Mayweather-Alvarez Avaliable in Beltway Movie Theaters For $25!

If you are a child of the 70's and 80's, you may remember the days when big boxing cards were shown on what was called "closed circuit" television.  This meant that you went to a location -- like an arena or a movie theater and watched the bout on a giant screen.

I remember watching Marvin Hagler take on Juan Domingo Roldan outdoors on a big screen at CharlesTown Race Track in West Virginia.  I saw the Mike Tyson-Michael Spinks title bout immediately after a live Washington Bullets game at the Capital Centre.

For those of you who never had the opportunity to have the "closed-circuit experience" or you just want to take it old-school, you can do so on Saturday, September 14 when the Floyd-Mayweather-Canelo Alvarez card will be shown in 550 movie theaters across the country including many in Maryland and Northern Virginia.

Tickets for the showing are $25 and you will see the main event and the co-feature bout between Lucas Matthysse and Danny Garcia.  That price is compared to the $65-75 price to watch the card in your home.

Here are the area locations scheduled to show the card which will begin at 9 PM ET:

Maryland:

Abingdon -- Bel Air Cinema 14

Bowie -- Bowie Crossing 14

Columbia -- Snowden Square 14

Frostburg -- Cinemas 1-2-3

Germantown -- Germantown 14

Hanover -- Cinemark Egyptian 24 with XD (located in Arundel Mills)

Ocean City -- Fox Sun and Surf 8 Cinema

Owings Mills -- Owings Mills 17 with IMAX

Northern Virginia:

Alexandria -- Hoffman 22 with IMAX, Potomac Yards Stadium 16

Arlington -- Ballston Commons 12

Fairfax -- Fairfax Towne Center

Fredericksburg -- Fredericksburg 14.

If you want to find out where the bout will be held in your city or if you want to purchase tickets in advance, go to www.fathomevents.com

LimeLite Coach Simmons Heads to Kazakhstan With Team USA in October!

BATB has learned that coach Tony Simmons of the LimeLite Boxing gym in DC has been named to the coaching staff for Team USA during the World Games in Kazakhstan in October.

The LimeLite Gym has received a great deal of positive publicity over the past year -- including the documentary "Into The Limelite" that was completed last year.  Two of the boxers that train at the gym are undefeated pro light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby and amateur flyweight champ Malik Jackson.

Best wishes to Coach Simmons on this exciting opportunity!

IBF Approves Thompson-Pulev Bout As Final Eliminator!

The International Boxing Federation has given its approval for the bout between DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson and Kubrat "The Cobra" Pulev of Bulgaria to be a final eliminator.  The bout will take place on Saturday, August 24 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.

A win for Thompson (38-3, 26 KO's) will put him in the mandatory slot -- for the third time -- against Wladimir Klitschko for a world title.  Pulev (17-0, nine KO's) will be defending his IBF International Heavyweight title.

Twin Main Events Highlight September 7 Card at Rosecroft!

The fall session of Beltway Boxing will get off to a huge start if this card holds up.  We know we are making an early announcement about this Keystone Boxing card and anything can happen between now and then.  However, after you support these two cards in August, you may want to get an early start to buy tickets to come to this one in September.

The date is Saturday, September 7 and the place is Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD and there will be what amounts to a double main event.

One bout features Landover, MD super middleweight "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson taking on Lynchburg, VA's Scott "Cujo" Sigmon.  Benson, the WBC Fecarbox super middleweight champion, will not be defending that title on the card.   Benson (12-1, 11 KO's) is coming off his title win over Maxell Taylor on May 11 in Millersville, MD.  Sigmon (23-4, 12 KO's) won a 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Rayner on April 6 in Lynchburg in his first bout since his loss to Kelly Pavlik in June of 2012.

The second main event bout will match undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "Slyaza" Fox against once-beaten Zain "Tiger" Shah of Centreville, VA in a six-round encounter.  Fox (11-0-1, four KO's) won a six-round unanimous decision over Keith Collins on April 25 in Tulsa, OK.  Shah (5-1, three KO's) returns to the ring for the first time since suffering his only loss -- a first-round TKO to Harry Joe Yorgey on October 27 in Fairfax, VA.

There will also be a very interesting co-feature contest as undefeated rookie junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed will face his most experienced foe to date when he battles Ramesis Gill of the Dominican Republic in a six-round bout.

Reed (4-0, three KO's) is coming off an impressive third-round TKO over Roberto Lopez on the last Rosecroft show on July 13. Gill (8-6-5, five KO's) has lost his last two contests to Karl Dargan and Jorge Mayonset, Jr.  However, Gill will face an undefeated opponent for the 10th straight time. In that streak, Gill notched two wins over Carney Bowman and Luis Joel Gonzalez.  Neither man has fought since suffering those losses.

Jeter Title Bout Becomes Rematch on August 3!

Because of visa issues coming from Mexico to the US, Victor Hugo Correa will not be facing Tony "Mo Better" Jeter for the WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title on Saturday, August 3 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.

Jeter will still defend his title on the card and he will now face a familiar foe -- the man he won the then-vacant title against, Tyrel Brown of Gibson, OK.  Brown (7-3, seven KO's) has not fought since losing to Jeter by fifth-round TKO on September 22 at Club One.  This bout is slated for 10 rounds.

One other change on the card -- the bout between locals Jerrell Harris and Barry Trotter is off the card.

Don't forget.  Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk will have complete coverage of the card on Saturday night.

BATB -- Eight Years and Counting!

Today is the eighth anniversary of Boxing Along The Beltway!  On July 30, 2005, I started this journey of recording what I truly believe to be the best boxing in the world.  Now, 4,724 posts later (counting this one), the Beltway Boxing scene and yes, even this blog, has become nationally and internationally known.

As I say every year at this time, thanks to everyone involved -- boxers, trainers, managers, promoters, commission members, fellow reporters and of course, the fans for your continued support in this journey.

There is one individual person I must thank.  Throughout the previous seven years, there is one thing that I thought the blog lacked on a consistent basis -- the ability to match names with faces.  I am not a good photographer and since I am much better with writing and talking so photos were something that I was willing to sacrifice.

Juan Marshall has been a godsend!  The pictures that he has taken for his own blog ProAm Fight Talk and for this blog have helped put faces to names and made them more recognizable.  I thank Juan for being as passionate about this vision as I have been.

This year, I will "celebrate" this anniversary in a way I have never done before -- by NOT attending a card.  Family obligations will not permit me to attend the next two cards in the area -- August 3 in Millersville, MD and August 10 in DC.  The other people I must thank are the ones who allow me to spend as much time as I do with this -- my wife Evelyn and my children Ciana, Christopher and Courtney.  Juan will be handling the coverage for both cards and he will do a great job!

Once again, my deepest gratitude to everyone as we start year nine and we "keep on keepin' on!"

