DC Holds 'Fright Night' October 24 at Convention Center!

One week before Halloween, Babie Girl Productions will have a "Fright Night" card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, October 24.

Headlining the card will be Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan. who returns to the ring for the first time since his nationally televised (Showtime) 12-round unanimous decision loss to Andre Ward on February 6 in Lemoore, CA.

Buchanan (17-2, 12 KO's) will take on Norfolk, VA's Bobby Jordan, Jr. in an eight-round matchup. Jordan (6-1-1, two KO's) will try to bounce back from his first pro loss -- an eight-round unanimous decision to Farah Ennis on June 19 in Salisbury, MD.

The co-feature bout will be the first scheduled eight-round contest for undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell. To say Mitchell will be facing a veteran in this contest is an understatement, for his scheduled opponent will be former heavyweight contender "Smokin'" Bert Cooper of Sharon Hill, PA.

Mitchell (13-0-1, eight KO's) is coming off a devastating first-round knockout over Andre Carthron in his first nationally-televised appearance (ESPN) on August 14 in Tucson, AZ. Cooper (36-22, 30 KO's) has fought a litany of former world champions during his career including George Foreman, Evander Holyfield, Riddick Bowe, Mike Weaver, Ray Mercer, Orlin Norris, Chris Byrd and Michael Moorer. However, Cooper has not stepped into a ring since September of 2002 when he was stopped in the fourth round by Darroll Wilson.

There are some interesting undercard bouts slated for this card. In a four-round light-heavyweight bout, undefeated Alexander "The Great" Johnson of Oxon Hill, MD will take on Arlington, VA's Otgonbayer Daivii. Johnson (7-0, three KO's) returns to action quickly after his four-round unanimous decision victory over Francois Ambang on September 26 in Fairfax, VA. The last outing for Daivii (3-2-1, one KO) was also against Ambang in Fairfax on May 2 when Daivii won a four-round split decision. Ironically, both Johnson and Daivii have each faced Ambang twice. Johnson won both his bouts while Daivii lost the first matchup and won the second.

Also scheduled to make a quick return to action is middleweight Barry Trotter of Columbia, MD who will battle DC's Antonio Walls in another four-rounder. The undefeated Trotter (2-0) will try to build on a tough four-round unanimous decision victory over Tracy Brewer on the September 26 Fairfax, VA card. Walls (2-1, one KO) is looking to come back from a loss -- a four-round unanimous decision to Cecil McCalla on January 23 in Woodlawn, MD.

Making his pro debut on this card will be heavyweight and former amateur standout Abodurin "Bo" Akinyanju of DC. Akinyanju had a decorated amateur career and he will face fellow DC boxer Andrew Jackson (1-0, one KO).

'Digital,' 'Fight Doctor,' Council and 'Raging Beauty' Enter DC Boxing Hall Of Fame!

This is a very personal story. As I mentioned at the end of the most recent Boxing Along The Beltway Post-Fight Wrap-Up show, I have been chosen by the District of Columbia Boxing Hall of Fame as one of the members of the hall's Induction Class of 2009!

Let me first thank the Hall of Fame for selecting me this year for this tremendous honor! I am truly blessed and thank everyone involved with the Beltway Boxing scene for their support and love.

I am a part of an outstanding class and feel truly blessed to share this honor with all of them. However, I must make special note of one person in particular -- the man I have shared a microphone with for close to 20 years -- "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears. It has been a pleasure working with Jerome through some of the most exciting bouts in Beltway Boxing History.

Jerome and I, along with 2008 inductee Henry "Discombobulating" Jones, have traveled a lot of miles and spent a lot of time working on covering this sport. Jerome started working with the local scene filing reports for WEAA and Magic 95 radio stations in Baltimore before joining a fledging television show called Boxing Spotlight that I had the privilege to be a part of. Jerome and I have worked together ever since and the fact that Jerome and I are going into the hall together and being honored for our contributions to the local boxing scene makes this so much sweeter.

