The struggle continues for two DC boxers as they lost bouts on a card at the Bayonne Pavilion in Bayonne, NJ.
Heavyweight Alando Pugh was stopped in the first round by Leon Johnson of Newark, NJ. According to Kurt Wolfheimer of Fightnews.com, Pugh tried to get the upset early in the bout as he pressured Johnson against the ropes. Johnson kept his defense tight and then landed a crushing uppercut that dropped Pugh to the canvas. The bout was immediately waived off at 2:46. Pugh is now 1-9-1, one KO while Johnson is 2-0, two KO's.
DC welterweight Lamont White was disqualified in the fourth round of his bout with Caleb Hernandez of Paterson, NJ. Wolfheimer reports that Hernandez targeted the body early in the opening round with heavy hooks. White was in good shape but Hernandez continued the constant pressure, mixing up two and three punch combinations throughout rounds two and three. White went on the bicycle and switched to southpaw to relieve the pressure late in the third. White was not listening to the instructions of Referee Ronald Ali Bashir on breaks. Finally, Bashir had seen enough and disqualified White at 2:29 of the fourth and final round. White remains winless at 0-3. Hernandez is 3-0, one KO.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Corley Captures Fecarbox Title With Majority Decision In Guyana!
DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley has done it again. The 42-year-old wonder won a 12-round majority decision over Dexter Gonzales of Trinidad and Tobago to win the vacant WBC Fecarbox Lightweight championship Saturday in Lilliendaal, Guyana.
Corley recovered from a third-round knockdown to win the title by scores of 115-115, 115-110 and 113-112. Corley's record is now 47-27-1, 28 KO's. Gonzales is now 8-2-2, five KO's. Corley has fought in 18 title bouts in his 20-year career and has won the WBO Super Lightweight world title, the NABF and USBA Super Lightweight titles and now, the WBC Fecarbox Lightweight championship.
Corley recovered from a third-round knockdown to win the title by scores of 115-115, 115-110 and 113-112. Corley's record is now 47-27-1, 28 KO's. Gonzales is now 8-2-2, five KO's. Corley has fought in 18 title bouts in his 20-year career and has won the WBO Super Lightweight world title, the NABF and USBA Super Lightweight titles and now, the WBC Fecarbox Lightweight championship.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Roach, Jr. Returns To Action September 2 in Los Angeles!
Undefeated Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. returns to action on Friday, September 2 at the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, CA.
Roach (11-0, three KO's) will take on his most experienced foe to date when he battles Mario Macias Rorozco of Iztacalco, Distrito Federal, Mexico in an eight-round encounter. Roach is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over Jose Arturo Esquivel on May 7 in Las Vegas, NV. Rorozco (28-19, 14 KO's) competes against a Beltway Boxer for the second straight time. Rorozco suffered a first-round knockout at the hands of Gervonta Davis on June 3 in Hollywood, FL.
By the way, there is some great press on Roach as he is featured in the "New Faces" section of the latest issue (November 2016) of the Ring magazine. Mitch Abramson has a nice profile of the 2014 Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year. The cover story of the Ring celebrates the 60th birthday of Hall of Famer, six-time world champion and Beltway Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard was chosen by the magazine as the all-time greatest living boxer.
Roach (11-0, three KO's) will take on his most experienced foe to date when he battles Mario Macias Rorozco of Iztacalco, Distrito Federal, Mexico in an eight-round encounter. Roach is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision win over Jose Arturo Esquivel on May 7 in Las Vegas, NV. Rorozco (28-19, 14 KO's) competes against a Beltway Boxer for the second straight time. Rorozco suffered a first-round knockout at the hands of Gervonta Davis on June 3 in Hollywood, FL.
By the way, there is some great press on Roach as he is featured in the "New Faces" section of the latest issue (November 2016) of the Ring magazine. Mitch Abramson has a nice profile of the 2014 Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year. The cover story of the Ring celebrates the 60th birthday of Hall of Famer, six-time world champion and Beltway Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. Leonard was chosen by the magazine as the all-time greatest living boxer.
Corley Challenges For WBC Fecarbox Lightweight Title Saturday in Guyana!
Former WBO Super Lightweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley continues his world tour as he challenges Dexter Gonzales of Marabella, Trinidad And Tobago for the vacant WBC Fecarbox Lightweight title in a 12-round bout Saturday at the Giftland Office Max in Lilliendal, Guyana.
Corley (47-27-1, 28 KO's) has been feasting off young, relatively inexperienced competition as of late winning three bouts in a Contender-style competition in Jamaica. Gonzales (8-1-2, five KO's) is looking for his second straight title. Gonzales captured the vacant WBC Caribbean title in his last outing, scoring an eighth-round TKO over Clive Atwell on October 24 in Lilliendal. Gonzales has four straight knockouts.
Corley (47-27-1, 28 KO's) has been feasting off young, relatively inexperienced competition as of late winning three bouts in a Contender-style competition in Jamaica. Gonzales (8-1-2, five KO's) is looking for his second straight title. Gonzales captured the vacant WBC Caribbean title in his last outing, scoring an eighth-round TKO over Clive Atwell on October 24 in Lilliendal. Gonzales has four straight knockouts.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Grayton Stops Martin In Eighth In Pennsylvania!
(Photo by Daniel Cork)
In a nationally-televised (FS1) battle of DC welterweights, David "Day-Day" Grayton scored an eighth-round technical knockout over former stablemate Kareem "Reemo" Martin tonight in the co-feature at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA. The two trained and sparred together in the Headbangers Gym in DC before Grayton left three years ago.
Martin, participating in his first scheduled eight-round contest, had the early advantage as he used effective counter punching to earn points with the judges. However, the power wasn't there to keep Grayton off of him.
In the fourth-round, Grayton, despite suffering a cut over the right eye, began to take control and walk Martin down. Grayton began to push and bully the smaller Martin throughout the second half of the contest. Finally, Grayton landed a right-left combination early in the eighth round that dropped Martin to the canvas. Martin beat referee Benji Esteves's count but Grayton then swarmed Martin getting the bout stopped at 41 seconds.
The win was a good bounce-back victory for Grayton, who rights his ship after the second-round knockout loss against Bryant Parrella on June 4 in Montreal, Canada. Grayton's record is now 15-1, 11 KO's. Martin suffers his first pro loss and is now 8-1-1, three KO's.
Monday, August 22, 2016
Martin, Grayton Tip Scales For Eight-Round Showdown In Pennsylvania!
(Photos by Daniel Cork)
Kareem Martin (right) and David Grayton weighed in for their eight-round contest that will be held Tuesday night at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA.
Martin tipped the scales at 146 pounds while Grayton came in at 147. This contest will be shown live on the "Toe To Toe Tuesdays" telecast on FS1 that will get underway at 9 PM ET.
