The Beltway region will send 21 boxers to the 2015 National Silver Gloves championships February 5-7 in Independence, MO.
Here is the list:
8-9, 60 Pounds: Musa Robinson
8-9, 85 Pounds: Thomas Coe
10-11, 60 Pounds: Jordan Roach
10-11, 65 Pounds: Lonzo Malcolm
10-11, 70 Pounds: Tyreek Williams
10-11, 95 Pounds: Jalil Hackett
10-11, 100 Pounds: Lawrence Malcolm
10-11, 105 Pounds: Ishawn Nelson
12-13, 70 Pounds: Ragahleak Bartee
12-13, 85 Pounds: Ervin Canlas
12-13, 90 Pounds: Keshawn Bagwell
12-13, 95 Pounds: Ibrahim Robinson
12-13, 100 Pounds: Osei Akineyeze
12-13, 106 Pounds: Stacey Selby
12-13, 119 Pounds: Edwin Angel
12-13, 147 Pounds: Michael Tymas III
14-15, 90 Pounds: Kevon Cooke
14-15, 139 Pounds: Nashid Smith
14-15, 147 Pounds: Lorenzo Simpson
14-15, 156 Pounds: Mansabory Conde
14-15, 165 Pounds: Devonte Warren
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Antonio Russell Wins Pro Debut With Second-Round Knockout!
We are learning that Capitol Heights, MD super flyweight Antonio Russell has won his pro debut tonight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
Russell stopped his opponent, Harold Reyes of Puerto Rico (1-2) at 2:10 of the second round. Russell used a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook to finish Reyes off.
Russell stopped his opponent, Harold Reyes of Puerto Rico (1-2) at 2:10 of the second round. Russell used a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook to finish Reyes off.
Pryor Drops Unanimous Decision At Foxwoods!
Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor lost a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Charles Foster of New Haven, CT Friday night at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.
Pryor lost by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55. Pryor's record falls below .500 at 9-10, three KO's. Foster is now 7-0, three KO's.
Pryor lost by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55. Pryor's record falls below .500 at 9-10, three KO's. Foster is now 7-0, three KO's.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Antonio Russell Weighs 116 For Pro Debut In Philadelphia!
(Courtesy of Antonio Russell's Facebook Page)
Antonio Russell (left) tipped the scales at 116 pounds for his pro debut Saturday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Late sub opponent Harold Reyes of Puerto Rico (1-1) weighed in at 120 pounds.
Pryor Weighs 176 For Foxwoods Battle!
Larry Pryor weighed 176 for his six-round bout tonight at the Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT. Pryor's opponent, Charles Foster, tipped the scales at 173. No word on whether Pryor's bout will make tonight's ESPN2 telecast.
Cedric Kushner, Noted Boxing Promoter, Passes!
Another one of the good people in the sport of boxing has left us. Legendary boxing promoter Cedric Kushner passed away from a heart attack on January 29. Mr. Kushner was 66.
Mr. Kushner, a native of South Africa, began business life as a very successful concert promoter, working for such successful acts as Fleetwood Mac, Journey and The Rolling Stones. Once he made the transition to boxing, he continued to have success, especially promoting in the heavyweight division. Mr. Kushner created the "Heavyweight Explosion" series and the "Thunderbox Fistful of Dollars" tournament.
The Thunderbox series was one of Mr. Kushner's connections to the Beltway region. DC heavyweight Tony Thompson made it to the finals of the tournament, losing by decision to Maurice Harris. The ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones and the blow-by-blow announcer for the tourney was the current play-by-play announcer for the Washington Pro Football Team, Larry Michael.
Mr. Kushner also promoted two of the Beltway's all-time greats. One was three-time world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson. Kushner gave the go-ahead for Johnson to make his first IBF Flyweight title defense in Washington, DC in February of 1998 at the DC Armory. Johnson took a $30,000 hit in his purse to have the bout held at the Armory and Mr. Kushner really didn't think the card (which was televised by ESPN2) would do well. The card, however, drew a raucous crowd of 10,000 as Johnson knocked out Arthur Johnson in the first round.
Mr. Kushner was the promoter of record of undisputed world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman when he pulled off one of the great upsets in boxing history, his knockout of Lennox Lewis in April of 2001. Mr. Kushner was about to sign Rahman to a contract extension, however, Don King came in and signed Rahman.
Also, Mr. Kushner gave this reporter one of the first interviews he ever had with a major league boxing promoter. I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Kushner during his time with Johnson for the "Boxing Spotlight" program. I have never forgotten that Hitchcock-like voice of his and also how incredibly generous he was with his time.
Cedric Kushner was an exceptional figure in the boxing business and he will truly be missed.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Beltway Female Boxing History On March 20 In Woodlawn, MD; Three Title Bouts To Be Held!
Undefeated five-time world champion and two-time Beltway Boxer of the Year Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will move to the super welterweight division and challenge Kita Watkins of Tyler, TX for the vacant UBF (Universal Boxing Federation) title.
The last bout for both Nelson (13-0-3, one KO) and Watkins (7-11, one KO) came against the same boxer -- Victoria Cisneros. Nelson was dominant against Cisneros on November 15, winning a 10-round unanimous decision shutout at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Watkins has not fought since losing a six-round unanimous decision to Cisneros in June of 2013 in Albuquerque, NM. The two ladies share other common opponents -- Nicole Woods (win for Nelson, two losses for Watkins) Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (win for Nelson, loss for Watkins and Shelley Seivert (win and a draw for Nelson, loss for Watkins).
The second title fight has undefeated DC flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas battling Chantel "Gorgeous Babe" Cordova of Pueblo, CO for the vacant UBF Flyweight title.
This bout means that Douglas (8-0, three KO's) will move back to her normal weight after moving up two weight classes to capture the WIBA and UBF Bantamweight titles in her last outing. Douglas won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Ruiz on November 13 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD. Cordova (13-6-2, three KO's) will be the most experienced foe Douglas has faced. Cordova is a former NABF titleholder who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Noemi Bosques on December 13 in Tampa, FL.
Title bout number three will mark the return of WBF Super Bantamweight champion "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas of Manassas, VA. Salinas (15-3, four KO's) will be in a 10-round rematch with "Non-Stop" Angel Gladney of South Carolina (8-10-1, six KO's) for the vacant UBF Super Bantamweight championship.
Salinas has not fought since winning the WBF Super Bantamweight championship in November 2013 defeating Yolis Marrugo Franco in Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Bolivia. During her time off, Salinas has become a well-known name and face in the Spanish-language media, making numerous television appearances and appearing in advertisements. Gladney has competed in two title bouts in her last three appearances, losing both bouts to noted boxers Shelly Vincent and Maureen Shea. Salinas and Gladney met in a five-round contest won by Salinas in July of 2012 in Charlotte, NC.
The card features a number of male Beltway Boxers including Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson, Travis "Seveer" Reeves and Devar "The Warrior" Ferhadi. We'll tell you about their bouts a little later this week.
Golden Gloves Time Drawing Near; Registration And Physicals Are On January 31!
The 2015 Washington Golden Gloves are just around the corner as the Beltway goes for its sixth consecutive year that a local boxer has brought home a national title.
We will give you the dates for the entire series at a later date. However, this note for coaches and boxers -- Registration and physicals will take place on Saturday, January 31 at the Hillcrest Heights Bingo Hall located on 4104 23rd Parkway in Hillcrest Heights, MD. This event goes from 9 AM to noon. Officials ask that you be prompt for this important date.
We will give you the dates for the entire series at a later date. However, this note for coaches and boxers -- Registration and physicals will take place on Saturday, January 31 at the Hillcrest Heights Bingo Hall located on 4104 23rd Parkway in Hillcrest Heights, MD. This event goes from 9 AM to noon. Officials ask that you be prompt for this important date.
Monday, January 26, 2015
Beltway Boxers Travel At End Of January!
Two Beltway Boxers will be traveling at the end of January for some important bouts.
On Friday, January 30, Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor will try to keep his two-bout winning streak alive when he faces undefeated Charles Foster of New Haven, CT in a six-round contest at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT. Pryor (9-9, five KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Rayco Saunders on October 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. Foster (6-0, three KO's) scored a first-round TKO over the debuting Robert Jackson on September 20 at Foxwoods.
On Saturday, January 31, Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell is slated to make his pro debut in Philadelphia, PA at the 2300 Arena. Russell will battle Gabriel Braxton of Atlanta, GA. Braxton (2-7, one KO) broke a five-bout losing streak with a third-round TKO over Maurice Adams, Jr. on January 17 at the Washington Convention Center.
Also, Malik Hawkins's bout at the 2300 Arena last Saturday was cancelled at the last minute when his opponent failed a pre-fight physical.
On Friday, January 30, Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor will try to keep his two-bout winning streak alive when he faces undefeated Charles Foster of New Haven, CT in a six-round contest at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT. Pryor (9-9, five KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Rayco Saunders on October 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC. Foster (6-0, three KO's) scored a first-round TKO over the debuting Robert Jackson on September 20 at Foxwoods.
On Saturday, January 31, Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell is slated to make his pro debut in Philadelphia, PA at the 2300 Arena. Russell will battle Gabriel Braxton of Atlanta, GA. Braxton (2-7, one KO) broke a five-bout losing streak with a third-round TKO over Maurice Adams, Jr. on January 17 at the Washington Convention Center.
Also, Malik Hawkins's bout at the 2300 Arena last Saturday was cancelled at the last minute when his opponent failed a pre-fight physical.
Saturday, January 24, 2015
Crews, Brown Capture USA National Championship Titles!
Franchon Crews and Tiara Brown have won championships at the USA Boxing Elite National Championships in Spokane, WA today.
Crews captured the title at 178 pounds with a unanimous decision over Heidi Henriksen of St. Louis Park, MN. Brown won the gold at 125 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards, MA. Congratulations to both ladies!
Crews captured the title at 178 pounds with a unanimous decision over Heidi Henriksen of St. Louis Park, MN. Brown won the gold at 125 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards, MA. Congratulations to both ladies!
Cummings Falls In Second In Colorado!
Cory "Black Ice" Cummings was stopped in the second round tonight at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO by undefeated Ukranian Oleksander "The Nail" Gvozdyk.
Gvozdyk dropped Cummings three times in the second before the bout was stopped at 1:10. Cummings's record falls to 18-8-1, 13 KO's. Gvozdyk is now 5-0, four KO's.
Gvozdyk dropped Cummings three times in the second before the bout was stopped at 1:10. Cummings's record falls to 18-8-1, 13 KO's. Gvozdyk is now 5-0, four KO's.
Crews, Brown Head To Finals Of USA Nationals!
Two Beltway female amateurs have advanced to tonight's final of the USA Boxing Elite National Championships in Spokane, WA.
Hyattsville, MD featherweight Tiara Brown moved into the championship of the 125 Pound division with a unanimous decision over Indeya Smith of Grand Prairie, TX. Brown will take on Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards Bay, MA.
Baltimore, MD light heavyweight Franchon Crews will be in the finals of the 178 Pound class. Crews advanced with a first-round TKO of Brooklyn, NY's Joy Rotstein. Crews will take on Heidi Henriksen of St. Paul, MN in the championship bout.
Hyattsville, MD featherweight Tiara Brown moved into the championship of the 125 Pound division with a unanimous decision over Indeya Smith of Grand Prairie, TX. Brown will take on Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards Bay, MA.
Baltimore, MD light heavyweight Franchon Crews will be in the finals of the 178 Pound class. Crews advanced with a first-round TKO of Brooklyn, NY's Joy Rotstein. Crews will take on Heidi Henriksen of St. Paul, MN in the championship bout.
Cummings Hits Scales In Colorado; Hawkins Does the Same in New Jersey!
Two Baltimore boxers weighed in for bouts that will take place tonight.
Light heavyweight Cory "Black Ice" Cummings weighed in at 174 for his eight-round contest against undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk of the Ukraine at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO. Gvozdyk tipped the scales at 175.
Cummings (18-7-1, 13 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Yusef Mack on October 25 in North Bergen, NJ. Gvozdyk (4-0, three KO's) stopped Otis Griffin in the sixth round on November 15 in San Antonio, TX. This bout is on the undercard of the Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado contest.
In Pennsauken, NJ, junior welterweight Malik Hawkins weighed in at 141 for his four-round contest against Josue Rivera at the GPG Event Center. Rivera also weighed 141.
Light heavyweight Cory "Black Ice" Cummings weighed in at 174 for his eight-round contest against undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk of the Ukraine at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO. Gvozdyk tipped the scales at 175.
Cummings (18-7-1, 13 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Yusef Mack on October 25 in North Bergen, NJ. Gvozdyk (4-0, three KO's) stopped Otis Griffin in the sixth round on November 15 in San Antonio, TX. This bout is on the undercard of the Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado contest.
In Pennsauken, NJ, junior welterweight Malik Hawkins weighed in at 141 for his four-round contest against Josue Rivera at the GPG Event Center. Rivera also weighed 141.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Amateur Boxing At Michael's Eighth Avenue Friday Night!
