The Keystone Boxing card coming to the District Heights Municipal Center (2000 Marbury Drive in District Heights, MD) on Saturday, May 3 is pretty much set.
The main event promises to be a spectacular one as undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow takes a good step in competition as he will battle Eric "The Outlaw" Hunter of Philadelphia in a scheduled eight-round encounter.
Snow (10-0, eight KO's) has not fought since his second-round TKO over Terrance Roy on December 15 in Dulles, VA. Snow had been training for a Maryland State Featherweight title bout against Tyrell Samuel that was cancelled twice.
Ironically, the last bout for Hunter (8-1, three KO's) was an eight-round unanimous decision over Samuel on August 3 in front of a nationally televised ShoBox audience in Doraville, GA.
The co-feature should be a barnburner as well. Undefeated Glen Burnie, MD junior middleweight Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier will take on DC's Kendrick Walker in a four-round contest. Dozier (2-0-1, two KO's) is coming off a first-round TKO over Tyrone Braswell on March 29 in Winston-Salem, NC. Walker (0-1-1) fought to a tough four-round draw with Spencer Harsley on November 9 in Fort Washington, MD.
Also on the card, undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell will take on Jamal Terry of New Castle, DE in another four-round encounter. Mitchell (2-0-1, one KO) is coming off a four-round draw against Alvaro Morales on March 22 in Cabazon, CA. Terry (3-8, two KO's) will be hoping that a change in venue will help as he is trying to break a three-bout losing streak. All three losses took place on cards at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. Terry lost by knockout in all three bouts to Beltway Boxers Phill Brown, Ernest Mazyck and Scott Buchanan respectively. Since those bouts, however, Terry has reportedly shown a renewed dedication in training and has lost 21 pounds since the loss to Buchanan on November 9.
Undefeated Laurel, MD welterweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen returns as he will battle James Denson of Akron, OH in what will be closer to a junior middleweight four-rounder (152 pounds seems to be the target weight for the contest). Allen (3-0, two KO's) is coming off a spirited fourth-round TKO victory over Spencer Harsley on April 3 in Glen Burnie, MD. Allen survived a third-round knockdown to win the contest. Denson (2-1, one KO) will try to bounce back from his first pro loss -- a four-round unanimous decision against Deferson Legrand on November 17 in Atlantic City.
Two Beltway Boxers will make pro debuts on this card. Hyattsville, MD junior Lightweight Lawrence Martin will take on Cincinnati, OH's Mel Crossty, who is also making his pro debut. Cruiserweight Robert McConnell of Upper Marlboro, MD will also take his maiden voyage into the pro ranks as he takes on the equally debuting Garrett Wilson of Philadelphia.
In another four-round bout on the card, undefeated Lexington, KY light heavyweight Corey Washington (1-0, one KO) will take on William Jeter (0-0, 1 NC) of New York City.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Wilson Arrives in Stuttgart for WBA Title Challenge!
(Photo by Eroll Popova)
Takoma Park, MD cruiserweight Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson has arrived in Stuttgart, Germany for his WBA Cruiserweight title challenge against champion Firat Arslan on Saturday, May 3. The two fighters spoke at a press conference today and here is what they had to say courtesy of a Universum press release:
Wilson: "I prepared in Florida, running on the beach among other things. Firat Arslan is physical and a very strong boxer defensively. In the USA, we know him not only by his victory over ex-world champion Virgil Hill but by his KO victory over Grigory Drozd. Firat is a hard worker. That this fight has come about is a win for all boxing fans. My dream to take the world title will become a reality. I'm ready to go twelve rounds."
Arslan: My first title defense is very special. But during my career I have always prepared myself equally intensely and concentrated upon every fight. The preparation with my team in Sölden was great – I feel fitter than in my fight against Virgil Hill. I have a lot of respect for Darnell Wilson. I always want to box the best, and in the cruiserweight division he is the hardest puncher in the world. The fans will want to see this fight! I'm not man of big words - I'll give everything and defeat one of the best of my weight class!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
MD Featherweight Title Bout Cancelled Again..Possibly for Good!
There is late word that the Maryland State Featherweight title bout between Thomas "KO" Snow and Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel that was slated for Saturday, May 3 at the District Heights Municipal Center has been cancelled again. And this time, there doesn't seem to be any hope of rescheduling the bout.
The issue this time is an even more important and pressing one -- Samuel's health condition. The Baltimore native had signed to fight a bout in New Jersey late last year. The New Jersey doctors did an electrocardiagram on Samuel as part of their medical procedure. Warning signs came up on the EKG and Samuel was not allowed to fight on the card. The card ended up being cancelled.
When word got out about Samuel's New Jersey EKG, Samuel saw another physician in Maryland (no word on whether it was Samuel's own doctor or a Maryland State Athletic Commission doctor). The results were similar. Reportedly, Maryland does not give an EKG as part of the Commission medical procedure.
BATB sends its best wishes to Samuel and hopes his condition improves.
Snow is still scheduled to be on the Keystone Boxing Promotions card as they look for another opponent. Meanwhile, the Capitol Heights native has reportedly signed a managerial contract with "The First Lady of Boxing," Jackie Kallen.
The issue this time is an even more important and pressing one -- Samuel's health condition. The Baltimore native had signed to fight a bout in New Jersey late last year. The New Jersey doctors did an electrocardiagram on Samuel as part of their medical procedure. Warning signs came up on the EKG and Samuel was not allowed to fight on the card. The card ended up being cancelled.