Welcome Home Celebration For Antuanne Russell Wednesday In Capitol Heights!
There will be a welcome home celebration for 2016 US Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell on Wednesday, August 24 at the Dave & Busters in Capitol Heights, MD.
The event is free and open to the public and will begin at 7 PM ET. The Dave & Busters is located at 1851 Richie Station Court in Capitol Heights. There will also be an opportunity to win a "Team Russell" autographed boxing glove.
For more information, call 301-675-2003.
The event is free and open to the public and will begin at 7 PM ET. The Dave & Busters is located at 1851 Richie Station Court in Capitol Heights. There will also be an opportunity to win a "Team Russell" autographed boxing glove.
For more information, call 301-675-2003.
Sunday, August 21, 2016
Allison IV Scores Second-Round Knockout In Greensboro!
The busiest rookie in the Beltway has to be Baltimore, MD super featherweight Mack Allison, IV. Allison made his pro debut on July 16 and has already fought five times.
Saturday night in Greensboro, NC, Allison scored his fifth straight victory and fifth straight knockout as he registered a second-round stoppage of Molique Artis of South Carolina. The time of the knockout was 1:18 seconds. Artis is 0-3.
Allison has scored four first-round knockouts and one second-round knockout.
Saturday night in Greensboro, NC, Allison scored his fifth straight victory and fifth straight knockout as he registered a second-round stoppage of Molique Artis of South Carolina. The time of the knockout was 1:18 seconds. Artis is 0-3.
Allison has scored four first-round knockouts and one second-round knockout.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Dezurn Scores Knockout In Rochester!
Baltimore, MD super featherweight Glenn Dezurn scored a third-round knockout over Aaron Hollis of Cincinnati, OH Friday night at Rhinos Stadium in Rochester, NY.
Fighting for the first time since December of 2014, Dezurn fought Hollis at close quarters for the first two rounds before dropping him with a big right hand early in the third. The bout was stopped at 16 seconds.
Dezurn remains undefeated at 7-0, five KO's while Hollis drops to 3-3, two KO's.
Fighting for the first time since December of 2014, Dezurn fought Hollis at close quarters for the first two rounds before dropping him with a big right hand early in the third. The bout was stopped at 16 seconds.
Dezurn remains undefeated at 7-0, five KO's while Hollis drops to 3-3, two KO's.
Night Of Knockouts In Crystal City!
It was a nine-bout, nine-knockout night during the King's Promotions card Friday night at the Crystal City Hilton in Arlington, VA.
(Photos by Kent Green)
In the main event, Forestville, MD super lightweight and King's Promotions signee Mykal "The Professor" Fox put on a sterling display en route to a dominant third-round knockout over Somner "Magic Man" Martin of Martinsville, VA. The 6'4" Fox used his height to land crisp right jabs and solid left hooks to keep the shorter Martin at bay. Martin could not find any offense. Fox was able to eventually batter Martin all around the ring, knocking him down before the bout was stopped at 1:53 of the third. Fox is now 11-0, three KO's while Martin is 5-3, three KO's.
The co-feature saw Mike "Silverback" Balogun win a battle of young Maryland heavyweights with a second-round TKO over Luther "Lights Out" Smith. Balogun, who competes out of Upper Marlboro, put immense pressure on Smith, a resident of Bowie. Balogun was able to knock Smith down twice in the second round before the bout was halted at 1:32. Balogun remains undefeated at 7-0, six KO's. Smith suffers his first loss and he is now 5-1, four KO's.
Washington, DC super bantamweight Jordan "Shortdog" White was successful in his first hometown-area bout as he scored a TKO over Sergio Aguilar of Homestead, FL. The 18-year-old Al Haymon prospect wasted no time in landing shots on the overmatched Aguilar. White knocked Aguilar down three times. Aguilar stayed in his corner at the end of the round giving White the victory. White raises his record to 3-0, three KO's while Aguilar remains winless at 0-5.
Greenbelt, MD cruiserweight "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed won his bout by first-round TKO over Mike Estus of Ames, IA. Crossed knocked Estus down with brutal right hands before the bout was halted at 2:03. Crossed is 4-0, two KO's while Estus is 0-4.
Frederick, MD super middleweight Devar "Jengawar" Ferhadi, a recent King's Promotions signee, dropped Christopher "The Punisher" Petty of Huntsville, AL four times before the bout was stopped at 2:35 of the third round. Ferhadi scored knockdowns in all three rounds with an array of punches -- a straight right hand in the first, a left-to-the-body-right-to-the-head in the second and straight left hands twice in the third to score the victory. Ferhadi, who recently finished his third year of medical school in his native Kurdistan, remains undefeated at 7-0, six KO's. Petty is 0-3.
Debuting DC middleweight Phillip "Handsome" Hooker scored a first-round TKO over David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL. Hooker landed crisp body shots to drop Rohn. Rohn beat the 10-count but was in no condition to continue and the bout was stopped at 2:28. Rohn is now 0-7-1.
Another King's Promotions boxer -- super bantamweight Marcus "Dreamcrusher" Bates of DC -- needed just 43 seconds to knock out Daniel "The Jaguar" Hernandez of Bear, DE. Bates landed a straight right hand that dropped Hernandez to a sitting position on the canvas. Hernandez could not beat the count. Bates, returning to action for the first time in more than two years, remains undefeated at 4-0-1, four KO's. Hernandez, who hadn't fought in close to three years, is now 0-2-1.
Edgewood, MD middleweight Patrick Rivera made his pro debut a successful one with a fourth-round stoppage of Dustin Caplinger of Akron, OH. Rivera landed some quality body shots that forced Caplinger to hold on to his foe throughout the contest. Caplinger lost a point in the third round for holding then was dropped by right to the body moments later.
A barrage of body shots four seconds into the fourth round stopped the contest. Caplinger's record falls to 2-9, one KO.
In the curtain-raising bout, Owings Mills, MD heavyweight Colby "Mad Dog" Madison stopped debuting Bryson Haubrick of Lewistown, PA at 2:05 of the first round. Despite being outweighed by almost 100 pounds, Madison easily landed hard right hands to drop Haubrick to the canvas twice. Madison is now 3-0, two KO's.
Due to connection problems, we were unable to provide a live broadcast of the card. Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up for the show.
(Photos by Kent Green)
In the main event, Forestville, MD super lightweight and King's Promotions signee Mykal "The Professor" Fox put on a sterling display en route to a dominant third-round knockout over Somner "Magic Man" Martin of Martinsville, VA. The 6'4" Fox used his height to land crisp right jabs and solid left hooks to keep the shorter Martin at bay. Martin could not find any offense. Fox was able to eventually batter Martin all around the ring, knocking him down before the bout was stopped at 1:53 of the third. Fox is now 11-0, three KO's while Martin is 5-3, three KO's.
