Here is an update on the Pro-Motion Sports card coming to the Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA on Saturday, August 9.
Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "Doo Man" Farmer has a new opponent for his eight-round main event bout. Farmer (10-1, seven KO's) will take on Cesar Vega of Louisville, KY (10-14, two KO's).
Woodbridge, VA middleweight Orazio "The Razor" Robinson has been added to the card. Robinson (5-3-2, four KO's) has not fought since losing a six-round majority decision to Jose Angel Rodriguez in Glen Burnie, MD in March of 2006. Robinson is slated to be in a four-round contest against an opponent to be named later.
Undefeated Front Royal, VA cruiserweight Terry "T-Brick" Roy (7-0-1, six KO's) returns in the co-feature against undefeated Jaywon Woods of Danville, VA (7-0, five KO's). Also, Woodbridge, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (6-0-1, three KO's) is slated to be on this card, taking on Maurice "Mad Dog" Chalmers of Lynchburg, VA (7-7-1, four KO's). Both bouts are slated for six rounds.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Aiken Now Off August 29 ESPN2 Card!
Just received word that former IBF Featherweight champ Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken is now off the August 29th card in Uncasville, CT. Aiken was approved by the promoters, but not approved by ESPN, so his bout is off the card.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Nwodo, Aiken on ESPN2 August 29 Card in Connecticut!
Two Beltway Boxers will be in televised bouts on ESPN2 on Friday, August 29 from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT.
The main event has former USBA Cruiserweight champion Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo of Baltimore taking on Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey of Providence, RI in a 12-round bout for Godfrey's NABF Cruiserweight title.
Nwodo (22-4, 18 KO's) and ranked nunber 12 by the WBA and number 15 by the WBC, is coming off a second-round knockout of Ezra Sellers on January 19 in New York City. Godfrey (16-1, nine KO's) will be trying to bounce back from his first career loss, a WBC Cruiserweight title elimination bout against Rudolf Kraj in Germany that Godfrey lost by 12-round unanimous decision.
The co-feature will be a 10-rounder between former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken of Forestville, MD and undefeated featherweight prospect Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard of Hartford, CT.
Aiken (16-7-1, 12 KO's) is winless in his last four bouts including losses to former world champ Robert Guerrero and contenders Thomas Mashaba and Monty Meza-Clay and a draw with veteran Cruz Carbajal.
For the 22-year-old Remillard (14-0, seven KO's), Aiken poses the most accomplished foe of his young career. Remillard won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Magellon for the WBC Youth Featherweight title on June 13 in Hartford.
The main event has former USBA Cruiserweight champion Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo of Baltimore taking on Matt "Too Smooth" Godfrey of Providence, RI in a 12-round bout for Godfrey's NABF Cruiserweight title.
Nwodo (22-4, 18 KO's) and ranked nunber 12 by the WBA and number 15 by the WBC, is coming off a second-round knockout of Ezra Sellers on January 19 in New York City. Godfrey (16-1, nine KO's) will be trying to bounce back from his first career loss, a WBC Cruiserweight title elimination bout against Rudolf Kraj in Germany that Godfrey lost by 12-round unanimous decision.
The co-feature will be a 10-rounder between former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken of Forestville, MD and undefeated featherweight prospect Matt "Sharp Shooter" Remillard of Hartford, CT.
Aiken (16-7-1, 12 KO's) is winless in his last four bouts including losses to former world champ Robert Guerrero and contenders Thomas Mashaba and Monty Meza-Clay and a draw with veteran Cruz Carbajal.
For the 22-year-old Remillard (14-0, seven KO's), Aiken poses the most accomplished foe of his young career. Remillard won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Magellon for the WBC Youth Featherweight title on June 13 in Hartford.
Corley Bout Postponed By Thunderstorms!
The return of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley has been delayed by thunderstorms. Corley was scheduled to take on Ashley Theophane in the eight-round co-feature of an outdoor show at Frontier Field in Rochester, NY.
However, thunderstorms are slated to roll through the area. They are predicted to leave the area by tomorrow morning, so the card will be held tomorrow evening.
However, thunderstorms are slated to roll through the area. They are predicted to leave the area by tomorrow morning, so the card will be held tomorrow evening.
After Three Years: BATB By The Numbers!
Today marks the third anniversary of Boxing Along The Beltway!
This has been one glorious ride and I thank everyone in the Beltway Boxing Community for their support throughout this effort and I look forward to continuing and making the blog even better in the future.
I decided to do some research on what we've accomplished over the past three years. Here's what we came up with.
This is the 1,305 post that I have made on this blog.
Since I started the BATB Channel on the Gabcast website in December of 2005, there have been 120 posts that have garnered 9,295 total channel listens.
We've averaged about 9,000 hits on the blog every month since the beginning of this year from 70 countries.
Since the start of BATB on July 30, 2005, we've covered 84 cards in the Beltway area:
53 in Maryland
23 in Virginia
eight in DC.
Since July 30, 2005, 21 Beltway Boxers have appeared on national TV a total of 50 times.
Won-Loss record in National TV bouts: 26-22-2, 13 KO’s.
Beltway Boxers have appeared on
ESPN2: 26 times
Showtime: nine times
Versus: four times
HBO: four times
Pay-Per-View: three times
Fox Sports Net: two times
Telefutura: one time
NBC: one time
Lamont Peterson has appeared the most times on national TV with seven appearances.
Anthony Peterson and Hasim Rahman have appeared nationally six times each.
Followed by the following boxers:
Darnell Wilson – four times
Sharmba Mitchell – three times
Tony Thompson – three times
Henry Buchanan – three times
Eric Aiken – three times
Teddy Reid – two times
Dean White – two times
DeMarcus Corley, Luther Smith, Michael Warrick, Emmanuel Nwodo, Lamont Pearson, Joshua Snyder, Fernando Guerrero, Horace Grant, Gary Russell, Jr., Tyrell Samuel, George Rivera – once
Together, we have celebrated two world championships (Eric Aiken -- IBF Featherweight and Hasim Rahman -- WBC Heavyweight) and seven regional championships.
This has been one glorious ride and I thank everyone in the Beltway Boxing Community for their support throughout this effort and I look forward to continuing and making the blog even better in the future.
I decided to do some research on what we've accomplished over the past three years. Here's what we came up with.
This is the 1,305 post that I have made on this blog.
Since I started the BATB Channel on the Gabcast website in December of 2005, there have been 120 posts that have garnered 9,295 total channel listens.
We've averaged about 9,000 hits on the blog every month since the beginning of this year from 70 countries.
Since the start of BATB on July 30, 2005, we've covered 84 cards in the Beltway area:
53 in Maryland
23 in Virginia
eight in DC.
Since July 30, 2005, 21 Beltway Boxers have appeared on national TV a total of 50 times.
Won-Loss record in National TV bouts: 26-22-2, 13 KO’s.
Beltway Boxers have appeared on
ESPN2: 26 times
Showtime: nine times
Versus: four times
HBO: four times
Pay-Per-View: three times
Fox Sports Net: two times
Telefutura: one time
NBC: one time
Lamont Peterson has appeared the most times on national TV with seven appearances.
Anthony Peterson and Hasim Rahman have appeared nationally six times each.
Followed by the following boxers:
Darnell Wilson – four times
Sharmba Mitchell – three times
Tony Thompson – three times
Henry Buchanan – three times
Eric Aiken – three times
Teddy Reid – two times
Dean White – two times
DeMarcus Corley, Luther Smith, Michael Warrick, Emmanuel Nwodo, Lamont Pearson, Joshua Snyder, Fernando Guerrero, Horace Grant, Gary Russell, Jr., Tyrell Samuel, George Rivera – once
Together, we have celebrated two world championships (Eric Aiken -- IBF Featherweight and Hasim Rahman -- WBC Heavyweight) and seven regional championships.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
August DC Card Delayed One Week; Becomes An ESPN2 Telecast!
The inaugural Major Heavy Hitters Boxing card that was slated for Friday, August 8 has been delayed one week. The card will now be held on Friday, August 15 at the Ibiza Nightclub in DC and will be an ESPN2 "Friday Night Fights" telecast. The card is now a co-promotion as Duva Boxing has now joined the efforts.
The main event remains the same as Baltimore middleweight Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin (14-1-4, six KO's) will battle veteran Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson of Philadelphia for the USBO Junior Middleweight title.
The co-feature has West Hills, CA cruiserweight Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (12-1-3, five KO's) in an eight-round bout against an opponent to be announced.
Also on the card, undefeated Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson (5-0, three KO's) will be in what should be a great six-round matchup against undefeated Reggie "Concrete" LaCrete of Brooklyn, NY (4-0-2, three KO's). And in a heavyweight matchup, undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (4-0-1, three KO's) will battle "The Gatekeeper" Ryan St. Germain of Elkhart, IN (2-2, two KO's) in a four-round encounter.
Chris Middendorf is the matchmaker and Discombobulating Jones will be the ring announcer.
The main event remains the same as Baltimore middleweight Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin (14-1-4, six KO's) will battle veteran Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson of Philadelphia for the USBO Junior Middleweight title.
The co-feature has West Hills, CA cruiserweight Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi (12-1-3, five KO's) in an eight-round bout against an opponent to be announced.
Also on the card, undefeated Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson (5-0, three KO's) will be in what should be a great six-round matchup against undefeated Reggie "Concrete" LaCrete of Brooklyn, NY (4-0-2, three KO's). And in a heavyweight matchup, undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (4-0-1, three KO's) will battle "The Gatekeeper" Ryan St. Germain of Elkhart, IN (2-2, two KO's) in a four-round encounter.
Chris Middendorf is the matchmaker and Discombobulating Jones will be the ring announcer.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Gary Russell Jr. Story Told in High Definition!
If you are fortunate to get high definition TV channels, check out the MOJO channel. They are doing a 10-part series call "A Shot at Glory." The series will chronicle 10 Olympians as they prepare for competition in Beijing, China.
