Kelly Wins Six-Round Majority Decision in Cincinnati!

(Photo courtesy of Andrew Council)


DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly (left) captured a six-round unanimous decision over David Long of Cincinnati, OH tonight at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati.

Kelly won by scores of 59-57 (twice) while one judge scored the bout a draw in Kelly's first six-round contest.  The win raises his undefeated record to 5-0-1, four KO's.  Long falls to 12-3-2, eight KO's.

Another Beltway heavyweight -- William "The Blueprint" Monroe of Forestville, MD -- lost by first-round TKO in just 43 seconds to Randy Easton of Williamsport, PA tonight at the Santander Arena in Reading, PA.  Monroe, who made his pro debut on November 23 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, is now 0-2.  Easton wins his first pro bout and he is now 1-2-1, one KO.

December 14 Update: Buchanan, Davis and Nicholson Added to Card; Matchups Announced!

There has been a lot of movement on the Madness Boxing card slated for Saturday, December 14 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.  The card has a number of changes, however, some matchups are set.

Oxon Hill, MD super middleweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson is still in the main event and he will face "The White Tiger" Angel Rios of the Bronx, NY in an eight-round contest.  Johnson (14-1, six KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO over Simon Ruvalcaba on August 10 at the Convention Center.

Rios (9-19, six KO's) started his career as a lightweight in 1999 and has fought some familiar names as he has moved up in weight including Nate Campbell, Mike Anchondo, Terrence Crawford, Rod Salka, Dorin Spivey and the Beltway's own James Stevenson. The last bout for Rios was at super middleweight and he lost an eight-round unanimous decision to Willie Fortune on October 17 in Detroit, MI.

One of the big changes on the card is the addition of Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugarpoo" Buchanan who will face veteran William Gill of Toms River, NJ in a six-round contest.  Buchanan (20-3, 13 KO's) returns to the ring for the first time since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Shawn Hawk on March 31, 2012 in New Town, ND.

Gill (9-30, seven KO's) has fought a who's who of prospects and contenders in the super middleweight and light heavyweight divisions including David Telesco, Anthony Hanshaw, Jaidon Codrington and Max Alexander.  Gill has also lost three bouts to Beltway Boxer Mike Paschall, one to Carlos Jones, and, if you like comparing won-loss records, Gill also lost a six-round unanimous decision to Alexander Johnson in April of 2010 at the Convention Center.

Also added to the card is undefeated Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis who will battle James Franks of Newport News, VA in a six-round battle.  Davis (5-0, five KO's)  is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Eric Jamar Goodall on October 17 in Bethlehem, PA.  Franks (2-8-1, two KO's) has not fought since losing a four-round decision to Frank Santos De Alba in August of 2011 in Virginia Beach, VA.  Davis will be the fifth Beltway Boxer Franks has faced after losing to Tyrell Samuel, Ron Boyd and Thomas Snow and winning over Andre Nichols.

Laurel, MD super middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson also returns to action in a four-round contest against Stanley Harvey of Norfolk, VA.  Nicholson (4-0, four KO's) will look to extend his three-bout, first-round knockout streak which included a 57-second knockout of Ayei Lama on November 23 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore.  Harvey (1-6, one KO) is facing an undefeated boxer for the fourth straight time.  This includes losses to locals Dillon Hayman and Antoine Douglas.

In other bouts signed for the card, Laurel, MD heavyweight "The Big Ticket" Dwayne McRae will face Franklin "A Cup" Edmondson of Durham, NC in a six-round contest.  McRae (11-3, six KO's) won a four-round unanimous decision over Willie Chisolm on September 28 at the Patapsco Arena in his last outing.

 Edmondson (14-39-1, five KO's) has had a career that spans a 20-year period and includes bouts against a who's who in the light heavyweight, cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions including former world champions Jean-Marc Mormeck and Imanu Mayfield along with former heavyweight contenders Owen Beck and Courage Tshabalala.  Edmondson has also fought locals Floyd Seymour, Courtney Butler and two bouts against former Maryland State Light Heavyweight champion Fabian Garcia.  

