Beltway Boxing 2007 Year in Review!

Okay Beltway Boxing Fans! Here is my 2007 Beltway Boxing year in review. I have retroactively called this year, "The Year of Definition." After three years of doing BATB, I truly believe this was the year where we can truly define where the majority of our boxers rank. We know who our rookies, prospects and contenders are.
Because of the strong performances of many of our Beltway Boxing pros, we are poised to have a great 2008.

So here we go with my look at the Best of the Beltway in 2007:

The Five Best Beltway Boxing Cards of 2007

1a: December 7 – Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.

Rarely has there been a card in the Beltway area with so many razor-thin decisions that no one had any complaints about. This six-bout card, promoted by Baltimore Pro Boxing, saw all six bouts go the distance and three bouts end in draws. Two of the bouts ranked among the best bouts of the year and two other bouts were rematches that were either as good as or better than the first time around.

1b: August 3 – Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD

This card shares the honor of card of the year because it was the most exciting card of 2007. It was also a model card to show how the combination of amateur and pro bouts on one card is supposed to work. The amateur portion of the card featured three of the most talked about young boxers in the area (Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison) as well as some great pro prospects in Alexander “The Great” Johnson, Horace “The Reason” Grant and Thomas “KO” Snow. There was no better consistent crowd response than on this Keystone Boxing card.

3. May 25 – DC Armory, Washington, DC

The highest-profile card of the year featured two of not only the Beltway’s best, but also the world’s best contenders. The Undefeated Peterson Brothers put on solid performances on this ESPN-televised, Peake Promotions card. NABO Lightweight champ Anthony Peterson successfully defended his title with a ninth-round TKO over Luis Ernesto Jose while Lamont Peterson scored an eighth-round TKO over veteran John Brown. On the undercard, Beltway Boxing prospects Reginald Taylor, Ty Barnette and Jessie Nicklow all remained undefeated.

4. September 16 – ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA

Exciting cards were plentiful in the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2007. However, the Left Hook Promotions card that took place at the ABC Sports Complex was filled with competitive bouts. This included a main event that completed one of the better area stories of the year – The resurgence of junior welterweight Jaime “The Punisher” Palma who won an eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Dean “Pit Bull” White. Also, some of Virginia’s best prospects were on the show, including junior middleweight Andrew “Doo Man” Farmer, cruiserweight Terry “T-Brick” Roy and junior welterweight Todd “White Lightning” Wilson. All won in good, exciting performances.


5. June 23 – Howard University, Washington, DC

DC’s cards were few in number, but two of them managed to make this list. This Babie Girl Promotions card featured a brand new venue as well as controversy and one of the best bouts of the year. Former US Olympian Clarence Vinson made his return after more than a year’s absence and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Robert DaLuz. However, Vinson lost an opportunity to win the WBC USNBC Bantamweight title because he came in over the 118-pound limit. Also, there was an outstanding co-feature between local prospect Reginald Taylor and Philadelphia’s Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson as well as a dominating performance by local junior welter Reggie “The Mechanic” Holly. There was also history on this card as Michelle Hall became the first female to referee a pro bout in the Beltway.


Five Best Beltway Boxing Bouts of 2007

December 7 – John Mackey vs. Tony Cygan, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD

This was far and away one of the best bouts seen in the Beltway area in many years. These were two prospects that simply enjoyed performing the “sweet science.” Mackey, a native of DC who now lives in Montgomery, AL, traded solid head and body shots with the Baltimore native Cygan. Both men showed incredible class as they traded smiles and gestures of sportsmanship throughout the bout. Mackey won by six-round unanimous decision.


June 23 – Reginald Taylor vs. Jameel Wilson, Howard University’s Burr Gymnasium, Washington, DC

Until the December 7 card, this six-round contest was the clubhouse leader as bout of the year. This was a classic youth vs. experience bout between undefeated light heavyweight prospect Reginald “Rat Man” Taylor and veteran Jameel “Black Gold” Wilson. Both boxers turned fighting in close quarters into an art form, trading head and body shots. Wilson took the advantage in the middle rounds but Taylor showed strong resilience to come back with a strong sixth round to win the bout.

