Mitchell Hand Injury Cancels Banks Bout!

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell's July 14th bout against Johnothan Banks has been scrapped because of a hand injury that the undefeated Mitchell suffered in his win over Chazz Witherspoon in April.  The Mitchell camp says their boxer will not be ready in time for the contest.  No word on when or if the bout will be rescheduled.

Russell Signs For IBF Eliminator!

    Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr., currently ranked 12th in the world by the IBF, is slated to be involved in a title elimination bout against number three-ranked Luis "La Estrella" Franco of Miami, FL by way of Cuba.  Russell is 19-0, 11 KO's while Franco is 11-0, seven KO's.  The winner would face IBF champ Billy Dib of Australia.

Gary Shaw Promotions will promote the bout, whenever and wherever the contest will take place.  GSP outbid Golden Boy Promotions at the IBF Convention in Honolulu, HI earlier today for the right to promote the contest.

Mitchell Faces Banks July 14 in Las Vegas!

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight and NABO Heavyweight champion Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell will take on Johnathon Banks of Detroit, MI in a 10-round contest on Saturday, July 14 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, NV.  The bout will be televised on HBO as the co-feature to the bout between Amir Khan and Danny Garcia.

Mitchell (25-0-1, 19 KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO of Chazz Witherspoon on April 28 in Atlantic City, NJ.  Mitchell has knocked out his last nine opponents and 11 of his last 12.

Banks (28-1-1, 18 KO's) is a former cruiserweight contender who suffered his only loss to Tomasz Adamek for the IBF title on February 27, 2009 in Atlantic City.  Banks was stopped in the eighth round.  Banks is undefeated as a heavyweight (8-0-1, four KO's).  His only blemish is a 12-round draw against Jason Gavern in May of 2010 for the NABF title in Germany.

June Is A Busy Month For Beltway Amateur Boxing!

Recently, we put together a list of Beltway Pros who will be involved in bouts in and out of the area during June and early July.  June will also have a number of amateur cards in the region.  Here's what we know so far:

Saturday, June 2 -- Arbutus, MD-- There will be a card at the Fish Head Cantina located at 4802 Benson Avenue in Halethorpe (Arbutus, MD).  This will be an afternoon card beginning at 3 PM.  Call Mighty Moe's Boxing at 410-300-4061 for details.


Saturday, June 2 -- Springfield, VA-- Another afternoon card at the Annandale Boys and Girls Club, 6728 Commercial Drive in Springfield.  This card will begin at 4 PM.   Call Dr. Richard Ashby at 202-213-0133 for details.  Dr. Ashby's RBA Promotions will be putting on the pro card on June 23 at Fort Myer/Henderson Hall in Arlington.


Friday, June 8 -- Baltimore, MD -- Baltimore Boxing will be putting on another card where a group of local boxers will be battling a unit from another city.  After two successful cards against Pittsburgh, PA, this time the rivalry with Philadelphia, PA is renewed.  The card will be held at Du Burns Arena and will start at 7 PM.  The featured bout will be a contest for the East Coast Championship between Jerome Featherstone and Darius Vann.  Also, 2009 Ringside World Champion Joey Veazey will be in action.  Call 410-375-9175.


Saturday, June 9 -- Hagerstown, MD -- The Hagerstown Boxing Club will host a card that will start at 1:30 PM at their facility located at 245 Prospect Avenue.  Call 301-745-4282 or 301-573-7665 for details.


Saturday, June 16 -- Millersville, MD -- Jeter Promotions will be promoting a card at Club One Fitness, located at 1131 Benfield Blvd in Millersville.  For details, call 410-729-3900. 

Paul Williams Reportedly Paralyzed in Motorcycle Accident!

Numerous reports say that former world champion Paul "The Punisher" Williams has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that took place in Atlanta, GA. Williams's trainer George Peterson told WRDW-TV in Augusta, GA that Williams is paralyzed from the waist down and will undergo surgery on Wednesday.  The surgery is supposed to help stabilize the upper half of his spine.

Peterson added that Williams was trying to avoid another vehicle and was thrown from his motorcycle.  Peterson said Williams is in an Atlanta hospital and is conscious.

Williams trains in the DC area regularly to prepare for big fights.  Peterson is a retired DC police officer.  The two were scheduled to begin training soon for a bout with Saul Alvarez on September 15 for Alvarez's WBC Light Middleweight title.

Our thoughts and prayers go to the Williams family and camp.

Can 'Hard Work' Take Down A 'Lumberjack?' Find Out June 16 at Du Burns!

One of the feature bouts on the Saturday, June 16 Keystone Boxing card is set.  Undefeated Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy "Hard Work" July will take on Justin "The Lumberjack" Howes of Buckhannon, WVA in a six-round contest at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.

July (10-0-2, four KO's) last fought on February 25 and scored a second-round TKO over Zeferino Albino in Millersville, MD.  Howes (13-2, 11 KO's) broke a two-bout losing streak in his last outing when he stopped Dan Shull in the third round on January 28 in Clarksburg, WVA.  That was Howes's first bout in a year.

Three other bouts are signed for the card.  Baltimore, MD junior welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. (3-0, one KO) will face veteran Nalo Leal of Airway Heights, Washington (4-15-1) in a four-round encounter.  Womack won a four-round majority decision over Richard Andrews on February 11 in Fairfax, VA.  Leal will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak.

The two local debuting boxers also have opponents now.  Baltimore junior middleweight Jeremy Trussell will take on Marcus Bess of Columbia, SC (0-1) who made his pro debut against Harold Parker on May 12 in DC and was stopped in the third round.  Also, Baltimore bantamweight Brady "The Magician" Sensibaugh will start his pro debut against equally debuting Giovanni Vazquez, also from Columbia, SC.

Medical Conditions, Injuries Change June 16 Card in Baltimore!

Some prospective matches for the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, June 16 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore have been scuttled because of a serious medical condition and an injury.

The Nick Kisner-Juan Carlos Robles cruiserweight bout was scrapped because Robles underwent emergency brain surgery earlier this week.  Robles is reported to be doing well after surgery as he came out of intensive care on Tuesday and BATB wishes him well in his continued recovery.  Meanwhile, promoters are trying to find another opponent for Kisner.

The middleweight rematch between James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson  of Baltimore and George "Wartime" Rivera of Charlottsville, VA has also been scratched because Rivera suffered an injury to his arm in training.  This would have been a rematch of a great 10-round bout back on March 20, 2010 at Du Burns.  Stevenson won that bout by 10-round unanimous decision.

Jeter Times Two In June!

Just because his scheduled bout with Jimmy Lange was postponed doesn't mean that Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter doesn't stay busy-- on both sides of the sport -- promoting and fighting. 

On consecutive Saturdays, Jeter will be promoting an amateur card and then participating on a pro card the next week.  On Saturday, June 16, Jeter will be promoting an amateur card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  Scheduled to appear on that card will be former national Golden Gloves Champion Michael Reed.  The card is slated to begin at 7 PM.