The co-feature saw Mike "Silverback" Balogun win a battle of young Maryland heavyweights with a second-round TKO over Luther "Lights Out" Smith. Balogun, who competes out of Upper Marlboro, put immense pressure on Smith, a resident of Bowie. Balogun was able to knock Smith down twice in the second round before the bout was halted at 1:32. Balogun remains undefeated at 7-0, six KO's. Smith suffers his first loss and he is now 5-1, four KO's.
Washington, DC super bantamweight Jordan "Shortdog" White was successful in his first hometown-area bout as he scored a TKO over Sergio Aguilar of Homestead, FL. The 18-year-old Al Haymon prospect wasted no time in landing shots on the overmatched Aguilar. White knocked Aguilar down three times. Aguilar stayed in his corner at the end of the round giving White the victory. White raises his record to 3-0, three KO's while Aguilar remains winless at 0-5.
Greenbelt, MD cruiserweight "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed won his bout by first-round TKO over Mike Estus of Ames, IA. Crossed knocked Estus down with brutal right hands before the bout was halted at 2:03. Crossed is 4-0, two KO's while Estus is 0-4.
Frederick, MD super middleweight Devar "Jengawar" Ferhadi, a recent King's Promotions signee, dropped Christopher "The Punisher" Petty of Huntsville, AL four times before the bout was stopped at 2:35 of the third round. Ferhadi scored knockdowns in all three rounds with an array of punches -- a straight right hand in the first, a left-to-the-body-right-to-the-head in the second and straight left hands twice in the third to score the victory. Ferhadi, who recently finished his third year of medical school in his native Kurdistan, remains undefeated at 7-0, six KO's. Petty is 0-3.
Debuting DC middleweight Phillip "Handsome" Hooker scored a first-round TKO over David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL. Hooker landed crisp body shots to drop Rohn. Rohn beat the 10-count but was in no condition to continue and the bout was stopped at 2:28. Rohn is now 0-7-1.
Another King's Promotions boxer -- super bantamweight Marcus "Dreamcrusher" Bates of DC -- needed just 43 seconds to knock out Daniel "The Jaguar" Hernandez of Bear, DE. Bates landed a straight right hand that dropped Hernandez to a sitting position on the canvas. Hernandez could not beat the count. Bates, returning to action for the first time in more than two years, remains undefeated at 4-0-1, four KO's. Hernandez, who hadn't fought in close to three years, is now 0-2-1.
Edgewood, MD middleweight Patrick Rivera made his pro debut a successful one with a fourth-round stoppage of Dustin Caplinger of Akron, OH. Rivera landed some quality body shots that forced Caplinger to hold on to his foe throughout the contest. Caplinger lost a point in the third round for holding then was dropped by right to the body moments later.
A barrage of body shots four seconds into the fourth round stopped the contest. Caplinger's record falls to 2-9, one KO.
In the curtain-raising bout, Owings Mills, MD heavyweight Colby "Mad Dog" Madison stopped debuting Bryson Haubrick of Lewistown, PA at 2:05 of the first round. Despite being outweighed by almost 100 pounds, Madison easily landed hard right hands to drop Haubrick to the canvas twice. Madison is now 3-0, two KO's.
Due to connection problems, we were unable to provide a live broadcast of the card. Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up for the show.
Friday, August 19, 2016
Weights From Arlington, VA!
Here is the ScaleWatch for the King's Promotions card tonight at the Crystal City Hilton in Arlington, VA.
Mykal Fox 140 1/2 vs. Somner Martin 142
Luther Smith 211 vs Mike Balogun 234
Jordan White 122 vs Sergio Aguilar 121 1/2
Sam Crossed 193 1/2 vs Mike Estus 196
Devar Ferhadi 165 1/2 vs Christopher Petty 169
Phillip Hooker 158 vs David Rohn 170
Marcus Bates 121 1/2 vs Daniel Hernandez 121
Patrick Rivera 158 1/2 vs Dustin Caplinger 165
Colby Madison 240 1/2 vs Bryson Haubrick TBA
You can hear the live broadcast of the card tonight beginning at 7:55 PM ET on the Boxing Along The Beltway Google App For Android or on the Boxing Along The Beltway pages on Spreaker.com or Iheartradio.com.
Mykal Fox 140 1/2 vs. Somner Martin 142
Luther Smith 211 vs Mike Balogun 234
Jordan White 122 vs Sergio Aguilar 121 1/2
Sam Crossed 193 1/2 vs Mike Estus 196
Devar Ferhadi 165 1/2 vs Christopher Petty 169
Phillip Hooker 158 vs David Rohn 170
Marcus Bates 121 1/2 vs Daniel Hernandez 121
Patrick Rivera 158 1/2 vs Dustin Caplinger 165
Colby Madison 240 1/2 vs Bryson Haubrick TBA
You can hear the live broadcast of the card tonight beginning at 7:55 PM ET on the Boxing Along The Beltway Google App For Android or on the Boxing Along The Beltway pages on Spreaker.com or Iheartradio.com.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Russell Loses Olympic Medal Bid By Split Decision!
The Olympic journey for Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Antuanne Russell is over. Earlier today, Russell lost a tough split decision to Fazliddin Gaibnazarov of Uzbekistan in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Russell fought what looked like a quality first round, as he put the pressure on Gaibnazarov. However, the judges scored the first round in favor of Gaibnazarov. During the second round, Gaibnazarov began to move side-to-side to avoid Russell's forward attack. The referee repeatedly asked the boxer from Uzbekistan to come forward and box but did not take away any points. Russell also suffered a cut over the right eye in the second.
Russell put on a solid effort in the third as he landed solid punches and tried to win the contest but it wasn't enough. Russell lost by a 2-1 decision.
Russell fought what looked like a quality first round, as he put the pressure on Gaibnazarov. However, the judges scored the first round in favor of Gaibnazarov. During the second round, Gaibnazarov began to move side-to-side to avoid Russell's forward attack. The referee repeatedly asked the boxer from Uzbekistan to come forward and box but did not take away any points. Russell also suffered a cut over the right eye in the second.
Russell put on a solid effort in the third as he landed solid punches and tried to win the contest but it wasn't enough. Russell lost by a 2-1 decision.
Monday, August 15, 2016
Hernandez Harrison Faces LaManna For Vacant USBA Welterweight Title September 15 in Philadelphia; Odom Lands Co-Feature Spot On Same Card!
Two Beltway Boxers will be involved in important contests on Thursday, September 15 at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.
In the main event, undefeated Washington, DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison will face once-beaten Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna of Millville, NJ in a 10-round contest for the vacant USBA Welterweight title. The bout will be televised by CBS Sports Network. Whoever wins the bout should crack the top 15 world rankings in the IBF.
