Quarles Remains Undefeated With Decision in North Carolina!

Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Ike Ezeji of the Bronx, NY Saturday night in Wilson, NC.  This was a bout rescheduled from a card earlier in the month that was postponed when the ring collapsed.

Quarles scored knockdowns in the first and second round before Ezeji went into survival mode and lasted the final four rounds.  Quarles is now 9-0, two KO's while Ezeji is 7-19-1, two KO's.

Also on the card, Dushane Crooks, a Brooklyn, NY boxer now training at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD, won a four-round unanimous decision over Aaron Williams of Kinston, NC.  Crooks is now 6-0, four KO's while Williams is still looking for his first pro win, he's 0-4.  Another transplated New York boxer, Phillip Jackson of Brooklyn stopped Mark Anderson of South Carolina in the fifth round of their bout. Jackson is now 7-1, six KO's while Anderson is 2-7-1, two KO's.  Jackson also trains at Club One.

Mike Greenhill Update!

I am happy to say that ace photographer Mike Greenhill is out of the hospital and is currently at a rehab facility near his home!  According to his family, it won't be too much longer before he is strong enough to go home safely.  Greenhill had a heart attack earlier this month.

Hopefully, it won't be too much longer before Mike is able to join us at ringside!!

Amateurs Battle at Baltimore's Palladium!

A number of Beltway-based amateurs battled in front of a standing-room-only crowd at the Palladium in Baltimore Saturday night.  The night had a number of solid bouts, a little controversy and a little drama.

In the two featured bouts of the evening, Fort Washington, MD's Marquis Moore made a brief return from his Army duties to win a decision over Gregory Newby of Limelite.  The other feature was a battle of top junior talent as Baltimore's Lorenzo Simpson defeated Ernie Cuevas of the Greenville Boxing Club.

The controversy came in the bout between Glen Dezurn of UMAR Boxing and Jordan Peters.  There was a mixup on the writing on the score cards that had Peters in the Red Corner and Dezurn in the Blue.  The two had switched corners when they came to the ring but the cards were never changed.  Therefore, some, including myself, had the identities switched and were confused.  Peters had won the bout on the scorecards, but they were overruled by the chief judge who asked me to announce Dezurn as the winner.  

Let me say this, I figured out who Dezurn was in the second round and understand that the cards were mixed up.  Having said that, I am not a judge and if Peters was the winner on the scorecards, that's probably what should have been announced.  There was a grievance filed by the Peters camp afterwards.

The drama came shortly after the bout between Jacob Okiya and Montel Pridgett.  Okiya performed very well, controlling the action from the midway point of the second round on, en route to winning the bout.  Afterwards, things got very scary as ringside observers noticed that Pridgett, representing UMAR Boxing, was have noticeable difficulty while seeing the ringside physician.  Pridgett seemed to have difficulty catching his breath.  The physician and EMT did wonderful work at ringside until the paramedics came and took Pridgett to a nearby hospital.  No official word on how he's doing.

In other bouts on the card:

Davonn Boone over David Veras
Antwan Robinson over Hector Soto
Malik Jackson over Duglas Soto-Escalante
Jahmal Dyer over David Sanders
Jonathan Ladson over Pedro Romero
Jamel Taylor over Jovel Salvador
Tayon Marshall over Monte Dunnaville
Maurice Stokes over Phillp Ross

 Representatives of the national office of USA Boxing were in attendance to honor Baltimore's Tyrieshia "Baby Girl" Douglas for her participation in the first-ever Women's US Olympic Boxing Trials in Spokane, WA earlier this year.  Douglas's brother, Antoine, also was there.  Antoine Douglas participated in the Men's Olympic Trials making the Douglas siblings the first to compete in both trials.  Tyrieshia Douglas is slated to make her pro debut in July at a card slated for Washington, DC.

Also in attendance was Gervonta "Tank" Davis of Baltimore, who participated in a final workout before his trip to Mesquite, NV for the National Golden Gloves which begin on Monday.

The card was promoted by Upton Boxing's Calvin Ford.  The card can be seen on www.fnpboxing.com for just two dollars.

Mitchell Overcomes Adversity to Score Third-Round TKO in Atlantic City!

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell experienced true adversity for the first time since he lost his last amateur contest.  Paulsboro, NJ's Chazz "The Gentleman" Witherspoon took the fight to Mitchell in the first round.

However, Mitchell came back very strong in the second round before dropping Witherspoon in the third and going on to remain undefeated as referee Randy Neumann stopped the contest at 2:31 of the third at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.

With the win, Mitchell wins his first regional title -- the NABO Heavyweight championship.  Mitchell is already ranked in the top 10 by the NABO's parent company, the WBO.  Mitchell is now 25-0-1, 19 KO's.  Witherspoon falls to 30-3, 22 KO's.

Here is an on-site analysis by Michael Amakor of FightKings.com and John McMullen of The Sports Network.

Baltimore Amateur Card Broadcast Live on Ustream!

I've just received word that tonight's amateur boxing card will be streaming live on Ustream.  We are scheduled to get underway at 7 PM.  I say we because yours truly will be handling the commentary on the broadcast.

The link is www.ustream.tv

Mitchell Weighs 241 1/2 For HBO Bout With Witherspoon!

 Photo by Tom Hogan – Hoganphotos/Golden Boy

Seth Mitchell tipped the scales at 241 1/2 for his nationally televised 12-round contest with Chazz Witherspoon tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.  Witherspoon was 10-pounds lighter at 231 1/2.

The Mitchell-Witherspoon bout will start the HBO broadcast at 10:15 ET.

MD Independent Continues Dusty Harrison Chronicles!

