There will be an amateur boxing show at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on Thursday, January 31 beginning at 8 PM. Scheduled to appear on the card will be Baltimore middleweight and Maryland State titlist Jerome Featherstone. Tickets are $30 and $50.
Two local pros will be on a card at the Hilton Garden Inn in Staten Island, NY on January 31. Veteran super middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen will take on Dennis Sharpe of Bayonne, New Jersey in a six-round contest. Allen (6-6, three KO's) will step in to the ring for the first time since losing by second-round knockout to Lenwood Dozier on November 19, 2011 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. Sharpe (17-9-4, four KO's) is winless (0-9-3) in his last 12 bouts.
Also on the card will be Landover, MD junior welterweight Cornelius Whitlock who will take on the debuting Shakur Jackson of Newark, NJ. Whitlock scored a draw in his pro debut to Mikkel Lespiere on December 19 in New York City.
IBF Light Welterweight champ Lamont Peterson was a guest of Dave Ross on Fox News This Morning earlier this week. Here was the conversation.
DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG
Peterson will be a guest of "The Coach" Butch McAdams on "In and Out of Sports" on WOL-AM 1450 this Sunday, February 3 at 11:30 AM.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Stiff Jab Site Names Harrison Prospect of the Year!
The boxing blog Stiff Jab, headed by Beltway-based writer Gautham Nagesh, has named undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison its Prospect of The Year for 2012.
Stiff Jab credited Harrison (11-0, seven KO's) with making the jump from four to eight rounds as well as recovering from his first adversity -- the sixth-round knockdown suffered in his bout against Marques Jackson.
Here is the article:
http://www.stiffjab.com/post/41733403326/stiff-jab-2012-prospect-of-the-year-dusty
Stiff Jab credited Harrison (11-0, seven KO's) with making the jump from four to eight rounds as well as recovering from his first adversity -- the sixth-round knockdown suffered in his bout against Marques Jackson.
Here is the article:
http://www.stiffjab.com/post/41733403326/stiff-jab-2012-prospect-of-the-year-dusty
Monday, January 28, 2013
L.Peterson Signs Multi-Year Deal With Golden Boy Promotions!
IBF Light Welterweight champion and DC native Lamont Peterson has signed a multi-year, multi-fight deal with Golden Boy Promotions. Peterson announced the signing at a press conference this afternoon at the HeadBangers Gym in Southwest DC.
Peterson is the fifth Beltway Boxer to be associated in whole or in part with Golden Boy Promotions joining Seth Mitchell, Fernando Guerrero, Gary Russell, Jr. and the debuting D'Mitrius Ballard. Also, this signing means that Golden Boy has cornered the major championship market in the 140-pound division as IBF champ Peterson joins WBC Interim champ Lucas Matthysse and WBA/WBO titleholder Danny Garcia under the Golden Boy banner.
"We are thrilled that Lamont Peterson will be joining Golden Boy Promotions' team," said President of Golden Boy Promotions Oscar De La Hoya in a press release. "We know firsthand what Lamont Peterson can do, as he's been in the ring with our fighters Amir Khan and Victor Ortiz. We know that he is the kind of individual that will be an asset to our team and great competitor in the 140-pound weight class."
"I am excited about signing with Golden Boy Promotions and the opportunity to work with them again," said Peterson. "Being with Golden Boy really gives me the chance to make the best fights available in my weight class. I want to fight the best in the world at 140 [pounds] and I know it can happen as a member of the Golden Boy team. I am optimistic that this is a decision that will help further my career."
Garcia-Judah Card Officially Postponed Until April!
The entire Saturday, February 9 card featuring the world title bout between champion Danny Garcia and Zab Judah, the championship bout between Peter Quillin and Fernando Guerrero and the pro debut of Temple Hills, MD's D'Mitrius Ballard at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY has been postponed.
The new date -- with all bouts seemingly intact -- will be Saturday April 27 at the Barclays Center. Garcia, it has been reported, suffered a rib injury in training forcing the postponement.
The new date -- with all bouts seemingly intact -- will be Saturday April 27 at the Barclays Center. Garcia, it has been reported, suffered a rib injury in training forcing the postponement.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Peterson-Holt Tickets Go On Sale Monday at 1 PM!
Tickets for the IBF Light Welterweight title bout between champion Lamont Peterson and challenger Kendall Holt on Friday, February 22 at the DC Armory will go on sale Monday, January 28 at 1 PM ET through Ticketmaster.
Tickets are at the following prices: $250, $150, $100, $75 and $25 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations and at the DC Armory box office. If you would like to charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
We are hearing that the Peterson camp is slated to make a "major announcement" tomorrow afternoon involving a career decision. As soon as we find out what that is, we'll bring it to you.
Tickets are at the following prices: $250, $150, $100, $75 and $25 and can be purchased at all Ticketmaster locations and at the DC Armory box office. If you would like to charge by phone, call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.
We are hearing that the Peterson camp is slated to make a "major announcement" tomorrow afternoon involving a career decision. As soon as we find out what that is, we'll bring it to you.
Garcia-Judah May Be Postponed; Guerrero Title Shot, Ballard Debut May Be Off!
BATB is hearing word that the WBA/WBO Light Welterweight title bout between champion Danny Garcia and former champ Zab Judah slated for Saturday, February 9 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY will be called off.
A source within the Garcia camp tells BATB that Garcia hurt his thumb in training.
If this is the case, that would be bad news for two Beltway Boxers who were to appear on the card. Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero was slated to challenge Peter Quillin for Quillin's WBO Middleweight title in the co-feature bout. Also, Temple Hills, MD super middleweight D'Mitrius Ballard was scheduled to make his pro debut on the card.
We'll have more on this as it develops.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
February Brings Championship Fireworks and National Exposure to Beltway Boxing!
February is the shortest month of the year, however February 2013 has the potential to be one of the most successful for the Beltway Boxing scene in quite some time.
First, a quick overview before we break down what we know about the schedule at this time.
Beltway Boxers are participating in three world championship bouts this month.
Beltway Boxers, as of now, are slated to make five national television appearances this month.
Here is how the schedule looks at this point:
Saturday, February 2 -- Ashburn, VA middleweight and WIBA Middleweight champ Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson battles WBA champion Teresa Perozzi in Pembroke, Bermuda for the vacant WBC Women's Middleweight title.
Saturday, February 9 -- Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero challenges Peter Quillin for Quillin's WBO Middleweight title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY in a bout that will be the co-feature on Showtime Championship Boxing. Also, 2012 National Golden Gloves champ D'Mitrius Ballard of Temple Hills, MD is slated to make his pro debut and that bout (although not confirmed) could be on Showtime Extreme.
Friday, February 15 -- Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal takes on Chris Howard in a 10-round bout from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. ESPN2's Friday Night Fights will carry the contest.
Saturday, February 16 -- Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell looks for redemption in a rematch against Johnathon Banks at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ in a 12-round co-feature that will appear on HBO's World Championship Boxing.
Friday, February 22 -- Washington, DC gets its taste of championship excitement when DC's own Lamont Peterson defends his IBF Light Welterweight championship against former WBO champion Kendall Holt at the DC Armory. ESPN2's Friday Night Fights will carry the contest and the card is slated to include other Beltway Boxers including, reportedly, the returning Dominic Wade.
Saturday, February 23 -- DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson travels to the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England to take on undefeated heavyweight prospect David Price in a 12-round bout that will be carried by the newest television force in boxing, WealthTV.
When you include a very important amateur card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD on February 9 featuring the amateur swan song of 2011 National Golden Gloves champ Michael Reed as well as the start of the Washington Golden Gloves this month, you have what should be a fabulous February!
First, a quick overview before we break down what we know about the schedule at this time.
Beltway Boxers are participating in three world championship bouts this month.
Beltway Boxers, as of now, are slated to make five national television appearances this month.
Here is how the schedule looks at this point:
Saturday, February 2 -- Ashburn, VA middleweight and WIBA Middleweight champ Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson battles WBA champion Teresa Perozzi in Pembroke, Bermuda for the vacant WBC Women's Middleweight title.
Saturday, February 9 -- Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero challenges Peter Quillin for Quillin's WBO Middleweight title at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY in a bout that will be the co-feature on Showtime Championship Boxing. Also, 2012 National Golden Gloves champ D'Mitrius Ballard of Temple Hills, MD is slated to make his pro debut and that bout (although not confirmed) could be on Showtime Extreme.
Friday, February 15 -- Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal takes on Chris Howard in a 10-round bout from the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. ESPN2's Friday Night Fights will carry the contest.
Saturday, February 16 -- Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell looks for redemption in a rematch against Johnathon Banks at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ in a 12-round co-feature that will appear on HBO's World Championship Boxing.
Friday, February 22 -- Washington, DC gets its taste of championship excitement when DC's own Lamont Peterson defends his IBF Light Welterweight championship against former WBO champion Kendall Holt at the DC Armory. ESPN2's Friday Night Fights will carry the contest and the card is slated to include other Beltway Boxers including, reportedly, the returning Dominic Wade.
Saturday, February 23 -- DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson travels to the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England to take on undefeated heavyweight prospect David Price in a 12-round bout that will be carried by the newest television force in boxing, WealthTV.
When you include a very important amateur card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD on February 9 featuring the amateur swan song of 2011 National Golden Gloves champ Michael Reed as well as the start of the Washington Golden Gloves this month, you have what should be a fabulous February!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Taylor Scores Sixth-Round TKO In Huntington, NY!
Edgewood, MD junior welterweight Emanuel "Tranzforma" Taylor scored an impressive sixth-round TKO victory over Philadelphia, PA's Raymond "Tito" Serrano tonight at the Paramount Theater in Huntington, Long Island, NY.
Taylor landed hard punches throughout the contest keeping Serrano at bay. Finally, Taylor ended the bout with a crushing left hand that sent Serrano to the ropes. Taylor punished Serrano against the ropes until referee Steve Willis stopped the contest at 1:42 of the sixth.
