The opponent has changed for Berlin, MD middleweight Joshua Snyder on December 4 at Essex County College in Newark, NJ. Snyder was originally slated to face Jerome Ellis, but Ellis was cut in his last bout against Shawn Porter.
Snyder (8-4-1, three KO's) will now face undefeated Alex Perez of Newark in the six-round contest. Perez (10-0, six KO's) is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Laureano Laracuente on March 14 in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Paschall Promotes Amateur Card Dec.3; Silver Gloves Begin Dec. 5!
There will be a couple of amateur cards taking place this coming week. On Thursday, December 3, Mike Paschall will bring a card to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD. This card will have from 10-15 bouts and a possible in-ring appearance by Nick Kisner, since he has yet to officially enter the ring as a pro.
Then on Saturday, December 5, the first night of the Maryland/DC/Delaware Silver Gloves tournament takes place at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. The tournament will also take place on Saturday, December 12 and Friday, December 18, also at Rosecroft. The winners will advance to the regional tournament in Wilmington, NC.
Then on Saturday, December 5, the first night of the Maryland/DC/Delaware Silver Gloves tournament takes place at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. The tournament will also take place on Saturday, December 12 and Friday, December 18, also at Rosecroft. The winners will advance to the regional tournament in Wilmington, NC.
Corley Loses Decision in Russia!
Former WBO Junior Welterweight champ DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley lost a 10-round split decision to Fariz Kazimov of Russia last night in Samara, Russia. Fightnews.com is reporting that two judges scored the bout 97-93 for Kazimov while one judge saw the bout 97-93 for Corley.
The loss snaps Corley's three-bout winning streak and it is his first loss in a former Eastern Bloc country. Corley's record is now 36-12-1, 21 KO's. Kazimov is now 11-1-1, three KO's.
The loss snaps Corley's three-bout winning streak and it is his first loss in a former Eastern Bloc country. Corley's record is now 36-12-1, 21 KO's. Kazimov is now 11-1-1, three KO's.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Referee Michelle Myers Profiled in Washington Times!
Washington Times Columnist Thom Loverro does a nice profile on one of the truly nice people on the Beltway Boxing scene. Her name is Michelle Myers and she is the first female referee to work a pro boxing match in Washington, DC. Learn more about this interesting lady by hitting this link:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/27/referee-myers-packs-a-punch-in-boxing-ring/">
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/27/referee-myers-packs-a-punch-in-boxing-ring/">
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Daivii, Richardson Drop Bouts in Erie!
Two Beltway Boxers lost bouts at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA. Arlington, VA cruiserweight Otgonbayer Daivii dropped a six-round unanimous decision to Garrett Wilson of Philadelphia, PA. The scores were 58-55 (twice) and 57-56. Daivii's record is now 3-3-1, one KO while Wilson's record rises to 6-2, two KO's.
Also, DC heavyweight Damian Richardson lost by first-round TKO to West Deer, PA's Paul Zalus. Richardson is now 0-2 with both losses coming in the first round. Zalus is 4-0, four KO's.
Also, DC heavyweight Damian Richardson lost by first-round TKO to West Deer, PA's Paul Zalus. Richardson is now 0-2 with both losses coming in the first round. Zalus is 4-0, four KO's.
Samuel Wins Rubber Match Against Dailey; Dietrich Scores 55-Second KO in Baltimore!
Maryland State Super Featherweight champion Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel of Baltimore won by fifth-round technical decision over Gustavo "The Pit Bull" Dailey of Philadelphia during the main event at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.
In this bout, the third meeting between the two boxers, Samuel was able to use his jab and strong body attack to back Dailey up in almost every exchange. Dailey tried to come forward but for every punch Dailey landed, Samuel seemed to land two that were harder.
In the fifth round, the two boxers accidently clashed heads, forcing a gash over Samuel's right eye that was dangerous enough for the bout to be stopped. Since the scheduled eight-round encounter was more than halfway over, the judge's scorecards came into play. Judge Gary Camponeschi scored the bout 48-47. Judge John Gradowski saw the bout 49-46 and Judge Malik Waleed witnessed the contest as a shutout for Samuel, 50-45.
With the win, Samuel is now 14-3, six KO's while Dailey falls to 4-7, one KO.
In the co-feature, Baltimore heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich took just 55 seconds to knockout fellow Charm City boxer Kevin "The Journeyman" Johnson. Dietrich started immediately landing power shots, knocking down Johnson twice. The second knockout came on a blistering right hand that made Johnson crumble in his own corner. Referee Gradowski wasted no time stopping the contest.
Dietrich raises his record to 12-1, six KO's while Johnson is 3-2, two KO's.
DC heavyweight Abodunrin "Bo" Akinyanju raised his record to 2-0, two first-round knockouts with a crushing stoppage of Wilson, NC's Octavius Davis. Akinyanju dropped Davis twice in the bout, the second knockdown was a vicious body shot that stiffened Davis before he fell to the canvas.
With the loss, Davis is now 1-4-1, one KO.
Also on the card, undefeated cruiserweight Daniel Kooij of Vero Beach, FL scored a fourth-round TKO over veteran William "The Storm" Bailey of Chesapeake, VA. Kooji used a powerful left jab to keep Bailey at bay. By the fourth round, Bailey was completely broken down and referee Waleed called of the bout at 2:46 of the fourth. Kooij is now 6-0, three KO's while Bailey is 10-18-2, five KO's.
The bout between "The American Child" Nick Kisner of Ferndale and Glen Williams of Catonsville was scratched because Williams was not medically approved by the Maryland State Athletic Commission.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show for this event:
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #190 - Full Report from Du Burns!
"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the events from Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.
In this bout, the third meeting between the two boxers, Samuel was able to use his jab and strong body attack to back Dailey up in almost every exchange. Dailey tried to come forward but for every punch Dailey landed, Samuel seemed to land two that were harder.
In the fifth round, the two boxers accidently clashed heads, forcing a gash over Samuel's right eye that was dangerous enough for the bout to be stopped. Since the scheduled eight-round encounter was more than halfway over, the judge's scorecards came into play. Judge Gary Camponeschi scored the bout 48-47. Judge John Gradowski saw the bout 49-46 and Judge Malik Waleed witnessed the contest as a shutout for Samuel, 50-45.
With the win, Samuel is now 14-3, six KO's while Dailey falls to 4-7, one KO.
In the co-feature, Baltimore heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich took just 55 seconds to knockout fellow Charm City boxer Kevin "The Journeyman" Johnson. Dietrich started immediately landing power shots, knocking down Johnson twice. The second knockout came on a blistering right hand that made Johnson crumble in his own corner. Referee Gradowski wasted no time stopping the contest.
Dietrich raises his record to 12-1, six KO's while Johnson is 3-2, two KO's.
DC heavyweight Abodunrin "Bo" Akinyanju raised his record to 2-0, two first-round knockouts with a crushing stoppage of Wilson, NC's Octavius Davis. Akinyanju dropped Davis twice in the bout, the second knockdown was a vicious body shot that stiffened Davis before he fell to the canvas.
With the loss, Davis is now 1-4-1, one KO.
Also on the card, undefeated cruiserweight Daniel Kooij of Vero Beach, FL scored a fourth-round TKO over veteran William "The Storm" Bailey of Chesapeake, VA. Kooji used a powerful left jab to keep Bailey at bay. By the fourth round, Bailey was completely broken down and referee Waleed called of the bout at 2:46 of the fourth. Kooij is now 6-0, three KO's while Bailey is 10-18-2, five KO's.
The bout between "The American Child" Nick Kisner of Ferndale and Glen Williams of Catonsville was scratched because Williams was not medically approved by the Maryland State Athletic Commission.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show for this event:
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #190 - Full Report from Du Burns!
"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the events from Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Daivii Tips The Scales in Erie, PA!
Arlington, VA cruiserweight Otgonbayer Daivii (3-3-1, one KO)weighed in at 178 pounds for his six-round main event contest at the 25th annual Erie Boxing Classic at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA.
Daivii's opponent will be Garrett Wilson of Philadelphia, PA (5-2, two KO's). Wilson tipped the scales at 176 1/2. DC heavyweight Kareem Wilson was slated to be on this card but his bout was scratched.
Daivii's opponent will be Garrett Wilson of Philadelphia, PA (5-2, two KO's). Wilson tipped the scales at 176 1/2. DC heavyweight Kareem Wilson was slated to be on this card but his bout was scratched.
Weights From Du Burns Arena!
Here is the scale watch for tonight's Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore:
Tyrell Samuel 132 1/2 vs Gustavo Dailey 131 1/2
Mike Dietrich 224 1/2 vs. Kevin Johnson 214
Daniel Kooij 195 1/2 vs. William Bailey 189 1/2
Nick Kisner 195 vs. Glen Williams 195 1/2
Abodurin Akinyanju 284 vs. Octavius Davis 225 1/2
Tyrell Samuel 132 1/2 vs Gustavo Dailey 131 1/2
Mike Dietrich 224 1/2 vs. Kevin Johnson 214
Daniel Kooij 195 1/2 vs. William Bailey 189 1/2
Nick Kisner 195 vs. Glen Williams 195 1/2
Abodurin Akinyanju 284 vs. Octavius Davis 225 1/2
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
BATB Remembers Abe Pollin -- The Boxing Fan!
By now you know that longtime businessman and the owner of the Washington Bullets/Capitals and the visionary behind two state-of-the-art arenas in the Beltway region -- The Capital Centre/USAir Arena and the MCI/Verizon Center -- Abe Pollin passed away today from Corticobasal Degeneration, a rare neurological disease at the age of 85.
Over the next few days, much will be written and said about Mr. Pollin's charitable donations as well as his contributions to professional basketball and hockey and how those sports helped revitalize the areas those arenas served.
