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Friday, May 19, 2006
Smith Says: 'Support the Amateurs!'
As we continue our talk with Jake Smith, he discusses how we must all support amateur boxing.
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Jake Smith Updates Info on Upcoming Cards!
Promoter Jake "The Snake" Smith discusses his two upcoming cards; the May 24 amateur show and his June 21 pro-am show both at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Beltway News and Notes!
Two-time US Middleweight champion Franchon Crews of Baltimore will be one of 10 women representing the United States at the Pan American Amateur Boxing Tournament in Buenos Aires, Argentina May 30-June 8.
Crews, who trains out of the UMAR Gym in Baltimore, is ranked number one in the country for her weight class.
Don't forget about the big amateur show put together by Jake "The Snake" Smith on Wednesday, May 24 at Martin's West in Woodlawn. I'm arranging for an audio interview with Smith either later today or tomorrow.
I have not received any update on the condition of Boxing Information Center founder Nat Williams, who suffered a stroke hours prior to the start of the Capitol Gloves last Saturday. At last word, Williams was recovering but was suffering some memory loss. I'll keep you posted.
On the pro side, two Beltway Boxers suffered setbacks in recent bouts. New Carrollton, MD junior middleweight Shawn "The Heat" Garnett returned to the ring after an almost two-year absence. His return was not successful, unfortunately as he lost a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Jo Jo Dan of Toronto, CA on May 16 in Montreal. Garnett is now 10-3-1, three KO's. Dan is 14-0 with seven KO's.
Earlier this month, light heavyweight Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill of Woodbridge, VA was stopped in the third round by veteran James Lubwama in Philadelphia. The loss evens Hemphill's record at 4-4 with two KO's.
By the way, I reported earlier this month that Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange would be returning in a bout slated for tonight in New York. Well, that will not happen. Lange told me this week that promoters for that card could not find an opponent for him. Lange said he is hoping to return in either June or July.
However, I am getting word of a most interesting comeback slated for the very near future. Because I can't verify the person, I won't give his name. All I will tell you is the following:
1. He's a former world champion.
2. He was one of the most popular boxers the Beltway has ever seen.
As soon as I can confirm this comeback, you will be the first to know.
Crews, who trains out of the UMAR Gym in Baltimore, is ranked number one in the country for her weight class.
Don't forget about the big amateur show put together by Jake "The Snake" Smith on Wednesday, May 24 at Martin's West in Woodlawn. I'm arranging for an audio interview with Smith either later today or tomorrow.
I have not received any update on the condition of Boxing Information Center founder Nat Williams, who suffered a stroke hours prior to the start of the Capitol Gloves last Saturday. At last word, Williams was recovering but was suffering some memory loss. I'll keep you posted.
On the pro side, two Beltway Boxers suffered setbacks in recent bouts. New Carrollton, MD junior middleweight Shawn "The Heat" Garnett returned to the ring after an almost two-year absence. His return was not successful, unfortunately as he lost a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Jo Jo Dan of Toronto, CA on May 16 in Montreal. Garnett is now 10-3-1, three KO's. Dan is 14-0 with seven KO's.
Earlier this month, light heavyweight Andre "Da Heat" Hemphill of Woodbridge, VA was stopped in the third round by veteran James Lubwama in Philadelphia. The loss evens Hemphill's record at 4-4 with two KO's.
By the way, I reported earlier this month that Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange would be returning in a bout slated for tonight in New York. Well, that will not happen. Lange told me this week that promoters for that card could not find an opponent for him. Lange said he is hoping to return in either June or July.
However, I am getting word of a most interesting comeback slated for the very near future. Because I can't verify the person, I won't give his name. All I will tell you is the following:
1. He's a former world champion.
2. He was one of the most popular boxers the Beltway has ever seen.
As soon as I can confirm this comeback, you will be the first to know.
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Attah, Nwodo in Important Bouts!
Two Nigerian-born Beltway Boxers are scheduled to be in important bouts in the near future.
Featherweight Daniel "The Prophet" Attah, who is based in DC, will face Terdsak Jandaeng of Thailand in a WBO title elimination bout on Saturday, June 10 in Atlantic City on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Antonio Tarver card.
Ironically, this was the same bout that was originally offered to newly-crowned IBF Featherweight champion Eric Aiken.
Attah (23-3-1, eight KO's) has not fought since February 18 on the "Clash of the Contenders" card at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Attah won a eight-round majority decision over Isidro Granados. Jandaeng, who is ranked number two by the WBO, is 24-1, 15 KO's and holds the WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight championship and defended his title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Pedro Malco on May 10.