August Beltway Out-of-Town Schedule!

As we head into August, a number of Beltway Boxers will be on the road for some interesting contests.  Here's what we know so far.

Friday, August 9 -- Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. returns to action in a scheduled 10-round contest against Juan Ruiz of Santa Clarita, CA.  The card is being shown on Showtime from the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.  Russell (22-0, 13 KO's) will fight for the first time since hurting his hand in his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Vyacheslav Gusev on March 2 in Las Vegas.  A victory puts Russell in position to face the winner of Orlando Cruz and Orlando Salido who are slated to fight for the vacated WBO Featherweight title.  Ruiz (23-11, seven KO's) will be trying to break a six-bout losing streak.

Undefeated Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest (7-0, six KO's), is slated to be on that card as well. Forrest is managed by Sharif Salim who handles Seth Mitchell.  Forrest will take on "El Gallo Negro" Gerald Washington of San Jose, CA (8-0, five KO's).  Washington is a former football player at the University of Southern California who spent time on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Buffalo Bills.

Monday, August 19 -- BATB has learned that rookie super middleweight D'Mitrius Ballard of Temple Hills, MD (2-0, two KO's) will be involved on a card at the Best Buy Theater in New York City.  No word yet on his opponent.

Wednesday, August 21 -- Glen Burnie, MD welterweight Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier comes back into the ring in a four-round contest at the Steel Stacks Arts Quest Center in Bethlehem, PA against an opponent to be determined.  Dozier (8-5-1, four KO's) scored a first-round TKO over Markel Muhammad on April 27 in Winston-Salem, NC in his last outing.

Friday, August 23 -- There are two Beltway Boxers competing on that night.  Undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison returns to Dover Downs in Dover, DE for a scheduled six-round contest against Guillermo Valdes of Miami, FL.  Harrison (16-0, nine KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Ben Ankrah on June 29 in Mashantucket, CT.  Valdes (12-4, three KO's) has not fought since June of 2011 and has lost his last two outings to undefeated boxers.  Valdes has been stopped in his last three contests

Also on August 23, Charlottsville, VA middleweight George "Wartime" Rivera returns to the ring for a six-round contest at the Valley Forge Resort and Casino in Valley Forge, PA against "Lightning" Harry Joe Yorgey of Bridgeport, PA.  Rivera (13-8-1, four KO's) last fought on February 9 and was stopped in the eighth round against Keenan Collins in Allentown, PA.

Yorgey (27-2-1, 12 KO's) has been feasting on Beltway competition as of late as he has beaten four locals in his last five bouts.  Yorgey's last two bouts were victories over Julius Kennedy.  Yorgey also defeated Zain Shah and Lawrence Jones during that stretch. Yorgey is undefeated against Beltway competition thus far in his career (9-0) including victories over Billy Johnson, Matt Hill (twice), Larry Brothers and Mike McFail in the early stages of his career.

Also, and we will cover this in greater detail in a separate post, it looks like Tony Thompson will battle Kubrat Pulev on Saturday, August 24 in Schwerin, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany.  The bout will be for Pulev's IBF International Heavyweight title and another world title shot.  We'll have a more official preview of this later in the week.

Mitchell Celebrates Victory at Beltway Plaza Party; Idea Springs From Function!

This past Sunday, NABO/WBC International Heavyweight champion Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell  (center) celebrated his recent victory over Johnathon Banks with a meet and greet at Beltway Plaza Mall in Greenbelt, MD.

I am not posting this picture to promote myself or Juan Marshall (right).  This picture and this event got us to thinking and an idea started to form that we would like to discuss with you.

As you know, we have a lot of very impressive young boxers -- boxers who are very good inside the ring and good people outside of the ring.  The issue is, however, we are the only people that seem to know that.  The outside world, by and large, doesn't know.

One of the reasons that the outside world doesn't know is that our boxers tend to wait for the outside world to come to us.  Our boxers need to draw the outside world to us.  

Many of the boxers understand this.  Mitchell will be making an appearance at Prince George's Stadium during a Bowie Baysox baseball game on Friday, August 2.  Some of you chuckled at the appearances of The Peterson Brothers, Dusty Harrison and Thomas Williams, Jr. at a charity basketball game in Upper Marlboro, MD on July 20 but I can guarantee that more people who don't necessarily follow local boxing now have a better idea of who they are.  Gary Russell, Jr. has done a barbershop tour in which he visits local barbershops and signs autographs. Tori Nelson has made numerous appearances at events throughout Northern Virginia.  Of course, the many charity events and appearances that Jimmy Lange has attended over the years has been legendary.

There are two common denominators that those boxers listed have working for them:

1.  They understand the value of going out into the community and promoting themselves the RIGHT way.

2.  The boxers have people who also understand the value of the boxers going out into the community and know how to promote the boxers the RIGHT way.

For many boxers, however, self-promotion means going on a video site and doing what tend to be close to "ghetto-fabulous" videos that, unfortunately, will not endear yourselves to the community at large.  What's worse, many of the folks who are behind these boxers either don't know that the boxers are doing this, don't care that the boxers are doing this or encouraging the boxers to do this.

That will not work for the 2013 version of the boxing business.

Therefore, Juan and I along with some others are proposing this idea.  Right now this is just an idea.

We are thinking about putting together a one-day symposium primarily for young local pro boxers and their camps to understand the importance and the value of learning how to promote yourselves in the general community and the media.

Let me be very clear on this when it comes to the media -- This does not mean that I have had any issue with any boxer or any of the members of a boxer's camp.  Take me out of this equation.  I am more concerned at this stage with the mainstream media.  Of course, the general community should speak for itself.

If you or your camps are interested in participating in a symposium such as this -- do not comment here.  Contact me at my email address: beltwayboxing@hotmail.com  If we get a good group number of people to get involved, we will proceed with this idea.

Thanks for your time!

Late Results From Barry Farms!

According to reports, a very successful amateur card took place in Southeast Washington, DC Friday night.  The Friday Night Fights Inside the Gates card reportedly drew an estimated 1700 people to the Barry Farms Housing Complex to see 15 bouts.

The main event on the card saw Gary Antuanne Russell of Enigma Boxing win a 132-pound contest over Jalonte Cole of No Excuse, who lives in Barry Farms.

The co-feature saw George McRay of the host team -- the Woodland Tigers -- defeating Chamar Flowers of HeadBangers in a rematch of this year's DC Junior Olympic championship.