Harrison (29-0-1, 16 KO's) last fought on May 13 at the DC Armory and battled to a 10-round split decision draw with Mike Dallas. LaManna (21-1, nine KO's) is on a five-bout winning streak that includes a first-round TKO of Engelberto Valenzuela on July 22 in Atlantic City, NJ. LaManna's lone loss came to Beltway Boxer Antoine Douglas by sixth-round TKO in March of 2015 in Westbury, NY. LaManna was a middleweight at that time.
The two have some history as they have sparred with one another as far back as 2014. Here is a picture of the two young men after a sparring session (LaManna on the left, Harrison on the right -- photo courtesy of Keystone Boxing).
The scheduled eight-round co-feature will also have a local boxer as super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom of Bowie, MD will take on an opponent to be determined. Odom (14-2-1, 13 KO's) recently scored a big bounce-back victory by scoring a third-round TKO win over Julius Jackson on July 22 in Mashantucket, CT.
In the main event, undefeated Washington, DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison will face once-beaten Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna of Millville, NJ in a 10-round contest for the vacant USBA Welterweight title. The bout will be televised by CBS Sports Network. Whoever wins the bout should crack the top 15 world rankings in the IBF.
Harrison (29-0-1, 16 KO's) last fought on May 13 at the DC Armory and battled to a 10-round split decision draw with Mike Dallas. LaManna (21-1, nine KO's) is on a five-bout winning streak that includes a first-round TKO of Engelberto Valenzuela on July 22 in Atlantic City, NJ. LaManna's lone loss came to Beltway Boxer Antoine Douglas by sixth-round TKO in March of 2015 in Westbury, NY. LaManna was a middleweight at that time.
The two have some history as they have sparred with one another as far back as 2014. Here is a picture of the two young men after a sparring session (LaManna on the left, Harrison on the right -- photo courtesy of Keystone Boxing).
The scheduled eight-round co-feature will also have a local boxer as super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom of Bowie, MD will take on an opponent to be determined. Odom (14-2-1, 13 KO's) recently scored a big bounce-back victory by scoring a third-round TKO win over Julius Jackson on July 22 in Mashantucket, CT.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Russell Advances To Olympic Quarterfinals With Split Decision!
Gary Antuanne Russell has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Russell won a tough split decision over Wuttachai Masuk of Thailand moments ago in the light welterweight division. Russell needs one more victory to earn a medal and he will compete in the semifinals against Fazliddin Gaibnazarov of Uzbekistan on Tuesday, August 16 at 12:15 PM.
Saturday, August 13, 2016
Pierce Remains Undefeated With Four-Round Unanimous Decision At Turning Stone!
Frederick, MD cruiserweight Darnell "The Unknown" Pierce remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over Louis King of Amsterdam, NY on Friday, August 12 at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.
According to reports, Pierce dominated the contest, bloodying King's nose en route to a shutout victory (40-36 across the board). With the win, Pierce is now 5-0, one KO while King falls to 3-3, one KO.
According to reports, Pierce dominated the contest, bloodying King's nose en route to a shutout victory (40-36 across the board). With the win, Pierce is now 5-0, one KO while King falls to 3-3, one KO.
Friday, August 12, 2016
Pierce Weighs 191 For Four-Rounder At Turning Stone!
Darnell Pierce tipped the scales at 191 pounds for his four-round bout against Louis King tonight at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY. King weighed 184 pounds.
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
G. Antuanne Russell Wins First Olympic Bout!
The Capitol Heights, MD light welterweight won a unanimous decision over Richardson Hitchins of Haiti, by way of Brooklyn, NY. Russell will face Wuttachai Masuk of Thailand on Sunday.
By the way, the United States is 6-1 in boxing competition thus far and light flyweight Nico Hernandez of Wichita, KS has advanced to the semifinals, so he will be the first male American boxer to win an Olympic medal since 2008.
Russell First Olympic Bout Takes Place Today At 5:45 ET!
The first Olympic contest for Capital Heights, MD's Gary Antuanne Russell will now take place at 5:45 PM ET. Russell will take on Richardson Hitchins who represents Haiti. You can see the bout by going to www.nbcolympics.com.
Monday, August 08, 2016
August 19 Crystal City Card Is Complete!
The Friday, August 19 King's Promotions card at the Crystal City Hilton in Arlington, VA is now complete.
The main event remains the same as originally announced -- undefeated Forestville, MD super lightweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox (10-0, two KO's) takes on Somner Martin of Martinsville, VA (5-2, three KO's) in a scheduled eight-round contest.
The co-feature is also intact -- a battle of undefeated Beltway heavyweights in a six-round contest. Luther "Lights Out" Smith of Bowie, MD (5-0, four KO's) battles Mike "Silverback" Balogun of Upper Marlboro, MD (6-0, five KO's).
Here is the rest of the card: Frederick, MD super middleweight Devar "Jengawar" Ferhadi looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Zachariah Kelley of Earlsboro, OK in a six-round encounter. Ferhadi (6-0, five KO's) is coming off back-to-back first-round knockout victories as he enters his first scheduled six-rounder. Kelley (5-15, five KO's) last fought on June 11 and his bout ended in a no-contest. Prior to that bout, Kelley was stopped in the first round by Carlos Gongora on April 30 in Washington, DC.
The card will mark the Beltway debut of DC super bantamweight Jordan "Shortdog" White. The 18-year-old White (2-0, two KO's) was signed by Al Haymon prior to his pro debut and has had two first-round knockouts fighting in Bethlehem, PA and Trenton, NJ.
White will make an ascent into the six-round bouts early in his career when he takes on Gabriel Braxton of Red Oak, GA on this card. Braxton (2-16, one KO) will try to break a nine-bout losing streak. Braxton's two wins have come in the Beltway region including a third-round TKO over Maurice Adams, Jr. in January of 2015.
Greenbelt, MD cruiserweight "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed will be in a four-round contest against Mike Estus of Ames, IA. Crossed (3-0, one KO) last fought on May 13 and won a four-round majority decision over Damion Reed in Washington, DC. Estus (0-3) has been knocked out in all three of his bouts and fights for the first time away from his home state.
DC featherweight Marcus Bates returns to action in a four-round contest against Daniel Hernandez of Queens, NY. Bates (3-0-1, three KO's) has not fought since scoring a fourth-round knockout over Edgardo Marin in Fort Washington, MD in October of 2014. Hernandez (0-1-1) hasn't fought since May of 2013 when he battled Ryan Ramayya to a four-round draw in Queens.
Owings, Mills, MD heavyweight Colby Madison will take on Randy Easton of Sunbury, PA in a four-rounder. Madison (2-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Lonnie Kornegay on May 14 in Timonium, MD. Easton (3-9-2, three KO's) fought to a four-round draw with Eric Newell on June 28 in Bethlehem, PA.
