Happy Birthday to Boxing Along The Beltway!

Today is a very special day! On this date in 2005, I started Boxing Along The Beltway. It has been a wonderful two-year ride. I have had a lot of fun and enjoyment bringing you news and commentary about an area already rich in history and poised to add to that history.

I thank everyone involved with the Beltway Boxing scene for their support, constructive criticism and enthusiasm behind what I've tried to do. If nothing else, we have proven that there is a serious fan base in the area that seems to grow every week.

One of the things that I'm trying to improve is my familiarity with the technology that goes with having a blog or website. With that in mind, I have a gift for you. As many of you know, I have worked with some promoters in doing blow-by-blow commentaries for videos of some area boxing cards. I finally learned how to get some of these bouts onto this site.

I will try to get more of these on the site in the future but for now here are bouts from 2006 and 2007 that originated from the Patriot Center at George Mason University as well as the Augusta Expoland in Fisherville, VA. For those who have never experienced Beltway Boxing in person, this will give you a taste.




1. This is the opening for the October 7, 2006 Major League Boxing-promoted card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Also on this video is the bout between Juan Carlos Robles and Derek Amos that was voted the 2006 Boxing Along The Beltway Bout of the Year.





2. From Oct. 7 -- The nice matchup between Dorin Spivey and Roberto Valenzuela.







3. This was also from the October 7 card -- a tough bout between DC's Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller and Larry "The Laser" Marks of Delaware.




4. The main event on the October 7 card -- Jimmy Lange vs. Thomas Wilt.






5. From the December 9, 2006 Patriot Center card -- Dean "Pit Bull" White vs. Dorin Spivey. More than 6,000 people have seen this video.




6. From the December 9 card -- Jaime "The Punisher" Palma vs. Reggie Sanders.





7. The highly celebrated pro debut of JP Flaim of "The Junkies" against Jay Watts from December 9, 2006.





8. This is the ENTIRE April 28, 2007 "Return to Burn" card from the Augusta Expoland in Fisherville, VA. This features a lot of the Virginia prospects.

Thanks to Spero's Video for the video productions, Major League Boxing for the promotions and "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears for his expert analysis on these videos.

Maryland and DC: Don't worry, I will try to get your cards on here as well. Again, my gift to you! Thanks again for your support!

Beltway Youngsters Perform Well at Junior Golden Gloves!

Congratulations to a number of junior Beltway Boxers who brought back medals from this past weekend's Junior Golden Gloves Championships in Mesquite, NV.

Dusty Harrison won the Boys 13-14 90-pound championship by points over Carlos Suarez of Ohio.

Nate Davis captured gold in the Boys 15-16 132- pound class with a points victory over Fidel Maldonado of New Mexico.

Emanuel Taylor won the Boys 15-16 138-pound class with a points victory over Corey Walker of Missouri.

Nick Kisner followed up his recent Junior Olympic championship with a gold medal in the Boys 15-16 201-pound championships at the Junior Golden Gloves. Kisner defeated Justin Novaria of Ohio by points.

Also winning a gold medal in the Boys 15-16 201+ division was Hasim Rahman, Jr., now fighting out of Nevada. Rahman defeated Blayton Watson of Tennessee to win the title.

Two other locals won gold unopposed; Brady Sensibaugh (Boys 13-14 70 pounds) and Lawrence Singh (Boys 13-14, 75 pounds)

Congratulations also to Joshua Davis who won a silver medal in the Boys 13-14 138-pound class.

New Poll: Who is Closest to a World Championship?

Before I explain the new poll, thanks for the great response to the last poll: "Who is the Beltway Boxer of the Half-Year?" There was more response to this poll (321 votes) and more comments (four pages worth) than any other poll here on the blog.

Here are the results:

Tim Coleman (3) 1%

Nick "Flash" Collins (67) 21%

"The American Dream" Mike Dietrich (93) 29%

Jimmy Lange (16) 5%

Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (23) 7%

Anthony Peterson (16) 5%

Lamont Peterson (11) 3%

Reginald Taylor (2) 1%

Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson (74) 23%

Other (16) 5%


The new poll will need some explanation. The Beltway Boxers chosen for this poll have one thing in common: They are currently ranked in the top 15 by at least one of the four major governing bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO) and/or Ring Magazine.

Here's a quick ratings breakdown:

Eric Aiken: #9 IBF -- Featherweight

DeMarcus Corley: #10 WBA -- Lightweight

Keith Holmes: #10 WBA -- Light Heavyweight

William Joppy: #14 WBC -- Super Middleweight

Emmanuel Nwodo: #13 IBF -- Cruiserweight

Anthony Peterson: #1 WBO, #5 WBC, #10 Ring Magazine -- Lightweight

Lamont Peterson: #5 WBA -- Junior Lightweight

Hasim Rahman: #4 WBC, #8 IBF, #11 WBA -- Heavyweight

Tony Thompson: #4 WBO, #10 Ring Magazine -- Heavyweight

Darnell Wilson: #6 WBO, #9 Ring Magazine, #10 IBF, #14 WBA, #14 WBC -- Cruiserweight

Hopefully, this will help you in your choice.

Tomorrow, we will have a special post that will celebrate the second birthday of Boxing Along The Beltway!

Gunn Donates August 25 Purse Percentage to Former World Champion!

Fightbeat.com is reporting that cruiserweight contender Bobby Gunn of Culpepper, VA will donate a portion of his purse from the Saturday, August 25 card at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA to former world champion Iran Barkley.

Gunn was Barkley's chief sparring partner in preparation for Barkley's bout against Darrin Van Horn on January 10, 1992. Barkley won the IBF Super Middleweight title from Van Horn with a second-round knockout.

