-main event, fans and promoters demanded an immediate rematch, and a tentative date was set for April 14.
The other fights
Edward Anderson of Richmond won a unanimous decision over fellow Welterweight Antwon Barrett of Norfolk.
Two lightweights traveled to attend the Showdown in Shenandoah. Tony Espinosa from New Jersey and Robert Ganaway from North Carolina. Espinosa showed to have widespread skill compared to Ganaway, gaining an easy unanimous decision.
In another questionable TKO Jonathan Felton was ruled unfit to fight after slipping 59 seconds into his-fight with Alonzo Cutchin. Felton just shrugged it off after the match.
"These things happen," he said while talking to Frank.
Heavyweight Cecil Smith made his first debut after taking a 15-year sabbatical, but was unable to come out with a win, falling to Gary Campbell from Richmond.

Heavyweights Highlight February 24 Card at ABC Sports Complex!

It is definite. The Saturday, February 24 card that Han Kim (Sugar Han Productions) is promoting will take place at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

The card is scheduled to feature a number of heavyweights including former WBC Heavyweight champion "The Atomic Bull" Oliver McCall of Martinsville, VA. Also slated for this card will be Beltway heavyweights Horace "The Reason" Grant and "Big" Phill Brown.

I'll have more information on this card when it becomes available.

Beltway Boxer Results from Fisherville, VA!

Here are some results from last night's Major League Boxing "Rising Stars" card at the Augusta Expoland in Fisherville, VA:

The main event saw BATB Rookie of the Year Juan Carlos Robles of Waynesboro, VA score a six-round unanimous decision over Dumfries, VA's Derek Amos in a rematch of the BATB 2006 Fight of the Year. Robles is now 6-0, three KO's while Amos is 14-24, nine KO's.

"The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA registered a first-round KO over Alonzo Cutchins of Charlottsville, VA Felton is now 3-5, three KO's.

Baltimore heavyweight Cecil Smith lost a four-round unanimous decision to Gairy Campbell. Smith is 1-1.

Andrew "The Doo Man' Farmer was scheduled to be on this card but he skipped this card and will appear on his father, Scott's card on Saturday, February 17 in Winchester, VA.

'Digital' Has Seen the Sun!

I hope to be able to add a photo to this, but the Sun Ming Ming era has begun along the Beltway. The 7'9" inch Sun scored eight points, grabbed four rebounds and blocked three shots in 20 minutes in his Maryland Nighthawks debut as the Nighthawks defeated the Strong Island Sound 115-110. An overflow, sellout crowd saw the game at Montgomery College in Rockville in which I was fortunate enough to sit in for Henry "Discombobulating" Jones as the public address announcer.

Let me thank Henry for thinking of me for the job and also thanks to the entire Nighthawks staff for making me feel welcome! It was a great experience and the Nighthawks are a first-class organization!

Some observations on Sun: He is still learning this game, but he is not totally lost. He has a nice little shooting touch from about 10 feet out, but he is slow.

The boxing community along the Beltway can learn something about promotion from the Nighthawks staff. The Nighthawks immediately made Sun a part of their promotional and advertising package. There was a flyer from one of their sponsors, a gym that said "The same staff that works with Sun Ming Ming can work with YOU too!"

I found an appearance Sun made on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" last year on Youtube. Here's the link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=nx6EP-kxOg4

By the way, one of the owners of the team -- Tom Doyle (who also serves as the COO of the American Basketball Association) -- has had boxing ties. He once handled the affairs of one of the newest hall of famers, Roberto Duran.

There is another Beltway Boxing reference here. I saw two former Beltway Boxers at the game. Baltimore cruiserweight "The Runstopper" Courtney Bridget was in attendance. Bridget is now a trainer in the Baltimore area. One of his charges -- Nick "Flash" Collins -- will be fighting on the February 17 card at Suitland Senior High School.

The other former boxer is a REAL blast from the past and I hadn't seen him since he stopped boxing in 1994. Many of you probably remember a talented middleweight in the 90's named Les "White Lightning" Johnson. Johnson fought out of Rockville and he was trained by Junious Hinton. Johnson was a fixture on the TV series "Boxing Spotlight" that I worked on and he was one of the more popular boxers in the area. Johnson was 21-3 with 15 KO's and was working his way up the ladder until a serious injury to his shoulder stopped him from competing. Johnson is very good friends with Doyle and he comes to numerous Nighthawks games. I hope to do a "Where are They Now" style interview with him soon.