I don't have the full class of 2009 yet but here's what I know so far:

The Pro category this year features:

Former middleweight contender Andrew Council "Of War". The Lanham, MD boxer was one of the most popular competitors along the Beltway in the nineties. Council (31-8-3, 20 KO's) fought some classic world championship bouts against Keith Holmes and Bernard Hopkins and helped send former world champion Buddy McGirt into retirement with a nationally-televised ninth-round TKO on May 30, 1995 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Also going into the hall will be former six-time women's world champion the "Raging Beauty" Isra Girgrah Wynn. Wynn (28-3-2, 11 KO's)faced some of the great ladies of pro boxing during her career including Christy Martin, Tracy Byrd, Melissa Del Valle and Andrea DeShong. Wynn became a successful promoter of boxing cards with her husband, Marty.

The third pro inductee is former heavyweight competitor David "Bigfoot" Johnson. A competitor in the late 70's through the mid-80's, Johnson fought a who's who of soon-to-be heavyweight champions and contenders including Greg Page, Tony Tucker, Tim Witherspoon,James "Buster" Douglas and Renaldo Snipes.

In the amateur category will be Richard Knight and Kevin Rivers, Sr. In fact, it will be a great night for the Rivers Family because current amateur standout Kevin Rivers, Jr. will receive the Joe Balukovich award as the Outstanding Local Boxer. Rivers represented the United States at the AIBA World Championships in Milan, Italy last month.

The induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, November 20th at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD -- a place that means so much to me because I called some tremendous bouts in that location.

More on this great night as info becomes available.

'Title Time' Card Coming Together in Salisbury!

The Prize Fight Boxing Promotions "Title Time" card is coming together for Saturday, October 10 at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, MD.

The card features undefeated hometown middleweight prospect Fernando Guerrero as he tries for his first regional title. Guerrero (15-0, 13 KO's) will challenge Paterson, NJ's Ossie Duran (23-7-2, nine KO's) for the vacant NABO Middleweight title.

Guerrero is coming off a third-round TKO over Chris Archer on August 29 in Tunica, MS. Duran, a native of Ghana and a former British Commonwealth Junior Middleweight champ, lost a 10-round unanimous decision to David Lopez on April 10 in Tucson, AZ.

Guerrero's older brother, Alex will also be on the card, fighting in a four-round rematch against Rodricka Ray of Jackson, TN. Alex Guerrero won a four-round majority decision over Ray in Guerrero's pro debut on June 29 in Salisbury.

Undefeated DC lightweight Ty Barnett is scheduled to return to action on this card. Barnett (16-0-1, 11 KO's) will take on Juan Santiago of Denver, CO (9-2-1, six KO's) in an eight-round contest.

The card is also slated to feature the pro debut of Ferndale, MD cruiserweight and amateur champion Nick Kisner. Kisner will take on Winston-Salem, NC's Richard Gibson (3-1, two KO's).

A world championship fight at the Patriot Center? - Lovey Land - Washington Times

This is a very interesting blog post by Thom Loverro of the Washington Times (and of "The Sports Fix" on ESPN 980). This was something else discussed at the post-fight press conference in Fairfax, VA last Saturday night.

A world championship fight at the Patriot Center? - Lovey Land - Washington Times

Davis Loses By Split Decision In Philadelphia!

Bladensburg, MD super middleweight Demetrius Davis lost a tough eight-round split decision to fellow veteran Dhafir "No Fear" Smith last night in Philadelphia, PA.

According to Boxing Digest writer JR Jowett, Davis was doing well early in the bout with sneaky right hands. The advantage changed in Smith's favor in the third when Smith dropped Davis with a counter left hand.

Smith was able to hang on for the win, getting 77-74 scores from judges Steve Weisfeld and George Hill. Judge Alan Rubenstein scored the bout 77-74 for Davis.

Davis's record falls to 19-16-5, seven KO's while Smith is now 22-19-6, four KO's.

Lange Successfully Defends WBC USNBC Title!

Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange scored a ninth-round TKO over Jonathan Reid of Nashville, TN to successfully defend his WBC USNBC Junior Middleweight title tonight at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Both boxers mixed boxing and brawling throughout the contest. Lange was more successful landing the left jab but Reid took control at times when the bout became more of a brawl.

Lange dropped Reid with a right hand in the fourth round to take control of the contest. As the bout wore on, Reid was having trouble seeing out of his right eye. Lange dropped Reid with a overhand right late in the eighth round. After surviving the ninth, the Reid corner stopped the contest with their boxer on the stool.

