An Open Letter From..'The Tiger!'

BATB has received this open letter from heavyweight Tony “The Tiger” Thompson:


To The Following Heavyweight Hopefuls and Pretenders,


The year of 2009 is officially in the books and my new year’s resolution is aimed at one goal, fighting for the Heavyweight World Title again. But before I do that I have a small list of to do things or a small list of fighters that I need to deal with. This list includes the following fighters that I think currently stand in my way of accomplishing that goal. I want it to be known that I will fight any and all of these pretenders any time and any where this year. If you are a contender then you will stand up and answer my challenge if you are a pretender then you will ignore it and continue to run. May the following pretenders or contenders step forward:

Number 1> Chris Arreola> After the heated discussion we had at the press conference, following both of our successful fights on December 6th last year, my goal is to get you in the ring and settled the dispute of who is the best American heavyweight in the world.

Number2> Emmanuel Quezada> I don’t know much about you but you have a very high ranking. A ranking that’s higher than mine. I find that odd given the fact that you have not fought anyone that would substantiate you earning that high ranking. So, the only way to find out if you deserve that high ranking is to get in the ring with me.

Number 3> James Toney> We never got to decide who the best Tony was in the ring. I wasn’t healthy but now I am and besides I think this would be a great fight. So I am ready to take this fight when ever.

Any one of those three fights should be easy to make because we all have fought under the Goossen Tutor banner.


Number 4> Sam Peter> I’ve had this guy on my radar for years. He truly is a good fighter and an ex-champion but he just keeps slipping away or running the other way. But I’m here to tell that you can’t run for ever. Its time to put on the type of fight that people really want to see….

Number 5> Oldlanier Solis> It’s a lot of hype surrounding the Olympic gold medal winner another guy that has a high ranking. But does this Olympic success translate to the pros? Well, if you feel that you have deserved the ranking given to you then get in the ring with me and prove it. By the way why don’t we make the fight even more interesting? Since I had a very short amateur career I never got a chance to fight in the Olympics. So we could also fight for your gold medal it would look great in my trophy room.

Number 6/7>Ruslan Chagaev and Denis Boytsov> Both of you guys fight out of my adopted home town of Hamburg Germany. If you guys need to know anything about me you can ask your stable mate Luan Krasniqi about the experience. I can also show you the true American experience by fighting either one of you in the US...In short, I don’t have a problem in making a fight anywhere with both of you and yes that means fighting in my second hometown of Hamburg. So let’s make it happen.


In closing, I want to restate my challenge presented to the seven fighters mentioned, to fight any of them, anytime and any place this year. I want to demonstrate to everyone that I am the best heavyweight America has to offer. In July of 2008, I stepped into the ring as a man fighting against Vladimir Klitschko for the heavyweight title and that night the better man won. I was not myself and it was discovered after the fight that I had suffered an injury that later required surgery. But I make no excuses for the loss. I have since fully recovered and I am more than ready for any challenge. That includes the biggest challenge of all, fulfilling my new year’s resolution, a shot at the heavyweight title with either of the Klitschko’s or the other belt holder. See you in 2010.


Yours truly,


Tony “The Tiger” Thompson

MSAC Inspector Frank Pridgeon Passes!

Sad news to report. BATB has learned that longtime Maryland State Athletic Commission Inspector Frank Pridgeon, Sr. passed away today.

Details are sketchy on this as I just received word on this very sad news a few moments ago. Pridgeon served as an inspector with the Maryland commission for two decades. A commission spokesperson said that Pridgeon served the commission with dignity and honor.

A personal note: Frank Pridgeon was truly one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. The smile, the hearty greeting and the respect that he showed everyone involved with a boxing card just scratches the surface of how wonderful this man truly was.

I hope to have more details tomorrow.

January 16 Rosecroft Card Postponed Until January 31!

The playoff success of the Baltimore Ravens has made an impact on the Beltway Boxing scene. The Saturday, January 16th Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD has been postponed. The Ravens are playing the Indianapolis Colts in the late game (8:15 PM ET) on Saturday, so it is a good move not to go up against that game.

The new date will be Sunday, January 31 at Rosecroft. This is the rest Sunday for the NFL between the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl. The doors will open at 4 PM and the first bout begins at 5 PM. Tickets bought for the 16th will be honored on the 31st.

