Baltimore, MD middleweight Lorenzo "Truck" Simpson remained undefeated with a third-round stoppage of Manny "Shake Em' Up" Woods of St. Petersburg, FL on Saturday, August 14th at the Cosmopolitan Lounge in Decatur, GA.
The bout was stopped at the three-minute mark of the third round. Simpson is now 10-0 six KO's while Woods falls to 17-13-1, six KO's.
A number of Beltway Boxers were in action on Saturday, August 14th in many locations around the nation and the world. Here's a recap:
Four locals were on a card at the World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA. Returning Washington, DC super lightweight Anthony Peterson defeated Jairo "Doberman" Lopez of Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, Mexico by six-round unanimous decision. All three judges scored a shutout for Peterson, 60-54. This was Peterson's first bout since March of 2019 and his record is now 38-1-1, 24 KO's. Lopez falls to 26-13, 17 KO's.
Both the Rahman Brothers of Baltimore, MD were successful in their bouts. Heavyweight Hasim "Goldblooded" Rahman, Jr. scored a first-round TKO over Nathan Bedwell of Lexington, TN. The bout was stopped at 2:01. Rahman, Jr. remains undefeated at 12-0, six KO's. Bedwell is 5-18-1, four KO's.
Super welterweight Sharif "C3" Rahman won a six-round unanimous decision over Donnis Reed of Lemon Grove, CA. Reed won all three scorecards by a 60-54 score. Rahman is now 5-0, three KO's. Reed is 3-9-1, two KO's.
District Heights, MD super featherweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines battled Nathan Benichou of Puebla, Mexico to a six-round majority draw. One judge scored a shutout for Gaines, 60-54. However, the two other judges scored the bout a draw, 57-57. Gaines is now 10-2-1, three KO's while Benichou is 2-5-1, two KO's.
The bouts with the Rahmans and Gaines were refereed by the Beltway's Kenny Chevalier. The ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.
At the Caribe Royale Orlando in Orlando, FL, Lanham, MD welterweight "The Next Big Thing" Keeshawn Williams remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Sanchez of Toa Alta, Puerto Rico. No official word on the scorecards. Williams is now 8-0-1, two KO's. Sanchez is now 6-11-3, three KO's.
Baltimore-born heavyweight Cassius "C.O.G" Chaney won a 10-round unanimous decision over Shawndell Terell Winters of Harvey, IL at the Palladium in Worcester, MA. Chaney, who now lives in New London, CT, won by scores of 98-92, 97-93 and 96-94 in his first scheduled 10-rounder. Chaney remains undefeated at 21-0, 14 KO's. Winters falls to 13-6, 12 KO's.
More fallout from the controversial result of the August 7th bout between Upper Marlboro, MD welterweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox and Gabriel Maestre of Venezuela. According to Dan Rafael, the World Boxing Association (WBA) has stripped Maestre of the interim welterweight title.
The WBA also said that it will "respectfully request the Minnesota commission to declare the bout a no contest."
Also, the WBA has moved their suspension of judge Gloria Martinez Rizzo from six months to an indefinite suspension. However, the suspension was not because of her outrageous 117-110 score in favor of Maestre. The suspension was due to her racist tweets towards blacks found in 2020 on her now-deleted Twitter account.
The outcome of the Fox-Maestre bout has caused the WBA to face intense scrutiny from fans, media and the Association of Boxing Commissions. The bout exposed how the organization has conducted itself in terms of the proliferation of numerous titles, how it appoints judges in states without strong commissions and the many appearances of conflicts of interest.
The Fox-Maestre bout was a big example of two conflicts of interest: Maestre and WBA President Gilberto Mendoza are both from Venezuela and Rizzo's husband has clear ties to the WBA.
ABC President Mike Mazzulli sent Mendoza a letter earlier this week saying that WBA having at least three titles per division "is misleading to the public and the boxers." The letter also said that if the WBA does not clean up its act, the ABC would recommend to its membership that it not recognize WBA-sanctioned bouts in the United States. A move like that would put the WBA out of business because the vast majority of its revenue comes from bouts held in the United States.
Mazzulli's letter also said it could recommend that ABC members bar the WBA from having any role in recommending officials for its bouts and from allowing WBA supervisors at ringside.
The fallout from the Saturday, August 7th bout between Upper Marlboro, MD welterweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox and Venezuelan Gabriel Maestre is coming fast and furious.