In another six-round contest, DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby will take on Philadelphia, PA's Greg "Hot-Shot" Hackett.  Newby (9-0, five KO's) scored a second-round TKO over James Jones on August 10 at the Convention Center.  Hackett (2-13) will face a Beltway Boxer for the fourth time in his last five outings having lost previously to Johnson, Jarrett Hurd and Alantez Fox.

In an all-Beltway four-round bout, DC featherweight Shadeed Floyd will battle Baltimore's Darrell "Bad Azz" Martin.  Both men fought on the last card at the Convention Center on October 26.  Floyd (1-1-1, one KO) fought to a four-round draw against Nuwan Jayakody while Martin (4-16, one KO) dropped a four-round split decision to DC's Joshua "Marvelous Moe" Parker.

Parker (4-0, two KO's) is still looking for an opponent for this card as are undefeated White Plains, MD lightweight Terron "Kid" Grant (7-0, four KO's)  and DC junior welterweight Cornelius "Bodysnatcher" Whitlock (2-0-2 one KO, one NC).  The boxers no longer on the card are locals Kevin Rivers, Jr. and James Stevenson along with Philadelphia, PA boxer Tyrone Brunson.

Amateur Boxing Aplenty in the Beltway in December!

If you like amateur boxing, then December will be your month here along the Beltway.  There will be a number of cards to choose from.

Let's start on Saturday, December 7 for the opening day of the Silver Gloves tournament at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  The tournament will get under way at 3 PM.  This will make for a good weekend of boxing at Rosecroft because of the pro show that will take place on Friday, December 6.

The next Saturday -- December 14 -- will have a card promoted by Paschall Promotions at the API (Athletic Performance Inc.) Arena, located on 740 MD Route 3 South in Gambrills, MD.  Tickets will be $35 and the show begins at 7 PM.  Also, they will also have a canned food drive so everyone is asked to bring at least one canned food item.

Then on Friday, December 20, there will be a Friday Night Fights Winter Gloves event at the Merrick Recreation Center located at 4275 Fourth Street in Southeast DC.

This card will feature the best from the Potomac Valley Association (PVA) versus an all-star lineup from Philadelphia, PA. Scheduled to represent the PVA are National Golden Gloves champions Gary Antonio Russell and Lamont Roach along with USA National champs Malik Jackson, Patrick Harris and Kareem Martin.  Harris and Martin are competing in their final amateur contests on this card.

Tickets will go on sale at the Silver Gloves for just 10 dollars.  The event will cost more at the door.

You will also be able to buy tickets at the Silver Gloves for the first annual PVA Family Awards Banquet that will be held on Saturday, December 28 at Upscale Ballroom at 3900 Bexley Place in Suitland, MD.  Tickets are $20 and the event will begin at 5 PM.

Beltway Boxing Community Gives Back During Thanksgiving Holiday!

BATB hopes you and yours had a great Thanksgiving!  During the week, members of the Beltway Boxing Community did their part to help make the holiday a good one for those less fortunate.

(photos courtesy of Andre Johnson and Mike Reed)

The Peterson Brothers joined DC Councilmember Yvette Alexander (D-Ward 7) at her annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway at the Deanwood Recreation Center in Northeast DC.

Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed and Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell were involved in Safeway's "Feast of Sharing" at the Washington Convention Center.

Then there is Buddy Harrison, proprietor of Old School Boxing Gym in Fort Washington, MD and father of Dusty Harrison. Buddy Harrison's traveled through DC handing out meals to the homeless and it was chronicled by RedEye Films who have done a great job in capturing the Harrison Family's exploits in and out of the ring.

Here's the video.



These are just the ones we have heard about.  If other boxers did similar acts during the holidays, please let us know..and thank you!

Kelly to Face Long November 30 in Cincinnati!

Undefeated DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly takes a step up in competition when he faces veteran David Long of Cincinnati, OH on Saturday, November 30 at the Duke Energy Center in Cincinnati.  The bout will be Kelly's first six-round contest.

