Recap From DC!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing card Saturday night at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

DC welterweight Dusty Harrison remains undefeated with a second-round TKO over Shane Gierke of Youngstown, OH.  Harrison knocked down Gierke three times en route to the stoppage at 2:46 of the second round.  Harrison is 9-0, five KO's while Gierke is now 5-27-2, four KO's.

After a six-year absence, Waldorf, MD light heavyweight "King" James McCallister wins a six-round unanimous decision over James Denson of Akron, OH.  McCallister scored a knockdown in the fourth round but Denson got his shots in as well and had McCallister in some difficulty at times during the bout.  Kudos to referee Michelle Myers for allowing both men to work their way out of trouble.  McCallister is now 12-6-1, three KO's while Denson falls to 5-11, three KO's.

Palmer Park, MD junior lightweight Kevin Rivers, Jr. made his pro debut a successful one with a four-round unanimous decision over David Warren Huffman of Milwaukee, WI.  A nice matchup saw Rivers win sweep all four rounds on the judges's scorecards.  Huffman is now 1-8.

DC welterweight David "Day-Day" Grayton scored a first-round knockout over Anthony Jones of Jackson, TN.  Grayton knocked down Jones four times before the bout was stopped at 2:14.  Grayton is now 2-0, two KO's while Jones is 0-5.

Another DC welterweight, Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker, needed just 48 seconds to stop David Tomlin of Wilson, NC.  Parker is now 3-1, three KO's while Tomlin is 0-5 and has yet to get out of the first round.

DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly also scored a first-round TKO stopping Ryan Shay of Fort Mills, SC.  The bout was stopped at 2:47. Kelly is 2-0, two KO's while Shay is 5-16, four KO's.

Hillcrest Heights, MD middleweight Jarrett Hurd stopped his opponent, Mike Arnold of Akron, OH in just 1:30 of the first round in his pro debut.  Hurd dropped Arnold twice en route to the win.  Arnold is 0-9.

Richmond, VA super middleweight Immanuwel Aleem used a tremendous double left hook to the body and head to drop Marcus Clay of Baton Rouge, LA and go on to stop Clay at 57 seconds of the second round.  Aleem is 2-0, two KO's while Clay is 1-3.

Here is the BATB Post Fight Wrap-Up Show for this contest.



We also have interviews with both Dusty Harrison and Kevin Rivers, Jr.

Harrison Wins By Second-Round TKO!

Fighting a bad cold, Dusty Harrison scored a second-round TKO over Shane Gierke.  Harrison dropped Gierke three times, once with a scorching left hand to the body.  Harrison finished it with a right to the head.

Harrison is now 9-0, five KO's.  Gierke is now 5-27-2, four KO's.

We have interviews with Harrison and Kevin Rivers on Spreaker.com and the Post-Fight Wrap-up is forthcoming.  For now, good night from DC!

McCallister Wins Comeback Bout!

"King" James McCallister returns after a six-year absence to win a six-round unanimous decision over James Denson.  McCallister dropped Denson in the fourth round but was hit by shots himself. 

McCallister is now 12-6, three KO's.  Denson is now 5-11, two KO's.

Coming up, the main event -- an under the weather Dusty Harrison vs. Shane Gierke.

Rivers Wins Four-Round Unanimous Decision in Pro Debut!

We finally have a bout go the distance.  Even better, the bout was competitive.  However, Kevin Rivers, Jr. wins a four-round unanimous decision over a very game David Warren Huffman.  Rivers did a workmanlike job going to the body, although a few of his shots did go low. 

Huffman may be the best 1-8 fighter we've seen in a while.

Co-feature up next -- James McCallister vs. James Denson.

Grayton Stops Jones in One!

The preceding was a pummeling.  David Grayton knocked down Anthony Jones four times en route to a first-round stoppage at 2:14.  Three of the four knockdowns came on body shots.  Jones left the ring with a cough that he didn't have coming in.

Grayton is now 2-0, two KO's.  Jones is now 0-5.

Next:  The pro debut of junior lightweight Kevin Rivers, Jr. who faces David Warren Huffman.

Parker-Tomlin in the Ring! And It's Over!

Harold Parker showed no effects of his loss last month or his legal troubles as he easily stopped David Tomlin of Wilson, NC at 48 seconds of the first round.  Parker is now 3-1, three KO's.  Tomlin is 0-5 and has yet to get out of the first round.

Up next,  David Grayton vs. Anthony Jones.

Kelly Wins By First-Round TKO!

Danny "Smooth" Kelly scores a first-round TKO over Ryan Shay.  Kelly overpowered Shay throughout and fought through some head clashes to drop Shay late in the round.  Shay told referee Malik Waleed he wanted no more.  The bout was stopped at 2:47.  Kelly is 2-0, two KO's.  Shay is 5-16, four KO's.  Brief intermission after less than four full rounds of action.

Hurd Scores First-Round KO!