Also, promoter Han Kim tells me that cruiserweight Emmanuel Nwodo of Baltimore will be participating in a USBA title match against an opponent to be named. Kim says the bout will be sometime this summer and may take place either in Virginia or Maryland. Nwodo is 19-4, 15 KO's.
Featherweight Daniel "The Prophet" Attah, who is based in DC, will face Terdsak Jandaeng of Thailand in a WBO title elimination bout on Saturday, June 10 in Atlantic City on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Antonio Tarver card.
Ironically, this was the same bout that was originally offered to newly-crowned IBF Featherweight champion Eric Aiken.
Attah (23-3-1, eight KO's) has not fought since February 18 on the "Clash of the Contenders" card at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. Attah won a eight-round majority decision over Isidro Granados. Jandaeng, who is ranked number two by the WBO, is 24-1, 15 KO's and holds the WBO Asia Pacific Featherweight championship and defended his title with a 12-round unanimous decision over Pedro Malco on May 10.
Also, promoter Han Kim tells me that cruiserweight Emmanuel Nwodo of Baltimore will be participating in a USBA title match against an opponent to be named. Kim says the bout will be sometime this summer and may take place either in Virginia or Maryland. Nwodo is 19-4, 15 KO's.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
AIKEN WINS IBF FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE!!
Photo by: Emily Harney, Fightnews.comThis just in from Boston:
Forestville, MD's Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken is the new IBF Featherweight Champion! This from Fightnews.com:
Aiken (16-4, 12 KOs) shockingly won the IBF featherweight championship via eighth round disqualification over Valdemir Pereira (23-1, 15 KOs) Saturday night at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Mass. Aiken, who took the fight on ten days notice, dropped the champion in round four with a left hook to the head and again in the fifth with a left hook to the body. Pereira was deducted points in rounds six and seven for low blows and after another shot below the belt in the eighth, referee Charlie Dwyer disqualified the Brazilian, crowning Aiken as the new IBF featherweight champion. Time was 1:37.
Saturday, May 13, 2006
N. Williams Suffers Stroke!
Sad news from today's Capitol Gloves Amateur Tournament at the DC Armory.
Boxing Information Center Founder Nat Williams suffered a stroke two hours before the event. No word on his condition at this time.
Of course, you heard from Mr. Williams earlier this week right here concerning this event.
I hope to have more information on Mr. Williams's condition as well as results from the Capitol Gloves at some point tomorrow.
Boxing Information Center Founder Nat Williams suffered a stroke two hours before the event. No word on his condition at this time.
Of course, you heard from Mr. Williams earlier this week right here concerning this event.
I hope to have more information on Mr. Williams's condition as well as results from the Capitol Gloves at some point tomorrow.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Rahman Heads Preakness Parade!
WBC Heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman returns home to Baltimore tomorrow as he will be the grand marshal at Saturday's Preakness Celebration Parade. Rahman will head the parade of high school marching bands, drill teams, colorful floats and equestrian units. The parade will launch a week-long celebration of the 131st annual running of the Preakness Stakes at Pimlico on May 20.
Rahman defends his WBC Heavyweight title against Oleg Maskaev on Saturday, August 12 in Las Vegas.
Rahman defends his WBC Heavyweight title against Oleg Maskaev on Saturday, August 12 in Las Vegas.
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Floyd Patterson: 1935-2006!
You may have heard this news already but I just wanted to mention that former heavyweight champion Floyd Patterson passed away today in New York at the age of 71 from prostate cancer and Alzheimer's Disease.
Patterson won an Olympic Gold medal in 1952 and was Ring Magazine's fighter of the year in 1956 and 1960, the two years Patterson won the heavyweight title.
When Patterson defeated Archie Moore to win the world heavyweight title on November 30, 1956, he was 21 years old and the youngest at the time to win the title.
Patterson became the first man to regain the world heavyweight title when he defeated Ingemar Johannson on June 6, 1960 in the second bout of the legendary trilogy of bouts between the two. The second bout was named Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year.
Among Patterson's other opponents were Sonny Liston, Jimmy Ellis, George Chuvalo, Jerry Quarry and a young Muhammad Ali. Patterson finished his career with a record of 55-8-1 with 40 KO's.
Patterson fought once in DC, on March 30, 1954 when he scored a second round TKO against Sammy Brown. No word on where in DC that bout took place.
In later years, Patterson served as head of the New York State Athletic Commission. He also was a frequent visitor to DC for the annual Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton.