As is usually the case in the mainstream media, the sport of boxing will be overlooked and it really shouldn't in this case because the Beltway Boxing scene owes a great debt to Mr. Pollin because he was a true boxing fan. Here is a card-by-card recap of boxing, courtesy of Abe Pollin.
Boxing first came to the Capital Centre on May 21, 1974 when world heavyweight contender Oscar Bonavena defeated Baltimore heavyweight Larry Middleton by 12-round unanimous decision. Bonavena was ranked seventh in the world at that time, Middleton was ranked eighth.
There were two cards in 1975. On July 23, former world champion Emile Griffith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Baltimore's Leo Saenz Floyd Mayweather, Sr. also fought on this card. On August 26, DC legend Johnny Gant fought Harold Weston to a 10-round draw. Also on that card was Olympic bronze medalist heavyweight Duane Bobick.
In 1976, The Capital Centre hosted two cards in April and both featured future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. On April 5, Holmes scored a second-round TKO over Fred Askew.
But it was the card on April 30 that made the Capital Centre a major player in the boxing world. The April 30 card featured a title defense by "The Greatest" -- Muhammad Ali. Ali won a 15-round unanimous decision over Jimmy Young in a bout many people thought Young may have pulled out. Holmes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Roy Williams. And if that wasn't enough, Ken Norton was on the card and he stopped Ron Stander in the fifth round. Two fights later, Norton would lose a disputed 15-round decision in his third bout against Ali in September of 1976 in Yankee Stadium.
The next year, DC Boxing Hall of Famer "Irish" Mike Baker headlined a card on April 14, stopping Hyattsville, MD's Ralph Palladin in the eighth round for the Maryland/DC Middleweight title.
But it was May 16, 1977 that was a very special card -- one that served as a turning point in my personal life. Muhammad Ali returned to the Capital Centre for a successful 15-round title defense against Alfredo Evangelista. In attendance that night was a 13-year old boxing fan who was hooked by the thrill of a live boxing card. That fan was me, attending my very first live boxing event. Also on that card were two future hall of famers -- Roberto Duran and Alfredo Escalera. Both were victorious on that night.
On June 21, 1977, Ronnie McGarvey of Hillcrest Heights, MD captured the NABF Featherweight championship with a sixth-round TKO over Miguel Meza. This was one bout after McGarvey made an unsuccessful try at Escalera's WBC Super Featherweight crown in Puerto Rico. On that same card, Ralph Palladin won the NABF Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Gene Wells.
Sugar Ray Leonard would make his first appearance in the Capital Centre on April 13, 1978 stopping Bobby Hayman in the third round. A number of local boxers fought on this card including Lou Benson, Mike Baker, Roland Pryor, Keith Broom, O'Dell Leonard and Johnny Gant. All were victorious.
On November 21 of 1978, Gant would return and win by 10-round TKO over Sammy Ruckard in the main event of a card that would feature victories by Ray Leonard's brother Roger as well as locals Leo Saenz, Steve Hughes, Otis Hooper and Henry Bunch Bey. But it was the Gant victory that set up one of the biggest all-Beltway matchups ever.
The date was January 11, 1979. Sugar Ray Leonard was starting to make his ascension up the welterweight ranks. Johnny Gant was the quintessential hard-nosed veteran. In that bout, youth overcame experience as Leonard scored an eighth-round TKO to win his first regional title -- the Mid-Atlantic Welterweight title.
The number of boxing dates in a year started to dwindle as the seventies became the eighties, but the impact of the cards seemed to increase. By the time the eighties came, Sugar Ray Leonard was WBC Welterweight champion. On March 31, 1980, Leonard made his first title defense against England's Davey "Boy" Green. The bout was carried live on ABC. In the fourth round, Leonard scored one of the sickest knockouts ever, landing a crushing left hook that knocked Green out before he hit the canvas.
In an interesting note on the undercard, Johnny Gant challenged Roger Leonard and lost an eight-round unanimous decision. Also on this card, DC super Bantamweight Derrik Holmes scored a first-round knockout over Issac Vega. The victory propelled Holmes to a WBC Super Bantamweight title shot against Wilfredo Gomez in August of 1980. Holmes was stopped in the fifth round in Las Vegas.
It would be 15 years before boxing would return to the Capital Centre. When it did return, the Capital Centre had a new name -- the USAir Arena. Boxing would return with a vengance bringing a Don King-promoted show that featured the greatest array of Beltway talent ever put together on one show.
The date was April 29, 1995 and the card was "The Beltway Brawl" highlighted by Vincent Pettway's incredible sixth-round stoppage of former three-time world champion Simon Brown. Ten Beltway Boxers were on this show, including former WBC Welterweight champ Maurice Blocker, future WBA Middleweight champ William Joppy as well as Lyndon Paul Walker, Antonio "Starchild" Reese, Ed Griffin, "Dangerous D" Darryl Lattimore and Tim "Da Bamma" Hillie. But many who were in attendance will never forget Darryll Tyson's epic battle with Freddie Pendleton that in hindsight (and Don King even talked about it as did Showtime guest commentator Mike Tyson) should have been on the telecast along with Pettway-Brown and Bernard Hopkins first world title victory over Segundo Mercado. To this day, this was the greatest boxing card I have ever covered.
A few years later, Mr. Pollin opened the MCI Center (now Verizon Center) and boxing played a big part in its development as well. On April 24, 1999 Don King returned to the area and presented the "Triple Jeopardy" card that featured Sharmba Mitchell defending the WBA Junior Welterweight crown against Reggie Green, Keith Holmes regaining the WBC Middleweight title against Hacine Cherifi and Mark Johnson winning his second of three world titles, capturing the vacant IBF Junior Bantamweight crown over Ratanachai Sor Vorapin.
Exactly five months later -- September 24, 1999 -- Holmes made a successful defense of his WBC title against local rival Andrew Council while William Joppy stopped Julio Cesar Green in the seventh round to regain the WBA Middleweight title. There was hope that Holmes would meet Joppy in another MCI Center bout to unify the middleweight titles but it never happened.
More than five years later, boxing would make its final appearance in an Abe Pollin-owned building, but it would be a card that many would remember for years to come. The date was June 11, 2005 and the card would feature Mike Tyson's last appearance in a boxing ring, losing by sixth-round TKO to Kevin McBride as well as victories by Laila Ali and Sharmba Mitchell.
Abe Pollin was responsible for many successful revitalization projects in the Beltway region. He brought pro basketball and hockey to the DC area and helped reshape the commercial districts in two parts of the area. Mr. Pollin's legacy should also include his love of the sweet science, a love that led to some of the most important bouts in Beltway Boxing history.
Over the next few days, much will be written and said about Mr. Pollin's charitable donations as well as his contributions to professional basketball and hockey and how those sports helped revitalize the areas those arenas served.
As is usually the case in the mainstream media, the sport of boxing will be overlooked and it really shouldn't in this case because the Beltway Boxing scene owes a great debt to Mr. Pollin because he was a true boxing fan. Here is a card-by-card recap of boxing, courtesy of Abe Pollin.
Boxing first came to the Capital Centre on May 21, 1974 when world heavyweight contender Oscar Bonavena defeated Baltimore heavyweight Larry Middleton by 12-round unanimous decision. Bonavena was ranked seventh in the world at that time, Middleton was ranked eighth.
There were two cards in 1975. On July 23, former world champion Emile Griffith won a 10-round unanimous decision over Baltimore's Leo Saenz Floyd Mayweather, Sr. also fought on this card. On August 26, DC legend Johnny Gant fought Harold Weston to a 10-round draw. Also on that card was Olympic bronze medalist heavyweight Duane Bobick.
In 1976, The Capital Centre hosted two cards in April and both featured future heavyweight champion Larry Holmes. On April 5, Holmes scored a second-round TKO over Fred Askew.
But it was the card on April 30 that made the Capital Centre a major player in the boxing world. The April 30 card featured a title defense by "The Greatest" -- Muhammad Ali. Ali won a 15-round unanimous decision over Jimmy Young in a bout many people thought Young may have pulled out. Holmes won a 10-round unanimous decision over Roy Williams. And if that wasn't enough, Ken Norton was on the card and he stopped Ron Stander in the fifth round. Two fights later, Norton would lose a disputed 15-round decision in his third bout against Ali in September of 1976 in Yankee Stadium.
The next year, DC Boxing Hall of Famer "Irish" Mike Baker headlined a card on April 14, stopping Hyattsville, MD's Ralph Palladin in the eighth round for the Maryland/DC Middleweight title.
But it was May 16, 1977 that was a very special card -- one that served as a turning point in my personal life. Muhammad Ali returned to the Capital Centre for a successful 15-round title defense against Alfredo Evangelista. In attendance that night was a 13-year old boxing fan who was hooked by the thrill of a live boxing card. That fan was me, attending my very first live boxing event. Also on that card were two future hall of famers -- Roberto Duran and Alfredo Escalera. Both were victorious on that night.
On June 21, 1977, Ronnie McGarvey of Hillcrest Heights, MD captured the NABF Featherweight championship with a sixth-round TKO over Miguel Meza. This was one bout after McGarvey made an unsuccessful try at Escalera's WBC Super Featherweight crown in Puerto Rico. On that same card, Ralph Palladin won the NABF Middleweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Gene Wells.
Sugar Ray Leonard would make his first appearance in the Capital Centre on April 13, 1978 stopping Bobby Hayman in the third round. A number of local boxers fought on this card including Lou Benson, Mike Baker, Roland Pryor, Keith Broom, O'Dell Leonard and Johnny Gant. All were victorious.