When word got out about Samuel's New Jersey EKG, Samuel saw another physician in Maryland (no word on whether it was Samuel's own doctor or a Maryland State Athletic Commission doctor). The results were similar. Reportedly, Maryland does not give an EKG as part of the Commission medical procedure.
BATB sends its best wishes to Samuel and hopes his condition improves.
Snow is still scheduled to be on the Keystone Boxing Promotions card as they look for another opponent. Meanwhile, the Capitol Heights native has reportedly signed a managerial contract with "The First Lady of Boxing," Jackie Kallen.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
First Look at May 9 Fredricksburg Card!
The Friday, May 9 boxing card at the Fredricksburg Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg, VA is coming together. The card is the maiden voyage for Counter Punch Promotions, headed by Kimodi Cheatham.
The cruiserweight bout between Caroline, VA's Adam "The Real Deal" Seal and Derek "D-Mos" Amos of Dumfries, VA will be the main event on the card. Seal will come to the bout with a record of 2-1, one KO. The veteran Amos will come to the bout with a record of 15-25, nine KO's.
The card marks the 2008 debut of undefeated Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson. Johnson (4-0, three KO's) has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino on November 29 in Glen Burnie, MD. Johnson is slated to take on debuting Cameroon native Francois Ambang.
Alexandria, VA lightweight Jaime "The Punisher" Palma has also signed to appear on the card against an opponent to be determined.
There will be two other boxing matches and also some mixed martial arts contests on the card.
The cruiserweight bout between Caroline, VA's Adam "The Real Deal" Seal and Derek "D-Mos" Amos of Dumfries, VA will be the main event on the card. Seal will come to the bout with a record of 2-1, one KO. The veteran Amos will come to the bout with a record of 15-25, nine KO's.
The card marks the 2008 debut of undefeated Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson. Johnson (4-0, three KO's) has not fought since winning a four-round unanimous decision over Zeferino Albino on November 29 in Glen Burnie, MD. Johnson is slated to take on debuting Cameroon native Francois Ambang.
Alexandria, VA lightweight Jaime "The Punisher" Palma has also signed to appear on the card against an opponent to be determined.
There will be two other boxing matches and also some mixed martial arts contests on the card.
Finkel Files for Arbitration in Peterson Case!
The Peterson Brothers's recent signing with Top Rank is apparently not completely a done deal. ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that the Petersons and trainer/co-manager Barry Hunter signed the deal without the input of the other co-manager, Shelly Finkel. And now it looks like the case will go to arbitration.
Finkel, who was negotiating a similar contract with Golden Boy Promotions, told Rafael that Hunter refused to allow him the opportunity to review the contracts they signed.
"They signed with Top Rank without my consent, negotiated without me and kept me out of it when I requested to see the deal before and after they agreed to it," Finkel told Rafael. "I am confident that my rights will be upheld and I'm sorry it has come to this because I have a lot of admiration for the Petersons, and for Barry Hunter for what he has done to help these kids in their life."
Rafael said Finkel's agreement with Hunter says they have equal input in decisions regarding the Petersons' careers. He said Hunter has not returned any of his telephone calls or e-mails, leaving him with "no choice" but to file an action against the fighters and Hunter with the American Arbitration Association, which their contract calls for in the event of a dispute.
"I am requesting that my contract be upheld and they be stopped from violating it in the future," Finkel said, adding that his managerial deal with them runs through September 2009.
In the ESPN.com article, Finkel said his objection was not that they signed with Top Rank, with whom he has other fighters as well as an extremely strained relationship with company chairman Bob Arum. Finkel said his issue was that they signed without letting him review the deal, which included $100,000 signing bonuses for each fighter. He said Golden Boy offered a signing package worth almost double.
"I know I could have made the [Top Rank] deal better. I'm sure there are some loopholes," said Finkel, who said he is asking for $300,000 in damages. "We may end up doing the deal with Arum, but I know I could have gotten more. You bid people against each other and come up with the best deal, but Barry didn't do that and he didn't ask me."
Finkel, who was negotiating a similar contract with Golden Boy Promotions, told Rafael that Hunter refused to allow him the opportunity to review the contracts they signed.
"They signed with Top Rank without my consent, negotiated without me and kept me out of it when I requested to see the deal before and after they agreed to it," Finkel told Rafael. "I am confident that my rights will be upheld and I'm sorry it has come to this because I have a lot of admiration for the Petersons, and for Barry Hunter for what he has done to help these kids in their life."
Rafael said Finkel's agreement with Hunter says they have equal input in decisions regarding the Petersons' careers. He said Hunter has not returned any of his telephone calls or e-mails, leaving him with "no choice" but to file an action against the fighters and Hunter with the American Arbitration Association, which their contract calls for in the event of a dispute.
"I am requesting that my contract be upheld and they be stopped from violating it in the future," Finkel said, adding that his managerial deal with them runs through September 2009.
In the ESPN.com article, Finkel said his objection was not that they signed with Top Rank, with whom he has other fighters as well as an extremely strained relationship with company chairman Bob Arum. Finkel said his issue was that they signed without letting him review the deal, which included $100,000 signing bonuses for each fighter. He said Golden Boy offered a signing package worth almost double.
"I know I could have made the [Top Rank] deal better. I'm sure there are some loopholes," said Finkel, who said he is asking for $300,000 in damages. "We may end up doing the deal with Arum, but I know I could have gotten more. You bid people against each other and come up with the best deal, but Barry didn't do that and he didn't ask me."