On Thursday, July 31, the subject will be the Beltway's own Gary Russell, Jr. The show will air at 9 PM ET.
If you don't have HDTV, it looks like you can see the 30-minute program in it's entirety starting on Thursday on the channel's website, www.mojohd.com.
On Thursday, July 31, the subject will be the Beltway's own Gary Russell, Jr. The show will air at 9 PM ET.
If you don't have HDTV, it looks like you can see the 30-minute program in it's entirety starting on Thursday on the channel's website, www.mojohd.com.
Help Needed for Beltway Boxing Legend!
Hurricane Dolly, which ravaged the southern part of Texas, claimed the house and possessions of a Beltway Boxing legend.
Former world title contender and 1988 Olympic Gold medalist "Boxing" Andrew Maynard lost pretty much everything and his house is still submerged in Harlingen, TX near the Mexican border.
Maynard is now living in his gym that he was using to train young boxers and he needs our help in the worst way. Knowing that times are tough for many, I ask, if you can, to send a donation to help him out to this address:
Andrew Maynard
516 W. Van Buren Avenue,
Harlingen, TX 78550
For those who may not be familiar with Maynard, he was a very popular boxer in the Beltway area who was part of a very successful Olympic team in 1988 that included Boxing Hall of Famer and world champion Michael Carbajal and former pro world champions Roy Jones, Jr., Riddick Bowe and Kennedy McKinney.
Maynard went on to a pro career (26-13-1, 21 KO's) that saw him face the likes of Matthew Saad Muhammad (a third-round TKO at the Washington Convention Center in October 1991 on the undercard of the Bowe-Elijah Tillery fiasco), Thomas Hearns, Bobby Czyz and Frank Tate. He made an unsuccessful challenge for the WBC Cruiserweight title in 1992 when he lost to champion Anaclet Wamba by unanimous decision.
Back in September of 2007, I had an opportunity to talk to Maynard about his career. This is the interview:
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #84 - BATB Legends Interview -- Andrew "Smilin' Drew" Maynard!
From Harlingen, TX, Beltway Boxing Legend and 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Andrew Maynard talks frankly about his amateur and pro career!
Former world title contender and 1988 Olympic Gold medalist "Boxing" Andrew Maynard lost pretty much everything and his house is still submerged in Harlingen, TX near the Mexican border.
Maynard is now living in his gym that he was using to train young boxers and he needs our help in the worst way. Knowing that times are tough for many, I ask, if you can, to send a donation to help him out to this address:
Andrew Maynard
516 W. Van Buren Avenue,
Harlingen, TX 78550
For those who may not be familiar with Maynard, he was a very popular boxer in the Beltway area who was part of a very successful Olympic team in 1988 that included Boxing Hall of Famer and world champion Michael Carbajal and former pro world champions Roy Jones, Jr., Riddick Bowe and Kennedy McKinney.
Maynard went on to a pro career (26-13-1, 21 KO's) that saw him face the likes of Matthew Saad Muhammad (a third-round TKO at the Washington Convention Center in October 1991 on the undercard of the Bowe-Elijah Tillery fiasco), Thomas Hearns, Bobby Czyz and Frank Tate. He made an unsuccessful challenge for the WBC Cruiserweight title in 1992 when he lost to champion Anaclet Wamba by unanimous decision.
Back in September of 2007, I had an opportunity to talk to Maynard about his career. This is the interview:
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #84 - BATB Legends Interview -- Andrew "Smilin' Drew" Maynard!
From Harlingen, TX, Beltway Boxing Legend and 1988 Olympic Gold Medalist Andrew Maynard talks frankly about his amateur and pro career!
Rahman-Toney Decision Overturned!
The California State Athletic Commission has changed the result of the July 16 bout between Hasim Rahman and James Toney. The bout has now been declared a no-decision.
Originally, Toney received a third-round TKO victory over Rahman at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA because Rahman was deemed unfit to come out of his corner after a bad cut over his left eye.
However, Armando Garcia, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission, said today, ".....I have reviewed (Rahman's) appeal and have determined that the wrong decision was rendered on the night of the event. Therefore, the bout will be ruled a No Decision."
Originally, Toney received a third-round TKO victory over Rahman at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA because Rahman was deemed unfit to come out of his corner after a bad cut over his left eye.
However, Armando Garcia, Executive Director of the California State Athletic Commission, said today, ".....I have reviewed (Rahman's) appeal and have determined that the wrong decision was rendered on the night of the event. Therefore, the bout will be ruled a No Decision."
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Remembering a DC Boxing Fiasco!
I probably should have mentioned this earlier in the month, but honestly, this was an anniversary that most long-time Beltway Boxing fans would rather forget.
This month marks the 25th anniversary of what many people consider the most embarrasing moment in DC Boxing history -- the ill-fated light heavyweight championship bout between titleholder Michael Spinks and former champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad -- a bout that never took place.
The bout was scheduled for the DC Armory. However, lack of ticket sales, a possibly overweight fighter (Muhammad), a messed-up scale, a full-scale brawl between the camps of both fighters and commission difficulties combined to scuttle the bout.
The head of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission in 1983 was Cora Masters Wilds Barry and her tenure as chair of the commission was, in many people's opinion, dubious at best.
With that as the backdrop, I ask that you read Dave McKenna's latest "Cheap Seats" column in the Washington City Paper. The column profiles Barry and gives a detailed account on what happened during the week of the bout that never happened.
Here's the link:
"http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/columns/cheapseats/">
This month marks the 25th anniversary of what many people consider the most embarrasing moment in DC Boxing history -- the ill-fated light heavyweight championship bout between titleholder Michael Spinks and former champion Eddie Mustafa Muhammad -- a bout that never took place.
The bout was scheduled for the DC Armory. However, lack of ticket sales, a possibly overweight fighter (Muhammad), a messed-up scale, a full-scale brawl between the camps of both fighters and commission difficulties combined to scuttle the bout.
The head of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission in 1983 was Cora Masters Wilds Barry and her tenure as chair of the commission was, in many people's opinion, dubious at best.
With that as the backdrop, I ask that you read Dave McKenna's latest "Cheap Seats" column in the Washington City Paper. The column profiles Barry and gives a detailed account on what happened during the week of the bout that never happened.
Here's the link:
"http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/columns/cheapseats/">
Guerrero Remains Perfect With TKO in Tunica!
The wins and knockouts continue for Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero. Guerrero kept his record spotless with a fourth-round TKO over Fernando Barajas of Mexico tonight at the Fitzgerald's Hotel and Casino in Tunica, MS.
Guerrero is now 9-0, nine KO's. Barajas's record falls to 4-2.
Guerrero is now 9-0, nine KO's. Barajas's record falls to 4-2.
Jargal, Kennedy Win in York, PA!
Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Lancaster, PA's Manuel Guzman last night at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA.
Two judges scored the bout 59-55 while one judge saw the bout 58-56. With the win, Jargal is now 6-0-1, three KO's. The loss evens Guzman's record at 6-6-1, two KO's.
Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy won his second bout in a row as he captured a four-round unanimous decision over Tampa, FL's Inka Laleye. Kennedy won by scores of 39-37 (twice) and 39-36. Kennedy is now 2-1, one KO. Laleye loses for the first time in his pro career and he is now 3-1-1, one KO.
DC welterweight "The Capitol Punisher" Spencer Harsley was a late addition to this card and he was stopped at 32 seconds of the third round by debuting hometown boxer Stevie Weimer. Harsley is now 1-7-2.
Eldersburg, MD light heavy Mark "TNT" Tucker was scheduled to be on the card. No word yet on why his bout was scratched.
Our very own Chris Middendorf was the matchmaker for the show. Discombobulating Jones served as ring announcer and another familiar face -- referee/judge Vic de Wysocki -- also worked the card.
Two judges scored the bout 59-55 while one judge saw the bout 58-56. With the win, Jargal is now 6-0-1, three KO's. The loss evens Guzman's record at 6-6-1, two KO's.
Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy won his second bout in a row as he captured a four-round unanimous decision over Tampa, FL's Inka Laleye. Kennedy won by scores of 39-37 (twice) and 39-36. Kennedy is now 2-1, one KO. Laleye loses for the first time in his pro career and he is now 3-1-1, one KO.
DC welterweight "The Capitol Punisher" Spencer Harsley was a late addition to this card and he was stopped at 32 seconds of the third round by debuting hometown boxer Stevie Weimer. Harsley is now 1-7-2.
Eldersburg, MD light heavy Mark "TNT" Tucker was scheduled to be on the card. No word yet on why his bout was scratched.
Our very own Chris Middendorf was the matchmaker for the show. Discombobulating Jones served as ring announcer and another familiar face -- referee/judge Vic de Wysocki -- also worked the card.
Harrison, Sensibaugh Win National Jr. Golden Gloves Titles!
Congratulations to Beltway Boxers Dusty Harrison and Brady "The Bulldog" Sensibaugh. Both young men captured National Junior Golden Gloves championships in Mesquite, NV.
Harrison won the 13-14 age group in the 110-pound division by defeating Edgar Gutierrez of California by decision. Gutierrez won both his previous bouts by stoppage, but according to reports, Harrison won the title bout in very impressive fashion.
In fact, so impressive was Harrison's performance during the three-day tourney, he was named the Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament.
Sensibaugh only had to fight once during the tournament, but he defeated his opponent, Johnnie West of Louisiana, by decision to win the 13-14 age group in the 80-pound division.
Harrison won the 13-14 age group in the 110-pound division by defeating Edgar Gutierrez of California by decision. Gutierrez won both his previous bouts by stoppage, but according to reports, Harrison won the title bout in very impressive fashion.
In fact, so impressive was Harrison's performance during the three-day tourney, he was named the Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament.