On November 21 of 1978, Gant would return and win by 10-round TKO over Sammy Ruckard in the main event of a card that would feature victories by Ray Leonard's brother Roger as well as locals Leo Saenz, Steve Hughes, Otis Hooper and Henry Bunch Bey. But it was the Gant victory that set up one of the biggest all-Beltway matchups ever.
The date was January 11, 1979. Sugar Ray Leonard was starting to make his ascension up the welterweight ranks. Johnny Gant was the quintessential hard-nosed veteran. In that bout, youth overcame experience as Leonard scored an eighth-round TKO to win his first regional title -- the Mid-Atlantic Welterweight title.
The number of boxing dates in a year started to dwindle as the seventies became the eighties, but the impact of the cards seemed to increase. By the time the eighties came, Sugar Ray Leonard was WBC Welterweight champion. On March 31, 1980, Leonard made his first title defense against England's Davey "Boy" Green. The bout was carried live on ABC. In the fourth round, Leonard scored one of the sickest knockouts ever, landing a crushing left hook that knocked Green out before he hit the canvas.
In an interesting note on the undercard, Johnny Gant challenged Roger Leonard and lost an eight-round unanimous decision. Also on this card, DC super Bantamweight Derrik Holmes scored a first-round knockout over Issac Vega. The victory propelled Holmes to a WBC Super Bantamweight title shot against Wilfredo Gomez in August of 1980. Holmes was stopped in the fifth round in Las Vegas.
It would be 15 years before boxing would return to the Capital Centre. When it did return, the Capital Centre had a new name -- the USAir Arena. Boxing would return with a vengance bringing a Don King-promoted show that featured the greatest array of Beltway talent ever put together on one show.
The date was April 29, 1995 and the card was "The Beltway Brawl" highlighted by Vincent Pettway's incredible sixth-round stoppage of former three-time world champion Simon Brown. Ten Beltway Boxers were on this show, including former WBC Welterweight champ Maurice Blocker, future WBA Middleweight champ William Joppy as well as Lyndon Paul Walker, Antonio "Starchild" Reese, Ed Griffin, "Dangerous D" Darryl Lattimore and Tim "Da Bamma" Hillie. But many who were in attendance will never forget Darryll Tyson's epic battle with Freddie Pendleton that in hindsight (and Don King even talked about it as did Showtime guest commentator Mike Tyson) should have been on the telecast along with Pettway-Brown and Bernard Hopkins first world title victory over Segundo Mercado. To this day, this was the greatest boxing card I have ever covered.
A few years later, Mr. Pollin opened the MCI Center (now Verizon Center) and boxing played a big part in its development as well. On April 24, 1999 Don King returned to the area and presented the "Triple Jeopardy" card that featured Sharmba Mitchell defending the WBA Junior Welterweight crown against Reggie Green, Keith Holmes regaining the WBC Middleweight title against Hacine Cherifi and Mark Johnson winning his second of three world titles, capturing the vacant IBF Junior Bantamweight crown over Ratanachai Sor Vorapin.
Exactly five months later -- September 24, 1999 -- Holmes made a successful defense of his WBC title against local rival Andrew Council while William Joppy stopped Julio Cesar Green in the seventh round to regain the WBA Middleweight title. There was hope that Holmes would meet Joppy in another MCI Center bout to unify the middleweight titles but it never happened.
More than five years later, boxing would make its final appearance in an Abe Pollin-owned building, but it would be a card that many would remember for years to come. The date was June 11, 2005 and the card would feature Mike Tyson's last appearance in a boxing ring, losing by sixth-round TKO to Kevin McBride as well as victories by Laila Ali and Sharmba Mitchell.
Abe Pollin was responsible for many successful revitalization projects in the Beltway region. He brought pro basketball and hockey to the DC area and helped reshape the commercial districts in two parts of the area. Mr. Pollin's legacy should also include his love of the sweet science, a love that led to some of the most important bouts in Beltway Boxing history.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wade Posts 19-Second Knockout in Tunica!
Largo, MD middleweight Dominic Wade maintained his perfect record with a 19-second knockout of Bradley Thompson of Brookwood, AL last night at Fitzgerald Hotel and Casino in Tunica, MS.
This is the fourth first-round knockout for Wade (5-0, five KO's) in his young pro career and his second that took place in under 30 seconds of the first round. Wade's pro debut took just 28 seconds on March 14 in Tunica as he stopped previously undefeated Chris Davis.
Thompson falls to 15-18-1, 10 KO's.
This is the fourth first-round knockout for Wade (5-0, five KO's) in his young pro career and his second that took place in under 30 seconds of the first round. Wade's pro debut took just 28 seconds on March 14 in Tunica as he stopped previously undefeated Chris Davis.
Thompson falls to 15-18-1, 10 KO's.
Guerrero Faces Nicklow On ShoBox Telecast From Minnesota!
It never fails. Every time I put up a calendar of boxing events, late news comes in forcing me to make an addition to the schedule. This is a BIG addition as well.
BATB has learned that undefeated Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero will take on Baltimore's Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow on Friday, December 18 at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN. Although the bout will not be fought on Maryland soil, the consolation is that the card will be shown nationwide on Showtime's ShoBox telecast.
According to sources, the bout will not be for Guerrero's interim NABO Middleweight title that Guerrero (16-0, 13 KO's) won in his last outing by 10-round majority decision over Ossie Duran on October 10 in Salisbury, MD. The bout will be a scheduled 10-round affair that will be fought reportedly at 163 pounds.
Nicklow (19-1-2, seven KO's) will be trying to break a two-bout winless streak, losing to George Rivera by eight-round unanimous decision on November 1, 2008 in Fairfax, VA and battling John Mackey to an eight-round majority draw on June 19 in Glen Burnie, MD. This will be Nicklow's first scheduled 10-round contest.
The two boxers know each other well, having boxed each other five times in the amateurs. Guerrero held a 3-2 edge over Nicklow, but all five bouts were reportedly very competitive.
BATB has learned that undefeated Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero will take on Baltimore's Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow on Friday, December 18 at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN. Although the bout will not be fought on Maryland soil, the consolation is that the card will be shown nationwide on Showtime's ShoBox telecast.
According to sources, the bout will not be for Guerrero's interim NABO Middleweight title that Guerrero (16-0, 13 KO's) won in his last outing by 10-round majority decision over Ossie Duran on October 10 in Salisbury, MD. The bout will be a scheduled 10-round affair that will be fought reportedly at 163 pounds.
Nicklow (19-1-2, seven KO's) will be trying to break a two-bout winless streak, losing to George Rivera by eight-round unanimous decision on November 1, 2008 in Fairfax, VA and battling John Mackey to an eight-round majority draw on June 19 in Glen Burnie, MD. This will be Nicklow's first scheduled 10-round contest.
The two boxers know each other well, having boxed each other five times in the amateurs. Guerrero held a 3-2 edge over Nicklow, but all five bouts were reportedly very competitive.
A Personal Note of Thanks!
(Photo by John DeFreitas, The Washington Informer)
Since we are coming upon the Thanksgiving holiday and since I received the biggest honor I have ever received last week, it's only fitting that I take a moment to say thank you to a number of people individually and collectively.
I've had a couple of days to reflect after receiving my induction into the DC Boxing Hall of Fame and I know there were things I wanted to say in my speech but didn't. Also, I do want to repeat some things that I did say.
First, to my fellow members of the Class of 2009: All told inspiring stories, especially those of amateur category winners George W. Cupp and Reynard Knight, who both overcame adversity to forge strong amateur careers. Also, fellow outstanding contributor award winner Jeff Thames, whose dedication to some of the great boxers in this area cannot be matched.
It was an honor to sit at the same table with David "Bigfoot" Johnson, a large man with an even bigger heart. Even now, he could probably give some heavyweights trouble.
To Kevin Rivers Sr. and Jr: Thank you for your work as well. Kevin Jr. is truly one of the young boxers who I feel will carry this sport in this area to new heights and it won't take him long to do that. It's great also to see the unique bond he has with his father.
To Andrew Council and Isra Girgrah Wynn: It's truly an honor to be in the same class with two people who exude such class and who I have spent a lot of time with. Council is one of only two boxers who never won a world title to be on my list of the top 10 Beltway Boxers of the last 25 years (the other was Darryll Tyson). Council is someone I admire greatly.
As far as Isra Wynn is concerned, In the ring, she ranks right up there with the likes of Laila Ali and Christy Martin as a trailblazer in women's boxing. When the International Boxing Hall of Fame starts inducting women, the three of them should go in together. What she has done post-boxing (with her husband Marty) is just as inspiring -- promotion, entrepreneuriship and a star of an American Gladiators-style show that was taped in Lebanon.
And of course, there's the man that I have had the pleasure to share a microphone with for almost 20 years around the Beltway: "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears. One of my favorite things to say in this area is "alongside "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears, I'm Gary "Digital" Williams." The wealth of knowledge that this man has about the sport of boxing and his enthusiasm in sharing makes this business so much fun. I'm glad to say I am sharing this honor with him.
There are so many people I have to thank -- including the promoters, matchmakers, commission members, trainers and of course the boxers themselves. There are those who deserve special notice because without them, I probably wouldn't have had the opportunities to do what I do.
Gilbert Ware -- Mr. Ware was the Deputy Commissioner of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission. Mr. Ware was the first member of a commission to give me an opportunity to start broadcasting cards in the area. Mr. Ware trusted me sight unseen and I will always be grateful.
Cleveland Burgess -- The first matchmaker I worked with. In the days of Boxing Spotlight, he always let his support of the show be known publicly. I truly miss his enthusiasm.
Henry "Discombobulating" Jones -- a true mentor, confidant and friend. Watching him go through and overcome some of the struggles he has faced in being the first regularly working African-American ring announcer has inspired me to keep doing what I've been doing.