May 17 Winchester Card Starting to Take Shape!
We're starting to get information about the Left Hook Boxing card coming to the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA on Saturday, May 17. Here are the bouts that have been put together so far:
Undefeated Arlington, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson will try to keep his winning streak alive as he takes on the debuting Dwayne "Diesel" Shelton of Richmond, VA in a four-round contest. Wilson (4-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over David Novia in his last outing on February 23 in Winchester. Shelton is making his pro debut in boxing, but is a veteran of the professional Mixed Martial Arts circuit.
Noted trainer Bruce "The Hammer" Frank of Staunton, VA will face Billy "Crowbar" Mitchem of Spartansburg, SC in a four-round light heavyweight matchup. The 47-year-old Frank (0-0-1) steps back into the ring for the first time since his draw against Kenneth Carey on November 17 in Harrisonburg, VA. The 49-year-old Mitchem (6-17-1, one KO's) has lost four in a row, a streak that includes losses to Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck and Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer.
Farmer (10-1, seven KO's) is slated to headline the Winchester show against an opponent to be determined. The Front Royal, VA resident is scheduled to participate in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also, Montgomery, AL's undefeated middleweight John "No Mercy" Mackey (9-0, three KO's) is also slated to be on the card in a six-round co-feature.
Also on the card will be Caroline, VA cruiserweight Adam "The Real Deal" Seal. At this writing, Seal will be trying to pull off an interesting double as he tries to win two bouts in eight days. This after being inactive since suffering his only pro loss against William Bailey by third-round TKO on February 3, 2007 in Fisherville, VA. The Winchester card has Seal (2-1, one KO) squaring off against the undefeated and returning Terry "T-Brick" Roy of Front Royal (7-0-1, six KO's) This will be Roy's first bout since his third-round TKO over George Holder on November 11 in Springfield, VA. This will also be Roy's first bout since recovering from stab wounds received in an altercation at his home in late December.
But before Seal can get to Roy, he is scheduled to face veteran Derek "D-Mos" Amos of Dumfries, VA on the Friday, May 9 card at the Fredricksburg Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg, VA. Hope to have more on that card as well as the Saturday, May 3 card in District Heights, MD later this week.
Undefeated Arlington, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson will try to keep his winning streak alive as he takes on the debuting Dwayne "Diesel" Shelton of Richmond, VA in a four-round contest. Wilson (4-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over David Novia in his last outing on February 23 in Winchester. Shelton is making his pro debut in boxing, but is a veteran of the professional Mixed Martial Arts circuit.
Noted trainer Bruce "The Hammer" Frank of Staunton, VA will face Billy "Crowbar" Mitchem of Spartansburg, SC in a four-round light heavyweight matchup. The 47-year-old Frank (0-0-1) steps back into the ring for the first time since his draw against Kenneth Carey on November 17 in Harrisonburg, VA. The 49-year-old Mitchem (6-17-1, one KO's) has lost four in a row, a streak that includes losses to Warren "The Mack" Clatterbuck and Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer.
Farmer (10-1, seven KO's) is slated to headline the Winchester show against an opponent to be determined. The Front Royal, VA resident is scheduled to participate in his first scheduled eight-round contest. Also, Montgomery, AL's undefeated middleweight John "No Mercy" Mackey (9-0, three KO's) is also slated to be on the card in a six-round co-feature.
Also on the card will be Caroline, VA cruiserweight Adam "The Real Deal" Seal. At this writing, Seal will be trying to pull off an interesting double as he tries to win two bouts in eight days. This after being inactive since suffering his only pro loss against William Bailey by third-round TKO on February 3, 2007 in Fisherville, VA. The Winchester card has Seal (2-1, one KO) squaring off against the undefeated and returning Terry "T-Brick" Roy of Front Royal (7-0-1, six KO's) This will be Roy's first bout since his third-round TKO over George Holder on November 11 in Springfield, VA. This will also be Roy's first bout since recovering from stab wounds received in an altercation at his home in late December.
But before Seal can get to Roy, he is scheduled to face veteran Derek "D-Mos" Amos of Dumfries, VA on the Friday, May 9 card at the Fredricksburg Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg, VA. Hope to have more on that card as well as the Saturday, May 3 card in District Heights, MD later this week.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Navy Coach McNally Chosen As an Official For Beijing Olympics!
The Beltway will be well represented at the 2008 Olympic Boxing Tournament in Beijing, China.
We all know that Gary Russell, Jr. will be on the United States Olympic Team. We also know that one of the US Olympic Team coaches will be DC's Robert "Herb" Martin.
Now comes word that Navy Boxing Coach James McNally has been selected as one of 34 referee-judges that will work during the Olympic Games. McNally is well known internationally as he has officiated in over 27 international competitions in his career, including the World Championships, Pan American Games and Americas Qualifier.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) determined the officials who will work at the Olympic Games, utilizing a new evaluation process which began at the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Chicago and continued through the Continental Olympic Qualification Tournaments.
“This new evaluation process has proven to be very intensive”, AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu said in a press release. “But it has ensured that we will not only see the best of the world’s boxers in Beijing but also the top international referees and judges who will officiate during the Games.”
In addition to his experience as an official, McNally has served as the Navy Boxing Coach for 22 years and his teams have won five National Collegiate Boxing Association National Championships. Three of his boxers won individual titles at this year's Collegiate Nationals. McNally has served as a referee judge for 25 years, officiating in 29 national-level tournaments, including the U.S. Championships, National Golden Gloves and U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
McNally will participate in two AIBA Olympic referees & judges workshops next month, the first - a classroom workshop - from May 20-23 in Beijing followed by a practical training workshop during the 1st AIBA President’s Cup to be held from May 24–June 1 in Taipei.