Amateur boxing comes back to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on Friday night, January 23. The card begins at 8 PM.
The featured bout has Baltimore heavyweight Sam Crossed taking on Jeff Knight of Glen Burnie. Crossed had a very quick knockout of four seconds in August of 2013. Crossed replaces Joey Veazey in the main event. Veazey suffered an injury in training.
Also on the card, Albert Burris of Baltimore takes on Lamont White in a rematch at 154 pounds. Burris won the first bout back in December.
Tickets are $30 for general admission and $35 at the door. Call 410-375-9175 for more information.
The featured bout has Baltimore heavyweight Sam Crossed taking on Jeff Knight of Glen Burnie. Crossed had a very quick knockout of four seconds in August of 2013. Crossed replaces Joey Veazey in the main event. Veazey suffered an injury in training.
Also on the card, Albert Burris of Baltimore takes on Lamont White in a rematch at 154 pounds. Burris won the first bout back in December.
Tickets are $30 for general admission and $35 at the door. Call 410-375-9175 for more information.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Beltway Amateurs Off To A Tough Start At USA Nationals!
Beltway amateurs lost three bouts on the first day of competition at the USA Nationals in Spokane, WA.
Matthew Abregu of Leesburg, VA lost a 2-1 decision to Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA at 152 pounds. At the same weight class, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD fell by a 3-0 decision to Burim Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.
In the 141-Pound division, Eric Hernandez lost a 3-0 decision to Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.
No Beltway amateurs are in action today.
Matthew Abregu of Leesburg, VA lost a 2-1 decision to Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA at 152 pounds. At the same weight class, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD fell by a 3-0 decision to Burim Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.
In the 141-Pound division, Eric Hernandez lost a 3-0 decision to Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.
No Beltway amateurs are in action today.
Hawkins Competes In New Jersey January 24!
Baltimore, MD super lightweight Malik Hawkins competes for the second time as a pro on Saturday, January 24 at the GPG Event Center in Pennsauken, NJ.
The pro debut for Hawkins lasted just 16 seconds as he knocked out Terrell Coles on November 13 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. Hawkins will take on Josue "El Guerrero" Rivera of Philadelphia, PA (2-6, two KO's) in a four-round contest.
Rivera was stopped in the first round by Christian Molina on October 4 in Valley Forge, PA. Rivera has competed in DC twice, losing twice by knockout to Cornelius Whitlock and Moshea Aleem.
The pro debut for Hawkins lasted just 16 seconds as he knocked out Terrell Coles on November 13 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore. Hawkins will take on Josue "El Guerrero" Rivera of Philadelphia, PA (2-6, two KO's) in a four-round contest.
Rivera was stopped in the first round by Christian Molina on October 4 in Valley Forge, PA. Rivera has competed in DC twice, losing twice by knockout to Cornelius Whitlock and Moshea Aleem.
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Roach, Jr. Dominates En Route To Fourth-Round TKO!
Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. has started his second pro year in exceptional fashion stopping Herbert Quartey of Accra, Ghana at 2:34 of the fourth round at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The bout was shown nationally on Fox Sports 1.
Roach, Jr., the 2014 Beltway Boxing Rookie Of The Year, dropped Quartey, the cousin of former world champion Ike Quartey, with a right hand in the first round and maintained control throughout the contest. Roach eventually dropped Quartey two more times in the fourth round before the bout was stopped.
Roach, Jr. raises his record to 6-0, three KO's. Quartey, who was announced as being from Silver Spring, MD (we can't confirm that), is now 12-11, nine KO's.
Roach, Jr., the 2014 Beltway Boxing Rookie Of The Year, dropped Quartey, the cousin of former world champion Ike Quartey, with a right hand in the first round and maintained control throughout the contest. Roach eventually dropped Quartey two more times in the fourth round before the bout was stopped.
Roach, Jr. raises his record to 6-0, three KO's. Quartey, who was announced as being from Silver Spring, MD (we can't confirm that), is now 12-11, nine KO's.
Beltway Amateurs Begin Competition In USA Nationals!
A number of Beltway amateurs are in Spokane, WA for the USA National Championships. The first members of the contingent are in action today.
Eric Hernandez of Leesburg, VA begins action at 141 pounds when he squares off against Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.
Later tonight, Leesburg's Matthew Abregu will compete in the 152-Pound division against Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA. Also, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD will see action at 152 pounds against Burum Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.
Eric Hernandez of Leesburg, VA begins action at 141 pounds when he squares off against Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.
Later tonight, Leesburg's Matthew Abregu will compete in the 152-Pound division against Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA. Also, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD will see action at 152 pounds against Burum Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.
Roach Weighs 131 1/2 For Six-Round Nationally-Televised Bout in Philadelphia!
(Photo by Ross Molovinsky)
Lamont Roach, Jr. weighed 131 pounds for his first six-round contest tonight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. Roach's opponent, Herbert Quartey of Accra, Ghana, weighed in at 133 after originally weighing in at 134.
The bout will open the Fox Sports 1 telecast at 8 PM ET and is a part of the 50th birthday celebration of Bernard Hopkins.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Charlie Tuttle, Noted Amateur Boxer, Passes!
(photo courtesy of Beall Funeral Home website and the Tuttle Family)
The Beltway Boxing community is mourning the passing of a member of one of its first families. Charlie Tuttle passed away on January 13 at the age of 54.
Mr. Tuttle was a very successful amateur boxer who was inducted into the DC Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999. Mr. Tuttle's father, Truman, was a founding father of the Washington Golden Gloves tournament and his brother, Fred was also a great amateur and pro boxer.
For the last few years, Charlie helped out with the current crop of boxers during the tournament. You could see him moving all around the arena coordinating the order of boxers to compete, always with enthusiasm and a smile on his face. He was truly a nice man and will definitely be missed.
Charlie Tuttle's funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 20 at Beall Funeral Home located at 6512 NW Crain Highway in Bowie, MD. The visitation is from 10 AM to Noon and the service will begin at noon.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Irby Scores Second-Round Knockout In World Series Of Boxing Debut!
Oxon Hill, MD light welterweight Tyrek Irby made a very successful World Series of Boxing debut Saturday night in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Irby, who competes for the USA Knockouts team in the competition, scored a second-round TKO over Lucas Ivan Gimenez of the Argentina Condors. The Knockouts would win four of five bouts in the competition.
Irby hit Gimenez with two right hands followed by a left-right combination that sent Gimenez spiraling to the canvas. Gimenez was able to get up but the referee deemed him unfit to continue.
According to the World Series of Boxing schedule, the next time the Knockouts will be in action will be on February 7. There is video of Irby's win on the WSB website www.worldseriesboxing.com. You have to register for a subscription pass but the registration is free. Irby's bout is third on the list.
Irby, who competes for the USA Knockouts team in the competition, scored a second-round TKO over Lucas Ivan Gimenez of the Argentina Condors. The Knockouts would win four of five bouts in the competition.
Irby hit Gimenez with two right hands followed by a left-right combination that sent Gimenez spiraling to the canvas. Gimenez was able to get up but the referee deemed him unfit to continue.
According to the World Series of Boxing schedule, the next time the Knockouts will be in action will be on February 7. There is video of Irby's win on the WSB website www.worldseriesboxing.com. You have to register for a subscription pass but the registration is free. Irby's bout is third on the list.
Post-Fight From DC!
(photo by Wallace Barron)
Here is the first BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up of 2015 as Juan Marshall and I recap the Keystone Boxing card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The boxers performed in front of a sellout crowd of 1300. We also have some news we have yet to post on the blog on this podcast.
Saturday, January 17, 2015
Nicholson Stops Yusubov After One!
Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson bounced back very nicely from his first pro loss with an easy first-round stoppage of Rahman Yusubov. The bout was a battering as Yusubov had no answer for Nicholson's punishment. Yusubov could not come out for the second round.
Nicholson is now 11-1, 11 KO's. Yusubov falls to 12-20, 10 KO's.
Post-Fight coming up. Good night from DC!
Rivers Stops McIntyre In Three!
Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. scored a third-round TKO over Stephon McIntyre. Rivers used exceptional combinations to batter McIntyre until McIntyre's corner had the bout stopped at 1:59.
Rivers's record rises to 11-0, eight KO's. McIntyre is now 2-5-2.
Main event is next: Demond Nicholson looks to bounce back from his first pro loss as he faces Rahman Yusubov of Uzbekistan in a six-round middleweight contest.
Fox Captures Unanimous Decision!
Myke Fox showed a great jab and beautiful foot movement en route to his first six-round win as a pro. Fox won a unanimous decision over Luis Rodriguez.
The 6'4" Fox used his height well and doubled and tripled his jab throughout the bout. Fox took some shots from Rodriguez but Fox did enough to win the bout.
Fox is now 5-0, one KO while Rodriguez is 3-2, two KO's.
The co-feature is next: Kevin Rivers, Jr. battles Stephon McIntyre. Six rounds, featherweights.
Harris Dominates Lockhart In One!
Patrick Harris was in complete control over Sean Lockhart eventually stopping him at 2:59 of the first round.
Lockhart was nothing more than a moving punching bag for Harris as the young DC boxer landed crushing lefts and rights until Lockhart crumpled late in the round.
Harris is now 4-0, three KO's while Lockhart is 5-26-2, two KO's.
Next up: a six-round bout between Mike "The Professor" Fox and Luis "Yeye" Rodriguez of Carolina, Puerto Rico. Super lightweights.
Gaines Wins Unanimous Decision!
Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines made a successful return to action with a four-round unanimous decision over Arthur Parker.
Gaines used a good body attack to dominate a good portion of the action. Parker landed some good right hands of his own but not enough to keep Gaines at bay. Gaines won by scores of 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.
Gaines is now 5-2, one KO. Parker is 1-13-1, one KO.
Intermission time.
Quigley Stops Allen In Second Round Of Wild Bout!
Gerome Quigley has stopped Norman Allen in the second round, but it wasn't easy.
In the first round, Quigley looked to be in control of the bout. However, Quigley walked right into an Allen counter right hand and was dropped. However, Quigley went back to work and knocked down Allen three times with hard right hands. There is no three-knockdown rule in DC, so Allen lasted until the second round.
Not very long, though. Just 19 seconds into the second, Quigley landed another crushing right hand that sent Allen to the canvas for the final time.
Quigley is now 6-0, five KO's. Allen dropped to 6-12, three KO's.
Next: the return of Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines as he faces Arthur Parker of Lancaster, PA. Four rounds, featherweights.
Johns Wins Tough Four-Round Unanimous Decision!
"Monster" Marq Johns of Fort Washington, MD has won an early candidate for 2015 Bout Of The Year, defeating a very game Jaxel Marrero by four-round unanimous decision.
Marrero initiated the action in the first round, landing some solid right hands. Johns came back in the second using a strong left jab to set up his vicious overhand right. Eventually, Marrero's left eye started to close. Marrero lost two points for holding and lost by identical scores of 39-35. Johns is now 5-0-1, four KO's. Marrero is 1-4-1.
Next up: The all-Beltway contest between Gerome Quigley of Montgomery Village, MD and Laurel, MD's Norman "The Shadow" Allen. Four rounds, Welterweights.
Wright Stopped At End Of First By Mattice!
Tough start for locals tonight at the Washington Convention Center. Thomas Mattice of Cleveland, OH has knocked out Tyrone Wright at the end of the first round.
Mattice walked through Wright's shots to land many of his own. With seconds remaining in the round, Mattice landed a crisp, short right hand that dropped Wright in the middle of the ring. Wright couldn't beat referee Joe Cooper's count and the bout was stopped.
Wright is now 2-2 while Mattice is 2-0, two KO's.
Next up, "Monster" Marq Johns takes on Jaxel Marrero of Puerto Rico. Four rounds, super bantamweights.
Adams Stopped By Braxton In Third!
Gabriel Braxton has stopped Maurice "Moe" Adams, Jr. in the third round. Adams got off to a good start in the first, landing hard shots to Braxton's body. However, Braxton came back and went toe-to-toe with Adams and ended up cutting Adams along the right side of his face.
By the third round, Adams had worn down to the point where he couldn't defend himself. Adams's corner stopped the bout at 1:36.
Adams's record evens at 1-1 while Braxton is now 2-7, one KO.
Next up, Tyrone "Showtime" Wright battles Thomas "Gunna Man" Mattice of Cleveland, OH. Four rounds, lightweights.
Good Evening From DC!
Hi again everyone from the Washington Convention Center in DC for our first pro card of the year. We are just getting started as Maurice "Mighty Mo" Adams, Jr. taking on Gabriel "Mr. G" Braxton of Atlanta, GA. Four rounds, bantamweights.
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Fighter Of The Year!
We come now to our final award -- The Beltway Boxing Fighter Of The Year for 2014!
This year's winner fought five times, four of the bouts were world title contests. Our winner started the year by defeating a legend, fought on the Card Of The Year and one of the honorable mention cards. One of the bouts landed among the best of the year and our winner ended the year by fighting twice in a nine-day period and both of those bouts were complete and utter shutouts.
Our winner is the first Beltway Boxer to win this award in consecutive years. This year, she has the award all to herself.
