(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!
That was very nice of you to take time out to write such great advice. It's quite obvious that these amateur boxers are seeing much younger team-mates turn professional with decent success. They too, most likely could use some extra cash along with all the press that comes along with it. Gary Russell, Jr. Alantez Fox, Dusty Harrison, and Pro-Debuter Siad Floyd all are local guys who seem to be doing well. I can only imagine what must go through the minds on open-class boxers when younger ones are turning professional on a daily basis throughout the USA. I believe that many if not all of out local open-class men will turn professional this year. In fact, I would urge them to do so. DC/MD/VA has more talented young boxers than anywhere else in the country. I also believe that Jake Smith, Keystone Promotions, and Johnny Lange will be extremely busy building these youngsters in to bonafide superstars. Everyone benefits in this situation, the boxers getting paid, the promoters are selling out shows, the fans are loving it. I must admit, I can hardly wait to see these talented young men climb the ranks.
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