Lange is now 31-3-2, 21 KO's while Reid is now 34-12, 19 KO's.

In the co-feature, former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley made a strong and successful return to the Beltway region, winning by eight-round unanimous decision over Harrison Cuello of Albany, NY.

Corley's experience shone through in this contest as the DC native was poised and in complete control. Corley, who came to ringside astride a motorcycle followed by his children who wore motorcycle helmets, dropped Cuello in the first round and was not fazed by Cuello's dancing antics in the ring. The judge's scorecards were 80-71, 79-72 and 78-73 for Corley, who has won five of his last six and is now 36-11-1, 21 KO's while Cuello is 18-12, five KO's.

This card also had what will probably end up being the Knockout of the Year along the Beltway. Columbia, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter scored a vicious, one-punch, referee-didn't-even-bother-to-count knockout over Prince Frederick, MD's Keith Gross. Here is a great shot of the punch taken, appropriately, by Linda "Great Shot" Siadys.




Gross came out charging against Jeter from the opening bell and tried to land a punch. Once Gross gave Jeter some space, the right hand from Jeter landed and dropped Gross quickly to the canvas. Referee Chris Wollesen immediately waved the bout off at 1:22 of the round.

Jeter is now 8-2, seven KO's while Gross, who suffered his second straight first-round knockout loss, is now 3-2, one KO.

There was a slight surprise in the card as undefeated Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal was held to a six-round draw by the rugged Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall of Rocky Mount, NC.

Jargal may have received a gift in the draw as he was constantly pressured by the veteran Hall from the third round on. Jargal landed his familiar body attack, but could not keep Hall off of him. Afterwards, representatives of the Jargal camp told BATB that their boxer had been under the weather for the past week and probably should have pulled out of the contest.

Jargal, however, remains undefeated and is now 13-0-2, nine KO's. Hall is now 12-21-3, 10 KO's.

In women's action, Manassas, VA featherweight "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas survived a late-bout knockdown to win a six-round split decision over Caitlin Dance of Louisville, KY.

Salinas had difficulty with her much taller opponent, however Dance did not use her height fully to her advantage. Instead of using her jab, Dance chose to smother Salinas. Dance, however, did land a punch that made Salinas stumble and fall. Although the Salinas camp thought it was a slip, Referee Michelle Myers called it a knockdown.

That was enough to sway judge Mark D'Antonini, who scored the bout for Dance, 58-56. Judges Brian Costello and Joe Gradowski scored the bout 58-56 and 57-56, respectively for Salinas, whose record rises to 11-1, three KO's. Dance is now 2-6, one KO.

Other results on the card:

Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson won a four-round unanimous decision over "The African Warrior" Francois Ambang of Richmond, VA. This is the second time Johnson has beaten Ambang in his career. Johnson is 7-0, three KO's while Ambang is 2-4.

DC welterweight Kendrick "Holy Hands" Walker and Richmond's Dwayne "Diesel" Shelton fought to a four-round draw. Walker is now 2-2-2, one KO while Shelton is 2-1-1.

In another exciting curtain-raising bout, Columbia, MD middleweight Barry Trotter won a four-round unanimous decision over a very game Tracy Brewer of Arlington, VA. If we had a best four-round Beltway Bout of the Year, this one, along with last night's bout in Westminster between Omar Sims and Alan Perkins, would be a prime candidate. Trotter dropped Brewer in the third round as both men traded right hands. It's hard to say what kept Brewer going until the final bell.

Trotter is 2-0 while Brewer suffers his first loss and he is 3-1, one KO.

The card was promoted by ICE Promotions, who is led by Jackie Kallen. The matchmaker was JD Brown. Among the boxing luminaries in attendance were former middleweight world champions Keith Holmes and William Joppy, current three-time world champ Paul "The Punisher" Williams (who also made the trip to Westminster the night before), former lightweight contender (and like Jeter, current newlywed) Jaime "The Punisher" Palma, middleweight prospect Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow and cruiserweight Robert "Mac Attack" McConnell, Jr.

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show that, due to cell phone difficulties on site, had to be recorded at BATB Headquarters.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #187 - Patriot Center Report!