"Panama" Mike Payne -- A lot of who I am in the Beltway Boxing community is a result of a vision that was shared with "Panama." When I first started doing this, I was unaware that someone else shared the same vision. When Discombobulating Jones introduced me to Panama, it could have been an adversarial situation since we were working the same territory. Instead, Panama and I became a mutual admiration society and both of us worked hard to give the Beltway Boxing community the press it deserves. Payne's untimely passing left a serious void in that coverage and myself and others have tried to fill that void in his memory.
Finally, thanks to all the Beltway Boxing fans who truly support the boxers and who have supported me in all my endeavors. Your support and well wishes have truly been appreciated.
Beltway Boxers In Travel Mode!
The end of 2009 will see Beltway Boxers travel to a number of venues around the country and around the world.
DC heavyweight Kareem Wilson (0-3) will look for his first pro win on Wednesday, November 25 at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA when he faces the debuting James Shorter of Elkhart, IN.
On Saturday, November 28, former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (36-11-1, 21 KO's) will travel to Samara, Russia to face Fariz Kazimov (10-1-1, three KO's) in a scheduled 10-round contest. This will be Corley's third trip to a former Eastern Bloc country. Corley is 2-0 with two KO's.
On Wednesday, December 2, DC superfeatherweight Ron "Teflon" Boyd looks to break a four-bout losing streak at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. Boyd (6-9, two KO's) will face undefeated Michael Perez of Newark, NJ in a six-round contest that will be on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Enrique Orenlas bout.
On Friday, December 11, undefeated Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal (13-0-2 nine KO's) will take on Guadalupe Diaz of Chicago, IL (5-6-3, one KO) in a co-feature bout at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
Bedford, VA light heavyweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon (7-1, three KO's) travels to the Tri-State Sport Complex in Aston, PA on Saturday, December 19 for a six-round contest against veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY (6-11-2, three KO's).
All of these bouts come IN ADDITION to the bouts already discussed here. To recap:
Thursday, December 3, Manhattan Center, New York City -- Tim Coleman vs. Mike Arnaoutis for the vacant USBA Junior Welterweight title. The bout shown on VERSUS.
Thursday, December 3, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY -- former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman returns to action against an opponent TBA.
Friday, December 4, Essex County College, Newark, NJ -- Joshua Snyder takes on Jerome Ellis in an eight-round contest.
Saturday, December 5, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ -- Tony Thompson battles Chazz Witherspoon in a 10-round encounter.
And the big one: Saturday, December 12 -- Lamont Peterson challenges Timothy Bradley for Bradley's WBO Junior Welterweight title at the Aqua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. The bout will be shown on Showtime.
And of course, we still have three definite cards slated for the Beltway to end the year -- Wednesday, November 25 is the Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. Then, TNT Promotions and the Maryland Boxing Club have their card on Friday, December 11 at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD. The final card of 2009 will be on Saturday, December 19 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. This will be a pro-am card with Baltimore Pro Boxing handling the pro side and Old School Boxing taking care of the amateur part of the card.
There is a card slated for Tuesday, December 15 at the Washington Convention Center but as of now, the card is still up in the air according to sources.
DC heavyweight Kareem Wilson (0-3) will look for his first pro win on Wednesday, November 25 at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, PA when he faces the debuting James Shorter of Elkhart, IN.
On Saturday, November 28, former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley (36-11-1, 21 KO's) will travel to Samara, Russia to face Fariz Kazimov (10-1-1, three KO's) in a scheduled 10-round contest. This will be Corley's third trip to a former Eastern Bloc country. Corley is 2-0 with two KO's.
On Wednesday, December 2, DC superfeatherweight Ron "Teflon" Boyd looks to break a four-bout losing streak at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA. Boyd (6-9, two KO's) will face undefeated Michael Perez of Newark, NJ in a six-round contest that will be on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Enrique Orenlas bout.
On Friday, December 11, undefeated Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal (13-0-2 nine KO's) will take on Guadalupe Diaz of Chicago, IL (5-6-3, one KO) in a co-feature bout at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
Bedford, VA light heavyweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon (7-1, three KO's) travels to the Tri-State Sport Complex in Aston, PA on Saturday, December 19 for a six-round contest against veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY (6-11-2, three KO's).
All of these bouts come IN ADDITION to the bouts already discussed here. To recap:
Thursday, December 3, Manhattan Center, New York City -- Tim Coleman vs. Mike Arnaoutis for the vacant USBA Junior Welterweight title. The bout shown on VERSUS.
Thursday, December 3, Blue Cross Arena, Rochester, NY -- former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Hasim Rahman returns to action against an opponent TBA.
Friday, December 4, Essex County College, Newark, NJ -- Joshua Snyder takes on Jerome Ellis in an eight-round contest.
Saturday, December 5, Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City, NJ -- Tony Thompson battles Chazz Witherspoon in a 10-round encounter.
And the big one: Saturday, December 12 -- Lamont Peterson challenges Timothy Bradley for Bradley's WBO Junior Welterweight title at the Aqua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA. The bout will be shown on Showtime.
And of course, we still have three definite cards slated for the Beltway to end the year -- Wednesday, November 25 is the Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. Then, TNT Promotions and the Maryland Boxing Club have their card on Friday, December 11 at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD. The final card of 2009 will be on Saturday, December 19 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. This will be a pro-am card with Baltimore Pro Boxing handling the pro side and Old School Boxing taking care of the amateur part of the card.
There is a card slated for Tuesday, December 15 at the Washington Convention Center but as of now, the card is still up in the air according to sources.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Meet the Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2009!
(Photo by John DeFreitas, Washington Informer)
Here is the Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fame induction class of 2009 (from left to right):
David "Bigfoot" Johnson (pro category), Gary "Digital" Williams (outstanding contributor), Kevin Rivers, Jr. (winner of James Balukevich award for Outstanding Amateur Boxer for 2009), Reynard Knight (amateur category), Kevin Rivers, Sr. (amateur category), "Raging Beauty" Isra (Girgrah) Wynn (pro category-first female to be inducted in the pro category), "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears (outstanding contributor), Jeff Thames (outstanding contributor) and George W. Cupp (amateur boxer) Unable to attend: Andrew Council (pro category)
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Third Samuel-Bailey Bout Added to Pre-Thanksgiving Card in Baltimore!
The third bout between Baltimore's Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel and Gustavo Dailey of Philadelphia, PA has been added to the Baltimore Pro Boxing Pre-Thanksgiving card on Wednesday, November 25 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.
Both Samuel (13-3, six KO's) and Dailey (4-6, one KO's) hold a victory over the other. Dailey won a six-round split decision on July 17 in Westminster, MD. Samuel evened the score in Westminster on September 25, capturing an eight-round unanimous decision. This contest will be another eight-round contest.
We've also learned that Ferndale, MD heavyweight Nick Kisner will make his pro debut against Catonsville, MD's "Irish" Glenn Williams (6-4-1, five KO's).
As far as Mike Paschall is concerned, while I have not talked to him personally, numerous sources have said he is recuperating well.
Both Samuel (13-3, six KO's) and Dailey (4-6, one KO's) hold a victory over the other. Dailey won a six-round split decision on July 17 in Westminster, MD. Samuel evened the score in Westminster on September 25, capturing an eight-round unanimous decision. This contest will be another eight-round contest.
We've also learned that Ferndale, MD heavyweight Nick Kisner will make his pro debut against Catonsville, MD's "Irish" Glenn Williams (6-4-1, five KO's).
As far as Mike Paschall is concerned, while I have not talked to him personally, numerous sources have said he is recuperating well.
'TNT' Tucker Defends USBO Title Against 'El Gallo' Armenta December 11 in Westminster!
USBO Light Heavyweight champion Mark "TNT" Tucker will make the first defense of his title against George "El Gallo" Armenta on Friday, December 11 at the Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD.
The undefeated Tucker (12-0, seven KO's) of nearby Eldersburg, MD won the USBO title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jim Strohl in front of a packed house at the Shipley Arena on September 25. Tucker is facing the comebacking Armenta of Silver Spring, MD (13-4, 11 KO's) who returned to the ring after an almost five-year absence and scored a fourth-round TKO over William Johnson on August 27 in Hagerstown, MD.
Soon as we get the information, we'll tell you about the rest of the card.
The undefeated Tucker (12-0, seven KO's) of nearby Eldersburg, MD won the USBO title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jim Strohl in front of a packed house at the Shipley Arena on September 25. Tucker is facing the comebacking Armenta of Silver Spring, MD (13-4, 11 KO's) who returned to the ring after an almost five-year absence and scored a fourth-round TKO over William Johnson on August 27 in Hagerstown, MD.
Soon as we get the information, we'll tell you about the rest of the card.
Locally-Produced All-Female Card Heads to The Bahamas!
The success of the recent all-female amateur boxing cards that were held at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD has stretched throughout the boxing world. The promotional group Women In Support Together (W.I.S.T), headed by "The Fightlady" Wanda Bruce, will temporarily move the show out of the area. WAY out of the area.
The next stop in the "Road To London" Boxing series will be at the Towne Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday, November 28.
No word yet on who from this area will be on the card. W.I.S.T. is working with noted boxer and trainer Bonnie Canino in this endeavor.
W.I.S.T. is planning another local show in December but no official word on date and location.
The next stop in the "Road To London" Boxing series will be at the Towne Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas on Saturday, November 28.
No word yet on who from this area will be on the card. W.I.S.T. is working with noted boxer and trainer Bonnie Canino in this endeavor.
W.I.S.T. is planning another local show in December but no official word on date and location.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Join Us to Celebrate DC's Newest Boxing Hall of Famers Friday Night!
Hopefully you can join me on Friday, November 20 for the DC Boxing Hall of Fame Induction Dinner that will take place at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt, MD. Tickets are on sale for $50 and can be purchased by calling the treasurer, Jack Golombe (301-598-3583) or Banquet Director Bobby Magruder (301-843-6165).