“Iran Barkley gave the fans a lot of great fights and I learned a lot from sparring with him” said Gunn. “He was also a very nice guy and the time spent in camp with him was truly a pleasure and something I will always remember. I feel that the boxing community should give back to him and other fighters in need. My cousin Mike Normile saw Iran at a fight recently and knew he needed help. I felt it was my place to do something about it.”

Gunn also pointed out that not enough current fighters elect to help out legends of the past. “Many of today’s fighters are financially blessed, but you rarely see them giving back to the legends of boxing who could use their financial support. Hopefully what I am doing will open up eyes of other current boxers.”

Update on August 25 Ocean City Card!

More bouts have been announced for the August 25 Baltimore Pro Boxing card at the Ocean City Convention Center in Ocean City, MD.

Undefeated Severn, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (12-0-1, five KO's) will participate in his first scheduled eight-round contest and it may be a tough one. Nicklow's scheduled to face Jose Luis "El Cuervo" Gonzalez of Guadalajara, MX.

Gonzalez (9-1, eight KO's) has won eight in a row since suffering his first loss in 2004. Gonzalez, now fighting out of Garden City, KS, is coming off a six-round knockout victory over previously undefeated Tim Connors on July 14 in St. Louis, MO.

Also, undefeated Dundalk, MD cruiserweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich (10-0, five KO's) looks to be serious about dropping down from the heavyweight ranks. His bout could be an interesting one as well as he takes on veteran William "The Storm" Bailey from Portsmouth, VA.

Bailey (7-12-2, four KO's) has won his last two bouts by knockout. Both wins came at the Augusta Expoland in Fisherville, VA against Beltway Boxers Adam Seal (Seal's first loss) and Derek Amos (who announced his retirement after the bout.) The 37-year-old Bailey said that 2007 will be his last year as an active boxer. Bailey has fought a number of Beltway Boxers during his career including Darnell Wilson, Willie Williams, Willis Lockett and Alton Rice. The wins against Seal and Amos were his only two Beltway victories.

The previously announced bouts (Mike Paschall vs. Richard Stewart and Andrew Farmer vs. Ryan Belasco) are still intact.

Smith Loses by Stoppage in Florida!

DC junior middleweight Luther "Sugarman" Smith lost by fourth-round TKO to Miami's David Estrada last night in West Palm Beach, FL.

My colleague Randy Hammonds of Floridaboxingnews.com called the bout target practice for Estrada as he hurt Smith with head and body shots, resulting in a knockdown in the third round. Estrada continued the assault until referee Frank Gentile stopped the bout at 1:25 of the fourth.

Smith is now 22-5-2, 12 KO's while Estrada rises to 21-3, 12 KO's.

Tyrell Samuel to Appear on ShoBox August 3!

Just received word that Baltimore featherweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel will be appearing on the next ShoBox telecast on Friday, August 3.

Samuel (9-1, five KO's) will be taking on Philadelphia's Eric "The Outlaw" Hunter in the eight-round co-feature bout that will take place at the Far West Rodeo Complex in Doraville, GA. Samuel is a late replacement for undefeated Joel Santiago, who suffered a recent injury.

Samuel has not fought since suffering his first pro loss -- a fourth-round technical knockout at the hands of Jose Hernandez on April 19 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Hunter (7-1, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over Vineash Rungea on April 20 in Atlantic City. This will be Hunter's first scheduled eight-round contest. Some Beltway Boxing fans may remember Hunter from a brief appearance he put in at Michael's on March 9, 2006. Hunter stopped Steve Lozoya in 29 seconds of the first round in that bout.

What's also interesting is that both boxers have a tough common opponent by the name of Carlos Vinan of New Jersey. Samuel fought Vinan twice -- winning a majority decision in October of 2005 in New Jersey and winning a tough split decision in September of 2006 at Michael's.

Hunter's only loss came to Vinan on January 11, 2007 in Philadelphia. Hunter lost a six-round split decision in that bout.

The ShoBox telecast begins at 11 PM ET on Showtime.

Ocean City Card Taking Shape!

Beltway Boxing Fans may wish to look into being cloned on Saturday, August 25. Not only do we have the SugHan card at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA, but there is also the Baltimore Pro Boxing card at the Ocean City Convention Center in Ocean City, MD that will take place on the same evening.

The card is starting to come together with two bouts already signed. Undefeated Baltimore cruiserweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall will take on New Castle, DE's Richard Stewart in an eight-round encounter.

Paschall (12-0-1, two KO's) recently came back to action, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Jacob Rodriguez on July 20th at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore. This will be Paschall's second scheduled eight-round bout of his career; the last time Paschall went eight was on October 20, 2006 when he fought to an eight-round draw against Dhafir Smith.

Stewart (13-3-1, eight KO's) is coming off a sixth-round knockout win over James North on June 15 in Harrington, DE. The win was a bounce-back victory for Stewart, who had previously been stopped by William Gill in the sixth round on May 4 in Fairless Hills, PA. I've talked to people who saw Stewart's performance against Gill and they all say Stewart was woefully out of shape for that bout.

This will be an interesting contest because both men have been brought along in similar fashion against similar opponents. Paschall has beaten Gill three times, all by decision. They both hold victories over Ronald Boddie.

As a matter of fact, these two men appeared on last year's Ocean City card on August 12 against different opponents. Paschall defeated Boddie by sixth-round majority decision while Stewart lost a six-round majority decision to Willie Williams.

The other bout already scheduled for this card will bring Front Royal, VA lightweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer to Maryland for the first time as a pro. According to the information I've received, Farmer (7-1, six KO's) will fight a six-rounder against Ryan Belasco of Wilmington DE (4-1, one KO). Both men are coming off knockout victories. Farmer scored a fourth-round TKO over Marcos Antonio Soto on July 14 in Winchester, VA while Belasco knocked out Darrell Crenshaw on June 15 in Harrington, DE.

