Stevensville, MD junior middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will get his rematch with Jose Felix of Richmond Hill, GA on Saturday, February 25 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD. The bout will be for the vacant UBO All-Americas Junior Middleweight title and Felix may put his USBU title that he won against Jeter on the line as well.
Felix (11-11-2, four KO's) stopped Jeter (12-3-1, nine KO's) in the fifth round on December 18th at Henderson Hall at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. The win broke Felix's nine-bout losing streak.
Details on the rest of the card are sketchy but the card is scheduled to feature the return of Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall as well as "Slick" Nick Kisner and Sherman Artis.
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Thursday, January 05, 2012
Shah To Battle Veteran Yorgey On February 11 Patriot Center Card!
A very interesting matchup has been added to the Ice Promotions card on Saturday, February 11 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Undefeated Centreville, VA middleweight Zain "Tiger" Shah will face veteran contender Harry Joe Yorgey in a six-round contest.
Shah (6-0, four KO's) is coming off a second-round knockout of Julius Kennedy on September 10 at the Patriot Center. It must be noted, however, that there are reports that the win might be changed to a no-contest because Shah hit Kennedy while Kennedy was down on one knee.
Yorgey (23-1-1, 11 KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO over Donovan Castaneda on February 25 in Tulsa, OK. Yorgey visited Virginia last year in hopes to have a bout with Jimmy Lange. Yorgey's only loss was for the interim WBO Light Middleweight title in November of 2009. Yorgey suffered a third-round knockout at the hands of Alfredo Angulo.
Shah (6-0, four KO's) is coming off a second-round knockout of Julius Kennedy on September 10 at the Patriot Center. It must be noted, however, that there are reports that the win might be changed to a no-contest because Shah hit Kennedy while Kennedy was down on one knee.
Yorgey (23-1-1, 11 KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO over Donovan Castaneda on February 25 in Tulsa, OK. Yorgey visited Virginia last year in hopes to have a bout with Jimmy Lange. Yorgey's only loss was for the interim WBO Light Middleweight title in November of 2009. Yorgey suffered a third-round knockout at the hands of Alfredo Angulo.
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- The Other Big Story And How It Didn't Get Its Just Due!
Along with Lamont Peterson and Tori Nelson winning world titles, there was one other major story that many in the mainstream media, especially along the Beltway slept on. A story that even fans of this blog slept on.
That story was about three-time, two-division world champion Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson's induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Maybe the timing of his announcement was bad, because it came during the week of Peterson-Khan, but the announcement should have received a lot more publicity than it did.
Reporters in the internet boxing media truly celebrated Johnson's election because for many, as Steve Kim of MaxBoxing.com said, Johnson was the first blue-chip boxer they had a chance to cover.
It was a chance for me to celebrate because I met Johnson before the internet boxing world. I met a man named Panama Mike Payne who was to become a color-commentator on my first boxing TV show, Friday Night at the Fieldhouse on DCTV. Payne had watched Johnson throughout the amateurs. We were getting ready to call Johnson's fifth pro fight at the original Washington Convention Center. Right before the bout, Panama pulled me aside and said,
"You watch. Johnson will be a world champion someday."
It was early in my boxing writer career and I didn't know you could make a prediction like that after only four bouts. Plus, Johnson had a loss on his record at that time (losing to Irish boxer Richie Wenton in Ireland on St.Patrick's Day). As we know, Panama was right, but unfortunately Panama never got to see Johnson become a world champion because he was killed shortly after that.
Throughout his career, Johnson always put DC first, even when he had to go to the west coast to find flyweights to battle. His loyalty to DC and people here who followed his career from the early days was incredible.
There was a time in boxing where the Beltway couldn't be touched when it came to boxing. From Vincent Pettway's title win in 1994 to the championship wins of Johnson, Keith Holmes, William Joppy and Sharmba Mitchell all the way through the title wins for DeMarcus Corley and Hasim Rahman in 2001. Through that time, Johnson was the only one to be considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Johnson is also the last Beltway Boxer to earn that distinction.
And yet when the announcement came and was posted here on BATB, only one person -- my broadcast partner Jerome "The Fight Doctor" Spears who also covered Johnson during the early years -- put a congratulatory note on the post.
It could be that many of you are too young to have seen Mark Johnson fight. Hopefully, some of the older fans have seen Johnson throughout the area and have congratulated him. The mainstream media, again, maybe because of the timing, did not mention this as they should.
But that's why BATB is here. The mission of this blog has always been to inform folks who live in the DMV about the boxing scene. Many people around the country and world know how good the boxers are here, but many people who LIVE in the area don't.
If all goes well, I will be in Canastota, NY on June 7-10 to chronicle Mark's induction into the Hall of Fame. I hope many of you will join me there. It will be a true culmination of one of the great careers in Beltway Boxing history!
That story was about three-time, two-division world champion Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson's induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. Maybe the timing of his announcement was bad, because it came during the week of Peterson-Khan, but the announcement should have received a lot more publicity than it did.
Reporters in the internet boxing media truly celebrated Johnson's election because for many, as Steve Kim of MaxBoxing.com said, Johnson was the first blue-chip boxer they had a chance to cover.
It was a chance for me to celebrate because I met Johnson before the internet boxing world. I met a man named Panama Mike Payne who was to become a color-commentator on my first boxing TV show, Friday Night at the Fieldhouse on DCTV. Payne had watched Johnson throughout the amateurs. We were getting ready to call Johnson's fifth pro fight at the original Washington Convention Center. Right before the bout, Panama pulled me aside and said,
"You watch. Johnson will be a world champion someday."
It was early in my boxing writer career and I didn't know you could make a prediction like that after only four bouts. Plus, Johnson had a loss on his record at that time (losing to Irish boxer Richie Wenton in Ireland on St.Patrick's Day). As we know, Panama was right, but unfortunately Panama never got to see Johnson become a world champion because he was killed shortly after that.
Throughout his career, Johnson always put DC first, even when he had to go to the west coast to find flyweights to battle. His loyalty to DC and people here who followed his career from the early days was incredible.
There was a time in boxing where the Beltway couldn't be touched when it came to boxing. From Vincent Pettway's title win in 1994 to the championship wins of Johnson, Keith Holmes, William Joppy and Sharmba Mitchell all the way through the title wins for DeMarcus Corley and Hasim Rahman in 2001. Through that time, Johnson was the only one to be considered one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world. Johnson is also the last Beltway Boxer to earn that distinction.
And yet when the announcement came and was posted here on BATB, only one person -- my broadcast partner Jerome "The Fight Doctor" Spears who also covered Johnson during the early years -- put a congratulatory note on the post.
It could be that many of you are too young to have seen Mark Johnson fight. Hopefully, some of the older fans have seen Johnson throughout the area and have congratulated him. The mainstream media, again, maybe because of the timing, did not mention this as they should.
But that's why BATB is here. The mission of this blog has always been to inform folks who live in the DMV about the boxing scene. Many people around the country and world know how good the boxers are here, but many people who LIVE in the area don't.
If all goes well, I will be in Canastota, NY on June 7-10 to chronicle Mark's induction into the Hall of Fame. I hope many of you will join me there. It will be a true culmination of one of the great careers in Beltway Boxing history!
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Beltway Boxer of the Year!
We now come to the final award -- the easiest one to choose for 2011. We indeed had a number of boxers make great strides in their career by winning big matches or becoming well-known in the boxing world.
But there was only one who went from top 10 contender to mandatory contender to world champion. He and his camp took calculated risks but his talent made the chances pay off.
The BATB Beltway Boxer of the Year is:
Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO's) WBA/IBF Light Welterweight champion, Washington, DC
In 2010, the Peterson camp took a huge gamble in turning down a $300,000 bout against Amir Khan in England. Nothing felt right about the contract, the camp said. There was a rematch clause that they didn't like. Peterson instead took a $10,000 bout against Victor Ortiz that ended in a 10-round draw. It looked like the gamble would not pay off.
But fortune shined on the Peterson camp when the IBF eliminator came their way on July 29 of 2011. Peterson traveled to Las Vegas and closed the show in the 12th round with a great knockout. Because Khan had defeated Zab Judah earlier in the year, Peterson would be the mandatory challenger and ended up being paid twice what he would have made the first time the bout was proposed. The stage was set and because Khan insisted on having the fight in DC, the stage would be at the Washington Convention Center.
To paraphrase the late newsman Paul Harvey, we now know the rest of the story. But the epilogue of the story seems to get better with every passing week. Despite the controversy surrounding the win, many boxing fans along the Beltway and around the world have celebrated one of the great rags-to-riches stories in recent boxing history. Peterson and his brother Anthony have been feted all around the city with Lamont Peterson getting the key to the city from DC Mayor Vincent Gray and both brothers being named the grand marshals for the Martin Luther King Day parade in Southeast, DC.
It's been quite a while since a Beltway Boxer had a more complete year than Lamont Peterson, who wins this award for the second time in the BATB era.
Honorable Mention:
Gary Russell, Jr. (19-0, 11 KO's) super featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD.
If not for the magnitude of Lamont Peterson's year, Russell probably would have won this award hands down. The 2008 US Olympian won seven bouts in 2011 against opponents with a combined won-loss record of 156-49-5. Russell thrilled national TV audiences with his blinding hand speed and great power. Russell's first-round knockout of Heributo Ruiz on November 26 turned Russell into a true contender. Four national media outlets have named him the prospect of the year, something BATB did in 2010 (along with Seth Mitchell). There is already talk of a world title shot in 2012.
Seth Mitchell (24-0-1, 18 KO's), heavyweight, Brandywine, MD
The man called "America's Best Heavyweight" had another outstanding year culminating in an eye-opening knockout win over Timur Ibragimov on the Peterson-Khan undercard. Mitchell has nine straight knockouts and put himself in the top 10 of one of the major governing bodies. Mitchell's development has been so fun to watch and it will be very interesting to see what 2012 brings.
Tori Nelson (5-0-1), WBC Female Middleweight champion, Ashburn, VA
You could say Nelson set the standard for winning world championships in the Beltway with her 10-round split decision WBC title win over Lorissa Rivas on July 29 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Nelson, like Peterson, has a very interesting back story as she holds down three jobs (cafeteria worker, school bus driver and IHOP waitress) and is a single mother of two. So the fact that Nelson was even able to take the title bout and then win the title is an amazing story.
Nelson is not resting on her laurels as she tries for her second world title in February at the Patriot Center. We await the next chapter of this story.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
That concludes the awards. I'll have a special comment sometime on Wednesday.
But there was only one who went from top 10 contender to mandatory contender to world champion. He and his camp took calculated risks but his talent made the chances pay off.
The BATB Beltway Boxer of the Year is:
Lamont Peterson (30-1-1, 15 KO's) WBA/IBF Light Welterweight champion, Washington, DC
In 2010, the Peterson camp took a huge gamble in turning down a $300,000 bout against Amir Khan in England. Nothing felt right about the contract, the camp said. There was a rematch clause that they didn't like. Peterson instead took a $10,000 bout against Victor Ortiz that ended in a 10-round draw. It looked like the gamble would not pay off.
But fortune shined on the Peterson camp when the IBF eliminator came their way on July 29 of 2011. Peterson traveled to Las Vegas and closed the show in the 12th round with a great knockout. Because Khan had defeated Zab Judah earlier in the year, Peterson would be the mandatory challenger and ended up being paid twice what he would have made the first time the bout was proposed. The stage was set and because Khan insisted on having the fight in DC, the stage would be at the Washington Convention Center.
To paraphrase the late newsman Paul Harvey, we now know the rest of the story. But the epilogue of the story seems to get better with every passing week. Despite the controversy surrounding the win, many boxing fans along the Beltway and around the world have celebrated one of the great rags-to-riches stories in recent boxing history. Peterson and his brother Anthony have been feted all around the city with Lamont Peterson getting the key to the city from DC Mayor Vincent Gray and both brothers being named the grand marshals for the Martin Luther King Day parade in Southeast, DC.
It's been quite a while since a Beltway Boxer had a more complete year than Lamont Peterson, who wins this award for the second time in the BATB era.
Honorable Mention:
Gary Russell, Jr. (19-0, 11 KO's) super featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD.
If not for the magnitude of Lamont Peterson's year, Russell probably would have won this award hands down. The 2008 US Olympian won seven bouts in 2011 against opponents with a combined won-loss record of 156-49-5. Russell thrilled national TV audiences with his blinding hand speed and great power. Russell's first-round knockout of Heributo Ruiz on November 26 turned Russell into a true contender. Four national media outlets have named him the prospect of the year, something BATB did in 2010 (along with Seth Mitchell). There is already talk of a world title shot in 2012.
Seth Mitchell (24-0-1, 18 KO's), heavyweight, Brandywine, MD
The man called "America's Best Heavyweight" had another outstanding year culminating in an eye-opening knockout win over Timur Ibragimov on the Peterson-Khan undercard. Mitchell has nine straight knockouts and put himself in the top 10 of one of the major governing bodies. Mitchell's development has been so fun to watch and it will be very interesting to see what 2012 brings.
Tori Nelson (5-0-1), WBC Female Middleweight champion, Ashburn, VA
You could say Nelson set the standard for winning world championships in the Beltway with her 10-round split decision WBC title win over Lorissa Rivas on July 29 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Nelson, like Peterson, has a very interesting back story as she holds down three jobs (cafeteria worker, school bus driver and IHOP waitress) and is a single mother of two. So the fact that Nelson was even able to take the title bout and then win the title is an amazing story.
Nelson is not resting on her laurels as she tries for her second world title in February at the Patriot Center. We await the next chapter of this story.
Previous BATB Beltway Boxers of the Year:
2006: Eric Aiken
2007: Darnell Wilson
2008: Lamont Peterson/Joshua Snyder
2009: Fernando Guerrero
2010: Tim Coleman
That concludes the awards. I'll have a special comment sometime on Wednesday.
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Bout of the Year!
Truly there is no doubt about the 2011 Beltway Bout of the Year. The bout was the result of two calculated risks -- one that succeeded and one that failed. The bout was also THE best bout that I have seen along the Beltway in my 27-year history of covering boxing in the DMV. Suffice it to say that weeks after the bout, folks around the local, national and international boxing scene are STILL talking about it and the fallout has been incredible for the participants involved.
