Baltimore junior middleweight Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin captured the vacant USBO Junior Middleweight title with a sixth-round TKO over Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson in front of a standing-room only crowd at Ibiza Nightclub in Washington, DC.
Arvin's victory did not come without controversy. The heads of the two boxers collided unintentionally in the third round. Although Thompson suffered a nasty gash and lump over his left eye, he dropped Arvin twice in the same round.
To his credit, Arvin fought back bravely and managed to gain ground in the bout. Along the way, Thompson's eye got progressively worse. In the last two rounds of the bout, both ringside doctors Dawne Carroll and Greg Banks took close looks at Thompson's cut.
Finally after the sixth round, Doctor Banks decided that Thompson's cut had suffered enough and advised referee Malik Waleed to stop the contest.
Here's where the controversy comes in. Although ringside replays showed there was a headbutt, referee Waleed did not rule that way. Waleed gave no signal that the cut was a result of a head butt, which means the cut came as the result of a punch. Since instant replays can't be used to officially overturn a decision in DC (or anywhere else for that matter, the scorecards did not come into play and Arvin wins by technical knockout.
With the win, Arvin's record rises to 15-1-4, seven KO's. Thompson's record falls to 23-3, 17, KO's.
Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson made his national television debut a successful one, remaining undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino of Philadelphia. This is the second time Johnson has beaten Albino by unanimous decision. Johnson is now 6-0, three KO's. Albino falls to 3-7-2, one KO.
On the non-televised portion on the card, Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell remained undefeated with a bruising second-round TKO over Ryan "The Gatekeeper" Ryan St. Germain. Mitchell is now 5-0-1, four KO's.
In the co-feature, cruiserweight Ola "Kryptonite" Afolabi of West Hills, CA won an eight-round unanimous decision of DeLeon Tinsley of Orlando, FL. Afolabi's record goes to 13-1-3, five KO's. Tinsley falls to 9-4-1, five KO's.
Also on the card, Ismayl Sillakh of the Ukraine scored a first-round TKO over Walter Edwards of Wilson, NC. The bout was stopped at 1:50 of the first. Sillakh is 3-0, three KO's while Edwards is 1-3, one KO.
Nigerian heavyweight Lateef Kayode won a four-round unanimous decision over Mike Miller of Akron, OH in Kayode's pro debut. Miller is now 4-12-2, two KO's.
The bout between BJ Flores and Cory Phelps did not take place because of time constraints.
Here's the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show where "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I give a full recap on the card.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #125 - Post-Fight From Ibiza Nightclub in DC!
"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the controversy over the USBO Junior Middleweight title bout and the rest of the action on the Major Heavy Hitters/Duva Boxing card!
After the Post-Fight show, we had a chance to talk to the new USBO Junior Middleweight champion Ishmail Arvin and undefeated heavyweight Seth Mitchell.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #127 - Arvin Talks About Championship Win!
Newly-crowned USBO Junior Middleweight champion Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin , along with his trainer, David Sewell, talk about Arvin's sixth-round TKO victory over Anthony "The Messenger" Thompson.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #126 - 'Mayhem' Mitchell Talks About Body-Snatching Victory!
Undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell talks about his second-round TKO victory over Ryan St. Germain at Ibiza Nightclub!
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22 comments:
Nice job Mr. Middendorf (nice meeting you by the way). Very good show. Now, my thoughts on the matches:
-I missed some of the 1st, so I won't comment on that.
-Edwards was just TOTALLY outmatched.
-Mayhem's just a BEAST, but St. Germain is VERY tough.
-Easy win for Johnson
-Ola won, but what a weird bout
-Interesting about Arvin and Thompson...I was wondering why it took so long. Digital, a question: why the heck doesn't boxing use instant replay??
Arvin's tough, but I think a rematch is in order personally.
Overall, a successful show (GREAT crowd)
ACW,
If the Arvin-Thompson doesn't warrant a serious look at instant replay, then this becomes an unwinnable fight.