Here are the rest of the results:

Keith Cooke (No Excuse) over Leon Jones (Over Comers)

Keith Bagwell (Charm City) over Dennis Ziegler (Over Comers)

Jordan Hunter (Keystone) over Marquise Balloon (Rosedale)

Jordan Jones (Over Comers) over Kevon Cooke (No Excuse)

Jalen Jones (Lime Lite) over Corey Snowden (No Excuse)

Alonzo Thompson (Cherry Lane) over Tyreek Irby (Head Bangers)

Hakeem Middleton (Lime Lite) over Rico Todd (Upton)

Charles Mattison (Rosedale) over Maleek Lofton (Old School)

Monyee Gregory  (Upton) over Leroy Payne (Head Bangers)

Dajuan Concepcion (Unattached) over Greg Blakney (Old School)

Rayvon Drayton (Unattached) over Steven Epps (Woodland Tigers)

Drayvontay Speed-Rawls (No Excuse) over Kieron Hooks (Attack Mode)

Mykal Fox (Unattached) over Dionte Burts (Woodland Tigers)

The card was promoted by the Woodland Tigers boxing team and the George Goodman Summer League in association with the Potomac Valley Association of USA Boxing.  Thanks to PVA Secretary Ricky C. Womack for the results.

Quarles-LeBlanc Headlines August 10 Card in DC!

An interesting youth-versus-experience contest headlines the Top Flight Promotions card on Saturday, August 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Alexandria, VA junior middleweight Brandon Quarles will face Boston, MA veteran Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc in the eight-round main event.  This will be the first bout for Quarles (9-1-1, two KO's) since his nationally-televised, eight-round unanimous decision loss to Daquan Arnett on January 11 in Indio, CA.

This will be the second time Quarles will face a well-seasoned boxer. The last time, Quarles battled to a six-round draw against John Mackey on October 27 in Fairfax, VA in the bout chosen as the best Beltway contest of 2012.

LeBlanc (13-24-4, five KO's) may consider the DC-area his second home as this will be his sixth trip to the region in his last seven bouts and his eighth voyage to the area in his career.  LeBlanc will look for more action in this outing than he did last time as his bout with Tony Jeter on June 8 in DC became a no-contest after less than one round.

Two other bouts have been signed for the card.  In a four-round contest, undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd will face DC's Issa Coulibaly.  Hurd (7-0, four KO's) is coming off his most impressive win of his young career, a second-round TKO over Joshua Burns on July 13 in Fort Washington, MD.

Coulibaly's record (1-4) overshadows how hard he has worked in his career.  Both of his knockout losses (to locals Dan Cannady and Lee Snow) came in the fourth round and he has lost a split decision and a unanimous decision.  Coulibaly scored his first win -- a four-round majority decision over AJ Williams -- in his last outing on April 12 in Salisbury, MD.

In one of three scheduled six-round contests, undefeated DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby (8-0, four KO's) will take on James Jones of Nashville, TN (1-3).  Newby won a four-round unanimous decision over PJ Cajigas on July 13 in Fort Washington, MD in his last contest.  Jones appears in the ring for the first time since being stopped by Nick Brinson in the second round in 2010.

Other locals slated to be on this card include DC light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson (13-1, five KO's), DC junior welterweight Joshua "Marvelous Mo" Parker (2-0, two KO's) and rookie DC junior welter Antonio "Teflon" Magruder (1-0, one KO).  James "Buddy" McGirt, Jr. of Vero Beach, FL (22-3-1, 11 KO's) is also scheduled to be on the card in his first bout since November of 2010.

Two More Bouts Headed For Millersville!

There will be two more bouts added to the Jeter Promotions card on Saturday, August 3 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  Both bouts feature debuting Beltway Boxers.

It does look like Baltimore, MD middleweight Jeremy Trussell will finally get to have his pro debut.  We have said that for a little more than a year, however.  This time, though, it does look like it will happen as he is scheduled to face the equally debuting Nick Ellerbe of Ashburn, VA by way of Clinton, MD.

Also, Arlington, VA cruiserweight Albi Sadikaj will face Damion Reed of Danville, VA in another four-rounder.  Sadikaj was slated to have his pro debut on the July 20 card in Baltimore but couldn't get an opponent.  Reed (2-12-1, one KO) will be trying to break a 10-bout winless streak.

Jeter to Defend Fecarbox Title Against Correa August 3 in Millersville!

The Saturday, August 3 Jeter Promotions card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD is starting to take shape.  This includes a WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title defense for the promoter.

Stevensville, MD's Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will defend his title in a 10-round contest against Victor Hugo "Magnifico" Correa of Mexico City.

Jeter (15-3-1, 10 KO's) last fought on June 8 in DC but his bout with Jimmy LeBlanc went to a no contest during the first round.  Correa (15-5, 10 KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO victory over Diego Rivera on February 8 in Quretaro, Mexico.  Correa fights for the first time in the Eastern part of the United States.

In the co-feature contest, undefeated Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson returns to the ring in an eight-round encounter against Joshua Robertson of Lynchburg, VA.  Stevenson (18-0, 11 KO's) has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine in Cockeysville, MD on November 8.  Robertson (5-1, one KO) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over John Terry on June 26 in Ruffin, NC.

In other bouts slated for the card, DC lightweight Joshua Davis will take on the debuting Darus Somieari of Roanoke, VA.  Davis (3-0, two KO's) scored a second-round TKO over Benjamin Burgos on March 2 in Fort Washington, MD.

Rookie DC welterweight Jerrell "Hell-Rell" Harris will face Barry Trotter of Columbia, MD in a four-round encounter.  Harris (1-0, one KO) scored a first-round TKO over Rahim Williams in his pro debut on June 8 in DC.  Trotter (2-1, one KO) returns to the ring for the first time since losing a four-round majority decision to Omar Sims in Upper Marlboro, MD in November of 2011.

Another first-year pro, Salisbury, MD super middleweight Monreco Goldston, will face Jess "Thunder" Noriega of Lynchburg, VA in another four-rounder.  Goldston (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut by second-round TKO over Darryl Fields on June 15 in DC.  Noriega (1-4, one KO) lost a six-round unanimous decision to Thomas Brown on May 18 in Charlotte, NC.

In a battle of Beltway veterans, Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen will take on Cambridge, MD's Dontre "Pound For Pound" King in a four-round bout.  Allen (6-9, three KO's) lost a four-round majority decision to Lawrence Jones on June 22 in Frederick, MD. King (6-14-2, two KO's) has not fought since being stopped in the first round by Ed Brown on December 14 in Cicero, IL.  Both men will be trying to stop losing streaks -- Allen has lost eight in a row while King has dropped five straight.

There is also a bout slated for Baltimore's Jeremy Trussell, who has been looking to make his pro debut for more than a year.

Jayakody Loses Unanimous Decision in New York!

Landover, MD super featherweight Nuwan "The Lion of Sri Lanka" Jayakody lost a four-round unanimous decision to undefeated Bryant "Pee Wee" Cruz of Port Chester, NY Wednesday night at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Jayakody was the first opponent to make Cruz go the distance in a bout.  According to Matt Richardson of Fightnews.com, Cruz hurt Jayakody with body punches in the third round but Jayakody came back in the fourth and caught Cruz with a right of his own.