The BATB Bout of the Year is:
Lamont Peterson 12 round split decision over Amir Khan -- December 10, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.
This bout was as important a contest as I have seen in this area. Yes, we've had title bouts before (contrary to what the media tended to say during this week), but this had more going for it. There was of course, the world champion who wanted to prove his worth by defending his title against the number-one challenger in the challenger's hometown. There was also that challenger who turned down $300,000 to fight Khan earlier in favor of a $10,000 bout, then won a title eliminator that made him eligible to face Khan anyway.
In the end of course, Peterson's gamble paid off while Khan's didn't. The result is that the bout has been named one of the best of 2011 by most boxing media and Peterson's win moved one local writer to call the victory the best sports story in DC in 2011. We need not be redundant in saying how great the bout itself was.
Honorable Mention:
Joshua Snyder eight-round split decision over Maxell Taylor, November 3, Martin's Valley Mansion, Cockeysville, MD.
This bout could have been a dictionary definition of the term "phone-booth fight." These two young veterans were in each other's chests for most of the bout. Finally in the seventh round, Snyder was finally able to get Taylor off of him and was able to win the bout. Two great boxers in action.
Omar Sims four-round majority decision over Barry Trotter, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD.
Another bout fought in close. In their short careers, both men have been in some very exciting fights. We thought we would get the same when they fought each other and we weren't disappointed. The two landed good in close shots before Sims was able to get the victory.
Previous BATB Bouts of the Year:
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
Next: Beltway Boxer of the Year!
The BATB Bout of the Year is:
Lamont Peterson 12 round split decision over Amir Khan -- December 10, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.
This bout was as important a contest as I have seen in this area. Yes, we've had title bouts before (contrary to what the media tended to say during this week), but this had more going for it. There was of course, the world champion who wanted to prove his worth by defending his title against the number-one challenger in the challenger's hometown. There was also that challenger who turned down $300,000 to fight Khan earlier in favor of a $10,000 bout, then won a title eliminator that made him eligible to face Khan anyway.
In the end of course, Peterson's gamble paid off while Khan's didn't. The result is that the bout has been named one of the best of 2011 by most boxing media and Peterson's win moved one local writer to call the victory the best sports story in DC in 2011. We need not be redundant in saying how great the bout itself was.
Honorable Mention:
Joshua Snyder eight-round split decision over Maxell Taylor, November 3, Martin's Valley Mansion, Cockeysville, MD.
This bout could have been a dictionary definition of the term "phone-booth fight." These two young veterans were in each other's chests for most of the bout. Finally in the seventh round, Snyder was finally able to get Taylor off of him and was able to win the bout. Two great boxers in action.
Omar Sims four-round majority decision over Barry Trotter, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD.
Another bout fought in close. In their short careers, both men have been in some very exciting fights. We thought we would get the same when they fought each other and we weren't disappointed. The two landed good in close shots before Sims was able to get the victory.
Previous BATB Bouts of the Year:
2006: Maxell Taylor six-round draw with Derek Ennis, March 9, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2007: John Mackey six-round unanimous decision over Tony Cygan, December 7, Pikesville, MD
2008: Juan Rodriguez TKO 3 over Benjamin Borteye, November 7, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
2009: Cory Cummings TKO 9 over Demetrius Davis, May 29, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
2010: Jessie Nicklow 10-round unanimous decision over Scott Sigmon, March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD/Nicklow 10-round draw with Julius Kennedy, September 17, Du Burns Arena/Sigmon 10-round unanimous decision over Kennedy, December 11, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD.
Next: Beltway Boxer of the Year!
Monday, January 02, 2012
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Card of The Year!
There should be very little doubt in the final three awards for 2011 starting with the Card of the Year. In 27 years of covering boxing in the Beltway region, I can't remember a card that people were talking about days after the card was over. There can truly be only one Card of the Year for 2011.
The BATB Card of the Year of 2011 is:
"Capital Showdown" -- December 10 -- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.
The main event and co-feature not withstanding, this card was a nice showcase of the present and future of the Beltway Boxing scene with 11 Beltway Boxers on the card. The undercard featured solid performances by Anthony Peterson (in a win over DC resident Daniel Attah), a comeback win for Fernando Guerrero and great wins by undefeated boxers Thomas Williams, Jr., Dusty Harrison (against Terrell Davis), Joshua Davis and Terron Grant. The card was exciting and great for the sport in this area.
Honorable Mention:
March 12 -- George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
This card saw the continuation of a Beltway Boxing franchise, the end of a storied career a big upset and a controversy.
No matter how fans feel about Jimmy Lange the boxer, Jimmy Lange the franchise is one of the most successful in Beltway Boxing history. Win or lose, people come to see him. The cards themselves have also grown and have showcased some great talent from the Beltway region. Lange had a workmanlike win over Jimmy Holmes on this card. Former world champion and Beltway legend William Joppy put a bow on his incredible career by defeating Baltimore's Cory Cummings by unanimous decision in a rematch for his 40th victory. Unheralded Larry Pryor upset previously undefeated and rising prospect Mark Tucker and Todd Wilson won by controversial disqualification over Dean White.
November 19 -- Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
This card had a number of really good bouts and some great knockouts. We've talked about Kevin Womack's devastating KO of Benjamin Olinga, but there were a number of others including Dennis Benson's crushing KO of Abodurin Akinyanju. There was also a nice comeback knockout for Lenwood Dozier over Norman Allen and Venroy July's stoppage of Jason Pauley in the main event. There was also a great bout between Omar Sims and Barry Trotter that Sims won by majority decision. A very exciting card.
July 16 -- DC Star Nightclub, Washington DC
A number of solid Beltway prospects were on this card and put in some good workmanlike performances. Alexander Johnson dominated the main event scoring a fourth-round TKO over Keon Johnson. Emmanuel Taylor won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Roman. Venroy July, Alantez Fox and Thomas Snow all won decisions and young pros Jerren Cochran and Jacey Thompson all won by crushing knockouts.
Previous BATB Cards of the Year:
2006 -- December 9, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Jimmy Lange draws with Fontaine Cabell, Dean White defeats Dorin Spivey, JP Flaim of the Junkies loses against Jay Watts.)
2007 -- December 7, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD (Tim Coleman draws with Martinus Clay, Jessie Nicklow defeats Anthony Little and John Mackey defeats Tony Cygan) and August 3, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD (Pro-Am card -- Horace Grant over Mujaheed Moore, Thomas Snow knocks out Markel Muhammad, Seth Mitchell [his only amateur loss] falls to Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison also on the amateur portion.
2008 -- October 18, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA (John Mackey wins over Jesse Williams, Darrell Martin over Andre Nichols)
2009 -- September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD (Mark Tucker wins USBO title, Tyrell Samuel over Gustavo Dailey)
2010 -- March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD (Jessie Nicklow over Scott Sigmon, James Stevenson over George Rivera)
Next: Bout of the Year
The BATB Card of the Year of 2011 is:
"Capital Showdown" -- December 10 -- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC.
The main event and co-feature not withstanding, this card was a nice showcase of the present and future of the Beltway Boxing scene with 11 Beltway Boxers on the card. The undercard featured solid performances by Anthony Peterson (in a win over DC resident Daniel Attah), a comeback win for Fernando Guerrero and great wins by undefeated boxers Thomas Williams, Jr., Dusty Harrison (against Terrell Davis), Joshua Davis and Terron Grant. The card was exciting and great for the sport in this area.
Honorable Mention:
March 12 -- George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
This card saw the continuation of a Beltway Boxing franchise, the end of a storied career a big upset and a controversy.
No matter how fans feel about Jimmy Lange the boxer, Jimmy Lange the franchise is one of the most successful in Beltway Boxing history. Win or lose, people come to see him. The cards themselves have also grown and have showcased some great talent from the Beltway region. Lange had a workmanlike win over Jimmy Holmes on this card. Former world champion and Beltway legend William Joppy put a bow on his incredible career by defeating Baltimore's Cory Cummings by unanimous decision in a rematch for his 40th victory. Unheralded Larry Pryor upset previously undefeated and rising prospect Mark Tucker and Todd Wilson won by controversial disqualification over Dean White.
November 19 -- Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
This card had a number of really good bouts and some great knockouts. We've talked about Kevin Womack's devastating KO of Benjamin Olinga, but there were a number of others including Dennis Benson's crushing KO of Abodurin Akinyanju. There was also a nice comeback knockout for Lenwood Dozier over Norman Allen and Venroy July's stoppage of Jason Pauley in the main event. There was also a great bout between Omar Sims and Barry Trotter that Sims won by majority decision. A very exciting card.
July 16 -- DC Star Nightclub, Washington DC
A number of solid Beltway prospects were on this card and put in some good workmanlike performances. Alexander Johnson dominated the main event scoring a fourth-round TKO over Keon Johnson. Emmanuel Taylor won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Jose Roman. Venroy July, Alantez Fox and Thomas Snow all won decisions and young pros Jerren Cochran and Jacey Thompson all won by crushing knockouts.
Previous BATB Cards of the Year:
2006 -- December 9, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA (Jimmy Lange draws with Fontaine Cabell, Dean White defeats Dorin Spivey, JP Flaim of the Junkies loses against Jay Watts.)
2007 -- December 7, Pikesville National Guard Armory, Pikesville, MD (Tim Coleman draws with Martinus Clay, Jessie Nicklow defeats Anthony Little and John Mackey defeats Tony Cygan) and August 3, Rosecroft Raceway, Fort Washington, MD (Pro-Am card -- Horace Grant over Mujaheed Moore, Thomas Snow knocks out Markel Muhammad, Seth Mitchell [his only amateur loss] falls to Abodurin Akinyanju and Dusty Harrison also on the amateur portion.
2008 -- October 18, ABC Sports Arena, Springfield, VA (John Mackey wins over Jesse Williams, Darrell Martin over Andre Nichols)
2009 -- September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD (Mark Tucker wins USBO title, Tyrell Samuel over Gustavo Dailey)
2010 -- March 20, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD (Jessie Nicklow over Scott Sigmon, James Stevenson over George Rivera)
Next: Bout of the Year
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Knockout of the Year!
First, a reminder about the criteria for this award.
1. The knockout had to have taken place somewhere in the Beltway Boxing region. This eliminates Gary Russell, Jr.'s stunning KO of Heributo Ruiz.
2. The knockout must have been accomplished by a Beltway Boxer. This eliminates Dennis Benson's KO of Abodurin Akinyanju. Benson is from Norfolk, VA.
With that out of the way, there weren't too many knockouts of note this year but one in particular REALLY stood out.
The BATB Knockout of the Year for 2011 is:
Kevin Womack KO4 over Benjamin Olinga, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
The fact that Womack is still eligible for 2012 rookie honors doesn't overshadow the fact that he made a name for himself with a brutal knockout over Olinga. In the fourth and final round of the contest, Womack landed a crunching right uppercut that left Olinga on the canvas for several moments. Olinga was taken to a nearby hospital after the bout.
Honorable Mention:
Thomas Snow KO3 over James Franks, April 22, DC Star Nightclub, Washington DC
Solid knockout by Snow as he threw a beautiful left-right combination that dropped Franks face-first to the canvas with no count necessary. The bout was stopped at 1:36 of the round.
Emmanuel Taylor KO3 over Lenwood Dozier, August 19, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
This was another combo knockout as Taylor ended Dozier's night with a lightning quick two-punch combination that toppled Dozier to the canvas. Dozier could not beat the referee count and the bout was stopped at 2:35 of the third.
Previous BATB Knockouts of the Year:
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
Next: Card of the Year
1. The knockout had to have taken place somewhere in the Beltway Boxing region. This eliminates Gary Russell, Jr.'s stunning KO of Heributo Ruiz.
2. The knockout must have been accomplished by a Beltway Boxer. This eliminates Dennis Benson's KO of Abodurin Akinyanju. Benson is from Norfolk, VA.
With that out of the way, there weren't too many knockouts of note this year but one in particular REALLY stood out.
The BATB Knockout of the Year for 2011 is:
Kevin Womack KO4 over Benjamin Olinga, November 19, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
The fact that Womack is still eligible for 2012 rookie honors doesn't overshadow the fact that he made a name for himself with a brutal knockout over Olinga. In the fourth and final round of the contest, Womack landed a crunching right uppercut that left Olinga on the canvas for several moments. Olinga was taken to a nearby hospital after the bout.
Honorable Mention:
Thomas Snow KO3 over James Franks, April 22, DC Star Nightclub, Washington DC
Solid knockout by Snow as he threw a beautiful left-right combination that dropped Franks face-first to the canvas with no count necessary. The bout was stopped at 1:36 of the round.
Emmanuel Taylor KO3 over Lenwood Dozier, August 19, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD
This was another combo knockout as Taylor ended Dozier's night with a lightning quick two-punch combination that toppled Dozier to the canvas. Dozier could not beat the referee count and the bout was stopped at 2:35 of the third.
Previous BATB Knockouts of the Year:
2006: Jed Phipps KO1 over David Cleage -- January 20, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2007: Elias Bouloubassis KO1 over Vincent Robbins -- March 10, Pikesville Armory, Pikesville, MD.
2008: Seth Mitchell TKO2 over Alexis Cruz Medina -- May 29, Michael's Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.
2009: Tony Jeter KO1 over Keith Gross -- September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
2010: Jimmy Lange KO 10 over Joe Wyatt -- November 6, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.
Next: Card of the Year
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Prospect of The Year!
The BATB Prospect of the Year for 2011 is the toughest choice to make. The 2010 Prospects of the Year -- Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell have elevated themselves to contender status as both are ranked by the major governing bodies.
So who leads our next wave? In 2011, two guys stood out from the rest of the pack and, as in 2010, neither one distinguished himself from the other. The difference from the previous year is that both men did this under the radar, but there could be some big things in store for both of them in 2012.