Throughout the amateur and early pro career of welterweight "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison, one paper in particular has been there to chronicle every big step Harrison has taken.  That paper is the Maryland Independent.  The writer throughout the chronicle has been sportswriter Tammy Showalter.

Harrison is a senior at Thomas Stone High School in Waldorf, MD which is in the territory that Maryland Independent covers.   Ms. Showalter has another article in the continuing development of Harrison's career.  Here's the link:

http://www.somdnews.com/article/20120425/SPORTS/704259352/0/southernMaryland&template=southernMaryland

Kimberly Browner, Daughter of Tom Browner, Passes!

Back on August 15, 2010, BATB received the sad news that noted local trainer Tom Browner had passed away.  Browner was the first trainer of heavyweight contender Tony Thompson and was a fixture around the local scene for many years.  As many of you posted your condolences here, we received a lovely thank you from his daughter Kimberly.

Sadly, BATB received word today that Kimberly Ann Browner, Tom and his wife Irene's only daughter, has passed away at the age of 35.  No word on the cause of death, but we learned that Ms. Browner was in the hospital because of an illness and was recently released.

More details as they come in. Our deepest condolences to the family.

Baltimore and Pittsburgh Meet in Rematch May 4 at Du Burns!

Like the Ravens and Steelers meet twice a year, amateur boxers from Baltimore and Pittsburgh will meet for a second time on Friday, May 4, this time at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

The Baltimore team took a close decision over Pittsburgh the last time they met on March 23 in front of a near-sellout crowd at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.  Along with the city matchup, there will also be a bout for the South Atlantic and East Coast Middleweight championship between two Baltimore boxers -- Jerome Featherstone of Baltimore Boxing will take on Maurice Stokes of UMAR Gym.

You can go to www.baltimoreboxing.com for details on ticket availability.

Officials Assigned For Peterson-Khan II!

The Nevada State Athletic Commission has assigned the officials for the Lamont Peterson -Amir Khan rematch on Saturday, May 19 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.

The referee will be Kenny Bayless and the judges will be Adalaide Byrd, Burt Clements and Duane Ford.

ESPN.com Previews Mitchell-Witherspoon!

In the latest edition of ESPN.com's Boxing Editor Dan Rafael's Ringtones video blog, Rafael previews the heavyweight showdown between Brandywine, MD's Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell and Paulsboro, NJ's Chazz "The Gentleman" Witherspoon.

Here's the link:  http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=7851483&categoryid=2491554

Sigmon Talks to BoxingTalk About June 8 ESPN2 Bout with Pavlik!

Bedford, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon sat down with Michael Walters of BoxingTalk.com to discuss his nationally-televised June 8 contest against former world champion Kelly Pavlik.  Here's the link to the conversation:

http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article.php?aid=23244

Mobley Scores First-Round KO in Indiana!

Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley scored his first pro knockout this past Saturday, April 21 when he stopped Francois "The Hulk" Russell of Chicago, IL at the Rising Sun Casino in Rising Sun, IN.  Mobley knocked out Russell in 2:27 of the first round.

According to Boxrec.com, the bout was scheduled for six rounds, an interesting fact since it was just Mobley's second pro fight and Russell's third.  Mobley is now 2-0, one KO while Russell is 0-3.  Mobley was originally slated to be on the May 12th card at the Washington Convention Center but he is off that card and is slated to compete on the June 23 card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.  That's where Mobley made his pro debut, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Dennis Benson on February 11.

Get Well Soon, Mike Greenhill!

BATB sends its fondest well-wishes to one of the truly great people in this business -- ace photographer Mike Greenhill.  Mike recently suffered a heart attack and is recovering at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore.  According to his family, Mike is recovering very rapidly and has been moving around his hospital room.  Talking is still an issue but his memory and, indeed his love of sports, is still intact.

Mike has been a fixture at many Beltway Boxing events as well as boxing cards up and down the East Coast and into Canada.  His photos have been featured on Fightnews.com and in boxing mags like The Ring and Boxing Digest.  He has also shot photos at the Preakness Stakes and at Nationals Park among other places.  This picture was taken from his Facebook Page at M&T Bank Stadium.

If you would like to send a get well card to Mike, here's the address:

Gudelsky Building Room C304

University of Maryland Medical Center
22 South Greene Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

The PVA's New President -- Ronald Simms!

(photo by Juan Marshall)

Meet the new president of the Potomac Valley Association of USA Boxing -- Ronald Simms!  A decorated amateur boxer who was an alternate on the 1992 US Olympic team, Simms has some definite goals for the PVA's future as he tells BATB here in this brief interview:

Russell, Cole, Roach Lead Contingent to East Central JO Tourney!

We've already talked about the next wave of amateurs but the talent pool along the Beltway is very deep.  So deep that we can talk a little about the next group AFTER the next wave.  Members of that group will represent this region in May at the East Central Junior Olympic Regionals in Chesapeake, OH by virtue of victories at today's Potomac Valley Association Junior Olympic Tournament at Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.  The boxers in the 15-16 age group will be heading to Ohio.

Like previous groups, this one has a boxer in it with the last name of Russell.  Gary Antuanne Russell of Enigma Boxing scored one of two RSC's (Referee Stops Contest) to win the 15-16, 119 Pound division over Ronnell Jackson of No Excuse.  Russell was named the Outstanding Boxer of the Tournament.

The other RSC came in the final bout of the night and it was an explosive one.  Michael Peoples of Old School Boxing dropped Jason Bell of No Excuse with a vicious right hand in the first round and shortly thereafter the bout was stopped for Peoples who captured the 15-16, 145 Pound title.