The World Boxing Association (WBA) has called for an immediate rematch of the bout that was held in Minneapolis, MN. Fox lost a widely-disputed 12-round unanimous decision despite knocking down Maestre in the second round. The bout was televised by Fox TV. Judges David Singh (114-113), John Mariano (115-112) and Gloria Martinez-Rizzo (117-110) all scored the bout for Maestre despite Fox's brilliant performance on that evening. The interim WBA Welterweight title was on the line and that prompted Fox's promoter, Marshall Kauffman of Kings Promotions, to ask the WBA for the immediate rematch.
However, the WBA, according to their rules, has conditions for ordering a rematch.
Per WBA rule C.26 covering contested decisions in championship contests, “a bout decision may be contested by a boxer if within ten (10) days of the decision the boxer submits payment of a $10,000.00 fee, and the following:
a) A concise statement by the boxer or his authorized agent setting forth the grounds on which the challenge has been brought, arguments and authority in support, and identification of other persons with a material interest likely to be affected by a decision on the challenge.
b) For the person filing the challenge, the following information: • A postal address; • An email address (if one exists); • A facsimile address; • A telephone number; and • A signature of the boxer on whose behalf the challenge is filed.
c) If the challenge is signed by someone other than a boxer, a certified statement of authorization by the boxer to file the challenge.
“For good cause, the President may waive all or part of the fee. The fee must be paid by certified or cashier’s check or wire transfer, and will not be set off against any amount claimed due by the party contesting the decisions. The Committee may request that the International Officials Committee, or a special officials committee, evaluate the fight and give their opinion and recommendations to the Committee. The Championship Committee, in its sole discretion, may order the boxers fight a rematch. Failure to timely pay the fee or contest the decision shall waive any and all right, claim, or argument of the boxer or his representatives to contest a decision.
According to BoxingScene.com, The WBA is also saying the outcome of the bout will be under an independent investigation and all three judges will be interviewed separately.
Meanwhile, one of the judges is already under fire. ESPN.com is reporting that Gloria Martinez Rizzo, the judge who had the outrageous 117-110 score, has been suspended by the WBA for six months. WBA President Gilberto Mendoza told ESPN that Rizzo is under suspension not only for her controversial scorecard on August 7th but for racist tweets that were uncovered on a since-deleted account connected to her.
Mendoza told ESPN that he will meet with Rizzo on Thursday to discuss discipline and possible permanent expulsion from judging any bouts sanctioned by the WBA.
After the bout, tweets from 2020 were discovered on Rizzo's now-deleted account that were racist in nature, including tweets about Michelle Obama and LeBron James. Also, Rizzo is married to someone who has had close ties with the WBA.
"We saw her score was wrong despite the unanimous decision," said Mendoza, who was born in Venezuela, where the WBA is based. "Those comments she made in the past -- she might be expelled by the WBA.
"I don't support any kind of racism. I believe in equality...Sports are the only thing that brings equality into the world sometimes."
Also, Maestre, a two-time Venezuelan Olympian, has close ties with Mendoza, who is also from Venezuela.
ESPN asked for a response from the Minnesota Office of Combative Sports concerning whether the result of the bout would be overturned or whether the scoring would be reviewed. The commission gave no comment but issued a statement saying, "The Minnesota Office of Combative Sports has a grievance procedure. However, it is ultimately up to the World Boxing Association to determine if there is a rematch."
Mendoza ordered an immediate rematch between Maestre and Fox but added a few stipulations. Mendoza told ESPN that there will be no champion's advantage; if there is a draw, the title will be vacated. And there will be no special permits to allow an interim fight. Premier Boxing Champions was hoping to match fast-rising prospect Eimantas Stanionis (who fought to a no-contest against Luis Collazo on the same card as Fox-Maestre) against Maestre next, sources said. If for some reason the rematch doesn't take place next, the title will be in abeyance.
"We need to get new judges," Mendoza said. "I have a concept of making an academy and bringing people who like boxing to online courses and test them in different parts of the world. I want to step away from the boxing circle and find fans who like boxing [to become judges]."
A host of Beltway Boxers earned victories on a Jeter Promotions card at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, August 7th.
In the main event, Gwynn Oak, MD lightweight Brandon "The Hitter" Chambers scored a second-round TKO over Donald Stewart of St. Charles, MO. According to reports, Chambers battered Stewart all over the ring. Stewart did not come out for round three. Chambers remains undefeated at 5-0-1, three KO's while Stewart falls to 2-5, two KO's.
Cockeysville, MD super middleweight AJ "We Are" Williams won a four-round unanimous decision over Ricardo Becerill of Kinston, NC. Williams won by scores of 39-36 and 38-37 (twice). Williams raises his record to 4-1, two KO's while Becerill drops to 2-8-1, two KO's.