Jayakody lost 40-36 on all three cards to drop his record to 1-2, one KO.  Cruz is now 6-0, five KO's.

Proposed Thompson-Pulev Bout Awaits IBF Approval!

There is a proposed heavyweight bout on the books between DC's Tony "The Tiger" Thompson and Kubrat "The Cobra" Pulev of Bulgaria.

While there is no official word that Thompson has signed for the contest (although Thompson has always been interested in the bout)  Pulev's promoters, Sauerland Event Promotions, tells Fightnews.com that the bout is a go -- except for one pretty big hurdle.

"The only matter left open is the approval of the IBF to sanction the bout as a final eliminator," says Sauerland Event General Manager Chris Meyer. "Such sanction is the condition for both fighters to face each other."

Pulev, the IBF International champion (17-0, nine KO's) is ranked number one at heavyweight while Thompson (38-3, 26 KO's) is rated fourth by the IBF.  The number two slot is vacant and the number three contender, Bryant Jennings, reportedly refused a bout with Pulev, who hasn't fought since winning the IBF International title with a 11th-round knockout of Alexander Ustinov in September of 2012.

“Pulev was treated badly by the IBF throughout these months. And now when there is a legitimate opponent in Thompson, the IBF doesn’t pick up the matter and leaves our request unanswered," Meyer tells Fightnews. "They don’t even reply to letters of Pulev’s manager Wilfried Sauerland. I mean the bout is scheduled to be in one month. How can the fighters honestly prepare for such bout and we promote the event and generate the sufficient funds to pay for it? In any case, we’re ready to go. We’re waiting for the IBF to perform!”

Jayakody Weighs 129 For New York Bout!

Landover, MD featherweight Nuwan Jayakody weighed in at 129 pounds for his four-round contest against undefeated Bryant Cruz of Port Chester, NY tonight at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City.

Jayakody (1-1, one KO) will try to bounce back after losing a four-round unanimous decision to Anthony Burgin on June 21 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Cruz (5-0, five KO's) is coming off a first-round TKO over Tomi Archambalt on June 29 in Queens, NY.

Amateur Boxing Comes to Southeast DC July 26!

Amateur boxing will be coming to the historic Barry Farms complex in Southeast Washington, DC on Friday, July 26.

The Woodland Tigers boxing team, the George Goodman Summer Basketball League along with the Potomac Valley Association of USA Boxing are presenting a card at the Barry Farms Outdoor Courts located at 1230 Sumner Road in DC.  Admission is free and the bouts start at 7 PM.

Boxers are slated to come from Baltimore, Virginia, Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey to battle against the DC talent.  The special guest ring announcer will be the voice of the Goodman League, Miles "Mr. Snapper Jones" Rawls.

Recap From Baltimore!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing, Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions card at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD:

In front of a raucous crowd of fans, Baltimore featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis remained undefeated in the main event with a second-round stoppage of Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.  Davis's punches landed a brutal cut over Casias's right eye that proved too difficult to close.  The bout was stopped at 2:26 of the second.  Davis is now 4-0, four KO's while Casias falls to 4-8.

Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams made a triumphant return after an almost three-year absence as he scored a fourth-round TKO over Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX.  Williams got off to a slow start but recovered nicely to wear down Claiborne and stop him at 2:20 of the fourth.  Williams is 13-6-2, four KO's while Claiborne drops to 4-7, three KO's.

In a bout many fans in attendance would rather forget, George "El Terrible" Sosa of Reading, PA stopped Joseph "El Diablo Noir" Judah of Brooklyn, NY after the second round.  Fans booed throughout the contest before the bout was stopped.  According to a ringside doctor, Judah suffered a shoulder injury and could not come out for the third round.  Sosa lifts his record to 8-4, eight KO's.  Judah is now 6-3, one KO.

Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn won his pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.  Dezurn was very comfortable battling inside and landed more shots than his opponent.  Dezurn scored a shutout on all three cards.  Pierce's record is now 1-1.

Laurel, MD middleweight Demond Nicholson scored a second-round TKO in his pro debut when his punches opened a bad cut on the nose of his opponent, Eli Smith of Wilson, MI.  The bout was stopped at 1:35 of the second round.  Smith is now 0-3-1.

DC-born, Baltimore-based flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas won an impressive four-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.  Douglas dropped Miranda with a straight left hand in the third round and went on to the convincing victory, winning 40-35 on all cards.  Douglas is 3-0, one KO.  Miranda falls to 5-6, one KO.

The matchmaker was Brian Dillon.  The ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

Before we get to the Post-Fight Wrap-Up, let me share three special moments from Saturday night with you.

1.  I know I have mentioned how special the night was personally for me.  To see a place I have announced almost every basketball event in since the building opened in 2009 transformed into a first-class boxing venue was awe-inspiring.  Especially knowing what it took to get this together.  I should say that I had very little to do with the event taking place, except to vouch for the people involved and how exciting it would be.

Coppin State representatives in attendance were very impressed.  Truth be told, the school was behind the project -- the only real issue was how to protect the basketball court that cost more than 100 million dollars.  Once that was settled, the event was going to take place.  The event fits in with the plans the university has to make the PEC available for the community.  They have already hosted graduations there as well. My personal thanks to athletic director Derrick Ramsey and Coppin State athletic hall of famer and TRUE boxing fan Winky (and wife Peaches) Camphor for their roles in helping this event take place.

2.  My credit to the promoters for honoring former IBF Junior Middleweight champion and Baltimore's own Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway with a nice video tribute during intermission. Pettway became the first world champion from Baltimore in 80 years when he won the IBF title in 1994.  People will never forget his incredible knockout win over Simon Brown at the USAir Arena in April of 1995.

However, Pettway fought more than 25 times in the Baltimore area during his career.  Simply put, Pettway's efforts during his career helped paved the way to have the event at Coppin Saturday night.  Pettway is helping future generations of Baltimore boxers in the same gym he trained in for many years -- the Mack Lewis Eager Street Gym.

3.  What made this night even more special was the return of one of the truly leading ladies of Beltway amateur boxing.  Back in September of 2012, Tracy Thorpe of the South Atlantic Association (SAA) suffered a stroke and spent quite a time in the hospital.  Well, Saturday night, Ms. Thorpe was in attendance and looked wonderful as she was recognized by both the SAA and the Maryland State Athletic Commission.  Just put a nice bow on the night.

To hear more about the actual boxing on the event, here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up:

Davis Stops Casias in Two!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Gervonta "Rambo" Davis scored a second-round TKO over Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.

Davis was lethal, landing sharp shots that opened a cut over Casias's right eye.  Referee Bill Clancy took Casias to the doctor twice before the bout was stopped at 2:26 of the second.