Sensibaugh only had to fight once during the tournament, but he defeated his opponent, Johnnie West of Louisiana, by decision to win the 13-14 age group in the 80-pound division.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Beltway Boxers Headed to Norfolk Saturday Night!
There are more Beltway Boxers in action on Saturday, July 26. There is a card scheduled for the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA tomorrow night.
Returning Woodbridge, VA cruiserweight "Dangerous" Dana Dunston (4-1, two KO's) continues his comeback against veteran Sam Reese of Newport News, VA (22-16-4, eight KO's) in a six-round encounter.
In a four-round bout, Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen (3-1, two KO's) will take on Norfolk's own Antwon "Supreme" Barrett (0-3). Allen will try to bounce back from his second-round TKO loss to Carlos Cisneros last May in District Heights, MD.
Also slated for the card will be Woodbridge super bantanweight Andre "Clockwork" Nichols (3-3, two KO's). However, promoters are still looking fo an opponent.
Returning Woodbridge, VA cruiserweight "Dangerous" Dana Dunston (4-1, two KO's) continues his comeback against veteran Sam Reese of Newport News, VA (22-16-4, eight KO's) in a six-round encounter.
In a four-round bout, Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen (3-1, two KO's) will take on Norfolk's own Antwon "Supreme" Barrett (0-3). Allen will try to bounce back from his second-round TKO loss to Carlos Cisneros last May in District Heights, MD.
Also slated for the card will be Woodbridge super bantanweight Andre "Clockwork" Nichols (3-3, two KO's). However, promoters are still looking fo an opponent.
Harrison Advances in Junior Golden Gloves!
DC 110-pounder Dusty Harrison has won his opening-round bout at the National Junior Golden Gloves last night in Mesquite, NV.
Harrison defeated John Brent of Nevada by points to advance to Friday's semi-finals.
Another Beltway Boxer -- Brady "The Bulldog" Sensibaugh -- has already advanced to Saturday's final in the 80-pound class.
Harrison defeated John Brent of Nevada by points to advance to Friday's semi-finals.
Another Beltway Boxer -- Brady "The Bulldog" Sensibaugh -- has already advanced to Saturday's final in the 80-pound class.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Mitchell Scores First-Round TKO in California!
Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell remained undefeated with a first-round TKO over Henry Namauu of Las Vegas last night at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.
Mitchell knocked down Namauu twice and knocked him out with a final right cross on the chin at 1:30 of the first. Namauu took the bout on one day's notice.
Mitchell is now 4-0-1, three KO's. Namauu falls to 2-2, one KO.
Mitchell knocked down Namauu twice and knocked him out with a final right cross on the chin at 1:30 of the first. Namauu took the bout on one day's notice.
Mitchell is now 4-0-1, three KO's. Namauu falls to 2-2, one KO.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
'Chop Chop' Corley Returns in Rochester July 30!
The rumors of the retirement of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley apparently were not true. Corley will be a part of a card at Frontier Field in Rochester, NY on Wednesday, July 30.
Corley (31-8-1, 17 KO's) will take on Ashley "Treasure" Theophane (21-3-1, seven KO's) of London, England in an eight-round matchup. Corley, who is no longer under contract to Don King Promotions, will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak. In his last outing, Corley lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Devon Alexander for the WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight championship on January 19 in New York City.
Corley (31-8-1, 17 KO's) will take on Ashley "Treasure" Theophane (21-3-1, seven KO's) of London, England in an eight-round matchup. Corley, who is no longer under contract to Don King Promotions, will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak. In his last outing, Corley lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Devon Alexander for the WBC Continental Americas Junior Welterweight championship on January 19 in New York City.
Mitchell Weighs 242 1/2 For Tonight in Cabazon, CA!
Undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (3-0-1, two KO's) weighed in at 242 1/2 pounds for his matchup tonight at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, CA. This will be Mitchell's first bout since May 29 when he stopped Alexis Cruz Medina in the second round in Glen Burnie, MD.
This bout will be on the undercard of the Jeff Lacy-Epifanio Mendoza bout on ESPN2. I don't think the bout will be televised unless the two main bouts go very quickly.
Mitchell's scheduled opponent, Henry Namauu of Las Vegas, did not weigh in yesterday. Hopefully, he will hit the scale today.
Namauu (2-1, one KO) should be in decent shape. He fought just five days ago and won a four-round unanimous decision over Chad Davis on July 18 in Primm, NV.
The last time Mitchell was in Cabazon, CA, he faced a similar situation: a last-minute opponent (Alvaro Morales) who was in a bout a week earlier. Mitchell ended up fighting to a draw.
This bout will be on the undercard of the Jeff Lacy-Epifanio Mendoza bout on ESPN2. I don't think the bout will be televised unless the two main bouts go very quickly.
Mitchell's scheduled opponent, Henry Namauu of Las Vegas, did not weigh in yesterday. Hopefully, he will hit the scale today.
Namauu (2-1, one KO) should be in decent shape. He fought just five days ago and won a four-round unanimous decision over Chad Davis on July 18 in Primm, NV.
The last time Mitchell was in Cabazon, CA, he faced a similar situation: a last-minute opponent (Alvaro Morales) who was in a bout a week earlier. Mitchell ended up fighting to a draw.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Paschall Discusses August 2 National TV Bout!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #120 - Paschall Talks About August 2 National TV Bout!
Undefeated Baltimore super middleweight "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall talks about his nationally televised bout against undefeated 2004 Olympian Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell on Saturday, August 2 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA. The bout will air on Showtime Championship Boxing at 9 PM ET!
Undefeated Baltimore super middleweight "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall talks about his nationally televised bout against undefeated 2004 Olympian Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell on Saturday, August 2 at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA. The bout will air on Showtime Championship Boxing at 9 PM ET!
Beltway Boxers Added to July 26 York, PA Card!
Two more Beltway Boxers are slated to appear on the card slated for this Saturday, July 26 at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA.
Undefeated Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (5-0-1, three KO's) has been added to the card and will take on Lancaster, PA's Manuel Guzman (6-5-1, two KO's) in a bout slated for either four or six rounds.
This will be Jargal's first action of 2008. Jargal scored a second-round TKO over Nathan Francis in his last outing on December 15 in Dulles, VA. Guzman has won three straight, including a four-round split decision over previously undefeated (11-0) Tommy Rainone on June 4 in Brooklyn, NY. Guzman has also faced undefeated Latif Mundy as well as Contender: Season 2 star Aaron Torres, losing to both by unanimous decision.
Also added to the card will be Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy (1-1, one KO). Kennedy has not fought since April of 2006 when he fought twice within a six-day period. Kennedy lost his pro debut on April 21 of 2006 in Pikesville, MD, dropping a four-round unanimous decision to Jayson Champion. Then on April 27, Kennedy knocked out William Wilson in the first round in North Charleston, SC.
Kennedy's opponent will be undefeated, Nigerian-born Inka Laleye (3-0-1, one KO). The Tampa, FL based Laleye is coming off a four-round draw against Luis Hodge on April 5 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Undefeated light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker (4-0, four KO's) of Eldersburg, MD has found an opponent for the co-feature bout on this card. Tucker will take on Akron, OH's Bob Wilder (2-3, one KO). Wilder last fought on April 27 in Chester, WVA when was stopped by Jimmy Lubash in the third round. Wilder's last victory came in Glen Burnie, MD on November 29 of 2007 when he stopped Carson McCourry in the first round.
Undefeated Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (5-0-1, three KO's) has been added to the card and will take on Lancaster, PA's Manuel Guzman (6-5-1, two KO's) in a bout slated for either four or six rounds.
This will be Jargal's first action of 2008. Jargal scored a second-round TKO over Nathan Francis in his last outing on December 15 in Dulles, VA. Guzman has won three straight, including a four-round split decision over previously undefeated (11-0) Tommy Rainone on June 4 in Brooklyn, NY. Guzman has also faced undefeated Latif Mundy as well as Contender: Season 2 star Aaron Torres, losing to both by unanimous decision.
Also added to the card will be Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy (1-1, one KO). Kennedy has not fought since April of 2006 when he fought twice within a six-day period. Kennedy lost his pro debut on April 21 of 2006 in Pikesville, MD, dropping a four-round unanimous decision to Jayson Champion. Then on April 27, Kennedy knocked out William Wilson in the first round in North Charleston, SC.
Kennedy's opponent will be undefeated, Nigerian-born Inka Laleye (3-0-1, one KO). The Tampa, FL based Laleye is coming off a four-round draw against Luis Hodge on April 5 in St. Petersburg, FL.
Undefeated light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker (4-0, four KO's) of Eldersburg, MD has found an opponent for the co-feature bout on this card. Tucker will take on Akron, OH's Bob Wilder (2-3, one KO). Wilder last fought on April 27 in Chester, WVA when was stopped by Jimmy Lubash in the third round. Wilder's last victory came in Glen Burnie, MD on November 29 of 2007 when he stopped Carson McCourry in the first round.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Camacho Stops Ballard in the Seventh Round!
In what was described as an ugly bout, Perry Ballard was stopped in the seventh round by former world champion Hector "Macho" Camacho, Sr. last night at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX.
Listen to a very interesting audio report from Houston delivered by reporter Chris Nicholson and the ring announcer for the card, Henry "Discombobulating" Jones. My thanks to both of them for filing this report.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #119 - Report from Houston, TX!
Reporter Chris Nicholson and Ring Announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones report on a wild night in Houston, TX which included a loss for Perry Ballard against former world champ Hector "Macho" Camacho, Sr.
Listen to a very interesting audio report from Houston delivered by reporter Chris Nicholson and the ring announcer for the card, Henry "Discombobulating" Jones. My thanks to both of them for filing this report.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #119 - Report from Houston, TX!
Reporter Chris Nicholson and Ring Announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones report on a wild night in Houston, TX which included a loss for Perry Ballard against former world champ Hector "Macho" Camacho, Sr.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Snow Stopped in Second in Philadelphia!