Forestville, MD super bantamweight Jaqeem Hutcherson earned a four-round unanimous decision victory over Elie Charles of Brooklyn, NY. Hutcherson won by scores of 39-37 across the board and is now 2-0. Charles is 0-2.
In a battle of young Beltway Boxers, Evan Harker of Baltimore, MD scored a first-round TKO over the debuting Alvin Scott of Rosedale, MD. Harker landed solid punches to stop Scott at 1:44. Harker evens his record at 1-1, one KO.
Washington, DC super welterweight Victor Williams stopped debuting Jeff Bozier, Jr. of Baltimore in the third round. In round three, Williams hurt Bozier with a right hand. Then another right hand dropped Bozier and the fight was stopped at 1:51 of the third. Williams is 2-0, two KO's.
In other bouts on the card, Philadelphia welterweight Thyler Williams scored a second-round TKO over Jordan Morales of Sunbury, PA. In the second round, Williams dropped Morales with two left hooks to the body. Williams would send a flurry of punches that forced the stoppage at 2:02. Williams remains undefeated at 5-0, four KO's. Morales falls to 4-9, two KO's.
Camden, NJ lightweight Naheem Parker won a four-round unanimous decision over Joshua Zimmerman of Baltimore. Parker won by shutout (40-36) on all three cards. Parker is now 3-0, one KO. Zimmerman is 0-3.
Englishtown, NJ featherweight John Leonardo captured a four-round unanimous decision over Jalen Woodmore of Detroit, MI. Leonardo won by shutout on all three cards to raise his record to 3-0-1, two KO's. Woodmore was making his pro debut.
Glendale, Queens, NY junior middleweight Matthew "The Future" Castro made a successful pro debut by knocking out McArio "Scrapyard Dog" DelCastillo of Salem, VA. Castro landed a large barrage of punches early in the fourth round forcing a stoppage at 38 seconds. DelCastillo is now 0-5.
Welterweight Steve Moore of Orange, NJ scored a fourth-round TKO over Philadelphia's Antonio Allen. Moore landed a heavy barrage of punches on the ropes in the fourth round and the referee ruled a knockdown. Another hard right forced a stoppage at 1:27. Moore is 5-8, four KO's. Allen is 1-13-1, one KO.
Tony and Christen Jeter comprise Jeter Promotions. The matchmaker was Nick Tiberi.
In one of the worst decisions in recent boxing history, Upper Marlboro, MD welterweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox has lost a unanimous decision to Gabriel Maestre of Barranquilla, Colombia by way of Venezuela for the vacant Interim WBA Welterweight title at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, MN. The bout was shown nationally on Fox.
Fox put on a career-defining performance during the bout, outshining Maestre at every turn. He kept Maestre off-balance and used his height and reach almost to perfection. Fox knocked down Maestre with a counter left hand in the second round and appeared to be in complete control throughout the contest.
However, when the scores were announced, Judge David Singh scored the bout 114-113, Judge John Mariano had the bout 115-112 and Judge Gloria Martinez Rizzo saw the contest an unbelievable 117-110, all for Maestre. This decision should be investigated immediately by the commission in Minnesota as well as the Association of Boxing Commissions.
Fox falls to 22-3, five KO's. Maestre is now 4-0, three KO's. Personally, this may replace the Derrell Coley-Oba Carr decision in August of 1995 as the worst decision I have ever seen for a Beltway Boxer.
Mykal Fox tipped the scales at 146.4 pounds for his Interim WBA Welterweight title bout against Gabriel Maestre at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, MN. Maestre weighed in at 146 pounds.
This bout has been moved to the main event position on this card that will be televised by Fox beginning at 8 PM ET.
Here is the entire lineup for the Jeter Promotions card that will take place Saturday, August 7th at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. This will be a night of four-round bouts:
The main event has Gwynn Oak, MD lightweight Brandon "The Hitter" Chambers battling Don Stewart of Saint Charles, MO. Chambers (4-0-1, two KO's) comes off a third-round TKO over Jonathan Gray on April 24th at the 2300 Arena. Stewart (2-4, two KO's) last fought on July 17th and scored a second-round KO over Dalton Treaster in St. Louis, MO.
Cockeysville, MD super middleweight AJ "We Are" Williams takes on the debuting Ricardo Barerril. Williams (3-1, two KO's) competes for the first time since February of 2020 when he knocked out Michael Brock Willis in Hanover, MD.
Forestville, MD bantamweight Jaqeem Hutcherson will face Elie Charles of Brooklyn, NY. Hutcherson (1-0) won his pro debut over Jeffery Williams by four-round unanimous decision on April 24th at the 2300 Arena. Charles, a native of Haiti (0-1), lost his pro debut to another Beltway Boxer, Chamar Flowers, on July 10th in Newark, NJ.