Kelly (4-0-1, four KO's) is coming off the four-round draw he participated in against Jamal Woods on September 13 in Newark, NJ.  Long (12-2-2, eight KO's) scored a first-round knockout over Quincy Palmer on September 7 in Cincinnati.  Prior to that win, Long lost to undefeated Deontay Wilder via first-round knockout in November of 2011.

Nelson Named WIBA Fighter of the Year; Russell Returns December 13!

Congratulations to Ashburn, VA boxer Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson who was recently named the Women's International Boxing Association (WIBA) Fighter of the Year!

The undefeated Nelson (8-0-3) won her second WIBA title on September 13 when she captured the welterweight championship with a 10-round unanimous decision over Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes in Lincoln, RI.  Nelson, who also holds the organization's middleweight title, successfully defended the welterweight crown in a 10-round unanimous decision over Kali Reis on November 7 in Cockeysville, MD.

Also, Lem Satterfield of The Ring is reporting that undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Gary Russell, Jr. will return to action on Friday, December 13 at the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino in Indio, CA.

Russell (23-0, 13 KO's) is still looking for an opponent for this card for this bout, which will be on the undercard of a Golden Boy Live card also featuring welterweight Joselito Lopez and junior lightweight Francisco Vargas.

Russell is the mandatory challenger to WBO Featherweight champ Orlando Salido, however, the prospects of a title bout could be dicey.  First, Salido has a voluntary title defense against former amateur champ Vasyl Lomachenko slated for March 1.   Then, there are the issues between Top Rank's Bob Arum, who promotes Salido, and Golden Boy Promotions who has connections with Russell through Al Haymon.

Satterfield says that both Arum and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer believe there will be no problem making a title bout between Russell and Salido and that a purse bid could be a resolution.

Leavey Arrangements Announced!

(photo courtesy of Sol Levinson and Bros. webpage)

The services for Maryland State Athletic Commission member Lou Leavey have been announced.

The service will be held on Friday, November 29 at Sol Levinson & Bros. Funeral Home located at 8900 Reisterstown Road at Mount Wilson Lane in Baltimore, MD.  The family will arrive at 11 AM and the service will begin at noon.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a donation to:

Foundation Fighting Blindness
7168 Columbia Gateway Drive
Suite 100
Columbia, MD 21046

You may donate online and watch the video of the service by going to this link:  http://www.sollevinson.com/notice.php?lr=loc&id=24990

Lou Leavey, Long-Time Member of Maryland State Athletic Commission, Passes at 90!

The Beltway Boxing scene and, in particular, the State of Maryland lost an icon today.  If you ever boxed or, yes, wrestled in Maryland, you knew Lou Leavey.  You also respected and loved Lou Leavey.

Mr. Leavey passed away today after a long illness.  He was 90 years old. Prior to his career in boxing, Mr. Leavey served with distinction in the United States Navy during World War II.  He was a boxing coach at the Central YMCA in Baltimore.  What many don't know about Mr. Leavey is that he trained and co-managed former world middleweight champion Terry Downes of England.  Downes won the world championship in London in 1961.

Mr. Leavey joined the Maryland State Athletic Commission in 1985 and was serving on the commission at the time of his passing.  Mr. Leavey was one of the inspectors and helped conduct the drug testing for all participants.

Lou came off as kind of a curmudgeon to some folks but he was a really nice person.  Lou served as mentor to many and was a really nice person to talk to.  As word has filtered through social media about his passing, we already know he will be truly missed.  

Williams Wins 10-Round Unanimous Decision Over Mack in Florida!

Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. won a convincing 10-round unanimous decision over former world title contender Yusef Mack of Philadelphia, PA tonight in front of a nationally-televised (Fox Sports 1) audience at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL.

The undefeated Williams fought southpaw throughout the contest and it paid dividends as he kept the pressure on the durable Mack throughout the contest.  Williams was able to slow down Mack in the bout as the rounds wore on as he landed shots to the head from different angles and shot crushing punches to Mack's body.  Williams won by scores of 99-91, 98-92 and 97-92 in his first 10-round contest.

Williams is now 15-0, 10 KO's.  Mack falls to 31-7-2,  17 KO's.

Douglas, Odom Head to New York City December 4!