Jarrett Hurd wasted no time in stopping Mike Arnold, dropping him twice en route to a first-round stoppage at 1:30.  The last knockdown looked like it came slightly after Arnold tried to take a knee.  It wouldn't have changed anything, but it's the principal of the thing.  Arnold's now 0-9.

Up next, heavyweight Danny Kelly against Ryan Shay.

Aleem Stops Clay in Second!

Immanuwel Aleem used a picture-perfect double left hook to drop Marcus Clay in the second round and went on to stop Clay at 57 seconds of the round.  Aleem is 2-0, two KO's.  Clay is 1-3.

Next up, the pro debut of Jarrett Hurd of Hillcrest Heights, MD as he faces Mike Arnold of Akron, OH (0-8).

Fight Card Ready To Get Started!

Immanuwel Aleem getting ready to get into the ring to face Marcus Clay.  By the way, the boxers are making a long walk from the locker room.  From downstairs on the second floor.

Good Evening From The Convention Center!

Hi again, everyone!  We are in the E Hall of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown DC getting ready for the Keystone Boxing card.

We'll start around 8:30 or so.  There is one alteration to one of the records of the boxers.  Marcus Clay, who will face Immanuwel Aleem in the opening contest, is actually 1-2.  Clay, who is from Baton Rouge, LA, won a four-round split decision over Justin Verdin on September 12 in Elmwood, LA.  Verdin was 9-1 going into that bout.  Makes our first bout more interesting.

Don't forget to head over to the Boxing Along The Beltway page on Spreaker.com for exclusive audio content.  We'll also take questions and comments here.

Rahman Suffers Second-Round Stoppage in Germany!

The only saving grace is that it didn't take long.  Former world heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman has been stopped in the second round today in his WBA title bid against Alexander Povetkin in Hamburg, Germany.

The undefeated Povetkin rocked Rahman with his very first punch and it went downhill from there for Rahman, the native of Baltimore, MD.  Rahman was never knocked down, but in the second round, Povetkin hit him with enough brutal shots to force referee Gustavo Padilla to stop the contest at 1:46 of the round.

Rahman entered the ring close to 30 pounds heavier than Povetkin and he also entered the ring without his trainer, former world light heavyweight champ Eddie Mustafa Muhammad who had visa issues.  Quite frankly on this night, Rahman could have had Muhammad, Angelo Dundee, Gil Clancy and Eddie Futch working the corner and it wouldn't have changed the outcome.

Rahman's record is now 50-8-2, 41 KO's and we hope his record stays there.  Povetkin is now 25-0, 17 KO's.

A Call For Peterson-Judah In November!

Negotiations are ongoing for a championship bout between IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson and mandatory challenger Zab Judah to take place sometime in November.  BATB talked to Peterson's trainer/manager Barry Hunter Friday night and he says that the issue is just the time constraints on this as the proposed bout is slated to go to a purse bid very soon.

One of the advocates for this contest is Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Michael Walters, an area-based reporter who also does work for BoxingTalk.com.  Here is his very solid column on this subject.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1350873-ibf-champion-lamont-peterson-should-fight-zab-judah-on-hbo-or-showtime

Weights From Washington, DC!

Here is the scale watch for Saturday's Keystone Boxing card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

Dusty Harrison 146 vs Shane Gierke 150

James McAllister 178 vs. James Denson 173

Kevin Rivers, Jr. 127 vs. David Warren Huffman 130

David Grayton 148 vs. Anthony Jones 151

Harold Parker 147 vs. David Tomlin 145

Danny Kelly 237 vs. Ryan Shay 250

Jarrett Hurd 158 vs. Mike Arnold 153

Immanuwel Aleem 165 vs. Marcus Clay 163
 
We'll be blogging live from the Convention Center beginning at 7:45 PM ET.

Rahman Weighs 256 For Bout in Germany!

Hasim Rahman weighed in at 256 pounds for his WBA heavyweight title bout with champion Alexander Povetkin in Hamburg, Germany.  Povetkin came in at 229 pounds.  The bout will be shown live on the EPIX Network at 4:30 PM ET on Saturday from the Alsterdorf Sporthalle in Hamburg.

The referee for the contest will be Gustavo Padilla of Panama.  The judges will be Jose Roberto Torres (Puerto Rico), Alfredo Polanco (Mexico) and John Coyle (U.K.).

Final Bout Sheet For September 29 Card in DC!

This is the final lineup for the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, September 29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center:

Main event, six rounds, welterweight: Dusty Harrison (8-0, four KO's), Washington, DC vs. Shane Gierke (5-26-2, four KO's), Youngstown, OH

Co-feature, six rounds, light heavyweight: "King" James McAllister (11-6-1, three KO's), Landover, MD vs. James Denson (5-10, three KO's), Akron, OH

Four rounds, welterweight: Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker (2-1, two KO's), Washington, DC vs. David Tomlin (0-4), Wilson, NC

Four rounds, welterweight: David "Day-Day" Grayton (1-0, one KO), Washington, DC vs. Anthony Jones (0-4), Jackson, TN

Four rounds, heavyweight: Danny "Smooth" Kelly (1-0, one KO), Washington, DC vs. Ryan Shay (5-15, four KO's), Fort Mills, SC

Four rounds, super featherweight: Kevin Rivers, Jr. (pro debut), Palmer Park, MD vs. David Warren Huffman (1-7), Milwaukee, WI

Four rounds, middleweight: Jarrett Hurd (pro debut), Hillcrest Heights, MD vs. Mike Arnold (0-8), Akron, OH.