It was at the 1995 Fight Night event where I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Patterson. Of course, we talked about the famous three bouts with Johannson, but he also mentioned a very interesting point about his career that he used as a teaching tool for young people.
Patterson told me that out of all the heavyweight champions, he has been knocked down the most. By the record I've checked, Patterson was knocked down 19 times in his career, including seven times in the first Johannson bout. However, when a bout ended, he was always on his feet.
The lesson: Once you get knocked down, you can always get up!
Indeed, words to live by!!
Patterson won an Olympic Gold medal in 1952 and was Ring Magazine's fighter of the year in 1956 and 1960, the two years Patterson won the heavyweight title.
When Patterson defeated Archie Moore to win the world heavyweight title on November 30, 1956, he was 21 years old and the youngest at the time to win the title.
Patterson became the first man to regain the world heavyweight title when he defeated Ingemar Johannson on June 6, 1960 in the second bout of the legendary trilogy of bouts between the two. The second bout was named Ring Magazine's Fight of the Year.
Among Patterson's other opponents were Sonny Liston, Jimmy Ellis, George Chuvalo, Jerry Quarry and a young Muhammad Ali. Patterson finished his career with a record of 55-8-1 with 40 KO's.
Patterson fought once in DC, on March 30, 1954 when he scored a second round TKO against Sammy Brown. No word on where in DC that bout took place.
In later years, Patterson served as head of the New York State Athletic Commission. He also was a frequent visitor to DC for the annual Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton.
It was at the 1995 Fight Night event where I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Patterson. Of course, we talked about the famous three bouts with Johannson, but he also mentioned a very interesting point about his career that he used as a teaching tool for young people.
Patterson told me that out of all the heavyweight champions, he has been knocked down the most. By the record I've checked, Patterson was knocked down 19 times in his career, including seven times in the first Johannson bout. However, when a bout ended, he was always on his feet.
The lesson: Once you get knocked down, you can always get up!
Indeed, words to live by!!
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
What is the Boxing Information Center?
In the final part of our interview with Boxing Information Center founder Nat Williams, he explains the function of this organization.-
What is the State of DC-Area Amateur Boxing?
In the second part of our interview with Nat Williams, he talks about the state of the amateur program in the DC area.
Capitol Gloves May 13 at the DC Armory!
The Capitol Gloves are taking place this Saturday, May 13 at the DC Armory. In this interview, Nat Williams, the founder of the Boxing Information Center, talks about this event.
Jarrell M. Jackson on Riddick Bowe Card June 3!
Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson is slated to appear on a June 3 card in Lincoln City, OR. Jackson (6-4-1, two KO's) is scheduled to face Marcus Pernell (11-1, six KO's) of Portland, OR.
Jackson is undefeated in his last four bouts (3-0-1) and is coming off knockout wins in his last two bouts, including a second-round TKO over Henry Mayes on April 21 in Pikesville, MD.
The main event features the return of former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe (42-1, 33 KOs). Bowe is stated to face recent Joe Mesi foe Ron Bellamy (14-5-4, 9 KOs).
In an interesting twist, the card, which is billed as "Commotion at the Ocean VII," is limited to ages 21 and over.
By the way, there is a debate over whether Bowe should be considered a Beltway Boxer. I have never considered him one because, even though he has a home in Fort Washington, MD, he has always listed his ring hometown as Brooklyn, NY.
In all honesty, I thought, maybe hoped, that Bowe would retire and this wouldn't be an issue, but since he is back, I'll leave the choice up to the fans. Should Riddick Bowe be considered a Beltway Boxer? I'll tabulate the results a week from today.
Jackson is undefeated in his last four bouts (3-0-1) and is coming off knockout wins in his last two bouts, including a second-round TKO over Henry Mayes on April 21 in Pikesville, MD.
The main event features the return of former undisputed heavyweight champion Riddick "Big Daddy" Bowe (42-1, 33 KOs). Bowe is stated to face recent Joe Mesi foe Ron Bellamy (14-5-4, 9 KOs).
In an interesting twist, the card, which is billed as "Commotion at the Ocean VII," is limited to ages 21 and over.
By the way, there is a debate over whether Bowe should be considered a Beltway Boxer. I have never considered him one because, even though he has a home in Fort Washington, MD, he has always listed his ring hometown as Brooklyn, NY.
In all honesty, I thought, maybe hoped, that Bowe would retire and this wouldn't be an issue, but since he is back, I'll leave the choice up to the fans. Should Riddick Bowe be considered a Beltway Boxer? I'll tabulate the results a week from today.