The BATB Prospects of the Year for 2011 are:
Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, nine KO's), heavyweight, Washington, DC and Venroy July (9-0-2, three KO's), cruiserweight, Suitland, MD
While all the up-and-coming heavyweight press was deservedly going to fellow Beltway Boxer Seth Mitchell, Byarm was quietly going about the country doing his job. The year started off with Byarm stopping Willie Palms in the fifth round in DC on April 23. Byarm then signed with Greg Cohen Promotions of New York. Byarm's first bout under the Cohen banner was a dubious one as he fought to a six-round draw with Homero Fonseca on August 17 in Austin, TX. However, Byarm bounced back with two wins away from home winning a six-round unanimous decision over Rodricka Ray in Tunica, MS on July 30 and a first-round knockout over Clinton Boldridge on October 15 in Grand Island, NB. By the end of 2012, there could be two Beltway heavyweights looking to do great things.
July also had things moving in the right direction in 2011 winning four of his five bouts. July suffered a draw in a six-rounder against Paul Jennette on April 23 in Winston-Salem, NC. In July's four victories, he didn't lose a round. July won three decisions against Joe Broken Rope (January 28), Rayshawn Myers (July 16) and Willie Chisolm (August 19) and ended his year with a first-round knockout of Jason Pauley on November 19. The fact that July lives a dual life as a lawyer and a boxer and still have quality performances is amazing enough. It will also be fun to see his progression.
Honorable Mention:
Todd Wilson (11-0, three KO's), junior welterweight, Fairfax, VA
Wilson only fought twice in 2011, but his victories were notable because they came against true veterans. Wilson won by third-round disqualification over Dean White and then opened many people's eyes with his six-round unanimous decision over former world champion Eric Aiken. Wilson has one of the rising fan bases in the area and if he steps up his competition in 2012, could have a big year.
Alexander Johnson (12-1, five KO's), light heavyweight, Washington, DC
Despite his nationally-televised loss against Luis Garcia, the path Johnson forged to get to that point is what puts him on this list. Johnson won twice in 2011 including his big 10-round majority win over previously undefeated Farah Ennis on April 2 in New Jersey. If the loss to Garcia was a result in part of something wrong with Johnson's stomach, then expect him to bounce back strong in 2012.
Scott Sigmon, (19-3, 10 KO's), super middleweight, Bedford, VA
Sigmon was the busiest fighter in the Beltway region in 2011, fighting seven times in a seven-month period and notching six wins. Sigmon's lone setback was a 10-round majority decision against undefeated Chris Fitzpatrick. Sigmon scored two knockouts over faded contender Tiwon Taylor. With the exception of his win over John Terry, all of Sigmon's wins came against .500 or above veteran competition.
Previous BATB Prospects of the Year:
2006: Tyrell Samuel
2007: Tim Coleman
2008: Bayan Jargal
2009: Mark Tucker
2010: Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell
Next: Knockout of the Year
So who leads our next wave? In 2011, two guys stood out from the rest of the pack and, as in 2010, neither one distinguished himself from the other. The difference from the previous year is that both men did this under the radar, but there could be some big things in store for both of them in 2012.
The BATB Prospects of the Year for 2011 are:
Maurice Byarm (13-0-1, nine KO's), heavyweight, Washington, DC and Venroy July (9-0-2, three KO's), cruiserweight, Suitland, MD
While all the up-and-coming heavyweight press was deservedly going to fellow Beltway Boxer Seth Mitchell, Byarm was quietly going about the country doing his job. The year started off with Byarm stopping Willie Palms in the fifth round in DC on April 23. Byarm then signed with Greg Cohen Promotions of New York. Byarm's first bout under the Cohen banner was a dubious one as he fought to a six-round draw with Homero Fonseca on August 17 in Austin, TX. However, Byarm bounced back with two wins away from home winning a six-round unanimous decision over Rodricka Ray in Tunica, MS on July 30 and a first-round knockout over Clinton Boldridge on October 15 in Grand Island, NB. By the end of 2012, there could be two Beltway heavyweights looking to do great things.
July also had things moving in the right direction in 2011 winning four of his five bouts. July suffered a draw in a six-rounder against Paul Jennette on April 23 in Winston-Salem, NC. In July's four victories, he didn't lose a round. July won three decisions against Joe Broken Rope (January 28), Rayshawn Myers (July 16) and Willie Chisolm (August 19) and ended his year with a first-round knockout of Jason Pauley on November 19. The fact that July lives a dual life as a lawyer and a boxer and still have quality performances is amazing enough. It will also be fun to see his progression.
Honorable Mention:
Todd Wilson (11-0, three KO's), junior welterweight, Fairfax, VA
Wilson only fought twice in 2011, but his victories were notable because they came against true veterans. Wilson won by third-round disqualification over Dean White and then opened many people's eyes with his six-round unanimous decision over former world champion Eric Aiken. Wilson has one of the rising fan bases in the area and if he steps up his competition in 2012, could have a big year.
Alexander Johnson (12-1, five KO's), light heavyweight, Washington, DC
Despite his nationally-televised loss against Luis Garcia, the path Johnson forged to get to that point is what puts him on this list. Johnson won twice in 2011 including his big 10-round majority win over previously undefeated Farah Ennis on April 2 in New Jersey. If the loss to Garcia was a result in part of something wrong with Johnson's stomach, then expect him to bounce back strong in 2012.
Scott Sigmon, (19-3, 10 KO's), super middleweight, Bedford, VA
Sigmon was the busiest fighter in the Beltway region in 2011, fighting seven times in a seven-month period and notching six wins. Sigmon's lone setback was a 10-round majority decision against undefeated Chris Fitzpatrick. Sigmon scored two knockouts over faded contender Tiwon Taylor. With the exception of his win over John Terry, all of Sigmon's wins came against .500 or above veteran competition.
Previous BATB Prospects of the Year:
2006: Tyrell Samuel
2007: Tim Coleman
2008: Bayan Jargal
2009: Mark Tucker
2010: Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell
Next: Knockout of the Year
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Beltway Boxing 2011 -- Rookie Of The Year!
A number of locals made their pro debuts late in 2011 (October and November)-- too late for fair consideration for this year's Rookie of the Year award. As it stands, there was really only one clear-cut winner anyway. This young man got the whole boxing world talking -- first about his age and then about his talent. Although his age limited him from competing more in 2011, his talent will give him more opportunities in 2012.
The Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year for 2011 is:
Dusty Harrison (3-0, one KO), welterweight, Washington, DC The 17-year-old long-time amateur standout made an impact as the youngest pro boxer in the country. Whether you believe Harrison was too young may still be a question for debate, but Harrison handled the hoopla surrounding his rookie year with a maturity far beyond his years. Adding to that hoopla was Harrison's immediate signing with Prize Fight Promotions. Harrison impressed many in his pro debut on June 11 against Alphonso Alexander, winning a four-round unanimous decision. In his second bout under the Prize Fight banner, Harrison won another unanimous decision over veteran Trenton Titsworth.
The interest surrounding Harrison through the boxing world may have scared the Prize Fight promotion and their possible misgivings forced Harrison to move away from that promotion. With some help from the DC Commission, Harrison was able to fight in front of the home fans for the first time. Harrison recorded his first pro stoppage with a first-round KO of Terrell Davis.
Harrison will turn 18 in May, allowing him to fight anywhere in the country. It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the US acknowledges his talent.
Previous BATB Rookies of the Year:
2006: Jessie Nicklow
2007: Bayan Jargal
2008: Fernando Guerrero
2009: Dominic Wade
2010: Nick Kisner
Next: Prospect of the Year
The Beltway Boxing Rookie of the Year for 2011 is:
Dusty Harrison (3-0, one KO), welterweight, Washington, DC The 17-year-old long-time amateur standout made an impact as the youngest pro boxer in the country. Whether you believe Harrison was too young may still be a question for debate, but Harrison handled the hoopla surrounding his rookie year with a maturity far beyond his years. Adding to that hoopla was Harrison's immediate signing with Prize Fight Promotions. Harrison impressed many in his pro debut on June 11 against Alphonso Alexander, winning a four-round unanimous decision. In his second bout under the Prize Fight banner, Harrison won another unanimous decision over veteran Trenton Titsworth.
The interest surrounding Harrison through the boxing world may have scared the Prize Fight promotion and their possible misgivings forced Harrison to move away from that promotion. With some help from the DC Commission, Harrison was able to fight in front of the home fans for the first time. Harrison recorded his first pro stoppage with a first-round KO of Terrell Davis.
Harrison will turn 18 in May, allowing him to fight anywhere in the country. It will be very interesting to see how the rest of the US acknowledges his talent.
Previous BATB Rookies of the Year:
2006: Jessie Nicklow
2007: Bayan Jargal
2008: Fernando Guerrero
2009: Dominic Wade
2010: Nick Kisner
Next: Prospect of the Year
Nicklow Stopped in Eighth by Former Champ Taylor!
Jessie Nicklow was stopped in the eighth round by former world champion Jermain Taylor tonight in Cabazon, CA. Although Taylor was in control throughout the contest, the stoppage was very quick. Nicklow took a tough combination and was backing into the ropes when referee Ray Corona stopped the contest at 36 seconds of the eighth.
This looked like a referee looking for the first real opportunity to stop the contest. Nicklow falls to 22-3-3, eight KO's. Taylor is now 29-4-1, 18 KO's.
This looked like a referee looking for the first real opportunity to stop the contest. Nicklow falls to 22-3-3, eight KO's. Taylor is now 29-4-1, 18 KO's.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Johnson Loses Eight-Round Decision in Cabazon!
Oxon Hill, MD light heavy Alexander "The Great" Johnson lost by eight-round unanimous decision to Luis Garcia tonight in Cabazon, CA.
Johnson was never in the bout as he lost by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 (twice). Johnson was caught by the Showtime TV cameras saying he had issues with his stomach, but he fought backward most of the fight and did not perform well, to say the least.
The loss is Johnson's first in his pro career and he is now 12-1, five KO's. Garcia is 12-0, nine KO's.
Johnson was never in the bout as he lost by scores of 80-71 and 80-72 (twice). Johnson was caught by the Showtime TV cameras saying he had issues with his stomach, but he fought backward most of the fight and did not perform well, to say the least.
The loss is Johnson's first in his pro career and he is now 12-1, five KO's. Garcia is 12-0, nine KO's.
Beltway Boxing 2011--The Year of Achievement!
To say it's been quite a year on the Beltway Boxing scene would be an understatement. Most people will probably look at the last couple of months and say that's when most of the achievements took place, but if you combine the amateurs with the pros, there are a lot of items that Beltway Boxing fans can truly be proud of.
So we start our BATB Year-End Awards with an overview of just some of the highlights of Beltway Boxing 2011.
Beltway Boxers made 19 appearances on national television in 2011 (this includes the appearances of Jessie Nicklow and Alexander Johnson tonight on Showtime). Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell were on three times; Mitchell on three different networks (Showtime, Telefutura and HBO) while Russell ended up making appearances that were originally supposed to be highlights.
Former world champion DeMarcus Corley was still credible enough to make two TV appearances while new champ Lamont Peterson and contender Fernando Guerrero were also seen twice.
Locally, we had 17 pro cards in the Beltway region, just one less than 2010. However, Maryland had just eight pro cards compared to 12 in the previous year. This was primarily because two of Maryland's top promotional groups -- Baltimore Boxing and Ballroom Boxing -- shifted their focus to helping the future of the sport and promoted amateur shows individually and in joint promotions throughout the year.
DC and Northern Virginia actually made slight increases over last year -- DC had five in 2011 (compared to three in 2010) and Northern Virginia had one more than last year (four to three).
Along with the obvious recent accomplishments from the likes of The Petersons, Russell and Mitchell, we also crowned another world champion in WBC Female titleholder Tori Nelson, also the Beltway can claim a National Golden Gloves champion for the second straight year in Michael Reed. Also, as the Olympics prepares to welcome Women's Boxing for the first time, Franchon Crews won the USA National title at 165 pounds. And of course, a Beltway Boxer received the ultimate honor as Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson was a first-ballot selection into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
On the downside, the area lost a number of promising young boxers to the problems outside of the gym. We pay tribute to amateur boxers Ronald "Rock" Gibbs and Jakari Butler along with young pro Cordaro Simpkins who all lost their lives in altercations outside the boxing environment. Also, a number of local legends lost supportive family members as the mothers of Richard McCombs, Boone Pultz and just recently, Sharmba Mitchell all passed away in 2011.
We also pay tribute to two friends of boxing who have ties to this area -- legendary broadcaster Nick Charles and Fight Night Founder Joseph Robert.
So this is how we start our look back at 2011. Tomorrow, we begin our awards with the Rookie of the Year.
So we start our BATB Year-End Awards with an overview of just some of the highlights of Beltway Boxing 2011.
Beltway Boxers made 19 appearances on national television in 2011 (this includes the appearances of Jessie Nicklow and Alexander Johnson tonight on Showtime). Gary Russell, Jr. and Seth Mitchell were on three times; Mitchell on three different networks (Showtime, Telefutura and HBO) while Russell ended up making appearances that were originally supposed to be highlights.
Former world champion DeMarcus Corley was still credible enough to make two TV appearances while new champ Lamont Peterson and contender Fernando Guerrero were also seen twice.
Locally, we had 17 pro cards in the Beltway region, just one less than 2010. However, Maryland had just eight pro cards compared to 12 in the previous year. This was primarily because two of Maryland's top promotional groups -- Baltimore Boxing and Ballroom Boxing -- shifted their focus to helping the future of the sport and promoted amateur shows individually and in joint promotions throughout the year.
DC and Northern Virginia actually made slight increases over last year -- DC had five in 2011 (compared to three in 2010) and Northern Virginia had one more than last year (four to three).
Along with the obvious recent accomplishments from the likes of The Petersons, Russell and Mitchell, we also crowned another world champion in WBC Female titleholder Tori Nelson, also the Beltway can claim a National Golden Gloves champion for the second straight year in Michael Reed. Also, as the Olympics prepares to welcome Women's Boxing for the first time, Franchon Crews won the USA National title at 165 pounds. And of course, a Beltway Boxer received the ultimate honor as Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson was a first-ballot selection into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
On the downside, the area lost a number of promising young boxers to the problems outside of the gym. We pay tribute to amateur boxers Ronald "Rock" Gibbs and Jakari Butler along with young pro Cordaro Simpkins who all lost their lives in altercations outside the boxing environment. Also, a number of local legends lost supportive family members as the mothers of Richard McCombs, Boone Pultz and just recently, Sharmba Mitchell all passed away in 2011.