Coleman-Arnaoutis USBA Title Bout To Be Shown On Versus!
We recently talked about Baltimore junior welterweight Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman's bout against "Mighty" Mike Arnaoutis for the USBA Junior Welterweight title on Thursday, December 3 at the Manhattan Center in New York City.
Now comes word that the bout will be televised live on the VERSUS Network. "We are pleased that VERSUS has chosen to televise this tremendous card featuring two championship match-ups and a battle between two of boxing most promising up and coming prospects," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and found of Star Boxing, who is co-promoting the card with Larry Flynt's Hustler Club-NYC. The other championship bout on the card is a matchup for the interim WBA Female Super Bantamweight championship between "The Real Million Dollar Baby" Maureen Shea and Jenna "Cowgirl" Shivers.
Now comes word that the bout will be televised live on the VERSUS Network. "We are pleased that VERSUS has chosen to televise this tremendous card featuring two championship match-ups and a battle between two of boxing most promising up and coming prospects," stated Joe DeGuardia, CEO and found of Star Boxing, who is co-promoting the card with Larry Flynt's Hustler Club-NYC. The other championship bout on the card is a matchup for the interim WBA Female Super Bantamweight championship between "The Real Million Dollar Baby" Maureen Shea and Jenna "Cowgirl" Shivers.
Beltway Heavyweights Have Bouts in December!
Two Beltway heavyweights have bouts in early December just two days apart. On Thursday, December 3, former Undisputed Heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman will headline a card at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, NY. Rahman (45-7-2, 36 KO's) will fight for the first time since his seventh-round TKO loss to Wladimir Klitschko on December 13, 2008. Rahman is still looking for an opponent. DC Boxing Hall of Famer Discombulating Jones (a native of Rochester) will serve as ring announcer for this event.
Then on Saturday, December 5, former world title contender Tony "The Tiger" Thompson will be involved in a crossroads bout and will be the toughest and most experienced foe to date for "Gentleman" Chazz Witherspoon of Philadelphia at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Thompson (32-2, 20 KO's) is coming off a fifth-round TKO over Adnan Serin on March 21 in Stuttgart, Germany in the bout after losing a title bout to Wladimir Klitschko in July of 2008 by 11th round TKO. Witherspoon (26-1, 18 KO's) scored a second-round KO over Willie Perryman in Tunica, MS on August 29. Witherspoon made his pro debut in DC when he knocked out James Daniels in the first round in December of 2004. In January of 2005, Witherspoon stopped Yul Witherspoon (no relation) in the second round at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Then on Saturday, December 5, former world title contender Tony "The Tiger" Thompson will be involved in a crossroads bout and will be the toughest and most experienced foe to date for "Gentleman" Chazz Witherspoon of Philadelphia at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Thompson (32-2, 20 KO's) is coming off a fifth-round TKO over Adnan Serin on March 21 in Stuttgart, Germany in the bout after losing a title bout to Wladimir Klitschko in July of 2008 by 11th round TKO. Witherspoon (26-1, 18 KO's) scored a second-round KO over Willie Perryman in Tunica, MS on August 29. Witherspoon made his pro debut in DC when he knocked out James Daniels in the first round in December of 2004. In January of 2005, Witherspoon stopped Yul Witherspoon (no relation) in the second round at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Results From Amateur Fall Brawl in Alexandria!
Here are the results from the Alexandria Boxing Club's "Fall Brawl" that took place Saturday night at the Charles Houston Recreation Center in Alexandria, VA.
60 lbs: Donovan Eason (Alexandria Boxing Club) over Salvador Escamilla (Landon Rec) This bout won the award for J.O. fight of the night.
60 lbs. Kali Edwards (Kenilworth) over Chris Towns (9th Dimension)
75 lbs. Jabar Henson (Headbangers) over Gregory Burton (Langdon Rec)
90 lbs. Ray Drayton (Pound 4 Pound) over Troy Isley (Alexandria Boxing Club)
90 lbs. Zimmie Dickinson (Beech Rd Boxing) over Keeqan Grove (Hagerstown)
106 lbs. Avery Anderson (Bald Eagle) over Vincent Reynolds (Old School)
106 lbs. Carlton Gray (Dream Team) over Jalonte Cole (No Excuse Boxing)
70 lbs. Jessi Montana (Round One) over Cornell Gray (Keely's Boxing Gym)
119 lbs. Lamont Roach (No Excuse) over Kevin Ford (9th Dimension)
125 lbs. Nick Swartling (Fredericksburg) over Korey Proctor (Alexandria Boxing Club)
141 lbs. Daniel Flores (Alexandria Boxing Club) over Matthew Bowling (Virginia)
152 lbs. Kareem Martin (Headbangers) over Lydell Sumler (9th Dimension). Martin wins. This bout also won fight of the night.
Heavyweight Andre Ward (Young Titans) over Christian Bryant (Alexandria Boxing Club)
165 lbs. Mike Reed (Dream Team) over Aleem Mosher (9th Dimension)
Thanks to Dara Shen of Alexandria Boxing Club for the results.
60 lbs: Donovan Eason (Alexandria Boxing Club) over Salvador Escamilla (Landon Rec) This bout won the award for J.O. fight of the night.
60 lbs. Kali Edwards (Kenilworth) over Chris Towns (9th Dimension)
75 lbs. Jabar Henson (Headbangers) over Gregory Burton (Langdon Rec)
90 lbs. Ray Drayton (Pound 4 Pound) over Troy Isley (Alexandria Boxing Club)
90 lbs. Zimmie Dickinson (Beech Rd Boxing) over Keeqan Grove (Hagerstown)
106 lbs. Avery Anderson (Bald Eagle) over Vincent Reynolds (Old School)
106 lbs. Carlton Gray (Dream Team) over Jalonte Cole (No Excuse Boxing)
70 lbs. Jessi Montana (Round One) over Cornell Gray (Keely's Boxing Gym)
119 lbs. Lamont Roach (No Excuse) over Kevin Ford (9th Dimension)
125 lbs. Nick Swartling (Fredericksburg) over Korey Proctor (Alexandria Boxing Club)
141 lbs. Daniel Flores (Alexandria Boxing Club) over Matthew Bowling (Virginia)
152 lbs. Kareem Martin (Headbangers) over Lydell Sumler (9th Dimension). Martin wins. This bout also won fight of the night.
Heavyweight Andre Ward (Young Titans) over Christian Bryant (Alexandria Boxing Club)
165 lbs. Mike Reed (Dream Team) over Aleem Mosher (9th Dimension)
Thanks to Dara Shen of Alexandria Boxing Club for the results.
Friday, November 13, 2009
The Mike Paschall Situation!
Many of you may have seen a comment on the previous post regarding Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall. I can indeed confirm that Paschall was injured in the act of performing a good deed for someone else. I can't and won't say more than that, primarily because I don't really know more than that.
I do plan to talk to Paschall sometime this weekend and, if he feels up to it, I'll ask him to comment and tell what happened in his own words.
I do plan to talk to Paschall sometime this weekend and, if he feels up to it, I'll ask him to comment and tell what happened in his own words.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Lamont Peterson Talks About Title Tilt!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #189 - Lamont Peterson Talks About Title Tilt!
Undefeated and WBC Interim Junior Welterweight champ Lamont Peterson talks about his December 12 championship contest against Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley in Rancho Mirage, CA and how important winning the title would be.
Undefeated and WBC Interim Junior Welterweight champ Lamont Peterson talks about his December 12 championship contest against Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley in Rancho Mirage, CA and how important winning the title would be.
Lineup Announced for Pre-Thanksgiving Card in Baltimore!
Information on the Baltimore Pro Boxing Pre-Thanksgiving card Wednesday, November 25 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore is coming in. Last year's card brought a packed house to see the card.
On this year's card, Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall returns to action for a six-round encounter with 2000 United States Olympian Dante Craig of Cincinnati, OH.
Paschall (19-2-1, four KO's) is coming off his 10-round unanimous decision loss to Jesse Brinkley on July 10 in Reno, NV. Craig (18-9-1, 13 KO's) will try to bounce back from a first-round knockout loss to Durrell Richardson on October 17 in Niles, OH.
The co-feature is a four-round heavyweight matchup between Baltimore-area boxers "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich and Kevin Johnson. Dietrich (11-1, five KO's) won a four-round unanimous decision over Octavius Davis on the last Du Burns show on October 16. Johnson (3-1, two KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Robert McConnell on April 30 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
Undefeated Catonsville, MD cruiserweight Steve "Show Stealer" Wheeler will make his first venture into the six-round ranks as he faces "The African Warrior" Francois Ambang of Mechanicsville, VA. Wheeler (4-0, three KO's) won by first-round knockout over Maurice Amaro on the October 16 Du Burns card. Ambang (2-4-1) is coming off a four-round draw against Ariel Espinal on October 10 in Salisbury, MD.
There are a number of young heavyweights on this card. Undefeated DC prospect Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm (4-0, three KO's) will make his fourth straight trip to Du Burns against an opponent to be announced. DC rookie Abodurin "Bo" Akinyanju (1-0, one KO) will take on "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA (6-19, five KO's) in a four-round encounter.
This card will also allow the pro debut of Ferndale, MD heavyweight Nick Kisner to take place in front of his hometown fans. Kisner, however, is still looking for an opponent.
In another six-round bout, undefeated Czech Republic cruiser Daniel Kooij (4-0, one KO) will battle Chesapeake, VA veteran William "The Storm" Bailey (10-17-2, five KO's). Kooji is now based out of Baltimore.
There will also be a canned food drive. Fans will be asked to bring a canned food item that will be donated to Dundalk Baptist Church.