Also slated for this card will be undefeated Baltimore-area prospects Tim Coleman, Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow, "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich and "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis. Nicklow, by the way, will be fighting in his first scheduled eight-round bout on this card.

There is also a possibility that Middle River, MD super middleweight Tony "Cyclone" Cygan may make his return to the ring on this card. Cygan (11-1, six KO's) has not been in the ring since suffering winning a fifth-round technical decision over David Estrada on the last Ocean City card on August 12, 2006.

Update on August 3 Rosecroft Show!

Here is an update on the Friday, August 3 Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Bowie, MD heavyweight Horace "The Reason" Grant (5-1, four KO's) will battle Mujaheed Moore of Shaker Heights, OH (4-1, three KO's) in a six-round encounter.

This will be Grant's first bout since March 10 when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Chris Riley at the Pikesville National Guard Armory. Grant hurt his hand during that contest, but is in good shape for this encounter.

Moore has not fought since March 31 when he won a four-round majority decision over Dan Whetzel in Warren, OH. This is Moore's first scheduled six-round bout.

Also returning to action on this card will be undefeated Capitol Heights featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow. Snow (8-0, six KO's) will make his first appearance in 2007. Snow has not fought since December 9, 2006 when he scored a ninth-round TKO over Mike Salyers at the Lincoln Theatre.

Snow will take on Markel Muhammad of Columbus, OH (2-4) in a six-round bout. Muhammad is coming off a first-round TKO loss to Juan Carlos Velasquez on May 2 in Miami, FL.

In what could be a very interesting four-round bout, Capitol Heights junior middleweight Jason Champion will battle Damon "The Mailman" Antoine of Akron, OH.

Champion has a record of 4-3, three KO's and is coming off a first-round TKO win over Kenneth Meeks on the last Rosecroft show on May 18. Two of Champion's losses have come by decision to undefeated Beltway prospects Jessie Nicklow and Tim Coleman.

Antoine comes into this bout with a record of 6-15, three KO's, but don't let his record fool you. Antoine's last two victories have been against undefeated fighters. This includes a second-round TKO over Mike Carrigan on May 12 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Antoine's last bout was a four-round majority decision win over previously undefeated Gerry Grealish on June 20 in Mashantucket, CT. Antoine also lost a six-round unanimous decision on June 1 to Jose Angel Rodriguez , who was 10-0 at the time of the bout.

Three Beltway Boxers will make pro debuts on the card including Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman Allen, Alexandria, VA junior welterweight Michael Custodia and DC heavyweight Alexander Johnson.

Also on the card will be undefeated, 7'0" heavyweight Ernest "Zeus" Mazyck of Columbia, SC (5-0, one KO). Reportedly, Mazyck has local management now, so this may not be the last time we see him here.

There are five amateur bouts slated for this card, including Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell, who is looking to keep his stoppage streak alive. (6-0, six bouts won by stoppage.)

Matchmaking the pro portion of the August 3 card is Chris Middendorf, who, according to Boxrec.com, is the most prolific matchmaker in the world today. With this card, Middendorf will have worked more than 30 cards since January of 2006. The second-place person in this ranking has just 11 cards.

Most recently, Middendorf served as matchmaker for the July 14 card in Biloxi, MS that included the main event between Roy Jones, Jr and Anthony Hanshaw.

Springfield Card Now on August 25!

The Sughan (Han Kim) Promotions card that was originally scheduled for Saturday, August 11 will now be on Saturday, August 25 at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA.

Former cruiserweight world title contender Bobby Gunn of Culpepper, VA will be in the main event.

One bout is already in place for the card, and the genesis of the bout took place during discussions right here on Boxing Along The Beltway. Undefeated DC junior middleweight Lawrence Jones (2-0, one KO) will take on "War Time" George Rivera of Charlottsville, VA (3-1, two KO's) in a four-round contest.

Also slated for the card will be undefeated Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (2-0-1, two KO's), DC junior middleweight Victor Randall Davis (1-1) and Beltway heavyweights Horace "The Reason" Grant (5-1, four KO's) and Scott "Duke" Buchanan (1-0, one KO)

Can We Make a Supercard?

There is a very interesting discussion that is going on in a previous item that I want to bring to the forefront. The discussion concerns the feasibility and possibility of putting together a Beltway Boxing Supercard featuring the elite of our boxers.

Currently, we have eight Beltway Boxers that are ranked in the top 15 of the four major governing bodies (WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO). We also have three boxers ranked in the Ring Magazine rankings. I think at least a few of them should be involved in a proposed supercard.

What follows is a FANTASY scenario of what a super card might look like:

MAIN EVENT -- For the WBO Heavyweight Title:

Sultan Ibragimov (Champion) vs. Tony "The Tiger" Thompson (mandatory)

CO-FEATURE -- For the WBC/WBA Cruiserweight Title:

Jean-Marc Mormeck (Champion) vs. Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson

CO-FEATURE -- For the WBO Lightweight Title:

Michael Katsidis (Champion) vs. Anthony Peterson (Number one contender)

For the WBC Continental Americas Junior Middleweight title:

Jimmy Lange (Champion) vs. Yuri Foreman

For the WBC US Junior Welterweight title:

Lamont Peterson (champion) vs. Demetrius Hopkins

Special Attraction -- 10 Rounds:

Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken (former IBF Featherweight champion) vs. Jason Litzau

Also featuring rising Beltway Boxing prospects, Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow, Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer, Tim Coleman, Ron "Teflon" Boyd, etc.