We also pay tribute to two friends of boxing who have ties to this area -- legendary broadcaster Nick Charles and Fight Night Founder Joseph Robert.
So this is how we start our look back at 2011. Tomorrow, we begin our awards with the Rookie of the Year.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Nicklow, Johnson Hit the Scales in Cabazon, CA!
Jessie Nicklow and Alexander Johnson weighed in for their TV bouts Friday night at the Morongo Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA.
Nicklow tipped the scales at 159 pounds. His opponent, former world champion Jermain Taylor, weighed in at 161. Johnson hit the scales at 172 pounds while his opponent, Luis Garcia, was 174 1/2 pounds.
The Johnson-Garcia bout will start the Showtime telecast at 11 PM ET. Nicklow and Taylor will be the main event.
Nicklow tipped the scales at 159 pounds. His opponent, former world champion Jermain Taylor, weighed in at 161. Johnson hit the scales at 172 pounds while his opponent, Luis Garcia, was 174 1/2 pounds.
The Johnson-Garcia bout will start the Showtime telecast at 11 PM ET. Nicklow and Taylor will be the main event.
USA Today Joins Russell Bandwagon for Prospect of Year!
USA Today's boxing writer Bob Yelin has joined Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com and readers of Ring Magazine in naming undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. The Prospect of the Year for 2011.
"He's highly entertaining and one of the most technically-proficient, lightning-quick youngsters out there," Yelin said in his article.
Yelin also chose Unified Super Lightweight champ Lamont Peterson as the runner-up for Fighter of the Year behind Andre Ward. Also, Peterson's win over Amir Khan was one of the runner-ups for Fight of the Year. Referee Joe Cooper was runner-up for worst job by a referee to Russell Mora's putrid handling of the first bout between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko.
"He's highly entertaining and one of the most technically-proficient, lightning-quick youngsters out there," Yelin said in his article.
Yelin also chose Unified Super Lightweight champ Lamont Peterson as the runner-up for Fighter of the Year behind Andre Ward. Also, Peterson's win over Amir Khan was one of the runner-ups for Fight of the Year. Referee Joe Cooper was runner-up for worst job by a referee to Russell Mora's putrid handling of the first bout between Abner Mares and Joseph Agbeko.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
'The Great' Johnson Prepares For ShoBox Scrap!
This is a brief article that will also appear on Fightnews.com about one of our locals fighting on Shobox this Friday night.
Undefeated Oxon Hill, MD super middleweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson is preparing another milestone bout in his young pro career. Johnson (12-0, five KO's) will take on fellow undefeated boxer Luis Garcia of Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba in an eight-round contest that will open the ShoBox telecast on December 30th at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, CA.
Johnson made a name for himself with his 10-round majority decision win over previously undefeated Farah Ennis on April 2 in Atlantic City. The win opened opportunities for the 30-year-old southpaw and after his fourth-round knockout win over Keon Johnson in July, Johnson was deemed ready for his first national TV appearance.
"I'm trying to look forward and trying not to let the TV thing get to me," said Johnson. "I'm obligated to push forward. I plan to use my jab and a little movement to establish the pace of the fight."
The Johnson-Garcia fight will be the first bout on the ShoBox telecast. Another Beltway-area fighter -- Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow -- headlines the card when he faces former world champ Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor in the 10-round main event.
Johnson said he feels obligated to continue the momentum set this month by fellow local fighters like Lamont Peterson and Seth Mitchell who made successful TV appearances.
I came back home (from training) in time to support the locals," Johnson said. "They inspired me. This is bigger than just my gym or neighborhood. I'm trying to show that there are opportunities for young people here (in DC). I just want to keep the momentum going. All of this is on my back."
Undefeated Oxon Hill, MD super middleweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson is preparing another milestone bout in his young pro career. Johnson (12-0, five KO's) will take on fellow undefeated boxer Luis Garcia of Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba in an eight-round contest that will open the ShoBox telecast on December 30th at the Morongo Resort and Casino in Cabazon, CA.
Johnson made a name for himself with his 10-round majority decision win over previously undefeated Farah Ennis on April 2 in Atlantic City. The win opened opportunities for the 30-year-old southpaw and after his fourth-round knockout win over Keon Johnson in July, Johnson was deemed ready for his first national TV appearance.
"I'm trying to look forward and trying not to let the TV thing get to me," said Johnson. "I'm obligated to push forward. I plan to use my jab and a little movement to establish the pace of the fight."
The Johnson-Garcia fight will be the first bout on the ShoBox telecast. Another Beltway-area fighter -- Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow -- headlines the card when he faces former world champ Jermain "Bad Intentions" Taylor in the 10-round main event.
Johnson said he feels obligated to continue the momentum set this month by fellow local fighters like Lamont Peterson and Seth Mitchell who made successful TV appearances.
I came back home (from training) in time to support the locals," Johnson said. "They inspired me. This is bigger than just my gym or neighborhood. I'm trying to show that there are opportunities for young people here (in DC). I just want to keep the momentum going. All of this is on my back."
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Gary Russell, Jr. Named ESPN Prospect of the Year!
Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. has been named the ESPN.com Prospect of the Year by fight scribe Dan Rafael.
Rafael's comments in part: "Although the level of opponents Russell has faced so far as a pro isn't overly impressive, the way he has beaten them has been. He has barely lost a round and wasn't touched in a pair of HBO fights, a domination of last-minute opponent Leonilo Miranda in an eight-round decision in September and a spectacular first-round knockout of faded former bantamweight title challenger Heriberto Ruiz."
Just as an aside, the majority of Rafael's prospect of the year choices have turned out to be some special boxers since he started choosing them in 2000 when he was at USA Today. Among the boxers who have received this honor -- Miguel Cotto (2002), Jermain Taylor (2003), Andre Berto (2006) and Amir Khan (2007).
ESPN.com is the second website to name Russell as its prospect of the year, joining Sports Illustrated's website, SI.com. Ring Magazine also chose Russell as one of its 12 prospects to make a move in 2012.
Last year, BATB chose Russell and undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth Mitchell as the co-prospects of the year. Both are now ranked by major governing bodies (Russell ranked 10th by the WBA and 12th by the IBF, Mitchell ranked 10th by the WBO) and are now technically contenders, so I will not consider them for this year's award. Mitchell was chosen one of the 25 prospects to watch for the second straight year by ESPN.
Speaking of this year's BATB awards -- they will be coming up very shortly, hopefully starting by the end of the week.
Rafael's comments in part: "Although the level of opponents Russell has faced so far as a pro isn't overly impressive, the way he has beaten them has been. He has barely lost a round and wasn't touched in a pair of HBO fights, a domination of last-minute opponent Leonilo Miranda in an eight-round decision in September and a spectacular first-round knockout of faded former bantamweight title challenger Heriberto Ruiz."
Just as an aside, the majority of Rafael's prospect of the year choices have turned out to be some special boxers since he started choosing them in 2000 when he was at USA Today. Among the boxers who have received this honor -- Miguel Cotto (2002), Jermain Taylor (2003), Andre Berto (2006) and Amir Khan (2007).
ESPN.com is the second website to name Russell as its prospect of the year, joining Sports Illustrated's website, SI.com. Ring Magazine also chose Russell as one of its 12 prospects to make a move in 2012.
Last year, BATB chose Russell and undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth Mitchell as the co-prospects of the year. Both are now ranked by major governing bodies (Russell ranked 10th by the WBA and 12th by the IBF, Mitchell ranked 10th by the WBO) and are now technically contenders, so I will not consider them for this year's award. Mitchell was chosen one of the 25 prospects to watch for the second straight year by ESPN.
Speaking of this year's BATB awards -- they will be coming up very shortly, hopefully starting by the end of the week.
Prayers For The Tucker Family!
BATB sends prayers to the family of Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker. Tucker's younger brother Timmy was involved in a very bad car accident recently and has been in a coma since the middle of last week.
Timmy was a solid amateur boxer in his own right winning local and regional Silver Gloves titles and placed fourth in the country in his last year of competition. We are all praying for a full recovery.
Timmy was a solid amateur boxer in his own right winning local and regional Silver Gloves titles and placed fourth in the country in his last year of competition. We are all praying for a full recovery.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Rahman Camp Demands Mandatory Bout Against Povetkin!
If you take ANY stock in the "official" rankings of the four major governing bodies of boxing (WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO), then you'd be happy to know that two of the four have Beltway Boxers on top of their heavyweight rankings.
DC's Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has a mandatory against Vladimir Klitschko early in 2012. The WBA's top contender happens to be former undisputed champion Hasim Rahman, who is the mandatory to champion Alexander Povetkin. However, Povetkin is choosing to face Marco Huck in February, much to the chagrin of Rahman's promoter, Greg Cohen.
"We are being asked to step aside and we are NOT stepping aside," Cohen said in a press release.
In other ratings news that makes more sense, undefeated heavyweight Seth Mitchell is ranked tenth by the WBO.
DC's Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has a mandatory against Vladimir Klitschko early in 2012. The WBA's top contender happens to be former undisputed champion Hasim Rahman, who is the mandatory to champion Alexander Povetkin. However, Povetkin is choosing to face Marco Huck in February, much to the chagrin of Rahman's promoter, Greg Cohen.
"We are being asked to step aside and we are NOT stepping aside," Cohen said in a press release.
In other ratings news that makes more sense, undefeated heavyweight Seth Mitchell is ranked tenth by the WBO.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Lamont Peterson Speaks to BATB About Getting The 'Key to the City!'
(photo courtesy of Andre Johnson)
BATB speaks to newly-crowned WBA/IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson shortly after Peterson received the Key to the City from Washington, DC Mayor Vincent Gray earlier today at the John A. Wilson Building.
We also talked to former WBA and IBF Super Lightweight champion and Beltway Boxing legend Sharmba Mitchell to get his historical perspective on this great moment!
We also talked to proud brother Anthony Peterson during this wonderful family moment.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Lamont Peterson to Receive DC Key to the City!
Newly-crowned WBA/IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson will receive DC's Key to the City from DC Mayor Vincent Gray on Thursday afternoon at the John A. Wilson Building located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW on Thursday (tomorrow) at 1 PM.
The ceremony will be held in the first floor lobby, assuming that this will be open to the public. Other participants will include DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown, Events DC President/CEO Greg O’Dell, DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chairman Bryan Scottie Irving, trainer Barry Hunter and pro boxer brother Anthony Peterson.
The ceremony will be held in the first floor lobby, assuming that this will be open to the public. Other participants will include DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown, Events DC President/CEO Greg O’Dell, DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission Chairman Bryan Scottie Irving, trainer Barry Hunter and pro boxer brother Anthony Peterson.
Harrison Receives Sage Advice From Bernard Hopkins!
Juan Marshall, whose photography studio is one of the sponsors of the Boxing Along The Beltway Post-Fight Wrap-Up, shot this great video during Peterson-Khan week. The oldest boxer to win a world title -- Bernard Hopkins -- is shown giving great advice to the youngest boxer in the United States, DC's own Dusty Harrison. This video is short but it really says a lot!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Russell, Jr., L.Peterson Receive SI.com Honors!
Two Beltway Boxers have received awards from Sports Illustrated's website -- SI.com.
Undefeated Capitol Heights featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. was chosen as SI's Prospect of the Year. This is what the website said about Russell:
"Blessed with blinding hand speed and biting power, Russell has quickly emerged as a potential superstar in the sport. He fought six times in 2011, capping a banner year with an HBO-televised first round knockout of Heriberto Ruiz in November. The 23-year old former U.S. Olympian is already polished and should be ready for a world title shot sometime next year."
It looks like Russell's next bout will be the co-feature bout to Andre Berto-Victor Ortiz. That bout will be shown on Showtime in February.
Newly crowned WBA/IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson's win over former champ Amir Khan was called the Breakout Performance of 2011. This is what SI said:
"OK, so Peterson got an assist from referee Joe Cooper, who inexplicably docked Khan two points for shoving during the fight. But Peterson, 27, fought a tough, disciplined fight against a heavily favored opponent. He dug at Khan's body and refused to give the skilled Brit any room to work with. Earlier this year Peterson passed on an opportunity to face Khan because of what he deemed was a bad deal. Instead, Peterson knocked out Victor Cayo to become Khan's mandatory and after 12 grueling rounds went home a unified junior welterweight champion. A loaded 140-pound division just got a little more crowded."
Undefeated Capitol Heights featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. was chosen as SI's Prospect of the Year. This is what the website said about Russell:
"Blessed with blinding hand speed and biting power, Russell has quickly emerged as a potential superstar in the sport. He fought six times in 2011, capping a banner year with an HBO-televised first round knockout of Heriberto Ruiz in November. The 23-year old former U.S. Olympian is already polished and should be ready for a world title shot sometime next year."
It looks like Russell's next bout will be the co-feature bout to Andre Berto-Victor Ortiz. That bout will be shown on Showtime in February.
Newly crowned WBA/IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson's win over former champ Amir Khan was called the Breakout Performance of 2011. This is what SI said:
"OK, so Peterson got an assist from referee Joe Cooper, who inexplicably docked Khan two points for shoving during the fight. But Peterson, 27, fought a tough, disciplined fight against a heavily favored opponent. He dug at Khan's body and refused to give the skilled Brit any room to work with. Earlier this year Peterson passed on an opportunity to face Khan because of what he deemed was a bad deal. Instead, Peterson knocked out Victor Cayo to become Khan's mandatory and after 12 grueling rounds went home a unified junior welterweight champion. A loaded 140-pound division just got a little more crowded."
Results From Silver Gloves!
Here are the results from the 2011 local Silver Gloves held this past weekend.
