The May issue of the "Bible of Boxing"-- The Ring has a distinct Beltway flavor. This is the Ring's annual awards issue and although only one Beltway Boxer won an award, there are a few stories with a Beltway flavor.
As The Ring announced late in 2011, Gary Russell, Jr. was chosen as the Prospect of the Year beating out the likes of Luis Del Valle and Demetrius Andrade. Russell's advisor, Al Haymon, was named the Manager of the Year as he has done an outstanding job in guiding the careers of boxers like Floyd Mayweather, Andre Berto, Chris Arreola and Adrien Broner.
Peterson Brothers trainer Barry Hunter was among the runners-up in the Trainer of the Year category alongside the likes of Freddie Roach, Ann Wolfe and Virgil Hunter (no relation). The winner of Robert Garcia, the trainer of Brandon Rios and Nonito Donaire. Also, the Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan bout was among the runners-up for Fight of the Year, losing to the brawl between Victor Ortiz and Andre Berto.
The issue also has a profile on undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth Mitchell.
Also, there is a new column called "Playlist" that talks about boxers and their favorite music. Two Beltway Boxing legends are featured in this month's column. Hall of Famer Sugar Ray Leonard lists just two songs -- Leave Me Alone by Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown's My Prerogative. Soon-to-be Hall of Famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson also chose a Jackson song (Beat It) but stayed true to his DC roots by listing Body Snatchers by Rare Essence. Johnson also listed James Brown's Papa Don't Take No Mess and The Man Right 'Chea by Mystikal.
I love that the Ring and the rest of the boxing media have begun to pay attention to the Mid-atlantic. We've got some talented boxers here in the DMV, a two belt Jr. Welterweight World Champion among them. Here's to hoping this added attention will help lead to more events at the convention center, verizon center and other local venues.
ReplyDeleteIt's good Dc is back on the map with some of the best fighters in the world
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