Four rounds, super middleweight: Immanuwel Aleem (1-0, one KO) vs. Marcus Clay (0-2), Baton Rouge, LA.

Fox Battles to Draw in New York!

Forestville, MD middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox fought to an eight-round draw Saturday night against Frank Galarza at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.  The bout was for the New York State Middleweight title.

The two undefeated boxers each won one judge's scorecard by a score of 77-75 and the third judge saw the bout even at 76-76.  Fox is now 7-0-1, three KO's while Galarza is 7-0-1, four KO's.

Bonus Sound From Millersville!

We decided to try something extra this evening and it may be something we do for future bouts. "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I decided to try some audio blow-by-blow coverage for the featured bouts on the card from Millersville, MD.  This was originally available to my followers on Spreaker.com but now can be made available here.

If you would like to follow my Spreaker page, you can do so and get all the audio content right away, before it gets posted here.  This is the link to the Spreaker page:

http://www.spreaker.com/user/digital25

Here is the call of the WBC Fecarbox title bout between Tony Jeter and Tyrel Brown:



This is the post-fight interview with Jeter:



Here is the call of the bout between James Stevenson and Dontre King:



This is the post-bout interview with Stevenson:



Please let us know what you think of this new feature.

Recap From Millersville!

Here is the recap from the Jeter Promotions boxing card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD:

Baltimore, MD welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson remained undefeated with a first-round knockout of Cambridge, MD's Dontre "Pound For Pound" King.  Stevenson returned from an absence of more than a year and used solid power to drop King, who couldn't beat referee Kenny Chevalier's count at 1:50 of the round.  Stevenson is now 16-0, 11 KO's while King is 6-13-2, two KO's.

Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter captured the WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title with a fifth-round TKO of Tyrel "Hooligan" Brown of Fort Gibson, OK.  An even bout through four rounds, Jeter changed the bout dramatically with a brusing right hand about a minute into the fifth. Jeter would repeat his right hand numerous times before referee Bill Clancy stopped the contest at 1:42 seconds.  Jeter is now 14-3-1, nine KO's while Brown falls to 7-3, seven KO's.

Baltimore, MD junior middleweight "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis scored a sixth-round TKO over Stephen Franklin of Inwood, WVA.  Bouloubassis held the upper hand throughout the contest, finally hammering Franklin enough so referee Chevalier could stop the contest at 2:46 of the sixth.  Bouloubassis remains undefeated at 8-0-5, six KO's.  Franklin is 1-9, one KO.

Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley knocked down Forest, VA's David Fleming twice in the second round en route to a knockout victory.  After the second knockdown, referee Clancy waived off the bout at 1:13.  Mobley is now 5-0, four KO's while Fleming is 2-2, one KO.

Baltimore, MD junior middleweight Dan Cannady stopped DC's Issa Coulibaly at 49 seconds of the fourth round.  The bout was a rather even affair but Cannady was able to get Coulibaly in trouble at the beginning of the round causing referee John Gradowski to stop the bout.  Cannady is now 2-0, one KO while Coulibaly is now 0-3.

In amateur action, Christian Bratton of LA Boxing won a 145-pound bout over Benjamin Marshall of Club One.  Yurii Polishchuk of LA Boxing won a bout at 152 pounds over Down Under's Brian Rodriguez.  Also, Zach Steel of LA Boxing won a heavyweight contest over Dwayne Ambrose of Knockout Fitness.

Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up for tonight's action:

Stevenson Scores First-Round KO!

James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson ends the night with a first round knockout of Dontre King.  Solid performance by Stevenson after a year's absence.  Hear the commentary and the Post Fight Wrap later on.  Thanks for joining us and good night from Millersville!

Jeter Wins WBC Fecarbox Title With Fifth-Round TKO!

Tony "Mo Better" Jeter scores a fifth-round TKO over a very game Tyrel "Hooligan" Brown.  Jeter wins the WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title and raises his record to 14-3-1, 10 KO's.  Brown is now 7-3, seven KO's.

The main event is up next -- James Stevenson vs. Dontre King.  We are also recording commentary for that bout on Spreaker.com.

Bouloubassis Stops Franklin In Sixth!

"The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis wins by sixth-round TKO over Stephen Franklin.  Bouloubassis hammered Franklin throughout the contest until the bout was stopped at 2:46 of the final round.  Bouloubassis remains undefeated at 8-0-5, six KO's. Franklin is now 1-9, one KO.