The following is a statement from Baltimore Pro Boxing that is supported by the Maryland State Athletic Commission:

"LETS GO RAVENS! Jake Smith, The Baltimore Boxing Team, Old School Boxing Team, Rosecroft & The Maryland State Athletic Commission would like to let everyone know that we support our Baltimore Ravens and will postpone the fights to Sunday Jan.31st an open football day and we hope it to be a pre-Raven Super Bowl Party & Professional Boxing so LETS GO RAVENS!

Beltway Sends 11 To National Silver Gloves!

Ten Beltway Amateurs captured Southeast Coast Regional Silver Gloves Championships last night in Wilmington, NC. These victories, along with Brady Sensibaugh's championship win earlier in the week, means that 11 boxers from the Beltway area will make up a huge chunk of the Region 3 squad that will travel to Independence, MO for the National Silver Gloves Tournament in February.

Here are the results:

10/11-year-old division

75lbs. Ameer Brown (DC/MD) def. Pedro Marrero (FL)

80lbs. Mansabory Conde (DC/MD) def. Frank Prado (VA)

85lbs. Joseph Veazey (DC/MD) def. Marcus Moreno (FL)

95lbs. Keegan Grove (DC/MD) def. Shane Simpson (NC)


12/13-year-old division

70lbs. Devonte Jefferson (DC/MD) def. Joe Vega (FL)

75lbs. Jordan White (DC/MD) def. Israel Chavez (NC)

80lbs. Zimmie Dickinson (DC/MD) def. Talon Caranalho (NC)


14/15-year-old division

95lbs. Lawrence Singh (DC/MD) def. Christopher Murphy (FL)

100lbs. Aujee Tyler (DC/MD) def. Ariel Vega (FL)

139lbs. Dusty Harrison (DC/MD) def. Justin Pauldo (FL)

Congratulations to all who participated and best wishes to the Region 3 squad!

Beltway Amateurs Get Ready For Silver Glove Regional Championships!

There will be 16 Beltway amateurs vying for championships in the Southeast Coast Silver Glove Regional champions tonight in Wilmington, NC. Here is the Beltway Bout sheet courtesy of DC Amateur Boxing ("http://dcboxing.blogspot.com") Beltway amateurs are in 16 of the 22 scheduled title bouts tonight.

There is also the YouTube DC Amateur Boxing channel
"http://youtube.com/dcamateurboxing" where Silver Gloves bouts can be seen later today and all next week. By the way, the Youtube channel has received more than 4,000,000 views!!

10/11 Age Division:

70lbs. Anwar Henson (DC/MD) vs. Keyshawn Davis (VA)

75lbs. Ameer Brown (DC/MD) vs. Pedro Marrero (FL)

80lbs. Mansabory Conde (DC/MD) vs. Frank Prado (VA)

85lbs. Joseph Veazey (DC/MD) vs. Marcus Moreno (FL)

95lbs. Keegan Grove (DC/MD) vs. Shane Simpson (NC)


12/13 Age Division:

70lbs. Devonte Jefferson (DC/MD) vs. Joe Vega (FL)

75lbs. Jordan White (DC/MD) vs. Israel Chavez (NC)

80lbs. Zimmie Dickinson (DC/MD) vs. Talon Caranalho (NC)

125lbs. James Scott (DC/MD) vs. Laquan Smith (GA)


14/15 Age Division

95lbs. Lawrence Singh (DC/MD) vs. Christopher Murphy (FL)

100lbs. Aujee Tyler (DC/MD) vs. Ariel Vega (FL)

112lbs. Patrick Harris (DC/MD) vs. Malik Montgomery (GA)

125lbs. Lamont Roach (DC/MD) vs. Ruben Ozuna (FL)

132lbs. Michael Montgomery (DC/MD) vs. Rigoberto Ramirez (FL)

139lbs. Dusty Harrison (DC/MD) vs. Justin Pauldo (FL)

147lbs. Kareem Martin (DC/MD) vs. Justin Deloach (GA)

The winners advance to the National Silver Gloves next month in Independence, MO.

Guerrero Off ESPN2 Card in Cleveland; Wade Appears on Telecast; Russell Jr. on Undercard!