Two undefeated Beltway prospects are slated to compete on the Broadway Boxing "Season's Beatings card on Wednesday, December 4 at BB King's Blues Club and Grill in Manhattan, NY.

Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas will take on fellow undefeated boxer Colby Courter of St. Joseph, MO in a six-round contest.  Douglas (10-0, six KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Marcus Brooks on October 5 in Springfield, VA.  Courter (4-0, four KO's) will face the most experienced foe to date in his short pro career.  Every opponent Courter has fought to this point was making a pro debut when they faced him.

Also slated to be on the card is Bowie, MD super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom who is still looking for an opponent for this card.  Odom (5-0, five KO's, one NC)  has yet to be taken past the first round in any bout in his pro career.

The card is slated to be shown over the internet via GoFightLive.

Williams Weighs 175 For Florida Fight!

Thomas Williams, Jr. and Yusef Mack both weighed in at 175 pounds for their 10-round contest Tuesday night at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, FL.

The bout is scheduled to be a part of the Fox Sports 1 telecast that begins at 9 PM ET.

Reeves, Jones III Win Friday Night!

We are getting late word on two successful nights for Beltway Boxers over this weekend.

On Friday, Baltimore cruiserweight Travis Reeves scored a big win in the walkout bout at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.  Reeves scored a first-round TKO over previously undefeated Lamont Singletary of Dover. This was the same card that Dusty Hernandez Harrison and Alex Guerrero appeared on. Here's how reporter JR Jowett of SecondsOut.com described the action.

"The muscular underdog (Reeves) took it straight to the equally imposing favorite and just outslugged him on the inside. Finally, Singletary was drilled by a wicked straight right that sent him reeling to the ropes. Travis pounced and proceeded to open up when suddenly Johnson stepped in and waved the bout over,at 1:33. Lamont thought it was just a break and was stunned when he realized he'd lost! The angry fans booed vigorously."

Reeves is now 3-2 and scored his first pro knockout with the win.  Singletary is now 6-1, three KO's.

Also on Friday, DC light heavyweight Joe Jones III won by first-round TKO over Jimmie Speight of Wilson, NC Friday night in Raleigh, NC.  Jones is now 2-0, two KO's.

Marin Makes Short Work of Huffman!

Normally, David Warren Huffman means trouble for Beltway Boxers.  However, Alexandru Marin did not read that script.  Marin needed just 31 seconds to stop Huffman.

The left hook to the head was wide open for Marin and he took advantage repeatedly until Huffman dropped to the canvas.  Huffman did not beat the count.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Marin is now 2-0, two KO's.  Huffman is now 4-17-1, one KO.

Post-fight coming up.  Good night from Baltimore!

Chinea Wins By TKO Stoppage Over Olinga in Fourth!

Rolando Chinea battered Benjamin Olinga for four rounds before the bout was stopped at 2:00 of the fourth.

By the end of the bout, Olinga had his arms out to the sides forcing the ringside physician to stop the contest. 

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Chinea is now 5-0-1, three KO's.  Olinga is now 1-4.

Intermission (again).  Then our main event: Alexandru Marin against David Warren Huffman.

Nicholson Stops Lama in :57!

Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson needed just 57 seconds to knock out Ayei Lama. 

Nicholson dropped Lama with a counter left hook and then followed it up with a shot to the solar plexus that knocked him out for the count.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Nicholson is 4-0, four KO's.  Lama was making his pro debut.  Why his handlers put him in with the hard-hitting Nicholson is a question for debate.

Co-feature is next:  Benjamin Olinga of Silver Spring, MD vs. Rolando Chinea of Lancaster, PA. 

Jayakody Forces Garriga To Quit in First!

Nuwan Jayakody has stopped Frankie Garriga in the first round.  Jayakody dropped Garriga with a vicious left hook.  Jayakody pressured Garriga until Garriga turned to the side and quit the bout.  Garriga later complained of a hurt jaw.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

The bout was stopped at 2:09.

Jayakody is now 2-3-1, two KO's.  Garriga is now 0-1-2.

We are in intermission. Demond Nicholson is next against the debuting Ayei Lama of Silver Spring, MD by way of the Congo.