I recap the ICE Promotions card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Please listen as I describe a comment made at the post-fight press conference and talk about the upcoming schedule.

Mark Tucker Captures USBO Title!

Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker has captured the vacant USBO (United States Boxing Organization) Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over a tough Jim "Steel Chin" Strohl of Las Vegas in front of a raucous crowd of 2,900 at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD.

The 21-year-old Tucker almost scored a knockdown over the 38-year-old Strohl in the opening seconds of the contest, landing a right hand that forced Strohl to hang on. The two became tangled and both went down. Referee John Gradowski ruled that there was no knockdown. Tucker continued to dominate the action in the first round.

Strohl fought back bravely in the contest despite suffering a cut on the nose and a welt under the left eye. Tucker used his right jab very well throughout the contest. As Strohl continued to move forward to force action, Tucker used good lateral movement to stay out of harm's way.

Judge Malik Waleed scored a shutout for Tucker, 100-90. Judge Gary Camponeschi saw the bout 99-91 and judge Dave Greer scored the contest 98-92.

Tucker remains undefeated and picked up a regional belt in just his 12th pro bout. Tucker is 12-0, seven KO's and won his second straight 10-round contest. Strohl falls to 27-8, 21 KO's.

In the co-feature, Maryland State Super Featherweight champion Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel won a measure of revenge by evening the score with Gustavo Dailey of Philadelphia, PA, capturing an eight-round unanimous decision. Dailey won the first matchup between the two in Westminster on July 17.

This time, a different, more determined Samuel faced Dailey and was much quicker and more accurate than in the first bout. Dailey tried to come forward but was met by a barrage of Samuel uppercuts and jabs, that Dailey had no defense for. Judge Gradowski saw the bout 79-73. Judge Greer scored it 78-74 while judge Camponeschi scored a shutout for Samuel at 80-72.

Samuel is now 13-3, six KO's while Dailey is 4-6, one KO.

In other bouts on the card, Edgewood, MD junior welterweight Emmanuel "Transformer" Taylor raised his record to 3-0, three KO's with a powerful first-round TKO over Amaury Torres of Miami, FL. Taylor scored three knockdowns in the contest, the first with a right cross, the second with a left hook. The third came with another right hand that forced referee Camponeschi to stop the contest at 2:49 of the round. Torres's record fell to 4-10-2, one KO.

In a spirited curtain-raising bout, Baltimore middleweight Omar Sims won a four-round unanimous decision over Frederick, MD's Alan "Pit Bull" Perkins. Sims was very accurate with his jab while Perkins was very game as he fought through a very bloody nose.

Wilson, NC's Jamar "The Truth" Freeman and Manuel Guzman of Lancaster, PA fought to a four-round majority draw. Freeman had trainer George Peterson and three-time world champion Paul Williams working with Freeman. Freeman is now 4-0-2, one KO while Guzman is 6-8-2, two KO's.

TNT Promotions and the Maryland Boxing Club promoted the card. Rick Glaser served as matchmaker.

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show :

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #186 - Results From a Championship Night in Westminster!

"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the TNT Promotions/Maryland Boxing Club card in Westminster, MD including the USBO Light Heavyweight title bout.

Weights From Fairfax, VA!

Here is the scale watch for tonight's ICE Promotions card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Jimmy Lange 151 ¾ vs. Jonathan Reid 154

DeMarcus Corley 141 ¼ vs. Harrison Cuello 143 ½

Jennifer Salinas 123 vs. Caitlin Dance 123 ¾

Tony Jeter 163 vs. Keith Gross 161 ¼

Alexander Johnson 175 vs. Francois Ambang 181 3/4

Bayan Jargal 140 vs. Richard Hall 142 1/2

Kendrick Walker 151 vs. Dwayne Shelton 151

Tracy Brewer 157 vs. Barry Trotter 155

Weights From Westminster, MD!

Here is the scale watch for tonight's TNT Promotions 21 card at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD:

Mark Tucker 174 1/2 VS. Jim Strohl 172 (USBO Light Heavyweight Title)

Note: Strohl originally weighed in at 175 1/2 lbs

Tyrell Samuel 131 vs. Gustavo Dailey 130

Emmanuel Taylor 141 vs. Amaury Torres 141

Allen Perkins 159 1/2 vs. Omar Sims 160

Jamar Freeman 151 1/2 vs. Manuel Guzman 155 1/2

Media Blitz Begins For Patriot Center Card!