Taylor's record rises to 16-1, 11 KO's while Serrano falls to 18-2, eight KO's and suffers his second straight knockout loss.
Beltway-area trainers handled both corners tonight. Dave Sewell led the Taylor corner along with James Hogan and Taylor's father, Maxell, Sr. Working Serrano's corner was Barry Hunter along with Patrice "Boogie" Harris and James Harris.
Taylor landed hard punches throughout the contest keeping Serrano at bay. Finally, Taylor ended the bout with a crushing left hand that sent Serrano to the ropes. Taylor punished Serrano against the ropes until referee Steve Willis stopped the contest at 1:42 of the sixth.
Taylor's record rises to 16-1, 11 KO's while Serrano falls to 18-2, eight KO's and suffers his second straight knockout loss.
Beltway-area trainers handled both corners tonight. Dave Sewell led the Taylor corner along with James Hogan and Taylor's father, Maxell, Sr. Working Serrano's corner was Barry Hunter along with Patrice "Boogie" Harris and James Harris.
Douglas Wins Unanimous Decision in Verona, NY!
Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas has won a four-round unanimous decision over Emmanuel Medina of Quincy, MA tonight at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. Douglas did solid work throughout the contest, although Douglas couldn't keep his knockout streak going as he went the distance for the first time in his young pro career.
Douglas is now 4-0, three KO's while Medina falls to 2-3-1, two KO's.
Douglas is now 4-0, three KO's while Medina falls to 2-3-1, two KO's.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Douglas, Taylor Hit Scales in New York!
Beltway Boxers Antoine Douglas and Emmanuel Taylor weighed in for their respective Friday night bouts in New York State.
In Verona, NY, Douglas tipped the scales at 158 pounds for his four-round contest against Emmanuel Medina at the Turning Stone Casino. Medina also weighed in at 158 pounds. The bout is part of a card televised by ESPN2 and is listed as a swing bout as far as being shown on TV is concerned. The ESPN2 broadcast begins at 9 PM ET.
In Huntington, NY, Taylor weighed in at 141 pounds for his 10-round co-feature bout with Raymond Serrano from the Paramount Theatre. Serrano tipped the scales at 142 pounds. This bout will air on Showtime with the broadcast slated to begin at 10 PM ET.
In Verona, NY, Douglas tipped the scales at 158 pounds for his four-round contest against Emmanuel Medina at the Turning Stone Casino. Medina also weighed in at 158 pounds. The bout is part of a card televised by ESPN2 and is listed as a swing bout as far as being shown on TV is concerned. The ESPN2 broadcast begins at 9 PM ET.
In Huntington, NY, Taylor weighed in at 141 pounds for his 10-round co-feature bout with Raymond Serrano from the Paramount Theatre. Serrano tipped the scales at 142 pounds. This bout will air on Showtime with the broadcast slated to begin at 10 PM ET.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Two Beltway Boxers Get National TV Exposure January 25!
On Friday, January 25, two local boxers will get some national TV exposure fighting in the same state. BATB has already told you about Baltimore junior welterweight Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor's appearance on Showtime's ShoBox against Raymond "Tito" Serrano at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY.
Now comes word that undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas will open the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights telecast this Friday in a four-round contest against Emmanuel Medina of Quincy, MA taking place 4 1/2 hours upstate from Taylor's contest at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
Douglas (3-0, three KO's) will be competing in his second bout this month, scoring a first-round knockout over Stanley Harvey on January 10 in Woodhaven, NY. Medina (2-2-1, two KO's) is coming off a four-round majority decision loss to Dario Soccia on November 15 in Franklin Square, NY.
Now comes word that undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas will open the ESPN2 Friday Night Fights telecast this Friday in a four-round contest against Emmanuel Medina of Quincy, MA taking place 4 1/2 hours upstate from Taylor's contest at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
Douglas (3-0, three KO's) will be competing in his second bout this month, scoring a first-round knockout over Stanley Harvey on January 10 in Woodhaven, NY. Medina (2-2-1, two KO's) is coming off a four-round majority decision loss to Dario Soccia on November 15 in Franklin Square, NY.
Coulibaly Drops Split Decision in New Jersey!
DC middleweight Issa Coulibaly lost a four-round split decision to undefeated Anthony Jones of Newark, NJ Saturday night at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark. Reports say the battle was indeed a tough one, but Jones was just a bit busier.
Coulibaly is still looking for his first win and he is now 0-4. Jones is now 3-0-1.
Coulibaly is still looking for his first win and he is now 0-4. Jones is now 3-0-1.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Coulibaly Weighs 161 For Clash in Newark, NJ!
DC middleweight Issa Coulibaly weighed in at 161 for his four-round contest at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ tonight. Coulibaly's opponent, Anthony Jones of Newark, tipped the scales at 157 pounds.
Coulibaly (0-3) is looking for his first pro win and will participate at his highest weight to date. Jones comes into the bout with a record of 2-0-1.
Coulibaly (0-3) is looking for his first pro win and will participate at his highest weight to date. Jones comes into the bout with a record of 2-0-1.
Referee Smoger Reflects on Jeter-Lange to The Ring!
One of the most talked-about bouts in recent Beltway Boxing History is still being talked about.
Recently, The Ring's Lem Satterfield caught up to referee Steve Smoger who is working tonight's co-feature between WBA Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and challenger Gabriel Rosado at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. While Smoger would not address the battle directly, he did tell our good friend Satterfield that he would let the boxers decide the outcome as best he could.
"Because my proclivity is to allow the fight to go to its natural conclusion, and to let them solve it and to let them resolve it. That's a better term. But sometimes, there comes a time when I have to make the call. But if I can prolong it and give them every opportunity, so be it," Smoger told Satterfield.
In the article, Satterfield listed a number of notable bouts Smoger has refereed, including classic battles like Bernard Hopkins's victory over Felix Trinidad in September of 2001, the draw between Pawal Wolak and Delvin Rodriguez in July of 2011 and Miguel Cotto's win over Antonio Margarito in December 2011.
Another bout that came up in the conversation was Tony Jeter's split decision victory over Jimmy Lange at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on October 27. Here is that part of the interview, which includes some interesting comments thrown my way:
RingTV.com: Was that hyperbole when you called Tony Jeter the dirtiest fighter you have ever seen?
SS: No that's fact. From the time that he walked out in the first round, what you saw out of me was an exercise in patience. You're bringing up good issues.
First minute, first round, he head-butted him. So I immediately stopped it and I took a point. I took five points. I haven't taken five points in 25 years in one fight.
But you might say, "Why didn't you disqualify him?" The reason that I didn't disqualify him is that when he was fighting clean, he was beating Lange in his own home town.
So, you know, I just never wanted to stop the kid, because when he decided to fight clean, he was beating Lange. A lot of the stuff was borderline.
But still, I've spoken to other referees, and I think that four out of five would have disqualified him. But I just felt that when he fought on the straight and narrow, he fought well.
RingTV.com: What was he doing that led to all of the point deductions?
SS: Low blows. What was blatant was that he opened the show with a head-butt. The first close quarter was a head-butt, so I thought, "Oh, boy."
And then, he would try to slip stuff in. But I don't want to say that my position was substantiated, but even -- and listen to this -- with five points deducted, and he had a flash knockdown, he still wins on the cards.
That means that there had to be 99-90, and that he had built up such a lead that even five points didn't adversely affect the outcome.
RingTV.com: For you not to disqualify him before a crowd that was pro-Lange, what does that say about you?
SS: Just what we discussed before: Let it go to it's natural conclusion. Here is a kid that comes in, hostile territory. When I'm in there, though, it's only A and B. What I saw was, A) Tony doing a beautiful job.
RingTV.com: What do you think Tony should take away from that?
SS: If you pull it on me, the veteran status guy, then he probably pulled it before. But it was so unnecessary. And I told him, "He's a dirty [bleeping] fighter.
[Gary Digital Williams] caught it. Digital caught it. Talk to Gary Digital, he saw it. Great guy. I love him. Give him my best. He showed class, because he didn't get on me.
Tell Gary that I appreciated that. Gary, what you saw from me was an exercise in temperament, but Gary exercised temperament also.
RingTV.com: What's your message to Tony Jeter?
SS: Clean it up. You don't need to do that. He out-hustled, he was stronger, and we had worked together earlier.
I was shocked that he would treat me that way. Let him know that, because I think a lot of the kid.
Here is the entire interview:
Smoger to let fists decide Golovkin-Rosado by Lem Satterfield
Recently, The Ring's Lem Satterfield caught up to referee Steve Smoger who is working tonight's co-feature between WBA Middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin and challenger Gabriel Rosado at the Theater at Madison Square Garden. While Smoger would not address the battle directly, he did tell our good friend Satterfield that he would let the boxers decide the outcome as best he could.
"Because my proclivity is to allow the fight to go to its natural conclusion, and to let them solve it and to let them resolve it. That's a better term. But sometimes, there comes a time when I have to make the call. But if I can prolong it and give them every opportunity, so be it," Smoger told Satterfield.
In the article, Satterfield listed a number of notable bouts Smoger has refereed, including classic battles like Bernard Hopkins's victory over Felix Trinidad in September of 2001, the draw between Pawal Wolak and Delvin Rodriguez in July of 2011 and Miguel Cotto's win over Antonio Margarito in December 2011.
Another bout that came up in the conversation was Tony Jeter's split decision victory over Jimmy Lange at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA on October 27. Here is that part of the interview, which includes some interesting comments thrown my way:
RingTV.com: Was that hyperbole when you called Tony Jeter the dirtiest fighter you have ever seen?
SS: No that's fact. From the time that he walked out in the first round, what you saw out of me was an exercise in patience. You're bringing up good issues.
First minute, first round, he head-butted him. So I immediately stopped it and I took a point. I took five points. I haven't taken five points in 25 years in one fight.