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
I'd Like Your Opinion to This...
The following is a column written by Thom Loverro of the Washington Times. It talks about the state of boxing with the starting point of the column being a press conference concerning the Capitol Gloves Amateur Boxing Tournament this Saturday at the DC Armory. Unfortunately, due to prior commitments, I was unable to attend the conference.
The column is not an indictment of boxing in this area, but I'm still just curious to see how Beltway Boxing fans feel about what Loverro says here. This is the column.
They stood in a room yesterday at RFK Stadium, these longtime keepers of the dying flame, still trying to fight the good fight.
Nat Williams, president of the Boxing Information Center, presided over a press conference to announce another effort to keep amateur boxing alive in Washington. Williams was promoting a new tournament, the Capitol Gloves Amateur Boxing Invitation Tournament, that will take place Saturday at the D.C. Armory.
"We're like farmers trying to plant the seeds for a new generation of boxing," Williams said.
But the famine may be too great to overcome. Boxing continues to fall further down the ladder of niche sports in America as a generation of youth turn to other sports and attractions.
"Yes, it's a hard sell today," Williams said. "But hopefully we can bring it back with more programs like the Capitol Gloves. That's the only way we can do it, and it's important. It can give kids something to work for."
To keep American kids interested enough to be competitive amateur boxers, the sport needs to stay on the radar screen. Oscar De La Hoya can put all the beatings he wants on the likes of Ricardo Mayorga, as he did Saturday night. But if he does it on pay-per-view, he might as well be fighting on Mars for all the interest it will register among younger sports fans today.
Mixed martial arts is a different story. Boxing has been taking a beating in the city in which it has been king from a form of mixed martial arts called Ultimate Fighting.
Ultimate Fighting Championship -- one company that features mixed martial arts -- is selling out shows at venues like Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, putting on lucrative pay-per-view events and producing one of the most popular shows on Spike TV.
The sport has been cleaned up since its brutal early days. A sign of that -- and it's one that shook the boxing industry -- is the departure of one of the most influential figures in boxing to the UFC.
Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission since 1992 and one of the most respected figures in the industry, is leaving his job Saturday to take a position with UFC, which is run by Lorenzo Fertitta, a former commission member.
Ratner said the opportunity was too good to pass up and that he was "amazed" at what has been happening with UFC.
Ratner looked at the future and saw an octagon -- the forum in which Ultimate Fighting takes place -- not a boxing ring.
"We know that the UFC is something that will have to be reckoned with," said Marubian Affinii, the national program director for the District-based Boxing Information Center, a nonprofit organization that helps promote amateur boxing. "But we are offering more than just sport. We are incorporating life skills courses and homework programs."
Again, it is a good fight, but you have to get them in the church to convert them.
That's hard to do when the force that drives boxing -- the heavyweight division -- is dominated by fighters from the former Soviet Union. That might create a lot of interest in Ukraine, but it means nothing on the streets of the District and other cities in America.
Three of the four generally recognized heavyweight title belts -- the fact that there are four different heavyweight title holders is itself a problem -- are held by former Soviet fighters: Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine, who just beat Chris Byrd for the International Boxing Federation title; Sergei Lyahkovich of Belarus, who holds the World Boxing Organization belt; and Nicolai Valuev of Russia, the World Boxing Association heavyweight champion.
The lone American heavyweight champion is World Boxing Council title holder Hasim Rahman. Tomorrow, it will be announced that Rahman will defend his title against Oleg Maskaev of Uzbekistan, who knocked Rahman out of the ring in Atlantic City in November 1999. "I'm the great black hope," Rahman says, joking.
But it's not joke. White or black, America needs a new heavyweight icon to capture the attention of the country.
Maybe one will emerge at the Armory on Saturday. Brenda Davis, the matchmaker for the tournament, who, along with her husband, trainer Adrian Davis, has been involved in boxing in the area for more than 30 years, knows that is the challenge.
"We have to produce some new heavyweights," she said.
They are facing the ultimate fight to do so.
The column is not an indictment of boxing in this area, but I'm still just curious to see how Beltway Boxing fans feel about what Loverro says here. This is the column.
They stood in a room yesterday at RFK Stadium, these longtime keepers of the dying flame, still trying to fight the good fight.
Nat Williams, president of the Boxing Information Center, presided over a press conference to announce another effort to keep amateur boxing alive in Washington. Williams was promoting a new tournament, the Capitol Gloves Amateur Boxing Invitation Tournament, that will take place Saturday at the D.C. Armory.
"We're like farmers trying to plant the seeds for a new generation of boxing," Williams said.