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Fighter of the Year is:
Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson (13-0-3, one KO), welterweight, WIBA Welterweight champion, Ashburn, VA
Nelson had a remarkable year in 2014, winning five contests. Nelson's year started by overpowering the legendary Mia St. John on May 17 in Annandale, VA stopping her in the second round for the first of Nelson's four defenses of her WIBA Welterweight title.
Nelson would compete in two very tough title defenses in her next bouts. On June 28 in Baltimore, MD, Nelson faced Nicole Woods. Although Nelson had difficulties with Woods's unorthodox style, she managed to win a 10-round unanimous decision by landing strong left hands and a fierce uppercut. Arlene Blencowe proved to be Nelson's toughest opponent as she tested Nelson like no other on September 27 in Springfield, VA. Nelson would manage to win a split decision. This bout would also be the last time Nelson would lose a round in 2014.
Nelson would end the year pitching back-to-back shutouts in a nine day period. Nelson would have an easy time with Lucretia Markham on November 6 in Cockeysville, MD winning a four-round unanimous decision in a non-title contest. Then on November 15 in Fairfax, VA, Nelson would make the fourth defense of her title dominating Victoria Cisneros over 10-rounds en route to a unanimous decision.
This would also be a great year for the Nelson camp as both Nelson and manager James Hogan would be honored by the WIBA as Boxer and Manager of the Year.
Honorable Mention (In alphabetical order):
Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas (8-0, three KO's), WIBA Bantamweight Champion, Washington, DC
Douglas had a solid year of advancement in 2014. Douglas started her year on June 28 in Baltimore, MD with a six-round unanimous decision over Christina Fuentes. Douglas would follow up with two knockouts over two very overmatched opponents, showing that she was on a championship level.
Douglas would get to prove that on November 13 in Baltimore when she captured the WIBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Ruiz. Douglas, normally a flyweight, would move up two weight classes to win the title.
Tony "Mo Better" Jeter (19-4-1, 13 KO's), WBC Fecarbox Middleweight champion/NABA USA Middleweight champion, Stevensville, MD
Jeter had a promising start to 2014 with an opportunity to face Patrick Nielsen in Denmark for the WBC Silver Middleweight title. However, February 15 didn't not go well for Jeter as Nielsen stopped him in the second round.
Jeter would return home and would defend his WBC Fecarbox title on April 26 with a first-round knockout of Guillermo Valdes in Springfield, VA. Then would come Jeter's best performance of the year as he defeated Jimmy Lange for the second time on November 15 in Fairfax, VA in what would be the Beltway Boxing Bout Of The Year. Jeter would end the year with a first-round knockout of James Wayka on December 6 in Springfield. Jeter pulled off a triple threat in two of his bouts as he served as boxer, promoter and matchmaker for those cards.
Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KO's), IBF Super Lightweight champion, Washington, DC
There were many questions about Peterson after his crushing fifth-round knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse in May of 2013. The loss was a non-title affair so Peterson was still in possession of his title. Peterson would defend his belt against the mandatory number one challenger, Dierry Jean of Montreal, Canada in front of his home fans on January 25 at the DC Armory. Peterson would answer his critics by winning a unanimous decision.
In his only other contest, Peterson would defend his title for a second time with a 10th round TKO of Edgar Santana on August 9 in Brooklyn, NY. That win now has a little more meaning as it sets him up for his April bout this year against Danny Garcia.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
2011: Lamont Peterson
2012: Tony Jeter
2013: Phil Jackson Benson/Tori Nelson
Those are our award winners for 2014. Again, what a great year it was! We thank all of you for your support and we look for an even better year in 2015!
This year's winner fought five times, four of the bouts were world title contests. Our winner started the year by defeating a legend, fought on the Card Of The Year and one of the honorable mention cards. One of the bouts landed among the best of the year and our winner ended the year by fighting twice in a nine-day period and both of those bouts were complete and utter shutouts.
Our winner is the first Beltway Boxer to win this award in consecutive years. This year, she has the award all to herself.
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Fighter of the Year is:
Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson (13-0-3, one KO), welterweight, WIBA Welterweight champion, Ashburn, VA
Nelson had a remarkable year in 2014, winning five contests. Nelson's year started by overpowering the legendary Mia St. John on May 17 in Annandale, VA stopping her in the second round for the first of Nelson's four defenses of her WIBA Welterweight title.
Nelson would compete in two very tough title defenses in her next bouts. On June 28 in Baltimore, MD, Nelson faced Nicole Woods. Although Nelson had difficulties with Woods's unorthodox style, she managed to win a 10-round unanimous decision by landing strong left hands and a fierce uppercut. Arlene Blencowe proved to be Nelson's toughest opponent as she tested Nelson like no other on September 27 in Springfield, VA. Nelson would manage to win a split decision. This bout would also be the last time Nelson would lose a round in 2014.
Nelson would end the year pitching back-to-back shutouts in a nine day period. Nelson would have an easy time with Lucretia Markham on November 6 in Cockeysville, MD winning a four-round unanimous decision in a non-title contest. Then on November 15 in Fairfax, VA, Nelson would make the fourth defense of her title dominating Victoria Cisneros over 10-rounds en route to a unanimous decision.
This would also be a great year for the Nelson camp as both Nelson and manager James Hogan would be honored by the WIBA as Boxer and Manager of the Year.
Honorable Mention (In alphabetical order):
Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas (8-0, three KO's), WIBA Bantamweight Champion, Washington, DC
Douglas had a solid year of advancement in 2014. Douglas started her year on June 28 in Baltimore, MD with a six-round unanimous decision over Christina Fuentes. Douglas would follow up with two knockouts over two very overmatched opponents, showing that she was on a championship level.
Douglas would get to prove that on November 13 in Baltimore when she captured the WIBA Bantamweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Ruiz. Douglas, normally a flyweight, would move up two weight classes to win the title.
Tony "Mo Better" Jeter (19-4-1, 13 KO's), WBC Fecarbox Middleweight champion/NABA USA Middleweight champion, Stevensville, MD
Jeter had a promising start to 2014 with an opportunity to face Patrick Nielsen in Denmark for the WBC Silver Middleweight title. However, February 15 didn't not go well for Jeter as Nielsen stopped him in the second round.
Jeter would return home and would defend his WBC Fecarbox title on April 26 with a first-round knockout of Guillermo Valdes in Springfield, VA. Then would come Jeter's best performance of the year as he defeated Jimmy Lange for the second time on November 15 in Fairfax, VA in what would be the Beltway Boxing Bout Of The Year. Jeter would end the year with a first-round knockout of James Wayka on December 6 in Springfield. Jeter pulled off a triple threat in two of his bouts as he served as boxer, promoter and matchmaker for those cards.
Lamont Peterson (33-2-1, 17 KO's), IBF Super Lightweight champion, Washington, DC
There were many questions about Peterson after his crushing fifth-round knockout loss to Lucas Matthysse in May of 2013. The loss was a non-title affair so Peterson was still in possession of his title. Peterson would defend his belt against the mandatory number one challenger, Dierry Jean of Montreal, Canada in front of his home fans on January 25 at the DC Armory. Peterson would answer his critics by winning a unanimous decision.
In his only other contest, Peterson would defend his title for a second time with a 10th round TKO of Edgar Santana on August 9 in Brooklyn, NY. That win now has a little more meaning as it sets him up for his April bout this year against Danny Garcia.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
2011: Lamont Peterson
2012: Tony Jeter
2013: Phil Jackson Benson/Tori Nelson
Those are our award winners for 2014. Again, what a great year it was! We thank all of you for your support and we look for an even better year in 2015!
Weights From DC!
Here is the scale watch for tonight's Keystone Boxing card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:
Demond Nicholson 159 1/2 vs. Rahman Yusubov 159 3/4
Kevin Rivers, Jr. 127 /14 vs. Stephon McIntyre 125 1/2
Myke Fox 137 1/4 vs. Luis Rodriguez 138
Patrick Harris 135 1/4 vs. Sean Lockhart 138 3/4
Renaldo Gaines 126 vs. Arthur Parker 125 1/2
Gerome Quigley 150 vs. Norman Allen 145
Marq Johns 123 1/4 vs. Jaxel Marrero 122 1/2
Tyrone Wright 130 1/2 vs. Thomas Mattice 130 1/4
Maurice Adams, Jr. 117 1/2 vs. Gabriel Braxton 120
We will be blogging live from the card tonight.
Demond Nicholson 159 1/2 vs. Rahman Yusubov 159 3/4
Kevin Rivers, Jr. 127 /14 vs. Stephon McIntyre 125 1/2
Myke Fox 137 1/4 vs. Luis Rodriguez 138
Patrick Harris 135 1/4 vs. Sean Lockhart 138 3/4
Renaldo Gaines 126 vs. Arthur Parker 125 1/2
Gerome Quigley 150 vs. Norman Allen 145
Marq Johns 123 1/4 vs. Jaxel Marrero 122 1/2
Tyrone Wright 130 1/2 vs. Thomas Mattice 130 1/4
Maurice Adams, Jr. 117 1/2 vs. Gabriel Braxton 120
We will be blogging live from the card tonight.
Friday, January 16, 2015
Whitlock Stopped In Third In Verona; Yates Hits Weights In Uncasville!
Cornelius "Bodysnatcher" Whitlock of DC has been stopped in the third round by Philadelphia's Greg Jackson tonight at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
Whitlock looked to have won the bout with a crushing second-round knockdown of Jackson with an overhead right. However, Jackson recovered and came back in the third, pressuring Whitlock with solid shots until the bout was stopped.
Whitlock's record drops to 3-2-2, two KO's while Jackson is now 4-1-1, two KO's.
Meanwhile, DC light heavyweight Marcellus Yates weighed 178 pounds for his four-round contest against the debuting Meng Fenlong of Inner Mongolia, China at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Yates is 0-1, losing his pro debut via a four-round split decision to Mario Flores on October 24 in Fort Washington, MD.
Whitlock looked to have won the bout with a crushing second-round knockdown of Jackson with an overhead right. However, Jackson recovered and came back in the third, pressuring Whitlock with solid shots until the bout was stopped.
Whitlock's record drops to 3-2-2, two KO's while Jackson is now 4-1-1, two KO's.
Meanwhile, DC light heavyweight Marcellus Yates weighed 178 pounds for his four-round contest against the debuting Meng Fenlong of Inner Mongolia, China at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT. Yates is 0-1, losing his pro debut via a four-round split decision to Mario Flores on October 24 in Fort Washington, MD.
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Card Of The Year!
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Card Of The Year was not an easy choice. The winning card, however, had a great mixture of ingredients; local boxers being tested, solid knockouts and competitive bouts.
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Card Of The Year Took Place On:
July 18 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD -- Larry Recio vs. Grayson Blake, Demond Nicholson vs. Jess Noriega, Terron Grant vs. Jose Del Valle
This was a Keystone Boxing card where many local boxers on the card received their toughest test and they did it in front of a standing-room only card. The main event saw Larry Recio go the distance for the first time in his pro career winning a six-round unanimous decision over Grayson Blake. Terron Grant lost for the first time as he dropped a six-round split decision to Jose Del Valle.
The 2014 Knockout Of The Year was on this card as Marq Johns stopped Luis Hernandez as well as knockout wins for Demond Nicholson, Myke Fox and Patrick Harris, a split decision victory for Joshua Davis and majority decision wins for Stephon McDonald and Emmanuel Johnson.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
January 17 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD -- Mike Reed vs. Jorge Marquez, Jarrett Hurd vs. Chris Chatman, Marcus Bates vs. Stephon McIntyre
This was the first boxing card in the area in 2014 and this Keystone card set a nice bar for the rest of the year. Mike Reed stopped Jorge Marquez in the fifth round. Jarrett Hurd won a very tough six-round split decision over Chris Chatman. Marcus Bates and Stephon McIntyre battled to a tough four-round draw. Also, Immanuwel Aleem won a six-round unanimous decision and Recio and Johns landed solid knockouts while PJ Cajigas spoiled the debut of Demetrius Nolan.
September 21 at ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA -- Tori Nelson vs. Arlene Blencowe, Tyrieshia Douglas vs. Whitney Gunter, Travis Reeves vs. Ariel Espinal
This Ponytail Promotions card is on the list for the history it made. Not only were their two female title bouts but both bouts were officiated by an all-female crew -- Referee, all three judges and the acting commissioner for the bouts. Also, the main event -- Tori Nelson's WIBA Welterweight title bout against Arlene Blencowe -- was one of the best bouts of 2014. The other bouts had solid knockout performances from Tyrieshia Douglas (who won the USBU championship), Seth Billups, Travis Reeves and Alexandru Marin. Henry Goss went to a four-round draw with Anthony Dave.
November 15 at George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA -- Tony Jeter vs. Jimmy Lange, Tori Nelson vs. Victoria Cisneros
The rematch of the Tony Jeter vs. Jimmy Lange highlighted this card that had a number of young boxers put on good performances. Seth Billups, Alexandru Marin and Devar Ferhadi all scored knockouts on this card.