But you might say, "Why didn't you disqualify him?" The reason that I didn't disqualify him is that when he was fighting clean, he was beating Lange in his own home town.
So, you know, I just never wanted to stop the kid, because when he decided to fight clean, he was beating Lange. A lot of the stuff was borderline.
But still, I've spoken to other referees, and I think that four out of five would have disqualified him. But I just felt that when he fought on the straight and narrow, he fought well.
RingTV.com: What was he doing that led to all of the point deductions?
SS: Low blows. What was blatant was that he opened the show with a head-butt. The first close quarter was a head-butt, so I thought, "Oh, boy."
And then, he would try to slip stuff in. But I don't want to say that my position was substantiated, but even -- and listen to this -- with five points deducted, and he had a flash knockdown, he still wins on the cards.
That means that there had to be 99-90, and that he had built up such a lead that even five points didn't adversely affect the outcome.
RingTV.com: For you not to disqualify him before a crowd that was pro-Lange, what does that say about you?
SS: Just what we discussed before: Let it go to it's natural conclusion. Here is a kid that comes in, hostile territory. When I'm in there, though, it's only A and B. What I saw was, A) Tony doing a beautiful job.
RingTV.com: What do you think Tony should take away from that?
SS: If you pull it on me, the veteran status guy, then he probably pulled it before. But it was so unnecessary. And I told him, "He's a dirty [bleeping] fighter.
[Gary Digital Williams] caught it. Digital caught it. Talk to Gary Digital, he saw it. Great guy. I love him. Give him my best. He showed class, because he didn't get on me.
Tell Gary that I appreciated that. Gary, what you saw from me was an exercise in temperament, but Gary exercised temperament also.
RingTV.com: What's your message to Tony Jeter?
SS: Clean it up. You don't need to do that. He out-hustled, he was stronger, and we had worked together earlier.
I was shocked that he would treat me that way. Let him know that, because I think a lot of the kid.
Here is the entire interview:
Smoger to let fists decide Golovkin-Rosado by Lem Satterfield
Friday, January 18, 2013
D'Mitrius Ballard Signs With Golden Boy Promotions; Will Make Pro Debut February 9 in Brooklyn!
BATB has learned that Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight D'Mitrius Ballard has signed a professional contract with Golden Boy Promotions and is slated to make his professional debut on Saturday, February 9 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
Ballard enters the pro ranks after an exceptional amateur career that ended with him winning a championship at the National Golden Gloves, his fifth Ringside World Championships crown and capturing his fourth straight National PAL title in 2012. Ballard also was a participant in the 2012 Olympic Trials, just one of a number of events Ballard has competed in representing USA Boxing. Ballard was also a silver medalist at the Junior Olympics, a national Silver Gloves champion and was voted the outstanding boxer at the 2010 National Under-19 championships.
Ballard is scheduled to participate on the undercard of Danny Garcia defending his WBA Super World and WBC Light Welterweight titles against former world champion Zab Judah. There is another Beltway Boxer on that card as Fernando Guerrero of Salisbury, MD will challenge Peter Quillin for Quillin's WBO Middleweight crown. Ballard will be managed by Shelly Finkel and his trainer, Lamont Roach, Sr.
Ballard enters the pro ranks after an exceptional amateur career that ended with him winning a championship at the National Golden Gloves, his fifth Ringside World Championships crown and capturing his fourth straight National PAL title in 2012. Ballard also was a participant in the 2012 Olympic Trials, just one of a number of events Ballard has competed in representing USA Boxing. Ballard was also a silver medalist at the Junior Olympics, a national Silver Gloves champion and was voted the outstanding boxer at the 2010 National Under-19 championships.
Ballard is scheduled to participate on the undercard of Danny Garcia defending his WBA Super World and WBC Light Welterweight titles against former world champion Zab Judah. There is another Beltway Boxer on that card as Fernando Guerrero of Salisbury, MD will challenge Peter Quillin for Quillin's WBO Middleweight crown. Ballard will be managed by Shelly Finkel and his trainer, Lamont Roach, Sr.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Baltimore-Based Nwodo Enters 'Great American Heavyweight Box-Off'!
Baltimore, MD-based heavyweight Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo will be involved in a new heavyweight tournament scheduled to launch in April.
Nwodo, a former USBA Cruiserweight champion, will join seven other boxers in what is called "The $500,000 Great American Heavyweight Box-Off at a site yet to be determined. The tournament is a creation of legendary matchmaker Don Elbaum and is being funded by Greg Sorrentino. According to the press release, the purse structure will be $25,000 to the winners and $15,000 to the losers in the quarterfinals, $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, in the semifinals, leading up to the championship final in which the champion will earn $250,000 with $50,000 going to the runner-up.
Joining Nwodo (24-5, 20 KO's) in the tournament will be 2004 U.S. Olympians Jason “Big Six” Estrada (20-4, 6 KOs), of Providence, RI and Devan Vargas (18-2, 7 KOs), of Toledo, OH. Also, Chattanooga, TN's Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler (28-2-1, 21 KOs) will be in the tournament along with Coon Rapids, MN's Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (28-6, 27 KOs) and “The Mountain” Daniel Martz (7-0, 6 KOs) of Clarksburg, WVA. Two more boxers will be added to the tournament and there will be an alternate in case of injuries.
In the press release, Elbaum said he has had discussions with several possible venues, including some casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Turning Stone and Madison Square Garden, and that he’s close to making a television deal. He also noted that 12 other heavyweights are in the running for the remaining two spots in the field, plus one reserve fighter, and $25,000 of the TGAHBO champion’s purse will be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.
Nwodo says that he is very excited to be a part of this tournament.
“I’m so glad I’m in the tournament and can’t wait. This is something new in the heavyweight division. It’s awesome! We’ll all show our best. This is an opportunity to prove ourselves and I’m proud to be part of it,”
Nwodo said in a press release.
The fighter demonstrating the most “heart” in tournament fights, excluding the TGAHBO champion, will be awarded the Gennaro Pellegrini Jr. Award. Pellegrini, a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, had a dream to fight at the famed Blue Horizon before being shipped out to Iraq for duty. Elbaum made that happen in 2004 but seven months later Pellegrini was killed in action.
Nwodo, a former USBA Cruiserweight champion, will join seven other boxers in what is called "The $500,000 Great American Heavyweight Box-Off at a site yet to be determined. The tournament is a creation of legendary matchmaker Don Elbaum and is being funded by Greg Sorrentino. According to the press release, the purse structure will be $25,000 to the winners and $15,000 to the losers in the quarterfinals, $50,000 and $25,000, respectively, in the semifinals, leading up to the championship final in which the champion will earn $250,000 with $50,000 going to the runner-up.
Joining Nwodo (24-5, 20 KO's) in the tournament will be 2004 U.S. Olympians Jason “Big Six” Estrada (20-4, 6 KOs), of Providence, RI and Devan Vargas (18-2, 7 KOs), of Toledo, OH. Also, Chattanooga, TN's Alonzo “Big Zo” Butler (28-2-1, 21 KOs) will be in the tournament along with Coon Rapids, MN's Joey “Minnesota Ice” Abell (28-6, 27 KOs) and “The Mountain” Daniel Martz (7-0, 6 KOs) of Clarksburg, WVA. Two more boxers will be added to the tournament and there will be an alternate in case of injuries.
In the press release, Elbaum said he has had discussions with several possible venues, including some casinos in Atlantic City and Las Vegas, Turning Stone and Madison Square Garden, and that he’s close to making a television deal. He also noted that 12 other heavyweights are in the running for the remaining two spots in the field, plus one reserve fighter, and $25,000 of the TGAHBO champion’s purse will be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.
Nwodo says that he is very excited to be a part of this tournament.
“I’m so glad I’m in the tournament and can’t wait. This is something new in the heavyweight division. It’s awesome! We’ll all show our best. This is an opportunity to prove ourselves and I’m proud to be part of it,”
Nwodo said in a press release.
The fighter demonstrating the most “heart” in tournament fights, excluding the TGAHBO champion, will be awarded the Gennaro Pellegrini Jr. Award. Pellegrini, a member of the U.S. Army National Guard, had a dream to fight at the famed Blue Horizon before being shipped out to Iraq for duty. Elbaum made that happen in 2004 but seven months later Pellegrini was killed in action.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Jargal Faces Howard February 15 At Mohegan Sun!
Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal returns to action on Friday, February 15 when he faces Chris "Hurricane" Howard of Cincinnati, OH in a 10-round contest at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. The bout is slated to be televised on ESPN2.
Jargal (17-3-3, 11 KO's) last fought on November 1 at Fight Night at the Washington Hilton Hotel in DC and scored a first-round knockout over former IBF Featherweight champ Eric Aiken. This will be Jargal's second trip to Mohegan Sun. Jargal lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Breidis Prescott in April of 2011.
Howard (14-2-1, six KO's) has lost two straight bouts to undefeated boxers Mark Salser and Arash Usmanee. Howard's loss to Salser on August 18 in West Salem, OH was a 10-round split decision loss.
Jargal (17-3-3, 11 KO's) last fought on November 1 at Fight Night at the Washington Hilton Hotel in DC and scored a first-round knockout over former IBF Featherweight champ Eric Aiken. This will be Jargal's second trip to Mohegan Sun. Jargal lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Breidis Prescott in April of 2011.
Howard (14-2-1, six KO's) has lost two straight bouts to undefeated boxers Mark Salser and Arash Usmanee. Howard's loss to Salser on August 18 in West Salem, OH was a 10-round split decision loss.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Reed-Polischuk Bout Highlights February 9 Amateur Card in Millersville!
An exciting 141-pound contest is the scheduled main attraction for the Saturday, February 9 Jeter Promotions amateur boxing card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.