(photo by Mike Greenhill)
Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow (black trunks) suffered a second-round TKO loss to undefeated Teon Kennedy of Philadelphia, PA tonight at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia.
From what I've been told, Kennedy was on Snow from the opening bell and never let up. Another account, however, said the bout was pretty even in the first and then Snow was caught by a right hand in the second and then pummeled to a TKO the rest of the way. The bout was stopped at 1:21 of the second.
With the loss, Snow is now 10-1, eight KO's. Kennedy is now 9-0, five KO's.
PERSONAL VIEW: I tend to agree with the second account of the bout, which came from ace photographer Mike Greenhill, who was at the bout. I just finished watching the contest and the fight was definitely even in the first. Vinny Pazienza, who was doing commentary on the CN8 broadcast, actually gave the round to Snow, despite Kennedy catching Snow earlier in the round.
Snow just got caught with a beautiful Kennedy right hand. The other punches were truly inconsequential. Snow dropped his left for a brief moment and Kennedy came around and dropped him. Great punch.
It will be interesting to see what direction Snow, who is now managed by "The First Lady of Boxing" Jackie Kallen, will go at this point.
Ballard, Camacho Weigh 152 for Tonight in Houston!
(Photo by Chris Nicholson)
Perry Ballard (left) and Hector Camacho, Sr. both weighed 152 pounds for their bout later this evening at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX.
We should get an audio report from Chris Nicholson and Discombobulating Jones early tomorrow morning about this bout, which will be shown on Comcast SportsNet (possibly later in this area), The Dish Network's Colours TV and the Armed Forces Broadcasting Network.
Thompson Writes Final Entry of Blog!
In this final entry of his blog, Tony "The Tiger" Thompson gives his thoughts on the championship experience as well as his future plans.
By the way, Thompson is slated to be a guest on "The Ballroom Boxing Report" tomorrow morning on ESPN 1300 AM in Baltimore. The show, hosted by Scott Wagner and Scotty Crouse, begins at 9 AM ET and can also be heard on www.espn1300.com and -- for the first time -- on www.GoFightLive.tv. You can also see classic Ballroom Boxing bouts on GoFightLive.tv.
Hello fellow bloggers and blog readers. No one asked me to write this addition but I found it therapeutic and I am hoping it has the same effect because if I ever needed therapy it would be now but since I still can’t afford it this will have to do. (See its working already)
I’m now of course at home and have been getting a lot of positive feed back of a lot of “atta boys” and we will get him next time. (Why do people always say we? “We” don’t have the headaches or the gash over our eye or look we’ve been in a car accident! Lol.) I do appreciate the support and pep talks. I just can’t feel them just yet.
I feel like I had a dream that my heart held but never actually grasped and had to let go. I don’t know if that makes any sense to anybody the only thing I can compare it to is that high school girl that we wanted but realized she had a boyfriend or and was crushed but to the tenth power to say the least I am hurting.
But as I sit and write I have to admit I am feeling a little better sometimes you have to look at the things you do have instead of the things that you don’t have (Sounds like I am talking to my wife) and I realize that I was blessed to have that opportunity and blessed to get out of there alive! Damn!!!!
I was blessed to have people take a healthy interest in me and finally get to see me fight for the first time and see I was not a fictional character that some one told them about like some kind of a Bigfoot (even though I do have big feet). So having come to all of these conclusions, I think I am ready for my next act. You have heard of Bruce Lee in the Return of the Dragon? Well I am going to be Bruce “Tee” in the “Return of the Tiger.” I can see it now I come back after a few weeks off. Of course I have some promises to keep to the little ones and the wifey pooh. After that I begin an extensive and intensive training, then I knock off some very worthy opponents -- maybe three or four -- then I get to meet the monster that stopped my very impressive streak of wins. Again, I won’t give you the ending because I want you to watch, but I will give you a hint -- the good guys always win in the sequel, so stay tuned.
Now on a more positive note I don’t want this letter to sound too much like a suicide note. I had a great time in Hamburg, Germany. Don’t get me wrong I love the USA of course and Im never leaving the DMV area but Hamburg was special. First of all the weather was crazy you go over there in July you expect to be hot but if feels like a nice warm fall day with just the right amount of breeze. The city did have its fair share of raining, but what place doesn’t this time of year. Then the people were awesome! You would think that they would be mad at you for coming to try and take their champ’s belt, but I had a surprising amount of fans and supporters. It was crazy! Even the people that didn’t want me to win seemed like they loved me. They were very passionate. We had open workouts at one of their biggest sport stores called Kardstadt (don’t ask me to pronounce that but I thought it was great to go out there) both fighters interacted with the fans and let them see you in your routine at least parts of it and take pictures. You would be surprised how many people wanted my autograph. I know you would have been because I was. It was incredible! Everywhere I went people would recognize me and stop me and ask me to take a picture with them and their kids or mate.
When one person stopped me, the floodgates opened. Everyone would run over and it seemed liked everyone had a damn camera and at first I would be in a crowd I would say the German phrase “ Ich Ben Kin Basketball Spieler” because last time I came to fight Luan Krasniqi everyone mistook me for a a basketball player. So I would let the crowd gather and I would say that really loud for everyone to hear (by the way, the phrase means “I am not a basketball player”). The people were very knowledgeable about what was going on and who I was and the fifty-foot likeness of me and Wladimir didn’t hurt either. They remembered me from last year and they were anticipating my return so no matter where I went I was mobbed. People even started to ask my brother for his autograph thinking he was me, of course. I had to use that to my advantage a few times with some very timely escapes because the crowd will not let you go and I wanted to accommodate everyone’s wish. But that was impossible because we had other obligations and I had to eat and rest and work out sometimes. I had to pull the okey doke but it was all in fun. Even the crowds had fun with it when they realized that my brother was not me (even though I wish I could have tagged his ass in about the tenth round. On second thought I couldn’t do that to my man I don’t think.) But the people where genuinely excited about seeing me which was pumping me up even more than I already was.
The craziest thing was when this man said, “He wanted to have a baby for me.” I didn’t stick around for him to try. I quickly exited that part of the crowd and the Africans would come up and grab me and say “Tony” in that deep African voice “You must kill him! And I would say “no man, that’s too much. I just want to knock him out for 15 seconds or so!” (15 seconds because we were in Germany and you never can tell) I’d say okay. Just win man. They were extreme. Believe it or not, man, I had to get security! Yes, that’s right, security. My man Nate hired a big ass dude named Reggie. Now I have always been the type to go where I want when I want. At first, I was a little naïve about needing a bodyguard, but as we got closer to the fight, I understood his purpose and was glad he was there not so much in terms of I thought I was in danger but it was hard to do anything without being interrupted even go to out and have something to eat. Reggie did a great job of being a gentleman yet keeping some sort of boundaries while I was busy not to mention he made a great scapegoat because I tried my damndest to give everyone an autograph and picture, but as soon as he saw that I was getting tired or overwhelmed, he stepped in and took the heat while getting me back to the hotel. So the people might not have liked Reggie to much but my wife and I loved him.
But, all in all, despite the outcome of the fight, I must admit I had a good time. I'm not through in this sport. I will be champ of the world! So thanks blog world. I'll see you after Disney World.
By the way, Thompson is slated to be a guest on "The Ballroom Boxing Report" tomorrow morning on ESPN 1300 AM in Baltimore. The show, hosted by Scott Wagner and Scotty Crouse, begins at 9 AM ET and can also be heard on www.espn1300.com and -- for the first time -- on www.GoFightLive.tv. You can also see classic Ballroom Boxing bouts on GoFightLive.tv.
Hello fellow bloggers and blog readers. No one asked me to write this addition but I found it therapeutic and I am hoping it has the same effect because if I ever needed therapy it would be now but since I still can’t afford it this will have to do. (See its working already)
I’m now of course at home and have been getting a lot of positive feed back of a lot of “atta boys” and we will get him next time. (Why do people always say we? “We” don’t have the headaches or the gash over our eye or look we’ve been in a car accident! Lol.) I do appreciate the support and pep talks. I just can’t feel them just yet.
I feel like I had a dream that my heart held but never actually grasped and had to let go. I don’t know if that makes any sense to anybody the only thing I can compare it to is that high school girl that we wanted but realized she had a boyfriend or and was crushed but to the tenth power to say the least I am hurting.
But as I sit and write I have to admit I am feeling a little better sometimes you have to look at the things you do have instead of the things that you don’t have (Sounds like I am talking to my wife) and I realize that I was blessed to have that opportunity and blessed to get out of there alive! Damn!!!!
I was blessed to have people take a healthy interest in me and finally get to see me fight for the first time and see I was not a fictional character that some one told them about like some kind of a Bigfoot (even though I do have big feet). So having come to all of these conclusions, I think I am ready for my next act. You have heard of Bruce Lee in the Return of the Dragon? Well I am going to be Bruce “Tee” in the “Return of the Tiger.” I can see it now I come back after a few weeks off. Of course I have some promises to keep to the little ones and the wifey pooh. After that I begin an extensive and intensive training, then I knock off some very worthy opponents -- maybe three or four -- then I get to meet the monster that stopped my very impressive streak of wins. Again, I won’t give you the ending because I want you to watch, but I will give you a hint -- the good guys always win in the sequel, so stay tuned.
Now on a more positive note I don’t want this letter to sound too much like a suicide note. I had a great time in Hamburg, Germany. Don’t get me wrong I love the USA of course and Im never leaving the DMV area but Hamburg was special. First of all the weather was crazy you go over there in July you expect to be hot but if feels like a nice warm fall day with just the right amount of breeze. The city did have its fair share of raining, but what place doesn’t this time of year. Then the people were awesome! You would think that they would be mad at you for coming to try and take their champ’s belt, but I had a surprising amount of fans and supporters. It was crazy! Even the people that didn’t want me to win seemed like they loved me. They were very passionate. We had open workouts at one of their biggest sport stores called Kardstadt (don’t ask me to pronounce that but I thought it was great to go out there) both fighters interacted with the fans and let them see you in your routine at least parts of it and take pictures. You would be surprised how many people wanted my autograph. I know you would have been because I was. It was incredible! Everywhere I went people would recognize me and stop me and ask me to take a picture with them and their kids or mate.