Coming up next, the battle for the WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title -- Tony Jeter vs Tyrel Brown.  Slated for eight rounds.  We will be recording blow-by-blow commentary on Spreaker.com.

Mobley KO's Fleming in Second!

Duane Mobley of Upper Marlboro, MD scores a brutal second-round knockout over Forest, VA's Dave Fleming.  Mobley dropped Fleming twice with right hands before referee Bill Clancy stopped the contest at 1:13 of the round.  Mobley is now 5-0, four KO's while Fleming is 2-2, one KO.   Next is the rematch between Elias Bouloubassis and Stephen Franklin.  It's slated for six rounds.

Cannady Stops Coulibaly in Fourth!

In what was simply a horrible stoppage, Dan Cannady wins by fourth-round TKO over Issa Coulibaly.  The bout was very spirited and both men had their moments.  In the final exchange, Cannady threw hard punches but Coulibaly seemed to avoid the punches.  However, referee John Gradowski saw enough to stop the contest at 49 seconds of the fourth.

Cannady is now 2-0, one KO.  Coulibaly is now 0-3.

Up next, heavyweights Duane Mobley and David Fleming.

Pro Card Getting Underway!

The first bout on the pro portion of the card is headed to the ring.  Baltimore junior middleweight Dan Cannady takes on DC's Issa Coulibaly.  The bout slated for four rounds.  Looking forward to your comments throughout the evening.

Steel Wins Over Ambrose!

Zack Steel wins a very spirited heavyweight bout over Dwayne Ambrose.  Pro bouts to begin shortly in front of a nice crowd at Club One Fitness.

Polishchuk Wins Decision Over Rodriguez!

In a very nicely-fought contest, Yurii Polishchuk defeats Brian Rodriguez.  Our final amateur bout matches Zack Steel of LA Boxing against Dwayne Ambrose of Knockout Fitness.

Bratton Wins Over Marshall!

LA Boxing's Christian Bratton wins by decision over Benjamin Marshall of Club One.  Next amateur bout has Brian Rodriguez of Down Under vs. Yurii Polishchuk of LA Boxing.

Amateur Boxing Getting Started!

Our first amateur bout is in the ring -- Benjamin Marshall of Club One takes on Christian Bratton of LA Boxing.  Head over to the BATB channel on Spreaker.com to hear the pre-fight show.

Mike Greenhill Has Returned!

We're very happy to report that ace boxing photographer Mike Greenhill has returned to ringside and he looks great and said he feels wonderful. 

You may remember that Greenhill had an issue with his heart earlier this year.  Greenhill said it was not a heart attack, it was a sudden cardiac arrest similar to what basketball players Hank Gathers and Reggie Lewis passed away from.  In fact, Greenhill said only about five percent of people who suffer this survive.  The workout regimen and diet helped his recovery.

Good Evening From Millersville!

Good evening from Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD for the Jeter Promotions card.  This night will begin with amateur action so it will be a while before we get started.

We just received word that there will be a card coming to the Fort Myer Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA two weeks from tonight -- Saturday, October 6.  Scheduled to appear on that card will be heavyweight Duane Mobley, lightweight Terron "Kid" Grant, light heavyweight Greg Newby and junior welterweight Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez.  We'll have more on this card -- promoted by RBA Promotions -- in the days ahead.

We'll be back in a little bit for the start of the card.  Don't forget, we'll also have exclusive audio content on Spreaker.com on the Boxing Along The Beltway channel.  We'll tell you when.

Fox Weighs 152 For NY State Title Bout in Queens!

Alantez Fox (right) tipped the scales at 152 pounds for tonight's New York State Junior Middleweight title bout against Frank Galarza at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.  Galarza hit the scales at 153 pounds.

The bout and the entire card can be seen on a pay-per-view basis on GoFightLive.TV for $9.99.  Go to this link:  www.gfl.tv

Weights From Millersville, MD!

Here is the scale watch for Saturday's Jeter Promotions card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD:
Tony Jeter 158 vs. Tyrel Brown 159 1/2
James Stevenson 145 1/2 vs. Dontre King 149 1/2
Elias Bouloubassis 152 1/2 vs. Stephen Franklin 161 1/2
Duane Mobley 246 vs. Dave Fleming 243
Dan Cannaday 156 vs. Issa Coulibaly 156
The Joshua Davis-Jamal Davis bout has been scratched.
We'll be blogging live from Club One Saturday night beginning at 7:15 PM ET.  Also, look for exclusive audio content on the Boxing Along The Beltway channel on Spreaker.com throughout the evening and pictures from Juan Marshall on ProAm FightTalk.

BATB Talks With 'Mo Better' Jeter About September 22 Card!

BATB sits down with Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter as he prepares for Saturday night's card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  Jeter talks about his roles as fighter, promoter and matchmaker for this card.  Jeter will headline the show with a bout against Tyrel Brown for the WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title.

Shah to Battle Yorgey in Patriot Center Co-Feature!