Two Beltway middleweights will make pro debuts in separate four-round bouts. DC's Phillip Hooker faces David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL (0-6-1). Also, Patrick Rivera of Edgewood, MD will take on Dustin Caplinger of Akron, OH (2-8-1, one KO).
The main event remains the same as originally announced -- undefeated Forestville, MD super lightweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox (10-0, two KO's) takes on Somner Martin of Martinsville, VA (5-2, three KO's) in a scheduled eight-round contest.
The co-feature is also intact -- a battle of undefeated Beltway heavyweights in a six-round contest. Luther "Lights Out" Smith of Bowie, MD (5-0, four KO's) battles Mike "Silverback" Balogun of Upper Marlboro, MD (6-0, five KO's).
Here is the rest of the card: Frederick, MD super middleweight Devar "Jengawar" Ferhadi looks to remain undefeated when he takes on Zachariah Kelley of Earlsboro, OK in a six-round encounter. Ferhadi (6-0, five KO's) is coming off back-to-back first-round knockout victories as he enters his first scheduled six-rounder. Kelley (5-15, five KO's) last fought on June 11 and his bout ended in a no-contest. Prior to that bout, Kelley was stopped in the first round by Carlos Gongora on April 30 in Washington, DC.
The card will mark the Beltway debut of DC super bantamweight Jordan "Shortdog" White. The 18-year-old White (2-0, two KO's) was signed by Al Haymon prior to his pro debut and has had two first-round knockouts fighting in Bethlehem, PA and Trenton, NJ.
White will make an ascent into the six-round bouts early in his career when he takes on Gabriel Braxton of Red Oak, GA on this card. Braxton (2-16, one KO) will try to break a nine-bout losing streak. Braxton's two wins have come in the Beltway region including a third-round TKO over Maurice Adams, Jr. in January of 2015.
Greenbelt, MD cruiserweight "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed will be in a four-round contest against Mike Estus of Ames, IA. Crossed (3-0, one KO) last fought on May 13 and won a four-round majority decision over Damion Reed in Washington, DC. Estus (0-3) has been knocked out in all three of his bouts and fights for the first time away from his home state.
DC featherweight Marcus Bates returns to action in a four-round contest against Daniel Hernandez of Queens, NY. Bates (3-0-1, three KO's) has not fought since scoring a fourth-round knockout over Edgardo Marin in Fort Washington, MD in October of 2014. Hernandez (0-1-1) hasn't fought since May of 2013 when he battled Ryan Ramayya to a four-round draw in Queens.
Owings, Mills, MD heavyweight Colby Madison will take on Randy Easton of Sunbury, PA in a four-rounder. Madison (2-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Lonnie Kornegay on May 14 in Timonium, MD. Easton (3-9-2, three KO's) fought to a four-round draw with Eric Newell on June 28 in Bethlehem, PA.
Two Beltway middleweights will make pro debuts in separate four-round bouts. DC's Phillip Hooker faces David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL (0-6-1). Also, Patrick Rivera of Edgewood, MD will take on Dustin Caplinger of Akron, OH (2-8-1, one KO).
Saturday, August 06, 2016
Johnson Battles Mekhontsev To Draw, Womack Falls In First In Tucson; Barnett Suffers First-Round Stoppage In Oakland!
A number of Beltway Boxers battled on the West Coast of the United States Saturday night and there was a minor surprise in one outcome.
At the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, AZ, light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson of Washington, DC battled unbeaten Egor Mekhontsev to an eight-round majority decision draw. Mekhontsev won one decision on a judge's card (78-74) but according to Fightnews.com, Johnson gave the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist from Russia (now training in Los Angeles) everything he could handle (the other scores were 76-76). Johnson is now 16-4-1, seven KO's while Mekhontsev is 11-0-1, seven KO's.
On the same card, Baltimore, MD welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. was stopped in the first round by Alexander Besputin of Russia. The time of the stoppage was 2:08. Womack is now 7-12-3, two KO's while Besputin is 4-0, four KO's.
At the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA, DC light welterweight Ty Barnett was also stopped in the first round by undefeated Maurice "Mighty Mo" Hooker of Dallas, TX. Fightnews.com reports that Hooker dropped Barnett with a left hook and a follow-up barrage earned the stoppage at 2:17. Barnett's record drops to 23-5-1, 15 KO's. Hooker remains undefeated at 21-0-2, 16 KO's.
At the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, AZ, light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson of Washington, DC battled unbeaten Egor Mekhontsev to an eight-round majority decision draw. Mekhontsev won one decision on a judge's card (78-74) but according to Fightnews.com, Johnson gave the 2012 Olympic Gold medalist from Russia (now training in Los Angeles) everything he could handle (the other scores were 76-76). Johnson is now 16-4-1, seven KO's while Mekhontsev is 11-0-1, seven KO's.
On the same card, Baltimore, MD welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. was stopped in the first round by Alexander Besputin of Russia. The time of the stoppage was 2:08. Womack is now 7-12-3, two KO's while Besputin is 4-0, four KO's.
At the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA, DC light welterweight Ty Barnett was also stopped in the first round by undefeated Maurice "Mighty Mo" Hooker of Dallas, TX. Fightnews.com reports that Hooker dropped Barnett with a left hook and a follow-up barrage earned the stoppage at 2:17. Barnett's record drops to 23-5-1, 15 KO's. Hooker remains undefeated at 21-0-2, 16 KO's.
Taylor Scores Third-Round TKO In Bristol, PA!
Edgewood Arsenal, MD super lightweight Emanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor has scored a third-round knockout tonight over Carlos "Zurdo" Aguilera of Chiapas, Mexico at the Grundy Arena in Bristol, PA.
The bout was stopped at 1:07 of the third. With the win, Taylor is now 20-4, 14 KO's. Aguilera falls to 10-18, four KO's.
Also on the card, Samuel Amoako of Silver Spring, MD dropped a four-round unanimous decision to Samuel Teah of Philadelphia, PA. Teah won by shutout (40-36) across the board. Amoako's record falls to 21-13, 15 KO's. This is Amoako's ninth straight loss, eighth straight by unanimous decision. Teah is now 8-1-1, two KO's.
The bout was stopped at 1:07 of the third. With the win, Taylor is now 20-4, 14 KO's. Aguilera falls to 10-18, four KO's.
Also on the card, Samuel Amoako of Silver Spring, MD dropped a four-round unanimous decision to Samuel Teah of Philadelphia, PA. Teah won by shutout (40-36) across the board. Amoako's record falls to 21-13, 15 KO's. This is Amoako's ninth straight loss, eighth straight by unanimous decision. Teah is now 8-1-1, two KO's.
Russell Receives International Press In Guardian Article!