May 12 – Jimmy Lange vs. Fontaine Cabell, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA

The rematch of one of the best Beltway bouts of 2006 had a lot of excitement and a solid performance by the hometown hero, Lange. As in the first bout, both men were very aggressive, but Lange deserves credit for fighting seven rounds with a torn rotator cuff, that he hurt in the first round. Lange did a great job in wearing Cabell down. Lange dropped Cabell with a solid right hand late in the seventh round before stopping Cabell 55 seconds into the eighth round. The win gave Lange the WBC Continental Americas Junior Middleweight title, but put him on the shelf for the rest of 2007. Lange is slated to return in March.

November 17 – Andrew Farmer vs. Curtis Smith, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA

This bout proved that some fathers have no apprehension in testing the abilities of their sons. Scott Farmer of Left Hook Boxing Promotions cannot be accused of giving his son – Andrew “The Doo Man” Farmer an easy road to a title. Such was the case when Farmer fought Curtis Smith of Atlanta and won a six-round split decision. Farmer took advantage early in the bout with quick and accurate punches. But in the sixth round, Smith landed a sneaky uppercut and followed up with a barrage of punches that made Farmer slump to the canvas. However, Farmer gamely got up and managed to win the bout.

December 7 – Tim Coleman vs. Martinus Clay, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD

The main event on this card was a very spirited bout between one of the busiest boxers in the Beltway in Baltimore welterweight Tim “Pit Bull” Coleman and tough veteran “Magnificent” Martinus Clay of Wilson, NC. Coleman, fighting for the ninth time in 2007, was fighting in his first scheduled 10-round contest. Clay was fighting an undefeated boxer for the seventh consecutive time. Coleman got off to a great start, landing solid shots in the first two rounds. Clay used his experience to gain a strong advantage in the middle rounds. Coleman, fighting with a right hand that was broken in the fifth round, used great defense to set his offense in the latter stages. However, both men could only manage a draw. Coleman plans to drop to 140 pounds in 2008, but he says he wants a rematch with Clay.


Five Best Beltway Boxing Knockouts of 2007 (not including Wilson-Nwodo)

There is no question that Darnell Wilson’s 11th round knockout of Emmanuel Nwodo was the knockout of the year among Beltway Boxers. ESPN.com's Dan Rafael has named it the Knockout of the Year in the entire sport. However, the bout didn’t take place in a Beltway location. These were the top five that took place in the Beltway area.


1. March 10 – Elias Bouloubassis, first-round KO over Vincent Robbins, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD

This was the first pro victory for the “Golden Greek,” a super middleweight from Reisterstown, MD. The former Marine had two earlier bouts end in draws, but the one thing that was prevalent in his career was his power, which he brutally displayed in this rematch against the York, SC, -based Robbins. The first bout in December of 2006 ended because of an accidental headbutt. This time, Bouloubassis left no doubt as he jumped on Robbins early with solid left and right hands. Robbins was out on his feet. In just 15 seconds, the bout was over. The knockout is reportedly the fastest in the history of the super middleweight division, eclipsing Allen Green’s 2005 knockout of Jaidon Codrington by three seconds.


2. May 30 – Nick Collins, second-round TKO over Terrell Nixon, Michael’s Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD

This was a gutsy knockout victory for Collins, a middleweight from Bel Air, MD. Collins bounced back from being dropped in the first round by the Cincinnati, OH-based Nixon. Collins started strongly in round two, using solid shots to back Nixon off. With 10 seconds remaining in the second, Collins caught Nixon with a straight right hand that dropped Nixon to the canvas. Nixon beat the count, but was not fit to continue. Collins won the bout at 2:58 of the second round.

3. May 11 – Jessie Nicklow, third-round TKO over Matt Berkshire, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD

Nicklow, an undefeated, promising junior middleweight from Severn, MD had only one minor blemish on his record, a first-round technical draw against Matt Berkshire of Morgantown, WVA two months earlier. The rematch turned out to be a quality performance by Nicklow who dropped Berkshire with two brutal left hands. The bout was stopped at 1:20 of the third round.