Late word out of Cleveland OH says that Fernando Guerrero is now off the Friday, February 19 ESPN2 Friday Night Fights card from the Cleveland State University Wolstein Center. UPDATE: Dan Rafael of ESPN.com is reporting that Guerrero suffered an injury to his left hand during his win over Jessie Nicklow. The injury is not seen as very serious but will put Guerrero on the shelf until March or April.

However, two Beltway Boxers are slated to appear on the card and one will be on the telecast. Undefeated Largo, MD middleweight and 2009 BATB Rookie of the Year Dominic Wade (5-0, five KO's) will make his national TV debut opening the telecast against Omar Bell of Atlanta, GA (6-1, four KO's). The bout will also be Wade's first scheduled six-round contest, which could be interesting because Wade has not had to go to the fourth-round so far in his career.

Also, Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Gary Russell, Jr. (6-0, three KO's) is scheduled to be on the non-televised undercard against an opponent to be determined and this is also slated to be Russell's first scheduled six-round encounter.

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Beltway Boxer of the Year!

This is the award that made this year-in-review so late in coming. Many of the leading candidates had important bouts late in December that needed to be factored into my decision.

When the smoke cleared,however, one boxer stood out. This man went undefeated, won a regional title, got himself ranked in the world ranks and has continued to make a national name for himself. One well-known boxing writer says he is one of the best prospects of the year. One boxing site called him THE prospect of the year. Yes, he is from the farthest reaches of the Beltway region, but he has represented this area and has earned this title.


Digital's Choice for the 2009 Beltway Boxer of the Year is:

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight, Salisbury, MD (17-0, 14 KO's)

The 23-year-old former amateur standout has positioned himself to do some great things in the middleweight division in 2010. Guerrero went 5-0, three KO's in 2009 and established himself as a franchise boxer, fighting three times in his hometown and drawing crowds of five to eight-thousand for each show. Guerrero fought opponents with a combined won-loss record of 80-25-2 in 2009.

Guerrero captured the interim NABO Middleweight title in front of the 8,000 crowd at Arthur Perdue Stadium in Salisbury and appeared on national TV twice, including his eight-round unanimous decision win over Gabriel Rosado in Salisbury on February 6. Guerrero ended 2009 with a fourth-round nationally-televised TKO victory over Jessie Nicklow on December 18.

Guerrero fought some adversity during those five wins as he was dropped in both the Rosado and Duran victories. However, in some ways, that's what makes Guerrero fun to watch. He is an exciting boxer who will take chances and that makes him fan and TV-friendly. Guerrero was slated to make his fifth appearance on national TV in February, however, a recent press release does not have him on the card anymore.

In a year of solid accomplishments throughout the Beltway region, Fernando Guerrero -- who is now ranked 11th in the world by the WBO -- stood out among the rest.


The Beltway Boxing Fans Choice for Beltway Boxer of the Year is:

Mark "TNT" Tucker -- See Prospect of the Year choice.


Other Boxers Deserving Consideration:

Lamont Peterson, junior welterweight, Washington, DC (27-1, 13 KO's)

The 2008 co-Beltway Boxer of the Year fought only twice in 2009, but they were very important bouts. His April 24 seventh-round stoppage over Willy Blain gave him the interim WBO Junior Welterweight title and earned him a shot at WBO champion Timothy Bradley.

While Peterson fought well in that December 12th bout, Bradley was on top of his game on that evening and Peterson lost by unanimous decision. Peterson is still a force in the 140-pound class and it will be interesting to see how he bounces back.


Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman, junior welterweight, Baltimore, MD (17-1-1, four KO's)

Coleman deserves the award for the Comeback Beltway Boxer of the Year. After fighting nine times in 2007 (and being named BATB's Prospect of the Year), Coleman fought just once in 2008 -- a nationally-televised loss to James De La Rosa in Salisbury, MD. Coleman spent most of 2008 dealing with managerial and training issues.

But 2009 was a different story. Coleman spent a lot of time in England training with Ricky Hatton and fought three times this year. All were strong performances. Coleman looked very sharp in a third-round TKO victory over Carlos Cisneros on April 10 then followed that victory by winning a rematch over the always-tough Martinus Clay.

Coleman ended the year in grand fashion and surprised many in the process by winning the USBA Junior Welterweight title with a 12-round split decision over Mike Arnaoutis in front of a nationally-televised audience in New York City. The victory earned him a number 15 ranking in the IBF and an IBF Title Elimination bout against former world champion Kendall Holt in February. This year could be a banner one for Coleman.