Two No Excuse boxers did advance to the Regionals today.  Jalonte Cole won the 15-16, 125 Pounds title with a decision over Mykal Fox of Lloyd Irvin Gym.  Fox  is the younger brother of Beltway pro and former amateur standout Alantez Fox.  Also, Lamont Roach, Jr. captured the 15-16, 132 Pounds title with a win over Tommy Avelar of Sugar Ray Leonard.

In the 15-16, 114 Pound title bout, Francois Scarboro of Enigma defeated Tyrone Phillips of Kentland.  Keeshawn Williams won the 15-16, 95 Pound title by walkover against Romel Bethea of Dream Team.

Here are the rest of the results from today's action:

 9-10 Years, 60 Pounds :  Quincy Williams (Rosedale) defeated Aaron O'Neal (Sugar Ray Leonard) 

9-10 Years, 65 Pounds:  Deric Davis (Old School) defeated Jacob Matthews (Sugar Ray Leonard) 

9-10 Years, 70 Pounds: Stacy Selby (Langdon) over Daylen Jones (Tony's Boxing)

11-12 Years, 70 Pounds:  Salvador Escamilla (Langdon) over  Chamar Flowers (Headbangers)


11-12 Years, 75 Pounds: Philbert Griffin, Jr. (Sugar Ray Leonard) defeated Quartez Lott (Langdon)


11-12, Years, 90 Pounds: Corey Matthews (Sugar Ray Leonard) decisioned Angel Edwin (Sugar Ray Leonard)


11-12 Years, 100 Pounds: Jaharee Mack (Enigma) wins by walkover against Michael Tymus (Langdon)


11-12 Years, 114 Pounds: Dontre Jackson (Enigma) wins by walkover against Wilfredo Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard)


11-12 Years, 132 Pounds: Kaseem Woods (Kentland) wins by walkover against Mekhi Wright (Benning Park)


13-14 Years. 85 Pounds:  Jay Cromwell (Dream Team) defeated Dominic Valentine (Headbangers)

13-14 Years, 90 Pounds: Jordan White (Pound For Pound) wins by walkover against Gregory Burton (Langdon) 

Attah Loses 10-Round Unanimous Decision in El Paso, TX!

DC lightweight Daniel "The Prophet" Attah lost a 10-round unanimous decision to undefeated Luis Ramos, Jr. of Santa Ana, CA tonight on the undercard at the Don Haskins Convention Center in El Paso, TX.  The bout was shown on Showtime Extreme channel.

Attah won only one round on two of the judge's scorecards (99-90) and was shutout on the other (100-89).  Attah has lost his third straight and his record falls to 26-10-1, nine KO's.  Ramos is now 22-0, nine KO's.

July-Woods Battle Cancelled; JO Tournament Today At Sugar Ray's!

Quick note about the slated bout between Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy July and Danville, VA's Jaywon Woods -- the bout didn't happen.  Reportedly, Woods had issues with his full-time job and could not take the bout.  No word on whether the bout will be rescheduled.

Sorry for the late notice on this but the Potomac Valley Junior Olympic Tournament is today at 3 PM at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center, 7707 Barlowe Road in Palmer Park, MD.  Here is the scheduled bout sheet for today's action:

9-10 Years, 60 Pounds :  Aaron O'Neal (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Quincy Williams (Rosedale)

9-10 Years, 65 Pounds:  Jacob Matthews (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Deric Davis (Old School)

9-10 Years, 70 Pounds: Stacy Selby (Langdon) vs. Daylen Jones (Tony's Boxing)

11-12 Years, 70 Pounds:  Salvador Escamilla (Langdon) vs. Chamar Flowers (Headbangers)


11-12 Years, 75 Pounds: Philbert Griffin, Jr. (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Quartez Lott (Langdon)


11-12, Years, 90 Pounds: Corey Matthews (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Angel Edwin (Sugar Ray Leonard)


11-12 Years, 100 Pounds: Jaharee Mack (Enigma) vs. Michael Tymus (Langdon)


11-12 Years, 114 Pounds: Dontre Jackson (Enigma) vs. Wilfredo Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard)


11-12 Years, 132 Pounds: Kaseem Woods (Kentland) vs. Mekhi Wright (Benning Park)


13-14 Years. 85 Pounds: Dominic Valentine (Headbangers) vs. Jay Cromwell (Dream Team)


13-14 Years, 90 Pounds: Gregory Burton (Langdon) vs. Jordan White (Pound For Pound)


The winners of the next bouts (except the matched contest, where both boxers will advance) will represent the Potomac Valley in the East Central Regional championships in Chesapeake, OH May 18-20.

15-16 Years, 95 Pounds: Romel Bethea (Dream Team) vs. Keeshawn Williams (Unattatched)


15-16 Years, Matched:  Rasheed Wright (Headbangers --106 Pound champ) vs. Marcus Wright (Benning Park -- 110 Pound champ)


15-16 Years, 114 Pounds:  Tyrone Phillips (Kentland) vs. Francois Scarboro (Enigma)


15-16 Years, 119 Pounds:  Gary Antuanne Russell (Enigma) vs. Ronell Jackson (No Excuse)


15-16 Years, 125 Pounds:  Michael Fox (Lloyd Irvin) vs. Jalonte Cole (No Excuse)


15-16 Years, 132 Pounds:  Tommy Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Lamont Roach, Jr. (No Excuse)


15-16 Years. 145 Pounds:  Michael Peoples (Old School) vs.  Jason Bell (No Excuse)


The following boxers are unopposed champions:


11-12 Years:  Kevon Cooke (No Excuse) -- 60 Pounds
                      Kali Edwards (Kenilworth) -- 65 Pounds
                      Siete Shuler (Langdon) -- 85 Pounds
                      Alexander O'Neal (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 95 Pounds


13-14 Years:  Yesenia Reyes (D-Block) -- 90 Pounds (Female)
                      
                       Deron Whitley (Laurel) -- 100 Pounds 
                       Amir Brown (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 106 Pounds
                       Denardo Johnson (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 110 Pounds
                       Favion David (Enigma) -- 114 Pounds
                       Steven Clark (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 125 Pounds
                       Brian Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 145 Pounds
                       Kashif M. Brown (Sugar Ray Leonard) -- 154 Pounds

15-16 Years:   Demetrius Young (Sugar Ray Leonard)  -- 101 Pounds
                        Rasheed Wright (Headbangers) -- 106 Pounds
                        Marcus Wright (Headbangers) -- 110 Pounds
                        Justin Bell (No Excuse) -- 154 Pounds
                        DaQuan Johnson (Sugar Ray Leonard) 178 Pounds
                  

                      
                       

'Mayhem' Mitchell Interviewed on WTOP!

Undefeated heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell is interviewed by WTOP sportscaster Craig Heist in this link.  Nice interview.


http://www.wtop.com/?nid=351&sid=2835649

Words For 'The Next Wave!'

A few of the members of "The Next Wave" come together at the recent Potomac Valley Association Junior Olympic Tournament at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.  (from left to right)  Michael Reed, David Grayton, Jerry Odom, Gary Russell, Jr., Alantez Fox (in back with yours truly), Gary Antonio Russell, D'Mitrius Ballard and Kevin Rivers, Jr.

(Photo by PVA President Ronald Simms)


This commentary is directed to everyone, but especially to the future of Beltway Boxing -- this class of open amateur boxers.

Many of you who are now open amateurs are at least, going through the planning stages of taking the next step.  That means you will be, as Discombobulating Jones likes to say, "punching for pay."  Before you take that step or for those who have already done so, let me, on behalf of Beltway Boxing Fans everywhere, congratulate your many accomplishments as amateurs.  As a group you have won everything save an Olympic medal and that could be more about politics than talent.  Your success as a group on local, national and international levels forced this very space to elevate its game in order to properly publicize and chronicle your efforts.

Thanks also to your coaches, gyms, family members and support systems that stuck by you throughout your journey.  Thanks to the governing bodies (Potomac Valley, South Atlantic and VirginiaUSA) for sanctioning events that have allowed you to show your talents all around the area.

And now, some of you are planning to take that next step to the pro ranks.  I'm not here to give you any advice -- you all have plenty of people to do that.  I only ask that you understand, honor and respect the legacy that was forged before you.  Since 1991 (the beginning of the Post-Sugar Ray Leonard era), 14 local boxers have won world titles.  Numerous more have captured regional crowns.  You have tremendous role and goal models to follow and there is enough talent in your group to bring many more titles to the Beltway region.

Also, please understand that you yourselves have added to the amateur portion of this legacy.  Many local boxing experts and fans say this is one of the most talented classes of open amateurs in many years.  Therefore, you have set a standard for the next wave behind you to follow.  Be mindful of that as well -- many will be looking up to you as you looked up to the previous generation.

For those of you who are deciding to continue in the amateur ranks and look for an Olympic shot in 2016, don't worry, support for you will not waver.  With the changes proposed in the Olympic scoring, the playing field may be a level one, finally.

I hope you, this amateur class, realizes how special you are.  I also hope the fans recognize it as well.  Once again, congratulations and continued success for the future -- a future that we are all looking forward to!

Shadeed Floyd To Make Pro Debut May 12 at DC Convention Center!

The Keystone Boxing card slated for Saturday, May 12 at the Washington Convention Center in DC will be highlighted by some very interesting and long awaited pro debuts.  We've already talked about the debuts of 18-year-old Dillon Hayman of Frederick, MD and the long-awaited debut of DC amateur standout Harold Parker.

Now comes word that DC bantamweight Shadeed Floyd will make his pro debut on this card.  Floyd made a lot of people take notice when, in his first campaign as an open amateur boxer, won the Regional Golden Gloves in 2010.  Floyd was also named the Outstanding Boxer of the 2010 Washington Golden Gloves tournament.  Floyd participated in the last-chance qualifier for the US Olympic Team but lost in the second round of competition.

Floyd is out of the Langdon Boxing Center where his trainer is Beltway Boxing legend Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson.  No word yet who Floyd's opponent will be.

'Mayhem' Mitchell Meets The Media!

It was media day at the Dream Team Boxing Gym in Clinton, MD as undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell talked to boxing scribes and others as he prepares for his Saturday, April 28 co-feature bout against Chazz Witherspoon in Atlantic City, NJ.  One of the members of the boxing media he talked to was Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk.  Here's his interview:

Lange to Face Jeter June 23rd at The Patriot Center!

They are two of the most talked-about Beltway Boxers in recent memory.  Whether you like them or don't like them, no one should deny that they have given local boxing fans some great memories.  Now, Beltway Boxing fans will have an opportunity to see what will happen when one fan favorite battles another in a contest that will surely generate a lot of conversation.

Great Falls, VA middleweight Jimmy Lange will take on Stevensville, MD's Tony "Mo Better" Jeter in a 10-round main event on Saturday, June 23 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

This will be the 15th consecutive card that Lange (38-4-2, 25 KO's) has headlined at the Patriot Center.  Lange has a record of 11-2-1 at the Patriot Center and he has won his last seven bouts there and captured two regional titles along the way. Lange registered the BATB Knockout of the Year in 2010 with a 10th-round knockout of Joe Wyatt.