The story of US Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell has drawn interest internationally as well. The story of the Russell Family appears on the US edition of the British newspaper, The Guardian.
The writer of the article is someone who knows the Russell Family very well. Les Carpenter has written more about the Russells than anyone in the Beltway mainstream media, going back to when he was a writer for the Washington Post. Therefore, the history of the brothers is a lot more complete in this article than any others.
Here is the link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/06/boxing-gary-russell-family-olympic-dream?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1
The writer of the article is someone who knows the Russell Family very well. Les Carpenter has written more about the Russells than anyone in the Beltway mainstream media, going back to when he was a writer for the Washington Post. Therefore, the history of the brothers is a lot more complete in this article than any others.
Here is the link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/aug/06/boxing-gary-russell-family-olympic-dream?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1
Johnson, Womack Tip Scales In Tucson!
Alexander Johnson and Kevin Womack, Jr. hit the scales for their bouts tonight at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ.
Johnson weighed in at 175 pounds for his eight-round contest against Egor Mekhontsev, who tipped the scales at 174 pounds.
Womack weighed in at 149 pounds for his six-round encounter with Alexander Besputin, who weighed 151 pounds.
The card is scheduled to be shown on UniMas, beginning at 11 PM ET however, no word if either bout listed here will be shown on the telecast.
Johnson weighed in at 175 pounds for his eight-round contest against Egor Mekhontsev, who tipped the scales at 174 pounds.
Womack weighed in at 149 pounds for his six-round encounter with Alexander Besputin, who weighed 151 pounds.
The card is scheduled to be shown on UniMas, beginning at 11 PM ET however, no word if either bout listed here will be shown on the telecast.
Hawkins Wins Unanimous Decision, Odamattey Falls In First In Temecula!
Baltimore, MD welterweight Malik "Iceman" Hawkins won a four-round unanimous decision over an awkward Sean Gee of Portland, OR Friday night at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA.
Hawkins used solid body shots to keep the wild Gee off of him throughout the contest. Hawkins scored a shutout victory (40-36) across the board to remain undefeated at 9-0, seven KO's. Gee falls to 3-5.
Also on the card, Silver Spring, MD's Ben "Miracle" Odamattey was stopped in the first round by Skender Halili of Fort Worth, TX in a super welterweight encounter. Halili dropped Odamattey with a right hand early in the round then overwhelmed him until the bout was stopped at 1:17 of the round. Odamattey's record drops to 16-15-3, nine KO's while Halili is now 11-1, 11 KO's.
Both bouts were televised live on the CBS Sports Network.
Taylor, Amoako Hit Scales In Bristol, PA!
Emanuel Taylor and Samuel Amoako weighed in for bouts that will take place Saturday at the Grundy Arena in Bristol, PA.
Taylor (left) tipped the scales at 141 pounds for his eight-round co-feature contest against Carlos Aguilera who weighed in at 138 pounds.
Amoako and his foe, Samuel Teah, both weighed in at 139 pounds for their six-round encounter.
Taylor (left) tipped the scales at 141 pounds for his eight-round co-feature contest against Carlos Aguilera who weighed in at 138 pounds.
Amoako and his foe, Samuel Teah, both weighed in at 139 pounds for their six-round encounter.
Friday, August 05, 2016
Barnett Weighs 142 For 10-Rounder In Oakland!
Ty Barnett weighed in at 142 pounds for his 10-round contest against Maurice Hooker Saturday night at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. Hooker came in at 139.6 pounds.
The bout was slated to be for Hooker's NABO Light Welterweight title, however, Barnett came in two pounds over the weight limit so it looks like if Hooker loses, the title will be vacated.
The bout was slated to be for Hooker's NABO Light Welterweight title, however, Barnett came in two pounds over the weight limit so it looks like if Hooker loses, the title will be vacated.
Hawkins, Odamattey, Hit Scales In Temecula!
Beltway Boxers Malik Hawkins and Ben Odamattey weighed in Thursday for their nationally televised bouts tonight at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. The contests will be shown on the CBS Sports Network beginning at 11 PM ET.
(photos courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions)
Hawkins (left) tipped the scales at 147 pounds for his six-round bout that will open the telecast against Sean Gee, who weighed in at 146 pounds.
Odamattey (left) and his opponent, Skender Halili, both weighed 153 pounds for their four-round co-feature contest.
(photos courtesy of Greg Cohen Promotions)
Hawkins (left) tipped the scales at 147 pounds for his six-round bout that will open the telecast against Sean Gee, who weighed in at 146 pounds.
Odamattey (left) and his opponent, Skender Halili, both weighed 153 pounds for their four-round co-feature contest.
Thursday, August 04, 2016
Washington Times Columnist Loverro Talks Ali History On New Podcast!
One of the biggest and better-known supporters of this blog has been Washington Times columnist and ESPN 980 contributor Thom Loverro. Thom has been a major follower of what is going on in the Beltway Boxing area and I have always been grateful for his support and friendship.
Recently, Thom started a new podcast called "Cigars and Curveballs." Yes, there is a lot of baseball talk as he has had great interviews with the likes of former Baltimore Orioles star Bobby Bonilla, former Washington Nationals General Manager Stan Kasten and current Nationals Manager Dusty Baker.
However, the latest edition of the podcast talks boxing and focuses on the life of Muhammad Ali. Thom interviews someone who knew the legendary champion as well as anyone -- Ali's longtime friend and business manager, Gene Kilroy.
The podcast can be downloaded for free on ITunes or you can hear it on Thom's Washington Times page by going to this link: http://www.washingtontimes.com/staff/thom-loverro/
Russell To Face Hitchins In Opening Round of Olympic Competition August 10!
We now know who Gary Antuanne Russell will face in the first round of competition at the Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and the opponent is a familiar one.
Russell will take on Richardson Hitchins, a native of Brooklyn, NY who will represent Haiti in the Olympics. Both of Hitchins's parents are from Haiti.
The two men are no strangers -- they last fought in December of 2015 during the US Olympic Trials. Russell scored a 3-0 decision over Hitchins in the challenger's bracket to eliminate Hitchins from the competition. Hitchins also lost to Beltway Boxer Tyrek Irby by a 2-1 decision in the first round of the Trials.
The bout will take place on Wednesday, August 10. You can watch the bout by going to www.nbcolympics.com. The bout is scheduled to take place at 12:15 PM ET.
Russell will take on Richardson Hitchins, a native of Brooklyn, NY who will represent Haiti in the Olympics. Both of Hitchins's parents are from Haiti.
The two men are no strangers -- they last fought in December of 2015 during the US Olympic Trials. Russell scored a 3-0 decision over Hitchins in the challenger's bracket to eliminate Hitchins from the competition. Hitchins also lost to Beltway Boxer Tyrek Irby by a 2-1 decision in the first round of the Trials.