I think it's a resistance to change that keeps the sport from using it, but I think the time may have come.
The Arvin-Thompson bout was fought almost entirely at close quarters, with Arvin constantly coming forward from a position already inside. He stayed glued to Thompson and kept both fighters' punching distance short range. Thompson appeared to be physically stronger in what was extremely controlled brawling. Thompson certainly appeared to have Arvin out at the end of the third when Arvin, reeling and discombobulated, could barely make it back to his corner after two knockdowns. I, for one, wanted the fight stopped right there because I feared for Arvin's well being. Well he showed me. Not only did he pull it together, he took the final three rounds on two of the three judge's scorecards (two of the last three on my card). There was so much infighting throughout the contest that Waleed may have seen whatever took place as part of the natural course of the events (he wasn't talking afterward). He also may not have seen a headbutt. I sat front row and I didn't see one. I thought the D.C. commission was looking bad on national TV with all the conferencing, and there was no need to go watch the ESPN replay, but they did get it right. When the heads collided, it didn't open an immediate and apparent gash on Thompson, so there was nothing tangible for Waleed to go by if there was a butt. Also, Thompson's cornermen -- if they even saw it -- should have made lots of noise in the round it happened. They did not. You can't just retroactively rule a headbutt three rounds after the fight is over. Arvin won fair and square by TKO. He was trailing on the scorecards only because of two knockdowns in the third, but he was clearly gathering momentum and appeared stronger at the time of the stoppage. To be fair, a rematch should be made. -- John Scheinman
there was a deffinate head-butt and when they seperated there was no blood then a smallexchange where ishmial did hit him near the eye then speration and blood
the head-butt probaly contributed to the cut by softening the area up however the punch may have actually opened it up. espn pushed for the replay as Thompson was supposed to win as middendorf eluded to showcasing Pa fighters ?
ya must of not seen what i tv showed. clearly was a head butt and there clearly was blood after that.
Did anyone notice where Malik Waleed was when the butt accured? He was totally all the way on the other side of the ring trying to look pretty with that little dance he be doing going back and fourth so off course there was no way he could of saw the butt. Stop trying to look pretty and ref the fight.
DC Comissioner made him make the right call.
ARVIN is tough is hell,dam
Arvin is a bum and Thompson got screwed!Can anyone not from this area admit that in here? What a joke the Boxing Commission remains in DC. They should outlaw them for freaking life!
Benny Fatterson
SE Wash DC
As soon as Arvin figured out how to stop the right hand counter of Thompson by simply extending his left hand and smothering it as he waded in, the fight turned in his favor.
The rules are still that you go by the ref's call... So, if the ref didn't call a butt, then you have to know the result won't go to the scorecards. Of course, Thompson's people need to complain... that's part of their job.
But while it is easy to understand why many think Thompson got screwed in this one, it was the official call. Which is why instant replay can be a good thing.
But what if there is no TV at a fight, and some spectator is video-ing it... can they use that?
In any case, Arvin showed tremendous mettle, a slight adjustment, but still a lousy ass jab.
Alexander Johnson jived his big showcase opportunity away trying to look pretty. All that talent...
Afolabi will get KO'd real quick by either Ding-a-ling or Nwodo. Orlin Norris musta been over-the-mountain, not merely over-the-hill, to lose to this piece of crap. And Lou Del Valle couldn't beat the other guy? Wow!
Good fight though!
First even if a fan could not see the head but, the ref has the go anywhere in the ring so he can see at all times. Maleed got caught out of position and did admit that he missed the head but. Maybe it was the cut, but Ishmal was deffinatly taking charge and Anthony was starting to fade. Sure would have liked to see it gone on but I think Ishmal would have gotten stronger. If you knock him out Ishmal will be in your face for the whole show. The fans would love a rematch.
if the ref did his job and was up in the action instead of doing that dumb dance which Malik and Kenny both always do, especially on a televised card, then he would have seen the head butt and ruled it, but instead he was trying to look pretty and was not only on the opposite side but all the way at the opposite turnbuckle.