Then on Saturday, June 23 -- the day Jeter was slated to face Lange at the Patriot Center-- there will be a card at the Fort Myer/Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA.  Jeter will be on the card against an opponent to be determined.  The card already has its main event -- undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson (13-0, four KO's) will battle "The Rochester Reaper" Winston Mathis of Stockbridge, GA by way of Rochester, NY (7-5-1, two KO's).

Also slated to be on the card will be Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley and the pro debuts of two well respected and well known boxing brothers from Richmond, VA -- The Aleem Brothers, Moshea and Immanuel.

'KO' Snow Returns to Action June 23 in Florida!

Capitol Heights, MD super flyweight Thomas "KO" Snow will make his first appearance under the Don King banner on Saturday, June 23 at the   Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and casino in Hollywood, FL.

Snow told Juan Marshall of Pro Am Fight Talk that his opponent will be Ernie "The Gladiator" Marquez of Fort Carson, CO.  Snow (15-1, nine KO's) hasn't fought since winning a six-round unanimous decision over Robert DaLuz on July 16 in DC.

Marquez (9-10-2, five KO's) is winless in his last six.

New Documentary on 'The Man They Call Cujo!'

This must be the year for local boxing documentaries.  Michigan State University has one out on Seth Mitchell and now a Virginia-based company called Clout Motion Pictures has a documentary on Bedford, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon.  Timely since Sigmon heads into his first nationally-televised contest on Friday, June 8 in Las Vegas, NV against former world champion Kelly Pavlik.

Here's the documentary on "The Man They Call Cujo."

Crews Brings Silver Back From World Championships!

Franchon Crews is a silver medalist at the Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China!  In the championship bout, Crews lost an 18-11 decision to Yuan Meiqing of China this morning.  The bout was tied at two after the first round but Yuan slowly pulled away over the final three rounds.  Meiqing is the number one ranked boxer in the world in the light heavyweight (81 KG) division.  Crews is ranked sixth after moving up from middleweight.  Crews defeated the number two ranked boxer -- Timea Nagy of Hungary -- in the semifinals.

By the way, the US will send two ladies to the 2012 Olympics in London -- Marlen Esparza and Clarissa Shields.

Samuel Loses Majority Decision In Delaware!

Baltimore, MD super featherweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel lost a six-round majority decision to Ryan Belasco of Wilmington, DE Friday night at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE.

Samuel got a draw on the card of judge John Gradowski, 57-57 but judges Joseph Pasquale and Steve Weisfeld saw the bout 59-55 for Belasco.  Samuel is now winless in his last three bouts and his record falls to 14-5-1, six KO's.  Belasco is now 17-5-3, three KO's.

Sarah White Services Announced; Jeter Guests on NewsChannel 8 Tonight!

Here is the information for the Homegoing services for Sarah White, mother of promoter Cassandra White:

The services will be at Stewart Funeral Home, 4001 Benning Road NE in DC. Viewing is at 10 AM and service begins at 11 AM.


Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will be a guest on NewsChannel 8's "Sportstalk  with Glenn Harris" this evening at 9 PM ET.

Crews Advances To Women's World Finals!

Franchon Crews has advanced to Saturday's finals of the AIBA Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China!  Early this morning (US East Coast time), Crews won a 22-8 decision over Timea Nagy of Hungary. Nagy was the number two seed in the light heavyweight bracket.

Crews will face Meiqing Yuan of the host country in the finals, which you can watch LIVE on Saturday by going to AIBA's website www.aiba.org.

You are going to have to be up late to see it though.  The action begins at 2 PM in China which means 2 AM here!

Kisner Faces Robles June 16 in Baltimore!

The first matchup for the Saturday, June 16th Keystone Boxing Card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore has been announced and it should be a very interesting one.  Remember a few weeks back how we talked about the cruiserweights all around the Beltway?  Well, two will meet each other as undefeated "Slick" Nick Kisner of Baltimore will take on "El Guerro" Juan Carlos Robles of Waynesboro, VA in a scheduled four-round bout.

Kisner (10-0-1, five KO's) will be competing for the first time in 2012.  In his last outing, Kisner won a four-round unanimous decision over Rayshawn Myers on August 19 at Du Burns.

Robles (12-5-1, five KO's) has been competing in relative obscurity as he has fought three times in 2012.  He is winless in those bouts (0-2-1) but did get a six-round draw with undefeated Joey Dawejko on February 17 in Cicero, Ill.

One other note about this card.  Dusty Harrison is now off the card and he will be on the Saturday, July 14 Keystone card at the Washington Convention Center instead.  The June 16 card begins at 8 PM.

BATB's Tribute to 'The Godfather of Go-Go'!

As you may have heard by now, "The Godfather of Go-Go" Chuck Brown passed away today at the age of 75.

Long time DC Boxing fans may know that Mr. Brown was a good friend to the local boxing scene -- appearing at numerous boxing events over the years.  What I am just learning is that Mr. Brown stepped in the ring numerous times in gyms to spar with Beltway Boxing legends like Holly Mims and Bob Foster.

Chuck Brown's music has always -- and probably will continue to be -- an integral part of DC boxing events.  It was great to have a soundtrack that was uniquely ours.  But to my recollection (I could be wrong), only one Beltway Boxer continually used a Chuck Brown song as his ringwalk music.  That was Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson who used "Bustin' Loose" as his theme song throughout his career.  That combination brings up two memories that I'd like to share.

The first was when Tyson fought Rafael Ruelas in July of 1993 in Las Vegas.  It was a joy to watch Tyson's walk to the ring and hear "Bustin' Loose" on a pay-per-view telecast.  The second memory came two fights later in August of 1994 at the original Washington Convention Center.  Tyson fought Genaro Andujar in a six-round contest.  Tyson won the bout by fifth-round TKO but suffered a nasty cut over his right eye that looked to jeopardize a TV bout the next month against fellow local Reggie Green at the DC Armory.

Maybe it was out of celebration, or maybe it was anger or frustration, but when "Bustin' Loose" came on after the bout, Tyson started to do a wild dance in the center of the ring. It was so unlike the normally-stoic Tyson, that the crowd sort of froze watching it.   As it stood, Tyson was able to battle Green the next month and won that contest, one of the most memorable in the area in 30 years.

So we thank you, Chuck Brown, for bringing us so much musical joy to so many generations.  Also thank you for reminding us of this, a message we can give to all of our boxers (or anyone else):

"Whatever you do,
Big or small,
Do it well,
Or don't do it at all!"

Beltway Boxers Busy During Summer Months!

Beltway Boxers will be involved in some high profile contests in the next couple of months as we head towards the summer.  Here's a brief look at what is scheduled.

Silver Spring, MD light heavyweight George "El Gallo" Armenta (14-8, 11 KO's) will take on undefeated Dennis "The Assassin" Hasson (13-0, five KO's) of Philadelphia, PA on Friday, June 1 at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  The bout is slated for eight rounds.