Previous Beltway Boxing Cards of the Year:
2006 -- December 9, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Jimmy Lange draws with Fontaine Cabell, Dean White defeats Dorin Spivey, JP Flaim of the Junkies loses against Jay Watts.)
2007 -- December 7, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD (Tim Coleman draws with Martinus Clay, Jessie Nicklow defeats Anthony Little and John Mackey defeats Tony Cygan) and August 3, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD (Pro-Am card -- Horace Grant over Mujaheed Moore, Thomas Snow knocks out Markel Muhammad, Seth Mitchell [his only amateur loss] falls to Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison also on the amateur portion.
2008 -- October 18, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA (John Mackey wins over Jesse Williams, Darrell Martin over Andre Nichols)
2009 -- September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD (Mark Tucker wins USBO title, Tyrell Samuel over Gustavo Dailey)
2010 -- March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD (Jessie Nicklow over Scott Sigmon, James Stevenson over George Rivera)
2011 – December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington DC (Lamont Peterson over Amir Khan for IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight title, Seth Mitchell over Timor Ibragimov)
2012 -- October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Tony Jeter over Jimmy Lange, Brandon Quarles draws with John Mackey)
2013 -- September 7 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD, (Phil Jackson Benson vs. Scott Sigmon, Alantez Fox vs. Zain Shah, Mike Reed vs. Rameses Gil)
Tomorrow: Our final award -- Beltway Boxer Of The Year!
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Card Of The Year Took Place On:
July 18 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD -- Larry Recio vs. Grayson Blake, Demond Nicholson vs. Jess Noriega, Terron Grant vs. Jose Del Valle
This was a Keystone Boxing card where many local boxers on the card received their toughest test and they did it in front of a standing-room only card. The main event saw Larry Recio go the distance for the first time in his pro career winning a six-round unanimous decision over Grayson Blake. Terron Grant lost for the first time as he dropped a six-round split decision to Jose Del Valle.
The 2014 Knockout Of The Year was on this card as Marq Johns stopped Luis Hernandez as well as knockout wins for Demond Nicholson, Myke Fox and Patrick Harris, a split decision victory for Joshua Davis and majority decision wins for Stephon McDonald and Emmanuel Johnson.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
January 17 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD -- Mike Reed vs. Jorge Marquez, Jarrett Hurd vs. Chris Chatman, Marcus Bates vs. Stephon McIntyre
This was the first boxing card in the area in 2014 and this Keystone card set a nice bar for the rest of the year. Mike Reed stopped Jorge Marquez in the fifth round. Jarrett Hurd won a very tough six-round split decision over Chris Chatman. Marcus Bates and Stephon McIntyre battled to a tough four-round draw. Also, Immanuwel Aleem won a six-round unanimous decision and Recio and Johns landed solid knockouts while PJ Cajigas spoiled the debut of Demetrius Nolan.
September 21 at ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA -- Tori Nelson vs. Arlene Blencowe, Tyrieshia Douglas vs. Whitney Gunter, Travis Reeves vs. Ariel Espinal
This Ponytail Promotions card is on the list for the history it made. Not only were their two female title bouts but both bouts were officiated by an all-female crew -- Referee, all three judges and the acting commissioner for the bouts. Also, the main event -- Tori Nelson's WIBA Welterweight title bout against Arlene Blencowe -- was one of the best bouts of 2014. The other bouts had solid knockout performances from Tyrieshia Douglas (who won the USBU championship), Seth Billups, Travis Reeves and Alexandru Marin. Henry Goss went to a four-round draw with Anthony Dave.
November 15 at George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA -- Tony Jeter vs. Jimmy Lange, Tori Nelson vs. Victoria Cisneros
The rematch of the Tony Jeter vs. Jimmy Lange highlighted this card that had a number of young boxers put on good performances. Seth Billups, Alexandru Marin and Devar Ferhadi all scored knockouts on this card.
Previous Beltway Boxing Cards of the Year:
2006 -- December 9, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Jimmy Lange draws with Fontaine Cabell, Dean White defeats Dorin Spivey, JP Flaim of the Junkies loses against Jay Watts.)
2007 -- December 7, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD (Tim Coleman draws with Martinus Clay, Jessie Nicklow defeats Anthony Little and John Mackey defeats Tony Cygan) and August 3, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD (Pro-Am card -- Horace Grant over Mujaheed Moore, Thomas Snow knocks out Markel Muhammad, Seth Mitchell [his only amateur loss] falls to Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison also on the amateur portion.
2008 -- October 18, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA (John Mackey wins over Jesse Williams, Darrell Martin over Andre Nichols)
2009 -- September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD (Mark Tucker wins USBO title, Tyrell Samuel over Gustavo Dailey)
2010 -- March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD (Jessie Nicklow over Scott Sigmon, James Stevenson over George Rivera)
2011 – December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington DC (Lamont Peterson over Amir Khan for IBF/WBA Junior Welterweight title, Seth Mitchell over Timor Ibragimov)
2012 -- October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Tony Jeter over Jimmy Lange, Brandon Quarles draws with John Mackey)
2013 -- September 7 at Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD, (Phil Jackson Benson vs. Scott Sigmon, Alantez Fox vs. Zain Shah, Mike Reed vs. Rameses Gil)
Tomorrow: Our final award -- Beltway Boxer Of The Year!
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Whitlock Weighs 145 For Four-Rounder In Verona, NY!
DC junior welterweight Cornelius Whitlock weighed 145 pounds for their four-round contest on Friday at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY. Whitlock's opponent ,Greg Jackson of Philadelphia, PA weighed in at 145 1/2 pounds.
Whitlock (3-1-2, two KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a four-round unanimous decision to Oscar Torres on May 23 at Turning Stone. The last bout for Jackson (3-1-1, one KO) ended in a technical draw on October 25 in North Bergen, NJ when a melee in the crowd stopped his contest with Juan Rodriguez, Jr. in the fourth round.
Due to a change in the card (Hank Lundy missed weight so his bout with Petr Petrov is off), Whitlock's bout will open the telecast at 9 PM ET on ESPN2.
Whitlock (3-1-2, two KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a four-round unanimous decision to Oscar Torres on May 23 at Turning Stone. The last bout for Jackson (3-1-1, one KO) ended in a technical draw on October 25 in North Bergen, NJ when a melee in the crowd stopped his contest with Juan Rodriguez, Jr. in the fourth round.
Due to a change in the card (Hank Lundy missed weight so his bout with Petr Petrov is off), Whitlock's bout will open the telecast at 9 PM ET on ESPN2.
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Bout Of The Year!
Unlike 2013 where the Beltway Bout Of The Year was a difficult choice, that wasn't the case in 2014. This year's winner had a good amount of pre-fight hype and the fact that the bout was a rematch that was more than two years in the making and the contest turned out to be a better bout than the first made this an easy choice.
The Beltway Boxing Bout Of The Year for 2014 is:
Tony Jeter Wins 10-Round Majority Decision Over Jimmy Lange, November 15, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
The first bout between the two Beltway fan favorites in October 2012 was a war that ended in some controversy. Jeter won that contest via split decision despite having four points deducted against him.
The rematch was also brutal. However, there were some subtle differences. Jeter used a great series of uppercuts and body shots to establish his gameplan. However, Lange, who had not fought since the last Jeter contest, moved better laterally in the rematch.
Jeter was very effective with his inside attack and kept Lange off balance. In the middle rounds, Lange came back strong and established his jab well. However, Jeter closed the show with nice combinations to win the bout and the NABA USA Middleweight title that went with it. This was rare in that the sequel was better than the original.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
Marcus Bates Four-Round Draw With Stephon McIntyre, January 17, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Bates faced adversity in this contest as McIntyre nailed him with a right hand in the second round. Bates recovered from the knockdown and both men traded solid shots until the bell.
Joshua Davis Six-Round Split Decision Win Over Joel Flores, March 7, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
This bout was a close one as both men landed some great shots. Davis might have received the win because he was able to knock Santiago down in the sixth round. The bout was a very impressive contest.
Tori Nelson 10-Round Split Decision Win Over Arlene Blencowe, September 27, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
This was the toughest title defense for Nelson, the WIBA Welterweight champion. Blencowe came all the way from New South Wales, Australia and came very close to bringing the belt back to her home country. Blencowe came out firing and rocked the champion in the first round. However, Nelson maintained her composure and landed enough blows throughout the contest to hold on to the title.
Previous BATB Bouts of the Year:
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2011: Lamont Peterson 12-round split decision over Amir Khan, December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
2012: Brandon Quarles D6 John Mackey, October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
2013: Mike Reed KO 6 over Rameses Gil, September 7, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing Card Of The Year!
The Beltway Boxing Bout Of The Year for 2014 is:
Tony Jeter Wins 10-Round Majority Decision Over Jimmy Lange, November 15, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
The first bout between the two Beltway fan favorites in October 2012 was a war that ended in some controversy. Jeter won that contest via split decision despite having four points deducted against him.
The rematch was also brutal. However, there were some subtle differences. Jeter used a great series of uppercuts and body shots to establish his gameplan. However, Lange, who had not fought since the last Jeter contest, moved better laterally in the rematch.
Jeter was very effective with his inside attack and kept Lange off balance. In the middle rounds, Lange came back strong and established his jab well. However, Jeter closed the show with nice combinations to win the bout and the NABA USA Middleweight title that went with it. This was rare in that the sequel was better than the original.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
Marcus Bates Four-Round Draw With Stephon McIntyre, January 17, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Bates faced adversity in this contest as McIntyre nailed him with a right hand in the second round. Bates recovered from the knockdown and both men traded solid shots until the bell.
Joshua Davis Six-Round Split Decision Win Over Joel Flores, March 7, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
This bout was a close one as both men landed some great shots. Davis might have received the win because he was able to knock Santiago down in the sixth round. The bout was a very impressive contest.
Tori Nelson 10-Round Split Decision Win Over Arlene Blencowe, September 27, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
This was the toughest title defense for Nelson, the WIBA Welterweight champion. Blencowe came all the way from New South Wales, Australia and came very close to bringing the belt back to her home country. Blencowe came out firing and rocked the champion in the first round. However, Nelson maintained her composure and landed enough blows throughout the contest to hold on to the title.
Previous BATB Bouts of the Year:
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2011: Lamont Peterson 12-round split decision over Amir Khan, December 10, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
2012: Brandon Quarles D6 John Mackey, October 27, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA
2013: Mike Reed KO 6 over Rameses Gil, September 7, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing Card Of The Year!
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Knockout Of The Year!
The category of Knockout Of The Year for 2014 was one of the closest of the year. There were a number of quality knockouts seen throughout the Beltway.
The choice for this year received the award because his opponent challenged him and he made him pay.
The Beltway Boxing Knockout Of The Year For 2014 is:
Marq Johns TKO 2 over Luis Hernandez, July 18, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Johns was in control of this contest after the first round as he landed some nice body shots. In the second round, Hernandez came back and landed some punches to Johns's head and then took a half step back, tapping his chest and feeling good about himself. Hernandez challenged Johns to come forward.
That was his mistake. Johns responded with a vicious right hand that leveled Hernandez and brought the sellout crowd to its feet. Hernandez was unfit to continue and the bout was stopped at 21 seconds of the second round.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
Larry Recio KO 1 over Jose Felix, April 12, Patapsco Arena, Baltimore, MD
"The Cuban Assassin" had a number of quality knockouts in 2014 but none more so than the first-round knockout over the veteran Felix. In the first minute of the round, Recio shot a straight right hand that dropped Felix to the canvas. In the last minute of the round, Recio sent the same punch crashing towards Felix, who crumpled back to the canvas. The bout was stopped at 2:49.
Demond Nicholson KO 1 over Lester Gonzalez, June 28, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
Nicholson landed some solid shots throughout the contest but Gonzalez looked like someone who would keep coming forward. However, he came forward right into Nicholson's left hand and was dropped for the count. The bout was stopped at 2:14 of the first.
Alexander Johnson KO 1 over Henry Buchanan, September 20, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
On paper, the matchup was supposed to be close. The bout was one everyone wanted to see -- an all-Beltway clash of light heavyweights. However, the bout didn't last long. Johnson sent a solid left hand to Buchanan's right jaw and sent him crashing to the canvas. The bout was over at 2:10 of the first round.
Mario Flores KO 1 over Christian Pittman, October 11, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
Early in the first round, Flores dropped Pittman with a solid right hand. Moments later, Flores used the same punch with the same result.
As soon as Pittman got up from the second knockdown, Flores came roaring out of the neutral corner, right hand cocked. Flores rushed over and fired the right hand landing flush on Pittman's jaw and knocking him out. The bout was immediately stopped at 1:51.
Mike Balogun KO 1 over Cody Troutman, December 6, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
The former University of Oklahoma linebacker needed just 11 seconds to knock out Troutman. Balogun threw two light punches to the midsection and then hurled an explosive overhand right that toppled Troutman onto his back. The bout was immediately stopped.