Eight Beltway Amateurs Advance to Silver Gloves Regional Championships!

Eight Beltway Boxers advanced to the finals of the Southeast Coast Regional Silver Gloves Championships in Wilmington, NC.

Three Beltway Amateurs will battle in the 10/11 age Division:

70lbs.Anwar Henson (DC/MD) def. Desmond Lyons (GA)
75lbs. Ameer Brown (DC/MD) def. Nick Sullivan (VA)
85lbs. Joseph Veazey (DC/MD) def. Isaiah Pearson (NC)

McKinley Fulton lost his bout in the 60lbs class to Jordan Murphy of Florida.

In the 12-13 age group, Zimmie Dickinson will be looking for his third straight Silver Gloves regional title. Dickinson advanced by defeating Corey Sweeting of Florida.

Five Beltway amateurs will represent the area in championships in the 14/15 age group:

95lbs. Lawrence Singh (DC/MD) def. Traveia Carpenter (VA)
112lbs. Patrick Harris (DC/MD) vs. Joshua McKay (NC)
119lbs. Gervonta Davis (DC/MD) vs. Nicholas Torrance (GA)
125lbs. Lamont Roach (DC/MD) def. Jamaal Gregory (NC)
147lbs. Kareem Martin (DC/MD) def. DeAndre Robinson-Neal (SC)

Parris Chisholm lost his bout in the 132lbs. class to Michael Montgomery of Georgia.

The area has other boxers that will be competing in Saturday's finals. DC Amateur Boxing.com will be sending the bout sheet in the morning and we will post on both our sites. My thanks to DC Amateur Boxing for allowing the use of their coverage here.

Beltway Boxing Starts The Decade Early!

The first three months of Beltway Boxing 2010 will be very interesting with some big bouts -- home and away -- already lined up.

First, some local news. I neglected to mention that there will be a female bout on the Saturday, January 16 Baltimore Pro Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. Locals Tori Nelson and Renee Gross will make their pro debuts against one another on that card.

And you saw it here first: BATB has learned that Great Falls, VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange (31-3-2, 22 KO's) will make the second defense of his WBC USNBC Junior Middleweight title against "The White Tiger" Chase Shields of Houston, TX (29-3-1, 14 KO's) on Saturday, March 6 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA. This will be Lange's ninth straight bout at the Patriot Center. Seven of the nine bouts have been regional title contests.

On the out-of-town Beltway schedule:

DC Middleweight Antonio Walls (2-2, one KO) is slated to be at the Arena in Philadelphia, PA on Friday, January 15 for a four-round bout against undefeated Derrick Webster (3-0, two KO's) of Glassboro, NJ.

Baltimore junior middleweight Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin (15-1-4, seven KO's) will take on Pawal Wolak (25-1, 17 KO's) in an eight-round bout on Saturday, January 23 in Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Undefeated Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero (17-0, 14 KO's) will face Jesus "El Martillo" Gonzales of Phoenix, AZ (24-1, 13 KO's) in a nationally-televised (ESPN2) 10-round main event contest on Friday, February 19 at the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH.

On Saturday, February 20, Baltimore welterweight Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman (17-1-1, four KO's) will face former WBO Junior Welterweight champion Kendall "Rated R" Holt of Paterson, NJ (25-3, 13 KO's) in a 12-round IBF Title Eliminator bout that will be televised by Fox Sports Espanol. No word yet on where that bout will be.

Berlin, MD middleweight "The Berlin Bomber" Joshua Snyder (8-4-1, three KO's) will take on veteran Wilmington, DE boxer Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor (14-23-4, seven KO's) in an eight-round co-feature bout on Friday, February 26 at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, DE.

Also on Friday, February 26 at the Arena in Philadelphia, PA, Laurel, MD junior middleweight Norman "The Shadow" Allen (6-3, three KO's) will face Ardrick Butler of Philadelphia (4-1, one KO) in a six-round co-feature.

On Saturday, February 27 at the Roadway Inn in Allentown, PA, Baltimore heavyweight Bernard "Bad Ass" Brown (6-5-2, three KO's) returns to action after a year's absence and will take on Reading, PA's Travis "GW Hope" Kaufmann of Reading, PA (18-1, 15 KO's).