Undefeated Centreville, VA middleweight Zain "Tiger" Shah will battle veteran contender Harry Joe Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA in the co-feature bout of the Jimmy Lange Boxing card on Saturday, October 27 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Shah (5-0, three KO's, 1 NC) has not fought since his no-contest against Julius Kennedy at the Patriot Center on September 10, 2011.  Originally, the bout ended in a second-round TKO for Shah, but the win was overturned after a review of the video by the Virginia Boxing Commission.

Yorgey (24-1-1, 11 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Lawrence Jones at the Patriot Center on February 12 of this year.  Jones was a late replacement for Shah, who had to miss the bout because of the flu.

Jones (4-6-2, one KO) will also be on the October 27 card as he faces "King Shango" Ivan Ziglar of DC by way of Virginia Beach, VA (7-2-1, four KO's).  This bout could be called "The Battle of LA Boxing" as Jones is a trainer/instructor at the Northern Virginia branch while Ziglar is an instructor at the Georgetown headquarters.

As originally announced, the main event will feature an all-Beltway 10-round battle between Jimmy Lange of Great Falls, VA (38-4-2, 25 KO's) and Stevensville, MD's Tony "Mo Better" Jeter (13-3-1, nine KO's).  Also announced was the pro debut of 2012 National Golden Gloves champion light heavyweight Jerry Odom of DC who will face another debuting boxer in DC's Malik Shelton.

Also making his pro debut will be former USA Boxing National Championships Bronze medalist Antoine Douglas.  A middleweight living in Burke, VA, Douglas had a solid amateur career, winning the 2009 Junior Olympics and finishing in the top three at the National PAL Championships and the USA Boxing Nationals.

Douglas and his sister Tyrieshia, made history as the first brother-sister duo to participate in the US Olympic Trials earlier this year.  Tyrieshia Douglas made her pro debut on August 4 in DC and scored a first-round knockout.  It looks like Tyrieshia will not get a chance to see her brother make his pro debut because she is scheduled to compete on the very same night on a card in Chester, PA.  Antoine Douglas is looking for an opponent for the Patriot Center card.

There will also be a battle of young local cruiserweights as Andre Ward of Laurel, MD (1-1-1, one KO) will take on Mario Flores of DC (1-1, one KO).  Also, DC's Mark Baltimore (1-0, one KO) will battle Richmond, VA super middleweight Immanuwel Aleem (1-0, one KO)  .  Undefeated Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles is also slated for the card against an opponent to be determined.

Peterson-Judah Talks Get Serious; Purse Bid Slated for October 2!

Ring Magazine's Lem Satterfield is reporting that talks between the camps of IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson and mandatory challenger and former world champ Zab Judah have reached a critical stage.  The IBF has given the camps until Tuesday, October 2 at noon to come to terms for a title bout or the bout will go to a purse bid.

 "We gave them the initial 30 days to negotiate, and they claimed that they couldn't get it done. So we gave them an additional week, and then they came back last night and asked for some more time, but we told them 'no.' So the purse bid letter went out today," IBF Championships Chairman Lindsay Tucker told Satterfield.  

Peterson's manager and trainer Barry Hunter tells the Ring that if the bout happens, it could take place in DC in November at either the DC Armory or the Washington Convention Center.  Hunter said that the delay in finalizing the deal could because Judah recently had a death in the family.

"I hope that all is well with Zab and his family during his time of grieving, and, hopefully, once he is beyond that, then we can get on with our business," said Hunter, who is dealing directly with the Judah Family.

"But I'm not trying to rush the man during this difficult time. It's just that, unfortunately, we're under a time frame within which to get this thing done. That's where we're at."

Update On September 29 DC Card!

Here is the update on the Keystone Boxing card slated for Saturday, September 29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

The main event remains the same -- undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison (8-0, four KO's) will take on Youngstown, OH veteran Shane Gierke (5-26-2, four KO's) in a six-round contest.

One of the six-round bouts marks the return of Landover, MD light heavyweight "King" James McAllister (11-6-1, three KO's) who will face James Denson of Akron, OH (5-10, two KO's).  McAllister has not fought since April of 2006 when he lost a 10-round majority decision to Jason Naugler in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.  McAllister's career began in 1999 and he faced quality opposition throughout his tenure including locals Andrew Council and Maurice Adams as well as Carlos DeLeon, Jr. George Klinesmith, Jameel Wilson and Dhafir Smith.  Denson is coming off a four-round unanimous decision loss to Reuel Williams on August 31 in Dover, DE.

The other six-round contest matches Brooklyn, NY super middleweight Phillip Jackson Benson (8-1, seven KO's) taking on veteran John Michael Terry of Portsmouth, VA (4-22-3, one KO's).  Benson scored a first-round KO over Anthony Pietrantonio on the last Keystone Boxing card on August 25 in DC.  Terry won a four-round split decision over Jess Noriega on May 4 in Greensboro, NC.

