October Looks Loaded With Solid Contests!

As we get ready to enter October, the month already looks packed with Beltway Boxers participating in contests on the road and at home.

On Friday, October 2, Baltimore, MD lightweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel makes his return to the ring at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA in a six-round bout against hometown boxer Victor Vasquez.  Samuel (15-6-1, six KO's) has not fought since losing an eight-round unanimous decision to David Rodela in July of 2014 in Oxnard, CA.  Vasquez (19-9-1, nine KO's has won three straight, including his last two by fourth-round TKO.

On Saturday, October 3, two locals will compete at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, CA.  Undefeated Temple Hills, MD super middleweight D'Mitrius "Big Meech" Ballard will compete in an eight-round bout against Eddie Hunter of Kent, WA.  Ballard (9-0, seven KO's) will be in a scheduled eight-rounder for the first time in his pro career.  Ballard went a full six-rounds for the first time in winning a unanimous decision over Josue Ovando on June 30 in Philadelphia, PA.

Hunter (10-13-2, three KO's) is an experienced foe who, despite his record, has quality wins over Ronald Hearns and Lanell Bellows.  Hunter lost by second-round TKO to Dominic Wade on December 20 in Shelton, WA followed by an eight-round unanimous decision loss in a rematch against Bellows in his last bout on April 30 in Las Vegas, NV.

Also on that card, Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoove" Rivers, Jr. looks to remain undefeated as he faces Alejandro Ochoa of Bell Gardens, CA in a six-round encounter.  Rivers (12-0, nine KO's) has had back-to-back third-round TKO victories in his last two outings including a win over Luis Lizarraga, Jr. on June 30 in Philadelphia.  Ochoa (6-10-2, one KO) looks to build on a victory he earned with a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Sedano on August 8 in Montebello, CA.  Ochoa has never been knocked out in a bout.

We are hearing that both bouts will be shown on the RingTV Roku and Youtube channels beginning at 5:30 PM ET.  Both bouts are on the undercard of the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight title bout between Lucas Matthysse and Viktor Postol.

Then on Saturday, October 17, Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. will compete at Madison Square Garden in New York City in a six-round bout that will be on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin-David Lemieux middleweight world title bout.  Roach (8-0, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over Christian Santibanez on the June 30 card in Philadelphia.

The month will end for traveling Beltway Boxers on Saturday, October 31 when Randallstown, MD super welterweight Cecil McCalla takes on Tony Harrison of Detroit, MI in a 10-round contest at the NRG Arena in Houston, TX.  The bout will be shown on the NBC Sports Network.   McCalla (20-2, seven KO's) will try to break a two-bout losing streak. dropping tough 10-round decisions to Ishe Smith and Chris Van Heerden.  McCalla lost a unanimous decision to Smith on April 30 in Las Vegas and dropped a split decision to Van Heerden on January 9 in New York City.

Harrison (21-1, 18 KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his only pro loss in his last outing.  Harrison was stopped in the ninth round by Willie Nelson on July 11 in Tampa, FL.

In the Beltway region, all roads will lead to the Eagle Bank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA for the Saturday, October 17 card promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Headbangers Promotions.

As we've said earlier, former IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson will battle undefeated 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz of the Dominican Republic in a 10-round welterweight bout that will be carried live on NBC.  The co-feature will pit Andre Dirrell of Flint, MI against Australian Blake Caparello in a super middleweight 10-rounder.

As we've also told you, a number of Beltway Boxers are slated to be on this card including Anthony Peterson, Demond Nicholson, Kareem Martin and Alantez Fox.  More locals may be added to the card.

This will be an afternoon card, slated to begin at 1 PM ET.  The two featured bouts will appear on NBC at 4 PM ET.  This may be the first major afternoon card held in the Beltway since Simon Brown defended his IBF Welterweight title against Tyrone Trice on April 1, 1990 at the DC Armory.  By the way, that was a bout carried by ABC-TV on a Sunday afternoon and it was the first world title bout I ever covered.

Night Of Knockouts Saturday In Norfolk!

BATB is learning that it was a night of knockouts Saturday night at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA.

A number of Beltway Boxers participated on the card and most were successful as 10 of the 11 bouts were stopped inside the distance.

Dusty Hernandez Harrison of DC scored a first-round knockout over James Wayka of Mounds View, MN.  Harrison is now 28-0, 15 KO's.  Wayka is 16-14-1, eight KO's.

Ashburn, VA super lightweight Seth "Killer B" Billups stopped veteran Reggie "Two-Gun" Nash of Grand Rapids, MI in the first round.  Billups is now 7-0, six KO's while Nash drops to 10-38-1, two KO's.

Super featherweight Eric "El Torito" Hernandez of Leesburg, VA continues his successful rookie campaign with a third-round TKO over Anthony Dave of Canton, OH.  Hernandez is now 3-0, two KO's while Dave remains winless at 0-9-1.