When one person stopped me, the floodgates opened. Everyone would run over and it seemed liked everyone had a damn camera and at first I would be in a crowd I would say the German phrase “ Ich Ben Kin Basketball Spieler” because last time I came to fight Luan Krasniqi everyone mistook me for a a basketball player. So I would let the crowd gather and I would say that really loud for everyone to hear (by the way, the phrase means “I am not a basketball player”). The people were very knowledgeable about what was going on and who I was and the fifty-foot likeness of me and Wladimir didn’t hurt either. They remembered me from last year and they were anticipating my return so no matter where I went I was mobbed. People even started to ask my brother for his autograph thinking he was me, of course. I had to use that to my advantage a few times with some very timely escapes because the crowd will not let you go and I wanted to accommodate everyone’s wish. But that was impossible because we had other obligations and I had to eat and rest and work out sometimes. I had to pull the okey doke but it was all in fun. Even the crowds had fun with it when they realized that my brother was not me (even though I wish I could have tagged his ass in about the tenth round. On second thought I couldn’t do that to my man I don’t think.) But the people where genuinely excited about seeing me which was pumping me up even more than I already was.
The craziest thing was when this man said, “He wanted to have a baby for me.” I didn’t stick around for him to try. I quickly exited that part of the crowd and the Africans would come up and grab me and say “Tony” in that deep African voice “You must kill him! And I would say “no man, that’s too much. I just want to knock him out for 15 seconds or so!” (15 seconds because we were in Germany and you never can tell) I’d say okay. Just win man. They were extreme. Believe it or not, man, I had to get security! Yes, that’s right, security. My man Nate hired a big ass dude named Reggie. Now I have always been the type to go where I want when I want. At first, I was a little naïve about needing a bodyguard, but as we got closer to the fight, I understood his purpose and was glad he was there not so much in terms of I thought I was in danger but it was hard to do anything without being interrupted even go to out and have something to eat. Reggie did a great job of being a gentleman yet keeping some sort of boundaries while I was busy not to mention he made a great scapegoat because I tried my damndest to give everyone an autograph and picture, but as soon as he saw that I was getting tired or overwhelmed, he stepped in and took the heat while getting me back to the hotel. So the people might not have liked Reggie to much but my wife and I loved him.
But, all in all, despite the outcome of the fight, I must admit I had a good time. I'm not through in this sport. I will be champ of the world! So thanks blog world. I'll see you after Disney World.
Snow Weighs 122 For Battle of Undefeated in Philadelphia!
Thomas "KO" Snow weighed in at 122 pounds for his bout against Teon Kennedy that will take place tomorrow night at the New Alhambra in Philadelphia, PA. Kennedy came in at 121 1/2 pounds.
This card will be shown on a tape delay on Saturday night, July 19 at 8 PM on Comcast's CN8 channel.
This card will be shown on a tape delay on Saturday night, July 19 at 8 PM on Comcast's CN8 channel.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Beltway Boxers Making Road Trips!
A number of Beltway Boxers are making road trips across the country in the next few weeks.
Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow (10-0 eight KO's) is slated to meet Philadelphia's undefeated prospect, Teon Kennedy (8-0, four KO's) tomorrow night in the main event at the New Alhambra.
Also tomorrow night, Perry Ballard (20-1, 15 KO's) will take on former world champion Hector Camacho, Sr. (78-5-2, 37 KO's) in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX. I mention this for two reasons. One, our very own Discombobulating Jones will serve as ring announcer. Two, Jones and reporter Chris Nicholson are scheduled to give us an audio recap on the bout from Houston.
On Wednesday, July 23, undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (3-0-1, two KO's) is slated to be on the undercard of the Jeff Lacy ESPN2 card at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, CA. No word yet on his opponent.
On Saturday, July 26, three Beltway Boxers will make appearances on separate boxing cards. Two of the boxers are undefeated and from the 2008 Beltway rookie class.
Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker (4-0, four first-round KO's) will be in a scheduled four-round bout against an opponent TBA at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA.
Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero (8-0, eight KO's) returns to Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel in Tunica, MS for a scheduled six-round contest against Fernando Barajas of Mexico (4-1).
And Beltway veteran Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers of DC (7-29-3, five KO's) will be in a four-round junior middleweight bout against Oxford, NC's William Wilson (3-4, two KO's).
Then on Saturday, August 2, two Beltway Boxers will appear on two cards that will be televised by two cable networks. We already know that undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall will battle undefeated Andre Dirrell of Flint, MI on Showtime.
Now comes word that undefeated DC lightweight Anthony Peterson (27-0, 19 KO's) is now slated to take on former IBF Lightweight champion Javier Jauregui of Mexico (53-14-2, 36 KO's) in a 10-round bout that may make the HBO telecast from the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Closer to home, the Saturday, August 9 Pro-Motion card at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA has gone under some changes. Undefeated Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (5-0, three KO's) has been added to the card. Jargal will take on Lynchburg, VA's Maurice "Mad Dog" Chalmers (7-7, four KO's) in a six-round contest. Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "Doo Man" Farmer is still slated to headline the card, but he needs a new opponent. Farmer's original opponent, Rod Salka, is in the reserves and his unit was recently called into active duty. We wish him well.
And on Saturday, August 16, Waynesboro, VA cruiserweight "El Guero" Juan Carlos Robles (9-1, four KO's) will battle Chesapeake, VA's William "The Storm" Bailey (8-14-2, five KO's) on a card in Portsmouth, VA.
Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow (10-0 eight KO's) is slated to meet Philadelphia's undefeated prospect, Teon Kennedy (8-0, four KO's) tomorrow night in the main event at the New Alhambra.
Also tomorrow night, Perry Ballard (20-1, 15 KO's) will take on former world champion Hector Camacho, Sr. (78-5-2, 37 KO's) in a scheduled 10-round bout at the Reliant Center in Houston, TX. I mention this for two reasons. One, our very own Discombobulating Jones will serve as ring announcer. Two, Jones and reporter Chris Nicholson are scheduled to give us an audio recap on the bout from Houston.
On Wednesday, July 23, undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell (3-0-1, two KO's) is slated to be on the undercard of the Jeff Lacy ESPN2 card at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, CA. No word yet on his opponent.
On Saturday, July 26, three Beltway Boxers will make appearances on separate boxing cards. Two of the boxers are undefeated and from the 2008 Beltway rookie class.
Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker (4-0, four first-round KO's) will be in a scheduled four-round bout against an opponent TBA at the Valencia Ballroom in York, PA.
Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero (8-0, eight KO's) returns to Fitzgerald's Casino and Hotel in Tunica, MS for a scheduled six-round contest against Fernando Barajas of Mexico (4-1).
And Beltway veteran Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers of DC (7-29-3, five KO's) will be in a four-round junior middleweight bout against Oxford, NC's William Wilson (3-4, two KO's).
Then on Saturday, August 2, two Beltway Boxers will appear on two cards that will be televised by two cable networks. We already know that undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall will battle undefeated Andre Dirrell of Flint, MI on Showtime.
Now comes word that undefeated DC lightweight Anthony Peterson (27-0, 19 KO's) is now slated to take on former IBF Lightweight champion Javier Jauregui of Mexico (53-14-2, 36 KO's) in a 10-round bout that may make the HBO telecast from the Palms Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Closer to home, the Saturday, August 9 Pro-Motion card at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, VA has gone under some changes. Undefeated Arlington, VA welterweight Bayan Jargal (5-0, three KO's) has been added to the card. Jargal will take on Lynchburg, VA's Maurice "Mad Dog" Chalmers (7-7, four KO's) in a six-round contest. Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "Doo Man" Farmer is still slated to headline the card, but he needs a new opponent. Farmer's original opponent, Rod Salka, is in the reserves and his unit was recently called into active duty. We wish him well.
And on Saturday, August 16, Waynesboro, VA cruiserweight "El Guero" Juan Carlos Robles (9-1, four KO's) will battle Chesapeake, VA's William "The Storm" Bailey (8-14-2, five KO's) on a card in Portsmouth, VA.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Rahman Loses by Strange TKO in Third Round!
James Toney wins a controversial third-round TKO over Hasim Rahman in Temecula, CA. tonight. The referee and officials decided that Rahman retired after the third round because of a cut over Rahman's left eye. The win gains Toney the NABO Heavyweight Championship.
In the second round, the heads of both men collided and the cut grew over Rahman's left eye. The head butt apparently affected Rahman's vision and he seemed to tell the ringside physician that he couldn't see clearly. The doctor immediately stopped the bout.
With the loss, Rahman's record is now 45-7-2, 36 KO's while Toney is now 71-6-3, 44 KO's.
My Personal View: What we saw was an accidental headbutt and since the bout did not go the required four rounds to go to the scorecards, the bout should have been declared a no-decision. This decision should be overturned immediately.
In January of last year, I put a poll question on whether instant replay should be used in pro boxing. 65 percent of you thought it should. This bout was exhibit A on why it should be used. The California State Athletic Commission did not officially rule that an accidental headbutt caused the cut. All they would have been able to do was go to the instant replay that would have obviously shown the headbutt.
According to the Fox Sports Net announcing team of Barry Tompkins and Rich Marotta, both the referee and the doctor said the bout should have declared a no decision. If that is truly the case, then someone on the Commission screwed up big time and there are serious grounds for a Rahman protest.