In what is slated to be his final amateur contest, 2011 National Golden Gloves champion Michael Reed will battle 2012 141-pound Novice DC Golden Gloves champion Yurii Polischuk. Reed, who trains out of the Dream Team Gym in Waldorf, has accomplished much as an amateur, including a silver medal at the 2010 USA National Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 National PAL Tournament.
Polischuk, who represents LA Boxing in Fairfax, has been one of the more talked about Novice boxers in recent months. This is a good step-up for Polischuk, who seems to have boxing ability far beyond his years.
Also slated to be on the card will be local boxers Andre Harris, Jr., Lemar Pierce, Bobby Breslin and Nolan Arnold. The tickets are $50 for VIP tickets and $35 General Admission.. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the bell time is 7:30 PM.
In what is slated to be his final amateur contest, 2011 National Golden Gloves champion Michael Reed will battle 2012 141-pound Novice DC Golden Gloves champion Yurii Polischuk. Reed, who trains out of the Dream Team Gym in Waldorf, has accomplished much as an amateur, including a silver medal at the 2010 USA National Championships and a bronze medal at the 2011 National PAL Tournament.
Polischuk, who represents LA Boxing in Fairfax, has been one of the more talked about Novice boxers in recent months. This is a good step-up for Polischuk, who seems to have boxing ability far beyond his years.
Also slated to be on the card will be local boxers Andre Harris, Jr., Lemar Pierce, Bobby Breslin and Nolan Arnold. The tickets are $50 for VIP tickets and $35 General Admission.. Doors will open at 6:30 PM and the bell time is 7:30 PM.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Recap From Rosecroft!
Here's the recap from the Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:
Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox won a six-round unanimous decision over "Relentless" Julius Kennedy of Fredrick, MD. Fox won by scores of 58-56, 59-55 and 60-54. Fox remains undefeated at 9-0-1, four KO's while Kennedy is now 7-3-1, three KO's.
Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. scored a second-round knockout over Giovanni Vasquez of Columbia, SC. The bout was stopped at 1:11 of the round. Rivers is now 4-0, three KO's while Vasquez falls to 0-3.
Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd wins a four-round unanimous decision over Trenton Titsworth of Omaha, NE. Hurd won a 40-34 decision on all judges cards as Titsworth lost two points for holding. Hurd's record rises to 4-0, three KO's while Titsworth is now 5-15-1, two KO's.
DC super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom needed just one minute to stop Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS. Odom dominated the short contest primarily with body shots. Odom is 2-0, two KO's, one NC while Madden is 0-3.
DC light heavyweight Greg Newby won a four-round unanimous decision over the always unorthodox John "The Baptist" Terry of Portsmouth, VA. Newby won by shutout (40-36) on all judges's scorecards. Newby is now 5-0, three KO's while Terry falls to 4-26-3, one KO.
District Heights, MD lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines scored his first professional knockout with a third-round stoppage of Baltimore's Darrell "Bad Azz" Martin. The bout was stopped at 23 seconds of the third round. Gaines is now 4-0-1, one KO. Martin is 4-14, one KO.
Landover, MD junior welterweight D'Andre Davis won his pro debut with a second-round TKO over Coy Lambert of Summerville, SC. After a quick-handed pummeling by Davis, Lambert's corner stopped the contest at 44 seconds of the second. Lambert is 1-6.
Capitol Heights, MD cruiserweight Mario Murphy also won his first pro encounter with a tough-four-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers of Tobyhanna, PA. Murphy won by scores of 39-37 across the board. Capers is 1-1.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show with guest Troy Fox, the father and trainer of Alantez Fox.
We also have an interview with Alantez Fox:
Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox won a six-round unanimous decision over "Relentless" Julius Kennedy of Fredrick, MD. Fox won by scores of 58-56, 59-55 and 60-54. Fox remains undefeated at 9-0-1, four KO's while Kennedy is now 7-3-1, three KO's.
Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. scored a second-round knockout over Giovanni Vasquez of Columbia, SC. The bout was stopped at 1:11 of the round. Rivers is now 4-0, three KO's while Vasquez falls to 0-3.
Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd wins a four-round unanimous decision over Trenton Titsworth of Omaha, NE. Hurd won a 40-34 decision on all judges cards as Titsworth lost two points for holding. Hurd's record rises to 4-0, three KO's while Titsworth is now 5-15-1, two KO's.
DC super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom needed just one minute to stop Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS. Odom dominated the short contest primarily with body shots. Odom is 2-0, two KO's, one NC while Madden is 0-3.
DC light heavyweight Greg Newby won a four-round unanimous decision over the always unorthodox John "The Baptist" Terry of Portsmouth, VA. Newby won by shutout (40-36) on all judges's scorecards. Newby is now 5-0, three KO's while Terry falls to 4-26-3, one KO.
District Heights, MD lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines scored his first professional knockout with a third-round stoppage of Baltimore's Darrell "Bad Azz" Martin. The bout was stopped at 23 seconds of the third round. Gaines is now 4-0-1, one KO. Martin is 4-14, one KO.
Landover, MD junior welterweight D'Andre Davis won his pro debut with a second-round TKO over Coy Lambert of Summerville, SC. After a quick-handed pummeling by Davis, Lambert's corner stopped the contest at 44 seconds of the second. Lambert is 1-6.
Capitol Heights, MD cruiserweight Mario Murphy also won his first pro encounter with a tough-four-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers of Tobyhanna, PA. Murphy won by scores of 39-37 across the board. Capers is 1-1.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show with guest Troy Fox, the father and trainer of Alantez Fox.
We also have an interview with Alantez Fox:
Fox Wins Unanimous Decision Over Kennedy!
Alantez "SlyAza" Fox wins a six-round unanimous decision over "Relentless" Julius Kennedy. The scores were 58-56, 59-55 and 60-54. Fox remains undefeated at 9-0-1, four KO's while Kennedy is now 7-3-1, three KO's.
That's the card for tonight. Post-Fight Wrap-Up coming shortly. Good Night From Rosecroft!
Kennedy Finishes Strong But...
Julius Kennedy had a strong sixth and final round, landing some solid overhand rights against Fox who was moving laterally throughout the round. We'll have scores in a moment.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
Kennedy Cut Along Right Eye in Fifth!
Julius Kennedy suffered a cut along the right eye. Kennedy seemed to tell referee Brent Bovell that the cut came from Alantez Fox scraping the laces of the gloves across Kennedy's face. Still a solid performance as we head into the last round.
Fox Goes Back To Basics In Fourth!
Alantez Fox went back to establishing the jab in the fourth. Fox hit Julius Kennedy with some solid left hands that buckled Kennedy's face. Kennedy, to his credit stayed right in Fox's chest but Fox landed the telling blows.
Kennedy Has Strong Third Round!
Julius Kennedy has a good third round. Kennedy did a better job getting inside and forcing Fox to the ropes. Kennedy landed a solid overhand right that almost knocked himself down in the process with the followthrough. Good bout with Fox still holding a slight advantage, in my opinion.
Solid Performance By Fox After Two Rounds!
The first two rounds of the main event has Fox doing real solid work, especially to the body. Fox is using his height well for the most part but in the second round Kennedy had a little success getting inside. Crowd is really behind Fox at this point.
Fox-Kennedy In the Ring!
Alantez Fox and Julius Kennedy are in the ring for the main event! Fox has a great fan base here tonight. Should be interesting.
Rivers Scores Second-Round TKO Over Vasquez!
With a mixture of body shots and solid left hooks, Palmer Park, MD's Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. stops Giovanni Vasquez at 1:11 of the second round.
Swinging wildly at times, Rivers did land a solid right hand to Vasquez's face, followed by a brutal body shot. Rivers is now 4-0, three KO's. Vasquez is 0-3.
Intermission -- followed by the main event -- Alantez Fox vs. Julius Kennedy.
Swinging wildly at times, Rivers did land a solid right hand to Vasquez's face, followed by a brutal body shot. Rivers is now 4-0, three KO's. Vasquez is 0-3.
Intermission -- followed by the main event -- Alantez Fox vs. Julius Kennedy.
Hurd Wins Workmanlike Decision Over Titsworth!
Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd has won a solid four-round unanimous decision over Trenton Titsworth of Omaha, NB.
Hurd was all over the surviving Titsworth who never went down but was completely overmatched. Titsworth lost two points during the contest for holding. All three judges scored the bout, 40-34.
Hurd is now 4-0, three KO's as this is the first time he goes the distance. Titsworth falls to 5-15-1, two KO's.
Up next -- the co-feature -- Kevin Rivers, Jr. vs. Giovanni Vasquez.
Hurd was all over the surviving Titsworth who never went down but was completely overmatched. Titsworth lost two points during the contest for holding. All three judges scored the bout, 40-34.
Hurd is now 4-0, three KO's as this is the first time he goes the distance. Titsworth falls to 5-15-1, two KO's.
Up next -- the co-feature -- Kevin Rivers, Jr. vs. Giovanni Vasquez.
Odom Makes Quick Work of Madden!
DC super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom made very short work of Anthony Madden, knocking him out at one minute of the first round. Much like Madden's loss to Devar Ferhadi at the Convention Center, Madden could not take any body shots. Odom landed crushing ones and dropped Odom in the first.
Odom is 2-0, two KO's, one NC. Madden is now 0-3.
Jarrett Hurd is up next against Trenton Titsworth.
Odom is 2-0, two KO's, one NC. Madden is now 0-3.
Jarrett Hurd is up next against Trenton Titsworth.
Newby Wins Unanimous Decision Over Terry!
DC light heavyweight Greg Newby has won a four-round unanimous decision over veteran John Terry. Newby was solid against the unorthodox style of Terry, winning by shutout (40-36) on all three cards.
Newby is now 5-0, three KO's and Terry is now 4-26-3, one KO.
Next: Jerry Odom vs. Anthony Madden.
Newby is now 5-0, three KO's and Terry is now 4-26-3, one KO.
Next: Jerry Odom vs. Anthony Madden.
Williams Wins By Third-Round Stoppage in Florida!