Another first-year boxer, middleweight Jeff "The Gladiator" McCalla of Randallstown, MD scored a first-round knockout over David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL.  McCalla is now 2-0, two KO's while Rohn falls to 0-5-1, two NC's.

Two Beltway Boxers were unsuccessful on the evening.  Heavyweight "The DC Diamond Cutter" Carlos Black was knocked out in the first round by Jerry "Slug" Forrest of Newport News, VA.  Black is now 1-3 while Forrest rises to 9-2, seven KO's.

Also, Winchester, VA super welterweight Bryant Bivens suffered a first-round TKO to Carlo Moore of Virginia Beach, VA.  Bivens remains winless at 0-4 while Moore wins his first pro bout and he is 1-1-1, one KO.

The main event saw hometown hero Frankie "Freight Train" Filipone score a second-round TKO over veteran Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc of Weymouth, MA in a super middleweight encounter.  Filipone is now 18-5-1, five KO's while LeBlanc drops to 13-26-4, five KO's.

The co-feature saw the successful return of popular Portsmouth, VA lightweight "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey who stopped veteran Terrence "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in the second round.  Spivey, who returned after a two-year absence, is now 43-7, 31 KO's while Roy's record is now 11-47, two KO's.

Virginia Beach cruiserweight Keith "Rocko" Robertson scored a second-round TKO over Reggie Miller of Philadelphia, PA.  Robertson is now 2-0, two KO's while Miller falls to 0-4.

Ontario, Canada super welterweight Cody Crowley registered a first-round TKO over Alan Beeman of Providence, RI.  Crowley's record rises to 5-0, three KO's while Beeman remains winless at 0-9.

In the only bout on the card to go the distance, super bantamweight Dodie Boy Penalosa, Jr. of Cebu, The Philippines won a four-round unanimous decision over Stephon McIntyre of Jonesboro, GA.  Penalosa, the son and nephew of world champions, is now 15-0, 12 KO's while McIntyre's record drops to 2-13-2.

Weights From Norfolk!

Here is the scale watch from the Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Productions/Ponytail Promotions card at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA:

Frankie Fillipone 166 vs. Jimmy LeBlanc 160

Dorin Spivey 133 vs. Terrence Roy 125

Dusty Hernandez Harrison 152 vs. James Wayka 146

Jerry Forrest 230 vs. Carlos Black 230

Eric Hernandez 142 vs. Anthony Dave (will weigh-in today)

Keith Robertson 193 vs. Reggie Miller 194

Seth Billups 136 vs. Reggie Nash 143

Dodie Boy Penalosa 125 vs. Stephon McIntyre 129

Carlo Moore 145 vs. Bryant Bivens 141

Jeff McCalla 159 vs. David Rohn 160

Cody Crowley 150 vs. Alan Beeman 146

Russell Family To Make Appearance During 'Unity In The Community' Saturday In Temple Hills!

Temple Hills, MD is having a "Unity In The Community' day on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 11:30 AM.

Among the notables that will be contributing time to this event will be the entire boxing Russell Family -- WBC Featherweight champion Gary Jr., Antonio, Antuanne and Allan.  They will be at Iverson Mall, located at 3737 Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, signing autographs beginning at 1:30 PM.

Update On Norfolk Card!

The order of the Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Brothers/Ponytail Promotions card on Saturday, September 26 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA has been shuffled.

Norfolk's Frankie "Freight Train" Fillipone will headline the card against an opponent to be announced.  Fillipone (17-5-1, four KO's) is coming off a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Jaco on April 3 in Sarasota, FL.

Also, the returning "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey will be in the co-feature contest. Spivey, of Portsmouth, VA, will face veteran Terrance "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in an eight-round contest.  Spivey (42-7, 30 KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Samuel Neequaye in August of 2013.  Roy (11-46, two KO's) last fought on August 8 and was stopped in the third round by Stephon Young in St. Louis, MO.

There are also reports that Tori Nelson is now off the card.  Nelson reported this on her Facebook page.  However, promoters say they are still looking for an opponent.

Quigley Scores First-Round Knockout In Germany!

We are hearing that Gaithersburg, MD super welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley needed just 45 seconds to knock out Zsolt Botos of the Czech Republic today in Hanau, Germany.

Quigley remains undefeated at 10-0, nine KO's while Botos falls to 6-47-1, four KO's.

Beltway Boxers Compete Saturday In Norfolk!

A number of Beltway Boxers will be competing on a pro card on Saturday, September 26 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA.  This will be a Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Brothers/Ponytail Promotions card.

Headlining the card will be undefeated, multi-time, multi-division world champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA, who will battle Ashleigh Curry of St. Joseph, MO in a 10-round super welterweight encounter.

Nelson, (15-0-3, one KO) is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Kita Watkins on June 20 in Woodlawn, MD.  Curry (7-9-4, one KO) last fought on June 12 and won a four-round majority decision over Althea Saunders in St. Joseph.   The two ladies fought on the same card on November 6 of last year in Cockeysville, MD.  Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Lucretia Meacham while Curry fought to a six-round draw against Melissa St. Vil.