Of course, all of these bouts are subject to change without notice, but right now, it will be a very interesting time for Beltway Boxing Fans!

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Prospect Of The Year!

This was a tough choice as well. However, recent developments (that will be explained near the end of this post) made this choice a little easier.

Digital’s Choice for Prospect of the Year is:

Mark “TNT” Tucker, light heavyweight, Eldersburg, MD (13-0, seven KO’s).

Tucker is a strong example of what a prospect is in boxing – a boxer who has made substantial progress from his first year to the second year. In 2008 – Tucker’s rookie year – the won-loss record of his opposition in his six bouts was 18-29. In 2009 – the won-loss record of his opposition was 119-60-8.

The 22-year-old made a substantial leap in his career by battling foes who were shop worn but had been, at the very least, fringe contenders during their career. Some of the wins may have been closer than he and his fans would like – especially the victories over Ross Thompson (who did battle for a world title) and George Armenta. But Tucker’s impressive victories over the likes of Richard Stewart, Juergen Hartenstein, Rubin Williams and his USBO Light Heavyweight title win over Jim Strohl proved that the talent is definitely there.

The next step for Tucker is to let the rest of the boxing world in on what the Beltway already knows – Tucker is a prospect to watch.

The Beltway Boxing Fan’s Choice for Prospect of the Year is:

Scott “Cujo” Sigmon, super middleweight, Bedford, VA, (7-1, three KO’s)

Sigmon is not the most polished boxer that Beltway Boxing Fans have ever seen, but he is rapidly becoming one of its most popular and talked about, by virtue of his eight-vote win over Mark Tucker in the fan’s poll.

What Sigmon does show in the ring is a great deal of heart and toughness. After only eight bouts, Sigmon has already advanced to eight-round competition and performed well, winning a tough eight-round unanimous decision over Toris Brewer and stopping Nick Schelich in the third. How far will Sigmon progress in his career? That will be interesting and fun to watch.

Other Prospects Deserving Consideration:

James “Keep ‘Em Sleepin’ Stevenson, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (12-0, 10 KO’s)

Stevenson took a safer route in his 2009 campaign, fighting journeyman veterans that enabled him to show his skills and win three regional titles. After winning his first eight bouts by knockout, Stevenson proved he can be a distance boxer with tough eight-round unanimous decision wins against Manuel Guzman and Martinus Clay. This year will be a pivotal one for Stevenson, who will be called upon to step up the level of his competition.

Seth “Mayhem” Mitchell, heavyweight, Brandywine, MD (15-0, nine KO’s)

The former Michigan State University football star continued to display his aptitude for learning the sweet science. Mitchell, a Golden Boy Promotions signee, took his talents on the road in three successful bouts on the West Coast. Near the end of the year, Mitchell performed very well in a significant bump in competition with great wins over Jermell Barnes and Zack Page.

There is also a growing fan base for Mitchell, who sold more than 400 tickets to his bout in DC on October 24. Talent plus fan base usually equals success for heavyweights and it will be interesting to see if Mitchell can put his name into the hat of successful American heavyweights as the next decade begins.

Cecil McCalla, middleweight, Baltiimore, MD, (9-0, six KO’s)

McCalla, without much fanfare, grew steadily in 2009, beginning with two victories in a week’s time in January. The spring saw McCalla win twice against classy veterans Anthony Little and John Mackey. June saw McCalla end his year with two knockout wins over Eric Burke and Jorge Barajas. McCalla might have received more consideration if he was able to compete more in 2009, but he is the sleeper of the Beltway prospects.

"Vicious" Julius Kennedy, middleweight, Windsor Mill, MD (7-1, three KO's)

Another boxer that did great things under the radar. All Kennedy did was go 4-0 in 2009, including a six-round majority decision win over Aaron Pryor, Jr. in Pryor's home state of Ohio. Kennedy showed solid power in some of his bouts and tried to make noise in the area by calling out Jessie Nicklow. That could be a strong bout in 2010.

Why are Fernando Guerrero and Tim Coleman not listed here?

Here's where we talk about recent developments. When we started the look back at 2009, both boxers were considered to be just prospects. In December, two of the major governing bodies came out with December rankings and both men landed their names in them.