4. October 7–Willis Lockett, third-round TKO over Calvin Riley, Hilton McLean Tysons Corner Hotel, McLean, VA

Yet another rematch, except the result was very similar to the first bout. Takoma Park, MD cruiserweight Willis “The Prophet” Lockett defeated Olney, MD’s Calvin Riley in the third round in August. Lockett did it again two months later scoring a crushing right hand. Riley beat the count but was unfit to continue. The time of the bout was 1:05 of the third.

5. November 17 – Stennis Floyd, first-round TKO over Ed Edwards, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA

No one made a more explosive pro debut in the Beltway area than Bristow, VA light heavyweight Stennis “Hard Banging” Floyd, who scored a wicked first-round knockout over Ed Edwards of Wilson, NC. Edwards sent two solid right hands that dropped Edwards for the count at 59 seconds of the round.


Five Best Beltway Boxing Stories of 2007

1. Gary Russell Jr. becomes first Beltway Boxer since 2000 to make US Olympic Team

This was a story more than a decade in the making. Since before his teens, the 19-year-old Russell, a native of Capitol Heights, MD, has had many Beltway Boxing observers dreaming the Olympic dream.

Russell was the youngest member of the US Elite amateur team and was named the USA Boxing Athlete of the Year in 2005, so making the Olympic team was thought to be a done deal. However, Russell lost his first bout at the Olympic Trials this past August and was put into the consolation bracket. Russell regrouped and won six straight bouts in six days, including two victories over the boxer that beat him in the first round to win the berth, becoming the first Beltway Boxer since Clarence Vinson to make the Olympic Team. Only three other US amateurs –- Evander Holyfield, Roy Jones, Jr. and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. have won Olympic berths out of the consolation bracket. In October, Russell officially punched his ticket to Beijing.


2. Maryland becomes industry pioneer in promoting and regulating pro-am cards.

The state of Maryland was very busy in regulating boxing cards. Maryland regulated 18 boxing cards, marking the fourth straight year that the state has hosted more than 15 cards in a year. Sixteen of the 18 cards featured a number of amateur boxers that fought prior to the pro boxers on the show. The Maryland State Athletic Commission worked hand in hand with not only different promoters in the state, but also with both the Potomac Valley AAU and the South Atlantic Boxing Association who handled amateur programs in Prince George’s County and Baltimore, MD respectively. Fan response was very favorable and Maryland State Commission Executive Director Patrick Pannella was asked to give a presentation during USA Boxing’s Annual Convention in Houston, TX in November.

3. DC licenses first female professional boxing referee – Michelle Hall works June 23 card at Howard University.

This was an extremely overlooked story. Michelle Hall, a local amateur official and inspector in Virginia, received an opportunity to work as a referee on a pro card, becoming reportedly the first female to referee a pro bout in Beltway Boxing history. Hall worked two bouts on the June 23 card at Howard University’s Burr Gymnasium and was very accomplished in her work.


4. Beltway Boxers win nine major regional titles.

A number of local boxers made solid strides in their careers by winning major regional titles. Lamont Peterson won two titles (WBC US Junior Welterweight, NABO Junior Welterweight) as did Darnell “The Ding-A-Ling Man” Wilson (Trans-America (Canada), USBA Cruiserweight and Tony “The Tiger” Thompson (WBC Continental Americas and NABO Heavyweight) Thompson and Anthony Peterson (NABO Lightweight) won regional titles en route to achieving number one contender status in their respective weight classes.

Even former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman captured the USBA Heavyweight title during his quest to regain the world title. Only one of the regional titles was won in the Beltway area. Jimmy Lange captured the WBC Continental Americas Junior Middleweight title on May 12 in Fairfax, VA.

5. Jaime Palma wins six straight bouts to go from under .500 to Virginia State Lightweight champ to ranked number 13 in USBA rankings.