Baltimore, MD lightweight Evan Harker will take on the debuting Alvin Scott of Rosedale, MD. Harker lost his pro debut by unanimous decision to Joshua Clark on April 24th at the 2300 Arena.
In other bouts on the card, super welterweight Mathew "The Future" Castro of Glendale, Queens, New York will make his pro debut against McArio Del Castillo of Salem, VA. Castro is well known in the New York Golden Gloves. Del Castillo (0-4) returns for the first time since November 1st when he lost a four-round unanimous decision to Estaban Munoz in Corona, CA.
Undefeated Philadelphia welterweight Tyhler Williams will face Jordan Morales of Sunbury, PA. Williams (4-0, three KO's) has not fought since January of 2020 when he scored a first-round TKO over Demetris Williams in Bensalem, PA. Morales (4-8, two KO's) lost by six-round unanimous decision to Nicolas Hernandez on June 11th in Lebanon, PA.
Camden, NJ lightweight Naheem Parker will take on Joshua Zimmerman of Baltimore, MD. Parker (2-0, one KO) won by third-round TKO over Mathew Apolinaris on April 17th at the 2300 Arena. Zimmerman (0-2) lost both of his bouts by unanimous decision.
Englishtown, NJ bantamweight John Leonardo will battle debuting Jalen Woodmore of Pontiac, MI. Leonardo (2-0-1, two KO's) comes off a first-round KO over Juan Bryand on June 5th in Jonesboro, GA.
Welterweight Steve Moore of Orange, NJ will compete against Antonio Allen of Philadelphia, PA. Moore (4-8, three KO's) is riding a three-bout winning streak including a four-round unanimous decision over Philip Davis on the April 24th card at the 2300 Arena. Allen (1-12-1, one KO) looks to bounce back from a second-round TKO loss to Demontrez Holliman on May 30th in Augusta, GA.
Here are the weights for this card:
Brandon Chambers 123.6 vs. Donald Stewart 127
AJ Williams 166 vs. Ricardo Barerril 165
Jaqeem Hutcherson 122.1 vs. Elie Charles 122.5
Evan Harker 147 vs. Alvin Scott 154.7
Mathew Castro 150.3 vs. McArio DelCastillo 153.4
Thyler Williams 141.2 vs. Jordan Morales 141.9
John Leonardo 125.9 vs. Jalen Woodmore 119.8
Naheem Parker 138.8 vs. Joshua Zimmerman 138.2
Steve Moore 143.8 vs. Antonio Allen 146.1
A tough loss for long-time Beltway Boxing Fans. Hyattsville, MD super welterweight "Mighty" Marlon Haynes passed away because of cancer.
Haynes was born in Guyana and had a five-year career as a pro boxer. He debuted on August 30th, 1998 and won a four-round split decision to Chad Greenleaf in Chester, WVA. Haynes fought for the first time in DC on February 2, 1999 and fought to a third-round technical decision draw with Jerry Booker.
Haynes fought a number of Beltway Boxers during his career including Mike McFail, Lawrence Brooks, Vincent White, Melvin Jones, Luther (Sugarman) Smith, and Charles Clark. Two of his biggest bouts came against former world champion Vince Phillips and contender Chris Smith. Haynes lost both contests by technical knockout. Haynes concluded his career with a third-round TKO win over Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall at the DC Armory on June 28th, 2003. His final record was 14-5-3, four KO's. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Haynes was one of the tough boxers we had in the area during the late 90's. He would give anyone a tough battle. He will definitely be missed. BATB sends its condolences to all family and friends.
Upper Marlboro, MD welterweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox will vie for his first world title when he takes on Gabriel Maestre of Barcelona, Venezuela on Saturday, August 7th at the Minneapolis Armory in Minneapolis, MN. The co-feature bout will be part of a tripleheader shown on Fox beginning at 8 PM ET.
Fox (22-2, five KO's) takes this bout on relatively short notice as he is replacing Cody Crowley who had to withdraw from the contest due to a positive COVID-19 test. Fox last fought almost one year to the day from this contest, losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Lucas Santamaria on August 8th, 2020 in Los Angeles, CA.
Maestre (3-0, three KO's) competed for Venezuela in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. He has fought all three of his bouts in Colombia, including a first-round knockout of Daniel Vega Cota on December 17th in Puerto Colombia. Maestre won a minor title (WBA Fedebol Super Welterweight title) in his pro debut, knocking out an opponent who was 20-0 and the three opponents he has knocked out had a combined won-loss record of 63-9-2.