One other Olympic note: It looks like Gary Russell, Jr. will not be participating in this coming Saturday's US-Puerto Rico Dual Meet in Philadelphia. The new US roster does not have him on the list. No reason was given for the change.
We all know that Gary Russell, Jr. will be on the United States Olympic Team. We also know that one of the US Olympic Team coaches will be DC's Robert "Herb" Martin.
Now comes word that Navy Boxing Coach James McNally has been selected as one of 34 referee-judges that will work during the Olympic Games. McNally is well known internationally as he has officiated in over 27 international competitions in his career, including the World Championships, Pan American Games and Americas Qualifier.
The International Boxing Association (AIBA) determined the officials who will work at the Olympic Games, utilizing a new evaluation process which began at the 2007 AIBA World Boxing Championships in Chicago and continued through the Continental Olympic Qualification Tournaments.
“This new evaluation process has proven to be very intensive”, AIBA President Dr Ching-Kuo Wu said in a press release. “But it has ensured that we will not only see the best of the world’s boxers in Beijing but also the top international referees and judges who will officiate during the Games.”
In addition to his experience as an official, McNally has served as the Navy Boxing Coach for 22 years and his teams have won five National Collegiate Boxing Association National Championships. Three of his boxers won individual titles at this year's Collegiate Nationals. McNally has served as a referee judge for 25 years, officiating in 29 national-level tournaments, including the U.S. Championships, National Golden Gloves and U.S. Olympic Team Trials.
McNally will participate in two AIBA Olympic referees & judges workshops next month, the first - a classroom workshop - from May 20-23 in Beijing followed by a practical training workshop during the 1st AIBA President’s Cup to be held from May 24–June 1 in Taipei.
One other Olympic note: It looks like Gary Russell, Jr. will not be participating in this coming Saturday's US-Puerto Rico Dual Meet in Philadelphia. The new US roster does not have him on the list. No reason was given for the change.
Palma-Spadafora Bout Falls Through!
I was hoping to announce another big step-up bout for a Beltway Boxer that was actually scheduled for this coming Friday, April 25. However, the bout has fallen through.
Virginia State Lightweight champion Jaime "The Punisher" Palma of Alexandria was about to sign a contract that would have had him face former IBF Lightweight champion Paul Spadafora this Friday in Erie, PA. However, earlier Saturday, Palma turned down the contract.
Palma says the contract ended up for the bout to be fought closer to the 147-pound or welterweight class, because Spadafora had not fought in a year and is nowhere near his former championship weight. Palma is still closer to the 135-pound lightweight limit because he had been training for his USBA Southern Division title bout with Philadelphia's Lenny DeVictoria that was slated for April 12 in Richmond before that card was postponed.
Now, it looks like Palma may be a part of the Friday, May 9 card that will be held at the Fredricksburg Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg, VA.
Virginia State Lightweight champion Jaime "The Punisher" Palma of Alexandria was about to sign a contract that would have had him face former IBF Lightweight champion Paul Spadafora this Friday in Erie, PA. However, earlier Saturday, Palma turned down the contract.
Palma says the contract ended up for the bout to be fought closer to the 147-pound or welterweight class, because Spadafora had not fought in a year and is nowhere near his former championship weight. Palma is still closer to the 135-pound lightweight limit because he had been training for his USBA Southern Division title bout with Philadelphia's Lenny DeVictoria that was slated for April 12 in Richmond before that card was postponed.
Now, it looks like Palma may be a part of the Friday, May 9 card that will be held at the Fredricksburg Fairgrounds in Fredricksburg, VA.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Beltway Prospects Take Crucial Steps in May!
On May 29 and 30, two Beltway prospects will take significant bouts to further their careers.
As announced this morning on the "Ballroom Boxing Report" on WJFK-AM in Baltimore, undefeated Pasadena, MD super middleweight "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall will battle former world title contender Larry "The Laser" Marks of Newark, DE on Thursday, May 29 in the main event of the next Ballroom Boxing card at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Paschall (16-0-1, four KO's) is coming off a solid fourth-round TKO over Bruce Rumbolz on the last Ballroom Boxing show on April 3. Paschall has scored knockouts in his last two bouts. Marks (29-9-1, 16 KO's) who unsuccessfully challenged Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis for the WBA Welterweight title in 2001, is the most accomplished boxer Paschall has faced. Marks has also fought the likes of former world champions Cory Spinks and Charles "The Natural" Murray as well as contenders Andrew Murray and Tokunbo Olajide. Marks also holds victories over Beltway Boxers Ed Griffin and Purcell Miller.
There is a possibility that this will be a 10-round contest. If that holds up, that will be virgin territory for Paschall.
The very next night, Friday, May 30, Charlottesville, VA junior middleweight George "War Time" Rivera makes his national television debut as he battles undefeated Philadelphia prospect Latif Mundy in Monroeville, PA. The scheduled eight-round bout will be shown as a co-feature on the Spanish network Telefutura.
Rivera (8-1, three KO's) is coming off an impressive four-round unanimous decision over Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor on March 15 in Allentown, PA. Mundy (7-0, two KO's) has not fought since November 11 when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Maurice Williams in Philadelphia. This will be the first scheduled eight-rounder for both men.
Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I'll have official confirmation of another Beltway Boxer that will take a significant step in competition in the very near future.
As announced this morning on the "Ballroom Boxing Report" on WJFK-AM in Baltimore, undefeated Pasadena, MD super middleweight "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall will battle former world title contender Larry "The Laser" Marks of Newark, DE on Thursday, May 29 in the main event of the next Ballroom Boxing card at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Paschall (16-0-1, four KO's) is coming off a solid fourth-round TKO over Bruce Rumbolz on the last Ballroom Boxing show on April 3. Paschall has scored knockouts in his last two bouts. Marks (29-9-1, 16 KO's) who unsuccessfully challenged Andrew "Six Heads" Lewis for the WBA Welterweight title in 2001, is the most accomplished boxer Paschall has faced. Marks has also fought the likes of former world champions Cory Spinks and Charles "The Natural" Murray as well as contenders Andrew Murray and Tokunbo Olajide. Marks also holds victories over Beltway Boxers Ed Griffin and Purcell Miller.
There is a possibility that this will be a 10-round contest. If that holds up, that will be virgin territory for Paschall.
The very next night, Friday, May 30, Charlottesville, VA junior middleweight George "War Time" Rivera makes his national television debut as he battles undefeated Philadelphia prospect Latif Mundy in Monroeville, PA. The scheduled eight-round bout will be shown as a co-feature on the Spanish network Telefutura.
Rivera (8-1, three KO's) is coming off an impressive four-round unanimous decision over Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor on March 15 in Allentown, PA. Mundy (7-0, two KO's) has not fought since November 11 when he won a six-round unanimous decision over Maurice Williams in Philadelphia. This will be the first scheduled eight-rounder for both men.
Hopefully by the end of the weekend, I'll have official confirmation of another Beltway Boxer that will take a significant step in competition in the very near future.
Petersons Sign With Top Rank, Says ESPN.Com!
ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that the Undefeated Peterson Brothers have signed promotional contracts with Top Rank and promoter Bob Arum. Rafael says Arum received signed contracts from the Petersons earlier this week, but co-manager Shelly Finkel still has to approve the deal.
The Petersons have been looking at offers from both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, Rafael says, and it was co-manager and trainer Barry Hunter who decided to take the Top Rank offer.
Arum had very nice things to say about the Petersons.
"They're good prospects and nice kids," Arum said. "Besides being good fighters, the most important thing to me is they're gentlemen, well-behaved kids and very respectful. At this stage of my career and my life those are the kinds of kids I want to devote my time to. I want good fighters who are gentlemen. Fortunately, the kids I have are that way. That's what makes it a pleasure."
Arum told Rafael that junior welterweight Lamont (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, would make his debut for the company July 5 on Showtime in the opening fight of the card headlined by the Ricardo Torres-Kendall Holt junior welterweight title rematch. Arum said lightweight Anthony (26-0, 19 KOs), 23, would fight June 26 on Versus.
Had they signed with Golden Boy, they would have been televised on the HBO undercard of the Oscar De La Hoya-Steve Forbes bout May 3.
The Petersons have been looking at offers from both Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, Rafael says, and it was co-manager and trainer Barry Hunter who decided to take the Top Rank offer.
Arum had very nice things to say about the Petersons.
"They're good prospects and nice kids," Arum said. "Besides being good fighters, the most important thing to me is they're gentlemen, well-behaved kids and very respectful. At this stage of my career and my life those are the kinds of kids I want to devote my time to. I want good fighters who are gentlemen. Fortunately, the kids I have are that way. That's what makes it a pleasure."
Arum told Rafael that junior welterweight Lamont (24-0, 11 KOs), 24, would make his debut for the company July 5 on Showtime in the opening fight of the card headlined by the Ricardo Torres-Kendall Holt junior welterweight title rematch. Arum said lightweight Anthony (26-0, 19 KOs), 23, would fight June 26 on Versus.
Had they signed with Golden Boy, they would have been televised on the HBO undercard of the Oscar De La Hoya-Steve Forbes bout May 3.
Brutal Results From Pikesville!
Here are the results from what was a competitive and somewhat brutal night of Baltimore Pro Boxing from the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD:
Undefeated Baltimore junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow continued his winning ways with a crushing fourth-round TKO over Chad "Tazz" Greenleaf of Parkesburg, WV. Nicklow registered four knockdowns en route to the win as he used his left hook with alarming accuracy. The bout was stopped at 2:25 of the round. Nicklow is now 17-0-1, seven KO's.
Another undefeated Beltway Boxer did not remain so after this card as Dundalk, MD heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich was decimated by Wes "The Tiger" Taylor, now fighting out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the third round. Dietrich actually scored a knockdown in the first, but Taylor came roaring back and had Dietrich in deep trouble in the second before Taylor put Dietrich away with a devastating right hand early in the third that had Dietrich down and tangled in the ropes. The bout was stopped at 23 seconds of the third. Taylor raised his record to 7-12-1, seven KO's. Dietrich is now 10-1, five KO's.
Beltway rookie light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker of Eldersburg, MD maintained his perfect record with a first-round TKO over Gary Lavender of Wilson, NC. Tucker landed punches that, although they looked awkward, did serious damage to Lavender. Tucker put on enough pressure to force referee Malik Waleed to stop the bout at 1:25 of the first. Tucker is now 3-0, three KO's. Lavender is now 5-13, five KO's. This bout was Tucker's first scheduled six-round contest.