Womack And Polischuk Battle To Spirited Draw!

In what was a very good action contest,  Kevin Womack and Yurii Polischuk fought to a very spirited draw.

Both boxers had their moments.  Womack landed some great body shots while Polischuk landed good shots over the top.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Judge Brent Bovell scored the contest 39-37 for Polischuk while John Gradowski went in favor of Womack by the same score.  Kenny Chevalier saw the draw, 38-38.  The bout begs for a rematch.

Womack's record is now 4-2-1, two KO's.  Polischuk is now 2-1-1, one KO.

Now up,  "The Lion of Sri Lanka". Nuwan Jayakody of DC battles Frankie Garriga of the Bronx, NY.

Ryals Wins By Unanimous Decision!

Shaborn Ryals wins a relatively easy four-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers.

Ryals looked to finish the bout in the first round as he landed a wicked left to Capers's body that dropped Capers to his knees.  To his credit, however, Capers stayed tough in the bout but could never rally back. 

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

All three judges scored the bout 40-35.

Ryals is now 2-0. Capers falls to 1-3.

The next bout should be a good one -- Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack of Baltimore takes on "The Baby-Face Assassin" Yurii Polischuk of Alexandria, VA.  Four rounds.

Jerome Wins Unanimous Decision!

Charles Jerome has won a four-round unanimous decision over the equally debuting William Monroe.  This was an ugly bout to say the very least.  Both guys missed more than they hit. 

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

 However, Jerome won by scores of 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.

Next up:  DC light heavyweight Shaborn Ryals takes on Lamont Capers of Tobyhanna, PA.  Four rounds.

Action Is Underway!

We are about to get started here at the Patapsco Arena.  We have debuting heavyweights as "King" Charles Jerome takes on William "The Blueprint" Monroe.  Jerome is from DC, Monroe is from Forestville, MD.

Good Evening From Baltimore!

Hi everyone from the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore for the Hardwork Promotions card.  Right now, the card has not started because the ambulance has not arrived.  The ambulance is at another location.

We should be ready to get started momentarily.

Harrison Stops Lewis in One; Guerrero Wins Unanimous Decision in Delaware!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

At Dover Downs Hotel and Casino tonight, DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison scored a very easy first-round TKO over an overwhelmed Marlon Lewis of Memphis, TN.

Harrison just battered Lewis all over the ring, knocking Lewis down three times before the bout was stopped at 2:20.

Harrison is now 19-0, 11 KO's while Lewis falls to 6-3-2, three KO's.

Also tonight, Delmar, MD cruiserweight Alex Guerrero overcame a very nasty cut over his right eye to win a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Galen "Bad Boy" Brown of St. Joseph, MO.

Guerrero was in control throughout the contest pressuring Brown and using a nice left jab.  In the fifth round, the two clashed heads and that's when Guerrero suffered the deep cut.  Brown, however, could not take advantage of the cut.

Guerrero won by scores of 60-54, 59-55 and 58-56 to remain undefeated at 10-0-1, five KO's.  Brown is now 41-24-1, 24 KO's.

Juan Marshall has a complete photo gallery on ProAm Fight Talk.

Weights From Baltimore!

Here is the scale watch for the Hardwork Promotions card Saturday, November 23 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD:
(Photos by Venroy July)

Demond Nicholson 161 (left) vs. Ayei Lema 158 1/2

Kevin Womack, Jr. 146 (right) vs. Yurii Polischuk 145 1/2

Benjamin Olinga 140 (left) vs. Rolando Chinea 139

William Monroe 274 (right) vs. Charles Jerome 266 1/2

Alexandru Marin 126 (right) vs. David Warren Huffman 130 1/2

Shaborn Ryals 181 (left) vs. Lamont Capers 182 1/2

Nuwan Jayakody 126 (left) vs. Frankie Garriga 124

The bout between Jeremy Trussell and Greg Hackett was off because Hackett was too heavy for the contest even before the weigh-in took place.  Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. (4-2, two KO's) replaces Gerome Quigley in the bout against Polischuk.

The card gets underway at 7 PM and we will be blogging live!