As BATB mentioned a while back, Bedford, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon (22-3, 12 KO's) makes his national television debut when he faces former world champion Kelly Pavlik (38-2, 33 KO's) of Youngstown, OH on Friday, June 8 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  This is a scheduled 10-round contest that will televised by ESPN2.

On Friday, June 13,  DC super middleweight Gary "Fast Hands" Jones (22-2, eight KO's) returns to action in an eight-round bout against Richard Pierson of Paterson, NJ (11-2, eight KO's) at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ.  Jones is the older brother of the Russell Brothers.

Three days later -- Saturday, June 16 -- in Newark, NJ, two locally-based boxers will be involved in a card at the Prudential Center.  Cambridge, MD junior welterweight Dontre "Pound for Pound" King (6-10-2, two KO's) will face Jose Peralta Alejo of Jersey City, NJ (8-1, four KO's) in a six-round contest.  Also, Virginia-based middleweight John "No Mercy" Mackey (13-6-3, six KO's) will be in a six-round contest against undefeated John "Apollo Kidd" Thompson of Newark (8-0, three KO's).

Also on Saturday, June 16 , there will be a Keystone Boxing card at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.  Scheduled to appear on the card so far are undefeated boxers Venroy "Hard Work" July, James "Keep 'Em Sleepin' Stevenson,  Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines, Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker and Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr.  along with debuting Jeremy Trussell and Brady Sensibaugh of Baltimore.  We'll have more on this card as the news comes in.

On Saturday, June 30, "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. will be in a bout at the Fantasy Sports Casino in Indio, CA.  The bout is scheduled to be a 12-round encounter.  No word yet on the opponent.  This is a Golden Boy Promotions card that was originally slated to be in DC, however Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer recently stated publicly that Golden Boy will never come back to DC again.

Friday, July 6 marks another appearance at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for a Beltway Boxer.  This time it will be DC heavyweight Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm (13-1-1, nine KO's) will take on undefeated Magomed Abdusalamov of Oxnard, CA (14-0, 14 KO's) for the vacant WBC USNBC Silver Heavyweight title.  This bout will be a co-feature contest shown on ESPN2.

Saturday, July 7 is the date of Tony Thompson's rematch against world heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko in Bern, Switzerland.  The bout will be shown on EPIX.

Bouts subject to change without notice.  If they do change, we will let you know.

Crews Continues in World Championships!

Franchon Crews has advanced to the next round of action at the AIBA Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China.  Crews won a 30-12 decision over Dariga Shakimova of Kazakhstan early this morning.

Shen Falls in World Championships!

Dara Shen of Fairfax, VA lost her second round contest at the AIBA Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China.  Shen, boxing for Chinese Taipei in the middleweight division, lost by RSC-2 to Liliya Durnyeva of the Ukraine. 

Franchon Crews of Baltimore, boxing for Team USA in the Light Heavyweight division, will face Dariga Shakimova of Kazakhstan on Wednesday.

'Da Show Shock'A' Samuel Returns to Face Belasco in Dover, DE Friday!

Baltimore lightweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel returns to action this Friday, May 18 when he faces Rockin' Ryan Belasco of Wilmington, DE in what should be an interesting six-round contest at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE.

Samuel (14-4-1, six KO's) has not fought since battling to a six-round draw with Ron Boyd on May 28, 2010 in Norfolk, VA.  Samuel is winless in his last two bouts.  In another Norfolk, VA bout Samuel lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Dorin Spivey in April of 2010.  Belasco (16-5-3, three KO's) makes his first appearance in 2012 after winning a four-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine on December 2 at Dover Downs.  Belasco hasn't done well against Beltway Boxers, having lost eight-round decisions to Dean White and Andrew Farmer in 2009.

When 'Too Sharp' Heads Into History, You Can Be Along For The Ride!

There is a bus trip that will be heading to Canastota, NY for the induction of three-time world champion Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  The bus will leave from the RFK Stadium Armory parking lot at 5 AM on Saturday, June 9 and return to DC at Midnight on Sunday, June 10th.

Tickets for the trip are $175 with $100 deposits due on May 18 to reserve seats. The final balance is due June 1st...all money is non refundable.  The price includes:

Roundtrip Transportation
Hotel (based on double occupancy)
Ticket to Hall of Fame Museum
Ticket to Hall of Fame induction Ceremony


There is also the Hall of Fame Banquet that is an extra $135.  That's not included in the trip package but transportation will be arranged in case you would want to go to that.


Tickets are being sold at the Woodland Recreation Center located on 2310 Ainger Place SE in D.C. on Friday May 18 from 4pm to 7pm.  For more information, call 202-528-7694.

Crews, Shen Open With Victories At Women's World Championships!

Beltway Boxers Franchon Crews and Dara Shen got off to great starts at the AIBA Women's World Championships in Qinhuangdao, China.

Crews of the United States who boxes out of Baltimore, won a decision over Sabrina Delarue of France, 22-8 in a light heavyweight bout.  Crews will next face Dariga Shakimova of Kazakhstan in the next round.

Fairfax, VA's Shen, who is boxing for Chinese Taipei in the middleweight bracket, scored an RSC-4 over Claudia Heijns of the Republic of South Africa. Shen was leading 25-9 at the time of the stoppage.  No word yet on who Shen's opponent will be in the next round.

Thomas Snow Talks About Changes in Boxing Career!

We haven't seen a lot of Capitol Heights, MD's Thomas "KO" Snow lately, but the now junior bantamweight has been very busy behind the scenes as he has changed promoters.  Snow talks about being the latest Beltway Boxer to sign with Don King.



The video version can be found here:

http://youtu.be/2YrTlmjWw5I

Thompson, Corley Talk About Being World Travelers!

BATB sat down with Tony Thompson and DeMarcus Corley about the benefits of being a world traveling boxer as well as Thompson's July 7 date in Switzerland against Wladimir Klitschko.



If you would like to see the video version of this interview (a little hard to hear), you can go here:

http://youtu.be/fC3tQ2lGWR8

Video of the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up!

My audio version of the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up is malfunctioning.  But luckily, Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk was there to videotape the Wrap-Up.  Actually, this works out for a number of reasons -- some of which I talk about towards the end of the wrap which talks about some partnerships BATB has entered into.  Please see the entire video.

Dozier Falls in PA; Rahman Title Bout May Move to Germany; Crews, Shen Compete in Women's World Championships!

A few catch-up items:  Glen Burnie, MD welterweight Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier lost a six-round unanimous decision to Decarlo Perez of Atlantic City, NJ Saturday night in Newtown Township, PA.  Dozier lost by scores of 59-55 (twice) and 60-54.  This is the second straight loss for Dozier who is now 7-5-1, three KO's.  Perez is now 7-2-1, two KO's.

It looks like Hasim Rahman's chance for a third world heavyweight title may have to take place in a new location.  Rahman was scheduled to challenge undefeated Alexander Povetkin for Povetkin's WBA title on July 14 in London, England. However, there are major issues with the feature bout on the card --the grudge match between British heavyweights David Haye and Dereck Chisora.  A top German TV network has balked at televising the bout after Wladimir Klitschko called the bout "a freak show."