Baltimore middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter made a successful return to boxing after an almost three-year absence with a solid first-round TKO over Pete Guthy of Myrtle Beach, SC. Midway through the first, Jeter landed a beautiful right hand that made Guthy stumble into the ropes, causing a knockdown. Guthy stayed on his feet but his legs were wobbly, forcing referee Gary Camponeschi to stop the contest at 1:15 of the round. Jeter's record rises to 5-2, five KO's while Guthy is now 2-4-2.
Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams continued his winning ways with a six-round unanimous decision over Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill, now fighting out of Philadelphia, PA. Williams tried some variety in his boxing, going southpaw successfully at times to help win the decision. Judges Joe Ware and Malik Waleed saw the bout 59-55 while judge David Greer scored the bout 58-56. Williams has now won four in a row (not six as I say in the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up) and nine of his last 10. Williams's record is now 10-2, two KO's. Hemphill falls under .500 at 6-7-2, three KO's.
In the opening contest, Bowie, MD heavyweight Horace "The Reason" Grant won a six-round majority decision over Mike Miller of Akron, OH. Grant used better activity and a crushing right uppercut to help seal the close victory. Judge Ware saw the draw at 57-57, but judges Greer and Camponeschi saw the bout 59-55 for Grant, who has now won 11 straight bouts and has a record of 12-1, seven KO's. Miller now falls to 3-10-1, two KO's.
Here is a rather lengthy BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up which includes an interview with Tony Jeter as well as a recap of the card with myself, "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and former Beltway Boxing fan favorite Del "The Hatchet" Matchett.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #106 - Full Report From Pikesville!
"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears, Del "The Hatchet" Matchett and I describe a very competitive and somewhat brutal night of boxing from the Pikesville National Guard Armory. Included is an interview with the returning Tony "Mo Better" Jeter!
Undefeated Baltimore junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow continued his winning ways with a crushing fourth-round TKO over Chad "Tazz" Greenleaf of Parkesburg, WV. Nicklow registered four knockdowns en route to the win as he used his left hook with alarming accuracy. The bout was stopped at 2:25 of the round. Nicklow is now 17-0-1, seven KO's.
Another undefeated Beltway Boxer did not remain so after this card as Dundalk, MD heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich was decimated by Wes "The Tiger" Taylor, now fighting out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana in the third round. Dietrich actually scored a knockdown in the first, but Taylor came roaring back and had Dietrich in deep trouble in the second before Taylor put Dietrich away with a devastating right hand early in the third that had Dietrich down and tangled in the ropes. The bout was stopped at 23 seconds of the third. Taylor raised his record to 7-12-1, seven KO's. Dietrich is now 10-1, five KO's.
Beltway rookie light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker of Eldersburg, MD maintained his perfect record with a first-round TKO over Gary Lavender of Wilson, NC. Tucker landed punches that, although they looked awkward, did serious damage to Lavender. Tucker put on enough pressure to force referee Malik Waleed to stop the bout at 1:25 of the first. Tucker is now 3-0, three KO's. Lavender is now 5-13, five KO's. This bout was Tucker's first scheduled six-round contest.
Baltimore middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter made a successful return to boxing after an almost three-year absence with a solid first-round TKO over Pete Guthy of Myrtle Beach, SC. Midway through the first, Jeter landed a beautiful right hand that made Guthy stumble into the ropes, causing a knockdown. Guthy stayed on his feet but his legs were wobbly, forcing referee Gary Camponeschi to stop the contest at 1:15 of the round. Jeter's record rises to 5-2, five KO's while Guthy is now 2-4-2.
Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams continued his winning ways with a six-round unanimous decision over Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill, now fighting out of Philadelphia, PA. Williams tried some variety in his boxing, going southpaw successfully at times to help win the decision. Judges Joe Ware and Malik Waleed saw the bout 59-55 while judge David Greer scored the bout 58-56. Williams has now won four in a row (not six as I say in the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up) and nine of his last 10. Williams's record is now 10-2, two KO's. Hemphill falls under .500 at 6-7-2, three KO's.
In the opening contest, Bowie, MD heavyweight Horace "The Reason" Grant won a six-round majority decision over Mike Miller of Akron, OH. Grant used better activity and a crushing right uppercut to help seal the close victory. Judge Ware saw the draw at 57-57, but judges Greer and Camponeschi saw the bout 59-55 for Grant, who has now won 11 straight bouts and has a record of 12-1, seven KO's. Miller now falls to 3-10-1, two KO's.
Here is a rather lengthy BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up which includes an interview with Tony Jeter as well as a recap of the card with myself, "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and former Beltway Boxing fan favorite Del "The Hatchet" Matchett.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #106 - Full Report From Pikesville!
"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears, Del "The Hatchet" Matchett and I describe a very competitive and somewhat brutal night of boxing from the Pikesville National Guard Armory. Included is an interview with the returning Tony "Mo Better" Jeter!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Scale Watch For Tomorrow in Pikesville!
Here are the weights for tomorrow night's Baltimore Pro Boxing card at the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD.
Jessie Nicklow 155 ¼ vs. Chad Greenleaf 155
Mike Dietrich 220 ½ vs. Wes Taylor 219
Mark Tucker 175 ¾ vs Gary Lavender 177 ¼
Willie Williams 176 ¼ vs. Andre Hemphill 171 ½
Tony Jeter 163 ¼ vs. Pete Guthy 164 ¼
Horace Grant 247 ½ vs. Mike Miller 233 ¼
Jessie Nicklow 155 ¼ vs. Chad Greenleaf 155
Mike Dietrich 220 ½ vs. Wes Taylor 219
Mark Tucker 175 ¾ vs Gary Lavender 177 ¼
Willie Williams 176 ¼ vs. Andre Hemphill 171 ½
Tony Jeter 163 ¼ vs. Pete Guthy 164 ¼
Horace Grant 247 ½ vs. Mike Miller 233 ¼
Monday, April 14, 2008
MD State Featherweight Title Bout Moves to District Heights May 3!