February 17 Suitland HS Card Coming Together!

The Keystone Boxing card at Suitland Senior High School on Saturday, February 17 is starting to shape up very nicely. There are some nice prospects on this card.

The resurgent Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson will take on undefeated Marcus Upshaw of Jacksonville, FL in a six-round bout. Jackson (7-4-1, three KO’s) is 6-1-1 with three KO’s and one no contest in his last nine bouts. Jackson is also on a two-fight knockout streak, coming off a fourth-round knockout over Derrick Holsinger on January 26 in Morgantown, WVA.

Upshaw (4-0, two KO’s) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Joe Park on January 25 in North Charleston, SC.

Undefeated Pikesville welterweight Tim Coleman returns to action fresh off his six-round unanimous decision over Jason Champion on January 27 at the Pikesville Armory. Coleman (7-0, two KO’s) will face Julio Cesar Lanzas of Colorado Springs, CO in another six-round encounter. Lanzas (5-12-4, one KO), a native of Managua, Nicaragua, has faced quality opposition throughout his career, including Jose Celaya, Derrick Samuels and Alan Velasco.

Another undefeated Baltimore prospect, featherweight Tyrell Samuel, will see his first action in 2007. Samuel (8-0, five KO’s) has not fought since his tough split decision victory over Carlos Vinan on September 28 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie. Samuel will take on Robert “Don’t Lose” DaLuz of Jacksonville. DaLuz (9-5-1, eight KO’s) is unbeaten in his last three bouts (2-0-1, two KO’s) with his last bout ending with an eight-round draw against Carlos Diaz on January 19 in Tampa, FL.

There will be three four-round bouts on this card. Undefeated DC light heavyweight Reginald Taylor returns to the area for the first time since December 2004. Taylor (4-0, 2 KO’s), who is trained by Barry Hunter, has been fighting in the Gulf Coast area of the country and is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Joseph Smith on January 5 in Biloxi, MS. Taylor will face Bel Air, MD’s Nick “Flash” Collins (2-1, two KO’s). Collins has not fought since losing his first pro bout on March 24 in Pikesville by second-round KO to Henry Mayes.

Also on the card will be DC super featherweight Ron “Teflon” Boyd, who will be trying to extend a three-bout winning streak. Boyd (3-1, one KO) has not fought since August 25 when he stopped James Franks in the third round in Dover, DE. Boyd will battle Corey “Bad Boy” Goodwin of Columbia, SC. Goodwin (7-2, two KO’s) has won his last two bouts, but has not fought since June of 2005 when he knocked out Chris Burford in the second round in White Rock, SC. Goodwin’s only losses are to top prospects Elio Rojas and Allen Litzau.

Rounding out the card will be undefeated Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight “Big” Phill Brown (3-0, one KO), fresh off his third-round TKO over Thomas Gillespie on December 9 at the Lincoln Theatre in DC. Brown is still looking for an opponent.

Also slated for this card are six amateur bouts and autograph sessions featuring the undefeated Peterson Brothers along with, possibly, Tony “The Tiger’ Thompson who will be fighting the previous night in Beverly Hills, CA.

I have been told that there will be some nice community involvement with this card. The Suitland High School Fashion Club will be an integral part and there will be other connections with the community that I will talk about very soon.

'Digital' Meets The SUN on Saturday Night!

Many of you know that along with being a boxing writer, I am also a public address announcer. I have been one for 21 years and have worked local high school and college football, basketball, track and field and soccer events all around the Beltway area. Currently, I am the PA announcer for Coppin State University's men's and women's basketball teams, and have served in that capacity for 14 years.

Along with being a wonderful boxing ring announcer, Henry "Discombobulating" Jones has served as a PA announcer for a number of years. Currently, he is the announcer for the Maryland Nighthawks of the ABA.

That is a long intro to this announcement: While Henry is in Fisherville, VA serving as ring announcer for the Major League Boxing "Rising Stars" show on Saturday, Feb. 3, I will be substituting for Henry at the Maryland Nighthawks game vs. the Strong Island Sound at Montgomery College in Rockville.

And what a night to fill in. If you have been following the local news, then you know that yesterday, the Nighthawks introduced their newest player; 7'9" Sun Ming Ming, regarded as the tallest player ever in pro basketball. From what I am told, he is scheduled to play Saturday night. The game begins at 7 pm. Hope you can make it, but get there early. They are expecting a good crowd for this one.