Jeter (13-3-1, nine KO's) has been very successful at the Patriot Center scoring the BATB Knockout of the Year in 2009 with a devastating first-round knockout of Keith Gross in September of that year.  Jeter last fought on February 25 and avenged his loss to Jose Felix with an eight-round unanimous decision in Millersville, MD.  Jeter regained the USBU (United States Boxing Union) Middleweight title and captured the UBO (United Boxing Organization) crown on that evening.

This will be the first time Jeter has been scheduled to go 10-rounds in his pro career, something Lange has done six times in his career (along with three times going 12 rounds).   Both men have a common opponent in Mike McFail.  Lange beat McFail twice by six-round unanimous decision, Jeter also captured a six-round decision.

Also slated to be on this card are two-belt women's world champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson (6-0-1) of Ashburn, VA, undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson (13-0, three KO's),  Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley (1-0) as well as "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison (5-0, two KO's) who will be eligible for a Virginia License since he turns 18 in May.

More information on this card as it becomes available.  Tickets are slated to go on sale this Friday at these prices: $35, $50, $75, $125, $200, $300 and $500.  Tickets are being sold through Ticketmaster and at the Patriot Center box office.,

'Cujo' Sigmon Guests on East Coast Boxing Report

Bedford, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon will be the guest on the MaxBoxing East Coast Boxing Report with Alec Kohut tonight at 8:30 PM ET on BlogTalk Radio.  Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aleckohut/2012/04/18/maxboxing-east-coast-boxing-report-with-alec-kohut

Guerrero Injured; April 20th Showtime Bout Off!

Make it two prospective TV spots for Beltway Boxers that have been called off because of injury.  First, Gary Russell, Jr. suffers a sprained ankle that cancelled his Showtime slot on Saturday, April 21.  Now comes word that Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero has suffered a partially torn bicep and that will cancel his ShoBox spot on Friday, April 20 in Biloxi, MS.

The bout was schedule to open a ShoBox tripleheader that included the bouts between Jermain Taylor and Caleb Truax and Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns.  Those bouts will go on as scheduled.

July to Face Virginian Woods In Philadelphia April 20!

The following news item comes with personal commentary.

BATB has learned that undefeated Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy "Hard Work" July will take on Danville, VA's Jaywon Woods in a six-round bout this Saturday, April 20th at the National Guard Armory in Philadelphia, PA.

July (10-0-2, four KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO of Zeferino Albino on February 25 in Millersville, MD.  Woods (9-1-1, five KO's) is making his second straight appearance at the National Guard Armory.  On January 13, Woods won a four-round unanimous decision over Rayshawn Myers.  Woods replaces Pedro Martinez, who had to back out of the bout.

This bout speaks to an interesting shift in the dynamic of the Beltway Boxing scene.  Speaking for the Beltway Boxing portion, the DMV has for more than 20 years been known as a haven for top flight boxers weighing 140 to 160 pounds.  With notable exceptions (Mark Johnson at flyweight and super flyweight, Erik Aiken at featherweight and Hasim Rahman at heavyweight), the world titles that Beltway Boxers have won during that time period have been between junior welterweight and middleweight and the majority of our contenders have been there as well.

However, the last five or six years have seen an increase in prospects in the cruiserweight division.  Along with July and Woods, you have the likes of Nick Kisner (10-0-1, five KO's), Russ Shiflett (12-0-1, five KO's) and Alex Guerrero (7-0-1, four KO's).  There are younger guys like Zakki Scott (2-0, one KO) and Andre Ward (1-1-1, one KO) -- who have faced each other already with Scott winning. There is also Tahir Thomas (2-0, one KO).

Down in Virginia, you have two guys who are just now getting back into competition in Terry Roy (7-3-2, six KO's) and Juan Carlos Robles (12-4-1, five KO's) and another Virginian who mysteriously stopped boxing in 2010 after notching the biggest win of his career in Adam Seal (8-1-1, seven KO's)  Seal knocked off Daniel Judah in his last bout.

Going into Delaware, there are Dan Biddle (8-2, five KO's) and Lamont Singletary (2-0, one KO).  Of course this seemed to begin when guys like Darnell Wilson and Emmanuel Nwodo were battling in the division.  Those bouts included a very exciting contest between the two, won in stunning fashion by Wilson in Staten Island, NY.

The question is of course -- what do we do about this?  Some people I have talked to would like to have some semblance of a DelMarVa cruiserweight tournament which would have something for the winner (maybe an automatic top 15 ranking in one of the governing bodies or some Delmarva belt).  Some say it's too early -- don't put these guys against one another until the bouts mean something.  When Wilson beat Nwodo, that bout was for Nwodo's USBA title. Some say we should wait until the boxers get to that level.

There are interesting arguments on both sides of the ledger.  I'm curious to see and hear what the Beltway Boxing fans think.

King Stopped In Atlantic City!

Cambridge, MD junior welterweight Dontre "Pound For Pound" King was stopped by undefeated Philadelphia, PA boxer Naim Nelson in the fourth round Saturday night at Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ.

The loss broke a three-bout winning streak for King and his record falls to 6-10, two KO's.  Nelson is now 6-0 and registered the first knockout of his pro career.

Ring Collapse Postpones Beltway Boxers's Bouts in Wilson, NC!

It seems that there were a group of Beltway Boxers from Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD who were slated to participate on a pro card in Wilson, NC tonight.  One did get a chance to fight -- undefeated Severn, MD middleweight Sherman Artis did win his bout by a four-round unanimous decision over the debuting Lionel Charles from New York City.  Artis is now 3-0.