But the famine may be too great to overcome. Boxing continues to fall further down the ladder of niche sports in America as a generation of youth turn to other sports and attractions.
"Yes, it's a hard sell today," Williams said. "But hopefully we can bring it back with more programs like the Capitol Gloves. That's the only way we can do it, and it's important. It can give kids something to work for."
To keep American kids interested enough to be competitive amateur boxers, the sport needs to stay on the radar screen. Oscar De La Hoya can put all the beatings he wants on the likes of Ricardo Mayorga, as he did Saturday night. But if he does it on pay-per-view, he might as well be fighting on Mars for all the interest it will register among younger sports fans today.
Mixed martial arts is a different story. Boxing has been taking a beating in the city in which it has been king from a form of mixed martial arts called Ultimate Fighting.
Ultimate Fighting Championship -- one company that features mixed martial arts -- is selling out shows at venues like Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, putting on lucrative pay-per-view events and producing one of the most popular shows on Spike TV.
The sport has been cleaned up since its brutal early days. A sign of that -- and it's one that shook the boxing industry -- is the departure of one of the most influential figures in boxing to the UFC.
Marc Ratner, executive director of the Nevada Athletic Commission since 1992 and one of the most respected figures in the industry, is leaving his job Saturday to take a position with UFC, which is run by Lorenzo Fertitta, a former commission member.
Ratner said the opportunity was too good to pass up and that he was "amazed" at what has been happening with UFC.
Ratner looked at the future and saw an octagon -- the forum in which Ultimate Fighting takes place -- not a boxing ring.
"We know that the UFC is something that will have to be reckoned with," said Marubian Affinii, the national program director for the District-based Boxing Information Center, a nonprofit organization that helps promote amateur boxing. "But we are offering more than just sport. We are incorporating life skills courses and homework programs."
Again, it is a good fight, but you have to get them in the church to convert them.
That's hard to do when the force that drives boxing -- the heavyweight division -- is dominated by fighters from the former Soviet Union. That might create a lot of interest in Ukraine, but it means nothing on the streets of the District and other cities in America.
Three of the four generally recognized heavyweight title belts -- the fact that there are four different heavyweight title holders is itself a problem -- are held by former Soviet fighters: Wladimir Klitschko of Ukraine, who just beat Chris Byrd for the International Boxing Federation title; Sergei Lyahkovich of Belarus, who holds the World Boxing Organization belt; and Nicolai Valuev of Russia, the World Boxing Association heavyweight champion.
The lone American heavyweight champion is World Boxing Council title holder Hasim Rahman. Tomorrow, it will be announced that Rahman will defend his title against Oleg Maskaev of Uzbekistan, who knocked Rahman out of the ring in Atlantic City in November 1999. "I'm the great black hope," Rahman says, joking.
But it's not joke. White or black, America needs a new heavyweight icon to capture the attention of the country.
Maybe one will emerge at the Armory on Saturday. Brenda Davis, the matchmaker for the tournament, who, along with her husband, trainer Adrian Davis, has been involved in boxing in the area for more than 30 years, knows that is the challenge.
"We have to produce some new heavyweights," she said.
They are facing the ultimate fight to do so.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Samuel Crushes Fleming in the Ballroom!
Undefeated junior lightweight Tyrell Samuel of Baltimore scored a devastating first-round knockout over Fred Fleming of Cincinnati during the Ballroom Boxing show last night at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Samuel used a double left hook, first to the head then to the body, to send Fleming crumpling to the canvas. Referee Gary Camponeschi counted to 10 and the fight was over at 1:30 of the round.
Samuel, who is trained by former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway, is now 6-0 with four KO's. Those four knockouts have come in Samuel's last four bouts. Fleming is 0-3.
It was also wonderful to see the legendary Mack Lewis in attendance watching Samuel from a distance. He has passed down his training skills to folks like Pettway, Kenny Blackston and Ed Griffin, who are now helping the next wave of Baltimore-area prospects.
Samuel was the only Beltway Boxer on the card. I will give a quick synopsis of the rest of the card. For a full report, visit Fightnews.com later today and check out the report from my colleague "Priceless" Steve Price.
In the main event, welterweight Arturo Morales of Pittsburg, CA scored an eight-round unanimous decision over "Magnificent" Martinus Clay of Wilson, NC. Morales remains undefeated at 16-0-1, five KO's while Clay drops to 11-12-1 four KO's.