Harrison Weighs 147 For Dover Downs Contest!

Dusty Hernandez Harrison weighed in at 147 pounds for tonight's eight-round contest against Marlon Lewis at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE.  Lewis tipped the scales at 141.

We did not get weights for Alex Guerrero's cruiserweight contest against Galen Brown which will also be on the card.

Juan Marshall from ProAm Fight Talk will have complete coverage of the Harrison and Guerrero bouts tonight including ringside pictures.  Go to his link at www.proamfighttalk.blogspot.com

Amateur Boxing Returns to Hagerstown November 23!

The Hagerstown Boxing Club is presenting its fifth "H-Town Rumble" amateur boxing card on Saturday, November 23 at its facility located at 245 Prospect Avenue in Hagerstown, MD.  Starting time for the event will be 1:30 PM.

Boxers from four states -- Maryland (Hagerstown and Baltimore), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia and Reading), Ohio (Akron), West Virginia and the District of Columbia -- are scheduled to participate on the card.

Tickets are $15 for general admission.  Children under 10 get in for $5.  Call 240-367-0600 for more details.

Boxing Returns the 'Madness' to the Washington Convention Center December 14!

The final DC boxing card of 2013 will take place on Saturday, December 14 at the Washington Convention Center and will mark a return of one of the legendary local promotional companies.

First, a quick history lesson.  During my "Boxing Spotlight" days in the 1990's, there were some incredible promotional organizations who consistently put out great cards.  In the Baltimore area, we were there for the start of the Ballroom Boxing series at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.  Promoter Stu Satosky was holding things down at Martin's West in Woodlawn.  At the Teamsters Hall in Baltimore, there was Top of the Hill Promotions, headed by Tank Hill.

In Prince George's County, there was Sunrise Promotions who first brought boxing to the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro while Blood, Sweat and Tears Promotions was promoting cards at Martin's Crosswinds in Greenbelt.

In Virginia, Satellite Boxing and Han Kim Promotions were doing cards at the original ABC Auditorium in Alexandria, VA.

In DC during that time period, many promoters came and went. They did maybe one card and weren't heard from again.  However, one promotion set the standard for bringing some outstanding cards to the city -- Madness Boxing.  This promotional company, headed by Tyrone Johnson, presented all the legendary boxers of that time period, many times on cards that had incredible star power.

Madness Boxing returns on December 14 looking to recapture the magic of those days. The card is slated to feature Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson (14-1, six KO's), and undefeated Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson (20-0, 13 KO's) in separate co-feature bouts.

Also scheduled to be on the card are Beltway Boxers Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. , Shadeed Floyd, Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines, Terron "Kid" Grant, Joshua "Marvelous Mo" Parker and Cornelius "The Bodysnatcher" Whitlock.

Two bouts have already been signed for the card.  Undefeated DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby (9-0, five KO's is scheduled to take on veteran James Denson of Akron, OH (5-15, two KO's)  Also, Laurel, MD heavyweight "The Big Ticket" Dwayne McRae (11-3, six KO's) will battle Robert Dunton of Wilmington, DE (9-10-1, six KO's).  No word yet on how many rounds these bouts are scheduled for.

This card will be a pro-am card that will start at 6 PM.  We'll have more info on this card as it becomes available.

Lamont Peterson Defends IBF Title Against Dierry Jean January 25 at DC Armory!

(Photos courtesy of FightHype.com)

 IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson will defend his title against the number one challenger Dierry "Dougy Style" Jean on Saturday, January 25 at the DC Armory in Washington, DC.

This will be the second title defense for DC native Peterson (31-2-1, 16 KO's) and his first contest since he lost the non-title contest against Lucas Matthysse by third-round TKO on May 18 in Atlantic City, NJ.  Peterson defended the title against Kendall Holt on February 22 at the Armory and won by an eighth-round TKO.

The undefeated Jean, a native of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti who lives in Montreal, Canada (25-0, 17 KO's), earned the number one spot by stopping Cleotis Pendarvis in the fourth round on May 10 in Miami, OK.