In one of the co-feature bouts, undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison is slated to be in a 10-round bout against an opponent to be determined.  Harrison (27-0, 14 KO's) fought on August 15 in Miami, FL and won a fifth-round TKO over Carlos Velasquez.

In other bouts featuring locals, undefeated Ashburn, VA lightweight Seth "Killer B" Billups will take on veteran Reggie "Two-Gun" Nash of Grand Rapids, MI in a four-round bout.  Billups (6-0, five KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Christopher Russell in his last outing on the June 20 Woodlawn card.  Nash (10-37-1, two KO's) is looking to break a 10-bout losing streak.  Nash has fought a number of Beltway Boxers including Harrison, Todd Wilson and Bayan Jargal and has also fought the likes of Grady Brewer, Steve Upshur Chambers and Vernon Paris throughout his career.

Leesburg, VA super lightweight Eric "El Torito" Hernandez returns to action in a four-round contest against Anthony Dave of Canton, OH.  Hernandez scored his first pro knockout in his last outing with a second-round TKO of Fernando Serrano on July 18 in Washington, DC.  Dave (0-8-1) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision loss to Hoshuan Sambolin on June 26 in Niagra Falls, NY.  Dave has also faced locals Jerrell Harris, Antonio Magruder and Billups.

In what could be an interesting four-rounder, middleweight Jeff "Gladiator" McCalla of Randallstown, MD will battle with David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL.  McCalla, the younger brother of junior middleweight Cecil (1-0, one KO), made his pro debut on June 20 in Woodlawn and scored a first-round TKO over Carlos Dixon.  Rohn (0-4-1, two no-contests) lost his last bout by second-round TKO to Devin Butcher on March 20 in Woodlawn.  Rohn will face a Beltway Boxer for the sixth time in his career.  Rohn has also faced Shaborn Ryals, Jeremy Trussell, Demond Nicholson and Jarelle Scott.  Rohn did have two wins on his record (one against Scott in Rohn's pro debut) but they were both overturned because Rohn failed post-bout drug tests.

In a heavyweight bout, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest will take on another Beltway Boxer, Carlos "The DC Diamond Cutter" Black of Rockville, MD, in a four-round contest.  Forrest (8-2, seven KO's) broke a two-bout losing streak in his last contest when he scored a second-round knockout of Riley Brooks on March 28 in Springfield, VA.  Forrest is managed by DC Boxing Hall of Famer Sharif Salim.  Black (1-2) will be trying to snap a two-bout losing streak of his own which includes a four-round split decision loss to Dennis Benson on July 9 in Parkville, MD.

Other bouts on this card includes a 10-round co-feature with hometown hero Frankie "Freight Train" Fillipone against an opponent to be announced.  Fillipone (17-5-1, four KO's) is coming off a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Jaco on April 3 in Sarasota, FL.

The card also marks the return of former lightweight contender "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey of Portsmouth, VA who will face veteran Terrance "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in an eight-round contest.  Spivey (42-7, 30 KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Samuel Neequaye in August of 2013.  Roy (11-46, two KO's) last fought on August 8 and was stopped in the third round by Stephon Young in St. Louis, MO.

Also on the card is super bantamweight Dodie Boy Penalosa, Jr. of Cebu City, the Philippines, who will be in a six-round contest.  No word yet on his opponents.  Penalosa (13-0, 12 KO's) has not fought since he scored a third-round KO over Dicky Amtiran in July of 2014.  Penalosa looks to continue the family championship legacy.  Both his father, Dodie, Sr. and his uncle, Gerry, won two world titles.

In other bouts, Bayamon, Puerto Rico featherweight Luis Orlando Del Valle (19-2, 14 KO's) will be in a scheduled eight-round contest.  Canadian super welterweight Cody Crowley (4-0, two KO's) will battle Alan Beeman of Providence, RI (0-8) in a four-round bout.  Virginia Beach, VA cruiserweight Keith "Rocko" Robertson (1-0, one KO) will be in another four-rounder against Reggie Miller of Philadelphia, PA (0-3).  Another Virginia Beach boxer, Carlo Moore (0-1-1), looks for his first win against an opponent to be named.

Guerrero Loses By First-Round TKO In Queens!

A rough night for Salisbury, MD cruiserweight Alex Guerrero on Saturday.  Guerrero was stopped in the first round by Brian Howard of Atlanta, GA at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

According to Fightnews.com,  Howard's straight right stung Guerrero halfway through round one and had him on rubbery legs. Howard landed a few more right hands to deck Guerrero, who quickly arose to his feet and took an eight-count. Guerrero was unable to recover, however, and Howard pinned him against the ropes with a follow-up barrage, forcing referee Harvey Dock to stop the contest at 1:53 of the first.