Previous BATB Knockouts of the Year:
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2011: Kevin Womack KO4 over Benjamin Olinga, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2012: Kevin Rivers KO1 over Bobby Wooten, November 3, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
2013: Jarrett Hurd KO2 over George Armenta, December 6, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing Bout of the Year!
The choice for this year received the award because his opponent challenged him and he made him pay.
The Beltway Boxing Knockout Of The Year For 2014 is:
Marq Johns TKO 2 over Luis Hernandez, July 18, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Johns was in control of this contest after the first round as he landed some nice body shots. In the second round, Hernandez came back and landed some punches to Johns's head and then took a half step back, tapping his chest and feeling good about himself. Hernandez challenged Johns to come forward.
That was his mistake. Johns responded with a vicious right hand that leveled Hernandez and brought the sellout crowd to its feet. Hernandez was unfit to continue and the bout was stopped at 21 seconds of the second round.
Honorable Mention (in chronological order):
Larry Recio KO 1 over Jose Felix, April 12, Patapsco Arena, Baltimore, MD
"The Cuban Assassin" had a number of quality knockouts in 2014 but none more so than the first-round knockout over the veteran Felix. In the first minute of the round, Recio shot a straight right hand that dropped Felix to the canvas. In the last minute of the round, Recio sent the same punch crashing towards Felix, who crumpled back to the canvas. The bout was stopped at 2:49.
Demond Nicholson KO 1 over Lester Gonzalez, June 28, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
Nicholson landed some solid shots throughout the contest but Gonzalez looked like someone who would keep coming forward. However, he came forward right into Nicholson's left hand and was dropped for the count. The bout was stopped at 2:14 of the first.
Alexander Johnson KO 1 over Henry Buchanan, September 20, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
On paper, the matchup was supposed to be close. The bout was one everyone wanted to see -- an all-Beltway clash of light heavyweights. However, the bout didn't last long. Johnson sent a solid left hand to Buchanan's right jaw and sent him crashing to the canvas. The bout was over at 2:10 of the first round.
Mario Flores KO 1 over Christian Pittman, October 11, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
Early in the first round, Flores dropped Pittman with a solid right hand. Moments later, Flores used the same punch with the same result.
As soon as Pittman got up from the second knockdown, Flores came roaring out of the neutral corner, right hand cocked. Flores rushed over and fired the right hand landing flush on Pittman's jaw and knocking him out. The bout was immediately stopped at 1:51.
Mike Balogun KO 1 over Cody Troutman, December 6, ABC Sports Complex, Springfield, VA
The former University of Oklahoma linebacker needed just 11 seconds to knock out Troutman. Balogun threw two light punches to the midsection and then hurled an explosive overhand right that toppled Troutman onto his back. The bout was immediately stopped.
Previous BATB Knockouts of the Year:
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2011: Kevin Womack KO4 over Benjamin Olinga, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2012: Kevin Rivers KO1 over Bobby Wooten, November 3, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
2013: Jarrett Hurd KO2 over George Armenta, December 6, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD
Peterson To Face Garcia April 11 As Part of New NBC Boxing Series!
We will have the Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year announcement later this evening. However, there is some very important news that was announced today that may benefit a number of Beltway Boxers in 2015.
Earlier today in New York City, uber-boxing manager Al Haymon announced his new "Premier Boxing Champions" series that will be shown on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The "PBC on NBC," as the show is being called, will feature 20 cards throughout the year -- five Saturday prime time shows on NBC, six NBC Saturday afternoon cards and nine on Saturday in prime time on the NBC Sports Network.
They announced one of the big matchups for the series (pictured here) -- IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson will take on WBC/WBA champion Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, PA on April 11 at a site to be determined. That bout would be on NBC.
The announcement of this series could be a huge shot in the arm to the Beltway Boxing scene. As of right now, 11 local boxers are signed with Haymon and will probably be on a number of these cards that will take place. Haymon is not a licensed promoter, so he will be working with promoters he has good relationships with like Goossen Boxing and DiBella Entertainment.
The series will begin on March 7 in Las Vegas, NV with an outstanding doubleheader -- Keith Thurman battles Robert Guerrero and Adrian Broner takes on John Molina. Reports are saying that all boxers on the PBC Series will undergo very rigorous drug-testing.
Hall of Famer and Beltway Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard will be an analyst on the series.
Earlier today in New York City, uber-boxing manager Al Haymon announced his new "Premier Boxing Champions" series that will be shown on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The "PBC on NBC," as the show is being called, will feature 20 cards throughout the year -- five Saturday prime time shows on NBC, six NBC Saturday afternoon cards and nine on Saturday in prime time on the NBC Sports Network.
They announced one of the big matchups for the series (pictured here) -- IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson will take on WBC/WBA champion Danny Garcia of Philadelphia, PA on April 11 at a site to be determined. That bout would be on NBC.
The announcement of this series could be a huge shot in the arm to the Beltway Boxing scene. As of right now, 11 local boxers are signed with Haymon and will probably be on a number of these cards that will take place. Haymon is not a licensed promoter, so he will be working with promoters he has good relationships with like Goossen Boxing and DiBella Entertainment.
The series will begin on March 7 in Las Vegas, NV with an outstanding doubleheader -- Keith Thurman battles Robert Guerrero and Adrian Broner takes on John Molina. Reports are saying that all boxers on the PBC Series will undergo very rigorous drug-testing.
Hall of Famer and Beltway Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard will be an analyst on the series.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Prospect Of The Year!
The 2014 Beltway Boxing Prospect Of The Year was a boxer who did an outstanding job in elevating his game to another level. A major boxing promotion took notice and sent him on the road where he continued to be successful.
The Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year for 2014 is:
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Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed (12-0, six KO's), junior welterweight, Waldorf, MD
Reed, the Beltway Rookie of the Year in 2013, advanced very nicely in 2014. Reed fought six times against opponents with a combined won-loss record of 43-8-3, three of those bouts coming on the road.
Reed opened his 2014 campaign with a fifth-round TKO of Jorge Marquez on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD. Reed stopped Marquez suddenly with a punch that landed on Marquez's ear and gave him a perforated eardrum. Reed would follow that performance with a solid six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Mahasin on March 7 at Rosecroft Raceway and a dominant fourth-round stoppage of Regino Canales on April 18 in Fort Washington.
The Canales bout would turn out to be, at least for now, Reed's local swan song. Reed would take his act out on the road for the first time on June 14 in Atlantic City, NJ. Reed won a six-round unanimous decision over Alberto Morales. Reed would drop Morales in the fifth round.
The Morales bout amounted to a tryout for Top Rank Promotions. Top Rank must have been impressed as they signed Reed to a contract a few weeks later. Top Rank would put Reed into action for the first time under its banner on October 4 in Atlantic City against a very tough Osnel Charles. Reed dropped Charles in the second round but he also knew he was facing stiffer competition as he took some shots along the way to the win.
Reed would end 2014 by making a move to eight-round contests. Reed won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Oscar Valenzuela on November 29 in Omaha, NB on the Terrence Crawford-Raymond Beltran bout outhustling his foe along the way.
Reed had an exceptional second year in the pros and could be an even bigger force in the 140-pound class in 2015.
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order):
D'Mitrius "Big Meech" Ballard (8-0, seven KO's), super middleweight, Temple Hills, MD
Ballard fought five times in 2015, winning all his bouts by knockout. Ballard fought on both the DC Armory cards that featured world title contests stopping Marlon Farr in the third round on January 25 and Quincy Miner in the second round on April 19.
Those were Ballard's only bouts in DC as he would go back on the road. Ballard scored a first-round TKO over fellow Beltway Boxer Barry Trotter on August 9 in Brooklyn, NY, another first-round stoppage of Thomas Gifford on October 30 in Plymouth, MA and a third-round knockout of Tylon Burris on December 6 in Brooklyn.
Ballard is a solid prospect in the super middleweight decision. We look for Golden Boy Promotions to move this boxer forward in the coming year.
"Swift" Jarrett Hurd (14-0, eight KO's), junior middleweight, Accokeek, MD
Hurd made this category a pretty close race as he started off the year by stepping up in class and winning a six-round split decision over Chris Chatman on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD.
Hurd had two first-round stoppages during the year and finished off 2014 by winning a six-round majority decision over Emmanuel Sanchez on December 5 in Chester, PA.
Now that he is under the Al Haymon banner, the steadily-improving Hurd could make some big waves in the next 12 months.
Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson (10-1, 10 KO's) middleweight, Laurel, MD
Nicholson had a very interesting year in 2014. The year started off the way 2013 ended with Nicholson stopping boxers in the first round, sometimes in a brutal fashion. Nicholson defeated David Rohn in the opening stanza of their contest on April 12 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD then went to Du Burns Arena in Baltimore on June 28 and destroyed Lester Gonzalez with a picture-perfect straight left hand. Nicholson's third knockout of the year came against Jess Noriega on July 18 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.
Nicholson finally got an opportunity to experience action past the first round in his next two bouts. However, he kept his knockout string alive with fourth-round stoppages of Taneal Goyco on August 23 at Patapsco Arena and Dennis Sharpe on September 20 at the Washington Convention Center.
Nicholson's year took a downward turn when he hit the road for the very first time in his career. Nicholson suffered his first pro loss as he was stopped in the sixth round by Lekan Byfield on November 1 in Chicago, IL. How Nicholson responds from his first loss will be the big question in 2015.
"The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio (7-0, five KO's), junior middleweight, Springdale, MD
Like Nicholson, Recio continued where he left off -- knocking his opponents out, sometimes in spectacular fashion during his five bouts in 2014. Recio opened the year with a first-round, 44 second TKO of Malcolm Green on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD followed by a stoppage of Mike Santiago in the second round at Rosecroft on March 7.
Recio traveled to the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD on April 12 and scored a stunning first-round knockout of Jose Felix. On May 31, Recio stopped a game Daniel Gonzalez in the second round at the Washington Convention Center.
Recio moved into six-round competition for the first time on July 18 and was taken the distance for the first time since his pro debut by Grayson Blake at Rosecroft. As competition grows, we'll see if Recio can step his game up even further in the next 12 months.
Photos by: Juan Marshall, Wallace Barron, Stiffjab.com and Waveygang Entertainment.
Previous BATB Prospects of the Year:
2006: Tyrell Samuel
2007: Tim Coleman
2008: Bayan Jargal
2009: Mark Tucker
2010: Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell
2011: Maurice Byarm and Venroy July
2012: Thomas Williams, Jr.
2013: Dusty Hernandez Harrison
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing Knockout Of The Year!
The Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year for 2014 is:
Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed (12-0, six KO's), junior welterweight, Waldorf, MD
Reed, the Beltway Rookie of the Year in 2013, advanced very nicely in 2014. Reed fought six times against opponents with a combined won-loss record of 43-8-3, three of those bouts coming on the road.
Reed opened his 2014 campaign with a fifth-round TKO of Jorge Marquez on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD. Reed stopped Marquez suddenly with a punch that landed on Marquez's ear and gave him a perforated eardrum. Reed would follow that performance with a solid six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Bilal Mahasin on March 7 at Rosecroft Raceway and a dominant fourth-round stoppage of Regino Canales on April 18 in Fort Washington.
The Canales bout would turn out to be, at least for now, Reed's local swan song. Reed would take his act out on the road for the first time on June 14 in Atlantic City, NJ. Reed won a six-round unanimous decision over Alberto Morales. Reed would drop Morales in the fifth round.
The Morales bout amounted to a tryout for Top Rank Promotions. Top Rank must have been impressed as they signed Reed to a contract a few weeks later. Top Rank would put Reed into action for the first time under its banner on October 4 in Atlantic City against a very tough Osnel Charles. Reed dropped Charles in the second round but he also knew he was facing stiffer competition as he took some shots along the way to the win.
Reed would end 2014 by making a move to eight-round contests. Reed won a unanimous decision over previously undefeated Oscar Valenzuela on November 29 in Omaha, NB on the Terrence Crawford-Raymond Beltran bout outhustling his foe along the way.
Reed had an exceptional second year in the pros and could be an even bigger force in the 140-pound class in 2015.
Honorable Mention (in alphabetical order):
D'Mitrius "Big Meech" Ballard (8-0, seven KO's), super middleweight, Temple Hills, MD
Ballard fought five times in 2015, winning all his bouts by knockout. Ballard fought on both the DC Armory cards that featured world title contests stopping Marlon Farr in the third round on January 25 and Quincy Miner in the second round on April 19.
Those were Ballard's only bouts in DC as he would go back on the road. Ballard scored a first-round TKO over fellow Beltway Boxer Barry Trotter on August 9 in Brooklyn, NY, another first-round stoppage of Thomas Gifford on October 30 in Plymouth, MA and a third-round knockout of Tylon Burris on December 6 in Brooklyn.
Ballard is a solid prospect in the super middleweight decision. We look for Golden Boy Promotions to move this boxer forward in the coming year.
"Swift" Jarrett Hurd (14-0, eight KO's), junior middleweight, Accokeek, MD
Hurd made this category a pretty close race as he started off the year by stepping up in class and winning a six-round split decision over Chris Chatman on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD.