The ref did not call a headbutt so therefore (regardless if there was) teh ruling is a TKO. Malik was trying to renig after seeing the espn replay. Good job by DC commish by making Malik stay with his original call.
I did not have access to ESPN, so if Malik was trying to change his tune, that's bad. By the way, it's Malik Waleed, not Maleed. Also, to call Arvin "a bum" is wrong. This man is a true professional fighter, and there are few things in the world harder than that. He might not be the best or of championship caliber (jury's out and time is running short), but, sheesh, why do you have to insult? I mean, the guy who said Afolabi will get knocked out is not calling him a bum. I'd like to know what constitutes a bum. I think it's a guy who shows up in sneakers and for $100 falls on his face from the first phantom punch. And if the promoter and matchmaker wants that, then you can call them bums, too. But a guy who survives a third round like Arvin did and then comes back to start dishing it out? Brothers, that's not bum. Win or lose, that's a warrior. -- J.S.
The fight changed when that cut began to be a problem. That was a bad cut and the swelling that followed changed the fight. Also I heard Joe Tessitore say in the 4th round that they ref said the cut was caused by a headbut. Why did the ref change his tune later on?
J. S.
Well stated!
U fuk'n rock in how you say it.
There is no sport quite like boxing and there are no fans like boxing fans either. The boxing fan either loves you are they hate you. If they hate you, they can’t wait to call you a bum. I think the term “bum” in boxing comes from those old Hollywood boxing movies like the famous “on the waterfront” where Marlon Brando tells his brother who is his manager… “ I could have been a contender, not some bum”. Not much has changed over the years in the boxing lingo. Some armchair know it all buys a ticket to the fight or watches it on his tv and dons himself the expert on who is the greatest and who is a bum.
Its all so interesting and colorful. We, the boxing community should not take such pronouncements so serious. Its all a part of the boxing landscape and really adds flavor to the game. The Arvin/Thompson fight was a hellava boxing display. Thompson was obviously the more sophisticated boxing technician with precise combinations and quick and effective counter shots and let us not forget that he carries good pop in those shots. Arvin is the fighter with a ton of heart, tuff as nails style, a body shot that definitely makes them hurt and a never say die attitude. Arvin really looked out gunned in those early rounds to the point where he seemed certain to be koed. Surviving that third round was like climbing Pikes peak in Colorado. You really have to know Arvin to know what kind of gritty determination that he processes. Any other fighter would not have survived that third round onslaught but he did. Not only did he survive but in that forth round he began the pressure that would eventually make Thompson try to take the option of quitting, thinking he would get the win by technical decision based on a head butt and going to the cards where he surely was ahead on points. How wrong he was. Malik Waleed did not see the head butt and nothing was even said about it by the broadcasters until the espn staff picked it up on replay. We know this is not football right? There is no a replay in boxing, so you have to go with the ref and that is the end of that story. Dave Sewell really held the situation together in Arvin’s corner by making him aware that Thomson had a serious cut and that with good defense and pressure he could get back into the fight. When Thompson did not get Arvin out in the third you could begin to see a momentum change. Arvin was all heart and all pressure. I noticed that Thompson could not push forward anymore and in fact would often find his back on the ropes. I honestly think Thompson began to fade and for good reason. Arvin was bringing constant pressure on him. I could see Thompson’s technique began to get sloppy and uncoordinated. I don’t count him out but with the way that fight was going, it is possible that Arvin might have gotten him out of there. The fight had drama, back and forth action, one guy dominating and then the other man coming on and on top of that we had mad controversy. Everyone had something to say about this fight be it positive or negative. This is what makes boxing hot. You know controversy stirs the pot. I am pretty sure the usbo will order a rematch of this fight and Thompson will have his chance to try and take that belt, but for now Arvin is the champ. Long live the Ishmael the jr middleweight usbo boxing champion. Forgive me for making such a long post but I just had to get that off my chest. Chin from the honeycomb boxing gym.
