Two popular Virginia boxers will be part of a boxing/mixed martial arts card put on by Squared Circle Promotions on Saturday, November 17 at the Rockingham Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, VA.
Charlottesville, VA junior middleweight George "War Time" Rivera returns to action in a four-round bout against Nathan Ward of West Portsmouth, OH. Rivera (5-1, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision victory over John "JT" Terry on October 6 in McLean, VA. Ward (1-0) won his pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Jason Bragg on July 21 in Cowen, WVA.
Also scheduled to appear will be Caroline, VA cruiserweight Adam "The Real Deal" Seal who will take on Portsmouth, OH's Derrick Holsinger in another four-round bout. Seal (2-1, one KO) has not fought since being stopped in the third round by William Bailey on February 3 in Fisherville, VA. Holsinger (3-9) is coming off a second-round stoppage loss to Richard Gingras on August 10 in Lincoln, RI.
The card will also feature the pro debut of Staunton, VA light heavyweight Bruce "The Hammer" Frank as he faces winless (0-8) Ken Carey of Wildwood, NJ.
I know Adam will be happy to be fighting again. Wish they would have picked a different day to have the fight. Is it me, or does it seem Squared Circle consistently schedules fights when another card has already been in place? I know MMA and Boxing are just cousins, but for someone like myself I would have gone to theirs if didn't conflict with the one at ABC on the same day. Which fight will the Comissioner be at?
ReplyDeleteHeck it would be worth the trip just to check out "THE HAMMER"!
ReplyDeleteHAMMER TIME! CAN'T TOUCH THIS! Oh, oh oh, oh oh - Can't touch this!
ReplyDeleteI thought the VA commish had a rule saying only one event per night in the state???
ReplyDeleteWaz up with this???
There is alot to be said,or should I say could be said about how squared circle puts on a card every time Scott Farmer has a show
ReplyDeletescheduled. And it seems squared circle has had consistent help from the team of Bruce frank and Joe Hensley in this matter.I know that at first it
ruffled Farmers feathers but he has come to expect it every time he plans a show so I'm sure he is use to it by now.
Hmmm... that is interesting. From what I have seen from how Scott's fights have developed over the last year those feathers should only be used to soar... above the competition! Plus since Harrisonberg is over 3 1/2 hours away few from this area would really make the trip. Still I root for George, Adam and Bruce and hope they do well.
ReplyDeleteAlso, Hensley is doing the matchmaking for Farmer's show.
ReplyDeleteThere have been at least 5 instances in the last 3 years where VA has had two shows on the same night. The commission has no problem making as much money as they can, I can assure you of that.
ReplyDeleteI guess I have never thought about it before...Is having more than one show on same time something that is done in all states? I have seen instances where different shows are going on in MD, VA and DC at the same time, and looks like it mostly hurts the weakest promoter more than anything (and annoys me when I want to attend both, but can only be at one). But Virginia is a large state, so does it make sense and is it ethical if it were profitable for promoters and boxing license offices to make money... on the other hand, seems rich potential to either erode comraderie or incite fierce competition of promoters in that state.
ReplyDeleteThat brings me to my second question. I really don't know much about this one either. Matchmakers. How does that work? Looks like Joe has matched for 3 or 4 different promoters this year...some who seem in competition. And Chris matches for Ballroom and also for Keystone. ...this boxing scense is starting to look more and more like a chess board.
Think I need to go get a dummies guide to Boxing!
Squared Circle Promotions has had a card (MMA or Boxing) every month since July. All shows through the end of the year had been scheduled back in July for MMA or Boxing. Squared Circle Promotions November card in Rockingham originally was going to be a MMA card and Squared Circle had wanted to promote a boxing card in October but due to conflict with the venue the october card did not take place so some of the boxing bouts were put on the already scheduled show in November. Squared Circle does not want to create conflict for any other promoter they are just doing their thing. FYI there is a mma card scheduled for December 8th.
ReplyDeleteLet me try to answer the second question concerning matchmakers. Matchmakers have contacts with managers and boxers and from those contacts, they can help put boxers on cards.
ReplyDeleteSome promoters don't have the luxury of having those types of contracts, so they hire matchmakers that do. Chris Middendorf can work for both Keystone and Ballroom Boxing in part because each promotion has a different philosophy. While they are somewhat in competition for the boxing dollar, they are not in direct competition with each other.
Thanks Jenny and Gary. I was just curious, especially since I cover both MMA and Boxing. It's very interesting to me, because there are so many different "camps" within even within the camp...each state/city and then sometimes there's merging and mingling and sometimes some separation like oil-n-vinegar...it is really that the Boxing/MMA in this area goes on as smoothly as it does.
ReplyDeleteI know it makes you feel good to call a woman out of her name but it goes to show how litle class you do have.
ReplyDeleteOh crap...didn't mean to start anything. Know I am going to get royally flamed on this one...My opinion folks...But that being said, Jenny, Why does your sex have to come into it if you are promoting the show or however you are affilated? I don't think you were being attacked because you are a woman, but because whoever (well we all probably can guess that one) but because they felt you did them wrong. Don't pull the "woman" card, because that is not how a good promoter would have responded.