Davis is now 4-0, four KO's.  Casias is now 4-8.

Post-Fight coming up.  Good night from Baltimore!

Main Event Heading to the Ring!

The main event is coming up.  This arena has gotten very loud in support of the local boxers and it should be no different when Gervonta Davis takes on Rafael Casias in a scheduled six-rounder.

Williams Wins Comeback With Fourth-Round TKO!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams has won his comeback with a fourth-round TKO over Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX. 

After a sluggish first round, Williams went to work and landed solid shots to the head and body wearing down Claiborne until eventually referee Kenny Chevalier stopped the contest at 2:20 of the fourth. 

Williams is now 13-6-2, four KO's.  Claiborne falls to 4-7, three KO's.

Intermission where we are honoring Baltimore's own former IBF Junior Middleweight champ Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway.

Sosa Stops Judah At Beginning of Third Round!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

George "El Terrible" Sosa of Reading, PA wins by stoppage at the beginning of the third round when Joseph Judah could not come out after the second round.

The fight did not impress many in the crowd as they were booing throughout.  One ringside doctor told BATB that Judah suffered an injury to his right shoulder. 

Sosa is now 8-4, eight KO's.  Judah is 6-3, one KO.

Next, the return of Willie "For Real" Williams of Baltimore vs. Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX.

Dezurn Wins Unanimous Decision in Debut!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Baltimore's Glenn Dezurn wins a four-round unanimous decision in a bout that looked closer than the score indicated over Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.  Dezurn landed some real solid shots but was challenged at some times by the game Pierce.  Dezurn was overall the better boxer however and earned a 40-36 decision on all cards.  Pierce is now 1-1.

Joseph Judah is up next against George Sosa in our first six-round encounter.

Nicholson Gets Second-Round Stoppage In Pro Debut!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Demond Nicholson wins his pro debut by stoppage over Eli Smith.  Nicholson was in complete control and cut Smith in the nose, forcing the ringside physician to stop the contest at 1:35 of the second round.

Smith falls to 0-3-1.  Next is the pro debut of Baltimore's Glenn Dezurn who takes on Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Douglas Dominates to Win Unanimous Decision!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas of Baltimore, by way of Washington, DC, put on a solid display to win a four-round unanimous decision over a very game Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.

Douglas was dominant throughout the contest as she landed some solid straight left hands and left hooks.  One of those left hooks dropped Miranda in the third round but she managed to recover.  Douglas went on to the easy 40-35 win on all scorecards.

Douglas is now 3-0, one KO while Miranda falls to 5-6, one KO.

Up next, the pro debut of Demond Nicholson as he takes on Eli Smith of Wilson, MI.

We Are Getting Underway in West Baltimore!

The ladies are getting underway as Tyrieshia Douglas gets ready to take on Marisol Miranda, who fought for a world title in her last outing.

Good Evening From Coppin State!

Hi, again everyone, from the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD!  The pro portion of the card will get underway shortly.  Unfortunately. we did not get complete info on the amateur portion of the show, so I really don't feel comfortable giving results at this time.  I must admit, this is something special for me!

The pro card has a late change.  Albi Sadikaj's pro debut will not happen tonight as his scheduled opponent was not approved by the commission.

The card will begin with Tyrieshia Douglas taking on Marisol Miranda in a four-round contest.

We'll be back when things get underway!

The Baltimore Sun's Article on Gervonta "Rambo" Davis

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Ryan Hood of The Baltimore Sun wrote a article on Gervonta Davis in preparation of his upcoming bout against Rafael Casias tonight at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD.

Here is the link:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-gervonta-davis-0720-20130718,0,5861366.story

Scale Watch From Baltimore!

Here are the weights for tonight's Keystone Boxing, Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions card at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD:

Gervonta Davis 126 vs. Rafael Casias 126 1/2

Tyrieshia Douglas 110 vs. Marisol Miranda 112 1/2

Willie Williams 178 vs. Kentrell Claiborne 178

Glenn Dezurn 123 vs. Marquis Pierce 122

Demond Nicholson 162 1/2 vs. Eli Smith 158 1/2

Joseph Judah 148 1/2 vs. George Sosa 146

The doors are slated to open at 6 PM.  The amateur portion of the card is slated to begin at 7 PM.

We will be blogging from the Physical Education Complex as soon as I arrive and get settled.  I say that because I will be coming from finishing up work as the public address announcer for the Nike Global Challenge Basketball Tournament at Trinity Washington University in DC.  I may miss part of the amateur portion of the card but, believe me, I know where Coppin is (LOL) and will be there as soon as I can get there.

Working with the event has also limited my time here on the blog because this has been a very busy schedule.  By 6 PM today, I will have announced 16 games in three days.  So my apologies for being off the blog for awhile and thanks for those who were concerned about me!

Coppin State Card is Complete!

I'm being told that, barring any last-minute injuries or changes, this is the complete card for Saturday, July 20 at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD.  This is a Keystone Boxing card in association with Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions.

There will be three six-round contests on the card.  In the main event, Baltimore's undefeated featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis will compete in his first six-round bout and his first pro bout in his hometown as he faces Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.  Davis (3-0, three KO's) is coming off a first-round knockout of Jonathan Gears on June 8 in Washington, DC.  Casias (4-7) will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak.  Casias lost a six-round unanimous decision to Omar Gonzalez on March 23 in San Antonio, TX.

The co-feature bout marks the return of Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams who will battle Kentrell Claiborne of Fort Worth, TX.  Williams (12-6-2, three KO's) hasn't fought since August of 2010 when he lost a six-round unanimous decision to Frankie Fillipone in Virginia Beach, VA.  Claiborne (4-6, three KO's) has won his last two bouts by knockout.

The third six-round contest will feature the youngest member of Brooklyn, NY's fighting Judah Family -- junior middleweight Joseph Judah -- who will face George "El Terrible" Sosa of New Jersey.  The 28-year-old Judah (6-2, one KO) steps into the ring for the first time since losing an eight-round contest for the vacant New York State Junior Middleweight title to Stephen Scott in Albany in July of 2011.

Sosa (7-4, seven KO's) last fought on June 15 and lost a six-round unanimous decision to Javontae Starks in Valley Forge, PA.  After winning his first seven contests, Sosa's first loss came to Beltway Boxer Emmanuel Taylor on October 12 in Philadelphia, PA by six-round unanimous decision.

Leading the four-round contests are three highly-anticipated pro debuts.  Baltimore super featherweight Glenn Dezurn steps into the pro ranks when he faces Marquise Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ. Dezurn was a solid perfomer in the amateur ranks, competing at regional and national events.  Pierce (1-0) won his pro debut on June 6 with a four-round majority decision over Jeffrey Dorsey in Bethlehem, PA.

