Wade Off October 4 Showtime Card Due To Injury!

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that undefeated Largo, MD middleweight Dominic "Lights Out" Wade is now off the Saturday, October 4 card at Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Mashantucket, CT.  Wade injured his back in training.

Wade (16-0, 11 KO's) was scheduled to take on KeAndre Leatherwood of Birmingham, AL in a 10-round contest that was to open the Showtime broadcast.

Davis, Jackson-Benson Have Opponents For October 8 in Biloxi, MS!

Add another TV appearance for a Beltway Boxer in October.  Undefeated Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Tank" Davis (8-0, eight KO's) now has an opponent for his eight-round contest at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, MS on Thursday, October 8.

Davis will take on Mexican veteran German Meraz (47-31-1, 25 KO's) in a contest that will open a special telecast of ESPN2 Boxing.  The headline contest will be a bout for the IBF Middleweight championship between champion Sam Soliman and former champion Jermain Taylor.

Meraz lost a six-round technical decision to Alexis Santiago on September 20 in Phoenix, AZ.

The undercard features Landover, MD super middleweight "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson-Benson in an eight-round non-televised bout against "The Amazing" Michael Gbenga of Accra, Ghana.

Jackson-Benson (14-1, 13 KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Thomas Hanshaw on August 1 in Shelton, WA.  Gbenga (20-16, 20 KO's) broke a six-bout losing streak with a third-round knockout of Felipe Polo on September 7 in Tolu, Columbia.

Wade, Farmer Make TV Appearances In October!

Two Beltway Boxers will make important television appearances during the month of October.

On Saturday, October 4, undefeated Largo, MD middleweight Dominic "Lights Out" Wade will take on KeAndre Leatherwood of Birmingham, AL in a 10-round contest that will take place on Showtime from the Foxwoods Resort in Mashantucket, CT.

Wade (16-0, 11 KO's) is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Nick Brinson on June 27 in Las Vegas, NV.  Leatherwood (14-2-1, 10 KO's) scored a first-round knockout over Mickey Scarborough on April 5 in Tuscaloosa, AL.

At the end of the month, Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer will travel to Memorial Hall in Plymouth, MA on Thursday, October 30 to face Danny O'Connor of Framingham, MA in a 10-round contest that will be shown on Fox Sports 1.

Farmer (18-2, seven KO's) has fought sporadically, taking one bout a year since 2012.  Farmer scored a six-round unanimous decision victory over David Warren Huffman on May 17 in Annandale, VA.  This will be Farmer's first scheduled 10-rounder.

O'Connor (23-2, seven KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round split decision to Vivian Harris on October 12 in Philadelphia, PA.

This bout was originally scheduled for February of this year but O'Connor suffered an injury in training.

Nelson Defends WIBA Title; Douglas Captures USBU Belt; Reeves Stops Espinal in Three; Billups Gets Off Canvas To Win in Second; Goss, Dawe Battle To Majority Draw!

I apologize for not being able to get all the results up from the card last night.  I was doing double duty as reporter and ring announcer and ring announcing won out.

So here are the rest of the results from the Ponytail Promotions card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA (Photos by Mike Greenhill)

The main event saw Ashburn, VA welterweight Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson successfully defend her WIBA Welterweight title with a 10-round split decision over a very game Arlene Blencowe of New South Wales, Australia.

This was Nelson's toughest title defense as Blencowe came out firing and rocked the champion in the first round.  However, Nelson maintained her composure and landed enough blows to hold on to the title.

Judges Alisha Daniels and Gail Jasper scored the bout 96-94 for Nelson while judge Dorothea Perry saw the bout for Blencowe, 97-93.  Nelson defends her title for the fourth time and remains undefeated at 11-0-2, one KO.  Blencowe, who has held two world titles, is now 2-3.

The co-feature saw undefeated Baltimore, MD flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas make short and easy work of an overmatched Whitney Gunter of Pelham, NC.

Douglas attacked Gunter from the opening bell and Gunter had absolutely no defense.  After two knockdowns, referee Alisha Daniels stepped in and stopped the bout at 1:22 of the first round.

Douglas won a minor regional title (USBU) with the victory and raised her record to 6-0, two KO's.  Gunter is now 0-2.

Both female bouts were officiated by an all-female crew -- Daniels and Michelle Myers alternated as referees and judges (Myers refereed the Nelson-Blencowe bout), Perry and Jasper were the other two judges and the Event Inspector was Tracy Fagan.

Also on the card, Baltimore cruiserweight Travis "Seveer" Reeves scored a third round TKO over veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY.

Reeves battered Espinal for the duration of the bout as he landed body shots at will.  Reeves dropped Espinal 39 seconds into the third round and referee Vic DeWysocki stopped the contest.

Reeves, the USBU cruiserweight champion, wins his fourth straight contest and raises his record to 7-2-1, three KO's while Espinal drops his 12th straight and falls to 8-25-3, four KO's.

Ashburn, VA junior welterweight Seth "Killer B" Billups recovered from a first-round knockdown to stop the debuting Ty Felton of Danville, VA in the second round.

Felton dropped Billups with a right-left combination early in the first round.  Later in the round, Billups scored a knockdown on Felton, however, ringside observers thought the punch landed on the back of Felton's head and forced Felton's gloves to touch the canvas.