I have the fight on tape, and in the 4th round Joe Tessitore clearly says that the ref says the cut was due to a headbut. Arvin is a tough but limited fighter, no way that he beats Thompson without that cut. Cant use replay in boxing huh. Did you miss the Zab Judah fight last year that was changed due to replay? Or how about the Delvin Rodriguez fight. No way around it, Arvin got a gift decision that he did not deserve. Only thing he did well was get saved by the bell in the third round.
Both guys fought their ass off and neither can be blamed for a screwed up outcome. Should be about the end of Mr Waleed's refereeing career, all thing being what they are. The commission's stance on the whole thing was......don't drag us into your mess. Come up with some money, pay them well and let them do it again.
1.45 of round 4 Joe Tessitore clearly says that Malik Waleed has told the commission that the cut was caused by a headbut. At the end of round 6 he has a new story. Disgusting
That would put the ref AND the whole commish into disrepute!
Well the whole sum of the matter is that the bum arvin lost the fight clear and simple ..........by watching the fight no matter what Thompson should have did or did'nt do . The fight was won the three drops arvin sufferd in the 3rd cause by thompson power and accuracy was not called by the Ref , because it would have been the end of the fight. But i guess in Washington there's no 3 knock down rule either hahaha it was a conspiracy and, The Messenger Team which i dont know dealt with that situation like real professional's ...........put your self in his shoes or boxing boots before commenting .As a editor i try to do so myself as often as possible, because if we never fought or box its just all opinions so the The Messenger showed good spirit , just keeping it real if that ref would have made the right and proper decision which ESPN and the world watching know should have been done so ,it would have been a news flash ,,,,,not only was there of robbery of Anthony Thompson but a Homicide>>>>>Washington local gang bangers which the arena was filled with outside of the hand ful of American citizens that was there to enjoy a good fight and not a circus they would have killed that Ref so he was saving his A$$ not Thompson career and Washington commitee would not be able to make a couple of more extra dollars off the local Bum arvin true Facts
FIRST THING FIRST ISHMAIL ARVIN IS A LOCAL BUM, WHOM NEVER FOUGHT OUTSIDE OF IS HOME TOWN DC>> HE'S A OPPONENT FOR PROSPECT'S THAT'S WHY THE MESSENGER TOOK THE FIGHT AFTER A YEAR AND A HALF LAY OFF FUTHER MORE THE BUM ARVIN COULD NEVER DREAMED TO SEE THE PLACES THE MESSENGER BOXING TALENT HAS TAKEN HIM ,AND WILL CONTINUE TO TAKE HIM>>>ARVIN WAS GETTING BEAT SO BAD WHEN HE GOT DROPP 3 TIMES IN ROUND 3 >>I THOUGHT HE WAS JAMES BROWN THE WAY HE DID THAT SPLIT. THOMPSON KILLED THIS GUY IN THE FIGHT AN ON ALL SCORE CARDS 6 RNDS TO NOTHING , IT'S THE LOCAL BUMS IN WASHINGTON CURRUPT COMITEE VERSUS>>> THE MESSENGER , ESPN2 AND THE WORLD AND YAHOWAH THE GOD OF THE ISRAEL YOU GUYS WILL LOOSE>>>>AND IT WILL BE OVERTURNED TRUST ME>>>>> I LIKE TO THANK GOD AND WAHSINGTON FOR ALOWING THE MESSENGER TO BE THE ONE CHOOSEN ,TO EXPOSE THE MOST CURRUPT COMITEE IN BOXING THANKS MESSENGER FOR DUMPING A DUCK BY THE WAY THIS IS PROFFESIONAL BOXING NOT WWE WRESTLING ,TELL ARVIN STOP DUCKING HIS HEAD LIKE A FAGGOTO IM SORRY THOMPSON DID WITH THE UPPERCUT HAHAHAH
Just to be clear, Arvin is from Baltimore, not DC.
While most of his bouts were in Maryland, Arvin has fought in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, both fights resulting in draws.
His only loss came by majority decision in Glen Burnie, MD to David Toribio.
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