ReplyDeleteExcuse me? "Don't play the woman card"? If I read this correctly, the anon called her a "bitch." THAT, I would venture to say, is playing the woman card. If Squared Circle is purposely scheduling straight up against Farmer on purpose, hey, that's show business (HBO and Showtime do it all the time) even though it's low class and shameful when this so-called "community" should be trying to build the sport for everyone, not beat down an opposing promoter. But that is neither here nor there in the discussion: Someone -- a woman -- got called bitch and that right there makes the discussion about women. Jenny, quit dogging Scott Farmer's shows, but keep defending yourself against sexist attack.
ReplyDeleteThat was well stated and I agree, they shouldn't have said that, Nothing at all makes it right...BUT, still Dude's call Dude's a bitch all the time if they Whine instead
ReplyDeleteof honestly addressing the issue.
No one ever really answered the question of if commissioners allowed cards to be run on the same night in the same state? That was really my question that started this whole fiasco.
Linda, the blogs I write I put my name on them, I did not write any comment about being a woman, that did not come from me. I do not feel you meant to start anything, you probably are going by what you heard. There has been alot of "rumors" going around.
ReplyDeleteHowever, just because we have a show when someone else does doesn't mean we scheduled it after they did. Maybe someone has been checking up on Squared Circle Promotions' dates since our dates have been listed on our website since the end of July. And if not, and the other promoter sees us as a threat maybe they should, that may prevent the date conflict. I don't know what the big deal is, there is plenty of people to fill the seats at more than one show. Promote your show, run your own race!
Anonymous, since you can not say your name, you really should do some research and you will see who has promoted shows longer, or maybe you know that you just want everyone else to think that.
Anonymous, if you want to call me names why don't you put you real name on it or call it to my face! Bet you don't have the balls, Bitch! All you can do is continue to lie on us and then blame it on Warren when your caught red handed!
I've got an idea: Let's cancel both shows, find a location equi-distant between the two planned locations and lot all the fighters from the Farmer show take on the Squared Circle guys in a giant, blindfolded battle royale. How fucking awesome would that be? Just like the old days, just some free swinging wilding in the ring. Side with the most fighters standing at the end gets to promote a conflicting-date free show. Loser gets Tylenol.
ReplyDeleteI have deleted the original post that had the name calling. It was totally uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteJenny and Scott I apologize. I have done a bad thing today. In posing these questions I have started unneeded static. Honestly, I really was just wondering about the rules/laws about same shows in same state. How that is regulated? I still don't know. Jenny, you say SHO AND HBO do it, but do they air at the same time? My ultimate thought is how do commissioners fairly permit shows? Is it in a mile radius or "MMA is different enough so is it okay to have a few miles next to Boxing running at the same time"? I guess my question isn't to either of you but the Commissioner?
ReplyDeleteLinda, one more time, I put my name on the blogs I post. I didn't post anything about hbo and showtime.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know, the commission gives licenses and permit to promoters as long as enough officials are available.
Jenny...everyone, well I wish I had never started this thread. Jenny you are right, the very articulate anon made the SHO/HBO quote. That being said...I don't see this mayhem going on in MD and DC. I just want to know the rules.
ReplyDeleteHow the heck did my name get thrown in the pot here.Obviously I've missed something. Unless you people know what the hell you are talking about don't bring my name into it.
ReplyDeleteLast comment posted by Scott Farmer
ReplyDeletejenny stop slinging accusations, some people know the REAL TRUTH about "being caught red handed" so shut up about it! and as far as who has been promoting longer, from what i have seen you had a lot of help from a certain person getting started, didn't you? hhmmm i wonder who that could have been??? so maybe you should show a little appreciation and not so much hate.
ReplyDeleteGo back to west virginia jenny
ReplyDeleteI apologize for starting this stupid thread and I apologize for assuming it was you Scott. Gary if you could just delete this whole thread that would be great.
ReplyDeleteScott Farmer for President!
ReplyDeleteBo
Um, please don't delete this whole thread. Some of us like this thread and find it informative. We can't just sweep it under the rug and let it fester. If things need to be said, say 'em. If you've got a bone to pick -- unlike myself, who is just enjoying the action and keeping my ear to the ground -- come out of the shadows. p.s. to Linda: Thanks for the compliment on my post that mentioned HBO, SHO. I always try to advance the dialogue, have a little fun, and keep it from devolving into name calling. That's the goal.
ReplyDeleteHey Linda,
ReplyDeleteI answered the question about different shows running in the same state on the same night. Yes, Virginia allows it and has allowed it in the past. If they have the number of commission people on board to handle the job, they will allow as many cards as the market will bear.
Thanks. I think there should be some kind of policy in place that says a show should be so many miles from another show in the same state on the same night. And/Or at least some system of scheduling them so promoters are not potentially In such dramatic competition with each other. Maybe for the typical fan it doesn't matter, they will just go to whichever show they want, but for promoters who pour heart-n-soul in it...just think they deserve better from the Board of Licensing. I think anything less will ultimately undermine one and favor another.