We've received word that Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. has stopped Jason Smith of West Virginia in the third round tonight at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL.
According to Phil Doherty of Fightnews.com, Williams turned Smith into a bloody mess, using hooks and uppercuts throughout the contest. Williams dropped Smith twice before the bout was stopped at 1:56 of the third round.
Williams is now 12-0, nine KO's. Smith is now 8-2, six KO's.
According to Phil Doherty of Fightnews.com, Williams turned Smith into a bloody mess, using hooks and uppercuts throughout the contest. Williams dropped Smith twice before the bout was stopped at 1:56 of the third round.
Williams is now 12-0, nine KO's. Smith is now 8-2, six KO's.
Gaines Stops Martin In Third!
District Heights, MD lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines has stopped Darrell "Bad Azz" Martin in the third round. Gaines was pretty dominant throughout the contest hammering Martin.
Between the second and third rounds, the ringside physicians were looking at Martin's right eye. However, the doctors allowed him to continue. As the third opened, Gaines hit Martin right on the eye and Martin dropped to one knee. Referee Brent Bovell stopped the contest at 23 seconds of the third.
Gaines scored his first pro knockout and is now 4-1, one KO. Martin falls to 4-14, one KO.
Next: Greg Newby takes on John Terry.
Between the second and third rounds, the ringside physicians were looking at Martin's right eye. However, the doctors allowed him to continue. As the third opened, Gaines hit Martin right on the eye and Martin dropped to one knee. Referee Brent Bovell stopped the contest at 23 seconds of the third.
Gaines scored his first pro knockout and is now 4-1, one KO. Martin falls to 4-14, one KO.
Next: Greg Newby takes on John Terry.
Davis Wins Pro Debut In Second Round!
Landover, MD junior welterweight D'Andre Davis has begun his quest to continue the family boxing legacy as he scores a second-round TKO over Coy Lambert of Columbia, SC.
Davis showed extremely fast hands from the opening bell. Davis never knocked Lambert down and Lambert did suffer a bloody nose, but Lambert's corner decided to stop the contest at 44 seconds of the second round.
Davis, the grandson of legendary trainer Adrian Davis and the nephew of great Beltway Boxers Victor and Demetrius, is now 1-0, one KO. Lambert is 0-2.
Up next: The All-Beltway battle between District Heights, MD's Renaldo Gaines and Darrell Martin of Baltimore.
Davis showed extremely fast hands from the opening bell. Davis never knocked Lambert down and Lambert did suffer a bloody nose, but Lambert's corner decided to stop the contest at 44 seconds of the second round.
Davis, the grandson of legendary trainer Adrian Davis and the nephew of great Beltway Boxers Victor and Demetrius, is now 1-0, one KO. Lambert is 0-2.
Up next: The All-Beltway battle between District Heights, MD's Renaldo Gaines and Darrell Martin of Baltimore.
Murphy Wins Tough Pro Debut over Capers!
Beltway Boxing 2013 is off to a great start with a tremendous contest to open tonight's card. Mario Murphy of Capitol Heights, MD has won a tough, four-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers from Tobyhanna, PA.
This was a brusing, back and forth bout as both men landed real solid shots. Murphy did just enough to win the contest, 39-37 on all cards. Very tough and successful pro debut for Murphy, while Capers is now 1-1.
Up next, the pro debut of D'Andre Davis against Coy Lambert.
This was a brusing, back and forth bout as both men landed real solid shots. Murphy did just enough to win the contest, 39-37 on all cards. Very tough and successful pro debut for Murphy, while Capers is now 1-1.
Up next, the pro debut of D'Andre Davis against Coy Lambert.
Murphy-Capers In The Ring!
Our first bout is in the ring -- Mario Murphy making his pro debut against Lamont Capers.
Card Delayed By Overtime Football!
As I said earlier, the card is delayed. We at least know why. We are waiting for the conclusion of the AFC Divisional game. As I type this, however, the game has just ended and we will get underway shortly!
Good Evening From Rosecroft Raceway!
Good evening from Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD for the Keystone Boxing card. We have no idea when we will start. Crowd is still filing in with many keeping tabs on the football game.
If you look at the scale watch in reverse order, that is the order of bouts tonight. We'll come back when the card starts! Looking forward to your comments and questions!
Jordan White Wins USA Team Open; Heads To Ukraine in August!
Congratulations to Waldorf, MD's Jordan White who captured the 101-pound championship at the USA Men's Junior World Team Open Friday night in Reno, NV.
White won a 17-9 decision over Szel Martinez of Ontario, OR. With the win, White secures a spot on the USA team that will travel to Kiev, Ukraine in August for the AIBA Men's Junior World Championships.
White Advances To Finals of USA Junior World Team Open!
Waldorf, MD's Jordan White has moved into the finals of the USA Junior World Team Open at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV.
White won a 21-13 decision over Slade Corvin of Chattanooga, TN in the 101-pound semifinals. White will face Szel Martinez of Ontario, OR in the finals tonight. The winner of the championship bout will travel to the AIBA Junior Men's World championships in Kiev, Ukraine in August.
White won a 21-13 decision over Slade Corvin of Chattanooga, TN in the 101-pound semifinals. White will face Szel Martinez of Ontario, OR in the finals tonight. The winner of the championship bout will travel to the AIBA Junior Men's World championships in Kiev, Ukraine in August.
Quarles Drops Unanimous Decision in Indio!
Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles lost an eight-round unanimous decision to undefeated Daquan Arnett tonight at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA. The bout was shown on Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation.
Quarles got Arnett's attention in the third round but couldn't capitalize. Quarles lost a point in the seventh round for holding. The scores were 78-73, 77-74 and 76-75.
Quarles loses for the first time in his career and he is now 9-1-1, two KO's. Arnett is now 10-0, six KO's.
Friday, January 11, 2013
Weights From Rosecroft!
Here is the scale watch for Saturday's Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:
Alantez Fox 154 vs. Julius Kennedy 154
Kevin Rivers 127 vs. Giovanni Vasquez 123
Jarrett Hurd 153 vs. Trenton Titsworth 148
Jerry Odom 167 vs. Anthony Madden 170
Greg Newby 174 vs. John Terry 173
Renaldo Gaines 133 vs. Darrell Martin 134
DeAndre Davis 138 vs. Coy Lambert 142
Mario Murphy 199 vs. Lamont Capers 198
We'll be blogging live with results from Rosecroft starting about 8 PM ET! Hope you can join us!
Alantez Fox 154 vs. Julius Kennedy 154
Kevin Rivers 127 vs. Giovanni Vasquez 123
Jarrett Hurd 153 vs. Trenton Titsworth 148
Jerry Odom 167 vs. Anthony Madden 170
Greg Newby 174 vs. John Terry 173
Renaldo Gaines 133 vs. Darrell Martin 134
DeAndre Davis 138 vs. Coy Lambert 142
Mario Murphy 199 vs. Lamont Capers 198
We'll be blogging live with results from Rosecroft starting about 8 PM ET! Hope you can join us!
A. Douglas Stops Harvey In First in NY!
Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas scored a first-round TKO over Stanley Harvey of Norfolk, VA Thursday night at Cordon Bleu in Queens, NY.
According to boxing writer Jack Obermayer, the bout was a mismatch as Douglas dominated the game Harvey. Douglas then dropped Harvey and the referee stopped the contest at 2:37.
Douglas is now 3-0, three KO's. Harvey falls to 1-3, one KO.
According to boxing writer Jack Obermayer, the bout was a mismatch as Douglas dominated the game Harvey. Douglas then dropped Harvey and the referee stopped the contest at 2:37.
Douglas is now 3-0, three KO's. Harvey falls to 1-3, one KO.
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Quarles Weighs 153 For ShoBox Card in California!
Brandon Quarles weighed in at 153 pounds for his eight-round bout Friday night at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA. Quarles's opponent, Daquan Arnett, weighed in at 157 pounds -- over the weight requirement for the bout (154). The bout will still go on with Arnett losing some money behind it.
The bout will be shown on ShoBox on Showtime at 11:15 PM ET.
The bout will be shown on ShoBox on Showtime at 11:15 PM ET.
Peterson-Holt 'A Done Deal;' Leonard Has Thoughts on Russell!
RingTV.com's Lem Satterfield is reporting that DC's Lamont Peterson will indeed defend his IBF Junior Welterweight title against former world champion Kendall "Rated R" Holt of Paterson, NJ on Friday, February 22 at the DC Armory.
Satterfield quotes the IBF Public Relations Department as saying contracts from both fighters were received by the IBF on Monday and the fight is "a done deal." There is speculation that Anthony Peterson and Dusty Harrison may appear on the card.
In another article, Satterfield talked to Hall of Fame boxer and Beltway Boxing Legend Sugar Ray Leonard about a number of young pro boxers around the world including undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. Here's what Leonard told Satterfield:
"I know Gary Russell, because back a few years ago, there was a lot of talk about this kid, Gary Russell. The fact that he's from D.C., I became a fan really quick. J.D. Brown, who was a member of my camp back in the day, J.D. was actually the one who first told me about Gary Russell," said Leonard.
"Everyone talks about how great of a fighter he is and his potential. That's why I see incredible potential. This kid just has to fight more often. You've got to fight, man, if you want to get better, and if you want to get recognized and acknowledged. You've got to fight so that the fans can see you, and, at the same time, you become more experienced."
Satterfield quotes the IBF Public Relations Department as saying contracts from both fighters were received by the IBF on Monday and the fight is "a done deal." There is speculation that Anthony Peterson and Dusty Harrison may appear on the card.
In another article, Satterfield talked to Hall of Fame boxer and Beltway Boxing Legend Sugar Ray Leonard about a number of young pro boxers around the world including undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. Here's what Leonard told Satterfield:
"I know Gary Russell, because back a few years ago, there was a lot of talk about this kid, Gary Russell. The fact that he's from D.C., I became a fan really quick. J.D. Brown, who was a member of my camp back in the day, J.D. was actually the one who first told me about Gary Russell," said Leonard.