Billups made no doubt about a knockdown in the second round as he landed a picture-perfect right hand right down the middle of Felton's guard that dropped Felton to his hands and knees.  Felton didn't beat referee DeWysocki's 10-count and the bout ended at 1:14.

Billups remained undefeated at 4-0, three KO's.

In the only other bout to go the distance, Hagerstown, MD lightweight Henry "The Boss" Goss and Anthony Dave of Columbus, OH battled to a four-round majority draw.  Both men had a tough time landing shots consistently which made the bout a tough one to watch.

Judge Daniels thought Dave won by shutout, 40-36 but judges Perry and Jasper saw the draw at 38-38.   Goss, who fought for the first time since 2009, has an even record at 3-3-3, two KO's while Dave is now 0-4-1.

In the amateur portion of the card, Eric Hernandez of LA Boxing defeated Jessie Singletary of Keystone Boxing in an open 152 pound contest.  Matthew Abregu of LA Boxing won over Mack Allison IV of Upton Boxing in an exciting open 152 pound title. Also, Steven Zaiden (unattached) won a decision over Christopher Gooch of LA Boxing in an open 132 pound bout.

Here's the BATB Post-Fight Wrap Up as Juan Marshall and I give our thoughts on the card.

Marin Scores Second-Round TKO!

Silver Spring, MD featherweight Alexandru Marin stopped Jackson, MI's Rasool Shakoor at 1:56 of the third round.

Marin dropped Shakoor three times -- twice with right hooks and once with a solid left hook in the third.  Referee DeWysocki stopped the contest.

Marin remains undefeated at 5-0, four KO's.  Shakoor is 2-15-1, one KO.

Now in the ring: Henry Goss battles Anthony Dave.  Four rounds, lightweights.

Pryor Knocks Out Martinez In One!

Results tonight will come a little haphazardly tonight as I am doing double duty this evening.  Our first pro bout has ended and Larry "Hitman" Pryor of Frederick, MD has scored a first-round knockout over Santos Martinez of Adrian, MI.

Pryor landed a crushing body shot with the right hand to score the first knockdown then finished the job.  Martinez could not beat referee Vic DeWysocki's count and the bout was stopped at 1:48.

Next up:  Alexandru Marin faces Rasool Shakoor in a four-round featherweight battle.

Good Evening From Springfield!

Hi again everyone from the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA for the Ponytail Promotions pro-am card.

The amateurs are in action at this point and we will give you the results later this evening.  I am being pressed into ring announcing duties this evening.  Actually, pressed is not completely true.  I thought I was just announcing the main event.

One pro bout has been scratched this evening -- Edgar Torres will not face Anthony Walls.  Walls was a no-show.

Speaking of ring announcing, I've received word that one of the legendary east coast voices has left us.  Veteran ring announcer Ed Derian passed away yesterday.  Mr. Derian was a fixture in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York and was the main announcer on USA Network's Tuesday Night Fights, which brought him to DC on numerous occasions.

I had the honor of meeting Mr. Derian a few times.  He was a nice man.  The last time I spoke to him was about 10 years ago at the DC Armory.  The conversation came across some accidental research I was doing on Roller Derby.  Mr. Derian was one of the great onside track announcers of that legendary sport.  Mr. Derian and his wife were very happy and surprised to know someone remembered.

He was a solid announcer and a fixture in TV boxing.  Rest in peace, Ed Derian...Derian.

Weights From Springfield, VA!

Here is the scale watch for tonight's Ponytail Promotions card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA:

Tori Nelson 146 vs. Arlene Blencowe 147

Tyrieshia Douglas 111 vs. Whitney Gunter 110

Travis Reeves 191 vs. Arial Espinal 200

Seth Billups 140 vs. Ty Felton 135

Larry Pryor 186 vs. Santos Martinez 194

Henry Goss 135 vs. Anthony Dave 137

Edgar Torres 151 vs. Anthony Walls (will weigh-in later today)

Polischuk-Olinga Rematch Highlights Oct 11 Card in Springfield!

The Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card on Saturday, October 11 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA will have a very interesting rematch as its main event.

"The Baby-Faced Assassin" Yurii Polischuk will take on Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga in a six-round contest that will be for the vacant Virginia State Junior Welterweight title.

Polischuk (5-1-1, two KO's) won the first bout with Olinga (1-8) on April 26 at the ABC Sports Complex by four-round unanimous decision.  Since that bout, Polischuk has fought once, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine on August 9 in DC.  Olinga, meanwhile, has lost three straight majority decisions to fellow locals Edwin Reyes, Seth Billups and Mykal Fox.  This will be Olinga's first scheduled six-round contest.

One other bout has been signed for this card.  Middleweight Jonathan Cepeda of New York City will be in an eight-round contest against Lester "El Cubanito" Gonzalez of San Diego, CA. Cepeda (14-1, 12 KO's) is coming off a third-round stoppage of Larry Smith on September 12 in Durham, NC.

Cepeda makes his second trip to the Beltway region -- he won by second-round disqualification over Quincy Miner on the August 9 card in DC.  Gonzalez (12-14-4, six KO's) also returns to the area and will try to bounce back from his first-round knockout loss to Demond Nicholson on June 28 in Baltimore, MD.