There are a number of interviews conducted with boxers who will be on the ICE Promotions card at the George Mason University Patriot Center on Saturday, Sept. 26.

Today, WBC USNBC Junior Middleweight champion Jimmy Lange is slated to be a guest on The Mike Wise Show at 10:46 AM on WJFK 106.7 The Fan.

This afternoon, Lange will on the John Thompson Show on ESPN 980 at 2:45.

Then, Lange will be in a pre-recorded interview on The Sports Groove with Mark Gray on WOL 1450 AM sometime between 7 and 10 PM tonight.

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will be a guest on Sports Talk with Glenn Harris on NewsChannel 8 tonight at 8 PM.

On Friday, "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas will have a feature during the 6 PM sports segment on WRC-TV Channel 4.

Beltway Boxers Hit The Road September 30!

Two Beltway Boxers will participate on separate cards on Wednesday, September 30th and both locals will battle undefeated opponents.

Laurel, MD lightweight Ikem "The Warrior" Orji will take on "Lightning" Rod Salka of Bunola, PA at Heinz Field-VIP Tent in Pittsburgh, PA. No word on how many rounds this bout will go. Orji (5-2, one KO) is coming off a tough six-round split-decision loss to then-undefeated Issac Suarez on May 8 in Philadelphia, PA. Salka (8-0, two KO's) won a six-round unanimous decision over James Ventry on June 24 in Pittsburgh.

At Russo's On The Bay in Howard Beach, NY, Arlington, VA cruiserweight Otganbayer Daivii will drop to light heavyweight to face prospect Yathomas Riley of Panama City, FL in a six-round contest. Daivii (3-2-1, one KO) will be in his first scheduled six-round encounter trying to build off a four-round split decision win over Francois Ambang on May 2 in Fairfax, VA. Riley (7-0, five KO's) scored a first-round TKO over veteran Tiwon Taylor on August 1 in Uncasville, CT.

Jargal Completes Patriot Center Card With Bout Against Veteran Hall!

Finally, there is an opponent for the "Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal. The undefeated lightweight out of Arlington, VA will take on veteran Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall of Rocky Mount, NC in a six-round contest on Saturday, September 26 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Jargal (13-0-1, nine KO's) is coming off a fifth-round TKO over Josh Durden on July 25 in Hilton Head, SC. Hall (10-21-2, six KO's) is in a rough stretch of his career having gone winless in his last nine. Hall's last outing was a first-round TKO loss to Jessie Nicklow in February of 2008 in Pikesville, MD.

Jargal will be the eighth Beltway Boxer Hall has faced in his career. Hall's last win came against Antonio Reese in December of 2004. Hall won an eight-round split decision. Hall also defeated Ricardo Edmonds via fourth-round TKO in November of 2001 in Glen Burnie, MD. Along with Nicklow, Hall has lost to Tim Coleman, Ishmail Arvin, Marlon Haynes and Cliff Richard.

On Thursday, BATB will have the complete lineups for both championship cards for the weekend.

Davis in Clash of Veterans September 26 in Philadelphia!

An interesting match of veterans will take place at the Yesha Center in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, September 26. Bladensburg, MD super middleweight Demetrius Davis will take on Upper Darby, PA's Dhafir "No Fear" Smith in an eight-round co-feature.

Davis (19-15-5, seven KO's) will try to bounce back from a tough ninth-round TKO loss to Cory Cummings for the Maryland State Super Middleweight title on May 29 in Baltimore, MD. Smith (21-19-6, four KO's) scored a victory in his last outing, winning a six-round unanimous decision over William Gill on May 9 in Philadelphia. Smith has fought numerous times in the Beltway area against the likes of Henry Buchanan, James McAlister, Mike Paschall and Henry Mayes.

Cummings Headlines October 1 Ballroom Boxing Card!