"Everyone talks about how great of a fighter he is and his potential. That's why I see incredible potential. This kid just has to fight more often. You've got to fight, man, if you want to get better, and if you want to get recognized and acknowledged. You've got to fight so that the fans can see you, and, at the same time, you become more experienced."
Douglas Weighs 163 For New York Bout; Williams Gets New Opponent And TV Exposure in Florida!
Antoine Douglas weighed in at 163 pounds for his four-round contest tonight at Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, NY. Douglas's opponent, Stanley Harvey, tipped the scales at 166.
The opponent for Thomas Williams's Saturday, January 12 bout at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL has changed. The undefeated light heavyweight from Fort Washington, MD (11-0, eight KO's) will now face Jason Smith of Logan, WVA (8-1, six KO's) in the eight-round encounter. This will be Smith's first bout away from his home state. The bout is the co-feature on this card and will be shown on Fox Sports Net and on Fox Deportes.
The opponent for Thomas Williams's Saturday, January 12 bout at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL has changed. The undefeated light heavyweight from Fort Washington, MD (11-0, eight KO's) will now face Jason Smith of Logan, WVA (8-1, six KO's) in the eight-round encounter. This will be Smith's first bout away from his home state. The bout is the co-feature on this card and will be shown on Fox Sports Net and on Fox Deportes.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
Bleacher Report Profiles 'SlyAza' Fox!
Local boxing writer Michael Walters has a nice profile of undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox. With Fox's height and reach, Walters, a featured columnist with Bleacher Report, asks the question: could Fox be the next Paul Williams.
Fox will be in the main event against Baltimore's "Relentless" Julius Kennedy on Saturday, January 12 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.
Here's the link to the article:
Will Fox be the next Paul Williams?
Fox will be in the main event against Baltimore's "Relentless" Julius Kennedy on Saturday, January 12 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.
Here's the link to the article:
Will Fox be the next Paul Williams?
Virginia Amateurs Travel To Bermuda February 2!
Two Virginia amateur boxers will be heading to Bermuda on Saturday, February 2 to participate on a pro-am card. Diego and Matt -- The Abregu Brothers -- are novice boxers who are from Craig Fladger's boxing program in Ashburn, VA. Their gym mate -- WIBA Middleweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson -- will be in the main event when she takes on WBA Middleweight titleholder Teresa Perozzi in a rematch for the vacant WBC Middleweight crown at the Cedarbridge Academy Gymnasium in Pembroke, Bermuda.
Diego Abregu was a star basketball player at Dominion High School in Sterling, VA where he once scored 41 points in a game. As a boxer, Diego competes at 141 pounds and won a subnovice championship in that weight class.
Matt Abregu, the older of the brothers, has seven boxing bouts to his credit and has also had a contest in mixed martial arts. Matt battles at 154 pounds.
Diego Abregu was a star basketball player at Dominion High School in Sterling, VA where he once scored 41 points in a game. As a boxer, Diego competes at 141 pounds and won a subnovice championship in that weight class.
Matt Abregu, the older of the brothers, has seven boxing bouts to his credit and has also had a contest in mixed martial arts. Matt battles at 154 pounds.
Taylor-Serrano Bout Becomes ShoBox Co-Feature!
The 10-round bout between Baltimore, MD junior welterweight Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor and Raymond "Tito" Serrano of Philadelphia, PA will now be a co-feature contest on Showtime's ShoBox: The New Generation on Friday, January 25 at the Paramount in Huntington, Long Island, NY.
Taylor is 15-1, 10 KO's. Serrano, who is now trained by DC's Barry Hunter, is 18-1, eight KO's.
Taylor is 15-1, 10 KO's. Serrano, who is now trained by DC's Barry Hunter, is 18-1, eight KO's.
Monday, January 07, 2013
Update on January 12 Card at Rosecroft!
The Saturday, January 12 Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD is just about complete. As BATB announced earlier, the main event on the card will be a six-round all-Beltway encounter between junior middleweights Alantez "SlyAza" Fox of Forestville, MD (8-0-1, four KO's) and Baltimore, MD's "Relentless" Julius Kennedy (7-2-1, three KO's).
In other bouts slated for the card (all four-rounders), Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. (3-0, two KO's) will take on Giovanni Vasquez of Columbia, SC (0-2).
Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd (3-0, three KO's) battles veteran Trenton Titsworth of Omaha, NE (5-14-1, two KO's).
DC light heavyweight Greg Newby (3-0, three KO's) will also face a veteran in John Michael Terry of Portsmouth, VA (4-25-3, one KO).
DC light heavy "The King's Son" Jerry Odom (1-0, one KO, one NC) faces Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS (0-2).
District Heights, MD super featherweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines (3-1) battles Baltimore, MD's Darrell Martin (4-13, one KO).
Palmer Park, MD cruiserweight Mario Murphy makes his pro debut against Lamont Capers of Hawley, PA (1-0).
DC junior middleweight DeAndre Davis, the grandson of trainer Adrian Davis, will make his pro debut against Coy Lambert of Columbia, SC (1-5, one KO).
In other bouts slated for the card (all four-rounders), Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. (3-0, two KO's) will take on Giovanni Vasquez of Columbia, SC (0-2).
Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd (3-0, three KO's) battles veteran Trenton Titsworth of Omaha, NE (5-14-1, two KO's).
DC light heavyweight Greg Newby (3-0, three KO's) will also face a veteran in John Michael Terry of Portsmouth, VA (4-25-3, one KO).
DC light heavy "The King's Son" Jerry Odom (1-0, one KO, one NC) faces Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS (0-2).
District Heights, MD super featherweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines (3-1) battles Baltimore, MD's Darrell Martin (4-13, one KO).
Palmer Park, MD cruiserweight Mario Murphy makes his pro debut against Lamont Capers of Hawley, PA (1-0).
DC junior middleweight DeAndre Davis, the grandson of trainer Adrian Davis, will make his pro debut against Coy Lambert of Columbia, SC (1-5, one KO).
Williams Takes On Singleton January 12 in Florida!
Undefeated Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. now has an opponent for his eight-round contest on Saturday, January 12 at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL. The 2012 Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year will face Damar Singleton of Toledo, OH.
Williams (11-0, eight KO's) is coming off his fourth straight knockout victory -- a fifth-round TKO of Ricardo Campillo on December 8 in Anaheim, CA. Singleton (8-1, four KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Sullivan Barrera last January 21 in Philadelphia, PA.
Williams (11-0, eight KO's) is coming off his fourth straight knockout victory -- a fifth-round TKO of Ricardo Campillo on December 8 in Anaheim, CA. Singleton (8-1, four KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Sullivan Barrera last January 21 in Philadelphia, PA.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
Beltway Amateurs Travel to Junior World Team Open in Reno January 7-11!
Three local amateurs will be participating in USA Boxing's first Junior World Team Open January 7-11 at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. The event is slated to showcase many of the nation's top 15-16 year old boxers. Winners in the men's competition will advance to the AIBA Junior Men's World Championships in Kiev, Ukraine in August.
The boxers that will be in the event are:
Jordan White, Waldorf, MD (101 pounds)
Keeshawn Williams, Washington, DC (114 pounds)
Iesha Kenney, Alexandria, VA (132 pounds female)
The bout will be streamed live on USAboxing.org. The site is offering a full tournament pass for $14.95.
The boxers that will be in the event are:
Jordan White, Waldorf, MD (101 pounds)
Keeshawn Williams, Washington, DC (114 pounds)
Iesha Kenney, Alexandria, VA (132 pounds female)
The bout will be streamed live on USAboxing.org. The site is offering a full tournament pass for $14.95.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
Ringside Report Talks To Kisner; Kisner Calls Out July!
My good buddy, "Bad" Brad Berkwitt, the editor of Ringside Report, recently spoke to undefeated cruiserweight "Slick" Nick Kisner about his career. A big part of the interview was Kisner's wish list for 2013 which includes a bout with fellow undefeated Beltway cruiser Venroy "Hardwork" July.
Is this a bout Beltway fans want to see happen in 2013?
Before I post the link, let me say something in the interest of full disclosure. Kisner (11-0-1, five KO's) also spoke to me about this subject. I wanted to wait until we finished with the year-end awards before I put something out about this, since I believe this will be something that will garner a lot of discussion. In the meantime, I also wanted to talk to July (12-0-2, five KO's) to get his view on the subject. July would not comment on a proposed bout. Since Brad's story already covers what I wanted to talk about, I'm posting his interview with Kisner instead.
Here is the link: Ringside Report Interview with Nick Kisner
Is this a bout Beltway fans want to see happen in 2013?
Before I post the link, let me say something in the interest of full disclosure. Kisner (11-0-1, five KO's) also spoke to me about this subject. I wanted to wait until we finished with the year-end awards before I put something out about this, since I believe this will be something that will garner a lot of discussion. In the meantime, I also wanted to talk to July (12-0-2, five KO's) to get his view on the subject. July would not comment on a proposed bout. Since Brad's story already covers what I wanted to talk about, I'm posting his interview with Kisner instead.
Here is the link: Ringside Report Interview with Nick Kisner
Friday, January 04, 2013
Peterson Defends IBF Title Against Kendall Holt February 22 At DC Armory..Maybe!
ESPN.com is reporting that IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson will return to action on Friday, February 22 and defend his title against former WBO champion Kendall Holt of Paterson, NJ at the DC Armory. The report says the bout will be televised on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.
Late word from the Peterson camp says, however, that the bout is not a done deal as of yet. A spokesperson for the Peterson camp tells BATB that the bout is a"viable option," but still not definite as there are other choices on the table, including a rematch with former world champ Timothy Bradley.