Beltway Boxers Eric "The Inferno" Govan, Gerome Quigley and Stan Williamson are also slated to be on this card, which will be the second card to be held at the ABC Sports Complex in a three-week period.  There is a card this Saturday, September 27 at the complex.

Reed To Face Montiel October 4 in Atlantic City!

Undefeated Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed has a new opponent for his Saturday, October 4 bout at Bally's in Atlantic City, NJ.

Reed will now face veteran Juan Manuel Montiel of Mexico City, MX in a six-round contest.  This will be another Top Rank card appearance for Reed (10-0, six KO's.)

Montiel (7-6-3, two KO's) competes for the first time since being stopped in the eighth round by Abner Cotto in July of 2012 in Las Vegas, NV.

Antoine Douglas Profiled In Forbes!

Throughout the year, many Beltway Boxers get some press on other boxing sites or in the sports sections or broadcasts in the mainstream media.

Rarely, however, does a boxer get an article in a magazine not specifically devoted to boxing or sports. It happened earlier in the year with Dusty Hernandez Harrison's profile in Washingtonian magazine.

Now, undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas gets a nice profile in Forbes magazine as contributing writer Andrew Goodman takes a look at "The Making of a Middleweight Boxing Champ."

The link is here:   http://www.forbes.com/sites/agoodman/2014/09/24/the-making-of-a-middleweight-boxing-champ-the-inspirational-story-of-antoine-action-douglas/

'Tank' Davis To Hold Public Workout Friday in Baltimore!

Undefeated Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Tank" Davis will have a free public workout on Friday, September 26 at Mondawmin Mall located at 2401 Liberty Heights Ave in Baltimore.

The workout will be from 6-8 PM in the center court as Davis (8-0, eight KO's) prepares for his nationally televised contest (ESPN2) on Wednesday, October 8 bout in Biloxi, MS against an opponent to be determined. The workout will also be a part of Davis's "Bullying Stops Here" campaign.

"I'm looking forward to seeing all my supporters at Mondawmin Mall on Friday night, September 26,"  Davis said. "If we look out more for other people, a lot of bullying problems can be prevented. Thank you to my team, Shoe City, RK Jewelers, and Mondawmin Mall, for helping to put all bullies on notice. Bullying stops here!"

Women Headline Card September 27 in Springfield, VA!

Women's boxing will headline the Ponytail Promotions card on Saturday, September 27 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Undefeated WIBA Welterweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will make the fourth defense of her title when she faces Arlene Blencowe of Taree, New South Wales, Australia.

Nelson (10-0-2, one KO) successfully defended her title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Nicole Woods in her last outing on June 28 in Baltimore, MD.  Blencowe (2-2) has won two world titles despite having just four pro bouts.  Blencoe won the WIBA Junior Welterweight and the WBF Welterweight title by winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Daniella Smith in June of 2013 in New Zealand.  However, in her first bout of 2014, Blencowe lost an eight-round unanimous decision to Sabrina Ostowari on February 14 in Queensland, Australia.

The co-feature will pit Baltimore, MD flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas against Whitney Gunter of Pelham, NC in a six-round contest.  Douglas (5-0, one KO) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Christina Fuentes on the June 28 Baltimore card.  Gunter (0-1) steps into the ring for the first time since losing her pro debut in April of 2007 via fourth-round unanimous decision to Terri Moss.

Also on the card, Baltimore cruiserweight Travis "Seveer" Reeves will battle veteran Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY in a four-round bout.  Reeves (6-2-1, two KO's) was impressive in winning a six-round unanimous decision over Brian Donahue on August 23 in Baltimore.  Espinal (8-24-3, four KO's) makes his 14th trip to the Beltway region in his career.  Espinal lost a four-round unanimous decision to Jed Phipps in his last bout on May 17 in Annandale, VA.

Ashburn, VA junior welterweight Seth Billups will battle Tevin Reynolds of Danville, VA in another four-rounder.  Billups (3-0, two KO's) won a four-round majority decision over Benjamin Olinga on June 28 in Baltimore.  Reynolds (0-1) was stopped in the third round in his pro debut on November 1 in Ruffin, NC.

Springfield, VA welterweight Edgar "El Tigre" Torres faces Anthony Walls of Cleveland, OH in a four-round contest.  Torres (4-0-1, three KO's) has not fought since scoring a second-round TKO over Greg Thomas on October 5 at the ABC Complex.  Walls (0-8) will look to get his first win.

Silver Spring, MD featherweight Alexandru Marin will battle veteran Rasool Shakoor of Jackson, MI in another four-rounder.  The Romanian-born Marin (4-0, three KO's) is coming off a first-round stoppage of Darrell Martin on May 17 in Annandale, VA. Shakoor (3-12-1, one KO) makes his second straight trip to the Beltway region after being stopped by Kevin Rivers, Jr. in June of 2013 in Washington, DC.

Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor takes on Santos Martinez of Adrian, MI in a four-rounder.  Pryor (7-9, four KO's) looks to bounce back from his six-round unanimous decision loss to Sullivan Barrera on April 4 in Philadelphia, PA.  Martinez (2-6-1, two KO's) returns to the area after being knocked out by Travis Reeves in the first round on April 12 in Baltimore.

Beltway Boxing Honors Gilbert Ware!