On this year's card, Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall returns to action for a six-round encounter with 2000 United States Olympian Dante Craig of Cincinnati, OH.
Paschall (19-2-1, four KO's) is coming off his 10-round unanimous decision loss to Jesse Brinkley on July 10 in Reno, NV. Craig (18-9-1, 13 KO's) will try to bounce back from a first-round knockout loss to Durrell Richardson on October 17 in Niles, OH.
The co-feature is a four-round heavyweight matchup between Baltimore-area boxers "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich and Kevin Johnson. Dietrich (11-1, five KO's) won a four-round unanimous decision over Octavius Davis on the last Du Burns show on October 16. Johnson (3-1, two KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Robert McConnell on April 30 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
Undefeated Catonsville, MD cruiserweight Steve "Show Stealer" Wheeler will make his first venture into the six-round ranks as he faces "The African Warrior" Francois Ambang of Mechanicsville, VA. Wheeler (4-0, three KO's) won by first-round knockout over Maurice Amaro on the October 16 Du Burns card. Ambang (2-4-1) is coming off a four-round draw against Ariel Espinal on October 10 in Salisbury, MD.
There are a number of young heavyweights on this card. Undefeated DC prospect Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm (4-0, three KO's) will make his fourth straight trip to Du Burns against an opponent to be announced. DC rookie Abodurin "Bo" Akinyanju (1-0, one KO) will take on "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA (6-19, five KO's) in a four-round encounter.
This card will also allow the pro debut of Ferndale, MD heavyweight Nick Kisner to take place in front of his hometown fans. Kisner, however, is still looking for an opponent.
In another six-round bout, undefeated Czech Republic cruiser Daniel Kooij (4-0, one KO) will battle Chesapeake, VA veteran William "The Storm" Bailey (10-17-2, five KO's). Kooji is now based out of Baltimore.
There will also be a canned food drive. Fans will be asked to bring a canned food item that will be donated to Dundalk Baptist Church.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lamont Peterson Video Footage!
The magazine Round 1, edited by Lamar Clark, has put together a really nice video package on Lamont Peterson, as he prepares for his December 12 title challenge against Timothy Bradley in Rancho Mirage, CA.
This footage was shot in September and also has interviews with Anthony Peterson, trainers Barry Hunter and 2009 DC Boxing Hall of Famer Andrew Council as well as Ty Barnett.
You can also visit Lamar Clark's website at www.round1mag.com.
This footage was shot in September and also has interviews with Anthony Peterson, trainers Barry Hunter and 2009 DC Boxing Hall of Famer Andrew Council as well as Ty Barnett.
You can also visit Lamar Clark's website at www.round1mag.com.
Snyder Scheduled to Co-Feature in Newark December 4!
Berlin, MD junior middleweight "The Berlin Bomber" Joshua Snyder is slated to return to action on Friday, December 4 with an eight-round so-feature bout at Essex Community College in Newark, NJ.
Snyder (8-4-1, three KO's) will take on Jerome Ellis of Coconut Creek, FL (12-9-2, 10 KO's) in an eight-round contest. Snyder has not fought since losing an eight-round unanimous decision to Walid Smichet on March 7 in Montreal, CA. Ellis is coming off an eight-round split decision victory over Jamaal Davis on May 1 in Philadelphia, PA.
Ellis does have a scheduled bout against Shawn Porter on November 21 in Tunica, MS so now word on whether this bout against Snyder will actually take place.
Snyder (8-4-1, three KO's) will take on Jerome Ellis of Coconut Creek, FL (12-9-2, 10 KO's) in an eight-round contest. Snyder has not fought since losing an eight-round unanimous decision to Walid Smichet on March 7 in Montreal, CA. Ellis is coming off an eight-round split decision victory over Jamaal Davis on May 1 in Philadelphia, PA.
Ellis does have a scheduled bout against Shawn Porter on November 21 in Tunica, MS so now word on whether this bout against Snyder will actually take place.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Beltway Boxers Featured in The Ring; Examiner Profiles Unsolved Drayton Case!
The current issue of "The Bible of Boxing" Ring Magazine (December 2009) gives publicity to Beltway Boxers in three of its columns.
The "Showdown" column examines the Saturday, December 12 WBO Junior Welterweight championship bout between titleholder Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley and challenger Lamont Peterson. This is a nice honest account even if I don't agree with the magazine's prediction. I have a call into Peterson and hope to talk to him later this week.
In the "Hitting On The Break" column, Jim Bagg gives his "Stingray" award to former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley for his August 15 TKO over James Kimori in Kazakhstan. Corley (36-11-1,21 KO's) returns to Russia on November 28 for a 10-round contest against Fariz Kazimov (10-1-1, three KO's).
And Anthony Peterson remains the only Beltway Boxer in The Ring Ratings and he has moved up to number 6 in the lightweight rankings.
The Washington Examiner takes a look back at a tragic unsolved murder that still affects the Beltway Boxing community. The body of 17-year-old DC boxer Devaun Drayton was found behind Phelps Career Senior High School in March of 2004. Drayton was a promising amateur boxer and a son of trainer Gary Russell, Sr. Drayton was heading to Florida but he was found dead the day before he was scheduled to leave. The Examiner's Freeman Klopott looks back at this cold case.
If you have any information that can help solve this case, please contact DC Police at 202-727-9099.
Here's the link to this story:
"http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/crime/Teen-boxer_s-life-cut-short-8503899-69524892.html">
The "Showdown" column examines the Saturday, December 12 WBO Junior Welterweight championship bout between titleholder Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley and challenger Lamont Peterson. This is a nice honest account even if I don't agree with the magazine's prediction. I have a call into Peterson and hope to talk to him later this week.
In the "Hitting On The Break" column, Jim Bagg gives his "Stingray" award to former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley for his August 15 TKO over James Kimori in Kazakhstan. Corley (36-11-1,21 KO's) returns to Russia on November 28 for a 10-round contest against Fariz Kazimov (10-1-1, three KO's).
And Anthony Peterson remains the only Beltway Boxer in The Ring Ratings and he has moved up to number 6 in the lightweight rankings.
The Washington Examiner takes a look back at a tragic unsolved murder that still affects the Beltway Boxing community. The body of 17-year-old DC boxer Devaun Drayton was found behind Phelps Career Senior High School in March of 2004. Drayton was a promising amateur boxer and a son of trainer Gary Russell, Sr. Drayton was heading to Florida but he was found dead the day before he was scheduled to leave. The Examiner's Freeman Klopott looks back at this cold case.
If you have any information that can help solve this case, please contact DC Police at 202-727-9099.
Here's the link to this story:
"http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/crime/Teen-boxer_s-life-cut-short-8503899-69524892.html">
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Wade Faces Experienced Foe in Tunica November 21!
Undefeated Largo, MD middleweight Dominic Wade will face his most experienced opponent to date when he travels back to Fitzgerald's Hotel and Casino in Tunica, MS on Saturday, November 21.
Wade (4-0, four KO's) will battle veteran Bradley Thompson (15-17-1, 10 KO's) of Brookwood, AL in a four-round contest. Wade is coming off of a first-round knockout over Tyrone Dowdy on August 29 in Tunica. Wade has not had a bout go past the second round in his young career.
Thompson is winless in his last 10 bouts (0-8-1, one NC) and last fought on October 3 in Bay Saint Louis, MS where he lost a four-round unanimous decision to Gundrick King.
Wade (4-0, four KO's) will battle veteran Bradley Thompson (15-17-1, 10 KO's) of Brookwood, AL in a four-round contest. Wade is coming off of a first-round knockout over Tyrone Dowdy on August 29 in Tunica. Wade has not had a bout go past the second round in his young career.
Thompson is winless in his last 10 bouts (0-8-1, one NC) and last fought on October 3 in Bay Saint Louis, MS where he lost a four-round unanimous decision to Gundrick King.
Quick Note...
The scheduled bout for Thomas Snow on Saturday in Tacoma, WA was cancelled. No reason was given on the cancellation.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Amateur Boxing 'Fall Brawl' Comes to Alexandria November 14!
The Alexandria Boxing Club is having an amateur boxing card called the "Fall Brawl" on Saturday, November 14 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street in Alexandria, VA. The card begins at 3 PM.
There will be 15 amateur bouts on the card that will stretch through novice and open levels. Tickets are $10 presale and $12 at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit Fight For Children, a non-profit that has supported the Alexandria Boxing Club in the past through Fight Night.
The main organizers for the event are Kay Koroma and amateur boxer Dara Shen.
There will be 15 amateur bouts on the card that will stretch through novice and open levels. Tickets are $10 presale and $12 at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit Fight For Children, a non-profit that has supported the Alexandria Boxing Club in the past through Fight Night.
The main organizers for the event are Kay Koroma and amateur boxer Dara Shen.
Unique Perspective on 'Fight Night!'
I thought I would share this with you. There were a number of non-boxing reporters at the Fight Night charity boxing card this past Thursday and one of them posted a nice video package that gives a really nice non-boxing perspective on the event and gives a nice taste of what the event is like.
This is from Kiki Ryan of Politico.com. Ms. Ryan and I talked briefly and it was her first time being there and she was very excited about it and it shows in this video and her written account. Both can be found here:
"http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0911/brawlers_bourbon_and_a_benefit.html">
This is from Kiki Ryan of Politico.com. Ms. Ryan and I talked briefly and it was her first time being there and she was very excited about it and it shows in this video and her written account. Both can be found here:
"http://www.politico.com/click/stories/0911/brawlers_bourbon_and_a_benefit.html">
Friday, November 06, 2009
Taylor, Kennedy, Manfredo Win in Cockesyville!
Beltway Boxers maintained their winning ways at the Jonathan Odgen Foundation benefit boxing card last night at Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, MD.
