There were a number of exciting bouts that took place during 2010 along the Beltway, but this area had a unique trilogy that involved three area boxers. The bouts so equally exciting that I really couldn't choose one over the other. So:
Digital's Choices for Beltway Boxing Bouts of the Year are: The Nicklow-Sigmon-Kennedy Trilogy
Bout Number 1: Jessie Nicklow UD 10 over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD. Out of the three bouts, this one probably had the most buildup. Both boxers and their fan bases hurled barbs for two months before the bout took place. This very blog became a home base for the thoughts of the two warriors and their fans.
When the bout finally took place, there was a strong presence for Sigmon as hundreds of fans made the trip from the Lynchburg area. In the contest, Nicklow took the early lead with some solid accurate shots. Sigmon came back strong through the middle rounds before Nicklow caught his second wind and went on to win the bout. Two judges saw a close bout at 97-93 and 96-94. One judge saw the bout 97-91. Two great situations took place after the bout. Nicklow proposed marriage to his girl friend, Beth (who accepted) and Nicklow and Sigmon patched up whatever differences they had. In fact, in a very classy move, Nicklow asked this reporter to take down his audio interview from the blog (which I did) because he thought he might had taken this anger too far.
Bout Number 2: Jessie Nicklow D 10 Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena
Nicklow's win over Sigmon led to a bout that was more than a year in the making. Kennedy actually called Nicklow out after a victory in June of 2009. Kennedy finally got his wish in what was one of the closest bouts I have ever witnessed.
As a point of full disclosure, reporting the bout was secondary for me. I worked that bout as the supervisor for the World Boxing Foundation, as this was a bout for the WBF All-Americas Middleweight title as well as the Maryland State Middleweight title. It was an incredible honor for me personally.
What I said about the bout is still probably the best way to describe the contest: "A member of the Maryland State Athletic Commission had the best description of the bout when he said that the two boxers were "mirror images of each other." That is what made this bout so fascinating. Sometimes the two would throw the same sequence of punches at exactly the same time. The two sparred with one another, but this bout did not resemble a sparring session in any way.
I told that same MSAC representative after the fourth round of the contest that I didn't think either boxer was leaving with the belts tonight. That's what happened. Both men deserved to win the bout and neither man deserved to lose. Both men fought with passion and both men looked as good as I have seen them in a while."
One other item that should be noted: Nicklow prepared for this bout by sparring with Sigmon. That served as a very unique transition for the final bout in the trilogy.
Bout Number 3: Scott Sigmon UD 10 over Julius Kennedy, December 11, National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD
The Maryland State Athletic Commission was extremely prepared for this one.This one had the possibility of getting out of hand going in. There wasn't as much pre-fight vitrol before the bout, but there was the opportunity for this one to get out of hand.
Let me say that any of the great referees in the state could have handled this bout. However there was a perception of bias from one side. Therefore (either by accident or by design) the MSAC removed any doubt of bias in the ring by bringing in a great out-of-town referee -- Bill Clancy -- to handle that bout.
I was doing the interview that you may have seen on the site about women's boxing and actually missed the first round. As I rushed to my seat to see round two, I passed by Nicklow, who was sitting ringside in a neutral corner wearing a "Cujo" t-shirt. I asked him (since he fought both boxers) who would win the bout. Nicklow said Sigmon would win because he would put too much pressure on Kennedy.
That is pretty much what happened. During the contest, Sigmon looked more in control than ever before as he moved forward with purpose and landed good shots from awkward angles. Kennedy hit Sigmon with some hard shots but Sigmon seemed to walk through them. Kennedy lost two points courtesy of referee Clancy because of low blows and fought most of the bout with a right eye that was closing throughout the contest.
However, the bout was marred by a melee between supporters of both camps, reportedly including Nicklow. Sitting in front of Sigmon supporters, I must say I was appalled by some of the racist and quite ignorant comments by some of them. Honestly, I don't know if the same was said on the other side of the room, but I know a reporter (who will remain nameless) who wanted to use the martial arts training that the reporter has on one of those fans.
Despite this, the bout put a wonderful bow on what was an unique group of moments in recent Beltway Boxing history.
Other bouts deserving consideration:
James Stevenson UD 10 over George Rivera, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore
On a card where emotions ran high throughout the evening, this main event contest sent the crowd over the edge. Two young veterans fought very well during the bout. Stevenson dominated the first five rounds but got a little cocky during the sixth. That opened the door for Rivera to battle back by putting on the pressure.
Then came the eighth round where Rivera received an accidental low blow. Moments later, supporters from both camps battled outside the ring. Both boxers showed extreme class in trying to stop their followers from battling. Stevenson closed the show in fine fashion.
Unfortunately, the win was the only highlight in a tough year for Stevenson, who lost his father later in 2010.
Jimmy Lange KO 10 Joe Wyatt, November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
This was another great story in heart. Lange and Wyatt showed tremendous heart throughout the contest. In fact, Wyatt was the main aggressor in the contest but was knocked down twice by Lange's counter right hands. Both men suffered tough cuts before Lange landed a crushing right hand that sent Wyatt out for the count. This is the reason why Jimmy Lange has the fan base that he does. It's that simple. It may not make him a full-fledged contender, but it will keep his fan base growing.
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