The bout will take place on Wednesday, August 10. You can watch the bout by going to www.nbcolympics.com. The bout is scheduled to take place at 12:15 PM ET.
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Hawkins Update -- Six-Round Bout Opens CBS Sports Network Telecast!
BATB has confirmed that the Friday, August 5 bout featuring Malik "Iceman" Hawkins from the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA will open the CBS Sports Network telecast that gets underway at 11 PM ET. Hawkins (8-0, seven KO's) will take on Sean Gee of Portland, OR (3-4) in a six-round contest.
We also have learned that another boxer who has moved to Silver Spring, MD from Accra, Ghana will be in the co-feature contest. His name is Ben "Miracle" Odamattey and he will face Skender Halili of Fort Worth, TX by way of Kosovo in a six-round contest. Odamattey (16-14-3, nine KO's) will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak that includes a six-round unanimous decision loss to Wesley Tucker on June 4 in Wellsburg, WVA. Halili (10-1, 10 KO's) has won two in a row after suffering his only defeat in April of 2015. Halili knocked out Jason Thompson in the second round on May 27 in Niagara Falls, NY.
We also have learned that another boxer who has moved to Silver Spring, MD from Accra, Ghana will be in the co-feature contest. His name is Ben "Miracle" Odamattey and he will face Skender Halili of Fort Worth, TX by way of Kosovo in a six-round contest. Odamattey (16-14-3, nine KO's) will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak that includes a six-round unanimous decision loss to Wesley Tucker on June 4 in Wellsburg, WVA. Halili (10-1, 10 KO's) has won two in a row after suffering his only defeat in April of 2015. Halili knocked out Jason Thompson in the second round on May 27 in Niagara Falls, NY.
G. Antuanne Russell Begins Olympic Gold Medal Quest August 10!
NBCOlympics.com has released the schedule for the Olympic Boxing tournament. Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Antuanne Russell will have his first contest in the light welterweight division (141 LB/64 KG) on Wednesday, August 10 at around 12:15 PM ET.
NBCOlympics.com will live stream the entire boxing tournament. Catch the action by going to this link: http://www.nbcolympics.com/live-stream-schedule/boxing
Beltway Pros Have Busy August Weekend!
A number of Beltway Boxers will be in action during the first weekend of August. Let's take a look at the proposed schedule.
Two locals will be on a card on Friday, August 5 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. Undefeated Baltimore, MD welterweight Malik "Iceman" Hawkins will take on Sean Gee of Portland, OR in a six-round encounter. Hawkins (8-0, seven KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO over Richard Lee Hall on a nationally-televised bout on May 27 in Niagara Falls, NY. Gee (3-4) will look to bounce back from a third-round TKO loss to Piotr Apostol on June 25 in Olympia, WA. There is a possibility that this bout will make the CBS Sports Network telecast.
Also on the card, Baltimore-born super welterweight Kevin "KO" Ottley will be in a four-round bout against Brian True of Hawthorne, CA. Ottley, who fought in the Beltway as an amateur but now competes out of San Diego, CA (2-0, two KO's), is coming off back-to-back second-round TKO's in Tijuana, Mexico in May and July of this year. True (1-4-1, one KO) last fought on March 26 in Los Angeles, CA and dropped a sixth-round unanimous decision to Kelin Sharp.
On Saturday, August 6, five Beltway Boxers will be in action in three different locations. Washington, DC super lightweight Ty Barnett will challenge undefeated Maurice "Mighty Mo" Hooker of Dallas, TX for Hooker's NABO Super Lightweight title at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. The bout will be the co-feature to Andre Ward's contest against Alexander Brand. Barnett (23-4-1, 15 KO's) made a successful return to action after an almost two-year absence by scoring an eighth-round TKO over Daniel Attah on February 27 at the Washington Convention Center. Hooker (20-0-2, 15 KO's) will make the second defense of his title that he won in June of 2015. Hooker's last bout was a non-title event in which he scored a first-round TKO over Wilfrido Buelvas on March 26 at the Oracle Arena.
Two area boxers will compete on a card at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ. DC light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson will face off with undefeated Egor Mekhontsev of Los Angeles, CA by way of Asbest, Russia in an eight-round contest. Johnson (16-4, seven KO's) will be looking to break a two-bout losing streak. Johnson lost a six-round unanimous decision to Todd Unthank-May on March 5 at the DC Armory. All four of Johnson's losses have come to undefeated boxers. Mekhontsev, who won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics at light heavyweight (12-0, eight KO's), is coming off a fifth-round TKO victory over Victor Barragan on April 2 in Port Hueneme, CA.
On the same card, Baltimore welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. will take on undefeated Alexander Besputin of Oxnard, CA by way of Kamensk-Uralsky, Russia in a six-round contest. Womack (7-11-3, five KO's) will be trying to break a six-round losing streak including a fifth-round TKO to James Stevenson on May 14 in Timonium, MD. Besputin (3-0, three KO's) won by fourth-round stoppage over Christon Edwards on the April 2 card in Port Hueneme.
At the Grundy Arena in Bristol, PA, Edgewood Arsenal, MD welterweight Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor returns to action in an eight-round bout against Carlos Aguilera of Chiapas, Mexico. Taylor (19-4, 13 KO's) broke a two-bout losing streak by scoring a sixth-round knockout over Wilfredo Acuna on February 27 in New York City. Aguilera, a native of Nicaragua (10-17, four KO's), has lost two straight contests -- his only bouts in the United States thus far.
Also on this card, Silver Spring, MD veteran lightweight Samuel "Bruno" Amoako will face off against Samuel "Sunami" Teah of Philadelphia, PA in a six-round contest. Amoako, a native of Accra,Ghana (21-12, 15 KO's) will be trying to break an eight-bout losing streak. Amoako lost a six-round unanimous decision to Ryan Martin on July 16 in Birmingham, AL. This will be Amoako's eighth bout in 2016, losing all eight-bouts by unanimous decision.
Teah, originally from Monrovia, Liberia (7-1-1, two KO's), fought to an eight-round draw with Demond Brock in his last outing on January 22 in Tucson, AZ.
Two locals will be on a card on Friday, August 5 at the Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, CA. Undefeated Baltimore, MD welterweight Malik "Iceman" Hawkins will take on Sean Gee of Portland, OR in a six-round encounter. Hawkins (8-0, seven KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO over Richard Lee Hall on a nationally-televised bout on May 27 in Niagara Falls, NY. Gee (3-4) will look to bounce back from a third-round TKO loss to Piotr Apostol on June 25 in Olympia, WA. There is a possibility that this bout will make the CBS Sports Network telecast.