Many boxing fans may remember the story of Freddie Pendleton, who went from an under. 500 record to win the IBF Lightweight title. Pendleton’s story is the blueprint that Alexandria, VA lightweight Jaime Palma has been following since 2005. At that time, Palma was 7-10-1. Palma started his six-bout winning streak in 2006 with three wins against under.500 competition. But in 2007, Palma stepped up his game with three more wins against tougher competition. A six-round unanimous decision win against tough Richmond trialhorse Edward Anderson raised some eyebrows. Palma then won the Virginia State Junior Welterweight title with a fifth-round TKO over Artie Benbury. But it was his eight-round unanimous decision win over Dean White on September 15 in Springfield, VA that caused some in the boxing world to take notice. At the end of 2007, Palma cracked the USBA rankings and is now at number 13.

The Five Best Beltway Boxing Rookies of 2007

1. Bayan Jargal, Arlington, VA (5-0-1, three KO’s) A native of Mongolia, Jargal started his career in late November of 2006 with a first-round TKO of Patrick Bozeman. Still technically a rookie, Jargal didn’t fight again until May 12, 2007 when he scored another first-round TKO over veteran Shane Gierke in Fairfax, VA. Jargal’s only minor setback came in a May 31 bout against Jaime Rodriguez in Glen Burnie, MD. Jargal battled Rodriguez to a four-round draw in the only bout where he was a little slower on the draw than usual. Since that bout, Jargal has looked very impressive and has already moved up to six-round bouts, winning by unanimous decision over Reggie Holly on November 8 in DC and scoring a second round TKO over Nathan Francis on December 15 in Dulles, VA.

Jargal is as technically sound as it comes and does show solid power and focus. He is the choice as Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year for 2007.

(The fan's choice for Rookie of the Year: George "War Time" Rivera)


2. Alexander “The Great” Johnson, Oxon Hill, MD (4-0, three KO’s) a tall, lanky light heavyweight, Johnson has shown impressive power in his first year. Johnson has scored two first-round knockouts and was in complete control during his last outing, a four-round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino on November 29 in Glen Burnie. If Johnson can do a better job in controlling his emotions, he could be a dominant prospect in 2008.

3. “War Time” George Rivera, Charlottesville, VA (6-1, three KO’s) A rapidly-improving junior middleweight who bounced back very well from an early loss. After winning his pro debut with a first-round knockout over Clarence Horne on February 3 in Fisherville, VA, Rivera was stunned with a second-round knockout loss to Charles Norwood just 14 days later in Winchester, VA. Since that loss, Rivera has reeled off five straight impressive victories. Rivera has also quickly attracted a large fan base, known as “La Familia” that stretches from Virginia to Rivera’s birthplace of Queens, NY.


4. Todd “White Lightning” Wilson, Arlington, VA (3-0, one KO) A boxer who, if he continues to be successful, may renew interest in collegiate boxing. A champion from VMI, Wilson has shown solid talent in his short pro career. Wilson made his pro debut with a second round TKO over Jay Watts on April 28in Fisherville, VA and has scored unanimous decision victories over starter opponents Henry Goss and Edward Anderson. Wilson is another young boxer who is gaining quick popularity in the area.

5. “The Golden Greek” Elias Bouloubassis, Reisterstown, MD (3-0-4, three KO’s) Bouloubassis, a super middleweight, has had one of the strangest rookie years of any boxer in recent memory. The four draws on his record don’t look great, especially when two of them were technical draws, caused in part by Bouloubassis’s straight-ahead style. But when he plants his feet and throws, he has as much power as anybody around, as evident by his 15-second knockout of Vincent Robbins and his knockouts of Jessie Horton and Rakeem Carter. Needs to develop a jab to progress, but he is still a fun boxer to watch.


The Five Best Beltway Boxing Prospects of 2007

1. Tim “Pit Bull” Coleman, Baltimore, MD (14-0-1, three KO’s) No boxer in the DC/MD/VA region has progressed as well as this welterweight prospect. Coleman advanced in all facets of the game – work rate, competition and length of rounds. Coleman fought nine times in 2007, working a total of 55 rounds. Coleman also progressed in his competition, defeating the likes of Jason Champion, Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall, Doel Carrasquillo and Scott Ball, before fighting a tough 10-round draw against Martinus Clay in his last outing on December 7. Also during the year, Coleman went from six-to eight to 10 rounds this year. Plans to drop to 140 pounds in 2008, where he may find an increase in power.