Baltimore welterweight prospect Emmanuel "Transformer" Taylor remained undefeated with a second-round TKO of Josh Beeman of Providence, RI. According to JR Jowett of Boxing Digest, Taylor picked up the pace in the second round, landing a chopping right behind Beeman's ear. Taylor then spun Beeman who crashes to the canvas. Referee Kenny Chevalier ruled no knockdown and Beeman survived the round but during the rest period, Beeman said he hurt his left shoulder and could not continue.
Taylor is now 4-0, four KO's while Beeman is 4-5-3, two KO's.
Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy won his seventh straight bout with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY. According to Jowett, Kennedy was more active and threw a lot of looping punches that were effective. Judges Dave Greer and Don Risher scored the bout 59-55 while judge Chevalier saw the bout 58-56.
Kennedy is now 7-1, three KO's while Espinal is now 6-11-3, two KO's.
In the main event, "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo Jr. scored a first-round TKO over Ron Weaver of New Orleans, LA. Manfredo started his assault at the opening bell, nailing clean punches on Weaver. Late in the first, Manfredo landed two solid left hooks, the second dropping Weaver. Weaver survives the round but could not come out for the second.
Manfredo is now 33-6, 18 KOs while Weaver falls to 29-19-2, 22 KO's.
Other bouts on the card: junior middleweight Joseph Elegele of Winterhaven, FL won a four-round unanimous decision over Cincinnati, OH's Keith Redding. Elegele pitched a shutout (40-36) on all three judges's cards in this battle of debuting boxers.
Jamaican-born, St. Petersburg, FL-based heavyweight Lenroy "TNT" Thomas won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Andrew Greeley of Monroe, LA. Thomas also wins by shutout (60-54) and lifts his record to 14-1, eight KO's. Greeley is now 14-30-2, eight KO's.
The card was promoted by TKO Promotions. The matchmaker was Chris Middendorf. Thanks once again to JR Jowett for providing descriptions on this card.
Baltimore welterweight prospect Emmanuel "Transformer" Taylor remained undefeated with a second-round TKO of Josh Beeman of Providence, RI. According to JR Jowett of Boxing Digest, Taylor picked up the pace in the second round, landing a chopping right behind Beeman's ear. Taylor then spun Beeman who crashes to the canvas. Referee Kenny Chevalier ruled no knockdown and Beeman survived the round but during the rest period, Beeman said he hurt his left shoulder and could not continue.
Taylor is now 4-0, four KO's while Beeman is 4-5-3, two KO's.
Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Julius Kennedy won his seventh straight bout with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY. According to Jowett, Kennedy was more active and threw a lot of looping punches that were effective. Judges Dave Greer and Don Risher scored the bout 59-55 while judge Chevalier saw the bout 58-56.
Kennedy is now 7-1, three KO's while Espinal is now 6-11-3, two KO's.
In the main event, "The Pride of Providence" Peter Manfredo Jr. scored a first-round TKO over Ron Weaver of New Orleans, LA. Manfredo started his assault at the opening bell, nailing clean punches on Weaver. Late in the first, Manfredo landed two solid left hooks, the second dropping Weaver. Weaver survives the round but could not come out for the second.
Manfredo is now 33-6, 18 KOs while Weaver falls to 29-19-2, 22 KO's.
Other bouts on the card: junior middleweight Joseph Elegele of Winterhaven, FL won a four-round unanimous decision over Cincinnati, OH's Keith Redding. Elegele pitched a shutout (40-36) on all three judges's cards in this battle of debuting boxers.
Jamaican-born, St. Petersburg, FL-based heavyweight Lenroy "TNT" Thomas won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Andrew Greeley of Monroe, LA. Thomas also wins by shutout (60-54) and lifts his record to 14-1, eight KO's. Greeley is now 14-30-2, eight KO's.
The card was promoted by TKO Promotions. The matchmaker was Chris Middendorf. Thanks once again to JR Jowett for providing descriptions on this card.
White Battles Kimbrough To Draw At Fight Night!
Smithsburg, MD lightweight Dean "Pit Bull" White battled Verquan "The Show" Kimbrough of Pittsburgh, PA to an eight-round draw tonight in the main event of the Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton in DC.
White did a nice job of counterpunching throughout the contest, seemingly beating Kimbrough to the punch. Kimbrough suffered a cut that was directly between his right eye and the bridge of his nose. White stepped up the pace in the last three rounds but it apparently was not enough to sway the judges completely. Judge Tammye Jenkins saw the bout 77-75 for White while Judge David Jordan scored the contest 77-75 for Kimbrough. Judge Paul Wallace saw the draw at 76-76. The BATB/Fightnews.com card scored the bout for White, 78-74.
White is now 15-10-2, seven KO's while Kimbrough is 21-2-3, seven KO's. The bout was for the honorary Fight For Children title and was a rematch of a six-round bout that Kimbrough won by majority decision in 2007.
The first contest on the three-bout card also ended in a draw as DC cruiserweight Venroy July battled four rounds with Fred McClinton of Winston-Salem, NC. This was a very close contest with both men trading good shots throughout. McClinton dropped July with about two seconds to go in the first round but July bounced back well and managed the draw. Judge Wallace saw the bout for July at 38-37 while judge Jenkins scored it for McClinton 39-37. Judge Jordan scored the draw at 38-38.
July remains undefeated at 2-0-1, one KO while McClinton evens his record at 1-1-1, one KO.
In the closing bout, Palmer Park, MD super middleweight Robert "Rated X" Reed made short work of the debuting "Double J" Jason Johns of Danville, VA, landing a right hand midway through the first round to drop Johns. Johns made it back to his feet but referee Joe Cooper stopped the contest at 1:45 of the first. Reed is now 2-0 with two first-round knockouts.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: First, about the boxing card. There have been times when I've seen Dean White look very good, times when I've seen him look okay and times when he has looked awful. Tonight was truly one of the good times for the "Pit Bull" and it should have resulted in a win. White counterpunched very well and kept Kimbrough off balance. Also, White showed very good defense. However as many have pointed out recently, it is very hard to get points for defense in today's boxing world and White didn't get nearly enough credit for his defense tonight. What makes this an even more bitter pill to swallow is that this is the second straight hard luck decision White has received against Kimbrough. I thought White won the first bout in 2007 and I'm even more convinced he won tonight.
Once Robert Reed learns the nuances of boxing, he will be extremely tough to deal with. Right now, he's relying on power shots and it's working. But when he starts showing how to box, he will be one to watch.
Hopefully, one of the local promoters who attended tonight's card will put a rematch between Venroy July and Fred McClinton. That was a good even matchup where both guys fought very well.
Kudos to Eric Bottjer and Ollie Dunlap for keeping a commitment to having local boxers on this card. A card, by the way that a lot of the movers and shakers who attended actually paid attention to and were enthusiastic about. That doesn't always happen at this event.
Now about the event. First, BATB joins the growing number of groups that congratulate Joseph E. Robert, Jr., who founded Fight Night back in 1990. Fight Night is the one boxing event that all boxing fans should try to get to at least once. I know it is not an event for the regular boxing fan, but it is a fun night.
Fight Night has also raised millions of dollars for many children's charities and I have witnessed first hand how those donations have worked. In my regular duties as a 12th grade english teacher, I work with a representative from the DC College Access Program, a group that finds ways to give students better and easier access to college. Without those added funds, there would be a number of students who would have a much tougher time getting into college.
Tonight, Robert heard a number of congratulatory messages via video from many influential friends in politics, media and entertainment including former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace, Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Lionel Richie, Washington Post Chairman and CEO Donald Graham and the rock group Kiss.
Of course, one of the huge highlights of Fight Night was the Parade of Boxing Legends. Sugar Ray Leonard received a great hometown ovation as he joined Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini, Jake La Motta, Joe Frazier, Gerry Cooney, James "Buster" Douglas, Ernie Terrell, Earnie Shavers, current legend Roy Jones, Jr. and Ken Norton, who was this year's inductee into Fight Night's Hall of Fame. It's interesting (and makes me feel old) to see how this part of the event has evolved. The first time I attended this event was in 1996, 13 years ago. The legends then were a lot of the boxers my Dad used to talk about -- Kid Gavilan, Gene Fullmer, Sandy Saddler, Carmen Basilio, Floyd Patterson, Ingemar Johannsen and others. The only one I had actually watch box in person then was Muhammad Ali, who came to Fight Night in that year. Now, most of the legends (in fact all, except La Motta) are boxers I saw fight regularly either on TV or in person.
During the live auction, an American flag that flew over Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan garned a winning bid of $62,500. This year's entertainment had a local flavor as rocker Joan Jett (who went to high school in Wheaton, MD) and the Blackhearts performed their three big hits "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock N'Roll" and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Also, the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders made their annual appearance performing routines that you will NEVER see at FedEx Field. Also, Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin gave a very moving rendition of the National Anthem.
One other note: The DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission did something last night that they have never done before. They bought a table for the event. This may not seem like much, but this was a dream of the late commission chair, Arnold McKnight. Alfred Grant, the deputy commissioner, was the one who spearheaded the event and it did show unity among commission members. Special note should also be given to referee Joe "Thunder" Cooper who was the third man for all three bouts last night while wearing a nice looking tuxedo shirt to go with his bow tie.
By the way, we do have new members of the commission. The chair is Bryan "Scottie" Irving. The commissioners are Viraj Gandhi and Jeffrey Horowitz.
White did a nice job of counterpunching throughout the contest, seemingly beating Kimbrough to the punch. Kimbrough suffered a cut that was directly between his right eye and the bridge of his nose. White stepped up the pace in the last three rounds but it apparently was not enough to sway the judges completely. Judge Tammye Jenkins saw the bout 77-75 for White while Judge David Jordan scored the contest 77-75 for Kimbrough. Judge Paul Wallace saw the draw at 76-76. The BATB/Fightnews.com card scored the bout for White, 78-74.