8-9 yr old
50lbs Reginald Ransom (Upton) Unopposed Champion
55lbs Ragahleak Bartee (Rosedale) dec Cuttino Oliver (Upton)
60lbs Tyreek Williams (Unattached) dec Isiah Chapman (Upton)
65lbs Stacey Selby (Langdon) dec Deric Davis (Old School)
70lbs Steven McEachern (SRL) Unopposed Champion
80lbs Jordan Darden (Upton) Unopposed Champion
10-11 yr old
60lbs Rashad Jones (Roseddale) dec Kevon Cooke (NoXcuse)
65lbs James Poston Unopposed Champion
70lbs Eric Tudor (Books & Boxing) Unopposed Champion
75lbs Donte' Baytop (Umar) dec Philbert Griffith, Jr (SRL)
80lbs Mekhi Payne (Old School) Unopposed Champion
85lbs Female Aiyahnah Butler (Umar) Unopposed Champion
85lbs Siete Shulter (Langdon) Unopposed Champion
90lbs Cory Matthews (SRL) dec Edwin Angel (SRL)
95lbs Reco Todd (Upton) dec Ronell Williams (Upton)
100lbs Female Mia Ellis (Upton) Unopposed Champion
105lbs Female Zoria Curry (Umar) Unopposed Champion
125lbs Kaseem Woods (Kentland Boxing) Unopposed
176lbs Lawrence Fox, Jr. (SRL) Unopposed Champion
12-13 yr old
70lbs Djabril Burton (Books & Boxing) Unopposed Champion
75lbs Juan Jenkins (Upton) dec Rudy Calixto (Main St.)
80lbs Darrian White (Upton) dec Derrick Smith (SRL)
85lbs Chris Normile (Baltimore Boxing) Unopposed
90lbs Gregory Burton (Langdon) Unopposed
95lbs Shadid Bond (Upton) dec Mansabory Conde (Club One Fitness)
100lbs Ameer Brown (SRL) dec Ivan Franco Calixto (Main St.)
106lbs Danardo Johnson (SRL) Unopposed Champion
110lbs Ronald Williams (Upton) Unopposed Champion
119lbs Joseph Veazey (Baltimore Boxing) dec Keegan Grove (Old School)
125lbs Female Nailah Shakiv (Upton) Unopposed Champion
125lbs Steven Clark (SRL) dec Manuel Hernandez (Unattached)
147lbs Kashif Muhammad-Brown (SRL) Unopposed
14-15yr
90lbs Jordan White (Lb 4 Lb) Unopposed Champion
95lbs Keeshawn Willilams (Unattached) Unopposed Champion
100lbs Corey Moore (Main St.) Unopposed Champion
106lbs Francois Scarboro (SRL) Unopposed Champion
112lbs DeAndre Durham (Lb 4 Lb) dec Mack Allison IV (Upton)
125lbs Daquain White (SRL) Unopposed Champion
132lbs Tommy Avelar (SRL) Unopposed Champion
139lbs Franlin Reed (SRL) Unopposed Champion
147lbs Malik Hawkins (Upton) v James Scott III (Charm City)
156lbs Justin Bell (NoXcuse) Unopposed Champion
201lbs Malik Tutus (Upton) dec Calvin Countess (Charm City)
201 Female Chantel Perry (Umar) Unopposed Champion
201+ Shaka Williams (Nomis) Unopposed Champion
8-9 yr old
50lbs Reginald Ransom (Upton) Unopposed Champion
55lbs Ragahleak Bartee (Rosedale) dec Cuttino Oliver (Upton)
60lbs Tyreek Williams (Unattached) dec Isiah Chapman (Upton)
65lbs Stacey Selby (Langdon) dec Deric Davis (Old School)
70lbs Steven McEachern (SRL) Unopposed Champion
80lbs Jordan Darden (Upton) Unopposed Champion
10-11 yr old
60lbs Rashad Jones (Roseddale) dec Kevon Cooke (NoXcuse)
65lbs James Poston Unopposed Champion
70lbs Eric Tudor (Books & Boxing) Unopposed Champion
75lbs Donte' Baytop (Umar) dec Philbert Griffith, Jr (SRL)
80lbs Mekhi Payne (Old School) Unopposed Champion
85lbs Female Aiyahnah Butler (Umar) Unopposed Champion
85lbs Siete Shulter (Langdon) Unopposed Champion
90lbs Cory Matthews (SRL) dec Edwin Angel (SRL)
95lbs Reco Todd (Upton) dec Ronell Williams (Upton)
100lbs Female Mia Ellis (Upton) Unopposed Champion
105lbs Female Zoria Curry (Umar) Unopposed Champion
125lbs Kaseem Woods (Kentland Boxing) Unopposed
176lbs Lawrence Fox, Jr. (SRL) Unopposed Champion
12-13 yr old
70lbs Djabril Burton (Books & Boxing) Unopposed Champion
75lbs Juan Jenkins (Upton) dec Rudy Calixto (Main St.)
80lbs Darrian White (Upton) dec Derrick Smith (SRL)
85lbs Chris Normile (Baltimore Boxing) Unopposed
90lbs Gregory Burton (Langdon) Unopposed
95lbs Shadid Bond (Upton) dec Mansabory Conde (Club One Fitness)
100lbs Ameer Brown (SRL) dec Ivan Franco Calixto (Main St.)
106lbs Danardo Johnson (SRL) Unopposed Champion
110lbs Ronald Williams (Upton) Unopposed Champion
119lbs Joseph Veazey (Baltimore Boxing) dec Keegan Grove (Old School)
125lbs Female Nailah Shakiv (Upton) Unopposed Champion
125lbs Steven Clark (SRL) dec Manuel Hernandez (Unattached)
147lbs Kashif Muhammad-Brown (SRL) Unopposed
14-15yr
90lbs Jordan White (Lb 4 Lb) Unopposed Champion
95lbs Keeshawn Willilams (Unattached) Unopposed Champion
100lbs Corey Moore (Main St.) Unopposed Champion
106lbs Francois Scarboro (SRL) Unopposed Champion
112lbs DeAndre Durham (Lb 4 Lb) dec Mack Allison IV (Upton)
125lbs Daquain White (SRL) Unopposed Champion
132lbs Tommy Avelar (SRL) Unopposed Champion
139lbs Franlin Reed (SRL) Unopposed Champion
147lbs Malik Hawkins (Upton) v James Scott III (Charm City)
156lbs Justin Bell (NoXcuse) Unopposed Champion
201lbs Malik Tutus (Upton) dec Calvin Countess (Charm City)
201 Female Chantel Perry (Umar) Unopposed Champion
201+ Shaka Williams (Nomis) Unopposed Champion
Two Title Bouts Firmed for February 11th Patriot Center Card; Wilson Also Has Opponent!
Two of the three scheduled title bouts have been signed for the Saturday, February 11th card at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.
WBC Women's Middleweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will compete for her second world title -- the vacant WIBA (Women's International Boxing Association) Middleweight title -- when she faces Vashon "Lady V" Living of Houston, TX in a 10-round contest.
Nelson (5-0-1) will make her second straight appearance at the Patriot Center. On September 10, Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Michelle Garland. Nelson captured the WBC title on July 29 winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorissa Rivas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Living (5-2, one KO) will be appearing in her second consecutive title bout. On February 11, Living lost a 10-round unanimous decision to undefeated Christina Hammer for the WBO and WBF Middleweight titles in Brandenburg, Germany.
The second title fight features former world title contender Michael "No Joke" Stewart of New Castle, DE as he will face equally tough veteran Joe Wyatt of Newark, NJ for the vacant WBU (World Boxing Union) Welterweight title.
Stewart (47-7-3, 25 KO's) will also appear at the Patriot Center for the second straight time. Stewart scored a second-round TKO over Jimmy LeBlanc on the September 10th card. Stewart has faced a number of world champions in his career including Sharmba Mitchell , Terron Millett and Ricky Hatton. Stewart also in the second season cast of "The Contender."
Wyatt (23-2, 15 KO's) also makes a return to the Patriot Center in just his second bout after a four-year absence from boxing. On November 6, 2010, Wyatt gave Jimmy Lange all he could handle before being knocked out in the 10th and final round in a bout for the NABA Junior Middleweight title. The knockout was the Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year for 2010.
The third title bout on the card will have Lange defending his WBU Junior Middleweight title against an opponent to be determined.
Also firmed for this card will be another appearance by undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson who will face Fernando "El Latigo (The Whip)" Basora of the Bronx, NY in a six rounder. Wilson (11-0, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over former IBF Featherweight champ Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken on the September 10 Patriot Center card. Basora (8-7-1, seven KO's) has lost his last four but has fought quality competition at this level including Ryan Belasco and Ramesis Gil, who fought to a draw on the Peterson-Khan undercard in DC.
WBC Women's Middleweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will compete for her second world title -- the vacant WIBA (Women's International Boxing Association) Middleweight title -- when she faces Vashon "Lady V" Living of Houston, TX in a 10-round contest.
Nelson (5-0-1) will make her second straight appearance at the Patriot Center. On September 10, Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Michelle Garland. Nelson captured the WBC title on July 29 winning a 10-round unanimous decision over Lorissa Rivas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
Living (5-2, one KO) will be appearing in her second consecutive title bout. On February 11, Living lost a 10-round unanimous decision to undefeated Christina Hammer for the WBO and WBF Middleweight titles in Brandenburg, Germany.
The second title fight features former world title contender Michael "No Joke" Stewart of New Castle, DE as he will face equally tough veteran Joe Wyatt of Newark, NJ for the vacant WBU (World Boxing Union) Welterweight title.
Stewart (47-7-3, 25 KO's) will also appear at the Patriot Center for the second straight time. Stewart scored a second-round TKO over Jimmy LeBlanc on the September 10th card. Stewart has faced a number of world champions in his career including Sharmba Mitchell , Terron Millett and Ricky Hatton. Stewart also in the second season cast of "The Contender."
Wyatt (23-2, 15 KO's) also makes a return to the Patriot Center in just his second bout after a four-year absence from boxing. On November 6, 2010, Wyatt gave Jimmy Lange all he could handle before being knocked out in the 10th and final round in a bout for the NABA Junior Middleweight title. The knockout was the Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year for 2010.
The third title bout on the card will have Lange defending his WBU Junior Middleweight title against an opponent to be determined.
Also firmed for this card will be another appearance by undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson who will face Fernando "El Latigo (The Whip)" Basora of the Bronx, NY in a six rounder. Wilson (11-0, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over former IBF Featherweight champ Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken on the September 10 Patriot Center card. Basora (8-7-1, seven KO's) has lost his last four but has fought quality competition at this level including Ryan Belasco and Ramesis Gil, who fought to a draw on the Peterson-Khan undercard in DC.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Jeter, Rodriguez Suffer Upset Losses in Arlington!
Two Beltway Boxers were the victims of upsets tonight during the RBA Promotions card at the Henderson Hall Smith Gymnasium at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA.
Stevensville, MD junior middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter was stopped in the fifth round by Jose Felix of Richmond Hill, GA. Felix started a barrage late in the first round and began to hurt Jeter in the second.
Jeter did make a comeback in the third round but in the fourth, Felix hit Jeter with a vicious uppercut that staggered him. Felix finally dropped Jeter with a crushing right hand and followed up the punch with a brutal assault that forced referee Sharon Sands to stop the contest at 2:22 of the fifth.
With the win, Felix captured a minor title, the vacant United States Boxing Union junior middleweight title, broke a nine-bout losing streak and evened his record at 11-11-2, four KO's. The loss makes Jeter's record 12-3-1, nine KO's.
Haymarket, VA welterweight Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez returned from an almost 16-month absence and ran into a buzzsaw named Richie "The Rock" Andrews from Staunton, VA.
The bout ended up being a very close bout as Andrews did a nice job catching Rodriguez from the outside as Rodriguez was coming in. Andrews dictated the pace from the second round on and ended up with a four-round unanimous decision (39-38, 39-37 and 38-36). Andrews remains undefeated at 2-0-3 while Rodriguez loses for the first time and is now 4-1-1, four KO's.
The rest of the bouts failed to make it out of the first round. Former Undisputed Cruiserweight champion O'Neil "Supernova" Bell, now fighting out of Arlington, VA, blasted Rico Cason of Hermitage, TN twice with right hands. The second one stopped the contest at 58 seconds of the first. Bell is now 27-4-1, 25 KO's.
Also on the card, undefeated junior middleweight "Mr. Inkredible" Gino McClellan of Hollywood, FL stopped late sub Tyrone Braswell of Wilson, NC at 2:25 of the first. McClellan is now 8-0, three KO's. Braswell is 0-4.
Another Hollywood, FL boxer -- Ibahiem "The Almighty" King -- stopped William Armstead of Columbus, OH at 1:52 of the opening round, dropping him four times along the way. King is now 9-6, three KO's. Armstead falls to 2-15, one KO.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up, the final one for 2011!
Stevensville, MD junior middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter was stopped in the fifth round by Jose Felix of Richmond Hill, GA. Felix started a barrage late in the first round and began to hurt Jeter in the second.
Jeter did make a comeback in the third round but in the fourth, Felix hit Jeter with a vicious uppercut that staggered him. Felix finally dropped Jeter with a crushing right hand and followed up the punch with a brutal assault that forced referee Sharon Sands to stop the contest at 2:22 of the fifth.
With the win, Felix captured a minor title, the vacant United States Boxing Union junior middleweight title, broke a nine-bout losing streak and evened his record at 11-11-2, four KO's. The loss makes Jeter's record 12-3-1, nine KO's.
Haymarket, VA welterweight Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez returned from an almost 16-month absence and ran into a buzzsaw named Richie "The Rock" Andrews from Staunton, VA.
The bout ended up being a very close bout as Andrews did a nice job catching Rodriguez from the outside as Rodriguez was coming in. Andrews dictated the pace from the second round on and ended up with a four-round unanimous decision (39-38, 39-37 and 38-36). Andrews remains undefeated at 2-0-3 while Rodriguez loses for the first time and is now 4-1-1, four KO's.
The rest of the bouts failed to make it out of the first round. Former Undisputed Cruiserweight champion O'Neil "Supernova" Bell, now fighting out of Arlington, VA, blasted Rico Cason of Hermitage, TN twice with right hands. The second one stopped the contest at 58 seconds of the first. Bell is now 27-4-1, 25 KO's.