The British Boxing Board of Control has threatened to terminate the license of anyone associated with the show and the German Boxing Federation has called upon the European Boxing Union to ban the Luxembourg Commission who were going to sanction the contest.

Sauerland Boxing, who works with Povetkin, may move the Povetkin-Rahman bout to Germany.  No word on whether the bout will take place on the same date.

Two Beltway female amateurs are competing in the AIBA Women's World championships in Qinhuangdao, China this week.  Franchon Crews will face Sabrina DeLarue of France in light heavyweight competition on Monday while middleweight Dara Shen (who will be boxing for Chinese Taipei in this event) will take on Claudia Heijns of the Republic of South Africa on Monday.

Recap From The Convention Center!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing card Saturday night at the Washington Convention Center.

 Junior welterweight Ty Barnett wins by seventh-round TKO over Robert DaLuz of Providence, RI.  The bout was stopped at 1:18 of the seventh.  DaLuz is stopped for just the fifth time in his pro career and the first in his last 10 bouts.  Barnett is now 20-2-1, 13 KO's.  DaLuz falls to 13-41-3, four KO's.

Welterweight "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison scores a second-round TKO over Joey Ortega of Lowell, MA.  The time of the stoppage was 2:59 of the second round.  Harrison raises his record to 6-0, three KO's while Joey Ortega falls to 3-22, one KO.  Ortega faced an undefeated boxer for the 10th straight time.

DC junior middleweight Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker stops Marcus Bess of Columbia, SC in the third round of a bout between debuting pros.  The bout was stopped at 2:25.

Junior lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines of District Heights, MD wins a four-round unanimous decision over the debuting James Young of Lincolnton, NC.  Gaines won by scores of 39-37 (twice) and 40-36.  Gaines is 2-0.

Junior middleweight Ivan "King Shango" Ziglar won a fifth-round TKO over Columbus, OH's Eric "Fast Hands" Burke.  The bout was stopped at 1:33 of the fifth.  Ziglar is 6-2-1, three KO's.  Burke is now 6-28-3, five KO's.

DC junior featherweight Shadeed Floyd needed just 54 seconds to stop Tayshawn Autry of Garland, NC in his pro debut.  Autry is 0-3.

Fort Washington, MD's Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. scores a first-round TKO over Jess "Thunder Noriega of Lynchburg, VA.  Williams is now 8-0, five KO's while Noriega is now 0-2.

Frederick MD junior middleweight Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman scored an impressive first-round TKO over Mike Arnold of Canton, OH.  Arnold is 0-6.

Post-Fight will be added later on today.  Having difficulties with my audio version, so a video version might go up instead.

Barnett Scores Seventh-Round TKO!

Ty Barnett ends the night with a seventh-round TKO over Robert DaLuz.  Post-Fight coming up.  Good night from DC!

Harrison Wins By Second-Round TKO!

In a relentless performance, "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison scored a second-round TKO over Joey Ortega.  Ortega tried very hard to hang on, even when he lost a point in the interim.  But Harrison used his right hand to pummel Ortega to the canvas.

The bout was stopped at 2:59 of the second. Harrison is now 6-0, three KO's . Ortega is now 3-22, one KO.

Main event is next -- Ty Barnett vs. Robert DaLuz.  Right now however, former world champion Keith Holmes is telling the crowd that they are trying to work a bout between Holmes and former champion William Joppy in August.   Holmes wants the bout at 164 pounds.  We now leave 1996 and come back to 2012.

Back to Action with Harrison-Ortega!

Nice Ceremony featuring those Commission personnel mentioned earlier. The noise level in this crowded Convention Center went up as Dusty Harrison enters the ring to face Joey Ortega.

Parker Wins Pro Debut In Three!

On what seems to be "body shot night," Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker has won his pro debut with a third-round stoppage of the equally debuting Marcus "Mr.Fix-it" Bess of Columbia, SC. Every body shot Parker threw made Bess give a noticeable grimace before a body shot finished Bess at 2:25 of the round.

Intermission now, followed by the co-feature Dusty Harrison and Joey Ortega.

Gaines Wins Tough Unanimous Decision!

We have our first distance bout of the evening!  Both Renaldo Gaines of District Heights, MD and James Young of Lincolnton, NC fought a solid bout.   Gaines wins a four-round unanimous decision over Young with scores of 39-37 twice and a weird 40-36 score.

Gaines is now 2-0 while Young falls in his pro debut.

Up next, the long-awaited pro debut of Harold Parker as he faces Marcus Bess.

Ziglar Stops Burke in Five!

Ivan "King Shango" Ziglar put in a workmanlike performance in stopping Eric "Fast Hands" Burke of Cincinnati, OH in the fifth round. Ziglar dropped Burke four times en route to Michelle Meyers's stoppage at 1:33 of the fifth. Ziglar put in some hard body shots.  Ziglar is now 6-2-1, three KO's while Burke falls to 6-28-3, five KO's.

Renaldo Gaines taking on James Young in the ring now.

Next Bout -- Ziglar vs. Burke!

Ivan Ziglar is taking on Eric Burke in a scheduled six-round bout.

Shadeed Floyd is Ready..and is Done!

Shadeed Floyd is in the ring against Tayshawn Autry of Garland, NC.  Floyd is the second of three fighters that will be graduating from high school.  I couldn't put up the preview fast enough before Floyd put Autry away in 54 seconds.  Autry is now 0-3. Floyd wins his pro debut.

'Top Dog' Wins Handily!

Thomas 'Top Dog' Williams, Jr. used a dominating head and body attack to stop a game Jess Noriega at 2:11 of the first.  Williams is now 8-0, five KO's.  Noriega is now 0-2.

We are in a holding pattern waiting for Shadeed Floyd.  His trainer, Darryll Tyson, was working with amateurs at an event in southeast.

Hayman Dominates in Pro Debut!

Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman wasted little time in his pro debut, using a vicious body attack to stop Mike Arnold at 2:03 of the first round.  If you listened to the interview with Hayman, he made no bones about his gameplan as why that was the reason he turned pro.  Arnold is still trying to get out of the first round of a bout -- he is now 0-6.

Next up is Thomas Williams taking on Jess Noriega.

We Are Underway From the Convention Center!

Our first bout is in the ring.  Dillon Hayman, one of three locals on the card yet to graduate high school making his pro debut against Mike Arnold of Canton, OH. Hayman made his entrance to Gregorian chants and looked like one of the Undertaker's druids.

Good Evening Once Again From The Convention Center!

Hi again from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for tonight's Keystone Boxing card. We'll have the results posted as they happen.  One event that will be taking place this evening is a very special event put together by the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission in which they will honor members who have served for 25 years.  I want to highlight them because all of the following folks have been extremely helpful to me over the years.

Here are the honorees:
Paul Artisst -- former head of the DC Commission and a noted judge world wide.