The co-feature saw Brooklyn, NY light heavyweight Jameson Bostic win a six-round majority decision over Dhafir "No Fear" Smith of Philadelphia, PA. Bostic raised his record to 6-3, four KO's. Smith is 13-14, three KO's.
In another light heavyweight bout, Farah Ennis of Philadelphia won a four-round unanimous decision over the debuting Michael Ciccone of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ennis (2-0, one KO) is the younger brother of Derek Ennis who fought the magnificent draw with Baltimore's Maxell Taylor at the Ballroom back in March.
The opening bout was an absolute dud as Kiel Shuler of Rocky Mount, NC easily scored a first-round TKO over an unwilling Elijah Harris of Wilson, NC. Shuler is 1-2, one KO while Harris is 0-3.
Samuel used a double left hook, first to the head then to the body, to send Fleming crumpling to the canvas. Referee Gary Camponeschi counted to 10 and the fight was over at 1:30 of the round.
Samuel, who is trained by former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway, is now 6-0 with four KO's. Those four knockouts have come in Samuel's last four bouts. Fleming is 0-3.
It was also wonderful to see the legendary Mack Lewis in attendance watching Samuel from a distance. He has passed down his training skills to folks like Pettway, Kenny Blackston and Ed Griffin, who are now helping the next wave of Baltimore-area prospects.
Samuel was the only Beltway Boxer on the card. I will give a quick synopsis of the rest of the card. For a full report, visit Fightnews.com later today and check out the report from my colleague "Priceless" Steve Price.
In the main event, welterweight Arturo Morales of Pittsburg, CA scored an eight-round unanimous decision over "Magnificent" Martinus Clay of Wilson, NC. Morales remains undefeated at 16-0-1, five KO's while Clay drops to 11-12-1 four KO's.
The co-feature saw Brooklyn, NY light heavyweight Jameson Bostic win a six-round majority decision over Dhafir "No Fear" Smith of Philadelphia, PA. Bostic raised his record to 6-3, four KO's. Smith is 13-14, three KO's.
In another light heavyweight bout, Farah Ennis of Philadelphia won a four-round unanimous decision over the debuting Michael Ciccone of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Ennis (2-0, one KO) is the younger brother of Derek Ennis who fought the magnificent draw with Baltimore's Maxell Taylor at the Ballroom back in March.
The opening bout was an absolute dud as Kiel Shuler of Rocky Mount, NC easily scored a first-round TKO over an unwilling Elijah Harris of Wilson, NC. Shuler is 1-2, one KO while Harris is 0-3.
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Pearson Bout Date Changed to June 28!
I've just been told that Lamont "Bay" Pearson's IBF Super Featherweight title elimination bout will be on Wednesday, June 28 and will be televised on ESPN2. Pearson will face former world champion Robbie "The Bomber" Peden. I'll have more on this bout in the weeks to come.
Weights for Ballroom Boxing Tonight!
Here are SOME of the weights for tonight's Ballroom Boxing card at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie. Apparently, there was a major traffic accident on I-95 last night and it kept a few of the boxers from attending the weigh-in so far.
Here's what we know so far (Beltway Boxers in bold:)
Arturo Morales 143 vs. Martinus Clay 149 1/2
Keil Shuler 133 1/4 vs. Elijah Harris 129 3/4
Farah Ennis 167 1/4 vs. Michael Ciccone 176
Derek Ennis 151 3/4 vs. (still looking for an opponent)
Dhafir Smith 171 vs. Sam Reese (did not make weigh-in)
Tyrell Samuel 133 3/4 vs. Fred Fleming (did not make weigh-in)
Jameson Bostic 170 3/4 vs. Jarell Mason Jackson (did not make weigh in)
Thanks to Darryl "Bear" McKenzie for acquiring the weights.
Here's what we know so far (Beltway Boxers in bold:)
Arturo Morales 143 vs. Martinus Clay 149 1/2
Keil Shuler 133 1/4 vs. Elijah Harris 129 3/4
Farah Ennis 167 1/4 vs. Michael Ciccone 176
Derek Ennis 151 3/4 vs. (still looking for an opponent)
Dhafir Smith 171 vs. Sam Reese (did not make weigh-in)
Tyrell Samuel 133 3/4 vs. Fred Fleming (did not make weigh-in)
Jameson Bostic 170 3/4 vs. Jarell Mason Jackson (did not make weigh in)
Thanks to Darryl "Bear" McKenzie for acquiring the weights.
Mitchell Wins Unanimous Decision in California!
Sharmba Mitchell's quest for 60 wins continues. The two-time former WBA Super Lightweight champion from Takoma Park, MD won a 10-round unanimous decision over Jose Luis Cruz in an nationally televised bout from Cathedral City, CA.