However, before Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles (8-0, two KO's)and middleweight and Brooklyn, NY transplant to the Beltway area Dushane Crooks (5-0, four KO's) were able to try to extend their undefeated strings, a funny thing happened -- the ring collapsed!  The card was postponed and BATB has been told the card will be rescheduled for next week.

King Hits Scales in Atlantic City!

Cambridge, MD junior welterweight Dontre King weighed in at 141 pounds for his six-round contest against undefeated Naim Nelson of Philadelphia tonight at Bally's in Atlantic City.  Nelson hit the scales at 138 1/2.

Congratulations to the 2012 Regional Golden Gloves Champions!

This is the group of boxers that will be representing the Washington Region at the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions April 29-May 6 in Mesquite, NV:

108 Pounds:  Jonathan Howard, Hamstead, NC


114 Pounds: Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, MD


123 Pounds: Gervonta Davis, Baltimore, MD


132 Pounds: Gary Antonio Russell, Capitol Heights, MD


141 Pounds: Michael Reed, Waldorf, MD (2011 National Golden Gloves Champion)


152 Pounds: David Grayton, Washington, DC (2010 National Golden Gloves Champion)


165 Pounds: D'Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, MD


178 Pounds: Jerry Odom, Bowie, MD


201 Pounds: Darnell Price (USMC) Camp Lejeune, NC


201+ Pounds: Danny Kelly, Washington, DC


These are the boxers that won regional championships in the Novice Division last night in Waldorf.

123 Pounds: Marcus Bates, Washington, DC


132 Pounds: Jefri Gutierrez, Gaithersburg, MD


141 Pounds: Yurii Polishchuk, Lanham, MD


152 Pounds: Zarifbek Nishanbaev, Lanham, MD


165 Pounds: Davonte Harris, Roanoke, VA


178 Pounds: Joe Jones, Temple Hills, MD


201 Pounds: Curtis Iverson, (USMC) Camp Lejeune, NC


201+ Pounds: Kenneth Campbell, Gaithersburg, MD

Ballard Gives Clean Sweep For DC/MD Group

D'Mitrius Ballard gets the third RSC of the night defeating Daniel Silva.  Jerry Odom wins the 178 pound title by walkover.  Darnell Price of Camp Lejeune is the walkover champ at 201 pounds.  Michael Reed is named the Outstanding Boxer of the tournament. 

That will do it from Waldorf.  Have a great night.

Grayton Returns To Nationals!

David Grayton, who won the national Golden Gloves in 2010, gets his chance for another as he wins the 152-pound title over Jonathan Steele.  Now, the final bout of the evening as D'Mitrius Ballads meets Daniel Silva of the US Navy in Virginia Beach.

Reed Steamrolls Back to Nationals!

Another solid performance for Michael Reed as he stops Joseph Canale with some beautiful shots, including a wicked left to the body that ended Canale's night.

Next, the 152-pound title. David Grayton of DC takes on Jonathan Steele of Camp Lejeune.

Russell RSC's His Way To Nationals!

Gary Antonio Russell gets the first stoppage of the evening, winning the132-Pound title over Kevin Harris.

Reigning 141-Pound National Golden Gloves champion Michael Reed is in the ring against Joseph Canale of Camp Lejeune.

Action Continues In Waldorf!

Quick update: Marcus Bates of DC is the novice 123-Pound champion by walkover.  The Open 132-Pound title bout is in the ring-- Gary Antonio Russell of Capitol Heights, MD vs.Kevin Harris of Richmond, VA.

Davis Wins 123-pound Title!

Gervonta Davis defeats Steven Zaiden to win the 123-pound title in what was the best bout so far.  Now, intermission.

Outlaw Heads to Nationals!

Gregory Outlaw wins the 114-Pound championship by decision over Michael Daniels.  Moving to 123-pounds,  Gervonta Davis of Baltimore takes on Steven Zaiden of Roanoke.

Campbell Wins Final Novice Title!

Kenneth Campbell wins the 201-Pound title over Thomas Harper, Jr.  The Open Division gets underway now.  Jonathan Howard of Hamstead, NC wins by walkover in the 108-Pound division. 

Now in the ring, the 114-pound title --  Gregory Outlaw of Glenarden, MD.vs. Michael Daniels of Newport News, VA.

Iverson Wins 201-Pound Title!

Curtis Iverson wins the 201-Pound title with a win over Albi Sadikas.  Final bout in the Novice Division in the 201+ Pound class -- Kenneth Campbell of Gaithersburg vs. Thomas Harper of Virginia Beach.

Jones Gets Win At 178!

Joe Jones of Temple Hills won a tough and sometimes testy bout over James Morrow for the championship at 178.  The two men were jawing at each other throughout.  We're at 201 with Albi Sadikas of Fort Washington, MD taking on Curtis Overdone of Camp Lejeune.

Harris Wins First Title For VA/NC!

In the 165-Pound Novice Division, Davonte Harris wins the first title for Virginia- North Carolina, defeating Steven Bucci.

Nishanbaev Wins Third Straight For DC/MD!

Zarifbek Nishanbaev wins the third bout for the DC/MD contingent, capturing the 152-Pound title with the win over Luis Valtentin.  Now, it's the 165-Pound championship -- Steven Bucci of Finksburg, MD vs. Davonte Harris of Roanoke, VA.

Polishchuk Captures 141-Pound Title!

Yurii Polishchuk makes it two straight for the DC/MD group as he defeats Jairo Vargas for the 141-Pound title.  Up next, the 152-Pound championship -- Zarifbek Nishanbaev of Lanham, MD battles Luis Valtentin of Camp Lejeune, NC.