Andre Davis -- longtime commission member

Alfred Grant -- current Deputy Commissioner

Quinton Harvell -- commission member

Henry "Discombobulating" Jones -- ring announcer

David Jordan -- amateur referee and pro judge

Paul McGarvey -- serves as timekeeper

Stephen Rados -- long-time judge

Curtis Rawlings -- supervisor

Lloyd Scaife -- judge

Congratulations to all!  We are moments from our first bout.

'Mr. Composure' Dozier' Competes in Newtown, PA!

Glen Burnie, MD welterweight Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier returns to action tonight at the Newtown Athletic Club in Newtown, PA.  Dozier (7-4-1, three KO's) will try to bounce back from a six-round unanimous decision loss to Jose Peralta Alejo on January 21 in Philadelphia, PA.  Dozier will face DeCarlo Perez of Atlantic City, NJ (6-2-1, two KO's) in a six-round contest.  Perez has lost two of his last three.  King holds a majority decision win over another Beltway Boxer, Dontre King.

Dozier weighed in at 151 pounds while Perez tipped the scales at 152.

Weigh-In Video From Tonight!

For those who have never been to a weigh-in before, it's not always like those you see on the major TV program levels, except in the mindset of those involved.  Thanks to Pro Am Fight Talk's Juan Marshall, we take you inside what really goes on at a regular weigh-in.  This was held in Southeast DC.  The MC is DC Boxing Hall of Famer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

BATB Talks to 'Chop Chop' About Big Win!

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley came by the weigh-in for tomorrow night's card and we talked to him about his big win last Saturday in Northern Ireland.  Thanks to Juan Marshall, my friend from Pro Am Fight Talk, for shooting the video.

Weights From Washington, DC!

Here is the scale watch for the Keystone Boxing card that will be held on Saturday, May 12 at the Washington Convention Center:

Ty Barnett 136 vs. Robert DaLuz 132

Dusty Harrison 144 vs. Joey Ortega 149

Harold Parker 149 vs. Marcus Bess 156

Renaldo Gaines 129 vs. James Young 133

Ivan Ziglar 156 vs. Eric Burke 154

Thomas Williams, Jr. 175 vs. Jessie Noriega 172

Dillon Hayman 155 vs. Michael Arnold 157

Shadeed Floyd 125 vs. TayShawn Autry 127


We have a lot of interview sound for you with a few of the boxers on the card.

Statement From The Peterson Camp!

IBF and WBA Light Welterweight Champion Lamont Peterson’s team issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of the Peterson vs. Khan II rematch:

Team Peterson is very disappointed and distraught by the decision to cancel the May 19th rematch against Amir Khan. This is an extremely difficult decision to accept. We have always taken the position of providing factual information rather than responding emotionally to rumors and innuendoes.

We did everything that was asked of us in efforts to comply. To support our stance we provided the Nevada State Athletic Commission with a significant amount of factual medical data in response to these allegations. Lamont did a battery of tests this week and saw a number of independent board certified physicians. They all had the exact same conclusion as the doctor that initially treated and diagnosed Lamont’s medical condition. It began as a confidential medical matter between a patient and his physician; unfortunately, it has now become a public issue in efforts to clear the name and reputation of this young man.

As a condition for this rematch Lamont demanded that Olympic style random drug testing be implemented. He has been a true advocate for making boxing drug free and fair. In his 18 year career (10 amateur and 8 professional) Lamont Peterson has never failed a drug test and has always complied with the rules beyond this isolated and explainable occurrence. We still stand behind the fact that he did nothing wrong and he was more than ready to go through with the May 19th fight. He is a man of tremendous character and will. His work ethic is second to none and in every sense of the word he is a true Champion, in life, as well as in the ring.

We will vigorously pursue the truth with regards to this matter and continue to fight to protect this young man’s character, credibility and all he has accomplished. Once all the facts have been reviewed we have no doubt that he will be vindicated.

Sarah White,Mother of Promoter, Passes!

BATB sends its deepest condolences to the family of promoter Cassandra White of Babie Girl Productions.  The family is mourning the passing of White's mother, Cassandra.  Sarah White passed away yesterday after a lengthy illness.

No word yet on the arrangements.

Lange Suffers Leg Injury; June 23 Bout With Jeter Postponed!

BATB has learned that Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange has suffered a leg injury during training camp and that has postponed the Saturday, June 23 card featuring his bout with Stevensville, MD's Tony Jeter.

Lange had this statement about the situation:

“I want to thank all of my fans for their past, present and continued support.  I promise to be back in action at the Patriot Center as soon as my physical condition allows.  This injury will not affect my performance when I return.  Thank you again and I’ll see you in the fall.”

Refunds will be available at the point of purchase.  Online refunds will take place automatically.

Peterson-Khan II Officially Cancelled!

The following is a press release from Golden Boy Promotions:

A failed pre-fight drug test administered by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA), coupled with the Nevada State Athletic Commission's (NSAC) legal inability to hold a formal hearing on the matter of licensing Lamont Peterson for his Saturday, May 19 rematch against Amir Khan until Tuesday, May 15, has forced the cancellation of the event.

 

Peterson Treated For Low Testosterone In November, Says Vegas-Based Doctor!

RingTv.com's Lem Satterfield is reporting that Lamont Peterson was treated for a testosterone deficiency in November prior to the first Peterson-Khan contest.  The treatment was performed by Dr. John A. Thompson, a doctor based in Las Vegas.

"I administered...testosterone in the form of pellets which were inserted subcutaneously into his hip. These pellets deliver bioidentical testosterone derived from soy, not synthetic testosterone," wrote Thompson.
"When delivered via pellets, the hormone is time-released as the body needs it over a period of months and does not cause a sudden rise in testosterone levels. This would not produce a significant enhancement of athletic performance."

The following is the letter acquired by The Ring:

Thompson, Rahman Look to Gain Heavyweight Titles on Consecutive July Weekends!

The odds against it happening are very long, but two Beltway veteran heavyweights have the opportunity to win world titles on consecutive weekends in July.




 Photo by Klitschko Management Group



On Tuesday, there was the first press conference for the July 7 heavyweight title bout between WBA/IBF/IBO/WBO champion Wladimir Klitschko and top challenger Tony Thompson. The bout will be held at the Stade de Suisse in Bern, Switzerland.  The bout will be shown on the Epix Cable Network.

Wladimir Klitschko: “So far I’ve been better in every rematch than I was in the first fight. Still I can’t become careless because through many rounds of sparring, Thompson knows me better than every other opponent.”

Tony Thompson: [The first defeat] was a valuable lesson for me. This can be a disadvantage for Wladimir. I will be the first heavyweight boxer to become a world champion at over 40 years of age.”

Yes, we know George Foreman won the title at the age of 46, but that was his second reign as champion.  Thompson referred to winning his first title at 40.