Because of his progression, Tim Coleman is the selection as the 2007 Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year.

(the fans choice for Prospect of the Year: "JC Superstar" Juan Carlos Robles)

2. Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall, Baltimore, MD (14-0-1, two KO’s). Fought only four times this year, but fought solid gatekeeper-style opponents. The super middleweight advanced as a boxer-puncher with an improving ability to adapt to the opponent he is facing. In his best win of the year, Paschall won an eight-round unanimous decision over Richard Stewart on August 25 in Ocean City, MD by using movement and sharp jabs. In his last outing against Randy Pogue on November 29 in Glen Burnie, MD, Paschall was more of a puncher and was able to pound out a six-round decision.

3. Horace “The Reason” Grant, Riverdale, MD (10-1, seven KO’s). This heavyweight prospect appeared in eight contests this year, progressing nicely, All 2007 opponents had .500 or better records. Grant improved his power and scored nice knockouts against the likes of Glenn Williams, Mike Sheppard and Harvey Jolley. Grant will be a solid heavyweight prospect to watch in 2008.

4. Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow, Severn, MD (14-0-1, five KO’s). The 2006 choice for Rookie of the year, the junior middleweight prospect progressed slightly in 2007. A major difference for Nicklow was his power, as he scored three solid knockouts this year. Fought his first undefeated fighter in Matt Berkshire and after the first bout ended in a first-round technical draw, Nicklow scored his best knockout of the year in the rematch, a third-round TKO. This prospect will be looked upon to make a move in 2008.

5. Reginald “Rat Man” Taylor, Washington, DC (8-0, four KO’s). A good light heavyweight prospect who stepped up his game late in 2007, Taylor has yet to have an opponent who has an under.500 record. Put on a great performance in a six-round war against veteran Jameel Wilson in June. However, reportedly did not perform well in winning a six-round decision against 14-2 Jermain Mackey on November 17 in Turks and Caicos. If Taylor can start the year well, he could be heard from in 2008.



The 2007 Beltway Boxer of the Year is…

Darnell “The Ding-A-Ling Man” Wilson, Takoma Park, MD (22-5-3, 19 KO’s) In a year where there were many Beltway Boxing standouts, Wilson’s impact on the cruiserweight division places him slightly above his Beltway brethren. Wilson continued the turnaround that began in September 2006 with a fourth-round TKO over Daniel Judah with three quality knockout performances that set the cruiserweight division on his ear.

On January 19, Wilson traveled to Edmonton, Alberta, CA and scored a second-round TKO over hometown hero Dale Brown, marking the first time Brown had been knocked out on his home turf.

Then on February 23 in Scranton, PA, Wilson endeared himself to a nationally televised ESPN audience by scoring a third-round knockout over former IBF Cruiserweight champ Kelvin Davis.

But it was his sickening 11th round knockout over fellow Beltway Boxer Emmanuel Nwodo on June 29 in Staten Island, NY that truly sent shockwaves throughout the division. The knockout has already been a fixture on numerous year-end polls as the knockout of the year and made Wilson a household name in the Cruiserweight division. Wilson is slated to defend his USBA Cruiserweight title against undefeated BJ Flores in his third straight ESPN2 appearance on February 8 in Dover, DE. A year ago, Wilson had four straight losses and was thought of as an also-ran. Now, he is a legitimate contender and is recognized as the 2007 Beltway Boxer of the Year.

(The leader in the Beltway Boxer of the Year Poll -- Darnell Wilson. Voting continues until January 4.)

Other Beltway Boxers deserving of consideration:

Tony “The Tiger” Thompson, (heavyweight, Washington, DC, 31-1, 19 KO’s) If Wilson had not had such an impactful year, Thompson would have won this award going away. Thompson won two regional titles and leaped above two contenders in Timor Ibragimov and Luan Krasniqi, defeating the latter by fifth-round knockout in Krasniqi’s own home town of Hamburg, Germany to become the number-one ranked contender in the WBO and one of the most feared contenders in the division. Thompson continued his undefeated streak, which has now stretched over a seven-year period. If all goes well, Thompson will face the winner of the unification bout between WBO champ Sultan Ibragimov and WBC titleholder Wladimir Klitschko. Thompson is scheduled to be on the undercard of the unification bout on February 23.