Guerrero, who is ranked number 14 in the world by the WBA and was making his DiBella Entertainment promotional debut, suffered his first defeat, dropping to 12-1, six KO's.  Howard, who had his first bout since suffering his only loss in December of 2012, is now 11-1, nine KO's.

Quigley To Face Veteran In Germany September 20!

Undefeated Gaithersburg, MD welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley (9-0, eight KO's) has an opponent for his four-round bout in Hanau, Hessen, Germany on Sunday, September 20.

The opponent is, indeed, a true veteran of the fight game.  His name is Zsolt Botos and he hails from Duchov in the Czech Republic by way of Slovakia.  Botos (6-46-1, four KO's) is 38 years old and has been boxing since 2001. Botos is winless in his last 29 contests (0-28-1) but has been the distance in 21 of those bouts.  The last bout for Botos took place on July 4 in Belgium where he lost by sixth-round TKO to Steve Suppan.

Guerrero Weighs 198 Pounds For 10-Round Bout in Queens; Amateur Boxing Today In Oxon Hill!

Alex Guerrero weighed 198 pounds for his 10-round contest against Brian Howard tonight at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY. Howard tipped the scales at 196.

There is amateur boxing action today at the Oxon Hill Boys and Girls Club this afternoon at 4 PM.  The address is 7711 Livingston Road in Oxon Hill, MD.  Admission is $20.

Kelly Stops Suarez In One In Atlantic City!

DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly scored a first-round TKO over Jimmy Suarez of Aguada, Puerto Rico Friday night at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Kelly landed a left hook and knocked Suarez down.  Suarez took the entire referee's count and the bout was over at 1:33.  Kelly's record rises to 9-1-1, eight KO's while Suarez falls to 3-6, three KO's.

Kelly Weighs 237 For Six-Rounder In Atlantic City!

Danny Kelly tipped the scales at 237 pounds for his six-round contest tonight at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  Kelly's opponent, Jimmy Suarez, weighed 235.

If you would like to watch the bout, the card will be shown on GoFightLive at www.gfl.tv for a price of $14.99.  The broadcast begins at 7 PM ET.

F. Guerrero TV Bout In Florida Scrapped!

We are hearing word that Fernando Guerrero's scheduled 10-round contest against Caleb Truax that was slated to be the main event of a Bounce TV telecast Friday night at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL has been called off.

According to Jake Donovan of BoxingScene.com, Truax failed to get his medical reports submitted through the proper channels on time and that forced his withdrawal from the card.  As of now, Guerrero is still scheduled on the card but finding an opponent at this late stage will be tough to do.

Guerrero Bros., Kelly, Quigley Travel For Important Bouts!

Another weekend means another group of Beltway Boxers will be on the road in some noteworthy bouts.

One bout we have talked about already -- Fernando Guerrero (27-3, 19 KO's) takes on Caleb Truax (25-2-2, 15 KO's) in a scheduled 10-round bout on Friday, September 18 at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.  The bout will be the main event on a BounceTV telecast.

Danny "Smooth" Kelly has an opponent for his six-round contest on September 18 at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  Kelly (8-1-1, seven KO's) will battle Jimmy Suarez of Aguada, PR (3-6, three KO's in a six-round bout.

On Saturday, September 19, Guerrero's older brother, Alex (12-0-1. six KO's), competes for the first time under the DiBella Entertainment banner when he faces Brian Howard of Atlanta, GA (10-1, eight KO's) in a 10-round cruiserweight main event at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

Then on Sunday, September 20, undefeated Gaithersburg, MD super welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley (9-0, eight KO's) makes a trans-continental trip to Hanau, Hassen, Germany for a four-round contest against an opponent to be determined.

Aleem Weighs 165 1/2 For Eight-Rounder In Pennsylvania!

Immanuwel Aleem weighed in at 165 1/2 for his eight-round contest against Oscar Riojas at the Convocation Center at the California University of Pennsylvania.  Riojas weighed 167.

Remember, Thomas Williams will not be on this card because of an injury to his opponent.  Bouts from this card will be shown on Fox Sports 1 but there is no word on whether Aleem's contest will make the telecast.

Antonio Russell Wins By Second-Round TKO In Connecticut!

Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell remained undefeated Saturday night as he scored a second-round TKO over Manuel Rubacalva of Tamaulipas, MX at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Russell nailed Rubacalva with body shots that stopped the contest at 1:26 of the second round.  Russell's record is now 4-0, three KO's while Rubacalva falls to 2-15.

Davis Wins In One; Sigmon Gets Stopped In Eight In Las Vegas!

At the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV Saturday, Gervonta "Tank" Davis of Baltimore, MD scored a first-round TKO over Recky "The Terror" Dulay of the Philippines.  Davis dropped Dulay twice en route to a stoppage at 1:34 of the round.  Davis, in his first bout under the Mayweather Promotions banner, remains undefeated at 12-0, 11 KO's while Dulay, in his first bout in the United States, falls to 8-2, five KO's.