The WBA, in its infinite wisdom, refers to Klitschko as a "Super Champion" because he holds a number of world titles.  This means there must be a regular champion in the WBA and that man is Alexander Povetkin.  On July 14, Povetkin (24-0, 16 KO's) will put his WBA title on the line against the number one contender -- former two-time world champ Hasim Rahman (50-7-2, 41 KO's).  The bout will be on July 14 at another outdoor venue -- Upton Park in London, England.  The bout is the co-feature to the grudge match between the returning David Haye and fellow Englishman Dereck Chisora.

Nevada State Commission Says Peterson Admits Taking Banned Substance; Rematch With Khan Still in Limbo!

The head of the Nevada State Athletic Commission says that WBA/IBF champion Lamont Peterson has admitted to taking a banned substance which showed up in a recent random drug test.  As of right now, there is no official word on the status of the May 19 rematch between Peterson and Amir Khan.  A decision on this could come in the next 48 hours.

NSAC Executive Director Keith Kizer told ESPN.com that Peterson's attorney, Jeff Fried said Peterson took testosterone pellets late last year -- before his Dec. 10 fight with Khan -- on the recommendation of a doctor because Peterson had low testosterone levels.

The tests that came back positive came after a random drug test in March.  Both Peterson's A and B sample were positive.  This could mean that Peterson could lose his license in Nevada which would cause the fight to be cancelled.  Also, lawsuits from the Khan camp could come into play and the IBF and WBA could strip Peterson of the titles and give them back to Khan.

We, like everyone else, will keep you posted.

Michigan State Has Documentary on Alumnus Mitchell!

Michigan State University's MSU Today program has put together a nice documentary of one of their own..and ours too.  Undefeated heavyweight contender (#6 by the WBO) Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell is the subject of the documentary that focuses not only on his preparation for the December 10 bout against Timur Ibragimov at the Washington Convention Center, but also his life outside the ring.  Members of his family and his trainers are among those interviewed.

Here is the documentary entitled, "Mayhem."

Peterson Positive Test Threatens Rematch With Khan!

I thought I should recap and update what has happened in the last few hours.  IBF/WBA Super Lightweight champ Lamont Peterson has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance.  A number of media outlets are saying that the substance was synthetic testosterone and the test took place sometime in March.  This puts Peterson's title defense against former champion Amir Khan slated for May 19 in Las Vegas in jeopardy.

BATB first learned of this situation through a source who sent a link to an article posted on the website of the British tabloid, The Sun.  Numerous outlets then delved into the story.

According to RingTV's Lem Satterfield, both men agreed to be randomly drug tested by a new organization called the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, headed by former Nevada chief physician Dr. Margaret Goodman.  VADA made their debut testing for this past weekend's bout between Saul Alvarez and Shane Mosley.   Dr. Goodman wrote a letter to the Nevada State Athletic Commission saying  that a "urine specimen...was collected on March 19," and that its test results were "consistent with the administration of an anabolic steroid such as testosterone."

We have already posted the statement from the Peterson camp.  There has been no official word from the Khan camp, Golden Boy Promotions, the IBF, the WBA or HBO Television on where the bout officially stands at this time.  

British Tabloid Says Peterson-Khan May Be Off!

One British tabloid is reporting that the rematch between IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson and former champion Amir Khan slated for Saturday, May 19 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas is "on the brink of being called off."

The Sun newspaper is not giving a reason as to why the bout may be cancelled but quotes a source close to the Khan camp as saying “everything is up in the air and Amir is just hoping it can be resolved as he knew he was going to regain his belts in spectacular fashion.”

There is another report that Peterson may have failed a recent drug test and that may be the reason for the pending cancellation.  According to Dan Rafael of ESPN.com, an attorney for Peterson is saying that he tested positive for a "banned substance."  We will keep you posted as the Peterson team tries to confirm the findings.  The substance in question is synthetic testosterone and the test, according to a source, was back in March.


UPDATE:  Here is a statement from Andre Johnson, a spokesperson for the Peterson camp:

"We have tremendous respect for VADA (Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency) and its mission.  Lamont, Barry and the entire team emphatically support random drug testing in the most comprehensive manner possible. We are working expeditiously with a team of pathologists and other medical specialists to confirm the origin of the test result and in full compliance with the Nevada State Athletic Commission.  

"Lamont has never had a positive drug test either before or after this isolated occurrence and we plan to submit the medical findings by close of business Tuesday reflecting the actual facts in support of Lamont's good faith intentions and the requirements of the commission."

Five Boxers Make Baltimore Sun's List of Greatest Maryland Athletes!

To celebrate its 175th anniversary, The Baltimore Sun has been counting down the 175 greatest athletes in Maryland during the history of the newspaper.  Sun reporter Mike Klingaman has been compiling the list and the order of the top 10 will be announced tomorrow, May 8.  The list includes athletes who played for teams and schools in the state and was not limited to athletes born in the state.

No boxers made the top 10 as that section of the list includes the likes of Cal Ripken, Jr. Johnny Unitas, Wes Unseld and Brooks Robinson.  The highest finish for a boxer was at number 15 where former six-time world champion Sugar Ray Leonard is placed.

The first African-American world champion,  Joe Gans, made the list at number 51.  Hasim Rahman, who shocked the world with his championship knockout of Lennox Lewis, checked in at 148.  Four spots later came Kid Williams, a former world bantamweight titleholder in 1917 at number 152.

Then at 166 came a man many people believe should be in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Harry Jeffra, another world bantamweight champ in 1937.

Additional Honors For Beltway Golden Gloves Contingent!

BATB has learned of some additional honors earned by the Beltway contingent at the National Golden Gloves in Mesquite, NV.  Although these gentlemen were there representing Potomac Valley of USA Boxing and not team DC, their awards should be noted.

Referee Brent Bovell (left, with Beltway amateurs Michael Reed and Kevin Rivers) was awarded the Outstanding Referee award.  This is the seventh time in nine years that Bovell has won this award.  Bovell is one of only two local referees qualified to referee bouts at the Olympics -- although he recently told BATB he will not be traveling to London.  By the way, the other referee in the area is Jim McNally, the head coach of the US Naval Academy Boxing team.  McNally worked in Beijing in 2008, but no word yet on whether he is heading to London.

Also, Curtis Rawlings was named the Outstanding Clerk for the Golden Gloves program.  Rawlings is a well-known and well-respected figure in local amateur and pro boxing.  Rawlings also is the president of the Washington DC Boxing Hall of Fame.

Bovell picture taken by Maryland Independent, Rawlings photo by the Washington Post

Full Video of Corley's Upset of McCloskey!

YouTube has the Sky Sports Coverage of former WBO Junior Welterweight champ DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley's upset win over Paul McCloskey.  Don't know who the blow-by-blow announcer is but one of the analysts is former world champion and hall of famer Barry McGuigan.

Aiken Loses in First Round in Mexico!

In a battle of former world champions, Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken was stopped in the first round by Rafael Marquez at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.  Aiken is now 16-9-1, 12 KO's while Marquez's record rises to 41-7, 37 KO's.