Also, Laurel, MD middleweight Demond Nicholson will step into the pro ranks for the first time when he squares off against Eli Smith of Wisconsin.  Nicholson was also a very good amateur who frequently traveled to regional and national competitions.  Smith (0-2-1) is coming off a draw in his last outing on April 13 against Tyler Hultin.

In another pro debut, Alexandria, VA cruiserweight Albi Sadikaj will take on Lamont Capers of Hawley, PA.  Sadikaj was a regional novice champion in the Golden Gloves.  Capers (1-2) will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak including a close four-round unanimous decision to Mario Murphy on January 12 in Fort Washington, MD.

In a welterweight contest, Lanham, MD's "Baby-Faced Assassin" Yurii Polischuk will take on the debuting Marquis Taylor of DC. Polischuk (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut by first-round TKO over Demetrius Winbush on April 20 in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Undefeated female flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas returns to action for the first time since November of 2012 when she takes on world title challenger Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.  Douglas (2-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Sherine Thomas on November 8 in Cockeysville, MD.  Miranda last fought on August 27 and challenged Yesica Bopp for the WBO Light Flyweight title in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  Miranda was knocked out in the seventh round.

Murray Smith, Sr. Father of Jake, Passes!

Sad news to report from the Baltimore section of the Beltway.  Murray B. Smith, Sr. the father of Maryland and DC Boxing Hall of Famer Jake Smith, passed away on Friday, July 12 after a long battle with cancer.  He was 72.

To say that Mr. Smith was simply a supporter of his son's boxing exploits is like saying water is simply wet.  You knew Mr. Smith was in the building as he was a vocal and very friendly supporter of his son's boxing career from boxer to trainer to promoter.  Mr. Smith was a very, very nice man who also supported many athletic exploits throughout the Arbutus area of Baltimore County.  He will definitely be missed.  My deepest condolences to Jake and his family.

The viewings for Mr. Smith will be on Wednesday, July 17 from 3-5 and from 7-9 at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1328 Sulphur Spring Road in Arbutus.  

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 18 at St. Augustine Church located at 5990 Old Washington Road in Elkridge, MD beginning at 11 AM.  The repast will follow the service at Gianni's Italian Bistro, 3720 Washington Boulevard, Halethorpe, MD.

Recap From Rosecroft!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd scored a second-round TKO over Joshua Burns of Garland, TX.  Hurd broke Burns down until the bout was stopped at 2:39.  Hurd is now 7-0, four KO's.  Burns falls to 4-16-7, two KO's.

Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed was also impressive in notching a third-round TKO over Roberto "The Heat" Lopez of Orlando, FL.  Lopez was stopped for the first time in his career as Reed's record rises to 4-0, three KO's.  Lopez is now 4-6-2, one KO.

DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby remained undefeated with a tough, four-round unanimous decision over PJ Cajigas of Chicago, IL.  Newby came back from a questionable first-round knockdown to drop the game Cajigas in the second and controlled the bout from that point.  Newby is now 8-0, four KO's while Cajigas is 0-2-1.

Super middleweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson of DC won a six-round unanimous decision over Greg "Hot-Shot" Hackett of Philadelphia, PA.  Johnson showed veteran confidence and ability in winning a shutout on all three judges's cards in his first bout since December of 2012.  Johnson is now 13-1, five KO's while Hackett is now 2-12.

Largo, MD middleweight Jerrell "Supa" Scott lost a four-round unanimous decision to David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Chicago, IL in the pro debut for both boxers.  Rohn knocked Scott down twice while Scott scored one knockdown.

Capitol Heights, MD cruiserweight Devon "Mr. 2-11" Mosley and Santos Martinez of Adrian, MI battled to a four-round split decision draw.  There was a lot of holding and hitting in the contest as both guys tried to establish something inside.  Mosley earns a draw in his pro debut while Martinez has a record of 2-3-1, two KO's.

Capitol Heights heavyweight Deverine "6-9" Miner lost a four-round unanimous decision to Glenn "Showtime" Thomas of East Stroudsburg, PA.  By the third round of the bout, Miner looked like he wanted to just stop fighting.  Miner managed to finish his pro debut but there is no guarantee we will see him again.  Thomas evened his record at 1-1.

The matchmaker for the card was Brian Dillon and the ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up with Juan Marshall and I:

Hurd Wins By Second-Round TKO in Main Event!

Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd closes the card here at Rosecroft with a second-round TKO over Joshua Burns of Garland, TX.

Hurd looked solid as he broke Burns down with solid shots to the head and body.

Burns had very little offense ny the second round, forcing referee Brent Bovell to stop the contest at 2:39 of the second.

Hurd remains undefeated at 7-0, four KO's.  Burns is 4-16-7, two KO's.

Solid card throughout.  Post-Fight Wrap coming up.  For now, good night from Rosecroft!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Reed Scores Third-Round TKO Over Lopez!

Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed put on a great performance in scoring a third-round TKO over Roberto "The Heat" Lopez of Orlando, FL.

Reed scored with punches from all angles and dominated the action throughout.

Lopez never went down but referee Kenny Chevalier saw enough to stop the contest at 2:40.  Lopez was stopped for the first time in his career.

Reed is now 4-0, three KO's.  Lopez falls to 4-6-2, one KO's. 

Main event is next -- Jarrett Hurd vs. Joshua Burns.

News Update: Harrison, Lange, Jackson Benson!

Quick updates as we get ready for our co-feature:

Dusty Hernandez Harrison will battle Guillermo Vargas of Miami, FL in a six-round contest on August 23 in Dover, DE.  Vargas is 12-4, five KO's.

Great Falls VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange was slated to return to the ring on Saturday, September 21 at the Patriot Center.  BATB has been officially told that entire card will not happen.  Lange still has not fully recovered from the knee injury that he suffered before his loss to Tony Jeter.  Lange is looking to return some time in the first quarter of 2014.

WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight champ "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson- Benson will not participate on the August 3 Jeter Promotions card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  No official word on why Jackson-Benson is off the card but injuries are not a factor.

The card now becomes "Double Trouble 2" with Jeter defending his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title and James Stevenson participating in a title contest.

Newby Wins Tough Unanimous Decision Over Cajigas!

"Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby won a tough four-round unanimous decision over a game PJ Cajigas.  Newby survived a first-round knockdown and came back to drop Cajigas with a right hand.

From there, the two fought gallantly until the bout was over.  The fight ended with a furious final 10 seconds.  Newby won by a 39-36 decision on all cards. Newby is now 8-0, four KO's while Cajigas is 0-2-1.

Intermission, followed by the co-feature, Mike Reed vs. Roberto Lopez.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Johnson Wins Unanimous Decision!

Alexander "The Great" Johnson wins a six-round unanimous decision over Greg "Hot-Shot" Hackett of Philadelphia, PA.