I would like to hear more from fans on this, but I would also like to hear from people within the sport of boxing itself -- promoters, matchmakers, trainers, commission personnel, boxers (don't get mad if your name's not on here. This is just an example.)

How close can we come to something like this happening? I know there is money and ego and travel among other things to consider. But how close to this can we get? What are the true obstacles and how can we overcome them?

In your comments, please be informative and not nasty. This is not a subject where we have to say who's better for the sport. This might be the discussion that can truly benefit everyone involved with the Beltway Boxing community.

Baltimore Examiner Profiles Three Beltway Prospects!

They may be the "second" paper in Charm City, but the Baltimore Examiner has been first class in their coverage of the Beltway Boxing scene.

Recently, reporter Ron Snyder examined two of the city's undefeated prospects -- "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall and Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow. Both stories were done after Paschall and Nicklow appeared on last Friday's card at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore. Both are VERY good reads. Here are the links:

http://www.examiner.com/a-843112~Jail_time_offers_perspective_for__The_Persecutor_.html


http://www.examiner.com/a-841390~_The_Beast__takes_bite_out_of_competition.html


Also, Examiner reporter Dave Carey has a nice article on undefeated heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich. Here is the link for that article:

http://www.examiner.com/a-841388~_Dream__continues_for_local_boxer.html

August 11 Show Postponed!

Promoter "Sugar" Han Kim has informed me that his card scheduled for Saturday, August 11 at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield has been postponed. Main event fighter Bobby Gunn was unable to battle on that date because of a family matter.

A new date has not been confirmed but Kim is still looking to have the show sometime in August.

Thompson Discusses Present and Future!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #72 - Tony Thompson Discusses Present and Future!

A week after the biggest win of his career to date, DC heavyweight and WBO mandatory contender Tony "The Tiger" Thompson talks about his fifth-round TKO victory over Luan Krasniqi in Hamburg, Germany and where he goes from here.

Dietrich, Paschall Remain Undefeated in Baltimore!

Baltimore-area prospects "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich and Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall remained undefeated with solid victories in feature bouts at the DuBurns Arena in Baltimore.

Dietrich of Dundalk, MD scored a third-round TKO over Cedar Rapids, IA's Jerry "Ruff House" Simpson in a heavyweight bout. Dietrich landed a wicked uppercut that led to the stoppage of the bout at 1:51 of the third. Dietrich is now 10-0, five KO's while Simpson falls to 2-8-1, one KO.

Pasadena, MD's Paschall won a four-round unanimous decision over a very awkward Jake
"The Snake" Rodriguez of Philadelphia in a light heavyweight encounter. Paschall didn't really pick things up until the last round when he landed solid punches to enabled him to go on to victory. Paschall is 12-0-1, two KO's. Rodriguez is 8-18, five KO's.

In other bouts on the card, undefeated Baltimore heavyweight Adam "Boom Boom" Bloom captured an easy victory over "Stormin" Norman Green of Raleigh, NC. Bloom pressured Green throughout the first round. So much so that Green had enough and did not come out for the second round. Bloom is 5-0, four KO's while Green loses in his pro debut.

Annapolis, MD junior middleweight Steve Garrett got of to a great start in his first bout since 2005. He knocked down Berlin, MD's John Snyder with a solid left hand. But by the end of the bout, Snyder had gained control of the bout and finally dropped Garrett with a solid combination. As he fell, Garrett told referee Kenny Chevalier he had hurt something and the bout was stopped near the end of the fourth round. Snyder raised his record to 4-2, two KO's while Garrett is now 2-5, one KO.

The opening bout was a good battle of Tri-State boxers as Martin Wright of Brooklyn, NY won a four-round split decision over Maurice Williams of Camden, NJ. Williams actually knocked down Wright in the middle of the fourth-round, but Wright won the earlier rounds to gain the edge in the bout. Wright is 4-0-1, two KO's while Williams is 1-3-1, one KO.

The scheduled bout featuring "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis was a late scratch because the opponent, Bryan Braham, had medical issues.

On the amateur side, there were two solid performances by Baltimore's Jeremy Miller (132 Pounds)and Brandywine, MD's Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell(superheavyweight). Mitchell stopped his opponent for the sixth time this year.

A full report can be heard on the newest Post-Fight Wrap-Up, including some details about the legal rumors surrounding Dietrich.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #71 - Post-Fight Wrap-Up From Baltimore!

"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I talk about the Pro-Am card at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore.

Final Lineup for Tonight's Card at DuBurns Arena!

Here is how the Baltimore Pro Boxing card shapes up for tonight at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore:

Main event-- "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich (9-0, four KO's) vs. Jerry Simpson of Tallahassee, FL (2-7-1, one KO).

Co-feature -- "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall (11-0-1, two KO's) vs. Jacob Rodriguez of Philadelphia, PA (8-17, six KO's)

"The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis (1-0-3, one KO) vs. Bryan Branham of Uniontown, WVA (0-1)

Adam "Boom Boom" Bloom (4-0, three KO's) vs Norman Green of York, NC (Pro Debut)

Steve Garrett (2-4, one KO) vs. Josh Snyder of Ocean City, MD (3-2, one KO)

Martin Wright of Brooklyn, NY (3-0-1, two KO's) vs. Maurice Williams of Atlantic City, NJ (1-2, one KO).

Special Exhibition bout: Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow vs. "Hurricane" Henry Mayes

Thompson Garners Spot in Washington Times Power Rankings!

In the category of "some mainstream press is better than no mainstream press at all," comes this item in the Washington Times:

DC heavyweight and WBO number one contender Tony "The Tiger" Thompson captured a spot in the Washington Times Area Power Rankings in today's editions.