If the bout takes place, Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO's) will fight for the first time since winning the title against Amir Khan on December 10, 2011 at the Washington Convention Center. Peterson also captured the WBA title but was stripped after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone. Holt (28-5, 16 KO's) last fought on March 16, knocking out Tim Coleman in two rounds in Cabazon, CA. We'll keep you posted on details.
Late word from the Peterson camp says, however, that the bout is not a done deal as of yet. A spokesperson for the Peterson camp tells BATB that the bout is a"viable option," but still not definite as there are other choices on the table, including a rematch with former world champ Timothy Bradley.
If the bout takes place, Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO's) will fight for the first time since winning the title against Amir Khan on December 10, 2011 at the Washington Convention Center. Peterson also captured the WBA title but was stripped after he tested positive for synthetic testosterone. Holt (28-5, 16 KO's) last fought on March 16, knocking out Tim Coleman in two rounds in Cabazon, CA. We'll keep you posted on details.
Beltway Boxing 2012 -- Boxer of the Year!
And now, the big award -- The Beltway Boxing Boxer of the Year for 2012!
In a year where few pro Beltway Boxers had solid years, the selection for the 2012 Beltway Boxer of the Year was an easy one. However, the year this man had would have made him a clear choice in any year unless the boxer in front of him had won a world championship in the same year.
The boxer chosen this year is one of the most popular – and controversial – Beltway Boxers to compete in a long time and in 2012, he made one of the biggest and quickest jumps from prospect to contender ever seen in the BATB era. As in 2011 with Lamont Peterson, there is no doubt whom the Beltway Boxer of the Year is for 2012.
The 2012 Beltway Boxer of the Year is:
Tony “Mo Better” Jeter, (15-3-1, 10 KO’s), Middleweight, Stevensville, MD
The year did not start well for Jeter as he was still licking his wounds from his fifth-round TKO loss to Jose Felix in November of 2011. Jeter’s first priority was to avenge the loss, which he did on his first self-promoted (Jeter Promotions) card of the year on February 25 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD. Jeter won an eight-round unanimous decision over Felix and captured the UBO (Universal Boxing Organization) All-Americas title.
Yes, the title was a minor one, but it did prove to be a stepping stone to better things. On September 22 in another self promotion at Club One, Jeter didn’t make it easy on himself by choosing a quality opponent in Tyrel Brown who was 7-2 at the time of the bout. With the vacant WBC Fecarbox title and a top 30 rating in the WBC on the line, Jeter turned a very competitive bout into a fifth-round TKO victory with a series of right hands.
However, it was Jeter’s performance – and victory – over Jimmy Lange on October 27 that opened the most eyes around the boxing world. Jeter walked into “The House Jimmy Lange Built” – The Patriot Center and took it right to Lange in his own backyard. Despite coming perilously close to being disqualified with four points deducted for low blows, Jeter won a 10-round split decision over the more highly-regarded Lange.
Jeter finished 2012 with two regional titles, a number 29 rating by the WBC and a top 15 ranking in both the USBA and NABA. This is a quality year in anybody’s book.
Honorable Mention:
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (39-20-1, 23 KO’s), Junior Welterweight, Washington, DC
The former WBO Junior Welterweight champion had a solid 2012 with two solid upset wins. Corley’s 10-round unanimous decision on January 21 in New York City over previously undefeated Gabriel Bracero for the NABF title opened a lot of eyes. However, when Corley traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland and stopped hometown hero Paul McCloskey in the 10th round on May 5, we were looking at one of the best ring comebacks in recent memory.
Corley’s only loss was in the Ukraine against a taller, undefeated Viktor Postol on October 27, but new life has been sprung in his career, so much so that Corley plans to compete as a lightweight and says he can win a title in 2013.
“Mr.” Gary Russell, Jr. (21-0, 13 KO’s), Featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD
Russell’s two bouts in 2012 ended in crushing third-round knockouts against Christopher Ruiz and Roberto Castaneda, both men who had 20 wins each but had fought mostly in Mexico and hardly been tested in the United States. Russell’s knockout of Castaneda was one of the best of the year.
This could be the year that Russell does what everyone seems to be asking him to do – step up in competition. Russell has a 10-round contest slated for March 2 in New York City. We have to wait and see what happens in that instance as the opponent has not been selected.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
2011: Lamont Peterson
That concludes the awards. We will have a special recognition commentary this weekend.
In a year where few pro Beltway Boxers had solid years, the selection for the 2012 Beltway Boxer of the Year was an easy one. However, the year this man had would have made him a clear choice in any year unless the boxer in front of him had won a world championship in the same year.
The boxer chosen this year is one of the most popular – and controversial – Beltway Boxers to compete in a long time and in 2012, he made one of the biggest and quickest jumps from prospect to contender ever seen in the BATB era. As in 2011 with Lamont Peterson, there is no doubt whom the Beltway Boxer of the Year is for 2012.
The 2012 Beltway Boxer of the Year is:
Tony “Mo Better” Jeter, (15-3-1, 10 KO’s), Middleweight, Stevensville, MD
The year did not start well for Jeter as he was still licking his wounds from his fifth-round TKO loss to Jose Felix in November of 2011. Jeter’s first priority was to avenge the loss, which he did on his first self-promoted (Jeter Promotions) card of the year on February 25 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD. Jeter won an eight-round unanimous decision over Felix and captured the UBO (Universal Boxing Organization) All-Americas title.
Yes, the title was a minor one, but it did prove to be a stepping stone to better things. On September 22 in another self promotion at Club One, Jeter didn’t make it easy on himself by choosing a quality opponent in Tyrel Brown who was 7-2 at the time of the bout. With the vacant WBC Fecarbox title and a top 30 rating in the WBC on the line, Jeter turned a very competitive bout into a fifth-round TKO victory with a series of right hands.
However, it was Jeter’s performance – and victory – over Jimmy Lange on October 27 that opened the most eyes around the boxing world. Jeter walked into “The House Jimmy Lange Built” – The Patriot Center and took it right to Lange in his own backyard. Despite coming perilously close to being disqualified with four points deducted for low blows, Jeter won a 10-round split decision over the more highly-regarded Lange.
Jeter finished 2012 with two regional titles, a number 29 rating by the WBC and a top 15 ranking in both the USBA and NABA. This is a quality year in anybody’s book.
Honorable Mention:
DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (39-20-1, 23 KO’s), Junior Welterweight, Washington, DC
The former WBO Junior Welterweight champion had a solid 2012 with two solid upset wins. Corley’s 10-round unanimous decision on January 21 in New York City over previously undefeated Gabriel Bracero for the NABF title opened a lot of eyes. However, when Corley traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland and stopped hometown hero Paul McCloskey in the 10th round on May 5, we were looking at one of the best ring comebacks in recent memory.
Corley’s only loss was in the Ukraine against a taller, undefeated Viktor Postol on October 27, but new life has been sprung in his career, so much so that Corley plans to compete as a lightweight and says he can win a title in 2013.
“Mr.” Gary Russell, Jr. (21-0, 13 KO’s), Featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD
Russell’s two bouts in 2012 ended in crushing third-round knockouts against Christopher Ruiz and Roberto Castaneda, both men who had 20 wins each but had fought mostly in Mexico and hardly been tested in the United States. Russell’s knockout of Castaneda was one of the best of the year.
This could be the year that Russell does what everyone seems to be asking him to do – step up in competition. Russell has a 10-round contest slated for March 2 in New York City. We have to wait and see what happens in that instance as the opponent has not been selected.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
2011: Lamont Peterson
That concludes the awards. We will have a special recognition commentary this weekend.
Rivera Rematches Against Collins February 9 in Allentown; A. Douglas Also On Card!
Charlottesville, VA middleweight George "Wartime" Rivera returns to action on Saturday, February 9 in an eight-round rematch contest against veteran Keenan Collins at the Rodeway Inn in Allentown, PA.
Nothing was settled in the first bout on April 27 in Reading, PA as both men battled to an eight-round draw. Neither Rivera (13-7-1, four KO's) nor Collins (14-7-3, nine KO's) have fought since their last encounter.
Also scheduled to appear on the card will be undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas (2-0, two KO's) who is actually slated to have a four-round bout on Thursday, January 10 at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, NY against Stanley Harvey of Norfolk, VA (1-2, one KO).
Nothing was settled in the first bout on April 27 in Reading, PA as both men battled to an eight-round draw. Neither Rivera (13-7-1, four KO's) nor Collins (14-7-3, nine KO's) have fought since their last encounter.
Also scheduled to appear on the card will be undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas (2-0, two KO's) who is actually slated to have a four-round bout on Thursday, January 10 at the Cordon Bleu in Woodhaven, NY against Stanley Harvey of Norfolk, VA (1-2, one KO).
Thursday, January 03, 2013
Al Scott Funeral Arrangements Announced!
The funeral services for noted Beltway trainer Al Scott (AKA James Alan Scott) have been announced.
The services will be held on Friday, January 11 at Zion Church, which is located at the ministry center of First Baptist Church of Glenarden. The address is 3600 Brightseat Road in Landover, MD. The wake begins at 9:30 AM and the funeral service will be at 10:30 AM.
The services will be held on Friday, January 11 at Zion Church, which is located at the ministry center of First Baptist Church of Glenarden. The address is 3600 Brightseat Road in Landover, MD. The wake begins at 9:30 AM and the funeral service will be at 10:30 AM.
Beltway Boxing 2012 -- Card of the Year!
Now, time for the 2012 Card of the Year!
The Card of the Year was truly the most-talked about card of 2012, generating the most hype for a non-championship contest in years. The card also had two of the best bouts of the year – with one being one of the most controversial in recent memory and a couple of upsets as well.
The 2012 Beltway Boxing Card of the Year took place on:
October 27 at George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA – Jimmy Lange vs. Tony Jeter, Brandon Quarles vs. John Mackey
The hype on the main event on the card had built for weeks. The excitement level of the bout matched that. Quarles-Mackey, as stated before, was the bout of the year. Also on the card, there were solid pro debuts by Jerry Odom and Antoine Douglas as well as quality upset wins by out-of-towners Damon Antoine and David Warren Huffman. Also there was a solid contest between rookies Mark Baltimore and Immanuwel Aleem and a win by Harry Joe Yorgey over local Zain Shah.