Hurd had two first-round stoppages during the year and finished off 2014 by winning a six-round majority decision over Emmanuel Sanchez on December 5 in Chester, PA.
Now that he is under the Al Haymon banner, the steadily-improving Hurd could make some big waves in the next 12 months.
Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson (10-1, 10 KO's) middleweight, Laurel, MD
Nicholson had a very interesting year in 2014. The year started off the way 2013 ended with Nicholson stopping boxers in the first round, sometimes in a brutal fashion. Nicholson defeated David Rohn in the opening stanza of their contest on April 12 at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD then went to Du Burns Arena in Baltimore on June 28 and destroyed Lester Gonzalez with a picture-perfect straight left hand. Nicholson's third knockout of the year came against Jess Noriega on July 18 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.
Nicholson finally got an opportunity to experience action past the first round in his next two bouts. However, he kept his knockout string alive with fourth-round stoppages of Taneal Goyco on August 23 at Patapsco Arena and Dennis Sharpe on September 20 at the Washington Convention Center.
Nicholson's year took a downward turn when he hit the road for the very first time in his career. Nicholson suffered his first pro loss as he was stopped in the sixth round by Lekan Byfield on November 1 in Chicago, IL. How Nicholson responds from his first loss will be the big question in 2015.
"The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio (7-0, five KO's), junior middleweight, Springdale, MD
Like Nicholson, Recio continued where he left off -- knocking his opponents out, sometimes in spectacular fashion during his five bouts in 2014. Recio opened the year with a first-round, 44 second TKO of Malcolm Green on January 17 in Fort Washington, MD followed by a stoppage of Mike Santiago in the second round at Rosecroft on March 7.
Recio traveled to the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD on April 12 and scored a stunning first-round knockout of Jose Felix. On May 31, Recio stopped a game Daniel Gonzalez in the second round at the Washington Convention Center.
Recio moved into six-round competition for the first time on July 18 and was taken the distance for the first time since his pro debut by Grayson Blake at Rosecroft. As competition grows, we'll see if Recio can step his game up even further in the next 12 months.
Photos by: Juan Marshall, Wallace Barron, Stiffjab.com and Waveygang Entertainment.
Previous BATB Prospects of the Year:
2006: Tyrell Samuel
2007: Tim Coleman
2008: Bayan Jargal
2009: Mark Tucker
2010: Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell
2011: Maurice Byarm and Venroy July
2012: Thomas Williams, Jr.
2013: Dusty Hernandez Harrison
Tomorrow: The Beltway Boxing Knockout Of The Year!
Monday, January 12, 2015
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- Rookie Of The Year!
The Rookie Of The Year is the boxer who had the most impact between January and November 2014. While we did not have as many rookies debut in that time frame as in the previous year, we still had one whose reputation preceded him and he managed to live up to the hype.
The Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year for 2014 is:
Lamont Roach, Jr. (5-0, two KO's), lightweight, Upper Marlboro, MD
The 19-year-old Roach came into the pro game with impressive amateur credentials, winning the 2013 National Golden Gloves and the USA Nationals along with the capture of a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers tournament in the Ukraine.
The amateur pedigree truly impressed Golden Boy Promotions who signed him prior to making his pro debut. That initial pro outing would come on April 19 at the DC Armory on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Beibut Shumenov championship bout. Roach would pitch a four-round shutout over Victor Galindo.
Roach hit the road in his second contest and defeated Miguel Antonio Rodriguez in the first round on June 5 in Boston, MA after Rodriguez hurt his shoulder and could not continue.
Roach's toughest battle was on September 6 on the undercard of Adrian Broner's bout with Emanuel Taylor in Cincinnati, OH. Roach won a four-round majority decision over Rocco Espinosa.
Roach would finish his first year with two dominant performances -- a first-round TKO over Rafael Francis on October 30 in Plymouth, MA and a four-round shutout over Alexander Charneco on December 6 in Brooklyn, NY. Roach has proved he can perform at home and on the road. That should make for a very interesting 2015.
Honorable Mention (in Alphabetical Order):
Seth "Killer B" Billups (5-0, four KO's) junior welterweight, Ashburn, VA
Billups rapidly became a fan favorite in the Beltway with some solid performances. The former Virginia State Golden Gloves champion made his pro debut on March 15 in Springfield, VA and scored a second-round TKO over veteran Darrell Martin. Billups followed that performance with a first round knockout of Anthony Dave on May 17 in Annandale, VA. Billups would go the distance for the first time on June 28 in Baltimore, MD, winning a four-round majority decision over Benjamin Olinga. Billups would face some adversity in his next bout on September 27 in Springfield as he was dropped in the first round by Ty Felton. Billups would come back, however, and drop Felton twice in the second round to get the TKO. Billups finished 2014 with a third-round stoppage of Sean Lockhart on November 15 in Fairfax, VA.
Mykal "The Professor" Fox (4-0, one KO), lightweight, Forestville, MD
Fox followed in his big brother Alantez's footsteps and impressed Beltway fans with his height, reach and jab. Fox debuted on April 18 in Fort Washington, MD and won an easy four-round unanimous decision shutout over David Ruiz. On June 13 back at Rosecroft Raceway, Fox would win a majority decision against Benjamin Olinga. Fox would score his first pro knockout on July 18 stopping Mason Wicket in the third round and finish his year with a four-round unanimous decision over Sean Lockhart on November 1. Fox is already looking to enter six-round territory in 2015.
Patrick Harris (3-0, two KO's) junior welterweight, Hyattsville, MD
Harris made a big splash in his pro debut on June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway needing just 45 seconds to defeat George Palmer. On July 18 at Rosecroft, Harris stopped Michael Doyle in the third round. Harris had a little tougher time with Jeffrey Ramos on his third appearance at Rosecroft on October 24 but won a four-round majority decision. Harris is slated to make his first trip into DC in January.
Previous Beltway Boxing Rookies of the Year:
2006: Jessie Nicklow
2007: Bayan Jargal
2008: Fernando Guerrero
2009: Dominic Wade
2010: Nick Kisner
2011: Dusty Hernandez Harrison
2012: Duane Mobley
2013: Mike Reed
Tomorrow: The Prospect of the Year!
The Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year for 2014 is:
Lamont Roach, Jr. (5-0, two KO's), lightweight, Upper Marlboro, MD
The 19-year-old Roach came into the pro game with impressive amateur credentials, winning the 2013 National Golden Gloves and the USA Nationals along with the capture of a bronze medal at the Klitschko Brothers tournament in the Ukraine.
The amateur pedigree truly impressed Golden Boy Promotions who signed him prior to making his pro debut. That initial pro outing would come on April 19 at the DC Armory on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Beibut Shumenov championship bout. Roach would pitch a four-round shutout over Victor Galindo.
Roach hit the road in his second contest and defeated Miguel Antonio Rodriguez in the first round on June 5 in Boston, MA after Rodriguez hurt his shoulder and could not continue.
Roach's toughest battle was on September 6 on the undercard of Adrian Broner's bout with Emanuel Taylor in Cincinnati, OH. Roach won a four-round majority decision over Rocco Espinosa.
Roach would finish his first year with two dominant performances -- a first-round TKO over Rafael Francis on October 30 in Plymouth, MA and a four-round shutout over Alexander Charneco on December 6 in Brooklyn, NY. Roach has proved he can perform at home and on the road. That should make for a very interesting 2015.
Honorable Mention (in Alphabetical Order):
Seth "Killer B" Billups (5-0, four KO's) junior welterweight, Ashburn, VA
Billups rapidly became a fan favorite in the Beltway with some solid performances. The former Virginia State Golden Gloves champion made his pro debut on March 15 in Springfield, VA and scored a second-round TKO over veteran Darrell Martin. Billups followed that performance with a first round knockout of Anthony Dave on May 17 in Annandale, VA. Billups would go the distance for the first time on June 28 in Baltimore, MD, winning a four-round majority decision over Benjamin Olinga. Billups would face some adversity in his next bout on September 27 in Springfield as he was dropped in the first round by Ty Felton. Billups would come back, however, and drop Felton twice in the second round to get the TKO. Billups finished 2014 with a third-round stoppage of Sean Lockhart on November 15 in Fairfax, VA.
Mykal "The Professor" Fox (4-0, one KO), lightweight, Forestville, MD
Fox followed in his big brother Alantez's footsteps and impressed Beltway fans with his height, reach and jab. Fox debuted on April 18 in Fort Washington, MD and won an easy four-round unanimous decision shutout over David Ruiz. On June 13 back at Rosecroft Raceway, Fox would win a majority decision against Benjamin Olinga. Fox would score his first pro knockout on July 18 stopping Mason Wicket in the third round and finish his year with a four-round unanimous decision over Sean Lockhart on November 1. Fox is already looking to enter six-round territory in 2015.
Patrick Harris (3-0, two KO's) junior welterweight, Hyattsville, MD
Harris made a big splash in his pro debut on June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway needing just 45 seconds to defeat George Palmer. On July 18 at Rosecroft, Harris stopped Michael Doyle in the third round. Harris had a little tougher time with Jeffrey Ramos on his third appearance at Rosecroft on October 24 but won a four-round majority decision. Harris is slated to make his first trip into DC in January.
Previous Beltway Boxing Rookies of the Year:
2006: Jessie Nicklow
2007: Bayan Jargal
2008: Fernando Guerrero
2009: Dominic Wade
2010: Nick Kisner
2011: Dusty Hernandez Harrison
2012: Duane Mobley
2013: Mike Reed
Tomorrow: The Prospect of the Year!
Beltway Boxing 2014 -- The Year of Advancement!
Welcome to our recap of Beltway Boxing 2014. Starting today, we will take a look back at a memorable 2014. We will have the first of our six annual awards -- Rookie of the Year -- later today.
However, we now take a summary of 2014 -- a year that we've dubbed "The Year of Advancement" -- because many boxers in the Beltway Region did exactly that -- advance to a higher level of performance. Our young talent progressed to a point where they became household names not only at home but throughout the boxing world.
In 2014, Beltway Boxers appeared on national television in the United States 30 times. To put this stat another way, a Beltway Boxer appeared on national TV at least once in nine out of 12 months. In January, there were seven appearances by locals and six appeared in August.
Gary Russell, Jr., Thomas Williams, Jr. and Emanuel Taylor had the most national TV appearances with three. The Peterson Brothers, Dusty Harrison, Immanuwel Aleem, Bayan Jargal, and Antoine Douglas all had two appearances. James Stevenson, Samuel Neequaye, Daniel Attah, Alexander Johnson, Andrew Farmer, Danny Kelly, Fernando Guerrero, Dominic Wade, Cory Cummings, Cecil McCalla and Jerry Odom all had one TV appearance.
Three of our boxers appeared on TV in other locations around the world -- Tony Thompson in Germany, Tony Jeter in Denmark and Jessie Nicklow in Japan.
The Beltway was also a very busy place as we were one card away from achieving a "triple double" of sorts. There were 31 cards held in the area in 2014. Maryland led the way with 12 boxing cards. However, the major improvement was in Northern Virginia, which went from just two cards in 2013 to 10 in 2014. DC held nine cards, two of those featured nationally televised world title contests.
Speaking of world titles, Beltway champions managed to hang on to their belts. Tori Nelson made four defenses of her WIBA Welterweight championship while Lamont Peterson defended his IBF Junior Welterweight championship twice in 2014. Another local joined the ranks of world championship title holders as Tyrieshia Douglas captured the WIBA and UBF Bantamweight championships in November.
Regionally, Jeter defended his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title and captured the NABA US title. Harrison won the WBC Youth Welterweight championship and Alex Guerrero won the NABA Cruiserweight championship.
A number of Beltway Boxers looked to make financial advancements as they signed contracts with well-known promoters and managers.
Six locals (The Peterson Brothers, David Grayton, Phil Jackson-Benson, Jarrett Hurd and Danny Kelly) signed with uber-boxing manager Al Haymon. This brings the total of locals Haymon has under contract to 11 over the past two years.
Lamont Roach, Jr. signed with Golden Boy Promotions
Alantez Fox signed with New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment
Mike Reed signed with Top Rank Boxing
Cecil McCalla and Glenn Dezurn signed with GH3 Promotions
Nick Kisner signed with Greg Cohen Promotions
Dusty Hernandez Harrison signed with Roc Nation Promotions.
On the amateur side, three locals won championships at the USA Nationals -- Malik Jackson (114 pound champion), Dara Shen (178 pound female) and Tiara Brown (125 pound female). Franchon Crews (165 pound female) took silver.
Gary Antuanne Russell became the fourth member of his family to win a National Golden Gloves title and the ninth Beltway amateur to win a national title since 2010. The DC region sent nine boxers to the Nationals this year.
Five boxers (Lawrence Malcolm, Lorenzo Simpson, Kavon Robertson, Brian Avelar, Steven Clark) won gold medals at the National Silver Gloves. Four boxers (Jalil Hackett, Damari Philson, Stacy Selby and Keith Cooke) took silver.
This was a big year for Malcolm, who along with his brother, Lonzo carried a long-standing tradition of Beltway Boxers winning championships at the legendary Ohio State Fair tournament.