Guerrero is now ranked 11th by the WBO at middleweight and Coleman is ranked 15th by the IBF at junior welterweight after winning the USBA title in 2009. Coleman is now looking at an IBF Title Eliminator against former WBO champ Kendall Holt in February.

Both men are no longer prospects, they have crossed the line to contenders.

Beltway Amateurs Win Five Bouts at Regional Silver Gloves!

On the first day of action at the Southeast Coast Regional Silver Gloves Tournament in Wilmington, NC, the Beltway contingent started off on the right foot with five victories and picking up one championship.

In the 90 pounds championship for 14/15 year olds, Brady Sensibaugh defeated Prajedes Sanchez of Florida.

Other Beltway Boxers advancing:

10/11-year-old division

70lbs. Anware Henson (DC/MD) walkover win vs. Andre Pearson (NC)

75lbs. Ameer Brown (DC/MD) def. Bryce Blackwell (SC)

12/13-year-old division

75lbs. Jordan White (DC/MD) def. Andrew Thorton (FL)

95lbs. Antonio Vargas (FL) def. Ronnell Jackson (DC/MD)


14/15-year-old division

100lbs. Aujee Tyler (DC/MD) def. Joe Collins (WV) by RSC

Ballroom Boxing Returns January 29 With 'Back to Basics' Card!

Ballroom Boxing returns to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on Friday, January 29. And yes, the date is correct. This will be the first Friday night Ballroom Boxing card in 14 years.

Details are forthcoming on this card, but organizers say the card will go back to Ballroom Boxing's heritage of showcasing Beltway-area boxers and slated to headline the card is former USBA Cruiserweight champion Darnell "The-Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson of Takoma Park, MD. Wilson (23-9-3, 20 KO's) has not fought since losing to Grigory Drozd by 10th round stoppage on July 2 in Moscow, Russia. It looks like that bout will be Wilson's last at cruiserweight as he is looking for a heavyweight opponent for this card.

Also slated to be on the card is Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall and Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow.

One bout is already signed for the card: Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams (12-4-2, three KO's) will take on tough Toms River, NJ veteran William Gill (9-24, seven KO's) The bout is scheduled for six rounds.

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Rookie of the Year!

This was one of the toughest votes BATB has had to make in recent memory. This is a testament to what was an outstanding rookie class. And while the Digital's Choice winner did not make a lot of appearances in the Beltway region, his impact has already been felt throughout the sport.

Digital’s Choice for Rookie of the Year is:

Dominic Wade, middleweight, Largo, MD (5-0, five KO’s)

The former amateur standout exploded on the pro scene with a vicious 28-second knockout in his pro debut on March 14 in Tunica, MS. Wade scored two knockouts by the time he turned 19 last April.

Wade has yet to reach the third round in a bout and finished the year with a 19-second knockout against a boxer who had 33 pro bouts. Wade has started to make a credible name for himself in the Southern part of the country, in much the same way that his former amateur rival and current Prize Fight Promotions stablemate Fernando Guerrero did in 2008. Wade will definitely be one to watch in the next decade.

The Beltway Fans Choice for Rookie of the Year is:

Maurice “Freight Train” Byarm, heavyweight, Washington, DC (5-0, three KO’s)

The 27-year-old Byarm grew very quickly in his rookie season, having to fight through adversity to have a successful rookie campaign. After winning his first two bouts by knockout, Byarm suffered an injury to his right arm in his third bout against Maurice Winslow in July. But Byarm persevered and quickly moved into six-round contests, winning a unanimous decision over tricky veteran Mike Miller in December. Byarm is a welcome addition to a growing field of young Beltway heavyweights.

Other Rookies Deserving Consideration:

Emmanuel “Transformer” Taylor, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (4-0, four KO’s)

Another amateur standout that is as sound as they come. Taylor, who just recently turned 19, has wowed local fans with his exceptional power. While Taylor has not fought veteran competition yet, he has dominated the competition he has faced as he has not visited the third round. It seems that veteran competition has not wanted to face Taylor as he had a tough time finding opponents during 2009. The potential for Taylor seems limitless.

Gary Russell, Jr., featherweight, Capitol Heights, MD (6-0, three KO’s)

The 2008 Olympian seems to have put the disastrous circumstances in Beijing completely behind him. Russell made his pro debut in front of a nationally-televised ShoBox audience on January 19 in Tulsa, OK stopping Antonio Reyes in the third round. The 21-year-old Russell has been moved carefully, mostly facing boxers who have close to the same number of bouts as he has, but many eyes will be on Russell as he progresses.