Johnson worked very well to the body throughout the contest.  Hackett tried to throw Johnson off with some conversation in the ring but Johnson stayed focused in the contest and scored a shutout on all judges cards.

Johnson is now 13-1, five KO's.  Hackett falls to 2-12.

"Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby is next in a four-round bout against PJ Fajitas of Chicago, IL.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Rohm Wins Unanimous Decision Over Scott!

Tough night for the locals so far.  Jerrell "Supa" Scott has lost a unanimous decision to the equally debuting David Rohn.  Scott was knocked down twice in the contest in the first and third rounds while Rohn tasted the canvas in the second.

Judges Kenny Chevalier and John Gradowski scored the bout 37-36 while David Braslow saw it 38-35.

Next up, Alexander Johnson takes on Greg Hackett.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Mosley, Martinez Battle to Draw!

Devon Mosley and Santos Martinez battled to a four-round split decision draw in a cruiserweight contest.

Both guys fought on the inside throughout the contest.  There was a lot of holding on both sides.

Brent Bovell scored the bout for Mosley at 39-37. John Gradowski saw the contest as a shutout for Martinez at 40-36. Dave Braslow saw the 38-38 draw.

Mosley gets a draw in his pro debut.  Martinez is now 2-3-1, two knockouts.  Before the decision was announced, Martinez told matchmaker Brian Dillon that he wanted to come back in the area to fight again.

Next, the debut of  Largo, MD middleweight Jerrell "Supa" Scott, who sold 130 tickets and has a nice fan base here.  Scott faces David "Rock Steady" Rohm of Villa Park, IL.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Thomas Wins Unanimous Decision Over Miner!

Glenn "Showtime" Thomas has won a four-round unanimous decision over Deverine Miner in our opening bout.

After a tough first round, Thomas started to wear down the larger Miner, who had a 60-pound weight advantage. 

In the second half of the bout, Miner seemed to be looking for a way to quit the contest.  Miner did persevere, but Thomas outclassed him the rest of the way.

Miner loses his pro debut while Thomas evens his record at 1-1.

Up next: The pro debut of Devon Mosley of Capitol Heights, MD taking on Santos Martinez of Adrian MI.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Miner-Thomas Gets Things Going!

Six-foot-nine Deverine Miner of Forestville, MD faces Glenn Thomas of East Stroudsburg, PA in a heavyweight contest to open the card at Rosecroft.

Both men came into the ring to the same music-- "I Feel Good" by James Brown.

Good Evening From Rosecroft!

Good evening from Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD for the Keystone Boxing card.  We are slated to get underway in a few minutes.

Jarrett Hurd will be in the main event tonight against Joshua Burns.  Mike Reed is in the co-feature vs. Roberto Lopez, followed by Greg Newby and Alexander Johnson. 

Deverine Miner will open the card against Glenn Thomas.  The debuts of Jerrell Scott and Devon Mosley will follow before Johnson. 

Again, we'll be underway shortly.  We also have some news surrounding the area that we will be bringing to you throughout the night.

Malik Jackson Wins Bronze in Ukraine!

Washington DC amateur flyweight Malik Jackson has brought home a bronze medal from a tournament in the Ukraine this week.

The 18-year-old Jackson lost in the semifinals of the Makar Makai Memorial tournament in Mariupol, Ukraine.  The event was Jackson's initial foray into international competition.

Jackson won the USA Nationals in the Elite Division earlier this year, meaning he fought without headgear.  Jackson also won a DC Golden Gloves title but skipped the nationals to attend his high school prom and graduation.

Weights From Fort Washington!

Here is the scale watch for the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, July 13 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Jarrett Hurd 158 vs. Joshua Burns 156 1/2

Alexander Johnson 170 vs. Greg Hackett 171

Mike Reed 140 1/2 vs. Roberto Lopez 140

Greg Newby 170 vs. PJ Cajigas 170

Jerrell Scott 159 vs. David Rohn 162

Devon Mosley 192 vs. Santos Martinez 191

Glenn Thomas 226 vs. Deverine Miner 287

Kevin Rivers, Jr. is no longer on the card.

Also, we have received word that the proposed bout between Johnson and Henry Buchanan slated for August 10 in DC is now off.  No official reason was given.

The card is slated to get underway at 8 PM.  We will begin blogging the live results around that time.

Weigh-In For July 20 Coppin State Card to Be Held at Mondawmin Mall!

The weigh-in for the "Charm City Generation" card at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD will be held on Friday, July 19 at Mondawmin Mall located directly across the street from the main entrance to the PEC.  The weigh-in will be open to the public and will begin at 5 PM.

The card, promoted by Keystone Boxing, Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions, will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 7:30 PM.

Johnson To Face Buchanan August 10 in DC!

Regardless of the outcome of his July 13 bout at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD, we already know who the next opponent for Alexander "The Great" Johnson will be.  And the bout is one that could be very interesting.

Barring an injury in his contest against Greg Hackett this Saturday, the Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight will be in an eight-round, all-Beltway bout against Capitol Heights, MD veteran Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan on Saturday, August 10 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Buchanan (20-3, 13 KO's) has only fought once since 2010, losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Shawn Hawk in March of 2012 in New Town, North Dakota.

We'll give more details on the Top Flight Promotions card soon.

Rivers to Face Jayakody July 13 in Fort Washington!

The opponent for Palmer Park, MD featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. on Saturday, July 13 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD has changed.

Originally, Rivers (8-0, six KO's) was supposed to face Cesar Cisneros of Bradenton, FL.  However, the bout is now an all-Beltway battle as Rivers will now take on Landover, MD's Nuwan Jayakody (1-1, one KO).  Jayakody, a native of Sri Lanka, last fought on June 1 and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Anthony Burgin in Atlantic City, NJ.  No word yet on whether this bout will still be a six-round contest as originally scheduled for Rivers.

Corley Bout Reportedly Called Off; Thompson Names Wife As Manager; Peterson Brothers Added to Charity Game Lineup!

Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk is reporting that DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley's contest slated for Saturday, July 20 in Indio, CA has been called off.  Corley tells Marshall that his opponent, Frankie Gomez, suffered a knee injury in training.

Two-time David Price conqueror Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has put out a press release that officially names his wife Sydnee, as his manager and adviser.

"My wife has always played a prominent role in my career," said Thompson in the release.  "So now instead of doing it from behind the scenes, she is going to be out front earning her part of the money.  She's not only my boss at home, she's now my boss at work.

The 41-year-old Thompson also wanted to inform everyone that he is ready for any kind of action.

"I wanted to take this opportunity to let people know that I am ready, available and willing to listen to all serious offers at this time," Thompson said.  "Beating Price in his own hometown twice decisively in a span of six months should show the world that at 41 I still have a lot left in my tank."