Even more great action comes to the Beltway in the fall as Maryland State Super Middleweight champion Cory "Black Ice" Cummings headlines the next Ballroom Boxing card on Thursday, October 1 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

The Baltimore native (17-4, 13 KO's) is still looking for an opponent as he tries to continue the momentum generated by his exciting ninth-round TKO title victory over Demetrius Davis on May 29 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

Also slated to be on the card is the comebacking George "El Gallo" Armenta, the super middleweight from Silver Spring, MD. Armenta (13-4, 11 KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO over William Johnson on August 27 in Hagerstown, MD.

More bouts will be announced shortly.

'Bolivian Queen' Salinas Discuss Sept. 26 Bout and Career!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #185 - 'Bolivian Queen' Salinas Discuss Sept. 26 Bout and Career!

Manassas, VA featherweight "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas discusses her six-round contest against Caitlin Dance on Saturday, September 26 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA and talks candidly about her career.

L. Peterson Title Bid Moved to December 12!

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that WBO Interim Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson's title bout against WBO champion Timothy Bradley has been pushed back one week to Saturday, December 12 at the Aqua Caliente Resort in Rancho Mirage, CA.

This is probably better for the contest -- which will be televised on Showtime -- because the new date means that a head-to-head showing against the Paul Williams-Kelly Pavlik bout on HBO December 5 will be avoided.

According to Rafael, there is an interesting situation with the issue of money. Originally, Peterson was supposed to receive the lion's share of a 60-40 split of the purse due to a WBO rule that stated if a fighter goes to the other boxer's home town or country, that fighter receives the bigger piece of the purse. The WBO then amended that rule and decided on a 50-50 split. However, the promoter of the bout, Gary Shaw, protested.

Shaw tells Rafael that there was an "appeals process" via a teleconference call involving Bradley co-managers Cameron Dunkin and Michael Miller, Carl Moretti of Top Rank (who represented Peterson) and a representative from the WBO. The WBO used yet another rule that said in a fight where an interim titleholder faces a titleholder, the split is decided based on a formula that takes the last three purses earned by each boxer.

Because Bradley, who has appeared on Showtime extensively more than Peterson, had earned more money, the WBO ruled in his favor and gave him an approximate 75-25 split of the purse.

Lange Talks About Title Defense!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #184 - Lange Talks About Title Defense!

Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange talks about his WBC USNBC Junior Middleweight title defense against Jonathan Reid on Saturday, September 26 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA!



I am trying to get a hold of Mark "TNT" Tucker to talk about his USBO Light Heavyweight title bid on Friday, September 25 at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD. Tucker will be a guest on the Ballroom Boxing Report on ESPN 1300 AM in Baltimore with Scott Wagner and Scotty Crouse tomorrow beginning at 9 AM.

Westminster, MD Update!

There is also an update on the Friday, September 25 TNT Promotions card at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD.

Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen will try to bounce back from a tough loss earlier this month when he takes on undefeated Wilson, North Carolina's Jamar "The Truth" Freeman. Allen (6-3, three KO's) has lost two straight, including a tough four-round majority decision to William Jackson on September 5.

Freeman (4-0-1, one KO) is 3-0 at the Shipley Arena and is coming off a first-round KO over Mike Badgett on July 25 in Hilton Head, SC. Freeman is trained by George Peterson who also trains three-time world champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams, who will be in attendance in Westminster.

Also making his US debut on this card is cruiserweight Zack "Black Warrior" Mwekassa, a native of Kinshasa, The Congo. Mwekassa (8-1, seven KO's) will take on veteran Gary Lavender of Pine Level, NC (7-13, six KO's) in a six-round contest.

Corley Faces New Opponent on Patriot Center Card!

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley has a new opponent for his eight-round co-feature bout on the ICE Promotions card at the George Mason University Patriot Center on Saturday, September 26.

Corley (35-11-1, 21 KO's) will now face Harrison Cuello of the Bronx, NY. Cuello (18-11-3, 14 KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO in Salisbury, MD on February 6 but has gone 0-3-1 since then as he has stepped up in competition. Cuello has lost to Vanas Matirosyan, Ricardo Williams and Ray Robinson and drew with Rashad Holloway. The four opponents Cuello faced had a combined won-loss record of 57-3 when Cuello faced them. Cuello has also faced the likes of former world champion Randall Bailey (who split two bouts with Corley) and Mike Arnaoutis.

Cuello replaces Detroit's Damian Fuller on the card. Fuller suffered a rib injury in training camp.