In the second round, the heads of both men collided and the cut grew over Rahman's left eye. The head butt apparently affected Rahman's vision and he seemed to tell the ringside physician that he couldn't see clearly. The doctor immediately stopped the bout.
With the loss, Rahman's record is now 45-7-2, 36 KO's while Toney is now 71-6-3, 44 KO's.
My Personal View: What we saw was an accidental headbutt and since the bout did not go the required four rounds to go to the scorecards, the bout should have been declared a no-decision. This decision should be overturned immediately.
In January of last year, I put a poll question on whether instant replay should be used in pro boxing. 65 percent of you thought it should. This bout was exhibit A on why it should be used. The California State Athletic Commission did not officially rule that an accidental headbutt caused the cut. All they would have been able to do was go to the instant replay that would have obviously shown the headbutt.
According to the Fox Sports Net announcing team of Barry Tompkins and Rich Marotta, both the referee and the doctor said the bout should have declared a no decision. If that is truly the case, then someone on the Commission screwed up big time and there are serious grounds for a Rahman protest.
Major Heavy Hitters Return Monthly Boxing to DC!
A monthly boxing series returns to DC as Major Heavy Hitters has their maiden voyage on Friday, August 8 at the Ibiza Nightclub, a new location at 1222 First Street, NE. This will be the first card in DC since November 2007.
BATB talks to the staff of Major Heavy Hitters -- Robert H. Major, Rico Major, Monica Slaughter-Buchanan and Mary Chambers -- as well as the owner of Ibiza -- Eric Clay and matchmaker Chris Middendorf about the August 8 card as well as the future plans for the monthly series.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #114 - Major Heavy Hitters Bring Monthly Boxing Back to DC!
BATB Talks to the staff of Major Heavy Hitters -- the promotion that brings the first boxing card to the Nation's Capitol since November 2007.
BATB talks to the staff of Major Heavy Hitters -- Robert H. Major, Rico Major, Monica Slaughter-Buchanan and Mary Chambers -- as well as the owner of Ibiza -- Eric Clay and matchmaker Chris Middendorf about the August 8 card as well as the future plans for the monthly series.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #114 - Major Heavy Hitters Bring Monthly Boxing Back to DC!
BATB Talks to the staff of Major Heavy Hitters -- the promotion that brings the first boxing card to the Nation's Capitol since November 2007.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rahman 244 for 'Last Chance' Bout!
(Photos by Jan Sanders/Goossen Tutor)
Former two-time heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman weighed in at 244 pounds for his NABO Heavyweight title fight against James "Lights Out" Toney that will be tomorrow at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. Toney came in at a rather svelte 226 pounds, his lowest weight since 2003.
The bout will be shown live at 11 PM ET as part of Fox Sports Net's "Best Damn Championship Fight Night Period." In the Beltway area, Comcast Sportsnet will carry the bout live.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Rahman VS. Toney: Loser Leaves Boxing!
This sounds more like an old school pro wrestling or roller derby article, but Wednesday's nationally televised bout between Hasim "The Rock" Rahman and James "Lights Out" Toney at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA has apparently amounted to a "Loser Leaves Boxing" bout.
The bout, actually (and appropriately) called "Last Chance," will be a 12-round contest for the NABO Heavyweight title. But at their final press conference, both men apparently agreed that the loser should no longer be considered a legitimate prizefighter.
To paraphrase legendary Roller Derby announcer Dick Lane in the Raquel Welch movie Kansas City Bomber, "The loser must leave boxing forever! And forever is a VERY long time!"
Here's more on the combatants final words from my Fightnews.com colleague Francisco Salazar.
"http://www.fightnews.com/salazar592.htm">
The bout, actually (and appropriately) called "Last Chance," will be a 12-round contest for the NABO Heavyweight title. But at their final press conference, both men apparently agreed that the loser should no longer be considered a legitimate prizefighter.
To paraphrase legendary Roller Derby announcer Dick Lane in the Raquel Welch movie Kansas City Bomber, "The loser must leave boxing forever! And forever is a VERY long time!"
Here's more on the combatants final words from my Fightnews.com colleague Francisco Salazar.
"http://www.fightnews.com/salazar592.htm">
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Thompson Loses By 11th Round TKO in Hamburg!
For the first six rounds, Tony "The Tiger" Thompson seemed to be giving his opponent more than he bargained for, but from the seventh on, it was all Wladimir Klitschko, who ended the contest with a solid right hand in the 11th round to retain his WBO, IBF and IBO heavyweight championships at the Color Line Arena in Hamburg, Germany.
Both men suffered cuts throughout the contest, but after a Klitschko body-head combo late in the sixth, Thompson seemed to wilt and Klitschko took complete control which led to the knockout at 1:38 of the round.
With the loss, Thompson falls to 31-2, 19 KO's and the loss breaks Thompson's 27-bout winning streak. Klitschko is now 51-3, 45 KO's.
Both men suffered cuts throughout the contest, but after a Klitschko body-head combo late in the sixth, Thompson seemed to wilt and Klitschko took complete control which led to the knockout at 1:38 of the round.
With the loss, Thompson falls to 31-2, 19 KO's and the loss breaks Thompson's 27-bout winning streak. Klitschko is now 51-3, 45 KO's.
Paschall Makes National TV Debut August 2!
After a long series of negotiations, undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall will make his national TV debut on Saturday, August 2 when he takes on undefeated Andre "The Matrix" Dirrell in a scheduled 10-round contest at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA. Showtime will televise.
Showtime Analyst Steve Farhood announced this event today on the Ballroom Boxing Report on Baltimore's ESPN 1300. Dirrell's original opponent, Esteban Camou, had to drop out of the bout. This was an on-again, off-again bout that finally was signed just a few days ago. Paschall (17-0-1, four KO's) is coming off the biggest win of his career, an eight-round unanimous decision over Larry Marks on May 29 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Ironically, Michael's is the place where Flint, MI native Dirrell (15-0, 10 KO's) began his pro career after a sterling amateur campaign that culminated in winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Dirrell stopped Carlos Jones in the fourth round of his pro debut on January 27, 2005. Dirrell also scored a second round knockout over Jacob Rodriguez two months later at Michael's.
Showtime Analyst Steve Farhood announced this event today on the Ballroom Boxing Report on Baltimore's ESPN 1300. Dirrell's original opponent, Esteban Camou, had to drop out of the bout. This was an on-again, off-again bout that finally was signed just a few days ago. Paschall (17-0-1, four KO's) is coming off the biggest win of his career, an eight-round unanimous decision over Larry Marks on May 29 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Ironically, Michael's is the place where Flint, MI native Dirrell (15-0, 10 KO's) began his pro career after a sterling amateur campaign that culminated in winning a bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Dirrell stopped Carlos Jones in the fourth round of his pro debut on January 27, 2005. Dirrell also scored a second round knockout over Jacob Rodriguez two months later at Michael's.
Gina D'Andrea Profiled in Baltimore Sun!
Another top Beltway amateur is profiled in the mainstream media. The Baltimore Sun's Candus Thompson takes a look at Baltimore's Gina D'Andrea.
Here is the link:
"http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/boxing/bal-sp.boxer10jul10,0,7792032.story">
Here is the link:
"http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/boxing/bal-sp.boxer10jul10,0,7792032.story">
Times's Loverro Profiles Thompson!
Washington Times Columnist Thom Loverro profiles Tony Thompson as we are hours away from the big championship battle.
Here is the link:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/12/punchers-chance-is-enough/">
Here is the link:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/jul/12/punchers-chance-is-enough/">
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thompson Weighs 247 1/2 for Championship Bout!
border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5221899357168645362" />(photo by Pavel Terekhov)
Tony "The Tiger" Thompson weighed in at 247 1/2 pounds for his championship challenge against Wladimir Klitschko that will take place tomorrow afternoon in Hamburg, Germany. Klitschko came in at 241 pounds.
Tomorrow's live telecast on HBO will be at 4:30 PM ET.
Antonio Magruder Profiled in Post!
Yesterday, one of the Beltway's best pro boxers was featured. Today, Zach Berman of the Washington Post profiles one of the area's top amateurs, Suitland, MD's Antonio Magruder. The 16-year-old is truly one of many young Beltway Boxers who look to be strong possibilities for the London Olympics in 2012.
Here's the link to the story:
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/10/AR2008071002636.html?hpid=artslot">
Here's the link to the story:
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/10/AR2008071002636.html?hpid=artslot">
Thompson Profiled in USA Today!
USA Today's J. Michael Falgoust has a nice profile on Tony Thompson that can be found here:
"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2008-07-10-thompson-klitschko_N.htm">
"http://www.usatoday.com/sports/boxing/2008-07-10-thompson-klitschko_N.htm">
Thursday, July 10, 2008
'Fair But Firm' Cortez Gets Thompson-Klitschko Bout!
Veteran referee Joe Cortez has been chosen as the referee for the Wladimir Klitschko-Tony Thompson championship bout on Saturday. This choice made despite Cortez coming under fire for his performance during the bout between Humberto Soto and Francisco Lorenzo two weeks ago.
Two of the three judges will be from the US -- Michael Pernick and John Stewart. The third judge will be Manfred Kuchler of Germany.
Two of the three judges will be from the US -- Michael Pernick and John Stewart. The third judge will be Manfred Kuchler of Germany.
Thompson, Klitschko Hold Final Workout!
The following is from a press release:
A crowd of 3,000 spectators flocked to Karstadt Sports in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday to watch world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44 KO's) and challenger Tony Thompson (31-1, 19 KO's) in an open workout in Germany in a preview and final prep of Saturday night's world heavyweight championship. Thompson entered the ring first to a raucus atmosphere, and began a 15 minute workout. To the surprise of everyone in attendance, as Thompson's workout proceeded, Klitschko took a seat ringside to watch the challenger in the ring. Thompson said: "It's great to be back in Hamburg, a place that brings back great memories because I earned the biggest win of my career here last year against Luan Krasniqi. I won't go back to the states without the titles."