The Peterson Brothers have been added to the roster of celebrities that are scheduled to participate in the "Hoops 4 Homeless Youth All-Star Game on Saturday, July 20 at Wise High School in Upper Marlboro, MD.  They will join fellow Beltway Boxers Thomas Williams and Dusty Harrison as participants.

Former World Champs Corley, Aiken Have Bouts During Summer Months!

Two former world champions from the Beltway look to keep their careers going with bouts in the next few weeks.

As BATB mentioned earlier, former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will take on undefeated prospect Frankie "Pitbull" Gomez (15-0, 11 KO's) on Saturday, July 20 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

Corley (39-20-1, 23 KO's) has managed to stay somewhat relevant in the 140-pound division since winning his world title in 2001.  Corley has faced some major stars in the division including Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Zab Judah, Devon Alexander, Marcos Maidana and Lucas Matthysse.  However, while being what many call a gatekeeper in the division, Corley has managed to alter the fortunes of a few rising prospects winning bouts over Gabriel Bracero (for the NABF title) and Paul McCloskey.

The same can't be said for former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken, who is slated to step into the ring against Jason Litzau (29-3, 22 KO's) of St. Paul, MN on Friday, August 16 at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN.  Aiken (16-10-1, 12 KO's) has not won a bout since capturing his world title in May of 2006, going 0-6-1, one NC and being knocked out in five of those six defeats.  Aiken has lost his last two bouts by first-round knockout including his last outing against Bayan Jargal on November 1 at the Washington Hilton and Towers in DC.  After that bout, I wrote that I hoped that this would be Aiken's final bout.

In the interest of full disclosure, I contacted the commission that controls boxing in Minnesota and gave him the same info I just posted here.  I ended by making the comment that if they can stop this contest from happening, that they should do so.

A spokesman for the commission said that the decision would be up to the doctors in DC -- if they do not find him fit to compete, the bout will not be approved.  I very rarely try to step in the mix in situations like this because I don't want to be accused of keeping a boxer from trying to make some money.  However, after seeing Aiken's last performance in DC which was downright pitiful, I would have felt guilty if something would have happened to Aiken on August 16 and I stayed silent prior to the bout.

Here is The CLASSIC Thompson Post-Fight Interview!

Some of you who watched Tony Thompson's fifth-round demolition of David Price Saturday in Liverpool, England on WealthTV may have missed Thompson's post-fight interview that many in the boxing world are talking about.  Some of the language is a little salty so parental discretion is advised.

We also hear from Price's promoter, Frank Maloney.  Mr. Maloney, who once worked with heavyweights Lennox Lewis and Kevin McBride, was not a happy camper to say the very least.

Thompson Does it Again; Stops Price in Five!

So much for a fluke!  Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has scored a fifth-round TKO over David Price at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

Thompson was dropped by a glancing Price right hand in the second round.  However, Price may have shot his wad and Thompson took control the rest of the way.

Thompson dominated the fourth round and continued that brilliance by battering Price around the ring in the fifth.  Thompson forced a standing-eight count before referee Marcus McDonald stopped the contest at 1:55 of the fifth.

Thompson is now 38-3, 26 KO's. Price falls to 15-2, 13 KO's.

Despite Knockdown, Thompson Battling Through Four!

Despite getting knocked down in the second round, Tony Thompson seems to be working well through the first four rounds.  Thompson caught a glancing right hand in the second round.

However, Thompson had a great fourth round and had Price going before the bell rang.

Thompson Weighs 259 For Rematch With Price!

(photo courtesy of Frank Maloney Promotions)

Tony Thompson weighed in at 259 pounds for his rematch against David Price this Saturday at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.  Price tipped the scales at 250.

Thompson weighed three pounds less than he did in the first bout against Price while Price weighed three pounds more.

The time of the WealthTV broadcast of the bout has changed.  The bout will now be shown at 4 PM ET instead of 2:30 PM.

Harrison, Williams to Participate in Charity Basketball Game July 20 in Upper Marlboro!

Two Beltway Boxers will be participating in a special charity basketball game to raise funds for homeless youth on Saturday, July 20 at Wise High School located at 12650 Brooke Lane in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Undefeated boxers Dusty Hernandez Harrison and Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. will be among the celebrities slated to participate.  Scheduled to join the local boxing prospects are Niles Paul and Joshua Morgan of the Washington Pro Football team, rapper Lightshow and former USBL and semi pro basketball player "White Chocolate" Randy Gill.

There will be an AAU game at 4 PM and the main event -- the celebrity all-star game -- will start at 6 PM.  Tickets are $25 in advance and can be bought at www.codebluecampaign.org.

Thompson Looks for a Repeat Victory Against Price in Liverpool July 6!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson looks to duplicate his performance against Britain's David Price when the two men meet for the second time at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England on Saturday, July 6.

On February 23, Thompson (37-3, 25 KO's) sent the sellout crowd at the Echo into stunned silence when he sent a right hand crashing into Price's temple in the second round and sent Price (15-1, 13 KO's) to the canvas. So quiet was the crowd that the only voice heard after the knockout was the celebratory shouting of Thompson's wife, Sydnee.

Thompson came in at the heaviest weight of his career at 262 pounds for the first bout.  This time, Thompson said in a press release, his training has been at his peak.

"Training camp has been excellent," Thompson said.  "It actually has been one of the best camps in a few years."

Thompson also said he believes he will see the best of Price on Saturday.

"I am not surprised he took the bout right away," Thompson said.  "He is a competitor but I am in great shape and I believe I will win on July 6."

Price has enlisted the help of International Boxing Hall of Famer and former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis as an advisor to help right his fortune.

The Thompson-Price II bout will air on Wealth TV and www.wealthtv.com on Saturday, July 6 at 2:30 PM ET.

Three Championship Bouts Slated For August 3 Card in Millersville!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

On Saturday, August 3, the three men pictured here will be involved in title matches on a Jeter Promotions card called "Triple Threat" at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.

In the center of the picture is Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter (15-3-1, 10 KO's, 2 NC's). Jeter will look to finally make his first defense of his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight championship.  In his last outing, Jeter was involved in a first-round no-contest against Jimmy Leblanc on June 8 in Washington, DC.

On the right is the newly-crowned WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight champion "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson of Landover, MD who will defend his title for the first time in the same location where he won the belt on May 11.  Benson (12-1, 11 KO's) defeated Maxell Taylor by seventh-round TKO in what so far has been the best Beltway bout of 2013.

On the left side is undefeated Baltimore, MD welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson who is slated to battle for a vacant title.  Stevenson (18-0, 11 KO's) has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine on November 8 iin Cockeysville, MD.

No word yet on opponents for these title bouts. Also scheduled to be on the card is undefeated DC lightweight Joshua Davis (3-0, two KO's) who last fought on March 2 in Fort Washington, MD and scored a second-round TKO over Benjamin Burgos.