Also on the card, Baltimore-born super welterweight Kevin "KO" Ottley will be in a four-round bout against Brian True of Hawthorne, CA. Ottley, who fought in the Beltway as an amateur but now competes out of San Diego, CA (2-0, two KO's), is coming off back-to-back second-round TKO's in Tijuana, Mexico in May and July of this year. True (1-4-1, one KO) last fought on March 26 in Los Angeles, CA and dropped a sixth-round unanimous decision to Kelin Sharp.
On Saturday, August 6, five Beltway Boxers will be in action in three different locations. Washington, DC super lightweight Ty Barnett will challenge undefeated Maurice "Mighty Mo" Hooker of Dallas, TX for Hooker's NABO Super Lightweight title at the Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA. The bout will be the co-feature to Andre Ward's contest against Alexander Brand. Barnett (23-4-1, 15 KO's) made a successful return to action after an almost two-year absence by scoring an eighth-round TKO over Daniel Attah on February 27 at the Washington Convention Center. Hooker (20-0-2, 15 KO's) will make the second defense of his title that he won in June of 2015. Hooker's last bout was a non-title event in which he scored a first-round TKO over Wilfrido Buelvas on March 26 at the Oracle Arena.
Two area boxers will compete on a card at the Casino Del Sol in Tucson, AZ. DC light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson will face off with undefeated Egor Mekhontsev of Los Angeles, CA by way of Asbest, Russia in an eight-round contest. Johnson (16-4, seven KO's) will be looking to break a two-bout losing streak. Johnson lost a six-round unanimous decision to Todd Unthank-May on March 5 at the DC Armory. All four of Johnson's losses have come to undefeated boxers. Mekhontsev, who won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympics at light heavyweight (12-0, eight KO's), is coming off a fifth-round TKO victory over Victor Barragan on April 2 in Port Hueneme, CA.
On the same card, Baltimore welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. will take on undefeated Alexander Besputin of Oxnard, CA by way of Kamensk-Uralsky, Russia in a six-round contest. Womack (7-11-3, five KO's) will be trying to break a six-round losing streak including a fifth-round TKO to James Stevenson on May 14 in Timonium, MD. Besputin (3-0, three KO's) won by fourth-round stoppage over Christon Edwards on the April 2 card in Port Hueneme.
At the Grundy Arena in Bristol, PA, Edgewood Arsenal, MD welterweight Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor returns to action in an eight-round bout against Carlos Aguilera of Chiapas, Mexico. Taylor (19-4, 13 KO's) broke a two-bout losing streak by scoring a sixth-round knockout over Wilfredo Acuna on February 27 in New York City. Aguilera, a native of Nicaragua (10-17, four KO's), has lost two straight contests -- his only bouts in the United States thus far.
Also on this card, Silver Spring, MD veteran lightweight Samuel "Bruno" Amoako will face off against Samuel "Sunami" Teah of Philadelphia, PA in a six-round contest. Amoako, a native of Accra,Ghana (21-12, 15 KO's) will be trying to break an eight-bout losing streak. Amoako lost a six-round unanimous decision to Ryan Martin on July 16 in Birmingham, AL. This will be Amoako's eighth bout in 2016, losing all eight-bouts by unanimous decision.
Teah, originally from Monrovia, Liberia (7-1-1, two KO's), fought to an eight-round draw with Demond Brock in his last outing on January 22 in Tucson, AZ.
Monday, August 01, 2016
Late North Carolina Result: Allison IV Scores Third Knockout In Three Weeks!
We will probably not find any busier rookie boxer in the Beltway than Baltimore, MD super featherweight Mack Allison IV.
On July 29, the 18-year-old son of noted Baltimore trainer Mack Allison III scored a first-round knockout over the debuting Quamel McKeithan of Sharpsburg, NC at Club Label in Charlotte, NC. The win was Allison's third victory of his career and his third straight first-round knockout. What's more, all three of Allison's victories came within a 13-day period (July 16-29). Allison made his pro debut on July 16 in Norfolk, VA knocking out winless Brian Raglin, then defeated debuting Javonta Cherry on July 23 in Durham, NC before his win over McKeithan.
On July 29, the 18-year-old son of noted Baltimore trainer Mack Allison III scored a first-round knockout over the debuting Quamel McKeithan of Sharpsburg, NC at Club Label in Charlotte, NC. The win was Allison's third victory of his career and his third straight first-round knockout. What's more, all three of Allison's victories came within a 13-day period (July 16-29). Allison made his pro debut on July 16 in Norfolk, VA knocking out winless Brian Raglin, then defeated debuting Javonta Cherry on July 23 in Durham, NC before his win over McKeithan.
Amateur Card And Ali Tribute At Michael's Eighth Avenue August 4!
There will be an amateur card coming to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on Thursday, August 4. The card will also serve as a tribute to the legendary Muhammad Ali as it has the moniker "Rumble, Young Man, Rumble."
In an East Coast Light Heavyweight battle, Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore, MD will take on Genc Pllana of Hagerstown, MD. Also on the card, Joey Veazey of Pasadena, MD will battle Nigel Fennell of Salisbury, MD in what may be the final amateur bout for both men.
In another contest, Windsor Mill, MD's Stefon McCray will be in a heavyweight contest against TJ Mottinger of Salisbury, MD. McCray comes fresh off of winning a Ringside World Championship last week in Independence, MO. Mottinger took the Novice Division Regional championship at the Golden Gloves earlier this year in Fort Washington, MD.
You can visit www.baltimoreboxing.com for ticket information.
In an East Coast Light Heavyweight battle, Tyrell Boyd of Baltimore, MD will take on Genc Pllana of Hagerstown, MD. Also on the card, Joey Veazey of Pasadena, MD will battle Nigel Fennell of Salisbury, MD in what may be the final amateur bout for both men.
In another contest, Windsor Mill, MD's Stefon McCray will be in a heavyweight contest against TJ Mottinger of Salisbury, MD. McCray comes fresh off of winning a Ringside World Championship last week in Independence, MO. Mottinger took the Novice Division Regional championship at the Golden Gloves earlier this year in Fort Washington, MD.
You can visit www.baltimoreboxing.com for ticket information.
Washington Post Has Two Articles on Russell Family!
With the Summer Olympics getting underway later this week, the Washington Post has published two articles on 2016 US Olympian Gary Antuanne Russell in recent days.
The most recent article comes from Greg Beacham of the Associated Press and appeared in the Post on July 29. Here is the link to the story: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/family-looms-large-in-us-boxer-gary-russells-olympic-quest/2016/07/29/518855e0-55e9-11e6-b652-315ae5d4d4dd_story.html
On July 25, The Post's Dave Sheinin also wrote a very nice story on this accomplished boxing family. Here is the link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxings-russell-family-may-have-saved-the-best-gary-for-last/2016/07/25/75ce2c50-4ab7-11e6-acbc-4d4870a079da_story.html
Russell begins his gold medal quest on August 6.