Iesha Kenney won a gold medal at the Junior and Open Youth Nationals.
Tyrek Irby won a berth to the United States Olympic Trials while Jackson won his first gold medal in international competition, capturing a championship in Poland.
We also honor those who left us in 2014:
In Memoriam:
Marion Barry, Former DC Mayor and Councilmember and advocate for DC boxing
Maggie B. Corley, mother of former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley
Jim Finley, owner of Finley’s Gym
David Jordan, former Potomac Valley Association Vice President and DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission member
Sahvaliel Malik, manager of WBC Middleweight champ Keith Holmes
Robert “Machine” Matney, past president of Virginia Association of USA Boxing
Zachary McIntosh, Hagerstown, MD amateur boxer
Larry Middleton, former heavyweight contender from Baltimore
Tom Quinn, 2014 DC Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and NCAA Eastern Heavyweight champ from Georgetown University
John Sneed, trainer and DC Boxing Hall of Famer
Tracy Thorpe, member of South Atlantic Association of USA Boxing
Mark “Spiritbear” Tucker, Sr., promoter and father of boxer Mark “TNT” Tucker
Michael J. Wagner, Maryland Senator and owner of Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie
Perhaps, the best way to end our review of Beltway Boxing 2014 is some prose from a representative of a group that also grew in the last 12 months -- the Beltway Boxing fan base. The fan support in this area is growing by leaps and bounds to where fans are organizing bus trips to see their favorite boxers and they are coming to cards all over the area.
One of those is a lady named Cat Taylor, who has become a very visible and vocal presence at Beltway Boxing events. Recently, Ms. Taylor wrote a delightful note on Facebook honoring our local boxing scene. She has allowed me to share it with you.
This Is DMV Boxing Talk...We are "HITTAZ" standing in the "LIMELITE" of boxing. Our "MASTER MINDS" have allowed us to become the best "HEADBANGERS!"
We "CHOP CHOP" AND turn "LIGHTS OUT" in the ring. "YES INDEED" we are "AMAZING" and THE "REAL DEAL!" With great fighters such as RECIO, BARNETT, WRIGHT AND PRYOR, it is no wonder why we sell "BIG TICKETS." We embrace "THE MONEY TEAM" and "BAND CAMP," with "HAMMERING" trainers such as "STANCIL, BOOGIE, COUNCIL, SMALL, HUNTER AND ROACH."
At some point in our careers, we have all fought on a "KEYSTONE" card. Our announcer is "DISCOMBOBULATING" and we have a "SMOOTH REF." "THE PRIDE OF ALEXANDRIA" suggests we not quarrel with "ELISE" on what to "COOK" for the weigh-ins.
We are also "PROFESSORS" and "SLY AS A FOX" in the ring. We are "SWIFT" and "CHANGE FACES". "YES INDEED" we are known across the nation as "GQ" SMOOTH! We have "NO EXCUSE" for not being "THE BEST AT IT!"
You can follow us on "BOXING ALONG THE BELTWAY." We all mutually share.
"THE PRINCESS OF HYPE BOXING" AS "DMV'S #1 FAN."
Couldn't say it any better.
That's our brief look back of Beltway Boxing 2014. Once again, we will have the announcement of the Rookie of the Year later today.
However, we now take a summary of 2014 -- a year that we've dubbed "The Year of Advancement" -- because many boxers in the Beltway Region did exactly that -- advance to a higher level of performance. Our young talent progressed to a point where they became household names not only at home but throughout the boxing world.
In 2014, Beltway Boxers appeared on national television in the United States 30 times. To put this stat another way, a Beltway Boxer appeared on national TV at least once in nine out of 12 months. In January, there were seven appearances by locals and six appeared in August.
Gary Russell, Jr., Thomas Williams, Jr. and Emanuel Taylor had the most national TV appearances with three. The Peterson Brothers, Dusty Harrison, Immanuwel Aleem, Bayan Jargal, and Antoine Douglas all had two appearances. James Stevenson, Samuel Neequaye, Daniel Attah, Alexander Johnson, Andrew Farmer, Danny Kelly, Fernando Guerrero, Dominic Wade, Cory Cummings, Cecil McCalla and Jerry Odom all had one TV appearance.
Three of our boxers appeared on TV in other locations around the world -- Tony Thompson in Germany, Tony Jeter in Denmark and Jessie Nicklow in Japan.
The Beltway was also a very busy place as we were one card away from achieving a "triple double" of sorts. There were 31 cards held in the area in 2014. Maryland led the way with 12 boxing cards. However, the major improvement was in Northern Virginia, which went from just two cards in 2013 to 10 in 2014. DC held nine cards, two of those featured nationally televised world title contests.
Speaking of world titles, Beltway champions managed to hang on to their belts. Tori Nelson made four defenses of her WIBA Welterweight championship while Lamont Peterson defended his IBF Junior Welterweight championship twice in 2014. Another local joined the ranks of world championship title holders as Tyrieshia Douglas captured the WIBA and UBF Bantamweight championships in November.
Regionally, Jeter defended his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title and captured the NABA US title. Harrison won the WBC Youth Welterweight championship and Alex Guerrero won the NABA Cruiserweight championship.
A number of Beltway Boxers looked to make financial advancements as they signed contracts with well-known promoters and managers.
Six locals (The Peterson Brothers, David Grayton, Phil Jackson-Benson, Jarrett Hurd and Danny Kelly) signed with uber-boxing manager Al Haymon. This brings the total of locals Haymon has under contract to 11 over the past two years.
Lamont Roach, Jr. signed with Golden Boy Promotions
Alantez Fox signed with New Legend Boxing and DiBella Entertainment
Mike Reed signed with Top Rank Boxing
Cecil McCalla and Glenn Dezurn signed with GH3 Promotions
Nick Kisner signed with Greg Cohen Promotions
Dusty Hernandez Harrison signed with Roc Nation Promotions.
On the amateur side, three locals won championships at the USA Nationals -- Malik Jackson (114 pound champion), Dara Shen (178 pound female) and Tiara Brown (125 pound female). Franchon Crews (165 pound female) took silver.
Gary Antuanne Russell became the fourth member of his family to win a National Golden Gloves title and the ninth Beltway amateur to win a national title since 2010. The DC region sent nine boxers to the Nationals this year.
Five boxers (Lawrence Malcolm, Lorenzo Simpson, Kavon Robertson, Brian Avelar, Steven Clark) won gold medals at the National Silver Gloves. Four boxers (Jalil Hackett, Damari Philson, Stacy Selby and Keith Cooke) took silver.
This was a big year for Malcolm, who along with his brother, Lonzo carried a long-standing tradition of Beltway Boxers winning championships at the legendary Ohio State Fair tournament.
Iesha Kenney won a gold medal at the Junior and Open Youth Nationals.
Tyrek Irby won a berth to the United States Olympic Trials while Jackson won his first gold medal in international competition, capturing a championship in Poland.
We also honor those who left us in 2014:
In Memoriam:
Marion Barry, Former DC Mayor and Councilmember and advocate for DC boxing
Maggie B. Corley, mother of former world champion DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley
Jim Finley, owner of Finley’s Gym
David Jordan, former Potomac Valley Association Vice President and DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission member
Sahvaliel Malik, manager of WBC Middleweight champ Keith Holmes
Robert “Machine” Matney, past president of Virginia Association of USA Boxing
Zachary McIntosh, Hagerstown, MD amateur boxer
Larry Middleton, former heavyweight contender from Baltimore
Tom Quinn, 2014 DC Boxing Hall of Fame inductee and NCAA Eastern Heavyweight champ from Georgetown University
John Sneed, trainer and DC Boxing Hall of Famer
Tracy Thorpe, member of South Atlantic Association of USA Boxing
Mark “Spiritbear” Tucker, Sr., promoter and father of boxer Mark “TNT” Tucker
Michael J. Wagner, Maryland Senator and owner of Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie
Perhaps, the best way to end our review of Beltway Boxing 2014 is some prose from a representative of a group that also grew in the last 12 months -- the Beltway Boxing fan base. The fan support in this area is growing by leaps and bounds to where fans are organizing bus trips to see their favorite boxers and they are coming to cards all over the area.
One of those is a lady named Cat Taylor, who has become a very visible and vocal presence at Beltway Boxing events. Recently, Ms. Taylor wrote a delightful note on Facebook honoring our local boxing scene. She has allowed me to share it with you.
This Is DMV Boxing Talk...We are "HITTAZ" standing in the "LIMELITE" of boxing. Our "MASTER MINDS" have allowed us to become the best "HEADBANGERS!"
We "CHOP CHOP" AND turn "LIGHTS OUT" in the ring. "YES INDEED" we are "AMAZING" and THE "REAL DEAL!" With great fighters such as RECIO, BARNETT, WRIGHT AND PRYOR, it is no wonder why we sell "BIG TICKETS." We embrace "THE MONEY TEAM" and "BAND CAMP," with "HAMMERING" trainers such as "STANCIL, BOOGIE, COUNCIL, SMALL, HUNTER AND ROACH."
At some point in our careers, we have all fought on a "KEYSTONE" card. Our announcer is "DISCOMBOBULATING" and we have a "SMOOTH REF." "THE PRIDE OF ALEXANDRIA" suggests we not quarrel with "ELISE" on what to "COOK" for the weigh-ins.
We are also "PROFESSORS" and "SLY AS A FOX" in the ring. We are "SWIFT" and "CHANGE FACES". "YES INDEED" we are known across the nation as "GQ" SMOOTH! We have "NO EXCUSE" for not being "THE BEST AT IT!"
You can follow us on "BOXING ALONG THE BELTWAY." We all mutually share.
"THE PRINCESS OF HYPE BOXING" AS "DMV'S #1 FAN."
Couldn't say it any better.
That's our brief look back of Beltway Boxing 2014. Once again, we will have the announcement of the Rookie of the Year later today.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
First Beltway Boxing Pro Card Is January 17 at Washington Convention Center!
Beltway Boxing 2015 began this week with the Regional Silver Gloves at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. We hope to have results for you soon.
However, the first pro card of the year will take place on Saturday, January 17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
The Keystone Boxing promotion will have three scheduled six-round contests. Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will look to bounce back from his first pro loss when he faces Rahman Mustafa Yusubov AKA "Genghis Khan" of Dallas, TX by way of Azerbaijan. Nicholson (10-1, 10 KO's) was stopped by Lekan Byfield in the sixth round on November 1 in Chicago, IL. Yusubov (11-19, nine KO's) will be looking to break a four-bout losing streak.
Also, undefeated Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. will battle Stephon McIntyre of Jonesboro, GA. Rivers (10-0, seven KO's) last fought on October 24 and scored a sixth-round TKO over Karl Garcia-Rios in Fort Washington, MD. McIntyre (2-4-2) has been stopped in his last two bouts. However, McIntyre performs very well when he comes to the Beltway Region -- he battled to two tough draws with Marcus Bates and Marc Johns in two battles in Fort Washington.
Forestville, MD junior welterweight Myke "The Professor" Fox will make a quick move into six-round competition when he takes on Luis "Yeye" Rodriguez of Carolina, Puerto Rico. Fox (4-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Sean Lockhart on November 1 at Constitution Hall in DC. Rodriguez (3-1, two KO's) competes for the first time away from Puerto Rico and will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss back in November of 2013.
In four-round contests, Montgomery Village, MD junior middleweight Gerome Quigley will battle Laurel, MD's Norman "The Shadow" Allen. Quigley (5-0, four KO's) scored a first-round knockout over Cedric Coney on October 11 in Springfield, VA. Allen (6-11, three KO's) lost a six-round unanimous decision to Brandon Quarles on April 26 in Springfield. Allen will look to break a 10-bout losing streak.
Fort Washington, MD super bantamweight Marq "The Monster" Johns will take on Jaxel Marrero of Puerto Rico. Johns (4-0-1, four KO's) will make his DC debut on this card after competing at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington in all five of his previous bouts. Johns has knocked out his last four opponents. Marrero (1-3-1) lost a four-round unanimous decision over Mario Barrios on May 10 in Los Angeles, CA. Marrero has never been knocked out in a pro bout.
DC lightweight Tyrone "Showtime" Wright will face off against Thomas Mattice of Cleveland, OH. Wright (2-1) won a four-round majority decision over Enrique Vargas on April 18 at Rosecroft. Mattice (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut on September 5 with a first-round TKO of Frank Jordan in Parsippany, NJ.
DC bantamweight Maurice "Mighty Mo" Adams, Jr. takes on Gabriel Braxton of Red Oak, GA. Adams (1-0) won his pro debut on June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway with a four-round majority decision over Arthur Parker. Braxton (1-7) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Jose Gomez on November 29 in Los Angeles. Braxton's one win came at Rosecroft on April 18 when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Gabriel.
The card will also mark the return of lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines of District Heights, MD. Gaines (4-2, one KO) took all of 2014 off after losing by second-round TKO to Anthony Smith in June of 2013 at the Washington Convention Center. Gaines will take on the aforementioned Arthur Parker of Lancaster, PA (1-12-1, one KO). Parker returns to DC for the second straight time. Parker was stopped in the fourth round by Nuwan Jayakody on October 23 at the Renaissance Hotel.