Also on the card, undefeated junior middleweight "Mr. Inkredible" Gino McClellan of Hollywood, FL stopped late sub Tyrone Braswell of Wilson, NC at 2:25 of the first. McClellan is now 8-0, three KO's. Braswell is 0-4.
Another Hollywood, FL boxer -- Ibahiem "The Almighty" King -- stopped William Armstead of Columbus, OH at 1:52 of the opening round, dropping him four times along the way. King is now 9-6, three KO's. Armstead falls to 2-15, one KO.
Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up, the final one for 2011!
IBF Nixes Immediate Peterson-Khan Rematch!
The International Boxing Federation (IBF) has said no to an immediate rematch between newly-crowned IBF/WBA Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson and former champ Amir Khan.
IBF Championships Chairman Lindsay Tucker reviewed the three judges scorecards as well as a DVD of the bout provided by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Khan.
"We reviewed all three scorecards as well as a master scorecard and a tape of the fight," Tucker told Ringtv.com. "We reviewed the cards and found no descrepancies that would affect the outcome or the result of the fight."
Organizations assign their own official scorers to bouts as backup references, and WBA representative Michael Welsh scored it a draw, according to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, while the IBF's rep Paul Ortiz had it for Peterson, said Tucker.
Schaefer had a very curt response to the decision. "I'm not surprised," he wrote in an e-mail to Ringtv.com. "It's the IBF."
Peterson told Ringtv.com's Lem Satterfield that he was happy with the decision.
"Again, as I said after the fight on Saturday. I am truly proud to be the newly-crowned IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion of the world," stated Peterson, in a text from his publicist.
"I also applaud the decision by the IBF and I look forward to doing everything in my power inside and outside of the ring to represent the IBF and WBA as the new champion."
IBF Championships Chairman Lindsay Tucker reviewed the three judges scorecards as well as a DVD of the bout provided by Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Khan.
"We reviewed all three scorecards as well as a master scorecard and a tape of the fight," Tucker told Ringtv.com. "We reviewed the cards and found no descrepancies that would affect the outcome or the result of the fight."
Organizations assign their own official scorers to bouts as backup references, and WBA representative Michael Welsh scored it a draw, according to Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, while the IBF's rep Paul Ortiz had it for Peterson, said Tucker.
Schaefer had a very curt response to the decision. "I'm not surprised," he wrote in an e-mail to Ringtv.com. "It's the IBF."
Peterson told Ringtv.com's Lem Satterfield that he was happy with the decision.
"Again, as I said after the fight on Saturday. I am truly proud to be the newly-crowned IBF/WBA junior welterweight champion of the world," stated Peterson, in a text from his publicist.
"I also applaud the decision by the IBF and I look forward to doing everything in my power inside and outside of the ring to represent the IBF and WBA as the new champion."
Friday, December 16, 2011
Khan Appeals Verdict in Peterson Bout!
Former world champion Amir Khan is appealing the scoring in his split decision loss to Lamont Peterson last Saturday at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
International Boxing Federation president Daryl Peoples confirmed to The Associated Press that Khan's camp also has appealed against referee Joseph Cooper's decision to deduct points.
"We have just asked Golden Boy Promotions for a DVD of the tape so I can review it with the Championships chairman (Lindsey Tucker)," Peoples said.
Khan claimed the scorecards were changed before the results were read out by the ring announcer.
"I got told I won the fight by someone at Golden Boy Promotions who had seen the scorecards, and (ring announcer) Michael Buffer said the same thing to me, before they were taken off him and changed," Khan said. "It's never taken so long after a fight."
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist also said he only resorted to pushing Peterson because his opponent was constantly leading with his head.
"Every time he came in with his head, the best thing was for me to push him away," Khan said. "In the rule book, there's no warning for pushing -- especially points deducted -- and I got two points deducted.
"I was treated unfairly, and I'm sure we can get a rematch and we can have a neutral referee and neutral judges."
Just to set the record straight: None of the three judges were from the Beltway region (DC, Maryland or Virginia for those who don't know).
International Boxing Federation president Daryl Peoples confirmed to The Associated Press that Khan's camp also has appealed against referee Joseph Cooper's decision to deduct points.
"We have just asked Golden Boy Promotions for a DVD of the tape so I can review it with the Championships chairman (Lindsey Tucker)," Peoples said.
Khan claimed the scorecards were changed before the results were read out by the ring announcer.
"I got told I won the fight by someone at Golden Boy Promotions who had seen the scorecards, and (ring announcer) Michael Buffer said the same thing to me, before they were taken off him and changed," Khan said. "It's never taken so long after a fight."
The 2004 Olympic silver medalist also said he only resorted to pushing Peterson because his opponent was constantly leading with his head.
"Every time he came in with his head, the best thing was for me to push him away," Khan said. "In the rule book, there's no warning for pushing -- especially points deducted -- and I got two points deducted.
"I was treated unfairly, and I'm sure we can get a rematch and we can have a neutral referee and neutral judges."
Just to set the record straight: None of the three judges were from the Beltway region (DC, Maryland or Virginia for those who don't know).
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Final Beltway Boxing Card of 2011 is in Virginia Saturday Night!
The final Beltway Boxing card of 2011 will take place this Saturday at the Fort Myer/Henderson Hall Joint Military Base located at 1555 South Gate Road in Arlington, VA. This is The "Bulldog Brawl at Henderson Hall," a pro-am card with six pro bouts and three or four amateur contests. The promotional company is RBA Promotions.
The main event will feature former Undisputed Cruiserweight champion O'Neil "Supernova" Bell of Atlanta, GA by way of Jamaica. Bell (26-4-1, 24 KO's) will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak when he faces Rico Cason of Hermitage, TN (17-20, five KO's) Cason has lost eight of his last nine bouts, all losses coming by knockout.
The four-round co-feature marks the return of undefeated Haymarket, VA welterweight Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez who will face Staunton, VA's Richie Andrews in a four-round contest. Rodriguez (4-0-1, four KO's) has not fought since battling to a six-round draw with Dontre King on July 10, 2010 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Andrews (1-0-3) is coming off a four-round draw against Justin Johnson on November 23 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will be on the card and he will take on Jose Felix of Richmond Hill, VA in a six-round contest. Jeter (12-2-1, nine KO's) last fought on November 19 and won a four-round unanimous decision over Ken Dunham. Felix(10-11-2, three KO's) has lost nine straight and last fought in the area on September 10, losing to Lawrence Jones by six-round unanimous decision. The bout will be for a minor title (USBU -- United States Boxing Union).
Other local boxers on the card include Sherman Artis, Jr. of Severn, MD (2-0) who will take on DC veteran Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers (8-35-3, three KO's) in a four-round contest.
There will be two more pro bouts featuring out of town boxers.
The main event will feature former Undisputed Cruiserweight champion O'Neil "Supernova" Bell of Atlanta, GA by way of Jamaica. Bell (26-4-1, 24 KO's) will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak when he faces Rico Cason of Hermitage, TN (17-20, five KO's) Cason has lost eight of his last nine bouts, all losses coming by knockout.
The four-round co-feature marks the return of undefeated Haymarket, VA welterweight Juan "The Savior" Rodriguez who will face Staunton, VA's Richie Andrews in a four-round contest. Rodriguez (4-0-1, four KO's) has not fought since battling to a six-round draw with Dontre King on July 10, 2010 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Andrews (1-0-3) is coming off a four-round draw against Justin Johnson on November 23 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will be on the card and he will take on Jose Felix of Richmond Hill, VA in a six-round contest. Jeter (12-2-1, nine KO's) last fought on November 19 and won a four-round unanimous decision over Ken Dunham. Felix(10-11-2, three KO's) has lost nine straight and last fought in the area on September 10, losing to Lawrence Jones by six-round unanimous decision. The bout will be for a minor title (USBU -- United States Boxing Union).
Other local boxers on the card include Sherman Artis, Jr. of Severn, MD (2-0) who will take on DC veteran Larry "The Gladiator" Brothers (8-35-3, three KO's) in a four-round contest.
There will be two more pro bouts featuring out of town boxers.
'Gentleman' Gerry Cooney Assesses Seth Mitchell!
Nice interview by Lem Satterfield of Ringtv.com with former heavyweight contender "Gentleman" Gerry Cooney who gives his honest assessment of undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell after Mitchell's victory over Timur Ibragimov on Saturday night.
"http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/170685-mitchells-triumph-cast-light-on-american-heavyweight-plight-holmes-holyfield-cooney-comment">
"http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/170685-mitchells-triumph-cast-light-on-american-heavyweight-plight-holmes-holyfield-cooney-comment">
Monday, December 12, 2011
More Perspectives on Peterson-Khan!
The reviews from the Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan bout continue to come in and there are some very interesting perspectives. One comes from Kieran Mulvaney of ESPN.com. Mulvaney is a boxing writer and author who is originally from England and now lives in the DC-area.
Mulvaney lists the five things we learned from the incredible title fight.
"http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=7341468&type=story">
Mulvaney lists the five things we learned from the incredible title fight.
"http://espn.go.com/espn/print?id=7341468&type=story">
Interesting Perspective on Peterson-Khan!
Carlos Acevedo from the website thecruelestsport.com gives a perspective on the Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan championship bout that is different than most in this article.
"http://thecruelestsport.com/2011/12/11/the-third-man-lamont-peterson-w12-amir-khan/">
"http://thecruelestsport.com/2011/12/11/the-third-man-lamont-peterson-w12-amir-khan/">
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Washington Post Calls Peterson Victory 'The Sports Story of the Year in DC!'
In a column that will appear in Monday's Washington Post, columnist Mike Wise proclaims Lamont Peterson's championship victory over Amir Khan as the "New Sports Story of the Year in DC."
The column also gives details on the unexpected meeting of the two boxers at nearby George Washington University Hospital after the bout.
Here's the column:
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxing-mma/lamont-petersons-boxing-title-is-the-new-sports-story-of-the-year-in-dc/2011/12/11/gIQAD9j7nO_story.html">
The column also gives details on the unexpected meeting of the two boxers at nearby George Washington University Hospital after the bout.
Here's the column:
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxing-mma/lamont-petersons-boxing-title-is-the-new-sports-story-of-the-year-in-dc/2011/12/11/gIQAD9j7nO_story.html">
Peterson, Khan Spend Time at DC Hospital!
Lem Satterfield of Ring Magazine reports that both Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan spent time together at George Washington University Hospital getting treated for bumps and bruises.
Anthony Peterson told Satterfield that it reminded him of the opening scene of Rocky II when both Balboa and Apollo Creed were at the same hospital after their first fight.
"Amir Khan was beat up, and Lamont was beat up. Amir Khan's hands were swollen from hitting that brick wall defense that Lamont had. They embraced each other and took pictures together and said, 'hopefully, we can do it again, down the stretch.' It was a beautiful view and a thing of great sportsmanship. They weren't saying this and that or talking any trash," Peterson told Satterfield.
By the way, this was a big night for Satterfield as his daughter, Ada, delivered a beautiful rendition of the US National Anthem.
Anthony Peterson told Satterfield that it reminded him of the opening scene of Rocky II when both Balboa and Apollo Creed were at the same hospital after their first fight.
"Amir Khan was beat up, and Lamont was beat up. Amir Khan's hands were swollen from hitting that brick wall defense that Lamont had. They embraced each other and took pictures together and said, 'hopefully, we can do it again, down the stretch.' It was a beautiful view and a thing of great sportsmanship. They weren't saying this and that or talking any trash," Peterson told Satterfield.
By the way, this was a big night for Satterfield as his daughter, Ada, delivered a beautiful rendition of the US National Anthem.
Official Scorecard for Peterson-Khan bout!
This is the official scorecard for the Lamont Peterson-Amir Khan bout. Pay close attention to rounds 9-12.
An Official Statement from Team Khan and Golden Boy Promotions!
"Firstly, we would like to congratulate Lamont Peterson on his performance against Amir Khan. Not only has he shown that he is a tremendous fighter inside the ring, but also a great man out of the ring.
Following the decision in the fight, Team Khan and Golden Boy Promotions intends to make inquiries with the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission, the IBF and the WBA regarding the performance of referee Joseph Cooper and will also be seeking clarification regarding certain ambiguities with respect to the scores of the fight.
We look forward to an immediate rematch with Lamont as confirmed by Lamont and his manager/trainer Barry Hunter."
Oscar De La Hoya Questions Point Deductions!
Prior to Lamont Peterson and Amir Khan speaking at the post-fight press conference, Oscar De La Hoya questioned referee Joe Cooper for especially the 12th round point deduction.
"The first one (in the seventh) we can live with, but the second one if that one doesn't happen, it's a draw."
UNBELIEVABLE!!! WHAT A BOUT AND WHAT A DECISION!
Congratulations to Lamont Peterson -- The brand new unified super lightweight titleholder.
Let's get things clear off the bat -- Joe Cooper will definitely come under fire for taking a point away from Khan in the final round. It may have been proper because he did warn Khan for pushing, but in a fight like this, let the fighters decide it!!
But having said that, this has been as great a night for Beltway Boxing as I have ever witnessed!!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
In The Midst of the Championship Rounds...
This is definitely Lamont Peterson's bout to win. He has put himself into position to do so. Khan's experience in championship bouts may be the only thing that saves him and his title. Some in the crowd are already shouting "And the NEW....!"
Seventh Round Could Be MAJOR Turning Point!
Should referee Joe Cooper taken a point away from Amir Khan at the end of the round, arguably Lamont Peterson's best round of the bout so far. I'm shocked that Peterson has been able to bully Khan like he has at times.
I say this going into the eighth but unless one man scores a knockout, this has draw and rematch written all over it!
One view from ringside--it is great to see Mark Johnson and Seth Mitchell cherring on Peterson from their seats!
Khan-Peterson Putting On a Great Show!
Hope you all are enjoying this main event as much as we are here. Khan and Peterson are great boxers putting on a great show! Hope you can hear the air horns from the Khan faithful!
We have the makings of a CLASSIC!
We're through three rounds with this post and this may be a classic in the making. Fans -- TRUE BOXING FANS -- are cheering on their faves! Tremendous atmosphere and Peterson is doing very well!
Washington Convention Center Comes Unglued at Start of Main Event!