The heavyweight king was next, and the crowd roared in delight as Klitschko began his 30-minute regimen at Karstadt, the biggest dealer of sporting goods in Hamburg. Said Wladimir following his workout: "It feels great to fight in Hamburg again. This is the city where I started my career and now I come back as the champion. This is my second home and I won´t disappoint my fans on Saturday." The traditional weigh in will take place on Friday, also at Karstadt Sports (Mönckebergstr. 2, 20095 Hamburg, beginning at 12 pm (CET), and open to the public. HBO Sports will televise Klitschko vs. Thompson on Saturday, July 12, at 4:30 PM/ET, 1:30 PM/PT on World Championship Boxing.
A crowd of 3,000 spectators flocked to Karstadt Sports in Hamburg, Germany, yesterday to watch world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko (50-3, 44 KO's) and challenger Tony Thompson (31-1, 19 KO's) in an open workout in Germany in a preview and final prep of Saturday night's world heavyweight championship. Thompson entered the ring first to a raucus atmosphere, and began a 15 minute workout. To the surprise of everyone in attendance, as Thompson's workout proceeded, Klitschko took a seat ringside to watch the challenger in the ring. Thompson said: "It's great to be back in Hamburg, a place that brings back great memories because I earned the biggest win of my career here last year against Luan Krasniqi. I won't go back to the states without the titles."
The heavyweight king was next, and the crowd roared in delight as Klitschko began his 30-minute regimen at Karstadt, the biggest dealer of sporting goods in Hamburg. Said Wladimir following his workout: "It feels great to fight in Hamburg again. This is the city where I started my career and now I come back as the champion. This is my second home and I won´t disappoint my fans on Saturday." The traditional weigh in will take place on Friday, also at Karstadt Sports (Mönckebergstr. 2, 20095 Hamburg, beginning at 12 pm (CET), and open to the public. HBO Sports will televise Klitschko vs. Thompson on Saturday, July 12, at 4:30 PM/ET, 1:30 PM/PT on World Championship Boxing.
Digital Goes 'Through The Ropes' Tonight!
I will be a guest on the national boxing radio program "Through The Ropes" with host Marc Lichtenfeld tonight on the Sports Byline USA network.
The show begins at 9 PM ET and I should be on at about 9:30 PM to talk Thompson, The Petersons and anything else Beltway related. This is a call-in show so listen in at the beginning of the show to get the number and call in. (I'm not sure where Marc is doing the show from tonight, so I don't know the number)
You can hear the show by going to www.sportsbyline.com.
Also, I will be on The Sports Groove with Mark Gray tonight on WOL-AM 1450/WOLB-AM 1010 at 8:50 PM. The best way to listen is to go online to www.wolam.com.
The show begins at 9 PM ET and I should be on at about 9:30 PM to talk Thompson, The Petersons and anything else Beltway related. This is a call-in show so listen in at the beginning of the show to get the number and call in. (I'm not sure where Marc is doing the show from tonight, so I don't know the number)
You can hear the show by going to www.sportsbyline.com.
Also, I will be on The Sports Groove with Mark Gray tonight on WOL-AM 1450/WOLB-AM 1010 at 8:50 PM. The best way to listen is to go online to www.wolam.com.
Thompson Profiled in Washington Post!
The Washington Post's Zach Berman has a profile of Tony Thompson in today's editions.
The link is here:
"http://http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902025.html?hpid=artslot">
There's even a reference to Thompson in the daily Washington Post radio commercial. ("Did you know a local guy is fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world? Meet him in the Sports section!)
The link is here:
"http://http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/09/AR2008070902025.html?hpid=artslot">
There's even a reference to Thompson in the daily Washington Post radio commercial. ("Did you know a local guy is fighting for the heavyweight championship of the world? Meet him in the Sports section!)
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Legendary Boxing Writer Analyzes Thompson's Chances!
In his most recent column for HBO.com, legendary boxing columnist Ron Borges profiles Tony "The Tiger" Thompson.
Here is the link:
"http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2008/0712_klitschko_thompson/columns/borges_overview.html">
Here is the link:
"http://www.hbo.com/boxing/events/2008/0712_klitschko_thompson/columns/borges_overview.html">
Palma Loses Unanimous Decision in Vegas!
Alexandria, VA's Jaime "The Punisher" Palma lost a 10-round unanimous decision to former WBC Featherweight champion Kevin Kelley last night at the Las Vegas Hilton.
Kelley won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 98-92. Palma's record falls to 13-12-1, three KO's while Kelley's record rises to 60-8-2, 39 KO's.
Kelley won by scores of 99-91, 97-93 and 98-92. Palma's record falls to 13-12-1, three KO's while Kelley's record rises to 60-8-2, 39 KO's.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Thompson Press Begins in Earnest!
(Photo by HBO Sports)
The Thompson press blitz has officially started.
I will post the last two entries on Tony "The Tiger" Thompson's blog between now and Friday, but there are a couple of interesting articles concerning Thompson and his quest to defeat Wladimir Klitschko for the IBF, WBO and IBO titles this Saturday.
Both articles come from the MaxBoxing.com website. The first is a profile of Thompson written by Thomas Gerbasi called A ‘Tough Guy’ Fights for The Sport’s Biggest Prize.
The link to the article can be found here:
"http://www.maxboxing.com/Gerbasi/Gerbasi070808.asp">
There is also a column by Steve Kim that talks about the state of the American heavyweights. The column not only mentions Thompson but also talks about Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell. Since this is part of a column, I decided to repost Kim's thoughts here.
Every Monday afternoon, Teddy Atlas - trainer and color commentator for ESPN2 - sees a group of young men that he believes has the skill set and athleticism to be standout heavyweights. Unfortunately, it's not inside a boxing gym, but at Hofstra University, which is used as a training facility by the NFL’s New York Jets.
Atlas, who is listed as a 'Special Assistant Coach, Boxing' in the Jets media guide, was brought in by head coach Eric Mangini and general manager Mike Tannenbaum last year to work with their players once a week to teach them the rudimentary skills of the sport to aid their hand-eye coordination, conditioning and mental focus. Years ago, many of these American footballers would've made their way into a boxing ring before ever stepping foot onto the gridiron.
You see now that as the heavyweight division has more and more of an Eastern European slant, this country’s best athletes have been gravitating more and more to basketball and football throughout the years. The heavyweights of yesteryear are now more likely to be shooting guards and outside linebackers.
Atlas sees the athletic ability of the players and wonders what could've been.
“I see some of these guys I work with and if they had started early enough, some of them could be good prospects to be fighters, especially as it turns out to be the big guys, heavyweights," he says. "Some of them pick up very fast athletically and they have the athletic abilities where they obviously would've been good candidates- if they were inclined - to be successful in boxing. You never know truly until you get into the mental areas to find out how they would take that athleticism inside such a pressure place as a ring, where you have to make choices under pressure, difficult choices, even more difficult choices than you have to make on a football field, where you have other people around you.
"You never really know that true promise, what that prospect would really be until you get him into those places, and like I said, taken what they've learned technically and what they have physically and applying it in the practical terms of facing another man throwing punches at you. But definitely, from just the simplest aspects of it, the athletic aspect and the physical aspect, those guys, you look at them and you say, 'Yeah, if you had them early enough and had a chance to get them experience and a chance to get the emotional background that it takes to be good in the ring, hey, you'd probably have something."
This Saturday in Germany, Tony 'the Tiger' Thompson takes on Wladimir Klitschko, the consensus choice as the sport’s best heavyweight. Thompson, a late bloomer who began boxing at the ripe age of 27, is considered the best American big man - and he isn't given much of a chance of beating Klitschko. Beyond him is a cadre of old heavyweights who are no longer in their prime and a few select prospects who are still relatively unknown and unproven. There seems to be no middle ground; either you're a has-been or a never-was.
Where have you gone Earnie Shavers, Jerry Quarry, Jimmy Ellis and Ron Lyle?
Is it that simple, that America's best young athletes (especially the ones who weigh above 200-pounds) are just more interested in other sports like football?
"I don't know if we’re losing more to football, I think there's a combination of reasons why we're not getting those athletes in boxing," says Atlas. "First of all, there's just not as many gyms to entice them as there used to be years ago, there's not as many trainers, not as many teachers around. I think there are a lot of reasons for it. I don't think there are scholarships to college - I think that's a big reason, I don't think we look at that enough. A lot of these kids, their parents are pushing them, their parents are encouraging them when they're young, whether it’s baseball, football, basketball, golf, whatever it happens to be. Now, I know some of these sports are safer than boxing, but football's not safer than boxing. As a matter of fact, it's a lot less safe if you really get down to the honesty of it.
"A lot of these parents push them and say, 'Hey, if they become good enough, it can pay for their college education.' They're not even thinking about the pros. And maybe a lot of these parents would be more prone to letting their kids go towards boxing in certain areas if they knew there were scholarships. Where, 'Hey, you like boxing, fine, it can get you through college.' That's not the case. So I think if there were scholarships that could be rewarded to kids going to college with boxing, like there used to be years ago, there would be a better chance of that bringing more people to the sport and obviously more athletes to the sport."
Thompson, who is born and bred in Washington D.C., admits that his focus growing up was on other sports. "Definitely a football player," he says. "I was supposed to be a Washington Redskin, linebacker or defensive end."
He believes that the risk-vs-reward ratio for this sport simply doesn't match up compared to other sports.
“But that's boxing's fault. From our amateur system to the pros, nobody wants to go through the headaches that you have to go through with boxing to get where you need to be," he states. "We're the only major sport, we don't have any pension, we don't have any retirement, no health. We don't have anything. So if you pretty much don't become a champion of some sort - and even when you're champion - you don't make as much money as you should to balance off the health problems you're going to have later on in life."