The judges scorecards read 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94. Mitchell raises his record to 57-5 with 30 KO's and gives Cruz just his second loss, dropping his record to 31-2-2, 26 KO's.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: I had some trepidations about this bout going into it. Talking to Mitchell here on the blog, I didn't hear the confidence, almost cockiness that I normally hear from him when I interview him. There were rumors floating around that Mitchell was using this bout as a "retirement party" and his mind wasn't really into this bout.
Obviously by his performance, my fears and the rumors were all laid to rest. Overall, Mitchell looked good. He was in control most of the way and he even played Cruz's game of power throughout the contest. It was a good win at this stage of his career.
One other note: How about that all-star lineup of trainers Mitchell had in his corner! Longtime Mitchell trainer Marvin "Rock" Simms was joined by Barry Hunter and SGT. Charles Mooney! I'm also very happy that ESPN2 announcers Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas saw a significance in that and made note of the corner. That shows some serious Beltway loyalty!!
The judges scorecards read 97-93, 97-93 and 96-94. Mitchell raises his record to 57-5 with 30 KO's and gives Cruz just his second loss, dropping his record to 31-2-2, 26 KO's.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: I had some trepidations about this bout going into it. Talking to Mitchell here on the blog, I didn't hear the confidence, almost cockiness that I normally hear from him when I interview him. There were rumors floating around that Mitchell was using this bout as a "retirement party" and his mind wasn't really into this bout.
Obviously by his performance, my fears and the rumors were all laid to rest. Overall, Mitchell looked good. He was in control most of the way and he even played Cruz's game of power throughout the contest. It was a good win at this stage of his career.
One other note: How about that all-star lineup of trainers Mitchell had in his corner! Longtime Mitchell trainer Marvin "Rock" Simms was joined by Barry Hunter and SGT. Charles Mooney! I'm also very happy that ESPN2 announcers Joe Tessitore and Teddy Atlas saw a significance in that and made note of the corner. That shows some serious Beltway loyalty!!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Breaking News: Eric Aiken to Fight for IBF Featherweight Title!!
The news keeps getting bigger and bigger along the Beltway. In this Boxing Along the Beltway exclusive, NABA Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken announces that he will be off the June 10 Hopkins-Tarver card.
Then Aiken announces something that you are hearing FIRST right here!! That announcement is his involvement in the biggest bout of his career; a world title bout versus IBF Featherweight champion Valdemir Pireirra on Saturday, May 13 in Boston, MA. Hear the announcement from Aiken himself here.
Then Aiken announces something that you are hearing FIRST right here!! That announcement is his involvement in the biggest bout of his career; a world title bout versus IBF Featherweight champion Valdemir Pireirra on Saturday, May 13 in Boston, MA. Hear the announcement from Aiken himself here.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Beltway Boxers in Major June Bouts!
Okay folks, here's the announcement I promised you. Remember when I did my "Postscripts from Pikesville" post, I said that there were some developments that I couldn't get into at that point? Well, this info exceeded what I originally had in mind.
As I said, there will be three major bouts in June involving Beltway Boxers and these bouts will make June 2006 one of the most important months in recent Beltway Boxing history. According to the people involved, these bouts are signed and ready to go.
Now, here are those bouts.
1. Wednesday, June 7 at the Borgata Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. Landover, MD junior welterweight Michael Warrick (18-3, 11 KO's) will be back in action as he faces undefeated Demetrius Hopkins (23-0-1, nine KO's). This bout will be on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights.
2. Saturday, June 10 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. NABA Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken of Forestville, MD (15-4, 12 KO's) will take on Terdsak Jandereng of Thailand (23-1, 15 KO's) in a WBA title elimination match. This bout is scheduled to be a co-feature bout on the Bernard Hopkins-Antonio Tarver card.
3. Sunday, June 18 in California. Lamont "Bay" Pearson of Capitol Heights, MD (23-3-1, 12 KO's) faces former IBF Super Featherweight champion Robbie "Bomber" Peden (25-3, 14 KO's) in an IBF title elimination match. This bout will be a rematch of an August 2003 contest for the USBA Super Featherweight title. Peden stopped Pearson in the seventh round of that contest. That's one of the bouts where Pearson's hand troubles started.
I'm not sure where in California this bout will take place yet.
Of course, anything can happen to change these bouts, but if they take place it will make or break this year for boxing along the Beltway. For the past 10 months, I have said that boxing in this area is in a transitional state. These three bouts will decide how far we have to go to get out of this transition.