In four-round bouts, DC welterweight Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker (2-1, two KO's) will look to bounce back from his August 25th, four-round, split decision loss to Richard Andrews by returning to DC to face David Tomlin of Wilson, NC (0-4).  In another welterweight bout, David "Day-Day" Grayton (1-0, one KO) will face Antonio Sadler of Columbia, SC (1-1-1, one KO).  Also, DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly (1-0, one KO) will take on Ryan Shay of Fort Mills, SC (5-15, four KO's).

The card also features the pro debut of Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin Rivers, Jr. who will face Milwaukee, WI's David Warren Huffman (1-7).  Huffman notched his first pro victory defeating Renaldo Gaines by majority decision on the August 25 DC card.  The card is also scheduled to include the pro debut of Hillcrest Heights, MD middleweight Jarrett Hurd who is still looking for an opponent for this card.

Smithsonian Associates Offers Discount Opportunity to See Conversation with Sugar Ray Leonard!

                                                                  (Courtesy Photo)

We are very honored that The Smithsonian Associates, the cultural and educational outreach organization of the Smithsonian Institution, is offering a special discount to BATB readers for a very interesting event.

Six-time world champion, International Boxing Hall of Famer and Beltway Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard will be involved in a special discussion about the ins and outs of the sport and the business of boxing.  This will be held on Wednesday, October 31 at 7 PM at the Baird Auditorium at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Joining Leonard will be his long-time trainer Janks Morton and DC Public Relations legend Charlie Brotman.  The conversation will be moderated by long-time RFK Stadium public address announcer Phil Hochberg.  The discussion will cover many topics about Leonard's career in and out of the ring.  Leonard will also sign copies of his autobiography "The Big Fight: My Life In and Out of the Ring."

For BATB readers, the event will cost just $15. That is five dollars less that the resident price and $15 less than the regular general admission price.  All you have to do is click on this link http://wfly.co/i0LEj and put in the promo code 189710 and that should get you set. You will have to create a free account with Smithsonian Associates to add the promo code. 

Stevenson To Face King In Millersville September 22!

The opponent has changed for undefeated Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson on the Jeter Promotions card on Saturday, September 22 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.

Stevenson (15-0, 10 KO's) will battle tough Cambridge, MD battler Dontre "Pound For Pound" King (6-12-2, two KO's) in a six-round contest.  King replaces Richard Andrews who suffered a hand injury in training.  Stevenson makes his first appearance in the ring since August of 2011 when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Jose Angel Roman at DuBurns Arena.  King is coming off a six-round unanimous decision loss to Juan Rodriguez, Jr. on August 31 in Mount Pocono, PA.

Results From Mayor's Youth Cup!

Here are results from the second and final day of the 2012 Mayor's Youth Cup held at the Richard England Boys and Girls Club in Northeast Washington today. (I was unable to attend the first night of action.)

65 Pounds -- Quincey Williams (Rosedale) over Jacob Mathews (Enigma)

75 Pounds -- Stacey Selby (Langdon) over Jalil Hackett (Enigma)

75 Pounds -- Dennis Ziegler (Sugar Ray Leonard) over Lawrence Makol (Enigma)

75 Pounds -- Chamar Flowers (Headbangers) over Daylynn Jones (unattached)

80 Pounds -- Leon Jones (Sugar Ray Leonard) over Marquis Balloon (Rosedale)

85 Pounds -- Mekhi Payne (Dream Team) over Salvador Escamilla (Langdon)

121 Pounds -- Denzel Jones (Charm City) over Favion David (Enigma)

165 Pounds (female) -- Jessica Francois (Headbangers) over Imelda Abonza (Port City, Wilmington, NC)

165 Pounds -- Gregory Clark (NOMIS) RSC-2 over Sean Dews (Tony's Gym)

201+ Pounds (Novice)  -- Jerrod Bowling (Woodland) RSC-2 over Charles Ellis (Port City, Wilmington, NC)

152 Pounds (Novice) Ronald Fung-Chung (unattached) over Lamont Ridley (Emporia, VA)

152 Pounds (Novice) Alfredo Weeks (Supreme Defence) over Tyrone Anderson (NOMIS)

Taylor Off Tonight's Card in Chester, PA!

Tonight was slated to be the return of Baltimore junior welterweight Emmanuel"Tranzformer" Taylor in Chester, PA.  However, Taylor's scheduled opponent, Dillet Frederick, was taken off the card earlier this week.

'SlyAza' Fox Talks About Battle for New York Title!

ProAmFightTalk's Juan Marshall talked to undefeated Forestville, MD's Alantez "Sly Aza"Fox about his Saturday, September 22 bout against fellow undefeated Frank Galarza at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.  The bout will be for the New York State Junior Middleweight title.

Here's the interview.

M. Aleem, Davis Added to September 22 Card in Millersville, MD!

The Beltway's "Next Wave" of boxers aren't confined to the September 29th card in DC.  The Jeter Promotions card on Saturday, September 22 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD has added two young boxers as well.