During a weekend in which many of the Beltway's boxing legends were honored, there was one more ceremony held for the man who helped many of those boxers receive opportunities to box in DC.

There was a get-together on September 21 to honor Gilbert Ware, the former deputy commissioner of the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission.  The location was QuBall 1 pool hall in Capitol Heights, MD, a location Mr. Ware was very familiar with as he was quite the pool shark in his day.

However, many of the people, like myself, were there to thank Mr. Ware for his more than 40 years of service to boxing both in the Beltway region and abroad.

I have said many times that Mr. Ware played a major role in starting my boxing journalism career as he gave me an opportunity -- sight unseen -- to start broadcasting cards in the mid 80's and I am always indebted to him.

Our Beltway Kings and Queens!

This weekend was very special for me in many ways.  Being able to spend some time with many of the boxers I have covered over the last 30 years all in one setting was just fantastic!

Here are two special photos that I would like to share.

These are our version of the "Four Kings" -- the men who held their world titles at the same time in the mid-90's:  From left to right:
Keith Holmes, William Joppy, Sharmba Mitchell and Mark Johnson.

This is a photo that I have always wanted to have.  When I started covering the Beltway Boxing scene, Mitchell was becoming established as a well-known prospect in the sport.

 However, the other three were just starting out as pro boxers and to see all four of them develop from the very beginning to become the outstanding boxers they were was a privilege and a time in my life that I will always cherish.


Another opportunity presented itself -- three of the four women who have won world titles in the BATB Era where also in attendance at last night's card.

 From Left to Right: Lisa Foster Cohen, Tori Nelson and Isra Girgrah Wynn.  Only Jennifer Salinas was missing.

 Not too many boxing areas can claim four female world champions in its history, but again, the Beltway Boxing scene is very special and unique and I enjoyed watching these special ladies hold the banner of women's boxing high.

Again, for someone like me who has been covering this area as long as I have, this weekend was extremely memorable!

Post Fight From the Convention Center!

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up from the Convention Center.  I am joined by Juan Marshall and the chief scribe of FightKings.com, Michael Amakor.

Johnson Devastates Buchanan In One!

It took just one left hand to end all the speculation.

Alexander "The Great" Johnson sent a left hand crashing into the right jaw of Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan and dropped him with a minute to go in the opening round.  Buchanan got up but was in no condition to continue.  The bout was stopped at 2:10 of the round.

Johnson is now 16-2, seven KO's while Buchanan falls to 21-4, 14 KO's.

That will do it from the Convention Center!  Good night!  Post-Fight coming up!

Corley Wins Unanimous Decision!

DeMarcus Corley battered Daniel Attah for 10 rounds enroute to a lopsided unanimous decision.

Corley dropped Attah five times -- once in the fourth, twice in the fifth and twice in the eighth.  However, Attah somehow managed to last until the final bell.

Corley won by scores of 100-86, 99-86 and 100-85 to raise his record to 42-22-1, 25 KO's.  Attah has dropped to 28-19-1, 11 KO's.

Next, the featured bout, the Beltway grudge bout,  Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan vs. Alexander " The Great" Johnson.  Scheduled for eight rounds.

The Jeff Lacy- Rayco Saunders bout has been scratched.  No reason given.

Corley-Attah Getting Underway!

DeMarcus Corley and Daniel Attah are now in the ring.  Also, Roger and Jeff Mayweather are in the crowd.

Fox Captures Unanimous Decision In New York!

Coming off a year's layoff, undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox won a six-round unanimous decision over Jonathan Garcia of Aguada, Puerto Rico at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

Fox won by scores of 60-54 and 59-55 (twice) to raise his record to 13-0-1, four KO's.  Garcia drops to 4-9-1, one KO.

Meanwhile, back here at the Convention Center, there has been a delay in starting the Corley-Attah contest.  No one knows why.

Nicholson Stops Sharpe In Four!

Demond Nicholson stopped Dennis "Shark" Sharpe in the fourth round.  Nicholson dropped Sharpe three times, twice with body shots in the fourth before the bout was stopped at 2:36.

Nicholson was incredibly accurate hitting Sharpe with every punch imaginable and eventually wearing Sharpe down.

Nicholson remains perfect at 10-0, 10 KO's while Sharpe falls to 17-13-4, four KO's.

Up next: two DC veterans go at it for a scheduled 10 rounds.  DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley takes on Daniel "The Prophet" Attah.

Nicholson Battles Sharpe In Opening Pro Contest!

Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will begin the pro portion of the card in a scheduled six-round contest against Dennis Sharpe.

Amateurs Deliver Solid Action!

Good action provided by the amateur portion of our card tonight at the Washington Convention Center.

Daron Williams of Benning Park won the featured contest, stopping Chris Glenn of Hagerstown with a vicious left hook to the body in the first round.

Williams's gym mate, Deonte Burts, won a decision over Brian Rodriguez of Down Under gym of Salisbury, MD.

Tyreek Williams of The Answer defeated Muhammad Robinson of Upton Gym.

Carlos Black from Champions Gym won over Lloyd Marshall of Interstate Connection.

Jalil Hackett of Enigma Boxing took a decision over Leon Jones of Overcomers Gym.

Cornell Hines from Woodland defeated Emmanuel Rodriguez of Down Under.

The opening bout saw Paul Jerry of X2 Rep defeat Hector Soto of Down Under.