Because of his big win over Luan Krasniqi last Saturday night, Thompson was placed in the number three position behind recently resigned Wizards forward DeShawn Stevenson and Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell. Thompson placed ahead of New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels who is one of Times writer Ryan O'Halloran's choices to replace Redskins Head Coach Joe Gibbs should he retire. In fifth place was Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden, who must decide his moves as the baseball trading deadline draws closer.

Thompson's win also allowed him to crack the most recent (July 16) Ring Magazine ratings at number 10. Thompson is the third Beltway Boxer to find a place in the ratings for "The Bible of Boxing." Darnell Wilson recently moved up to number 9 at cruiserweight while Anthony Peterson is at number 10 at lightweight.

'Sugarman' Smith Returns in Florida July 28!

Fightnews.com is reporting that former welterweight contender Luther "Sugarman" Smith of DC is returning to the ring on Saturday, July 28 when he takes on rising contender David Estrada at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, FL.

Smith (22-4-2, 12 KO's) has fought only once since scoring the biggest victory of his career -- a second-round TKO over perennial welterweight contender Oba Carr on February 10, 2002 in Elgin, IL. That one bout was a first-round knockout loss to Delvin Rodriguez on August 5, 2005.

Estrada (20-3, 11 KO's) is ranked 13th in the world by the IBF. The resident of Miami, FL is coming off a fourth-round TKO over David Toribio on April 13 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center.

Andre Hemphill Tries to Bring 'Da Heat' to Philadelphia August 24!

Woodbridge, VA light heavyweight Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill will be involved in a big card on Friday, August 24 at the New Alhambra Boxing Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Hemphill (6-6-1, three KO's) will take on Philadelphia's Simon "One Punch" Carr (4-1, three KO's) in a six round rematch. Hemphill gave Carr his only pro loss in their first outing on October 14, 2006 at the Philadelphia National Guard Armory, winning a four-round unaninmous decision. This will be Hemphill's first bout in 2007 as he tries to bounce back from a first-round loss to Chucky Cavallo on December 29 in Valley Forge, PA.

This card also features a familiar out-of-towner in the main event, junior middleweight Derek Ennis of Philadelphia will headline the show. You'll remember Ennis was in my pick for Bout of the Year along the Beltway in 2006 when he fought to a draw with Baltimore's Maxell Taylor at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Belated congratulations to another Beltway Boxer known as "The Heat." New Carrollton, MD junior middleweight Shawn "The Heat" Garnett won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Kgotso Motau of South Africa on July 14 in Orillia, Ontario, CA. This was Garnett's first bout since June of 2006 and broke a two-bout losing streak.

Garnett is now 11-4-1, three KO's. Motau is now 11-1 with all 11 of his wins by knockout.

Photos from Winchester!

Beltway Boxing photographer Linda Siadys has another great series of photographs, this time from last Saturday's "Tomorrow's Champions" card in Winchester, VA. Linda takes you from the press conference earlier in the week all the way through the action on the card. Please check out the collection and let her know what you think.

http://photodawg1.smugmug.com/gallery/2991179

'Ding-A-Ling Man' Calling Out Cruiser Champs!

Wanted to share this press release from Duva Boxing concerning the newly-crowned USBA Cruiserweight champion Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson:

Promoter making belt holders’ phones ring, talking about the Ding-a-Ling.

Dino Duva co-promoter, along with Sal Musemeci’s Final Forum, of red-hot cruiserweight destroyer Darnell “Ding-A-Ling Man” Wilson (22-5-3, 19 KOs), says he is getting in touch with all the cruiserweight world champions to arrange a shot against one of them for his wildly popular fighter.

“He’s coming off the knockout of the year over Emmanuel Nwodo. Before that he knocked out Daniel Judah, Dale Brown and Kelvin Davis in sensational consecutive fights. The Ding-a-Ling Man is a legitimate star in boxing and he has earned a title shot. He’s one of the most exciting fighters in the entire sport!”

Wilson agrees and admits he’s very eager to swap punches with one of the reigning cruiserweight champions. “My waist is ready for the belt to be around it. I want one of them to give me a chance. I want this bad and I deserve a shot.”

Duva says he expects the camps of Jean Marc Mormeck (WBC/WBA), Steve Cunningham (IBF) and/or Enzo Maccarinelli (WBO) to jump at the chance to face Wilson because of his tremendous marketability. “From a promotional standpoint, it’s very sellable because of all the spectacular things Darnell has done on national television. I’m willing to either promote the fight myself or work with the champions’ promoters to get this done.”

What Duva says he likes the most about the power-punching 32-year-old Ding-a-Ling Man, besides the fact that he has the sport’s best nickname, is his way of doing things.

“Darnell has earned the right to fight for a world title and he did it the way you’re supposed to. He went out there and knocked out all the other top contenders in highlight-reel fashion. Darnell has become one of the most recognizable television fighters in the sport today and I’m going to get him the title shot he deserves for all his great work. Ding-a-Ling has the whole package: Punch, Chin, Guts, Determination, and best all, Charisma. He is a big part of what makes the cruiserweights such an exciting division.”

Upcoming Beltway Boxing Schedule!

Here is the schedule of upcoming Beltway Boxing events:

Friday, July 20 -- Baltimore Pro Boxing at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore.

Friday, August 3 -- Keystone Boxing at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD

Saturday, August 11 -- SugarHan Promotions at Robert E. Lee High School in Springfield, VA

And if you want to take a little trip:

Saturday, August 25 -- Baltimore Pro Boxing at the Ocean City Convention Center, Ocean City, MD.

Ballroom Boxing at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD returns in September.

Thompson-Krasniqi Video!