Undefeated Catonsville, MD junior welterweight Josh Davis returns to action on this card.  Davis (2-0, one KO) last fought on the undercard of Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan on December 10 at the Washington Convention Center in DC.  Davis won a four-round unanimous decision over Christopher Russell.

This card also will have the much-anticipated pro debut of Richmond, VA junior welterweight Moshea Aleem.  Aleem has an outstanding amateur record including a number of championships.  Aleem and his brother Immanuel (who made a successful pro debut with a first-round knockout of Jess Noriega in June at Henderson Hall in Arlington, VA) have relocated their boxing training camp to Club One under the training of George Peterson. 

No official word on the opponents for Moshea Aleem and Davis.

Women's World Champ Nelson Conducts Open Workout Before October Title Bout!

WIBA World Female Middleweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will be having an open workout for fans and media in preparation for her three-belt title bout on Saturday, October 13 in Southampton, Bermuda.  The workout will be on Saturday, September 22 at the LA Boxing facility on 43150 Broadlands Center Plaza in Ashburn from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Nelson (6-0-1) will put her WIBA title on the line against defending WBA champion Teresa Perozzi of Warwick, Bermuda (9-4-1, one KO) in this 10-round bout.  The vacant WBC title -- a title Nelson has previously held -- will also be on the line.  The bout is being called -- "All or Nothing."

Mayor's Cup Tournament Returns September 14-15!

For many years, one of the premier amateur boxing tournaments in the DC area was the Mayor's Cup.  During the 1990's, this tournament showcased some of the area's best boxing talent and helped prepare many for future success in the sport.

Now, after a four-year hiatus, the tournament (now sporting the official name of the Mayor's Youth Boxing Cup) returns and will be held on Friday and Saturday, September 14 and 15 at the Richard England Boys and Girls Club located at 4103 Benning Road in Northeast Washington, DC.  On September 14, the action is slated to begin at 6 PM and on the 15th, the event starts at 1 PM.  Admission is free.

The tournament is now being hosted by the NOMIS Youth Network, headed by Robert Simon, III, who has done an outstanding job in reaching young people through not only boxing but through conditioning and wellness health since NOMIS was founded in 1995.  If you want more information on this event, call 202-316-2380.

Youth To Be Served at Convention Center September 29!

Two more members of the Beltway's "Next Wave" of now-former amateur champions will make their pro debuts on the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, September 29 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC.

Palmer Park, MD lightweight Kevin Rivers, Jr. and Hillcrest Heights, MD light heavyweight Jarrett Hurd join what is already a loaded class of 2012 by making their maiden voyage into the pro ranks on this card.  Rivers was a multi-time regional Golden Gloves champion and made numerous trips overseas in competition.  Rivers was named the Outstanding Amateur of 2009 by the DC Boxing Hall of Fame.  Hurd is also a former regional Golden Gloves champion who may be remembered in the amateur ranks for an outstanding bout with D'Mitrius Ballard at the 2011 Golden Gloves semi-finals.  Hurd lost the bout but rose in stature during that contest.  Hurd fought and won his last amateur bout on August 31 at Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center.

Rivers and Hurd will join four more members of the Beltway Rookie Class of 2012 who are slated to be on this card -- DC welterweights David "Day-Day" Grayton (1-0, one KO) and Harold "Sweet Lee" Parker (2-1, two KO's), DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly (1-0, one KO) and DC-born, Baltimore-based flyweight Tyrieshia "Baby Girl" Douglas (1-0, one KO).

We are just receiving word that a few of the bouts have been signed for the card.  Dusty Harrison (8-0, four KO's) will be taking on veteran Shane Gierke of Youngstown, OH (5-26-2, four KO's) in the six-round main event.  Grayton will face Antonio Sadler of Columbia, SC (1-1-1, one KO).  Kelly battles Aaron "The Animal" Kinch of Newark, NJ (3-0-1, one KO) and Hurd will debut against Stanley Harvey of Norfolk, VA (1-2, one KO).

'Too Sharp' Johnson Named to Showtime Broadcast Team!

(Photo courtesy of Mysanantonio.com)

International Boxing Hall of Famer and DC sports legend Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson has been named to the Showtime Boxing Broadcast team and will serve as an expert analyst this Saturday, September 8 on the network's coverage of the title bout for the vacant WBC Super Lightweight championship between Lucas Matthysse and Olusegun Ajose.

The bout will be shown at 9 PM ET from the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  The co-feature will be a 10-round contest between J'Leon Love and Ramon Valenzuela.  The original main event, a junior welterweight title bout between champion Randall Bailey and challenger Devon Alexander was scratched because Bailey suffered an injury.

The former three-time world champion is not a rookie to broadcasting as he has served as an expert analyst on many boxing telecasts in the Washington, DC area over the years. One of his broadcast partners will be Al Bernstein who was in the same IBHOF 2012 induction class with Johnson.  The other member of the team will be Mauro Ranallo, who is known for his work on Showtime's Strikeforce MMA series.

