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 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.

2011:  Lamont Peterson 12-round split decision over Amir Khan, December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC

Tomorrow:  The Card of the Year!