Also on the card, Bedford, VA's Scott "Cujo" Sigmon was stopped in the eighth round in his bout against Ronald Gavril of Las Vegas.  According to Manuel Maravilla of Fightnews.com, Gavril boxed early on using the jab and following up to the body of Sigmon landing the left hook. Continuing to have his way in the ring, Gavril unloaded combinations and power shots as Sigmon began to fade. Despite being busted up, Sigmon gamely continued to fight on, pressing forward as Gavril mixed it up. However after finishing the eighth round referee Jay Nady had seen enough as he waved off the bout.

Sigmon's record drops to 25-8-1, 14 KO's.  Gavril is now 14-1, 10 KO's and has defeated a Beltway Boxer for the second straight bout.  Gavril won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jessie Nicklow of June 21 at the MGM Grand Garden.

HUGE Friday Report: Reed Remains Undefeated While Davis And Sigmon Hit Scales in Las Vegas; Russell Steps on Scale in Connecticut; Crews Wins Outstanding Boxer Award At US Olympic Trial Qualifier;Brown Wins Gold at 132 Pounds; Moore Qualifies For Trials!

Friday was a red letter day for the Beltway as we have a lot of news to report -- all of it in the positive vein.

We start in Las Vegas, NV where Waldorf, MD super lightweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed remained undefeated with a fifth-round TKO over Antonio "Aztec God Of War" Canas of Chicago, IL at the Cosmopolitan.  According to Fightnews.com's Miguel Maravilla, Reed momentarily staggered Canas in the opening round and followed up with combinations. Canas continued to press as Reed boxed from the outside. A body shot in round five dropped Canas and after Canas regained his feet, Reed finished him off with a series of punches as referee Russell Mora stepped in to stop the fight at 1:28.   Reed is now 16-0, nine KO's while Canas falls to 10-2-1, four KO's.

Meanwhile, down the Vegas Strip at the MGM Grand Garden Hotel, Beltway Boxers Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Scott "Cujo" Sigmon hit the scales for their bouts on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto card.  Davis weighed 132 1/2 pounds for his eight-round contest against Recky Dulay, who tipped the scales at 130 pounds.  Sigmon and his opponent, Ronald Gavril, both hit the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds for their 10-round contest.

At the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, Antonio Russell hit the scales at 119 pounds for his six-round bout against Manuel Rubacalva who weighed in at 120 pounds.  This bout will be on the undercard of the Cornelius Brundage-Jermall Charlo title bout.

On the amateur side, Beltway females completed an outstanding week of competition at the US Olympic Trial Qualifier at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel in Baltimore, MD.  Local ladies took home two golds, one silver and one bronze and all four ladies have qualified for the US Olympic Trials that will take place in October in Memphis, TN.

Hometown heroine Franchon Crews won the championship at 165 pounds by a 3-0 decision over Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA.  Crews was also named the Outstanding Boxer of the tournament.

Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD captured the 132-Pound title with a 2-1 victory over Samantha Kinchen of Lexington, KY.  Millersville, MD's Amelia Moore became the fourth local to qualify by winning the bronze medal bout at 132 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Mioshia Wagoner of Lawrence, KS.

Williams-Savigne Sept. 15 Bout Called Off Due To Injury!

The Thomas Williams-Umberto Savigne contest slated for Tuesday, September 15 at the California University of Pennsylvania has been scratched.  Savigne suffered an injury during training.

The bout was scheduled to be a televised co-feature on Fox Sports 1.  Williams will not have a replacement opponent for the bout.

Fifth Annual McKnight Invitational To Be Held Saturday In Northeast DC!

The fifth annual Dr. Arnold W. McKnight Amateur Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA Invitational will be held on Saturday, September 12 at the Deanwood Recreation Center located at 1350 49th Street in Northeast DC.

The event is held in memory and honor of Arnold McKnight, the longest-serving chair of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission, who passed away in 2007.

A number of people will be honored during the event for their contributions to boxing and the DC community:

Adrian and Brenda Davis -- the legendary duo who owned Round One gymnasium and worked with numerous boxers for decades

Former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson -- a shining example of what can be accomplished by a local boxer.

Legendary Beltway Boxer Johnny Gant along with his daughter, renowned educator Sirraya Gant. Gant was a major force in Beltway Boxing in the 70's and had a memorable bout with Sugar Ray Leonard at the Capital Centre in the late 70's.   The Gants will come from Atlanta.

Also honored will be renowned domestic violence awareness advocate QueenAfi Gaston.  Several members of DC government are scheduled to attend including DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

This is a free event that will also have free food, courtesy of Ben's Chili Bowl.  The event will begin at noon.

Kenney Advances To US Olympic Trials!

Alexandria, VA's Iesha Kenney is the third local to qualify for the US Olympic Trials.   Kenney won a 3-0 decision over Cierra Taylor of Rochester, NY in the second 165 Pound semifinal.