BATB spoke to Johnson recently about this new assignment.  Here is that interview.

Sharmba Mitchell To Be Inducted Into Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame!

Former world champion "The Little Big Man" Sharmba Mitchell will be inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame during a ceremony on Thursday, November 8 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Mitchell, a native of Takoma Park, MD, (57-6, 30 KO's) started his career in 1988 shortly after turning 18 and won his first 31 bouts and an NABF lightweight title.  The streak included notable wins over former world champions Rafael "Bazooka" Limon and Rocky Lockridge.  The Limon victory was definitely notable because Limon pulled Mitchell's trunks down during the bout.  In Mitchell's next bout, he took a playful precaution to avoid that happening again by wearing suspenders on his trunks as he came into the ring.

Mitchell's winning streak was halted by back-to-back knockout losses in 1994 to future world champions Leavander Johnson and Stevie Johnston.  Mitchell then moved up in weight to compete as a light welterweight and won his next 11 bouts earning him his first world title shot on October 10, 1998.  Mitchell defeated Moroccan Khalid Rahilou in Bercy, France by 12-round unanimous decision to win the WBA World Light Welterweight title.

Mitchell successfully defended the title four times including twice in DC.  On February 6, 1999 at the Convention Center, Mitchell won a 12-round unanimous decision over veteran Pedro Saiz.  Two months later on April 24, 1999, Mitchell won a 12-round majority decision at the MCI (now Verizon Center) over fellow Beltway Boxer Reggie Green.

Mitchell lost the title and injured his knee in a title bout against Kostya Tszyu on February 3, 2001 in Las Vegas, NV.  The bout was stopped in the seventh round.  Mitchell would later win an interim IBF Junior Welterweight title but would lose an opportunity to gain the IBF title outright to Tszyu in a rematch on November 6, 2004 in Phoenix, AZ.  Mitchell would face and lose to Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Paul Williams before retiring in 2006.

Mitchell is part of an impressive class that will be inducted into the Maryland Sports Hall of Fame.  Legendary Baltimore Colts quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Johnny Unitas will be honored posthumously.  Other members of this year's class include champion female golfer Carol Mann, former NBA player and current Atlanta Hawks general manager Danny Ferry (who played his high school basketball at DeMatha), jockey Mario Pino and two All-American lacrosse players, Jim Kappler (Maryland) and Michael Federico (Johns Hopkins).  Long-time University of Maryland Football and Basketball Play-By-Play man Johnny Holliday will receive the John Steadman Lifetime Achievement Award named after the legendary Baltimore sportswriter.

If you would like to attend the event, tickets are $50 and the program begins at 6 PM.  Call 410-859-0151 for details.

'The Brawl at Blob's' Takes Place September 7 in Jessup, MD!!

There will be an amateur card taking place on Friday, September 7 at Blob's Park located at 8024 Max Blobs Park Road in Jessup, MD.  Jake Smith and Baltimore Boxing are promoting the card. 

The featured bout will be a contest for the Beltway 165-pound Amateur championship as Jerome Featherstone of Baltimore takes on Keith Samuels of DC.  Also on the card will be an appearance by female boxer Claudia Nau who is originally from Germany but trains in Baltimore.

General admission seats are $25, reserved seats are $30 and VIP seats are $40.  There are also opportunities to buy tables as well.  For more information, call 410-375-9175.

King Drops Unanimous Decision in Pennsylvania!

Cambridge, MD welterweight Dontre "Pound For Pound" King lost a six-round unanimous decision to Juan "The Beast" Rodriguez, Jr. of Union City, NJ this past Friday night at the Mount Airy Casino and Resort in Mount Pocono, PA.  The scores of 60-54 and 59-55 (twice) made it seem like the bout was a blowout for the undefeated Rodriguez.  However, according to ringside reports, King made things tough for Rodriguez especially in the sixth round when he rocked him with a right hand.  Rodriguez was able to recover to win the bout.

This was the second time King (6-12-2, two KO's) has faced Rodriguez(10-0, four KO's).  King lost a four-round unanimous decision in February of 2010 in Philadelphia PA.  Also, this was the third time that King faced a boxer named "Juan Rodriguez."  King drew with Haymarket, VA's Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez in a six-round contest in July of 2010 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Forestville, MD's Fox Battles for Vacant NY State Junior Middleweight Title September 22!

Undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "Sly Aza" Fox returns to action on Saturday, September 22 as he takes on fellow undefeated boxer Frank Galarza of Brooklyn, NY in an eight-round bout for the vacant USA New York State Junior Middleweight title.  The bout will be held at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

The New York title is not a state title in the strictest sense of the definition.  Many years ago, the NY title was considered a world title, although that is not the case at this point.

Fox (7-0, three KO's) has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Fitzgerald Johnson on February 17 in Nutley, NJ. Galarza (7-0, four KO's) has scored TKO's in his last three bouts.  Neither man has fought in an eight-round contest before.