The pro portion of the card should begin momentarily.

Good Evening From DC!

Hi again, everyone from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the GFS Entertainment Promotions card.

The promotion spared no expense as they are using the large ballroom on the third floor on the seventh street side of the center. 

We are in the midst of the amateur portion of the card.  There are seven scheduled amateur bouts.The pro side will start closer to 8:30 or 9 PM.

The final tally on the poll for the Henry Buchanan-Alexander Johnson bout had 69 percent saying Buchanan would win and 31 percent thought Johnson would be victorious.  There were two who voted for the draw.

We will give the results of the amateurs before the pros kick off.

Malik Jackson Wins Gold In Poland!

(photo courtesy of USA Boxing)

Congratulations to DC amateur flyweight Malik Jackson who won his first gold medal in international competition at the Leszek Drogosz Memorial Tournament in Kielce, Poland today.  Jackson is out of the Limelite Gym in DC.

Jackson defeated Soghomonyan Konyun of Armenia by a 2-1 decision.

In other amateur news, we told you that Tiara Brown of DC was a member of the Elite Women's USA team that will be competing in the Women's Continental Championships in Guadalajara, Mexico beginning on Wednesday, September 24.  We also know that one of the coaches of the US squad is DC's own Patrice "Boogie" Harris from the Headbangers gym.

Hurd Reportedly Off Tonight's Card In DC!

The camp of undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd is saying that Hurd will not be on tonight's card at the Washington Convention Center.

Hurd was scheduled to face Damon Antoine of Akron, Ohio in a six-round encounter this evening.  Hurd's camp posted this statement:

"GFS Entertainment has decided to pull Swift Jarrett Hurd bout off tonight's show at the DC Convention Center for reasons unknown. A bout was made last night with agreements from both camps and DC commissioner, weight was made and agreement was settled. Unfortunately, I don't think GFS realize that as many people that were planning on attending to see Swift Hurd fight, it would have paid for both purses and than some. Sorry for the confusion and to those that have already purchased tickets but we were professionals and held our side of the business!"

The pro-am event begins at 5 PM with the amateur portion followed by the pros.

Fox Weighs 157 For Battle in Queens!

Alantez Fox weighed in at 157 pounds for his six-round contest against Jonathan Garcia tonight at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.  Garcia tipped the scales at 156.

Weights From DC!

Here is the scale watch for the GFS Entertainment Promotions card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

Henry Buchanan 173 vs. Alexander Johnson 174

DeMarcus Corley 133 vs. Daniel Attah 135

Demond Nicholson 161 vs. Dennis Sharpe 163

Jarrett Hurd 154 vs. Damon Antoine (will weigh in on Saturday)

Jeff Lacy 178 vs. Rayco Saunders 174

Hector Camacho, Jr.'s bout with Ryan Davis has been scratched.

The card is a pro-am with the amateurs slated to begin at 5 PM and the pros scheduled to start at 7 PM.

Jeter To Face Lange in Rematch November 15 At The Patriot Center!

Before their first bout, there was a lot of conversation as they are two of the most popular boxers in the Beltway region.  The conclusion of the contest was one of the most controversial in recent Beltway Boxing history.

On Saturday, November 15, they get to do it all over again.

Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will battle Jimmy Lange of Great Falls, VA in a rematch at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.  The 10-round contest will be for the vacant NABA US Middleweight title, which may mean a bump in the WBA world rankings.

The first bout between these Beltway fan favorites took place at the Patriot Center on October 27, 2012. Jeter defeated Lange by 10-round split decision despite losing four points on the scorecards because of infractions during the bout.  The bout cemented an exciting 2012 for Jeter culminating in being named Beltway Boxer of the Year by this site.

Jeter, who walked into the ring in October 2012 as the WBC Fecarbox champion, parlayed the win over Lange and received a bigger payday as he faced Patrick Nielsen in Nielsen's home country of Denmark on February 15.  Jeter (17-4-1, 12 KO's) was stopped in the second round.  Jeter, who won his last bout by first-round TKO on April 26 in Annandale, VA, still is ranked in the World Boxing Council rankings at number 19.

Conversely, Lange (38-5-2, 25 KO's) has not fought since the first Jeter contest as he has been nursing injuries.  Lange had two surgeries in 2013 to repair badly torn ligaments in his left elbow.  This will be the 16th card that Lange has headlined at the Patriot Center.

Here's what the two men had to say about the rematch:

Tony Jeter:  “It’s Tony Jeter versus Jimmy Lange again in what we’re calling ‘The Rematch. I’m a little surprised that Jimmy wants to get back in the ring with me after the beating he suffered in our first fight. I’m very respectful of Jimmy and what he’s done in the past, and I even have to say I like Jimmy.  However, on November 15th we are not friends, he will be my enemy, and my intention is to win even more convincingly than I did in 2012.  I am training hard and will be ready to put on a great show for all the fans.  I am looking to pick up in the first round of this fight right where I left off in the 10th round of our first fight. ”

Jimmy Lange: “I'm looking forward to this fight more than any in my career.  I’m offering no excuses for losing last time because excuses are not my style.  I’m training very hard for the rematch and I’m doing it my way.  I’m excited to return to the ring and thankful that Tony has offered me this opportunity for a rematch."