Kenney seemed to beat Taylor to the punch throughout the bout and closed the show with a flourish in the fourth and final round.

 

Kenney will meet Franchon Crews in tomorrow's final.  However,  both have qualified for the Olympic Trials along with Tiara Brown at 132 pounds.

Crews Wins By TKO To Advance To US Olympic Trials!

Baltimore's Franchon Crews was dominant in her semifinal bout at 165 pounds in front of her home crowd at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel.   Crews scored a fourth-round TKO over Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA to advance to the Olympic Trials.
 

Crews battered the game Fabela all around the ring, bloodying Fabela's nose and earning four standing eight counts (two each in the third and fourth round) before the bout was stopped.

Brown Defeats Moore To Qualify For Olympic Trials!

Oxon Hill, MD's Tiara Brown has qualified for the US Olympic Trials.   In a 132-Pound semifinal tonight at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel,  Brown won a 3-0 decision over Millersville, MD's Amelia Moore.
 

Moore got off to a very good start in the first round as she came out very offensive-minded.   However, as the bout wore on, Brown started to cut off the ring and eventually break down Moore.  Brown earned a standing eight count late in the second round and went on to the victory.

 

Reed Weighs 140 For Eight-Round Bout In Las Vegas!

Mike Reed and Antonio Canas both weighed in at the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds for their eight-round bout Friday at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas,  NV.

Beltway Ladies Advance In Baltimore; Only Hall Moves On In Philadelphia!

All four local ladies advanced to the semifinals of the USA Olympic Trials Qualifier in Baltimore on Wednesday while only one man moved into the quarterfinals in Philadelphia.

Middleweight Franchon Crews of Baltimore did well in front of the hometown crowd at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel by scoring a TKO over Shmelle Baldwin of Wilmington, DE.  Also at 165 pounds, Alexandria, VA's Iesha Kenney won a 3-0 decision over Jennifer Barnes of Little Rock, AR.

At 132 pounds, Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD moved into the semis with a 3-0 decision over Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ while Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD advanced with a 2-1 win over N'Yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH.

The semifinals begin on Thursday night at 8:15 PM at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel.  The winners will clinch berths at the US Olympic Trials.  Brown will face Moore in the semifinals at 132.  Crews will take on Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA while Kenney will battle Cierra Taylor of Rochester, NY at 165.

On the men's side, it was another tough day as only one of three Beltway amateurs advanced to the quarterfinals at the Stadium Holiday Inn in Philadelphia.  Ernest Hall of Baltimore won a 2-1 decision over D'Angelo Keyes of Houston, TX in the 132-pound class.  Burke, VA's Jalonte Cole lost his bout at 132 to Martino Jules of Allentown, PA by a 3-0 score.  At 123 pounds, Malik Jackson of DC lost a 2-1 decision to Christian Williams of Chicago, IL.

Former HBO Exec Davis Named Athletic Director At Howard University!

A former HBO programming executive who negotiated some of the biggest boxing bouts in the sport's history has been named the athletic director at Washington, DC's Howard University.

Kery Davis, 57, spent 14 years at HBO where he helped put together bouts featuring some of the biggest names in the boxing business, including Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Roy Jones, Jr.

Davis, who played college basketball at Dartmouth College, leads a university athletic program for the very first time.  Davis told the New York Post that Howard offered a very unique opportunity.

"I probably don't do this job at any other place than Howard," Davis said.  "It was an opportunity to work at a school with a rich tradition and legacy people who are pioneers in the arts, in civil rights and in every other industry.  People I looked up to growing up.  So it struck a chord with me.  It's the right challenge at exactly the right time in my life."

Davis added that he wants to see Howard, who competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), become more competitive.

"We have to become more competitive across the board," Davis said.  "That's number one.  We also need to address how our student-athletes are performing on and off the field.  I also want to look at facilities.  I think a lot of things go hand-in-hand in attracting the kind of student-athletes we want to attract at this school."

Brown, Moore Advance In Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier; Cole, Hall, Lane Move On In Men's Qualifier!

On the second day of US Olympic Trial Qualifier competition, two Beltway women advanced in Baltimore while three men did the same in Philadelphia.

Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD and Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD both moved on to the next round in the 132-pound division at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel.  Brown won a 2-1 decision over Kimberly Carlson of Chicago, IL while Moore took a 3-0 decision over Wendy Casey of Buffalo, NY.  Brown will battle Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ in the next round while Moore takes on N'yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH.

Two more locals compete for the first time in the 165-pound class on Wednesday.  Baltimore's Franchon Crews will take on Schmelle Baldwin of Wilmington, DE while Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA faces Jennifer Barnes of Little Rock, AR.

On the men's side, Burke, VA's Jalonte Cole moved into the next round of the 132-pound division with a 3-0 division over Michael Stacks of East Boston, MA. Also at 132, Ernest Hall of Baltimore scored a first-round TKO over Matthew Guerrero of Manteca, CA.  At 178 pounds, DC's Darryl Lane won a 2-1 decision over Ali Salem of Brooklyn, NY.