The announcement on this card has just come out in the past 24 hours so there is no word yet on who the other boxers on the card will be or the ticket prices for the card.  There is also no word on who will televise the contest.  Golden Boy Promotions, the promoter of this card, have TV contracts with both Showtime and Fox Sports 1 and no decision has been made yet.

Prospects Take Center Stage November 23 in Baltimore!

A number of Beltway prospects will headline the Hardwork Promotions card on Saturday, November 23 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD. All the bouts on the card are scheduled for four rounds.

One of the busiest boxers on the Beltway scene will be a part of this card.  Undefeated Baltimore middleweight Jeremy Trussell will participate in his third bout of this month as he faces veteran Greg Hackett of Philadelphia, PA.  Trussell (6-0, five KO's) has knocked out his last four opponents in the first round., including his devastating stoppage of Travis Davidson on November 15 in Westminster, MD.

Trussell's first-round knockout streak will be severely tested when he faces Hackett (2-13) who has only been stopped once in his career and that was against the knockout artist Bastie Samir in January 2011 in Indio, CA.  All of Samir's 14 wins have been by knockout and Hackett was still on his feet when the bout was stopped.   This will be Hackett's fourth trip to the Beltway region this year, having dropped six-round decisions to Alexander Johnson, Jarrett Hurd and Alantez Fox.

Another hard-hitting local will be on the card.  Laurel, MD super middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will take on the debuting Ayei Lema of DC by way of the Republic of Congo.  Nicholson (3-0, three KO's) scored a first-round TKO over Brandon Priest in his last outing on October 18 in Fort Washington, MD.

In an interesting all-Beltway bout, Montgomery Village, MD's Gerome Quigley will take on the "Baby-Face Assassin" Yurii Polischuk.   Quigley (2-0, two KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO over Damian Butler on November 7 in Cockeysville, MD.  Polischuk (2-1, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Latorie Woodberry on November 9 in Springfield, VA.

Also on the card, "The Lion of Sri Lanka" Nuwan Jayakody returns to action as he faces Frankie Garriga of Bronx, NY.  Both men are coming off draws in their last outings.  Jayakody, who fights out of DC (1-3-1, one KO),  fought to a tough four-round majority draw against Shadeed Floyd on October 26 in DC.  Garriga (0-0-2) has fought four-round draws in both his bouts.

DC welterweight Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga will try to get back on the winning track on this card as he faces undefeated Rolando Chinea of Lancaster, PA.  Olinga (1-3) last fought on October 24 at the Mayflower Hotel in DC.  Chinea (4-0, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine on July 19 in Harrisburg, PA.

Two debuting Beltway heavyweights will square off on this card. William Monroe of Maryland will take on DC's Charles Jerome.  There are other bouts slated for this card that are scheduled to feature locals
Edwin Reyes of Laurel, MD (2-0, two KO's), Silver Spring, MD's Alexandru Marin (1-0, one KO) and Shaborn Ryals of DC (1-0).

Harrison, A. Guerrero Compete November 22 in Dover, DE!

Two Beltway Boxers will appear on a card at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE on Friday, November 22.

Just 20 days after notching the biggest win of his career, WBC Youth Welterweight champion Dusty Hernandez Harrison of DC will battle Marlon Lewis of Memphis, TN in an eight-round non-title encounter.

Harrison (18-0, 10 KO's) won a 10-round unanimous decision over Josh Torres to win the title on November 2 at the Theater in Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Lewis (6-2-2, three KO's) is unbeaten in his last four bouts with two knockouts in that stretch.  However, Harrison is the most experienced foe Lewis has faced.

Also on the card, undefeated Salisbury, MD cruiserweight Alex Guerrero returns to action in a six-round contest against veteran Galen "Bad Boy" Brown of St. Joseph, MO.

Guerrero (9-0-1, five KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Terrance Smith on April 12 in Salisbury.  Brown (41-23-1, 24 KO's) has faced a number of contenders and former champions in the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions over his 12-year boxing career including Rob Calloway, Tor Hamer, Brian Minto, Joey Abell, Tye Fields and former heavyweight champ Hasim Rahman.

Jennifer Salinas Wins WBF Super Bantamweight Title!

