Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Rookie of the Year!

This was one of the toughest votes BATB has had to make in recent memory. This is a testament to what was an outstanding rookie class. And while the Digital's Choice winner did not make a lot of appearances in the Beltway region, his impact has already been felt throughout the sport.

Digital’s Choice for Rookie of the Year is:

Dominic Wade, middleweight, Largo, MD (5-0, five KO’s)

The former amateur standout exploded on the pro scene with a vicious 28-second knockout in his pro debut on March 14 in Tunica, MS. Wade scored two knockouts by the time he turned 19 last April.

Wade has yet to reach the third round in a bout and finished the year with a 19-second knockout against a boxer who had 33 pro bouts. Wade has started to make a credible name for himself in the Southern part of the country, in much the same way that his former amateur rival and current Prize Fight Promotions stablemate Fernando Guerrero did in 2008. Wade will definitely be one to watch in the next decade.

The Beltway Fans Choice for Rookie of the Year is:

Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm, heavyweight, Washington, DC (5-0, three KO’s)

The 27-year-old Byarm grew very quickly in his rookie season, having to fight through adversity to have a successful rookie campaign. After winning his first two bouts by knockout, Byarm suffered an injury to his right arm in his third bout against Maurice Winslow in July. But Byarm persevered and quickly moved into six-round contests, winning a unanimous decision over tricky veteran Mike Miller in December. Byarm is a welcome addition to a growing field of young Beltway heavyweights.

Other Rookies Deserving Consideration:

Emmanuel “Transformer” Taylor, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (4-0, four KO’s)

Another amateur standout that is as sound as they come. Taylor, who just recently turned 19, has wowed local fans with his exceptional power. While Taylor has not fought veteran competition yet, he has dominated the competition he has faced as he has not visited the third round. It seems that veteran competition has not wanted to face Taylor as he had a tough time finding opponents during 2009. The potential for Taylor seems limitless.

Gary Russell, Jr., featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD (6-0, three KO’s)

The 2008 Olympian seems to have put the disastrous circumstances in Beijing completely behind him. Russell made his pro debut in front of a nationally-televised ShoBox audience on January 19 in Tulsa, OK stopping Antonio Reyes in the third round. The 21-year-old Russell has been moved carefully, mostly facing boxers who have close to the same number of bouts as he has, but many eyes will be on Russell as he progresses.

Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler, cruiserweight, Baltimore, MD (4-0, three KO’s)

After winning his first bout by disqualification, the 22-year-old Wheeler progressed very confidently showing good improvement in his next three bouts, all knockout victories. Wheeler could be the sleeper of the very large 2009 rookie class.