National Golden Gloves Champions From the Beltway List Updated!

Once again, we can update the list of Beltway Boxers who have captured National Golden Gloves Championships.   The update also says that this list now has two boxers who are in the International Boxing Hall of Fame (Leonard and Mark Johnson) and four future pro world champions (Leonard, M. Johnson, DeMarcus Corley and Lamont Peterson)

1973 and 1974: Sugar Ray Leonard

1976: Louis "Heidi" Curtis

1978: William "Flip" Johnson

1979: Kenny "The Technician" Baysmore

1982: Warren "Chico" Thompson

1985: Eugene "Sonny" Speed

1986: Anthony Wilson

1988: Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson

1991: Melvin "Top Gun" Foster

1992: James Harris

1995: DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley

1995 and 1997: "Dangerous" Dana Rucker

1998: Lamont "Bay" Pearson

2001: Lamont Peterson

2003: Anthony Peterson

2005: Gary Russell, Jr.

2010: Gary Allen Russell, David Grayton

2011: Michael Reed

2012: Gervonta "Tank" Davis, D'Mitrius Ballard, Jerry Odom

Beltway Brings Home Three National Golden Gloves Titles and One Silver Medal; Jerry Odom Wins Golden Boy Trophy as Outstanding Boxer; DC Wins Team Trophy!

And now, part two of the Outstanding Beltway Boxing weekend.  The DC region cleaned up at the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Mesquite, NV tonight.  For the first time in Beltway history, the region brings home THREE national titles!!

Gervonta Davis of Baltimore won the national crown at 123 pounds defeating Joseph Rodriguez of Texas. At 165 pounds, D'Mitrius Ballard of Temple Hills, MD took the championship by defeating LeShawn Rodriguez of the NY Metro Region. Also, Jerry Odom of Bowie, MD won the title at 178 pounds with a win over Michael Reid of Wisconsin.

Odom also earned the most prestigious single award at the Golden Gloves -- The Golden Boy Trophy -- given to the most outstanding boxer of the tournament.

The silver medal went to 152-pounder and 2010 National Golden Gloves titlist David Grayton who lost his bid for his second title in three years to Alex Martin of Chicago.

Let's make this official as well.  Team DC won the overall team trophy after finishing second in 2011.  The coaches for this team were Lamont Roach and Robert Matney.  According to Washington Golden Gloves director Bobby Magruder, "This team stayed together through thick and thin and did an outstanding job."

BATB, in what has suddenly become an annual tradition, will update the list of Beltway-area boxers who have won National Golden Gloves titles tomorrow.  Just know this -- Beltway amateurs have won six National Golden Gloves titles in the last three years (Grayton, Gary Allen Russell in 2010, Michael Reed in 2011 and now Davis, Ballard and Odom in 2012)!

Just part of the legacy of "The Next Wave!"

Corley Scores Big Win in Ireland!

This is becoming a big weekend for Beltway Boxing!  The resurgence of the career of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley continued today as Corley scored a 10th round technical knockout over Paul McCloskey of Northern Ireland at the King's Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. 

According to Fightnews.com, Corley battered the hometown hero and reportedly broke his nose before referee Ian John-Lewis waived it off at 2:28 of the 10th.  The 37-year-old Corley has won his second straight big win combining this victory with his NABF title victory over previously undefeated Gabriel Bracero in January.  Corley is now 39-19-1, 23 KO's.  McCloskey is now 23-2, 12 KO's.  McCloskey's only losses have been to Corley and Amir Khan.

Corley, McCloskey Hit The Scales in Ireland

Photo by Lawrence Lustig


DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley weighed in at 138 1/4 pounds for his battle against Paul McCloskey Saturday at the King's Hall in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  McCloskey hit the scales at 141.

Aiken To Face R. Marquez in Battle of Former Champs Saturday in Mexico!

Photo by Rafael Soto/Zanfer Promotions

Former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken steps back into the ring to face former WBC and IBF Bantamweight and Super Bantamweight titleholder Rafael Marquez Saturday night at the Auditorio Municipal in Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.

Aiken (16-8-1, 12 KO's) has not fought since suffering a no-contest decision against Edner Cherry on September 23 in Hollywood, FL when Aiken was hit after the bell and couldn't continue.  Aiken, who won his world title almost five years to the day in May of 2006 when he beat Valdemir Pereira in Boston by eighth-round disqualification.  Aiken has only competed twice in three years -- his first outing was a six-round unanimous decision loss to Todd Wilson on September 10 in Fairfax, VA.  Aiken is a late sub for his bout against Marquez.

Marquez (40-7, 36 KO's) lost a bid for his third world title in his last outing when he dropped a 12-round unanimous decision to Toshiaki Nishioka on October 1 in Las Vegas.  Marquez defeated Tim Austin in February of 2003 to win the IBF Bantamweight title and made seven defenses of the title before moving up and defeating Israel Vasquez in March of 2007 for the WBC Super Bantamweight crown.  Marquez also holds two victories over former world champion and new hall of famer Mark Johnson.

Aiken by the way, also holds a victory over Austin.  Aiken weighed in at 126 pounds for the bout while Marquez came in at 127.  If you have TV Azteca, the bout is being televised on that network.

Reed, Kelly, Fall; Davis, Grayton, Ballard, Odom Advance in National Golden Gloves!

Four locals remain in the battle for a national Golden Gloves title as the Tournament of Champions reaches the semi-finals.

One of them is not 141-pounder Michael Reed who fell in his quest for a second consecutive national title.  Reed lost by decision to Preston Freeman of St. Louis.

Danny Kelly also lost in the quarterfinals of the 201+ bracket as he dropped a decision to Owen Minor of the New England region.

Those who are moving into the semi-finals include 2010 national champion David Grayton who won a decision over Patrick Day of the New York Metro region at 152-pounds

Also advancing is 123-pounder Gervonta Davis who won a decision over Joet Gonzalez of California.

D'Mitrius Ballard continues in the 165-pound decision.  Ballard reached the semis with a decision over Anthony Campbell of the Mid-South region.

Also, Jerry Odom advances at 178 pounds with a decision win over Gregory Sykes of Iowa.

Grayton, Ballard, Odom, Kelly All Advance By RSC; Reed, Davis Move to Next Round; Russell Upset!

A lot of action for locals representing the Beltway region in Day 3 of the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Mesquite, NV.  Four Beltway Boxers registered their first RSC's (Referee Stops Contest) of the tournament and all four were registered in the third round.

At 152 Pounds, David Grayton stopped Darren Wilder of Cleveland.  In the 165-pound bracket, D'Mitrius Ballard had an RSC-3 over Rashad Scott, representing the Tri-State region.  Jerry Odom advanced to the next round of the 178 bracket by his RSC over Brandon Everett of Nevada and Danny Kelly in the 201+ pound category won by RSC over LeSean Edge of Cleveland.