The noise here at the Convention Center has been absolutely phenomenal. Don't have official attendance totals but there has got to be close to 10,000 people here!
Mitchell Makes Statement!
Seth Mitchell makes a solid statement in the heavyweight division with his thrashing of Timor Ibragimov!
Ibragimov thought the bout shouldn't have been stopped. Some in the press section thought Ibragimov's corner stopped the bout. First time Ibragimov has been stopped.
Guess who's here!
Some high profile sports figures here tonight. Washington Capital Alexander Ovechkin is here. Also, the "Four Horsemen of Beltway Boxing" are all here -- Mark Johnson, William Joppy, Keith Holmes and Sharmba Mitchell.
Williams Closes Show with Stoppage!
Williams did a great job closing the show. So much so that the Rodriguez corner waived the bout off. The bout was stopped at 54 seconds of the second. Williams is now 6-0, four KO's. Rodriguez is 6-3-1, three KO's.
The undercard is now complete. I'm only going to post periodically from this point on because the bouts will of course be televised. We'll be back later with a BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up later in the night. Enjoy the telecast and keep posting your comments! I'll be reading and answering your comments and questions.
Williams Scores Two Knockdowns in First Round!
Thomas Williams dominated the first round using a powerful left hand! Williams dropped Reynaldo Rodriguez twice with wicked left hands. I don't know how Rodriguez got out of the round. The second knockdown was a picture of beautiful combos. This won't last too long.
Williams - Rodriguez Bout Heading to the Ring!
All the undercard bouts are in. The Thomas Williams-Reynaldo Rodriguez bout is getting ready to start!
Peterson Finishes and Attah Survives!
Peterson completed his work strongly by sticking to his gameplan. Attah survives the bout but is shutout. Scores just came in and Peterson wins by unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 80-72. Peterson is now 31-1, 20 KO's while Attah falls to 26-9-1, nine KO's.
Peterson Dominating Seventh Round!
Tough battle. How Attah has not gone down from Peterson's body shots is beyond me. Attah is woefully outgunned but is surviving. Peterson has dominated when he has Attah against the ropes landing crisp jabs and body shots. Attah reminds me of Terrence Alli when he fought Derrell Coley in the old Convention Center. Alli, like Attah, is a bad old man but like Attah, Alli was outgunned by Coley in that bout.
Sixth Round More of the Same!
Another good round for Peterson. This probably sounds like a shutout and it might well be, but Attah is a very game and tough battler. The pattern has been the same -- Peterson cornering Attah and doing damage against the ropes and in the corner. Peterson by shutout thus far.
Fifth Round Best One for Attah..But Still Not Enough
This was Attah's most active round as he landed his best shots. If Attah could stay out of the corners, Peterson may not be able to do as much damage. Peterson landing solid blows in the corner. But Attah is trying to stay in the bout.
Peterson has Another Solid Round in Fourth!
Another nice round for Peterson, highlighted by a beautiful two-piece body combo in Attah's own corner. Attah is being very shifty on defense at times but when Peterson corners him he's able to do damage. Another round for Peterson. 40-36.
Peterson-Attah Round 3!
Attah is trying to be more active in this round. At times he tried to roughhouse with Peterson but Peterson staying with his gameplan, using the jab and landing serious body shots. Attah landing his right jab but still Peterson in control. Peterson, 30-27.
Peterson-Attah Round 2!
Round two saw Peterson punishing Attah with body shots. Attah trying to work from perimeter but it is all Peterson thus far. Referee Kenny Chevalier warning Attah to keep his head up. Peterson, 20-18.
A. Peterson-Attah underway!
The bout between Anthony Peterson and Daniel "The Prophet" Attah is underway. The bout has been shortened from 10 to eight-rounds. Solid first round for Peterson as he is coming forward and landing solid body shots. Attah staying on the outside but has not done a lot of damage offensively. Peterson wins first round.
Kavanagh-Gil Battle to Majority Draw!
Nice battle between undefeated Jamie Kavanagh and Ramseis Gil. Kavanagh suffered a wicked cut along his right eye. Two judges score it 57-57 while one scores for Kavanagh 58-56.
Kavanagh is 8-0-1, three KO's. Gil now has five draws along with six wins (five by KO) and three losses. I see why.
Michael Buffer in the Building -- National Anthems have been sung!
Newly-elected hall of famer Michael Buffer is in the building and conducted a 10-count for Joe Robert, the creater of Fight Night, former DC Boxing chair and WBA Vice President York Van Nixon and heavyweights Joe Frazier and Ron Lyle.
Danny Walton, a Las Vegas performer, sang "God Save the Queen" while Ada Satterfield, daughter of Ring Magazine and former Baltimore Sun writer, Lem Satterfield sang the "Star Spangled Banner! Great renditions. Ada has sung the US anthem at a number of boxing cards in the Baltimore area.
Kavanaugh-Gil is underway. Will give the results shortly. Nice crowd on hand but I feel for the fans who are in the cheap seats and have to watch the bout on a big screen because there is a huge riser in front of them!
Jamie Kavanagh-Ramesis Gil coming up!
The six-round bout between Jamie "The Nuisance" Kavanagh and Ramesis Gil is coming up. Kavanagh is from Hollywood by way of Dublin, Ireland. He is 8-0, three KO's and is out of Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym in Hollywood. Gil is out of San Juan, Puerto Rico and has a record of 6-3-4, five KO's.
Long delays between bouts. Anthony Peterson-Daniel Attah is slated to follow this bout, then comes Thomas Williams's bout before the telecast.
Guerrero-Kliewer Round Five!
This indeed doesn't last much longer. Guerrero drops Kliewer twice with beautiful right hands. The last one forces referee Kenny Chevalier to immediately stop the bout at 45 seconds of the fifth. Guerrero bounces back from his loss to Grady Brewer and is now 22-1, 17 KO's while Kliewer is 11-14-2, five KO's.
Guerrero -Kliewer round four!
More of the same from Guerrero except he finally gets a knockdown. Good body-head combo to drop him about two minutes in. Kliewer showing a lot of heart but it won't last too much longer.
Guerrero-Kliewer in progress!
Sorry for the delay. We are now in the third round of the scheduled eight between Fernando Guerrero and Robert Kliewer. Honestly, if this sees eight, something will be wrong. Guerrero is just teeing off on his opponent. Hasn't been able to knock him down but Guerrero has hit Kliewer with just about everything in the book.
Harrison Davis Round 1
Harrison forces issue, Davis in retreat mode. Midway through round, Harrison drops Davis with a lead right hand. Seconds later, Harrison follows a crushing body shot with another right for a second knockdown. Less than a minute later, Harrison completes the trifecta with another knockdown forcing referee Billy Johnson to stop the contest at 2:46.
Harrison gets his first pro KO and is now 3-0, one KO. Davis is 0-5.
Sorry for the late post. Having wi-fi issues.
Dusty Harrison-Terrell Davis Next!
The four-round contest between locals Dusty Harrison and Terrell Davis is coming up shortly.
'Kid' Grant Scores First-Round TKO!
Another White Plains, MD lightweight -- Terron "The Kid" Grant scored a first-round TKO over Garland, NC's Deshawn Autry. Grant pummeled Autry with head and body shots until referee Michele Myers stopped the bout at 1:10. Grant is 2-0 and registers his first pro knockout. Autry is 0-2.
Davis Wins Unanimous Decision!
White Plains, MD lightweight Joshua Davis wins a four-round unanimous decision over Chris Russell. Davis had a strong third round and cruised to the win. Scores were 38-36 and 39-37 (twice). Davis is now 2-0, one KO while Russell is 2-8-1, one KO.
We are underway from the Convention Center!
Good evening from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center! The first bout is underway-- a lightweight battle between Joshua Davis of White Plains, MD and Chris Russell of Shattuck, OK. We'll be doing round-by round of the bouts featuring Dusty Harrison, Fernando Guerrero, Anthony Peterson, and Thomas Williams prior to the featured bouts! Looking for your comments and questions as well!
Tonight's Schedule!
All right, Beltway Boxing Fans! Here is the way things will break down tonight.
The card at the Washington Convention Center will begin at 6:30 PM.
HBO will televise a replay of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito bout at 9:45 PM.
Then HBO goes live from DC at approximately 10:50 PM with the Seth Mitchell-Timur Ibragimov co-feature.
This will be followed by the main event -- The WBA/IBF Super Lightweight title bout between champion Amir Khan and challenger Lamont Peterson.
BATB hopes to be blogging live from the Convention Center at 6:30 PM. I say hopes because my phone went on the fritz and I need a replacement.
The card at the Washington Convention Center will begin at 6:30 PM.
HBO will televise a replay of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito bout at 9:45 PM.
Then HBO goes live from DC at approximately 10:50 PM with the Seth Mitchell-Timur Ibragimov co-feature.
This will be followed by the main event -- The WBA/IBF Super Lightweight title bout between champion Amir Khan and challenger Lamont Peterson.
BATB hopes to be blogging live from the Convention Center at 6:30 PM. I say hopes because my phone went on the fritz and I need a replacement.
Friday, December 09, 2011
MaxBoxing's Kohut Asks: "Is Seth Mitchell the Next Great American Heavyweight?
My good friend Alec Kohut of MaxBoxing.com has put together a nice 20-minute documentary about undefeated Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell.
The video profiles Mitchell the boxer and the man as it asks whether Mitchell is the next great American heavyweight. Keep watching and you can also see how Kohut manages to bring Herman Cain and Beavis and Butthead into the discussion.
Here's the video:
The video profiles Mitchell the boxer and the man as it asks whether Mitchell is the next great American heavyweight. Keep watching and you can also see how Kohut manages to bring Herman Cain and Beavis and Butthead into the discussion.
Here's the video:
Weights For 'Capital Showdown!'
Here is the scale watch for the 'Capital Showdown' card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:
Amir Khan 139 vs. Lamont Peterson 140
Seth Mitchell 240 1/2 vs. Timor Ibragimov 221
Anthony Peterson 137 vs. Daniel Attah 136
Fernando Guerrero 162 vs. Robert Kliewer 161
Jamie Kavanaugh 135 vs. Ramsies Gil 135
Thomas Williams, Jr. 174 vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez 171
Dusty Harrison 144 vs. Terrell Davis 146
Terron Grant 134 vs. Deshawn Autry 134
Joshua Davis 134 vs. Chris Russell 134
To see photos from the event, please go to my Fightnews.com article here:
"http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/khan-peterson-hit-scale-in-washington-dc-103953#more-103953">
Amir Khan 139 vs. Lamont Peterson 140
Seth Mitchell 240 1/2 vs. Timor Ibragimov 221
Anthony Peterson 137 vs. Daniel Attah 136
Fernando Guerrero 162 vs. Robert Kliewer 161
Jamie Kavanaugh 135 vs. Ramsies Gil 135
Thomas Williams, Jr. 174 vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez 171
Dusty Harrison 144 vs. Terrell Davis 146
Terron Grant 134 vs. Deshawn Autry 134
Joshua Davis 134 vs. Chris Russell 134
To see photos from the event, please go to my Fightnews.com article here:
"http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/khan-peterson-hit-scale-in-washington-dc-103953#more-103953">
Local Referee 'Thunder' Cooper Selected For Khan-Peterson!
Beltway-area referee Dr. Joseph Cooper has been chosen as the referee for the WBA/IBF Super Lightweight title bout between champion Amir Khan and challenger Lamont Peterson.
Known for asking fighters to "throw some thunder," during the final instructions, Dr. Cooper is a veteran who has refereed a number of world title bouts, including Mark Johnson's knockout win in defense of his IBF Flyweight title over Arthur Johnson at the DC Armory in 1998.
The judges are: Nelson Vasquez (Puerto Rico), George Hill (US) and Valerie Dorsett (US). The fight supervisor is Paul Artisst (US).
Known for asking fighters to "throw some thunder," during the final instructions, Dr. Cooper is a veteran who has refereed a number of world title bouts, including Mark Johnson's knockout win in defense of his IBF Flyweight title over Arthur Johnson at the DC Armory in 1998.
The judges are: Nelson Vasquez (Puerto Rico), George Hill (US) and Valerie Dorsett (US). The fight supervisor is Paul Artisst (US).
Joseph E. Robert, Fight Night Founder, Passes!
Condolences to the family of one of the great local philanthropists.
Joseph E. Robert, Jr., a Washington, DC-area billionaire who founded one of boxing’s most successful charity boxing events, passed away December 7 at his home in McLean, VA. Mr. Robert suffered from a glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer. Mr. Robert was 59.
Mr. Robert, a native of Takoma Park, MD, turned a troubled childhood around by going into the real estate business, launching a successful real estate business in 1981. At one time, Mr. Robert estimated his net worth at one billion dollars.
Mr. Robert donated a good portion of that fortune to charities that dealt with children’s education and children’s health care. He has raised close to one billion dollars for children and education in the Washington area and elsewhere.In 2000, Mr. Robert donated $25 million to DC’s Children’s Hospital for a new surgical center.
In 1990, Mr. Robert founded the annual Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers. The event that brings in the movers and shakers in business and government, has raised $50 million for various children’s charities over the past 12 years. Mr. Robert made an appearance at this year’s event in November and pledged $1 million to continue the organization’s work.
Mr. Robert is survived by one son from his first marriage, Joseph E. Robert III, and one from his second, Luke; his father, Joseph E. Robert, Sr. and mother, Aimee Lou Robert; three sisters, Janice, Christine and Cynthia; and one brother, Thomas.
Funeral services will be held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave., NW in DC on Wednesday, December 14. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Mr. Robert’s memory to Fight for Children at www.fightforchildren.org/joe.
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Capital Showdown Card Complete!