Gutierrez Pulls Out Tough Win!

Jefri Gutierrez, despite a bloody lip, has won the 132-Pound title with a gutsy win over Walter Parker.  Now in the ring, the 141-Pound title bout Yurii Polishchuk of Lanham, MD against Jairo Vargas of Richmond, VA.

Tonight Starts With 132-Pound Contest!

No reason was given, but the 123-Pound contest was scratched.  The 132-Pound bout begins our action.  Jefri Gutierrez of Gaithersburg, MD takes on Walter Parker of Hampton, VA.

We're Ready to Get Underway!

Action is mere moments away as we are ready to begin the Novice portion of the evening.  Eight bouts in Novice, eight in Open.  We are awaiting the presentation of the colors and the singing of the national anthem.

The first bout will be the 123-Pound championship.  Marcus Bates of DC vs. Jamaal Phillips of Hope Mills, NC.

Good Evening From Waldorf!

A very good evening from the Waldorf Jaycees in Waldorf, MD!  The Regional Golden Gloves will get underway in about 30 minutes. 

This is scheduled to be a 16-bout card and we do have a couple of updates for you.  In the Open 178-pound final,  Jerry Odom of Bowie,MD will face Pablo Velez of Raleigh, NC.

Danny Kelly of DC is the first local to punch his ticket to the Nationals in Mesquite, NV.  Kelly wins by walkover in the 201+ pound class.

We'll be back when action gets underway.

'Chop Chop' Corley Battles McCloskey May 5 in Northern Ireland!

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will face Northern Ireland's Paul McCloskey on Saturday, May 5 at the King's Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  Corley replaces Julio Diaz who raised concerns about making the 140-pound limit.

Corley (38-19-1, 22 KO's) is ranked number 15th in the world by the WBC by virtue of his 10-round unanimous decision win over previously undefeated Gabriel Rosado for the NABF Junior Welterweight title on January 21 in New York City.  Since 2000, Corley has fought in seven countries (China, United Kingdom [three times], Nicaragua, Kazakhstan [twice], Russia [twice], Argentina and Canada )

McCloskey (23-1, 12 KO's) has not fought since winning a WBA Light Welterweight title eliminator over Bredis Prescott on September 10 in Belfast.  This was a bounce-back win for McCloskey who lost a title bid against then-WBA champ Amir Khan in April of 2011.

This Time, It's Done: 'Cujo' Sigmon Battles Kelly Pavlik June 8 in Las Vegas!

Two sources -- one on each side of the contest -- say that both sides have agreed to it.  We have a date, location and a television network.  This looks like it will happen this time.  Bedford, VA supermiddleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon will take on former world champion Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik of Youngstown, OH on Friday, June 8 from the Hard Rock Cafe in Las Vegas, NV.  The scheduled 10-round bout will be televised by ESPN2.

There was talk that the two men would battle in March.  Sigmon told BATB that Pavlik had agreed to that bout but Pavlik declined.  Sigmon told this blog about the June contest late last week but asked to hold off on an announcement until this time.  Pavlik told Alec Kohut of MaxBoxing.com that he has agreed to this contest.

Sigmon is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision over Carlton Holland on March 30 in Raleigh, NC.  Pavlik (38-2, 33 KO's) won by second-round knockout over Aaron Jaco the next night in San Antonio TX.

Ankle Injury Forces Russell Jr. Off April 21 Card in Texas!

An injury to his right ankle will knock undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. off of his scheduled nationally televised bout on Saturday, April 21 in El Paso, TX.

The Russell camp told Ringtv.com that Russell rolled his ankle during a sparring session this past Friday and doctors said the injury, a sprain, would take three weeks to heal.

Ironically, there were issues with the scheduled Showtime-televised bout anyway because Russell's scheduled opponent, Dat Nguyen, had pulled out of the contest citing problems in management.

Guerrero Faces The 'Irish Ghost' in Biloxi April 20!

Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero returns to action on Friday, April 20 in a 10-round contest against "The Irish Ghost" Chris Fitzpatrick of Cleveland, OH at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS.  Guerrero (23-1, 18 KO's) has won two straight since his June 2011 loss to Grady Brewer.  Guerrero is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Jason Naugler on February 18 in Cancun, Mexico.

Fitzpatrick (15-1, six KO's) bounced back from suffering his first pro loss -- a 10-round unanimous decision to Jose Medina in October 2011 by scoring a sixth-round TKO over Ken Dunham on February 4 in Chapin, SC.  One of Fitzpatrick's wins was a 10-round majority decision over Scott Sigmon on July 16 in Greensboro, NC.

The bout will be on the undercard of Jermain Taylor-Caleb Truax and the bout between Erislandy Lara and Ronald Hearns.

Harrison, Barnett Headline May 12th Card at Washington Convention Center!

Keystone Boxing, who had a sellout card last time out at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, returns with a scheduled eight-bout card on Saturday, May 12. 

Fresh off his win this past weekend in Mississippi, "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison makes a quick return in one of the feature bouts.  DC junior welterweight Ty Barnett (19-2-1, 12 KO's) is also slated to be on the card.

The card is filled with young Beltway talent and Harrison won't be the only high school student on the card.   Frederick, MD welterweight Dillon Heyman will make his pro debut.  Heyman is an 18-year-old senior at Clarksburg High School in Clarksburg, MD.

Also scheduled to make his long-awaited pro debut is a young man who was one of the most talked-about and successful amateurs to come out of the Beltway area in recent memory.  DC junior middleweight Harold Parker won just about every amateur event he was involved in during the late 90's-early 2000's but he was sidetracked by other forces along the way. Many people have waited to see this day come.