ReplyDeleteSome states have that policy, some don't. But, this is a capitalist economy that thrives on competition. If a promoter wants to put his money up and put on a fight, and another promoter does the same, it's just business. Nothing personal. If someone takes offense to that it just shows you how unprofessional that so called promoter really is. Business, sales, hell even life - it's all dog eat dog baby! Just like boxing. May the best man win!
ReplyDeleteWell if some states do, I would love to know how that works for them. Most things in our society never HAVE to be dog-eat-dog, if it's regulated properly. I guess there are promoters out there where ALL boxing is JUST business, a way to make a buck, but from what I have seen, It means much much more than that to most boxers and promoters and really to the true fans of boxing. A lot of (very well deserved) attention has been generated about boxer's rights and well being, and I think promoters deserve to be given the same consideration.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise...boxing commissions that allow that dog-eat-dog environment...are kind of like a legalized dog fighting gig that is just in it to make a quick buck.
ReplyDeleteI will tell you that an active commission won't allow two shows in the same city on the same night. They also may not allow 2 shows in the same market for a certian window of time. They don't want to burn out the market, there is some regulation.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck to George Rivera and Bruce Frank.
ReplyDeletePlease define or list "active commission"?
ReplyDeleteI think of "Capitalist" as FAIR OPPORTUNITY not "Dog-kill-Dog" That is where the licencing/regulation entity/ethics should be held responsible/accountable.
ReplyDeleteI think active commission may mean a "big boxing state" like Nevada or perhaps New York. But in many ways boxing is still like the old west, anything goes. These things change from state to state, and more than likely, each circumstance has to be looked at individually. Hey, business is business. Get real!
ReplyDeleteBusiness IS Business. But ALL business is regulated somehow. Boxing is regulated. Boxer's pay a fee to get licensed, Promoter's pay a fee to Promote. What do you get for that fee? Just a one-on -one in the Capitalist or State Commission Dog Pit?
ReplyDeleteLinda I will answer your questions. When a second promoter signsup for a date they are told there is another show on that night. There is no rule that you can not have 2 fiights in Va on the same night. It happens all the time. Only recently has fighters from the western part of the state traveled to Nova to fight. The commission has more than enough officials to put on 2 show in a night. On the nightof one of the Patriot Center fights a fight ws going on in Richmond. The commisioner will be at one location and there are others trained to handle boxing matches. Now let me also tell you that VA boxing commission has lost money for many years. The cost of paying the officials and mileage expenses quite oftenis no covered by the fees and taxes from a fight. So saying that whenever the commission can make some money it will. While it is a division of the state the stae does not fund it.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your response. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like what you said is direct VA competition doesn't come up often, and for everyone in the sport top-to-bottom not really a money issue, except apparently everyone loses $$?
Take this with a huge grain of salt, but,
I think a state, any state should have a program in place to ensure that all promoters are given a fair playing field. i.e. whichever promoter reserves whatever spot in a certain frame of time/area, is locked in by that state's law. I think there should be a distance parameter to preclude backyard competition at a certain level. even if the state has 500 refs and 20 stand ins for the commish...there must be a safety net for all involved whether they are or not making $$.
Linda,
ReplyDeleteThat is usually the way it works, although I am not really sure what the "official" stance the VA boxing commission has on different shows in an area. Only recently has Virginia had this "problem" because up until a few years ago nobody was putting on shows in VA. According to BoxRec.com, VA has had 12 shows this year, with another 3 scheduled. That does not include the Pro MMA shows that have occurred in VA. Amateur MMA is not regulated by the commission. Maryland has had a thriving scene for many years and has had 15 shows so far this year with at least 1 more scheduled before the end of the year. For VA to come on like they have is really a remarkable thing. VA boxing was often a series of mismatched fights with no entertainment value at all. Now the fights are competitive, there are several active promoters, there are some great fighters, and the scene is growing. Just a short time ago, try like 3 years, nothing was going on in VA.
That is actually great news. Sounds like even though other states have had a standing success compared to Virginia they are managing it well. Virginia's girth is huge compared to the the District of Columbia or Maryland. If this is the first year since when/or/ever VA has had this success I am sure they are looking at how to manage this. I mean I really hope so. I have spent most of my last year in VA and love the boxing that I have seen there and if that is a precursor of what's to come... VA Boxing Commission has to be on the pinnacle of it's game to guide and protect the whole State's Boxing Family/Business under it's wings, to ensure continued growth, comraderie and success.
ReplyDeletePeople still love boxing
ReplyDeletePeople in Maryland started the VA boxing on a larger scale.3 years ago.Club fights broke out in Northern VA,Western and Southwest and Southern VA.
Now Boxing & MMA.Everyone should be excited.
Virginia is for lovers.(OF BOXING)
No need to hate.
ANONYMOUS
Wow!!
ReplyDeleteA little more hater-ade maybe???
Just so folks up north know VA boxing was going strong but it was mostly in the VA Beach area and about 6 - 7 years ago there were fights in Richmond every 6 weeks. Then the troubles started in VA and things dried up.
ReplyDelete