As a poster already has said, the video from yesterday's Tony Thompson-Luan Krasniqi WBO heavyweight eliminator is up on YouTube. The commentary is in German. This is part one:





And this is part two:

Farmer Wins, Palma Captures Virginia Title!

In the main event of the Left Hook Boxing card at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA, Front Royal, VA lightweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer scored a technical knockout at the beginning of the fourth round when his opponent, the debuting Marcos Antonio Soto of Virginia Beach, VA could not answer the bell for the fourth due to a hurt shoulder.

Farmer is now 7-1, six KO's.

In the co-feature, Alexandria, VA lightweight Jaime "The Punisher" Palma won the vacant Virginia State Lightweight title when his opponent, Norfolk, VA's Artie "Bam Bam" Bembury, could not come out for the fifth round, also with a bad arm injury.

The victory was Palma's fifth in a row and raises his record to 12-10-1, three KO's. Bembury's record evens at 2-2. Bembury was a late sub for Calvin "Peko" Faggins who tore his rotator cuff in training.

In other bouts on the card:

Charlottsville, VA middleweight "War Time" George Rivera won a four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson of Camden, NJ. Rivera is 3-1, two KO's. Wilson is 0-10.

Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson won a four-round unanimous decision over a very game Henry Goss of Charleston, WVA. Wilson is 2-0, one KO while Goss, who took the bout on very short notice, falls to 1-2-1, one KO.

Terry "T-Brick" Roy dropped from heavyweight to cruiserweight and stopped the debuting Joe Haggler of Woodbridge, VA at 1:54 of the fourth round. Roy, the self-professed "King of Front Royal" remains undefeated at 5-0-1, four KO's.

Woodbridge featherweight Andre "Clockwork" Nichols returned after an almost year-long absence and scored a second-round TKO over the winless Anthony Whigham of Massachusetts. Nichols stopped Whigham at 1:13 of the second round. Nichols is 2-1, one KO while Whigham is 0-7.

Charles "Murdock" Norwood of Roanoke, VA won a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony "Mr." Young of Johnson City, TN. Norwood, who was born in DC, is now 2-1, one KO while Young is 4-2, three KO's.

The opponent for Front Royal's Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck did not past medical tests.

Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up show from Winchester.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #70 - Post-Fight Wrap-Up From Winchester!

I recap the action from the Left Hook Boxing card at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA.

Thompson is Number One WBO Contender!

Photo by Eroll Popova

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson is now the WBO's mandatory number one heavyweight contender. Thompson scored a fifth-round technical knockout over Luan Krasniqi in Hamburg, Germany in a WBO title elimination bout.

According to Fightnews.com, Krasniqi had good results with his right hand against the awkward southpaw Thompson in round one. Thompson stepped up the pressure and dominated the first half of round two, although Krasniqi rallied late. Both fighters landed good leather in round three in what was unfolding as an action-packed bout. Thompson punished a suddenly passive Krasniqi in rounds four and five with an almost non-stop barrage of jabs and the bout was stopped by referee Mark Nelson with 21 seconds left in the round although Krasniqi was not particularly hurt.

Thompson is now 30-1, 18 KO's while Krasniqi falls to 30-3-1, 14 KO's.

Felton Loses Unanimous Decision in Delaware!

Stafford, VA heavyweight "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton saw his two-bout winning streak broken last night at the PAL Center in Hockessin, DE. Felton lost a four-round unanimous decision to Kevin Hood of Coatesville, PA. All three judges scored the bout 39-37.

Felton's record is now 5-9, five KO's while Hood is now 5-6.

Petersons Switch From September to November!

Last month, ESPN.com's Dan Rafael reported that the undefeated Peterson Brothers would be participating in the season finale of Friday Night Fights on Sept. 7.

However, Rafael now has word that trainer Barry Hunter has pulled the Petersons off the Sept. 7 card (which would have been in Mississippi) and is talking to the folks at Showtime about a November date. We'll keep you posted.

Scale Watch for Thompson-Krasniqi!

(photo courtesy of www.boxing.de)

Tony "The Tiger" Thompson weighed in at 248 pounds for tomorrow's WBO Heavyweight Eliminator bout with Luan "The Lion" Krasniqi in Hamburg, Germany. Krasniqi tipped the scales at 226 pounds.

The bout will not be televised in the United States.

One other scale note: Stafford, VA heavyweight "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton weighed in at 218 pounds for his bout against Kevin Hood tonight at the PAL Center in Hockessin, DE. Felton is 5-8, five KO's and has won his last two bouts, including a second-round TKO over Eric Starr on June 23 at Howard University's Burr Gymnasium in DC. Hood, fighting out of Coatesville, PA, is 4-6 and recently had a three-bout winning streak snapped as he lost by second-round KO to Travis Kauffman on March 30 in Phoenixville, PA.

Corrales Benefit Postponed Until Fall!

The benefit boxing card to help the family of Diego Corrales, originally scheduled for July 28 in Crystal City, has been postponed until a date in the fall.

Jimmy Lange Enterprises was co-promoting this event along with Jackie Kallen's Ice Promotions.

Officials Announced for Thompson-Krasniqi!

The referee and judges have been announced for the Saturday, July 14 WBO Heavyweight Elimination bout between Tony "The Tiger" Thompson and Luan "The Lion" Krasniqi at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany.

The referee will be American Mark Nelson with judges Chuck Giampa (USA), Manfred Küchler (Germany) and Paul Thomas (UK).

Yesterday, Thompson and Krasniqi participated in an open workout at a Hamburg shopping mall. Details on this event are available via this link:

http://www.fightnews.com/universum161.htm

July 20 Baltimore Card Starting to Take Shape!

There are details starting to come in about the Baltimore Pro Boxing card on Friday, July 20 at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore.