(Photo by Rolando Villegas, El Deber)


"The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas won a 10-round unanimous decision over "La Diablita" Yolis Marrugo Franco of Colombia Saturday to capture the WBF (World Boxing Federation) Super Bantamweight title at Estadio Ramón Tahuichi Aguilera, in Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Bolivia.

The bout was a homecoming for Salinas, who was born in Virginia but raised in Bolivia.  The fans came out in droves, according to the internet site El Deber who reported that more than 10,000 people were at the contest.

Salinas won by scores of 99-90 (twice) and 99-91.  It's Salinas's first title and it raises her record to 15-3, four KO's.  Franco falls to 15-9-3, seven KO's.  By the way, the bout was contested in 10 three-minute rounds instead of two-minute rounds.

In the week leading up to the contest, there was a minor controversy as to whether the WBF title was, in fact, a recognized "world title."  BATB will consider it as such unless others more involved in the women's division say otherwise.

What this would mean that in my almost 30 years of covering Beltway Boxing, I have reported on 15 world champions from the area. Four of those titilists -- Hasim Rahman, Lamont Peterson, Tori Nelson and Salinas -- won their titles during the BATB era.

We have found the footage of the bout as it was shown live throughout South America -- the commentary is in Spanish.

Hurd-Armenta Matchup Heads to December 6 Card at Rosecroft!

A very interesting all-Beltway youth vs. experience bout will be one of the featured bouts on the Friday, December 6 Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.

Undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd will face his most experienced foe to date when he takes on "El Gallo" George Armenta of Silver Spring, MD in a scheduled six-round encounter.

Hurd (9-0, five KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Frank Gedeon on October 18 at Rosecroft. Hurd has made steady improvement throughout his young career.

Armenta (14-10, 11 KO's) began his career in 2000 fighting mostly as a junior middleweight.  Armenta's biggest win at that point was a fourth-round TKO win over former Olympian Dante Craig in March of 2004.  In September of that year, Armenta lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Sechew Powell in New York City.  After the loss, Armenta took a five-year hiatus from boxing.

When Armenta returned to the sport in 2009, he came back at light heavyweight and has not fared well, losing six of his last eight bouts including a tough 10-round unanimous decision loss to Mark Tucker in December of 2009 and a first-round TKO loss to Edwin Rodriguez in March of 2010.

The Hurd-Armenta contest will be fought at a contracted weight of 158 pounds.  The card will be the 50th card in the promotional history of Keystone Boxing who began promoting cards in 1998.  Also scheduled to participate on this card are undefeated boxers Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed, Danny "Smooth" Kelly, Larry Recio and "The Karate Kid" Josh Elkins.

One other bout is set for the card -- DC lightweight Joshua Davis (4-1, two KO's) will face fellow DC boxer Hugh Hinds (1-2) in a six-round encounter.  Davis will be trying to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a four round unanimous decision defeat to Aaron Chavez -- on September 7 at Rosecroft.  Hinds notched his first pro win on the October 18th Rosecroft card with a four-round majority decision over Deandre Walker.

Making his pro debut on the card will be Fort Washington, MD bantamweight Marquel "The Monster" Johns.  When Johns hits the ring on December 6, he will be the 30th Beltway Boxer to make his pro debut in 2013 -- the most number of local rookies in one year in the BATB era.

Amateur Results From Westminster and Post-Fight Show!

Here are the amateur results from the Carroll County AG in Westminster, MD on Friday night:

119 Pounds:  Derrick Brown (Mobtown) over Vincent Goedecki (Legends Boxing)

132 Pounds:  Mack Allison (Upton) RSC-3 over Pierce Hirzel (Legends)

178 Pounds: Maurice Burrell (Mobtown) RSC-2 over Sylvester Dave (Upton)

141 Pounds: Jorge Galvan (Mobtown) forfeit over Lee Bolden (Legends)

201+ Pounds: (Open):  Shaundre Kellum-Gee (Mobtown) winner by fan vote over Calvin Countess (Charm City).

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up which includes an interview with Baltimore rookie middleweight Jeremy Trussell.



We also have an interview with the returning Mark "TNT" Tucker.