Cole will take on Martino Jules of Allentown, PA in the next round Wednesday while Hall will battle with D'Angelo Keyes of Houston, TX.  Also competing today will be Malik Jackson of Washington, DC, who has moved up to the 123-pound division for this tournament and sees his first action against Cristian Williams of Chicago, IL.

Four Beltway amateurs were knocked out of competition -- three of them literally as they suffered TKO losses. William Sawin of Alexandria, VA lost by third-round TKO to Elijah Peixoto of Providence, RI at 132 pounds.  At 152 pounds, Alonzo Thompson of Laurel, MD was stopped in the third round by another Providence boxer, Joseph Reed.  Also, Severn, MD's Justin Bell-Edwards lost by third-round TKO to Edgar Berlanga of Brooklyn, NY in the 178-pound division.   Also eliminated from competition was Emmanuel Rodriguez of Berlin, MD who dropped a 3-0 decision to Julio Herrera of Las Vegas, NV at 152 pounds.

Beltway Amateurs Suffer Tough First Day at Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier; Local Women Begin Action In Baltimore Tuesday!

Day one of the Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier in Philadelphia, PA on Monday was a tough one for Beltway Boxers.  Eight locals were in action, however only three advanced to the next round.

Salisbury, MD's Brian Rodriguez-Lopez won his opening bout at 141 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Nasir Jones of Philadelphia, PA.  Rodriguez-Lopez will get a day off on Tuesday.  Two boxers moved into the next round at 178 pounds -- Darryl Lane of Washington, DC won a decision over Zamy Larry of St. Petersburg, FL, 3-0 while Justin Bell-Edwards of Severn, MD won his first bout by walkover. Lane will face Ali Salem of Brooklyn, NY in the second round on Tuesday while Bell-Edwards battles Edgar Berlanga of Brooklyn, NY.

Justin's twin brother, Jason, who lives in District Heights, MD, lost his opening bout at 165 pounds by a 3-0 decision to Joseph Hicks of Grand Rapids, MI.

In other bouts, Gregory Outlaw of Glenarden, MD lost a 3-0 decision to Richardson Hitchins of Brooklyn, NY at 141 pounds.  DC's Russell Gaskins dropped a 2-1 decision to Lawrence King of Adelanto, CA at 165 pounds.  Also at 165, Jordon Payne of Hyattsville, MD lost by a 3-0 score to Calvin Metcalif of Kansas City, MO.  At 178 pounds, Donald Wallace of Catonsville, MD lost to Sharif Rahman of Las Vegas, NV and the youngest boxing son of former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman by a 3-0 decision.

Also in Tuesday's action, Jalonte Cole of Burke, VA will take on Michael Stacks of East Boston, MA at 132 pounds, while Ernest Hall of Baltimore, MD competes in the same weight class against Matthew Guerrero of Manteca, CA.    Emmanuel Rodriguez of Berlin, MD debuts at 152 pounds against Julio Herrera of Las Vegas, NV.  Alonzo Thompson of Laurel, MD also starts competition at 152 pounds against Joseph Reed of Providence, RI.

The women also began their qualifier at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD on Monday.  However, no locals competed.  On Tuesday, Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD -- the top seed at 132 pounds -- will debut against Kimberly Carlson of Chicago, IL.  Also, Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD will compete at 132 pounds against Wendy Casey of Buffalo, NY.   The boxing begins at 6 PM and is free.

Beltway Amateurs Head to Philadelphia For Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier Sept 7-12!

While female amateur boxers are having their final Olympic Trials qualifier in Baltimore, MD, more than 270 men will be in Philadelphia, PA for the second men's qualifier September 7-12 at the Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium.

This group includes a number of Beltway amateurs who vie to join fellow locals Tyrek Irby and Gary Antuanne Russell, who have already qualified for the Olympic Trials.  The top two finishers in each weight class will advance to the trials on a date and location to be finalized.

Here is the list, according to USA Boxing, of the locals who will compete in this qualifier:

Flyweight/114 Pounds

Malik Jackson, Washington, DC

Lightweight/132 Pounds

Tommy Avelar, Germantown, MD

Jalonte Cole, Burke, VA

Ernest Hall, Baltimore, MD

William Sawin, Alexandria, VA

Light Welterweight/141 Pounds

Brian Rodriguez-Lopez, Salisbury, MD

Sammie Smith, Hyattsville, MD

Keeshawn Williams, Washington, DC

Welterweight/152 Pounds

Jonathan Burrs, Frederick, MD

Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, MD

Emmanuel Rodriguez, Berlin, MD

Deonte Stokes, Glen Burnie, MD

Alonzo Thompson, Laurel, MD

Middleweight/165 Pounds

Jason Bell-Edwards, District Heights, MD

Tavon Body, Burtonsville, MD

Russell Gaskins, Washington, DC

Jordon Payne, Hyattsville, MD

Donald Wallace, Catonsville, MD

Light Heavyweight/178 Pounds

Justin Bell-Edwards, Severn, MD

Darryl Lane, Washington, DC

Heavyweight/201 Pounds

Sam Crossed, Baltimore, MD

Super Heavyweight/201+ Pounds

Colby Madison, Owings Mills, MD

Beltway Locals Face Daunting Tasks At Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier!