Also appearing on the card will be undefeated District Heights junior welterweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines (1-0, 0 KOs), D.C. junior. middleweight Ivan "King Shango" Ziglar (5-2-1, 2 KOs), Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley (1-0, 0 KOs) and Charlottte Hall junior middleweight Josh Rupard (1-0, 1 KO).

You can buy tickets ($35 General Admission, $60 Ringside) by going to the Keystone Boxing website.  The link is in the Beltway Promoters section of this blog.

Amateur Boxing Comes to Baltimore April 28!

There will be an amateur boxing card coming to The Palladium located at 2900 Liberty Heights Boulevard in Baltimore on Saturday, April 28.  No word on who is going to be on the show, but we do know that it will begin at 7 PM.  More word as we get it.

Crews Wins Gold in Continental Tournament!

Baltimore's Franchon Crews captured the gold medal in the light heavyweight division of the 2012 Women's Continental Championships in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada. Crews defeated Maude Bergeron of Canada, 32-3 to win one of six gold medals captured by the United States.

Harrison Wins Unanimous Decision in Mississippi!

DC welterweight "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison has won a four-round unanimous decision over Anthony Bowman of Jackson, TN at the Landers Center in Southhaven, MS.  Harrison pitched a shutout (40-36) on all three judges' cards and raised his record to 5-0, two KO's.  Bowman falls to 9-40-2, two KO's.

Here is the entire bout as seen through the lens of Juan Marshall of our sister blog, Pro Am Fight Talk.

Harrison Weighs 153 For Mississippi Bout!

(photo by Juan Marshall, ProAm Fight Talk)

Dusty Harrison weighed in at 153 pounds for his contest against Anthony Bowman Saturday night at Southaven, MS.  Bowman came in at 152.

Local Boxer Wins Masters Tourney in Kansas City!

(photo courtesy of Bob Harvey)

This story is not about the boxer on the right  -- former two-time world champion Keith Holmes --  The story is about the man on the left -- Robert "Battling Bob" Harvey, a recent winner at the first annual Ringside Masters World Tournament in Kansas City, MO.  The event took place on the weekend of March 30.

The 55-year-old Harvey trains at the Rodney P. Hunt Boxing School located in the Capitol Sports Complex (formerly known as Run N' Shoot) in District Heights, MD.  Harvey also received additional training at Old School Boxing Gym in Fort Washington, MD.

"I won my fight in the Heavyweight 210 [pound] class.," Harvey told. BATB in an email.  "I received a beautiful belt and I want to thank all the DC fighters and hope Dusty Harrison the best of luck.  I am 55 years old and I want to stay in shape.  This is the best way for me."


This is not the first time Harvey has competed in a tournament.  Harvey competed in the Masters Division of the Ringside World Tournament in 2010 but lost his bout.  Another local boxing name -- Calvin Ford of Baltimore --  has been successful in that tournament in the past.

Harvey says he wants to continue to train and eventually be a boxing coach.

Crews Wins Initial Bout in Women's Continental Championships in Canada!

Baltimore light heavyweight Franchon Crews won her first bout at the 2012 Women's Continental Championships in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada on Wednesday.  Crews defeated Andrela Bandeira of Brazil, 17-12 in the semifinals.  She will be in the finals on Friday.

Bout Sheet For April 13 Regional Golden Gloves!

Here is the bout sheet for the 2012 Regional Golden Gloves that will take place on Friday, April 13 at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, MD.  There is still some updating to be done as two of the Washington Open champions do not have opponents yet.

NOVICE DIVISION:

114 Pounds:  Jonathan Howard, Hamstead, NC (Walkover Champion)

123 Pounds: Marcus Bates, Washington, DC vs. Jamaal Phillips, Hope Mills, NC

132 Pounds: Jefri Gutierrez, Gaithersburg, MD vs. Walter Parker, Hampton, VA

141 Pounds: Yurii Polishchuk, Lanham, MD vs. Jairo Vargas, Richmond, VA

152 Pounds: Zarifbek Nishanbaev, Lanham, MD vs. Luis Valentin (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

165 Pounds: Steven Bucci, Finksburg, MD vs. Davonte Harris, Roanoke, VA

178 Pounds: Joe Jones, Temple Hills, MD vs. James Morrow (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

201 Pounds: Albi Sadikas, Fort Washington, MD vs. Curtis Iverson (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

201+ Pounds: Kenneth Campbell, Gaithersburg, MD vs. Thomas Harper, Jr., Roanoke, VA


OPEN DIVISION (Winners advance to the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Mesquite, NV, April 29-May 6)


114 Pounds: Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, MD vs. Michael Daniels, Newport News, VA

123 Pounds: Gervonta Davis,  Baltimore, MD vs. Steven Zaiden, Roanoke, VA

132 Pounds: Gary Antonio Russell, Capitol Heights, MD vs. Kevin Harris, Richmond, VA

141 Pounds: Michael Reed, Waldorf, MD vs. Joseph Canale (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

152 Pounds: David Grayton, Washington, DC vs. Jonathan Steele (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

165 Pounds: D'Mitrius Ballard, Temple Hills, MD vs. Daniel Silva (US NAVY), Virginia Beach, VA

178 Pounds: Jerry Odom, Bowie, MD vs. TBA

201 Pounds: Devar Ferhadi, Frederick, MD vs. Darnell Price (USMC), Camp Lejeune, NC

201+ Pounds: Danny Kelly, Washington, DC vs. TBA