White is now 15-10-2, seven KO's while Kimbrough is 21-2-3, seven KO's. The bout was for the honorary Fight For Children title and was a rematch of a six-round bout that Kimbrough won by majority decision in 2007.
The first contest on the three-bout card also ended in a draw as DC cruiserweight Venroy July battled four rounds with Fred McClinton of Winston-Salem, NC. This was a very close contest with both men trading good shots throughout. McClinton dropped July with about two seconds to go in the first round but July bounced back well and managed the draw. Judge Wallace saw the bout for July at 38-37 while judge Jenkins scored it for McClinton 39-37. Judge Jordan scored the draw at 38-38.
July remains undefeated at 2-0-1, one KO while McClinton evens his record at 1-1-1, one KO.
In the closing bout, Palmer Park, MD super middleweight Robert "Rated X" Reed made short work of the debuting "Double J" Jason Johns of Danville, VA, landing a right hand midway through the first round to drop Johns. Johns made it back to his feet but referee Joe Cooper stopped the contest at 1:45 of the first. Reed is now 2-0 with two first-round knockouts.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: First, about the boxing card. There have been times when I've seen Dean White look very good, times when I've seen him look okay and times when he has looked awful. Tonight was truly one of the good times for the "Pit Bull" and it should have resulted in a win. White counterpunched very well and kept Kimbrough off balance. Also, White showed very good defense. However as many have pointed out recently, it is very hard to get points for defense in today's boxing world and White didn't get nearly enough credit for his defense tonight. What makes this an even more bitter pill to swallow is that this is the second straight hard luck decision White has received against Kimbrough. I thought White won the first bout in 2007 and I'm even more convinced he won tonight.
Once Robert Reed learns the nuances of boxing, he will be extremely tough to deal with. Right now, he's relying on power shots and it's working. But when he starts showing how to box, he will be one to watch.
Hopefully, one of the local promoters who attended tonight's card will put a rematch between Venroy July and Fred McClinton. That was a good even matchup where both guys fought very well.
Kudos to Eric Bottjer and Ollie Dunlap for keeping a commitment to having local boxers on this card. A card, by the way that a lot of the movers and shakers who attended actually paid attention to and were enthusiastic about. That doesn't always happen at this event.
Now about the event. First, BATB joins the growing number of groups that congratulate Joseph E. Robert, Jr., who founded Fight Night back in 1990. Fight Night is the one boxing event that all boxing fans should try to get to at least once. I know it is not an event for the regular boxing fan, but it is a fun night.
Fight Night has also raised millions of dollars for many children's charities and I have witnessed first hand how those donations have worked. In my regular duties as a 12th grade english teacher, I work with a representative from the DC College Access Program, a group that finds ways to give students better and easier access to college. Without those added funds, there would be a number of students who would have a much tougher time getting into college.
Tonight, Robert heard a number of congratulatory messages via video from many influential friends in politics, media and entertainment including former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Peter Pace, Quincy Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Lionel Richie, Washington Post Chairman and CEO Donald Graham and the rock group Kiss.
Of course, one of the huge highlights of Fight Night was the Parade of Boxing Legends. Sugar Ray Leonard received a great hometown ovation as he joined Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini, Jake La Motta, Joe Frazier, Gerry Cooney, James "Buster" Douglas, Ernie Terrell, Earnie Shavers, current legend Roy Jones, Jr. and Ken Norton, who was this year's inductee into Fight Night's Hall of Fame. It's interesting (and makes me feel old) to see how this part of the event has evolved. The first time I attended this event was in 1996, 13 years ago. The legends then were a lot of the boxers my Dad used to talk about -- Kid Gavilan, Gene Fullmer, Sandy Saddler, Carmen Basilio, Floyd Patterson, Ingemar Johannsen and others. The only one I had actually watch box in person then was Muhammad Ali, who came to Fight Night in that year. Now, most of the legends (in fact all, except La Motta) are boxers I saw fight regularly either on TV or in person.
During the live auction, an American flag that flew over Camp Leatherneck in Afghanistan garned a winning bid of $62,500. This year's entertainment had a local flavor as rocker Joan Jett (who went to high school in Wheaton, MD) and the Blackhearts performed their three big hits "Bad Reputation," "I Love Rock N'Roll" and "I Hate Myself for Loving You." Also, the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders made their annual appearance performing routines that you will NEVER see at FedEx Field. Also, Grammy Award-winning singer Patti Austin gave a very moving rendition of the National Anthem.
One other note: The DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission did something last night that they have never done before. They bought a table for the event. This may not seem like much, but this was a dream of the late commission chair, Arnold McKnight. Alfred Grant, the deputy commissioner, was the one who spearheaded the event and it did show unity among commission members. Special note should also be given to referee Joe "Thunder" Cooper who was the third man for all three bouts last night while wearing a nice looking tuxedo shirt to go with his bow tie.
By the way, we do have new members of the commission. The chair is Bryan "Scottie" Irving. The commissioners are Viraj Gandhi and Jeffrey Horowitz.
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Weights From Fight Night!
Here is the scale watch for tomorrow's Fight Night card at the Hilton Washington Hotel in Washington, DC (note the new opponents in two of the bouts):
Dean White 134 vs. Verquan Kimbrough 137
Robert Reed 166 vs. Jason Johns (pro debut, Danville, VA) 164
Vinroy July 196 vs. Fred McClinton (1-1, one KO, Winston-Salem, NC) 198
Dean White 134 vs. Verquan Kimbrough 137
Robert Reed 166 vs. Jason Johns (pro debut, Danville, VA) 164
Vinroy July 196 vs. Fred McClinton (1-1, one KO, Winston-Salem, NC) 198
Monday, November 02, 2009
'KO' Snow Travels to Tacoma Saturday!
Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow travels to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma, WA for a six-round bout against Vyacheslav Gusev of Prokopyesk, Russia on Saturday, November 7.
Snow (11-1, eight KO's) is coming off a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Willshaun Boxley on June 5 in Hinckley, MN. Gusev (16-2, three KO's) will be trying to bounce back from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Juan Carlos Burgos for the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation Featherweight title on June 12 in Ontario, CA. This will be Gusev's second straight bout in the United States, after fighting the majority of his bouts in and around Russia.
Snow (11-1, eight KO's) is coming off a six-round majority decision over previously undefeated Willshaun Boxley on June 5 in Hinckley, MN. Gusev (16-2, three KO's) will be trying to bounce back from a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Juan Carlos Burgos for the WBC Caribbean Boxing Federation Featherweight title on June 12 in Ontario, CA. This will be Gusev's second straight bout in the United States, after fighting the majority of his bouts in and around Russia.
White-Kimbrough Rematch Highlights Fight Night Card Thursday in DC!
An interesting lightweight rematch will be the main event of the Fight Night charity boxing card on Thursday, November 5 at the Hilton Washington Hotel in DC.
In the eight-round "Fight For Children" title bout, Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White will take on Verquan "The Show" Kimbrough of Pittsburgh, PA. The two met on February 22, 2007 in front of a nationally televised (VERSUS) audience. White lost the first contest by a hotly disputed six-round majority decision.
For White (15-10-1, seven KO's), the loss started a tough stretch as he lost five straight bouts before winning an eight-round majority decision over Ryan Belasco on July 24 in Dover, DE for the WBF US Junior Welterweight title. Kimbrough (21-2-2, seven KO's) has won three regional titles (NABA, USBA and IBC) and lost a chance for a fourth when he was stopped by Jason Litzau in the third round on August 15 in Biloxi, MS for the NABF Lightweight title.
Also slated for action on this three-bout card will be Takoma Park, MD rookie middleweight Robert "Rated X" Reed (1-0, one KO) who will face Gabriel Pham of Atlantic City, NJ (1-0, one KO). Both men are coming off first-round knockouts in their pro debuts.
In a cruiserweight contest, Jamaican-born, DC-based cruiserweight Vinroy July (2-0, one KO) will take on veteran Kevin Hood of Lancaster, PA (5-11-1). After fighting twice in the Carolinas (including a first-round stoppage of Scott Hosaflook on August 29 in Winston-Salem, NC), July makes his DC debut on this card. Hood's last bout was in DC on December 20 when he was stopped by Horace Grant in the third round.
In the eight-round "Fight For Children" title bout, Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White will take on Verquan "The Show" Kimbrough of Pittsburgh, PA. The two met on February 22, 2007 in front of a nationally televised (VERSUS) audience. White lost the first contest by a hotly disputed six-round majority decision.
For White (15-10-1, seven KO's), the loss started a tough stretch as he lost five straight bouts before winning an eight-round majority decision over Ryan Belasco on July 24 in Dover, DE for the WBF US Junior Welterweight title. Kimbrough (21-2-2, seven KO's) has won three regional titles (NABA, USBA and IBC) and lost a chance for a fourth when he was stopped by Jason Litzau in the third round on August 15 in Biloxi, MS for the NABF Lightweight title.
Also slated for action on this three-bout card will be Takoma Park, MD rookie middleweight Robert "Rated X" Reed (1-0, one KO) who will face Gabriel Pham of Atlantic City, NJ (1-0, one KO). Both men are coming off first-round knockouts in their pro debuts.
In a cruiserweight contest, Jamaican-born, DC-based cruiserweight Vinroy July (2-0, one KO) will take on veteran Kevin Hood of Lancaster, PA (5-11-1). After fighting twice in the Carolinas (including a first-round stoppage of Scott Hosaflook on August 29 in Winston-Salem, NC), July makes his DC debut on this card. Hood's last bout was in DC on December 20 when he was stopped by Horace Grant in the third round.
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