The Maryland State Featherweight title contest between Capitol Heights's Thomas "KO" Snow and Baltimore's Tyrell "Da Show Shock'a" Samuel has a new venue.
The bout will be the main event on the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, May 3 at the District Heights Municipal Center in District Heights, MD.
We'll have more details on this card in the weeks to come. This card will be the first of four in the Beltway area in the month of May.
The bout will be the main event on the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, May 3 at the District Heights Municipal Center in District Heights, MD.
We'll have more details on this card in the weeks to come. This card will be the first of four in the Beltway area in the month of May.
Navy Boxers Capture Individual Titles at Collegiate Nationals!
Three boxers from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD captured titles at the Collegiate Boxing Championships in Reno, NV this weekend.
In the 139-pound division, Antone Aku won a 3-2 decision over Terrell Anthony of Army. Mike Steadman captured the 175-pound championship with a 4-1 decision over Kenny Dyer-Redner of Nevada. In the Heavyweight division, Jeff Laupola captured the crown by defeating Mansfield's Chris Phifer by a 5-0 decision.
Two more Midshipmen made it to the finals but Mikoto Yoshida lost a 3-2 decision to Dean Chuba of the Air Force Academy in the 112-pound class and Jeremiah Oliver dropped a 5-0 decision to Aaron Lynch of Lock Haven.
Army won the team title. The University of Maryland also sent a team to the nationals.
In the 139-pound division, Antone Aku won a 3-2 decision over Terrell Anthony of Army. Mike Steadman captured the 175-pound championship with a 4-1 decision over Kenny Dyer-Redner of Nevada. In the Heavyweight division, Jeff Laupola captured the crown by defeating Mansfield's Chris Phifer by a 5-0 decision.
Two more Midshipmen made it to the finals but Mikoto Yoshida lost a 3-2 decision to Dean Chuba of the Air Force Academy in the 112-pound class and Jeremiah Oliver dropped a 5-0 decision to Aaron Lynch of Lock Haven.
Army won the team title. The University of Maryland also sent a team to the nationals.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Update on April 18 Pikesville Card!
Some interesting matchups have been made for the Baltimore Pro Boxing card on Friday, April 18 at the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD.
Undefeated Dundalk, MD cruiserweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich (10-0, five KO's) will battle veteran Wes Taylor of Milledgeville, GA (6-12-1, six KO's in a scheduled six-round matchup. Taylor fought in the area before back in June of 2001 at the Washington Convention Center when he pinned the first loss on then highly-touted prospect and 2000 Olympian Michael Bennett by a controversial first-round knockout.
Riverdale, MD heavyweight Horace "The Reason" Grant (11-1, seven KO's) returns to Pikesville to take on Mike Miller of Akron, OH (3-9-1, two KO's) in another six-round encounter. Grant last fought in Pikesville on January 18 when he won a six-round split decision over Cornelius Ellis. Miller recently broke a five-bout losing streak with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Dan Jambor on February 23 in Akron.
The card is also slated to feature middleweight Shelly Sievert of Severna Park, MD. Her opponent is yet to be determined.
The main event remains the same: undefeated Baltimore junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (16-0-1, six KO's) will go up against veteran Chad "Taz" Greenleaf of Parkesburg, WV (10-9-1, four KO's) in an eight-round contest.
Also on the card will be the six-round rematch between Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams (9-2, two KO's) and Woodbridge, VA's Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill (6-6-2, three KO's), Tony "Mo Better" Jeter of Columbia, MD (4-2, four KO's) taking on Charleston, SC's Pete Guthy (1-2-1) in a four-round encounter, and undefeated Eldersburg, MD light heavy Mark "TNT" Tucker (2-0, two KO's) will take on Gary Lavender of Pine Level, NC (5-12, five KO's) in a six-round bout, Tucker's first scheduled six-rounder. Lavender has lost his last three bouts, including the last two times he has been in Maryland. Lavender was stopped in the second round in both those bouts by Mike Paschall and Carlos Jones.
Undefeated Dundalk, MD cruiserweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich (10-0, five KO's) will battle veteran Wes Taylor of Milledgeville, GA (6-12-1, six KO's in a scheduled six-round matchup. Taylor fought in the area before back in June of 2001 at the Washington Convention Center when he pinned the first loss on then highly-touted prospect and 2000 Olympian Michael Bennett by a controversial first-round knockout.
Riverdale, MD heavyweight Horace "The Reason" Grant (11-1, seven KO's) returns to Pikesville to take on Mike Miller of Akron, OH (3-9-1, two KO's) in another six-round encounter. Grant last fought in Pikesville on January 18 when he won a six-round split decision over Cornelius Ellis. Miller recently broke a five-bout losing streak with a four-round unanimous decision victory over Dan Jambor on February 23 in Akron.
The card is also slated to feature middleweight Shelly Sievert of Severna Park, MD. Her opponent is yet to be determined.