So far, all we know about the undercard  at this early date is that WBA Women's Welterweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson is slated to participate.  Nelson, by the way, is still headlining the Ponytail Promotions card on Saturday, September 27 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Beltway Legends Come Together to Kick Off Championship Weekend!

A large contingent of Beltway Boxing legends came together and were honored tonight at Ben's Chili Bowl in Northwest DC.

A number of local dignitaries including former DC Mayor Marion Barry, Ward 1 Councilmember Jim Graham, current DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chair Scottie Irving and former commission chair Cora Masters Barry all honored the past boxing champions as the "DMV Honors" weekend that will culminate in the GFS Entertainment Promotions card on Saturday, September 20 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

And the boxers were the real stars of the evening.  Here's who was in attendance:

Three-time WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy

Two-time WBA Junior Welterweight champion "Little Big Man" Sharmba Mitchell

Two-time WBC Middleweight champion Keith Holmes

Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion who will be fighting on Saturday's card, DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley

Former women's world champion Lisa "Too Fierce" Foster Cohen

DC-born former undisputed world middleweight champion Ronald "Winky" Wright

Former NABF Welterweight titleholder Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley

Former USBA and NABF Junior Welterweight champ Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson

Former USBA Welterweight champ Teddy "Two-Gun" Reid

Former WBC Continental Americas Bantamweight champ Jamal "The Bodysnatcher" Hinton

Maryland State Welterweight champ Curtis "Dynamite" Peoples

Former heavyweight contender Melvin "Top Gun" Foster

Former middleweight contender Percy "No Mercy" Harris

Virginia State Junior Welterweight champ Anthony "Da Beast" Suggs

Former welterweight contender "Dangerous D" Darryl Lattimore

On a personal note:  This was the first time in a long while that I had a chance to see all of those boxers in one setting.  I can't
accurately describe to you the flood of memories coming from chronicling all of their exploits at one time or another.  With my TV shows like Friday Night At The Fieldhouse and Boxing Spotlight, I had the honor of calling many of these competitors's bout and many were legendary.

Speaking of legendary, two other, more current boxers were in attendance tonight and introduced to the crowd -- Tony Jeter and Jimmy Lange.  They were there to talk about something that may add to the historic legacy of Beltway Boxing.  That info comes in our next post.

Thompson Faces Solis In Rematch October 18 In Germany!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson will try to make it two straight victories over Cuban Odlander Solis when the two meet on Saturday, October 18 in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Back on March 22, Thompson (39-5, 26 KO's) won a 12-round split decision over Solis (20-2, 13 KO's) for the vacant WBC International Heavyweight title in Tekirdag, Turkey  The rematch will be for another regional WBC title.

Thompson has had one bout since the first encounter with Solis, losing a 12-round unanimous decision to Carlos Takam on June 6 in France.  Solis has not fought since the Thompson bout.

A. Fox To Face Garcia September 20th in New York; Hurd Takes On Soto September 20th in DC!

Some updates on local boxers: Undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox returns to action on Saturday, September 20th when he takes on Jonathan Garcia of Aguada, Puerto Rico in a six-round contest at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

Fox (12-0-1, four KO's) battles for the first time in 2014 and will mark his first appearance as a DiBella Promotions signee with this bout.  Fox last fought in September of 2013 and won a six-round unanimous decision over Zain Shah.  Garcia (4-8, one KO) broke a five-bout losing streak by winning a six-round split decision over Robert Sockwell on June 20 in Scranton, PA.

There has been a change in "Swift" Jarrett Hurd's opponent for September 20th at the Washington Convention Center in DC.  Hurd (12-0, seven KO's) will now take on Eddie Soto of Pawtucket, RI in a six-round encounter.  Soto replaces Greensboro, NC's Steven Matthews.

Soto (12-8, four KO's) has lost eight straight after winning his first 12 and has been knocked out his last four contests.

Both opponents for the Beltway Boxers have another common local opponent -- Dusty Hernandez Harrison.  Garcia lost a six-round unanimous decision to Harrison on April 12, 2013 in Dover, DE.  On May 18, 2013, Harrison stopped Soto in the fifth round at the University of the District of Columbia.

Harrison Suffers Ankle Injury; Sept 27 Bout In Jeopardy!

Undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison recently suffered an ankle injury in training that may postpone his Saturday, September 27th bout at Constitution Hall in DC.

Harrison was slated to battle Victor "Hurricane Munoz of  Albuquerque, NM for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title in the main event of the card.  Harrison's advisor, Jeff Fried tells BATB that an official decision on the bout will not be made before Friday, when Harrison is scheduled to have a doctor look at the ankle.

"Top priority is always Dusty's health and well being and we will know more tomorrow once we get together and receive medical guidance and see how Dusty is feeling," said Fried. "We will then make a collective decision on what is best."

Jackson, Brown Prepare For International Amateur Competition!

Two Beltway amateurs are preparing for some international competition in September.

Reigning 114-pound national champion Malik Jackson of DC will be a member of the Men's Elite US Boxing team when they travel to Kielce, Poland for the Leszek Drogosz Memorial Tournament September 15-20.  Teams from Europe, Asia and North America will participate.

On the women's side, current 125-pound world champion Tiara Brown of DC by way of Fort Myers, FL will join the US Women's team as they head to Guadalajara, Mexico for the 2014 Women's Continental Championships from September 23-28.  The US will face squads from North, Central and South America.