Interestingly enough, Thompson believes that the future of the heavyweight division is not as bleak as many make it out to be, with fighters like Chris Arreola, Kevin Johnson and Malik Scott representing the next generation of American heavyweights.
“I don't think it's in dire straits as a lot of people like to say. I think we have a lot of young up and coming heavyweights and I think once they start fighting each other, fighting the upper level, people will start to recognize them again. I just don't think we're doing a good job of showcasing the younger heavyweights, that's all."
Interestingly enough, there are two separate factions hoping to find would-be heavyweights from the NFL scrap heap through a reality-TV based format where athletes who don't make the cut for Sundays are then turned into boxers. Yeah, I know, you're probably having visions of Ed 'Too Tall' Jones and Mark Gastineau. As they say, you play football, you don't play boxing. It's a whole different realm picking up an incoming blitzer than it is to face an incoming right cross.
But athletes from other sports have always had an interest in boxing and will continue to migrate over to the squared circle as their career options dwindle. The latest football player to delve into boxing is former Michigan State linebacker Seth Mitchell, who was listed at 6'2, 255 pounds during his playing days in the Big 10. Right now the 26-year old Mitchell has a mark of 3-0-1. Thus far, he looks more like a linebacker trying to box than a boxer who just happens to be a former linebacker.
This transformation (should it ever occur) will take time. The large majority of world-class boxers begin their careers long before they hit puberty. It's become second nature to them. For guys like 'Mayhem' Mitchell, it's like learning a second language after the age of 40. The learning curve will be much steeper, and as he goes up the ladder, he will face huge disadvantages in overall experience.
In an era where heavyweights are now routinely over 240 pounds (Joe Louis fought in the 190's, Ali in the 210's), the overall athletic ability of the plus-size behemoths has also gone to another level. It isn't just the running backs and linebackers (who usually weight in the range of 210-240) that would have a chance to be successful in boxing.
“I have D’Brickashaw Ferguson," says Atlas of the Jets left tackle, "who was a top draft pick a couple of years ago and he's very athletic, he's very smooth. I joke around with him and call him 'Silky' because he's so smooth and he's a big man. I'm guessing he's about 6'4, 6'5, about 275-280 pounds. And he's got no problem moving in a fluid way. I got a couple of the linemen, and I would say that you're right, I would agree with you on the whole, that the linebackers, the running backs, those guys, I've even had a couple of good tight ends, too, but I would say yeah, that on the whole they would make better candidates.
"But some of the linemen are so big, they're not quite as coordinated, not quite as gifted in the areas you need them to be to be a heavyweight prospect. But some of them are. Nowadays, bigger guys are more athletic than they used to be years ago. I mean you got big guys that are running 4.6, 4.7, in the forty (yard dash), which is remarkable when you're talking about a guy who is 290-pounds and 6'7.
"So the bigger guys are more athletic than they used to be years ago."
Unfortunately for boxing, most of them are not partaking in 'the sweet science.'
HOW HEAVY?
One of the mistakes that seems to be made on a consistent basis in facing the Klitschko brothers is that most fighters feel the need to pack on extra pounds in facing them. The logic being that the extra girth is needed to deal with their size and strength.
But BB Hudson, who is in charge of the strength and conditioning of Thompson, says, "We're going to come in where we're going to come in. The main thing is just to be in shape. I don't care if you're 300,400 pounds, if you can move it, then we can use it. My motto is, just train the weight that you're at."
If 215 is your optimal weight, it shouldn't matter if you're opponent weighs over 250-pounds.
"Right, you gotta find out the best weight for the fighter, where the fighter feels best. To get him down below, to get him above, that's not going to make him feel good in the ring. As long as he's feeling good and we're all comfortable around his weight and he's in shape, that's the weight we're going to go at."
Hudson says that Thompson has a strong work ethic, something that isn't always attributable to a lot of other heavyweights in this era.
"I don't think they're less disciplined, I think they don't like to work as hard and they feel, 'Because we're heavyweights we can get away with it.' They always make the excuse as far as, 'We're pushing around 250-pounds.' Well, y'know what? The guy who pushes around 250-pounds the best is the guy who's going to win the fight, in my opinion."
Hudson's regimen includes resistance training, plyometrics, core strengthening and sprint and distance running.
"We do weights, but it's how you do it and we do a lot of 'phase training'. It's basically done within the phases of the camp," he explains. "You don't want to be in the last week of camp pounding a lot of heavy weights; that's going to slow you down. It's all done through phases."
Hudson adds, "He's going to be in great shape."
Palma Weighs 132 for Tonight Against Kelley!
Jaime "The Punisher" Palma weighed in at 132 pounds for tonight's main event battle against former WBC Featherweight champion "The Flushing Flash" Kevin Kelley at the Las Vegas Hilton. Kelley weighed in at 133 pounds.
Palma will have some interesting company on this card. Light heavyweight prospect Dyah Davis (12-1, seven KO's) the son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis, Jr., will be facing 2000 US Olympian Dante Craig (17-7-1, 13 KO's). Also, Lynel Burton, the son of former WBC Super Lightweight champion "Lightnin'" Lonnie Smith, will make his pro debut on this card.
This will be the first boxing card at the Las Vegas Hilton since February of 2002. The Hilton was a legendary Vegas location for pro boxing. The list of legends that have competed at the Las Vegas Hilton includes Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Thomas Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Lennox Lewis.
Palma will have some interesting company on this card. Light heavyweight prospect Dyah Davis (12-1, seven KO's) the son of 1976 Olympic gold medalist Howard Davis, Jr., will be facing 2000 US Olympian Dante Craig (17-7-1, 13 KO's). Also, Lynel Burton, the son of former WBC Super Lightweight champion "Lightnin'" Lonnie Smith, will make his pro debut on this card.
This will be the first boxing card at the Las Vegas Hilton since February of 2002. The Hilton was a legendary Vegas location for pro boxing. The list of legends that have competed at the Las Vegas Hilton includes Muhammad Ali, Larry Holmes, Mike Tyson, Thomas Hearns, Julio Cesar Chavez, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Lennox Lewis.
Baltimore Boxing Card Postponed Until September 5!
The Baltimore Pro Boxing card that was scheduled for Friday, July 25 has been postponed until Friday, September 5 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. Promoter Jake Smith told BATB he wanted a little more time to promote this card, that will still include the main event bout between Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow and George "War Time" Rivera.
This will make September a VERY busy month along the Beltway. There are already four cards scheduled for the month and one will take place every week of the month. Here's how the schedule looks at this moment:
Friday, Sept. 5 -- Du Burns Arena, Baltimore
Friday, Sept. 12 -- Ibiza Nightclub, DC
Friday, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Sportsplex, Millersville, MD
Thursday, Sept. 25 -- Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD
There may be a fifth card in Virginia during the month as well.
This will make September a VERY busy month along the Beltway. There are already four cards scheduled for the month and one will take place every week of the month. Here's how the schedule looks at this moment:
Friday, Sept. 5 -- Du Burns Arena, Baltimore
Friday, Sept. 12 -- Ibiza Nightclub, DC
Friday, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Sportsplex, Millersville, MD
Thursday, Sept. 25 -- Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD
There may be a fifth card in Virginia during the month as well.
Saturday, July 05, 2008
L. Peterson Stops Castaneda in Ninth Round!
Lamont Peterson remained undefeated with a demonstrative ninth-round TKO over veteran Rogelio Castaneda of Sacramento, CA tonight at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
Peterson threw nice, accurate combinations throughout the contest eventually wearing the game veteran down. Peterson dropped Castaneda in the ninth round and then finished the job well enough for Castaneda's corner to throw in the towel at 2:50 of the round.
Peterson is now 25-0, 12 KO's. He has scored stoppages in four of his last five bouts. Castaneda falls to 24-14-3, eight KO's.
Peterson threw nice, accurate combinations throughout the contest eventually wearing the game veteran down. Peterson dropped Castaneda in the ninth round and then finished the job well enough for Castaneda's corner to throw in the towel at 2:50 of the round.
Peterson is now 25-0, 12 KO's. He has scored stoppages in four of his last five bouts. Castaneda falls to 24-14-3, eight KO's.
Friday, July 04, 2008
L. Peterson Weighs 141 for Vegas Bout!
Both Lamont Peterson (right) and Rogelio Castaneda weighed in at 141 pounds for their matchup tomorrow night for their nationally-televised, scheduled 10-round matchup at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.
The bout will be the opening bout on the SHOBOX telecast tomorrow night. The telecast begins at 11 PM ET.
By the way, there is some interesting news concerning Anthony Peterson. ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that A. Peterson was slated to be in a co-feature bout on August 2 on HBO. The original opponent was slated to be "Kid Diamond" Almazbek Raiymulkov. However, Peterson's new promoters -- Top Rank -- nixed that bout based reportedly on A. Peterson's last performance. Top Rank suggested Jose "El Gallo" Reyes as an opponent but HBO turned that bout down. Rafael says that Top Rank may still go with Reyes and if that ends up being the bout, HBO will show highlights of the contest during the telecast.
One other note. I can't say much about this because nothing is in stone, but there could be another reason why August 2 could be an interesting night for the Beltway Boxing scene. I should know more on this by the end of this month.
New Beltway Boxing Poll: Will It Be Nicklow or Rivera?
The new Beltway Boxing Poll concerns the main event on Friday, July 25 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD. Who will win the big Beltway Boxing matchup: Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (18-0-1, seven KO's) or George "War Time" Rivera (8-2, three KO's)?
Looking forward to the voting.
Looking forward to the voting.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
"The Tiger" Talks Boxing..and Blogging!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #113 - 'Tiger' Thompson Talks Title Shot!
Shortly before heading to Germany for his July 12 heavyweight world title shot, DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson talks to BATB about boxing..and blogging!
Shortly before heading to Germany for his July 12 heavyweight world title shot, DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson talks to BATB about boxing..and blogging!
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