Undefeated Dundalk heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich is scheduled to take on Tallahassee, FL's Jerry "Ruffhouse" Simpson. Dietrich (9-0, four KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO over Darryl Holley on the last DuBurns card on June 22. Simpson (2-7-1, one KO) has not fought since November of 2006 when he lost a four-round unanimous decision to Octavious Smith in Morgantown, WVA.

The card is also scheduled to have the return of undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall (11-0-1, two KO's). Paschall is slated to battle Jacob Rodriguez of Philadelphia (8-17, six KO's). This will be Paschall's first action since March 10 when he won a four-round majority decision over William Gill at the Pikesville National Guard Armory. Rodriguez fought on the last Duburns card on June 22 and lost a four-round majority decision to Henry "Hurricane" Mayes.

Also slated for this card is the return of undefeated Baltimore heavyweight Adam "Boom Boom" Bloom, who has not fought since March of 2006 when he stopped Ryan Shay in Pikesville. Bloom (4-0, three KO's) is scheduled to face DC's Cecil Smith (1-1).

"The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis of Reisterstown, MD is also scheduled to appear on the card. Bouloubassis (1-0-3, one KO) suffered cuts along his head during his first-round technical draw against Raquim Carter on May 11 at DuBurns. Bouloubassis will take on Bryan Branham (0-1).

The main event of the card will feature undefeated Severn, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (12-0-1, five KO's) against an opponent to be determined.

There will also be an amateur portion of this card that is scheduled to feature Golden Glove champions Jeremy Miller and Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell.

Emmanuel Nwodo Reflects on Recent Cruiser Battle!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #69 - Emmanuel Nwodo Reflects on Recent Cruiser Battle!

Former USBA Cruiserweight champion Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo looks back at his titanic battle with Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson and talks about his future plans.

Update on July 14 Winchester Card!

Here is the card for the Saturday, July 14 Left Hook Boxing card at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA.

The main event will pit Front Royal, VA lightweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer against Marcos Antonio Soto of Virginia Beach, VA in a six-round contest.

Farmer (6-1, five KO's) is coming off an easy first-round knockout over Anthony Whigham on June 9 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Soto will be making his professional debut, but comes into the bout carrying a solid amateur record of 88-11 and two Armed Forces championships.

The co-feature will be a six-round contest for the vacant Virginia State Lightweight title. Alexandria's Jamie "The Punisher" Palma will battle Artie "Bam Bam" Bembury of Norfolk.

Palma (11-10-1, two KO's) is looking for his fifth straight victory. Palma last fought in February when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Anderson at the Sportsplex on February 17.

In other bouts on the card, undefeated Front Royal junior middleweight Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck will take on Norfolk, VA's Antwon "Supreme" Barrett in a four-round encounter. Clatterbuck (5-0, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Billy Mitchem on the February 17 Winchester show. Barrett (0-3) lost his last bout by first-round knockout to Ruslan Provodnikov on April 28 in Mashantucket, CT.

Front Royal heavyweight Terry "T-Brick" Roy (4-0-1, three KO's) will try to remain undefeated against debuting Woodbridge heavy Joseph Haggler in another four-round bout.

VMI graduate "White Lightning" Todd Wilson will try to win his second pro bout as he faces debuting Roanoke, VA boxer David Novia in a four-round junior welterweight matchup. Wilson is coming off his pro debut, a second-round TKO over Jay Watts on April 28 in Fisherville, VA.

Charlottesville, VA junior middleweight "War Time" George Rivera will battle Camden, NJ veteran Montez Wilson in a four-round bout. Rivera (2-1, two KO's) is coming off a first-round TKO over Shawn White on the April 28 Fisherville card. Wilson (0-9) is facing his fourth Virginia-based boxer, having previously lost to Mike Sawyer(twice), Tommy Neal and Warren Clatterbuck.

Also slated for the card will be Dale City, VA featherweight Andre Nichols (1-1) as he is scheduled to battle Anthony Whigham of Ohio (0-6). DC-born and Roanoke, VA-based middleweight Charles Norwood (1-1, one KO) will take on Knoxville, TN's Anthony Quentin Young (3-1, two KO's) in another four-round encounter.

'Tiger' Thompson Ready to Roar Against 'Lion' Krasniqi!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has arrived in Germany to get ready for his Saturday, July 14 matchup with Luan "The Lion" Krasniqi. This is a link to a press release concerning today's press conference.

http://www.fightnews.com/universum158.htm

Tony Thompson On His Way To Germany!

The following is a press release concerning DC's own Tony "The Tiger" Thompson as he gets ready for his July 14 WBO Heavyweight Elimination battle with Luan "The Lion" Krasniqi in Hamburg, Germany.


A few days after celebrating the 231st anniversary of America’s independence from British rule, heavyweight contender Tony “The Tiger” Thompson will arrive in Germany on Saturday to make final preparations for his highly-anticipated July 14, 2007 showdown with fellow contender Luan Krasniqi.

The scheduled twelve-round contest -- to be held at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany – will be a WBO heavyweight eliminator. At stake is a mandatory shot at the title belt currently worn by Sultan Ibragimov.

July 14 cannot come soon enough for the 35-year old Thompson (29-1, 17 KOs), a native of Washington, D.C. Previous attempts for the rangy 6-5 southpaw to get #3-ranked Krasniqi (30-2-1, 14 KOs) into the ring with him proved futile. “It’s been kind of frustrating,” Thompson admitted. “But now that I’ve got the opportunity I’m going to go in and kick his ass and bring it to his After-Party!”


In addition to a tough customer in Krasniqi, Thompson faces the obstacle of trying to defeat him in Germany. “I have a great team behind me,” he credited. “We have done everything to prepare for this trip. I know a lot of people are worried about me getting a fair decision over there. But I’m confident I’m going to win the Germans over; not just the fans, but the judges too. But it’s hard to get robbed if the guy’s laid out on his back.”