September 20th Card Coming Together!

The GFS Entertainment card for Saturday, September 20th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is coming together.

Right now, there are six bouts on the pro side of the card with four including Beltway Boxers.  We've already talked about (and you have been voting on) the eight-round light heavyweight matchup between Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan and Alexander "The Great" Johnson.

There is another all-Beltway battle -- this one between two DC veterans who, amazingly in their 18-year careers, have never fought each other.  Former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley will take on former world title contender Daniel "The Prophet" Attah in a 10-round lightweight battle.

Corley (41-22-1, 25 KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO over Dedrick Bell on August 22 in Tampa, FL.  Attah (28-18-1, 11 KO's) last fought on the Lamont Peterson-Dierry Jean card on January 25 at the DC Armory and dropped an eight-round unanimous decision to undefeated Robert Easter.  However, Attah was the first man to take Easter the distance in a bout.

Also on the card, undefeated Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will risk his perfect record against veteran Dennis Sharpe of Bayonne, NJ in a six-round contest.

Nicholson (9-0, nine KO's) ventured past the second round for the first time in his career and past the first round for the first time in eight bouts when he scored a fourth-round stoppage of Taneal Goyco on August 23 in Baltimore, MD.  Sharpe (17-12-4, four KO's) has fought some quality opponents in his 14-year career including, Pawel Wolak, Andy Lee, James McGirt, Jr., James Kirkland and Ronald Hearns.

Just added to the card is undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd who will battle fellow undefeated boxer Steven Matthews of Greensboro, NC in a six-round contest.  Hurd (12-0, seven KO's) is coming off a first-round TKO of Joshua Robertson on June 13 in Fort Washington, MD.  Matthews (4-0, two KO's) has scored back-to-back first-round knockouts in his last two contests.  This will be the first time going six rounds for Matthews and the first time competing away from his hometown.

As mentioned before, the two featured bouts include notable names Jeff "Left Hook" Lacy of St Petersburg, FL and Hector "Machito" Camacho, Jr. of Orlando, FL.  Former world champion Lacy (26-5, 18 KO's) will take on Rayco "War" Saunders of Pittsburgh, PA (23-24-2, 10 KO's) while Camacho (58-6-1, 32 KO's) faces "Dangerous" Ryan Davis of East St. Louis, IL (24-14-3, nine KO's).  Both bouts are scheduled for 10 rounds.

Arnold McKnight Invitational Comes To Southwest DC September 13!

The fourth annual Dr. Arnold W. McKnight Amateur Boxing Invitational, Kickboxing and MMA Exhibition Event will take place on Saturday, September 13 at noon at the King Greenleaf Recreation Center located at 201 N Street in Southwest DC.

The event is named after the longest-tenured chair of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission, Dr. McKnight, who was chair of the commission from 1993 until his passing in August of 2007.

Admission is free.  If you are an athlete planning to participate in the event, the weigh-in is at 9 AM.

Taylor Loses Tough Unanimous Decision to Broner in Cincinnati!

Despite a very valiant effort tonight at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH, Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Adrien "The Problem" Broner.

Taylor had a solid first half of the bout as he pressured Broner against the ropes and landed solid body shots and at times, beat the speedy former three-time world champion to the punch.

The second half of the contest proved to be more difficult for Taylor as Broner stepped up his game and found his distance, keeping Taylor at bay with long right jabs.  Taylor wouldn't wilt, though and stayed in the pocket throughout.  Broner was cut above the right eye, the first time he has ever received a cut in a pro contest.

In the final round, however, Taylor was tagged by a Broner left uppercut and dropped to the canvas with approximately 20 seconds to go in the round.  The knockout wasn't the difference in the contest, according to the scorecards (115-112, 116-111, 116-111) as the judges gave most of the final rounds to Broner.

Taylor put on an outstanding performance in an opponent's hometown and he has absolutely nothing to be ashamed of.

Taylor's record drops to 18-3, 12 KO's while Broner is now 29-1, 22 KO's.

Roach Wins Majority Decision In Cincinnati!

Lamont Roach, Jr. of Upper Marlboro has won a four-round majority decision over Rocco Espinoza of Las Vegas, NV tonight at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH.

Roach won by scores of 39-37 (twice) with one judge seeing a draw at 38-38.  Roach remains undefeated at 3-0, one KO while Espinoza's record drops to 4-9.

Later tonight, the main event between Emanuel Taylor and Adrien Broner.  That will be on Showtime.

September 12 Rosecroft Show Postponed!

The Keystone Boxing card slated for Friday, September 12 at Rosecroft Raceway has been postponed.  According to Keystone representatives, a number of the featured boxers suffered injuries in training and thought it was best to not force the show.

No word on the new date for the card.  Ticket buyers may receive a full refund for their tickets at the point of purchase.

Taylor Weighs 138 1/2; Roach Weighs 131 1/2 For Cincinnati Contests!

Beltway Boxers Emanuel Taylor and Lamont Roach, Jr. hit the scales today for their contests Saturday at the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH.

Taylor tipped the scales at 138 1/2 pounds for his 12-round junior welterweight contest against former three-time champion Adrien Broner.  Broner weighed in at the junior welterweight limit of 140.