Here is the complete card for "Capital Showdown" Saturday, December 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC:
Main Event-- 12 Rounds -- Amir Khan (26-1, 18 KO's, Bolton, Lancashire, England) defends WBA/IBF Super Lightweight title against Lamont Peterson (29-1-1, 15 KO's, Washington, DC)
Co-Feature, Heavyweight -- 10 Rounds -- Seth Mitchell (23-0-1, 17 KO's, Brandywine, MD) vs. Timur Ibragimov (30-3-1, 16 KO's, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Lightweight, 10 Rounds -- Anthony Peterson (30-1, 20 KO's, Washington, DC) vs. Daniel Attah (26-8-1, nine KO's, Washington DC by way of Kalaba, Nigeria)
Middleweight, Eight Rounds -- Fernando Guerrero (21-1, 16 KO's, Salisbury, MD) vs. Robert Kliewer (11-13-2, five KO's, Maplewood, MN)
Lightweight, Six Rounds -- Jamie Kavanaugh (8-0, three KO's, Los Angeles, CA by way of Dublin, Ireland) vs. Ramesis Gil (6-3-4, five KO's, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
Light Heavyweight, Four Rounds -- Thomas Williams, Jr. (5-0, three KO's, Fort Washington, MD) vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez (6-2-1, three KO's, Woonsocket, RI)
Welterweight, Four Rounds -- Dusty Harrison (2-0, Washington, DC) vs. Terrell Davis (0-4, Washington, DC)
Lightweight, Four Rounds -- Joshua Davis, (1-0, one KO, White Plains, MD) vs. Chris Russell (2-7-1, one KO, Shattuck, OK)
Lightweight, Four Rounds -- Terron Grant (1-0, White Plains, MD) vs. Dashawn Autry (0-1, North Carolina)
Doors open at 6 PM and the first bout starts at 6:30 PM.
Bouts in bold are the televised bouts on HBO's World Championship Boxing at 9:45 PM ET. The bouts will also be shown on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom early Sunday morning about 2 AM.
Main Event-- 12 Rounds -- Amir Khan (26-1, 18 KO's, Bolton, Lancashire, England) defends WBA/IBF Super Lightweight title against Lamont Peterson (29-1-1, 15 KO's, Washington, DC)
Co-Feature, Heavyweight -- 10 Rounds -- Seth Mitchell (23-0-1, 17 KO's, Brandywine, MD) vs. Timur Ibragimov (30-3-1, 16 KO's, Tashkent, Uzbekistan)
Lightweight, 10 Rounds -- Anthony Peterson (30-1, 20 KO's, Washington, DC) vs. Daniel Attah (26-8-1, nine KO's, Washington DC by way of Kalaba, Nigeria)
Middleweight, Eight Rounds -- Fernando Guerrero (21-1, 16 KO's, Salisbury, MD) vs. Robert Kliewer (11-13-2, five KO's, Maplewood, MN)
Lightweight, Six Rounds -- Jamie Kavanaugh (8-0, three KO's, Los Angeles, CA by way of Dublin, Ireland) vs. Ramesis Gil (6-3-4, five KO's, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic)
Light Heavyweight, Four Rounds -- Thomas Williams, Jr. (5-0, three KO's, Fort Washington, MD) vs. Reynaldo Rodriguez (6-2-1, three KO's, Woonsocket, RI)
Welterweight, Four Rounds -- Dusty Harrison (2-0, Washington, DC) vs. Terrell Davis (0-4, Washington, DC)
Lightweight, Four Rounds -- Joshua Davis, (1-0, one KO, White Plains, MD) vs. Chris Russell (2-7-1, one KO, Shattuck, OK)
Lightweight, Four Rounds -- Terron Grant (1-0, White Plains, MD) vs. Dashawn Autry (0-1, North Carolina)
Doors open at 6 PM and the first bout starts at 6:30 PM.
Bouts in bold are the televised bouts on HBO's World Championship Boxing at 9:45 PM ET. The bouts will also be shown on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom early Sunday morning about 2 AM.
Local and National Press on Khan-Peterson!
There is a great deal of press concerning Saturday's Amir Khan-Lamont Peterson card. Here is just a sample.
Ringtv.com's Lem Satterfield received the picks of 11 experts concerning the main event in this article.
"http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/170587-khan-or-peterson-the-experts-decide">
Washington Examiner Columnist Thom Loverro talks about the history of big fights in DC in this column:
"http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/2011/12/thom-loverro-dc-gets-back-fight/1983596">
Washington Times Columnist Deron Snyder focuses on Seth Mitchell and his importance on the heavyweight division.
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/6/snyder-mitchell-carries-hope-for-heavyweights/?page=all">
Washington Post reporter Gene Wang profiles title challenger Lamont Peterson.
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxing-mma/dcs-lamont-peterson-will-fight-for-title-in-city-where-he-once-fought-to-live/2011/12/05/gIQA2IvSZO_story.html">
Ringtv.com's Lem Satterfield received the picks of 11 experts concerning the main event in this article.
"http://ringtv.craveonline.com/blog/170587-khan-or-peterson-the-experts-decide">
Washington Examiner Columnist Thom Loverro talks about the history of big fights in DC in this column:
"http://washingtonexaminer.com/sports/2011/12/thom-loverro-dc-gets-back-fight/1983596">
Washington Times Columnist Deron Snyder focuses on Seth Mitchell and his importance on the heavyweight division.
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/dec/6/snyder-mitchell-carries-hope-for-heavyweights/?page=all">
Washington Post reporter Gene Wang profiles title challenger Lamont Peterson.
"http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/boxing-mma/dcs-lamont-peterson-will-fight-for-title-in-city-where-he-once-fought-to-live/2011/12/05/gIQA2IvSZO_story.html">
Wednesday, December 07, 2011
View From the Other Side! The British Coverage of Khan-Peterson!
The open workout at Kennedy Recreation Center gave me an opportunity to not only see and meet the fighters, but also to meet with the media brethren from England. They are here en masse for this one and the ones I met have been very nice and it is great to have them here.
Here are some examples of how the British Press is looking at this bout.
This is from the Daily Mail tabloid. The article written by Jeff Powell delves into Amir Khan's private life.
"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2070803/Amir-Khan-dazzle-fiancee-Lamont-Peterson-fight.html">
The BBC talked to Khan outside the White House earlier this week.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/16043915.stm">
The BBC also talked to Lamont Peterson during the initial press conference.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/15180170.stm">
Here are some examples of how the British Press is looking at this bout.
This is from the Daily Mail tabloid. The article written by Jeff Powell delves into Amir Khan's private life.
"http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/boxing/article-2070803/Amir-Khan-dazzle-fiancee-Lamont-Peterson-fight.html">
The BBC talked to Khan outside the White House earlier this week.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/16043915.stm">
The BBC also talked to Lamont Peterson during the initial press conference.
"http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/boxing/15180170.stm">
Photos and Interviews From Capital Showdown Open Workout!
(Photos by Tri Nguyen)
Here are some photos and some interviews from the Capital Showdown Open Workout held at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Northwest, DC.
(photo by Evan Chvotkin)
(photo by Evan Chvotkin)
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
'Too Sharp' Johnson Heading To The Hall of Fame!!!
The dream has come true!! DC's own Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson has been chosen for the International Boxing Hall of Fame!
The former three-time world champion is part of an outstanding class that will be inducted during Hall of Fame weekend June 7-10 in Canastota, NY. The other modern-era boxer that will be inducted is former six-time world champion Thomas "Hitman" Hearns.
Two of this year's class will be involved in the "Capital Showdown" card on Saturday in DC -- ring announcer Michael Buffer and Amir Khan trainer Freddie Roach.
Also inducted this year will be broadcaster Al Bernstein and legendary NY Boxing writer Michael Katz.
Here are Johnson's comments about being inducted:
"This is wonderful! This is an awesome moment for me. The Hall of Fame is the biggest award that an athlete can receive. I strived my whole career to be in the Hall. I can’t say enough. This is a dream come true, just wonderful."
Another Beltway legend -- 1997 Hall of Fame inductee Sugar Ray Leonard -- had these words about Johnson's induction:
“I’m so excited that my homeboy Mark Johnson has been inducted. He was one of the most exciting fighters. He was always among the top pound-for-pound fighters of his time and many times boxers wouldn’t fight him because of that. Mark never got his just due but being inducted into the Hall of Fame, he gets it.”
(Photo by Lorin Chvotkin)
At the open workout for Capital Showdown, BATB talked to the new hall of famer!
Later in the workout, Johnson got an opportunity to talk to one of his fellow hall of fame classmates -- trainer Freddie Roach! Here is that brief conversation:
Monday, December 05, 2011
Buffer to Announce 'Capital Showdown' Card; Jones to Work Undercard; Martinez Stays Home!
There has been a change in the ring announcing for the Capital Showdown card. Due to the cancellation of the Wladimir Klitschko-Jean-Marc Mormeck bout in Dusseldorf, Germany, BATB has learned that legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer will now work the card in DC with DC Boxing Hall of Famer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones still working the undercard.
West Coast announcer Joe Martinez will not be a part of this card because of this change.
West Coast announcer Joe Martinez will not be a part of this card because of this change.
'Capital Showdown' Weigh-in Friday at Carnegie Library; Event Open to Public!
The official weigh-in for the "Capital Showdown" card will be on Friday, December 9 at 2 PM at the Carnegie Library, 801 K Street NW at Mount Vernon Square in DC. All the boxers are slated to be there along with Golden Boy representatives Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins.
The event is open to the public but space is limited on a first come, first served basis.
By the way, the "Capital Showdown" card itself on Saturday, December 10 at the Washington Convention Center will begin at 6:30 PM ET with the HBO telecast to get underway at 9:45 PM ET.
The event is open to the public but space is limited on a first come, first served basis.
By the way, the "Capital Showdown" card itself on Saturday, December 10 at the Washington Convention Center will begin at 6:30 PM ET with the HBO telecast to get underway at 9:45 PM ET.
Friday, December 02, 2011
First Announced Card of 2012 At Patriot Center February 11!
The first announced boxing card of 2012 will be a card taking place on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. The card is slated to feature three title bouts.
Great Falls, VA junior middleweight and WBU Junior Middleweight titleholder Jimmy Lange will be defending his title against an opponent to be determined.
Ashburn, VA middleweight and WBC Middleweight champ Tori "ShoNuff" Nelson will go after her second world title, the vacant WIBA title. The third title bout is still to be announced.
One bout is set for the card and it should be an exciting clash of Beltway middleweights as Tony "Mo Better" Jeter of Stevensville, MD takes on Zain "Tiger" Shah of Chantilly, VA.
Undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson is also slated to be on the card.
Great Falls, VA junior middleweight and WBU Junior Middleweight titleholder Jimmy Lange will be defending his title against an opponent to be determined.
Ashburn, VA middleweight and WBC Middleweight champ Tori "ShoNuff" Nelson will go after her second world title, the vacant WIBA title. The third title bout is still to be announced.
One bout is set for the card and it should be an exciting clash of Beltway middleweights as Tony "Mo Better" Jeter of Stevensville, MD takes on Zain "Tiger" Shah of Chantilly, VA.
Undefeated Fairfax, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson is also slated to be on the card.
A. Peterson In All-Beltway Scrap Against 'The Prophet' Attah December 10!
The December 10 "Capital Showdown" opponent for DC's Anthony Peterson has changed into an all-Beltway showdown as Peterson (30-1, 20 KO's) will face former world title challenger and DC resident Daniel "The Prophet" Attah (26-8-1, nine KO's) in a 10-round lightweight contest.
Attah, a native of Nigeria, is a former NABO Super Featherweight champion who challenged Acelino Freitas for the WBA and WBO Super Featherweight titles in 2002, losing a 12-round unanimous decision in Phoenix, AZ. Attah is coming off a sixth-round stoppage loss to Roman Martinez for the WBO Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title on October 1 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Attah, a native of Nigeria, is a former NABO Super Featherweight champion who challenged Acelino Freitas for the WBA and WBO Super Featherweight titles in 2002, losing a 12-round unanimous decision in Phoenix, AZ. Attah is coming off a sixth-round stoppage loss to Roman Martinez for the WBO Inter-Continental Super Featherweight title on October 1 in Bayamon, Puerto Rico.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Open Workout For 'Capital Showdown' Card at Kennedy Recreation Center December 6!
There will be an open workout for the main boxers on the December 10th "Capital Showdown" card on Tuesday, December 6 at Kennedy Recreation Center -- 1401 7th Street, NW -- in DC.
The Peterson Brothers and Seth Mitchell are slated to be joined by Unified World Super Lightweight champ Amir Khan at the workout that will be from 4-7 PM. This is a free event and youth are especially encouraged to attend.
The Peterson Brothers and Seth Mitchell are slated to be joined by Unified World Super Lightweight champ Amir Khan at the workout that will be from 4-7 PM. This is a free event and youth are especially encouraged to attend.
'The Great' Johnson Added to Dec 30 ShoBox Card in California!
BATB has learned that undefeated Oxon Hill, MD light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson has been added to the December 30 boxing card at the Morongo Casino Resort in Cabazon, CA. This is the same card that Jessie Nicklow is headlining against Jermain Taylor.
Johnson (12-0, five KO's) will be facing Luis "El Leon" Garcia (11-0, nine KO's) of Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba in a bout scheduled for eight or 10 rounds. BATB has been told that bout will be part of the ShoBox telecast.
Andre Dirrell will also be a part of the card. This is mentioned because Johnson has been sparring with both Dirrell Brothers (Andre and Anthony) to help them get ready for future fights.
Johnson (12-0, five KO's) will be facing Luis "El Leon" Garcia (11-0, nine KO's) of Cork, Ireland by way of Cuba in a bout scheduled for eight or 10 rounds. BATB has been told that bout will be part of the ShoBox telecast.
Andre Dirrell will also be a part of the card. This is mentioned because Johnson has been sparring with both Dirrell Brothers (Andre and Anthony) to help them get ready for future fights.
City Paper Profiles Kelly Swanson!
(Photo by Darrow Montgomery, Washington City Paper)
There is a nice story in this week's Washington City Paper on one of the most powerful ladies in boxing -- DC's own Kelly Swanson. Her public relations firm -- Swanson Communications has handled press for bouts featuring some of the biggest names in the sport including Riddick Bowe, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. And the firm is coordinating the press for the December 10th "Capitol Showdown" card at the Washington Convention Center.
Dave McKenna profiles "The Toughest Woman in Men's Boxing" here:
"http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/articles/41795/kelly-swanson-the-toughest-woman-in-mens-boxing/">
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