When asked about his opponent’s fighting style and the challenges it could cause him, Thompson responded: “I don’t really concentrate on anybody’s style but my own. And I’m always confident that we are prepared to the best of our abilities. As for me, just the regular same old thing that I do: being incredibly awkward, offensively and defensively, to the point of frustration. And once he’s frustrated I’m going to take him out of there.”


Thompson’s management team consisting of, among others, co-managers Nate Peake and NBA star Steve Francis, share Thompson’s confidence. They kept Thompson in training facilities an hour away from his home to help eliminate the distractions and focus on the task at hand.

“This is THE elimination,” Peake stressed, revealing the possibility that with a victory over Krasniqi, Thompson could potentially double his pleasure in his subsequent mandatory championship bout.

“I’m looking for Tony to dominate and show the world that he is the best heavyweight in the world. Once Tony wins this fight he’s the mandatory,” Peake continued. “And with Ibragamov fighting (WBA Champion, Ruslan) Chagaev to unify both titles, Tony will get to fight the winner for both world heavyweight titles. They fight in October and the beauty of it is that instead of fighting for one belt, Tony could wind up fighting for two.”

Adding his experience as a professional athlete in the management of Thompson’s career, the man known as “Stevie Franchise” in NBA circles, Francis has been involved with Thompson for nearly four years and sees a win over Krasniqi and the potential for Thompson’s goal to become heavyweight champion of the world.

“For me it’s been like a whirlwind to be able to work with Tony because basketball and boxing are two completely different sports, but at the same time, they’re both contact and ultra competitive sports,” Francis explained.

“To be able to help somebody that has a great opportunity to get on the next level where a Holyfield, Tyson and Riddick Bowe were… to me there was no other choice but to be with someone like Tony who has the talent and heart to withstand all that’s going on inside the ring. All I can say is it is what it is. Tony’s true talents will show in this boxing match in Germany.”


Dan Goossen, President of Goossen Tutor Promotions, has been Thompson’s promoter for his last five fights and is very high on Thompson’s chances to defeat Krasniqi.

"I've got tremendous confidence in Tony coming back to America with a hard-fought victory,” Goossen asserted. “He's on a mission to establish himself right at the top with the other heavyweight champions. A victory here places him right there."


“All I’ll tell you about a prediction is that I am 25-0 since my only loss (a decision loss to Eric Kirkland seven years ago in Massachusetts) and I don’t plan on breaking that streak ever,” Thompson declared. “My record speaks for itself and I will never quit in a fight like he (Krasniqi) has. After the only time I lost I came back to prove all my doubters, who waited for me to fold in this sport, wrong.

“This fight is everything. From when I started I could only imagine being in this position. Thanks to my co-managers Nate Peake and ‘Stevie Franchise’ and the other guys who’ve helped me. My trainers, Tom Browner and Barry Hunter, put me in a position to succeed and I want to succeed for those guys who believed in me, and my family who’s been patient enough and waited for me to bring home the bacon. And now is the time,” Thompson concluded.

Pearson Bout NOT Taking Place in Florida!

If you're like me and like to peruse the different fine boxing websites around the internet world, you may have come across an item that says former USBA and NABA Junior Lightweight champ Lamont "Bay" Pearson of Cheltenham, MD, is scheduled to battle for the vacant NABF Junior Welterweight title on July 28 in Palm Beach, FL.

I have talked to Pearson's representatives and they have told me that bout is NOT taking place. No contract has been signed for this contest.

Knowing this is a sport where you can truly never say never, I think this report is valid. I'll let you know if it changes.

Virginia State Title Clash Highlights July 14 Winchester Card!

There will be a Left Hook Boxing Promotions card "Tomorrow's Champions IV" coming to the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA on Saturday, July 14.

Promoter Scott Farmer has put together a Virginia State Lightweight title bout between two Alexandria-based boxers, Jaime "The Punisher" Palma and Calvin "Peko" Faggins.

Palma (11-10-1, two KO's) has won his last four bouts, including his last contest, a six-round unanimous decision over Edward Anderson on February 17 in Winchester. Faggins (3-3-1, one KO) has not fought since June of 1996 when he was knocked out in the second round by future world champion Paul Spadafora.

Another match already signed will feature undefeated Front Royal, VA junior middleweight Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck (5-0, two KO's) against Norfolk, VA's Antwon "Supreme" Barrett (0-3). Clatterbuck is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Billy Mitchem on the February 17 Winchester show. Barrett lost his last bout by first-round knockout to Ruslan Provodnikov on April 28 in Mashantucket, CT.

Also slated on the card will be other Virginia favorites Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer, Terry "T-Brick" Roy, Todd "White Lightning" Wilson and Andre Nichols.

Beltway Boxing photographer Linda Siadys has a photo spread from the recent press conference in Winchester. Here's the link:

http://photodawg1.smugmug.com/gallery/2991179

'Ding-A-Ling Man' Reflects on Important Win!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #68 - Darnell Wilson Reflects on Biggest Career Victory!

Newly-crowned USBA Cruiserweight Champion Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson talks about his 11th round TKO over Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo and his plans for the future.




UPDATE: A poster mentioned that Emmanuel Nwodo suffered a fractured eye socket during the bout. Nwodo's promoter, Han Kim, has confirmed that. Nwodo fought with the fracture to the left eye for the bulk of the contest.

The victory moved Darnell Wilson up one spot to number nine in the most recent Ring Magazine cruiserweight rankings (as of July 2). You won't see that reflected in the magazines, but it is online at www.thering-online.com.