Also, Roach and his opponent Rocco Espinoza, both weighed in at 131 1/2 for their four-round contest on the undercard.

Harrison To Throw First Pitch At Nationals-Marlins Game September 26!

This could be a regular happening.  First Mike Reed throws out the first pitch at the Bowie Baysox season finale last Sunday  Now comes word that Dusty Hernandez Harrison will throw out the first ball at the Washington Nationals-Miami Marlins game on Friday, September 26 at Nationals Park.

This will be a 1 PM game and will come a little more than 24 hours before Harrison is to step into the ring at Constitution Hall on Saturday, September 27.

Taylor, Broner Get Heated At Final Press Conference!

(Photo courtesy of Showtime/Golden Boy Promotions)

Things got a little testy between Emanuel Taylor and Adrien Broner during their final press conference today in Cincinnati before their contest Saturday at US Bank Arena.

Broner even put his hands around Taylor's throat while playing to the media in attendance.

Both men made final quotes.

Emanuel Taylor: “This fight can change my life. That’s how important it is. For the record, Broner – you’re not knocking me out. I’m not going to let a 135-pound fighter who’s been fighting midgets his whole career knock me out. It’s not happening. You say you’re going to knock me out? Don’t get tired trying to knock me out because that’s your (expletive). I’m not going to let anyone disrespect me. He’s all talk. I don’t really do much talking, but I have to stand up for myself and go back at him. I’m going to do what I have to do. He was saying, ‘I’m going to beat your (expletive), I’m going to beat your (expletive).’ Let me see it. Do it. This happens in boxing. Fighters get heated, words get exchanged. I’m definitely motivated to knock him out. He’s a slouch. I’m going to get in there and give him an (expletive) whooping. I’m going to do this in his hometown of Cincinnati. You’ll see.”

Adrien Broner: “I really don’t know how to say it. I could say it in English, I could say it in Bronish – I’m just going to kick your (expletive). You know you’re not going to win. He’s not coming to win; he’s just coming to not get stopped. I’m going to stop this guy. He’s shaking right now. He already knows what’s up.


“This isn’t a joke. There should be three winners on Saturday: two ABs (Adrien Broner and Andre Berto) and then my next opponent, Lucas Matthysse. That’s what’s happening. He knows what he’s in for. Everybody knows what they’re in for when they fight a guy like me. But, at the end of the day, I’m going to be victorious. He didn’t get under my skin, but he invaded my space. I’m a man and you have to respect me. I’ve been motivated to knock him out since this fight was announced. I’m at home, this is my homecoming. This is what I do at home.”

The 12-round contest will be the main event of the Showtime tripleheader that begins at 9:30 PM ET.

Dezurn Signs With GH3 Promotions!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Undefeated Baltimore, MD super bantamweight Glenn Dezurn, Jr. has signed a promotional contract with GH3 Promotions of Nutley, NJ.

Dezurn (4-0, three KO's) is coming off a first-round TKO over Andre Canada on July 25 in Verona, NY.  GH3's president, Vito Mielnicki is very impressed with his new signee.

"Glenn is a very good prospect," Mielnicki said in a press release.  "It is rare to find a kid like him in the lower weights on the east coast.  He has a good pedigree and he can punch.  We are really excited to watch him progress into a championship caliber fighter."

Dezurn joins fellow Beltway Boxers Antoine Douglas and Jerry Odom in the GH3 camp.  Dezurn is tentatively slated to be on the Keystone Boxing card on Friday, September 12 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  Dezurn will join Douglas and Odom on a GH3 Promotions card in Somerset, NJ on Friday, October 24.

Mitchell Hosts Symposium September 27 At Washington Convention Center!

Saturday, September 27 is turning out to be a huge boxing day in the Beltway region.  We've already talked about the two cards in the area -- at Constitution Hall in DC and at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

September 27 is also the weekend of the Congressional Black Caucus and as part of that weekend, there will be a special Sports Symposium that will be held at the Washington Convention Center, West Salon, Room G that will begin at 11 AM.  The symposium will look at life "Beyond The Ring" and will focus on topics like education, health and wellness and bullying.

The host of the symposium will be former WBA Junior Welterweight champion "Little Big Man" Sharmba Mitchell. Joining Mitchell on the panel are fellow world champions Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson and Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway along with fellow Beltway legends Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley and Anthony "Da Beast" Suggs.

This is a free event and youth groups are encouraged to attend.  For more information, call 301-821-0410.

Reed Throws Strike At Prince George's Stadium!

(Photos courtesy of Team Reed and Ross Molovinsky)

Undefeated Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed threw out the first pitch at Sunday's Bowie Baysox baseball game at Prince George's Stadium.

Reed, who is promoted by Top Rank Promotions, used the opportunity to promote his October 4th bout at Bally's in Atlantic City.  No word yet on who Reed's opponent will be.

 "Thank you to the Baysox for inviting me to throw the ceremonial first pitch, and for helping promote my upcoming fight on October 4 in Atlantic City" Reed said in a statement.  "It was a great experience, and it was great meeting the players, staff, and all the fans at the game. I'm looking forward to returning next season. I am also happy to say that my pitch was thrown accurately, and over the plate!"

Reed also signed autographs during the game in which the Baysox came from behind to defeat the Altoona Curve, 8-7.