A number of female Beltway amateurs will be competing for an opportunity to participate in the US Olympic Boxing Trials in October.  They will be battling stiff and experienced competition during the final qualifier that will take place September 7-11 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD.

Female Olympic Boxing is contested in three weight classes --Flyweight (112 Pounds), Lightweight (132 Pounds) and Middleweight (165 Pounds) -- and there will be locals competing in all three categories.  The top three finishers in each weight class will advance to the Olympic Trials which take place October 26-31 in Memphis, TN.

Somer Smith of Pasadena, MD will represent the Beltway in the Flyweight Division.  Smith is a former area Junior Golden Gloves champion.  Among the boxers in Smith's weight class are current USA Boxing Youth National champion Kristyn Juarez of Los Angeles, CA, Caitlin Orosco of Anaheim, CA, a junior world champion in 2013 and Nysja Barrientes of Las Vegas, NV, who was a junior national champion in 2013.

The lightweight division will be a loaded division and two locals will be a part of the competition.  Oxon Hill, MD's Tiara Brown, a world champion in 2012 and a bronze medalist at the world championships in 2014, along with Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD will represent the Beltway.  However, they face big-time competition led by 2012 Olympian Queen Underwood of Seattle, WA.

Also competing in the lightweight division are former Olympic Trials competitor N'yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH, current youth champion Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ and two 2013 youth champions, Rashida Ellis of Lynn, MA and Samantha Kinchen of Lexington, KY.

The middleweight division features multi-time national champion Franchon Crews of Baltimore, MD and two-time youth national champion Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA. The two locals will battle against such names as current youth national champion Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA, 2014 USA Boxing National Championship silver medalist Heidi Henriksen of St. Louis Park, MN and former heavyweight national champion Krystal Dixon of New Rochelle, NY.

Women's preliminary action will begin at 6 p.m., on Monday and run through Wednesday, September 9 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel with complimentary tickets for those sessions available at www.baltimoreboxing.com. Semifinal competition will take place at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 and Friday's championship bouts will begin at 8:15 p.m., at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel. Semifinal tickets are priced at $15 and final round admission is $25. To purchase tickets for the event, go to www.baltimoreboxing.com or call 410-375-9175.

Lamont Peterson Faces Undefeated Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz, Jr. October 17 On PBC Card in Fairfax, VA!

Former IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson returns to action in a 12-round contest against undefeated 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz, Jr. of the Dominican Republic on Saturday, October 17 at the Eagle Bank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

The card will be televised on NBC as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series.   The will be the second PBC appearance for Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KO's) who lost a 12-round majority decision to Danny Garcia on the first PBC telecast on April 11 in Brooklyn, NY.  Diaz (17-0, eight KO's) also fought his last bout on that April 11 card and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Bracero.

The telecast gets underway at 4 PM ET with a 10-round super middleweight co-feature that matches world title contender Andre "The Resurrected" Dirrell of Flint, MI against Blake "IL Capo" Caparello of Victoria, Australia.

Dirrell, an Olympic Bronze Medalist in 2004 (24-2, 16 KO's) will try to bounce back from losing in an opportunity for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight title on May 23 in Boston, MA.  Dirrell lost a 12-round unanimous decision to James DeGale.  Dirrell is no stranger to the Beltway area as he won two of his first three bouts, including his pro debut, by knockout at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD in 2005.

Caparello (21-1-1, six KO's) has won numerous regional titles in Australia. However, he lost an opportunity for a world title to Sergei Kovalev by second-round TKO in August of 2014 in Atlantic City, NJ.

The card is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and HeadBangers Promotions.  BATB has learned that Beltway Boxers Anthony Peterson, Patrick Harris, Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson and Kareem "Reemo" Martin will compete on this card.  Tickets go on sale for the card on Friday at 10 AM through Ticketmaster.

Conversation Begins For Russell-Santa Cruz Matchup!

Let the talk begin.  There is conversation starting among fans and the media for a potential matchup between WBC Featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. and 122-pound WBC titleholder Leo Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz defeated Abner Mares at 126 pounds on August 29 in Los Angeles, CA.  Both boxers are advised by Al Haymon.

In his weekly Boxing Scene column "Fighting Words," author and columnist David Greisman talks about the options Santa Cruz has going forward and how a bout with Russell would be the best choice.

Here is a link to the article:  http://www.boxingscene.com/fighting-words-santa-cruz-russell-drumbeat-begins--95272