Of course, you will hear from all three of the boxers involved in the very near future in exclusive audio interviews.
There is one other teasing bit of news in the area. I won't go into detail, but there is some exciting news concerning Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson. Later this week, Johnson will be breaking the news to you exclusively here, but I will say that he is currently managing Michael Warrick and that is just a small part of the news. But there is much more to this story and I want him to be the one to tell you!!
As I said at the beginning of the year, we are in for some busy and some exciting times along the Beltway. Make sure you're along for the ride!!
As I said, there will be three major bouts in June involving Beltway Boxers and these bouts will make June 2006 one of the most important months in recent Beltway Boxing history. According to the people involved, these bouts are signed and ready to go.
Now, here are those bouts.
1. Wednesday, June 7 at the Borgata Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, NJ. Landover, MD junior welterweight Michael Warrick (18-3, 11 KO's) will be back in action as he faces undefeated Demetrius Hopkins (23-0-1, nine KO's). This bout will be on ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights.
2. Saturday, June 10 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. NABA Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken of Forestville, MD (15-4, 12 KO's) will take on Terdsak Jandereng of Thailand (23-1, 15 KO's) in a WBA title elimination match. This bout is scheduled to be a co-feature bout on the Bernard Hopkins-Antonio Tarver card.
3. Sunday, June 18 in California. Lamont "Bay" Pearson of Capitol Heights, MD (23-3-1, 12 KO's) faces former IBF Super Featherweight champion Robbie "Bomber" Peden (25-3, 14 KO's) in an IBF title elimination match. This bout will be a rematch of an August 2003 contest for the USBA Super Featherweight title. Peden stopped Pearson in the seventh round of that contest. That's one of the bouts where Pearson's hand troubles started.
I'm not sure where in California this bout will take place yet.
Of course, anything can happen to change these bouts, but if they take place it will make or break this year for boxing along the Beltway. For the past 10 months, I have said that boxing in this area is in a transitional state. These three bouts will decide how far we have to go to get out of this transition.
Of course, you will hear from all three of the boxers involved in the very near future in exclusive audio interviews.
There is one other teasing bit of news in the area. I won't go into detail, but there is some exciting news concerning Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson. Later this week, Johnson will be breaking the news to you exclusively here, but I will say that he is currently managing Michael Warrick and that is just a small part of the news. But there is much more to this story and I want him to be the one to tell you!!
As I said at the beginning of the year, we are in for some busy and some exciting times along the Beltway. Make sure you're along for the ride!!
Monday, May 01, 2006
May 13 Temple Hills Card Postponed!
I've just received word that the Keystone Boxing card slated for Saturday, May 13 has been postponed. The card was scheduled to be at the D Light Skating Rink in Temple Hills, MD and was slated to feature Lamont "Bay" Pearson and Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan in co-feature bouts. Promoter Gene Molovinsky told me there will be a card there sometime this summer.
This means that right now, May will be a very light month along the Beltway with just Sharmba Mitchell's ESPN date on May 3 and the Ballroom Boxing show in Glen Burnie on May 4. There will also be two big amateur shows coming up; The Capitol Gloves on May 13 and Jake Smith's show on May 24.
The fact that it won't be as busy around this area in May is probably a good thing because June will be a major month for this area.
And that leads me to the following announcement:
Join me later today (hopefully between 8-9 PM ET) because I will announce three MAJOR bouts involving Beltway Boxers that will take place in June. All I will tell you at this time is that all three bouts will take place within an 11-day period and at least two (I think all three actually) will be televised. I have been told by all three boxers that the bouts are signed and sealed. With these bouts, June of 2006 will be one of the most important months in recent Beltway Boxing history.
Come back later for this announcement.
This means that right now, May will be a very light month along the Beltway with just Sharmba Mitchell's ESPN date on May 3 and the Ballroom Boxing show in Glen Burnie on May 4. There will also be two big amateur shows coming up; The Capitol Gloves on May 13 and Jake Smith's show on May 24.
The fact that it won't be as busy around this area in May is probably a good thing because June will be a major month for this area.
And that leads me to the following announcement:
Join me later today (hopefully between 8-9 PM ET) because I will announce three MAJOR bouts involving Beltway Boxers that will take place in June. All I will tell you at this time is that all three bouts will take place within an 11-day period and at least two (I think all three actually) will be televised. I have been told by all three boxers that the bouts are signed and sealed. With these bouts, June of 2006 will be one of the most important months in recent Beltway Boxing history.
Come back later for this announcement.
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