Honorable Mention:
August 25 at the Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC – Dusty Harrison vs. Marques Jackson, Richie Andrews vs. Harold Parker, Renaldo Gaines vs. David Warren Huffman
Locals received no pity on this show as three Beltway Boxers suffered their first pro losses and the man most came to see came perilously close to suffering the same fate. This was the card where Dusty Harrison was knocked down in the sixth round of his bout with Marques Jackson. Harrison had never been knocked down before as an amateur or pro. Richie Andrews won a split decision over highly-touted Harold Parker. Renaldo Gaines lost to David Warren Huffman and Josh Rupard was stopped by veteran Jimmy LeBlanc. A lot of surprises made this card special.
February 25 at Club One Fitness, Millersville, MD – Tony Jeter vs. Jose Felix II for the UBO Middleweight title, Brandon Quarles vs. Omar Sims
Nice, competitive bout as the promoter did not put himself in with a patsy opponent. As a matter of fact, Jeter knew Felix all TOO well as Felix upset Jeter in Arlington, VA the previous November. Jeter was fighting for redemption in what was one of just four pro bouts. The co-feature of Quarles and Sims as well as a good opening bout between Lee Snow and Stephen Franklin helped this card nicely.
June 23 at Fort Myer/Henderson Hall Joint Military Base, Arlington, VA – Todd Wilson vs. John Willoughby, Christian Steele vs. Juan Rodriguez
There was a lot of drama on this card. Wilson battles adversity with a broken hand and a cut along the right eye to win a unanimous decision. Steele upsets Rodriguez by majority decision, Duane Mobley recovers from a first-round knockdown to stop Kevin Johnson and solid pro debuts from Mark Baltimore and Immanuwel Aleem that helped set up their bout against each other in October.
Previous BATB Cards of the Year:
2006 -- December 9, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Jimmy Lange draws with Fontaine Cabell, Dean White defeats Dorin Spivey, JP Flaim of the Junkies loses against Jay Watts.)
2007 -- December 7, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD (Tim Coleman draws with Martinus Clay, Jessie Nicklow defeats Anthony Little and John Mackey defeats Tony Cygan) and August 3, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD (Pro-Am card -- Horace Grant over Mujaheed Moore, Thomas Snow knocks out Markel Muhammad, Seth Mitchell [his only amateur loss] falls to Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison also on the amateur portion.
2008 -- October 18, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA (John Mackey wins over Jesse Williams, Darrell Martin over Andre Nichols)
2009 -- September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD (Mark Tucker wins USBO title, Tyrell Samuel over Gustavo Dailey)
2010 -- March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD (Jessie Nicklow over Scott Sigmon, James Stevenson over George Rivera)
2011 – December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington DC (Lamont Peterson over Amir Khan for IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight title, Seth Mitchell over Timor Ibragimov)
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing 2012 Boxer of the Year!
Wednesday, January 02, 2013
Beltway Boxing 2012 -- Bout of the Year!
Now comes the choice for the best Beltway Bout of 2012.
The Bout of the Year in 2012 took place on the biggest card of the year but it wasn’t the main event bout. Much like Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage stole the show from Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III in 1987, this classic battle of youth versus experience was the best and most skillful contest of that night which is why it takes the award in 2012.
The Bout of the Year in 2012 took place on the biggest card of the year but it wasn’t the main event bout. Much like Ricky Steamboat and Randy Savage stole the show from Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant at Wrestlemania III in 1987, this classic battle of youth versus experience was the best and most skillful contest of that night which is why it takes the award in 2012.
The 2012 Beltway Boxing Bout of the Year is:
Brandon Quarles vs. John Mackey, six-round majority draw, October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
The 26-year-old Quarles battled the 38-year-old Mackey for six spirited, exciting rounds and learned a lot along the way. The first bit of education came in the first round when Quarles had to battle against adversity when Mackey scored a flash knockdown. Mackey, meanwhile, fought very well throughout the contest and might have pulled off the upset.
However, Quarles used the second bit of knowledge gained in the bout – the ability to come back and score a knockdown late. Quarles managed to knock Mackey off his feet with 10 seconds to go in the final round. Mackey got the nod on one card, 57-55 but the other judges saw the draw at 56-56. By the way, this is the second time Mackey, originally from Washington, DC but now living in Birmingham, AL, has been in a Beltway Boxing Bout of the Year in the BATB era.
Honorable Mention:
Venroy July eight-round unanimous decision over Justin Howes, June 16, DuBurns Arena, Baltimore, MD
For July, Justin “The Lumberjack” Howes was the most successful foe (13-2 going into the contest) that the Suitland, MD resident had faced at this point of his career. Howes tested July almost every step of the way. July got off to a great start dominating the first two rounds. However, Howes came back very strong in rounds three and four. By the fifth round, both men were trading strong head and, especially body shots.
At the end July put in enough of what his nickname says – hard work – and managed to win by decision with scores of 78-74 (twice) and 77-75.
Tony Jeter 10 round split decision over Jimmy Lange, October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
This was certainly the most talked-about contest of 2012 – before, during and after the bout. While this bout between the two Beltway fan favorites was not the most skillful bout we’ve seen, it was definitely exciting and controversial. As the bout progressed, Jeter was not off to a great start, suffering a flash knockdown and losing two points for low blows in the second round.
By the fourth round, however, Jeter was outmuscling Lange and in control but he lost another point for low blows in the fourth and again in the seventh. Referee Steve Smoger became an integral part of the contest by not disqualifying Jeter, who would win by scores of 94-91 and 93-92. Lange won on one card 94-91.
Todd Wilson six round unanimous decision over Fernando Basora, February 11, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
A nice contest as the undefeated Wilson was tested strongly by the Bronx, NY resident. Wilson got off to a nice start, winning the first two rounds, but Basora began to test Wilson severely in the third and fourth. Wilson completed the victory when he knocked Basora down in the sixth round and won by scores of 59-54 (twice) and 58-55.
Previous BATB Bouts of the Year:
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2011: Lamont Peterson 12-round split decision over Amir Khan, December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Tomorrow: The Card of the Year!
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Website By Former Naval Academy Boxer Helps You Find Your 'Fighting Mojo!'
(courtesy of Fightingmojo.com)
Back in 2009, I met a young boxer named Mike Steadman while covering the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) Championships at the University of Maryland. Steadman was in the midst of capturing his second of three NCBA titles at 175 pounds.
I was very impressed with his work in the ring and, in an interview afterwards, I asked him whether he was thinking about turning professional. I found out that turning professional was the furthest thing from Steadman's mind.
Steadman doesn't compete as a boxer much now but has turned his focus to helping others find and achieve their physical fitness goals, or what Steadman calls their "Fighting Mojo." That's the name of Steadman's website -- FightingMojo.com. Steadman says that this is not a boxing website, your goals can come from anywhere. Boxing is just a backdrop based on his own experiences. Here's the link in case you want to stop by:
www.fightingmojo.com
This type of post is something that I plan to do more of in 2013 -- we hear so much about boxers who aren't doing so well after their careers are over. However, there are many along the Beltway that have been involved in doing great work after their boxing days. We will be looking to focus on that this year.
Beltway Boxing 2012 -- Knockout of the Year!
It's now time for the Knockout of the Year. Once again, the criteria for this award is that the knockout had to be performed by a Beltway Boxer in a Beltway Boxing location. This means that, for the second straight year, Gary Russell, Jr. is not included in this voting, even though his sickening third-round knockout of Roberto Castaneda on November 10 in Indio, CA had some boxing media rating the knockout second only to Juan Manuel Marquez's knockout of Manny Pacquiao.
Now, onto the selection.
Now, onto the selection.
We had a rarity this year in what was a relatively light
year for this category. The majority of
the candidates for Knockout of the Year came from one card. The one chosen for
this award, however, gave new meaning to the term “one-punch knockout.”
The 2012 Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year is:
Kevin Rivers KO 1 over Bobby Wooten, November 3, Walter E. Washington Convention Center,
Washington, DC
One-punch knockouts are somewhat common in boxing but when
the one punch is the ONLY punch a boxer throws in a bout, the knockout becomes
special. Such was the case when Rivers
fought Wooten. Wooten is more known for
his mixed martial arts skills and attacked Rivers by clutching and grabbing Rivers’s
left hand. Wooten didn’t last long as the rookie Rivers still had his right hand. One punch and 31 seconds later, the bout was
over. Simply brutal.
Honorable Mention:
Jarrett Hurd KO 4 over Coy Lambert, November 3, Walter E. Washington Convention Center,
Washington, DC
This knockout suddenly ended what had been a very close
bout. Lambert gave Hurd everything he
could on this night but Hurd put a stop to the proceedings with a brutal
straight left hand. The bout ended at
2:08 of the fourth.
Devar Ferhadi KO 1 over Anthony Madden, November 3, Walter E. Washington Convention Center,
Washington, DC
Ferhadi’s knockout of Madden came with one of the more
incredulous reactions we’ve ever seen, or should we say heard. Midway through the first round, Ferhadi
landed a crushing right hand to Madden’s body.
The reaction from Madden was highly audible as Madden let out a
sickening cry of pain as he crumpled to the canvas. The bout was over at 1:41.
Lee Snow KO 4 over Issa Coulibaly, June 16, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
Another close bout ended by a brutal knockout. This bout between these two locals could have
gone either way had it gone to the scorecards.
However, Snow ended the bout with a solid right hand that sent Coulibaly
to the canvas at 1:59.
Previous BATB Knockouts of the Year:
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2011: Kevin Womack KO4 over Benjamin Olinga, November 19,
Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
Tomorrow: Bout of the Year!
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