The main event remains the same: undefeated Baltimore junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow (16-0-1, six KO's) will go up against veteran Chad "Taz" Greenleaf of Parkesburg, WV (10-9-1, four KO's) in an eight-round contest.
Also on the card will be the six-round rematch between Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams (9-2, two KO's) and Woodbridge, VA's Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill (6-6-2, three KO's), Tony "Mo Better" Jeter of Columbia, MD (4-2, four KO's) taking on Charleston, SC's Pete Guthy (1-2-1) in a four-round encounter, and undefeated Eldersburg, MD light heavy Mark "TNT" Tucker (2-0, two KO's) will take on Gary Lavender of Pine Level, NC (5-12, five KO's) in a six-round bout, Tucker's first scheduled six-rounder. Lavender has lost his last three bouts, including the last two times he has been in Maryland. Lavender was stopped in the second round in both those bouts by Mike Paschall and Carlos Jones.
Orji Wins Split Decision in Villa Park!
Laurel, MD super featherweight Ikem "The Warrior" Orji won a four-round split decision last night over the debuting Juan Gonzalez of Chicago, IL last night at the Odeom Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park, IL.
Orji came out on top on two of the judges scorecards, 39-37. One judge saw the bout for Gonzalez, 39-37.
Orji is now 2-0, one KO.
Orji came out on top on two of the judges scorecards, 39-37. One judge saw the bout for Gonzalez, 39-37.
Orji is now 2-0, one KO.
Friday, April 11, 2008
Orji Weighs in at Villa Park, IL
Laurel, MD super featherweight Ikem "The Warrior" Orji weighed in at 133 1/2 pounds for his four-round encounter with Juan Gonzalez tomorrow night at the Odeum Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park, IL. Gonzalez came in at 135 pounds.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thompson Title Shot Sanctioned By IBF, WBO; Will Be Shown on HBO!
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has joined the World Boxing Organization (WBO) in approving DC's Tony "The Tiger" Thompson's title quest against champion Wladimir Klitschko on July 12 in Hamburg, Germany.
The winner of the contest must face the IBF's number one contender, Alexander Povetkin, by November 29 or risk being stripped of the IBF crown.
HBO will televise the fight. No word on whether it will be a live broadcast or on same-day tape delay.
Here's what Klitschko had to say in a press release:
"I am very happy about the fair decision by the IBF, because Thompson has already been waiting for a year as the mandatory challenger. There is a reason why Thompson is number one in the world ranking – he hasn’t lost in eight years! I saw his knockout win in Germany over Luan Krasniqi, and definitely will not underestimate him. I look forward to getting back into the ring in July and to defending the titles again by the end of the year.”
I'll have more to say about this tonight on BATB on Youcastr.com at 10 PM ET. Click on the link at the left of the blog to listen to the show.
The winner of the contest must face the IBF's number one contender, Alexander Povetkin, by November 29 or risk being stripped of the IBF crown.
HBO will televise the fight. No word on whether it will be a live broadcast or on same-day tape delay.
Here's what Klitschko had to say in a press release:
"I am very happy about the fair decision by the IBF, because Thompson has already been waiting for a year as the mandatory challenger. There is a reason why Thompson is number one in the world ranking – he hasn’t lost in eight years! I saw his knockout win in Germany over Luan Krasniqi, and definitely will not underestimate him. I look forward to getting back into the ring in July and to defending the titles again by the end of the year.”
I'll have more to say about this tonight on BATB on Youcastr.com at 10 PM ET. Click on the link at the left of the blog to listen to the show.
Guerrero Wins By Fourth-Round TKO in Augusta, GA!
Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero put on a dominating performance stopping Valentino Jalomo in the fourth round in front of a national television audience (ESPN2) in the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, GA.
Guerrero earned numerous standing-eight counts against his opponent throughout the contest before the referee stopped it midway through.
Guerrero, who reached the fourth round for the first time in his career, raised his record to 5-0, five KO's. Jalomo is now 2-3-1.
Guerrero earned numerous standing-eight counts against his opponent throughout the contest before the referee stopped it midway through.
Guerrero, who reached the fourth round for the first time in his career, raised his record to 5-0, five KO's. Jalomo is now 2-3-1.
April 12 Richmond Card Postponed!
The Saturday, April 12 boxing card at the Richmond Convention Center has been postponed. Infinity Boxing, the promoters of the card, say that the card was postponed because they are looking for a new venue.
The card was originally scheduled to take place at the Richmond Coliseum, but then was planned for next door at the Convention Center before being postponed altogether. No new date has been announced.
The card was scheduled to feature Beltway Boxers Jaime "The Punisher" Palma, Bayan Jargal, George "War Time" Rivera and Adam "The Real Deal" Seal. The promoters say if you bought a ticket for the event through Ticketmaster, will be refunded.
This will be just one of the topics I will talk about on my Youcastr show tomorrow evening at 10 PM ET. Please join me on www.youcastr.com. There is a live chat section that you can join and give comments and questions as the show goes on.
The card was originally scheduled to take place at the Richmond Coliseum, but then was planned for next door at the Convention Center before being postponed altogether. No new date has been announced.
The card was scheduled to feature Beltway Boxers Jaime "The Punisher" Palma, Bayan Jargal, George "War Time" Rivera and Adam "The Real Deal" Seal. The promoters say if you bought a ticket for the event through Ticketmaster, will be refunded.
This will be just one of the topics I will talk about on my Youcastr show tomorrow evening at 10 PM ET. Please join me on www.youcastr.com. There is a live chat section that you can join and give comments and questions as the show goes on.
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