Advancing by decision were 141-pounder Michael Reed over Alfonso Olvera of Nevada and 123-pounder Gervonta Davis over Jason Sanchez, representing the Colorado-New Mexico region.

However, one of the locals was upset in this round.  132-pounder Gary Antonio Russell lost by decision to Kendo Castaneda of Texas.  Two other Washington Region boxers lost on the third day of  competition.  Gregory Outlaw of Glenarden, MD lost a decision to Thomas Huitt-Johnson of Kansas City at 114 pounds while Jonathan Howard of Hempstead, NC, the only boxer from the Virginia-North Carolina Region to appear on the Washington region team, lost at 108 pounds to Angel Valencia of the Colorado-New Mexico region.

Locals Go Four-For-Four On Second Day of National Golden Gloves!

Beltway amateurs won four bouts in four attempts on the second day of competition at the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Mesquite, NV.

Gary Antonio Russell of Capitol Heights, MD won his first bout in the 123-pound division defeating Abraham Nova of Buffalo, NY by decision.

DC 152-pounder and 2010 National Golden Gloves champion David Grayton also advanced with a decision victory over Tyrone James of Omaha, NB.

Jerry Odom of Bowie, MD won his first-round bout in the 178-pound bracket by decision over Ronald Mixon of California.

Also, Danny Kelly of DC moved into the second round of the 201+ pound division with a win over Ryin Douglas Reed of Toledo, OH.

'Sho Nuff' Nelson To Defend WIBA Middleweight Championship On June 23 Patriot Center Card!

Undefeated Ashburn, VA middleweight Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson will make the first defense of her Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) Middleweight title in the co-main event on Saturday, June 23rd at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.  Nelson's opponent will be the current WIBA Light Middleweight titleholder, Maria Lindberg of Malmo, Sweden.  The bout is scheduled for 10 rounds.

Nelson (6-0-1) captured the WIBA middleweight title on the last Patriot Center card with a unanimous decision win over Vashon Living in February.  Until recently, Nelson also held the WBC Middleweight title but has since vacated that title.  Lindberg (6-1-2, one KO) won the WIBA Light Middleweight title back in 2010 and made an unsuccessful attempt at the WBO and WBF Middleweight titles, losing a 10-round decision to Christina Hammer in May of 2011 in the Czech Republic.

Lindberg will make her third trip to the United States to compete and her second time competing in the Beltway region.  Lindberg fought Ann Saccurato to a four-round draw in May of 2004 at the DC Tunnel in Washington, DC.

In other announcements concerning this card, undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson will make his sixth appearance at the Patriot Center.  Wilson (13-0, four KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO of Eric Burke on February 25 in Charlotte, NC.  Wilson will face "The Rochester Reaper" Winston Mathis of Atlanta, GA  by way of Rochester, NY (7-5-1, two KO's) in an eight-round encounter.  Mathis will try to bounce back from his third-round TKO loss to Chris Algieri on March 31 in Huntington, NY.

Also on the card, Lawrence Jones returns to action as the Reston, VA boxer (4-6-2, one KO) takes on Gundrick "Sho-Gun" King of Tuscaloosa, AL (16-8, 11 KO's) in a six-round contest.  Jones was a late sub on the February Patriot Center card and lost a six-round unanimous decision to Harry Joe Yorgey.  King, meanwhile, will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak, falling by TKO in each bout.

In an all-Beltway heavyweight matchup, Duane Mobley of Upper Marlboro, MD (2-0, one KO) will take on Michael DeSantos of Ashburn, VA, who will be making his pro debut.

Headlining the card, as previously noted, will be the 10-round bout between Beltway fan favorites Jimmy Lange and Tony Jeter.

Beltway Boxers Have Successful First Day at National Golden Gloves!

Beltway Boxers won three of four bouts on the first day of competition at the National Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions in Mesquite, NV.

In the 123-pound bracket, Gervonta Davis of Baltimore, MD won by decision over Michael Stoute of New York.

At 141 pounds, defending national champion Michael Reed of Waldorf, MD captured a decision over Amonte Eberhardt of Pennsylvania.

D'Mitrius Ballard of Temple Hills, MD advanced to the next round in the 165-pound bracket with a decision over Martin Schuh of Iowa.

The only loss came at 201 pounds where Albi Sadikas of Fort Washington, MD fell by decision to Jonathan Thrasher of Knoxville, TN.  Interesting that Sadikas was even there, considering he participated in the Novice division of the Regional Golden Gloves.

May 12 Convention Center Card Coming Together!

The Keystone Boxing card slated for Saturday, May 12 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC is coming together with matchups already signed.

DC lightweight Ty Barnett returns to action in the eight-round main event against veteran Robert "Don't Lose" DaLuz of Providence, RI.  Barnett (19-2-1, 12 KO's) fought in DC for the first time in almost five years in his last outing, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over another veteran, Damon Antoine, on the last Keystone card on March 10 at the Convention Center.   DaLuz (13-40-3, nine KO's) is a very similar boxer to Antoine -- someone who gives prospects solid work in the ring.  DaLuz has lost 12 in a row, but has only been stopped once in those 12 bouts and only four times in his career.  DaLuz will be facing a Beltway Boxer for the fourth time in his career, losing two competitive bouts to Clarence Vinson and one to Thomas Snow.

The co-feature has undefeated DC welterweight "The Beltway Boricua" Dusty Harrison competing in his first scheduled six-round contest when Harrison (5-0, two KO's) takes on Joey "Mundo" Ortega of Lowell, MA (3-21, one KO).  Harrison is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Anthony Bowman on April 7 in Southaven, MS.  Ortega last fought almost one year ago when he was stopped in the third round by Cecil McCalla on May 21 in Wilson, NC.

Harrison won't be the only high school-age boxer on the card.  Frederick, MD welterweight Dillon Hayman will make his pro debut on this card.  The 18-year-old Heyman is a senior at Clarksburg High School. Hayman will take on Mike Arnold of Akron, OH (0-5) in a four-round contest.

Two other well-known local amateurs will make their pro debuts on the card.  DC junior middleweight Harold Parker is a boxer who was well respected as an amateur in the early 2000's, before other situations sidetracked his path.  Parker will face the equally-debuting Marcus Bess.

DC featherweight Shadeed Floyd will also make his maiden voyage into the pro ranks 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 trained by Beltway Boxing legend Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson.  Floyd will take on TayShawn Autry of Garland, NC who is 0-2.

Also on the card will be DC-based junior middleweight Ivan "King Shango" Ziglar.  The Norfolk, VA native (5-2-1, two KO's) scored a second-round knockout over Allen Perkins in his last appearance on the March 10 Keystone show in DC.  Ziglar will battle Eric "Fast Hands" Burke of Columbus, OH (6-27-3, five KO's).  Burke's last outing was a four-round TKO loss to Todd Wilson on February 25 in Charlotte, NC.

District Heights, MD super featherweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines (1-0) will also be on the card as he will take on the debuting James Young.  Also, Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. (7-0, four KO's) has been added to the card to face an opponent to be determined.