Exciting Fall Session of Beltway Boxing!

We already know that we have two solid cards in September, but October also looks very promising.

On Friday, October 16, there will be a Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. The card will feature the return of Baltimore-area boxers "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich and "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis.

The card will also feature the first appearance in Maryland for Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer. Farmer (12-1, seven KO's) will take on Wilmington, DE's Ryan Belasco (11-3-3, three KO's) in an eight-round contest.

Also on the show will be undefeated DC heavyweight Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm (3-0, two KO's) who will take on Capitol Heights, MD's Wayne Hampton (5-4, three KO's) in a four-round contest.

There is also talk of a Babie Girl Promotions card coming to the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, October 24.. Undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell is slated to be in an eight-round co-feature bout on this card.

Rivers's World Championship Bid Ends in Milan!

Landover, MD featherweight Kevin Rivers has been eliminated from competition at the Amateur World Championships in Milan, Italy.

Rivers lost a 13-1 decision to Sergey Vodopyanov of Russia in the third round today in a matchup that tournament observers believed had the potential to be the bout of the day. Vodopyanov, however, has been dominant thus far in the tourney, winning by scores of 22-4 and 21-5 in earlier bouts.

Congratulations to Rivers for representing the Beltway -- and the United States -- well!

Rivers Continues Winning Ways at World Championships!

Featherweight Kevin Rivers of Landover, MD has advanced to the third round of competition at the Amateur World Championships in Milan, Italy.

Rivers defeated Bashir Hassan of Sweden, 9-5 in today's second round action. Rivers will now face Russian Sergey Vodopiyanov in Tuesday's third round contest. Vodopiyanov advanced with a 22-4 decision over Yerzhan Mussafirov of Kazahkstan.

Rivers Wins Opening Contest at World Championships!

Landover, MD featherweight Kevin Rivers has won his opening bout at the Amateur World Championships in Milan, Italy.

Rivers defeated Ibrahim Balla of Australia, 22-19 in his first round contest. Rivers will now face Bashir Hassan of Sweden, who defeated Askarbek Kalpakov of Kyrgyzstan, 9-6. The bout will be on Sunday, September 6.

L. Peterson Fights for WBO Title December 5 in California!

Fightnews.com is reporting that WBO Interim Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson will get his opportunity to win the WBO title outright when he faces WBO champion Timothy Bradley on Saturday, December 5.

Earlier today, Gary Shaw Productions won a purse bid to promote the title bout and it will most likely be held at the Agua Caliente Casino and Spa in Rancho Mirage, CA. The bout will be shown live on Showtime. Gary Shaw Productions paid $575,000, outbidding Top Rank, who bid $451,000.

Beltway News and Notes!

Add one more bout to the ICE Promotions card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on Saturday, September 26.

Arlington, VA middleweight Tracy Brewer (3-0, one KO) will take on Columbia, MD's Barry Trotter in a four-round encounter.

According to writer Matt Yanofsky, Baltimore welterweight Tim "Pitbull" Coleman will be traveling to Manchester, England to participate in a card promoted by Ricky Hatton on Friday, September 25. No word yet on Coleman's opponent.

Guerrero To Fight for NABO Title in October, Says Report!

WBOC-TV (Salisbury, MD) Sports Anchor Scott Abraham is reporting that undefeated middleweight Fernando Guerrero will compete for the vacant NABO Middleweight title in October in Salisbury. The bout will be Guerrero's first title opportunity. No word yet on who Guerrero's opponent will be.

One interesting aspect of this story is where the bout is slated to be held. Plans are to have the bout outdoors at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, the home of the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team. The stadium seats 8,000 people, more than the Wicomico Youth and Civic Center where Guerrero's previous hometown bouts have been held.

Organizers of the card are looking at Friday, October 9 and Saturday, October 10 as possible dates.

Rivers Begins Amateur World Championship Quest Thursday in Milan

Landover, MD featherweight Kevin Rivers will begin his road to a world championship at the 2009 AIBA World Championships in Milan, Italy on Thursday, September 3. Rivers will take on Australia's Ibrahim Balla in his first contest.

The World Championships started today and will run until September 9.

Those of you who enjoy watching amateur boxing may be able to watch all the action from Milan live for free on www.aiba.org.