Anthony Peterson (lightweight, Washington, DC, 25-0, 18 KO’s). Peterson had a solid year, winning four times (with three knockouts) and has spent the year as the WBO’s number-one ranked lightweight contender. Peterson will not rest on his laurels in 2008 as he is slated to defend his NABO Lightweight title against tough Guadalupe Rosales on ShoBox on January 4.

Lamont Peterson (junior welterweight, Washington, DC, 23-0, 11 KO’s). Peterson started to shed the image of a pure boxer by scoring three stoppages in 2007. The most impressive knockout came in front of his hometown crowd on national television against veteran contender John Brown on May 25. Peterson registered an eighth-round TKO in that bout. Peterson then won the NABO Junior Welterweight title, stopping Frankie Santos in the sixth round on September 7 in Biloxi, MS. Like his brother, Anthony, Lamont Peterson looks to make a move for a world title as he defends his NABO title against undefeated Antonio Mesquita on the same January 4 ShoBox card.


In Memoriam:

Dr. Arnold W. McKnight – Chair of the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission for 12 years.

Bobby Glassmeyer – Long-time Maryland boxing trainer

Lorado Williams – Baltimore, MD amateur boxer

Truman E. Tuttle – One of the most notable names in amateur boxing. Tuttle headed the DC and the National Golden Gloves program for many years.

Alton Rice – a DC amateur and professional super middleweight boxer.

Ernest “Sonny Boy” Williams – DC lightweight who boxed in the 1950’s.

Jeffrey Arnold – the older brother of former welterweight contender Derrell Coley.


The Five Stories to Watch in 2008

1. Can the Beltway have four world champions again?

The DC/MD/VA area is poised to do something that has not been done since 1996. With Darnell Wilson, Tony Thompson and Lamont and Anthony Peterson, the Beltway is in position to win four world titles in 2008. In 1996, Mark Johnson, Keith Holmes, Sharmba Mitchell and William Joppy accomplished that feat. Going into 2008, Thompson and Anthony Peterson are ranked first in their respective division. Lamont Peterson is ranked third by the WBC and Wilson is ranked seventh by the WBO.

2. Will the 2008 Rookie Class be better than 2007?

The 2007 Beltway rookie class was one of the best in recent years. But 2008 could be even better. Three of the members -- amateur standout Fernando Guerrero of Salisbury, MD, Bristow, VA’s Stennis Floyd and Harold Orji of DC -- already made victorious pro debuts late in 2007. . Beltway Boxing fans are also anxiously awaiting the debut of Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, who has already had a number of high-level pro boxing promoters talking about him.

3. Will DC increase its number of pro cards in 2008?

While DC only had four pro cards in 2007, two of them were quality cards. The Nation’s Capital hopes to increase its total under new Boxing and Wrestling Chair Jason Turner. A good sign of progress is that there are reportedly cards already slated for February and March of 2008. The first DC card of 2007 didn’t take place until April.

4. Will Gary Russell Jr. Medal at the Olympics?

The bulk of the summer of 2008 will focus on Russell Jr. who will be trying for an Olympic medal in Beijing, China in August. The 19-year-old from Capital Heights, MD will try to continue a standard set by the likes of Norvel Lee, Sugar Ray Leonard and Andrew Maynard – who all won gold medals in Olympic competition.

5. Will Jimmy Lange bounce back from injuries to get into world title contention?

Arguably, the Beltway’s most popular boxer, the Great Falls, VA junior middleweight won the WBC Continental Americas Junior Middleweight title in 2007 but suffered a torn rotator cuff injury in the title win over Fontaine Cabell in May. Lange is scheduled to return in late March and needs to stay healthy to be a serious contender. Who Lange will face and how he will progress will be an interesting story in the coming year.