Hyattsville, MD junior welterweight Patrick Harris (3-0, two KO's) is also slated to be on this card, fighting for the first time in the Nation's Capital. No word yet on his opponent.
However, the first pro card of the year will take place on Saturday, January 17 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.
The Keystone Boxing promotion will have three scheduled six-round contests. Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will look to bounce back from his first pro loss when he faces Rahman Mustafa Yusubov AKA "Genghis Khan" of Dallas, TX by way of Azerbaijan. Nicholson (10-1, 10 KO's) was stopped by Lekan Byfield in the sixth round on November 1 in Chicago, IL. Yusubov (11-19, nine KO's) will be looking to break a four-bout losing streak.
Also, undefeated Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. will battle Stephon McIntyre of Jonesboro, GA. Rivers (10-0, seven KO's) last fought on October 24 and scored a sixth-round TKO over Karl Garcia-Rios in Fort Washington, MD. McIntyre (2-4-2) has been stopped in his last two bouts. However, McIntyre performs very well when he comes to the Beltway Region -- he battled to two tough draws with Marcus Bates and Marc Johns in two battles in Fort Washington.
Forestville, MD junior welterweight Myke "The Professor" Fox will make a quick move into six-round competition when he takes on Luis "Yeye" Rodriguez of Carolina, Puerto Rico. Fox (4-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Sean Lockhart on November 1 at Constitution Hall in DC. Rodriguez (3-1, two KO's) competes for the first time away from Puerto Rico and will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss back in November of 2013.
In four-round contests, Montgomery Village, MD junior middleweight Gerome Quigley will battle Laurel, MD's Norman "The Shadow" Allen. Quigley (5-0, four KO's) scored a first-round knockout over Cedric Coney on October 11 in Springfield, VA. Allen (6-11, three KO's) lost a six-round unanimous decision to Brandon Quarles on April 26 in Springfield. Allen will look to break a 10-bout losing streak.
Fort Washington, MD super bantamweight Marq "The Monster" Johns will take on Jaxel Marrero of Puerto Rico. Johns (4-0-1, four KO's) will make his DC debut on this card after competing at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington in all five of his previous bouts. Johns has knocked out his last four opponents. Marrero (1-3-1) lost a four-round unanimous decision over Mario Barrios on May 10 in Los Angeles, CA. Marrero has never been knocked out in a pro bout.
DC lightweight Tyrone "Showtime" Wright will face off against Thomas Mattice of Cleveland, OH. Wright (2-1) won a four-round majority decision over Enrique Vargas on April 18 at Rosecroft. Mattice (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut on September 5 with a first-round TKO of Frank Jordan in Parsippany, NJ.
DC bantamweight Maurice "Mighty Mo" Adams, Jr. takes on Gabriel Braxton of Red Oak, GA. Adams (1-0) won his pro debut on June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway with a four-round majority decision over Arthur Parker. Braxton (1-7) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Jose Gomez on November 29 in Los Angeles. Braxton's one win came at Rosecroft on April 18 when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Rodrigo Gabriel.
The card will also mark the return of lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines of District Heights, MD. Gaines (4-2, one KO) took all of 2014 off after losing by second-round TKO to Anthony Smith in June of 2013 at the Washington Convention Center. Gaines will take on the aforementioned Arthur Parker of Lancaster, PA (1-12-1, one KO). Parker returns to DC for the second straight time. Parker was stopped in the fourth round by Nuwan Jayakody on October 23 at the Renaissance Hotel.
Hyattsville, MD junior welterweight Patrick Harris (3-0, two KO's) is also slated to be on this card, fighting for the first time in the Nation's Capital. No word yet on his opponent.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Harrison Captures WBC Continental Americas Title in New York; Fox Remains Undefeated in California!
What started off as a tough night for the Beltway Boxing contingent (see the posts below) turned into a stellar night for two rising prospects.
Dusty Hernandez Harrison won a 10-round unanimous decision over Tommy "The Razor" Rainone to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout was nationally televised by Fox Sports1 and Harrison's first bout under the Roc Nation banner.
Harrison used a good deal of solid jabbing and power punching in the bout to gain the advantage. However, Harrison's poise kept the bout from slipping away from him. When Rainone tried to make things rough, Harrison defended himself but managed to stick to his game plan throughout the contest. Harrison was more aggressive throughout the bout.
Harrison scored a shutout on two judge's cards at 100-90 and the third judge scored it 99-91. Harrison remains undefeated at 25-0, 13 KO's while Rainone falls to 22-6-1, four KO's.
Meanwhile (and I do mean meanwhile as this bout was going on at exactly the same time as Harrison's bout) Alantez "SlyAza" Fox put on a solid performance in winning an eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Patrick Day at the Morongo Cabazon Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.
Fox showed the crowd in attendance and the nationally-televised ShoBox audience his best assets -- his height and reach. Fox's jab and body shots were solid in the contest. Fox did let Day get back into the bout in the later rounds (which may have led to one judge scoring a draw (76-76) but Fox piled up enough points to win the contest. One judge did see a shutout for Fox (80-72) while the third judge scored the bout 78-74.
Fox is now 14-0-1, four KO's while Day is 9-1-1, five KO's)
Dusty Hernandez Harrison won a 10-round unanimous decision over Tommy "The Razor" Rainone to win the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight title at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout was nationally televised by Fox Sports1 and Harrison's first bout under the Roc Nation banner.
Harrison used a good deal of solid jabbing and power punching in the bout to gain the advantage. However, Harrison's poise kept the bout from slipping away from him. When Rainone tried to make things rough, Harrison defended himself but managed to stick to his game plan throughout the contest. Harrison was more aggressive throughout the bout.
Harrison scored a shutout on two judge's cards at 100-90 and the third judge scored it 99-91. Harrison remains undefeated at 25-0, 13 KO's while Rainone falls to 22-6-1, four KO's.
Meanwhile (and I do mean meanwhile as this bout was going on at exactly the same time as Harrison's bout) Alantez "SlyAza" Fox put on a solid performance in winning an eight-round majority decision over previously undefeated Patrick Day at the Morongo Cabazon Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.
Fox showed the crowd in attendance and the nationally-televised ShoBox audience his best assets -- his height and reach. Fox's jab and body shots were solid in the contest. Fox did let Day get back into the bout in the later rounds (which may have led to one judge scoring a draw (76-76) but Fox piled up enough points to win the contest. One judge did see a shutout for Fox (80-72) while the third judge scored the bout 78-74.
Fox is now 14-0-1, four KO's while Day is 9-1-1, five KO's)
Friday, January 09, 2015
Odom Loses by Fourth-Round Disqualification at MSG!
Bowie, MD super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom has lost his first pro bout due to a disqualification in the fourth round at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
According to reports, Odom knocked down his opponent, Andrew "Hurricane" Hernandez down in the fourth round but hit him twice while he was down. That resulted in an instant DQ by referee Arthur Mercante, Jr.
Odom is now 12-1, 11 KO's while Hernandez remains undefeated at 8-0-1, one KO.
According to reports, Odom knocked down his opponent, Andrew "Hurricane" Hernandez down in the fourth round but hit him twice while he was down. That resulted in an instant DQ by referee Arthur Mercante, Jr.
Odom is now 12-1, 11 KO's while Hernandez remains undefeated at 8-0-1, one KO.
McCalla Loses Split Decision In New York!
Randallstown, MD welterweight Cecil McCalla has lost a 10-round split decision to Chris "The Heat" Van Heerden of Santa Monica, CA tonight on the Roc Nation card at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
According to Arvin Nundloll of Fightnews.com, Van Heerden boxed in the center of the ring and was able to avoid McCalla's more powerful punches. McCalla was trying to work the body but had a tough time doing so.
However, one judge saw a completely different contest than Nundloll because he scored the bout demonstratively for McCalla, 99-91. The other two judges saw the bout for Van Heerden, 97-93 and 96-94.
This is the first pro loss for McCalla and his record is now 20-1, seven KO's. Van Heerden is now 22-1-1, 11 KO's and wins the vacant WBC International Welterweight title.
According to Arvin Nundloll of Fightnews.com, Van Heerden boxed in the center of the ring and was able to avoid McCalla's more powerful punches. McCalla was trying to work the body but had a tough time doing so.
However, one judge saw a completely different contest than Nundloll because he scored the bout demonstratively for McCalla, 99-91. The other two judges saw the bout for Van Heerden, 97-93 and 96-94.
This is the first pro loss for McCalla and his record is now 20-1, seven KO's. Van Heerden is now 22-1-1, 11 KO's and wins the vacant WBC International Welterweight title.
Thursday, January 08, 2015
Fox Steps On Scales in Cabazon; Harrison, McCalla, Odom Do The Same in New York!
Beltway Boxers hit the scales in two locations today for bouts tomorrow night.
(Photos courtesy of Showtime, Roc Nation)
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Alantez Fox (right) weighed in at 155 pounds for his eight-round contest against fellow undefeated Patrick Day, who weighed at the junior middleweight limit of 154. The bout will be on the ShoBox telecast that will begin at 11 PM ET. By the way, this is a free weekend for Showtime, which means that you can watch the card even if you are not a Showtime subscriber.
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Meanwhile in New York City, Dusty Hernandez Harrison (left) tipped the scales at 145 pounds for his 10-round contest against Tommy Rainone for the vacant WBC Continental Americas welterweight championship. Rainone weighed in at 147 pounds. The bout will be the main event of the Fox Sports 1 telecast beginning at 10 PM ET.
Cecil McCalla weighed in heavy (150 pounds) for his contest against Chris Van Heerden (145 pounds). The contest is for the vacant WBC International Welterweight title. However, there is no official word on whether McCalla can still win the title.
Jerry Odom tipped the scales at 168 pounds for his contest against fellow undefeated boxer Andrew Hernandez, who weighed 169.
(Photos courtesy of Showtime, Roc Nation)
Alantez Fox (right) weighed in at 155 pounds for his eight-round contest against fellow undefeated Patrick Day, who weighed at the junior middleweight limit of 154. The bout will be on the ShoBox telecast that will begin at 11 PM ET. By the way, this is a free weekend for Showtime, which means that you can watch the card even if you are not a Showtime subscriber.
Meanwhile in New York City, Dusty Hernandez Harrison (left) tipped the scales at 145 pounds for his 10-round contest against Tommy Rainone for the vacant WBC Continental Americas welterweight championship. Rainone weighed in at 147 pounds. The bout will be the main event of the Fox Sports 1 telecast beginning at 10 PM ET.
Cecil McCalla weighed in heavy (150 pounds) for his contest against Chris Van Heerden (145 pounds). The contest is for the vacant WBC International Welterweight title. However, there is no official word on whether McCalla can still win the title.
Jerry Odom tipped the scales at 168 pounds for his contest against fellow undefeated boxer Andrew Hernandez, who weighed 169.
Wednesday, January 07, 2015
Beltway Year-End Awards Begin January 12!
The annual Beltway Boxing Year-End Awards will begin on Monday, January 12. On Sunday, January 11, we will have our summary of 2014..and what a year it was.
Part of the reason why we are a little late this year is because so much happened in 2014 that Juan Marshall and I wanted to take our time in our selections for the following catergories:
Rookie of the Year
Prospect of the Year
Bout of the Year
Knockout of the Year
Card of the Year
Boxer of the Year.
So join us next week for our summary and award selections!
Friday, January 02, 2015
Roach To Open Televised Boxing Card in Philadelphia January 20!
BATB has learned that Upper Marlboro, MD junior lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. will be participating on a card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Tuesday, January 20.
Roach (5-0, two KO's) will participate in his first scheduled six-round contest against an opponent to be determined and the bout will open a Fox Sports 1/Fox Deportes telecast.
The card is a Golden Boy Promotions card that will also celebrate the 50th birthday of company partner and future hall of famer Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins.
Also, we have learned that Kareem Martin has also been taken off the January 31st card in Chester, PA. Martin, along with Gervonta Davis, were both slated to be on the card. Both may compete in February.
Roach (5-0, two KO's) will participate in his first scheduled six-round contest against an opponent to be determined and the bout will open a Fox Sports 1/Fox Deportes telecast.
The card is a Golden Boy Promotions card that will also celebrate the 50th birthday of company partner and future hall of famer Bernard "The Alien" Hopkins.
Also, we have learned that Kareem Martin has also been taken off the January 31st card in Chester, PA. Martin, along with Gervonta Davis, were both slated to be on the card. Both may compete in February.
Thursday, January 01, 2015
Davis Now Off Card in Chester!
On Wednesday, we received word that Gervonta "Tank" Davis was going to be on a card on January 31 in Chester, PA. We now received word from Davis's camp that Davis will be pulled from that card and is slated to appear on a ShoBox card sometime in February.
Kareem Martin, as of now, is still slated to be on the card at Harrah's Casino.
Kareem Martin, as of now, is still slated to be on the card at Harrah's Casino.
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