Steve “Show Stealer” Wheeler, cruiserweight, Baltimore, MD (4-0, three KO’s)

After winning his first bout by disqualification, the 22-year-old Wheeler progressed very confidently showing good improvement in his next three bouts, all knockout victories. Wheeler could be the sleeper of the very large 2009 rookie class.

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Bout of the Year!

Digital's Choice for Beltway Bout of the Year is:

Cory Cummings TKO 9 Demetrius Davis – May 29 – Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD

This was a great contest where the winner fought through mounting adversity to beat the veteran opponent and capture the Maryland State Super Middleweight title.
Cummings did not get a minute out of the first round before the two veteran warriors clashed heads, causing a gash over Cummings's right eye. In the eighth round, the two clashed heads again, causing a cut on Cummings’s left eye.

While the ringside physicians were closely examining the cut in the corner after almost every round, Davis was showing superb ring generalship, switching from conventional to southpaw and showing slick veteran tricks.

Sensing urgency, Cummings quickly picked up the pace and landed some hard shots in the last minute of the eighth round. Davis was still boxing well but Cummings was shortening the distance and Davis was starting to trade more with the powerful Cummings.

In the ninth, Cummings caught Davis coming in with a right hook that dropped him. Davis beat referee Gary Camponeschi's 10-count but was deemed unfit to continue. The bout was stopped at 1:45 of the ninth. If you like bouts with definitive story lines, this was the bout for you and the best bout in the Beltway for 2009.

Other bouts deserving consideration:

Henry Mayes TKO 10 over Willie Williams -- April 10, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD

This was the third bout in the Mayes-Williams trilogy and the two saved their best for last, making this a very close second for Bout of the Year honors. Both men had advantages with Mayes using his ring generalship in the early going and Williams picking up the pace as the bout headed to the middle rounds.

Mayes turned the tide of the bout for good late in the ninth round by landing a crushing left-right combination that dropped Williams to the canvas with 10 seconds remaining in the round. Williams barely beat referee Malik Waleed's count.

Mayes sealed the victory early in the 10th when he rocked the game Williams with lefts and rights, forcing the stoppage at 20 seconds of the round and winning the Maryland State Light Heavyweight crown.

Mark Tucker 10-round UD over George Armenta—December 11, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD

Tucker made the first successful defense of his USBO Light Heavyweight crown with a tough victory over the veteran Armenta. Both men landed solid shots throughout the contest. Early on in the bout, Tucker held an advantage using his long right jab. By the middle rounds, Armenta found a way to get inside and do damage, testing Tucker's chin as no one had done previously throughout his young career. Tucker weathered the storm, however and was able to get a victory.


Barry Trotter four-round unanimous decision over Tracy Brewer – September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA

This was a tremendous undercard contest that tested the resolve of both men. Trotter dropped Brewer in the third round as both men traded right hands. It's hard to say what kept Brewer going until the final bell. This was a great way to open up this card.

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Card of The Year!

Digital's Choice for Beltway Boxing Card of the Year took place on:

September 25, Shipley Arena, Westminster, MD. Promoters: TNT Promotions/Maryland Boxing Club. Matchmaker: Rick Glaser

For enthusiasm, close contests and good boxing, it was hard to top this card that featured Mark Tucker winning the vacant USBO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision over Jim Strohl. The crowd of 2,900 was raucous throughout the bout, chanting "TNT" throughout the contest. The card featured very competitive bouts including Tyrell Samuel winning the second of two bouts over Gustavo Dailey, Emmanuel Taylor's third knockout of his career and a great opening bout between Omar Sims and Allan Perkins.


Other notable cards:

October 24, Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC. Promoter: Cassandra White/Babie Girl Productions. Matchmaker: Jack Crider

The return of Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan to DC as well as demonstrative performances by Seth Mitchell and Alexander Johnson highlighted this card which played to a packed house. Buchanan won by eight-round unanimous decision over tough Bobby Jordan, Jr. Mitchell, who sold 400 tickets for this card, won by sixth-round TKO over veteran Jermell Barnes. Johnson won a four-round unanimous decision over Otgonbayer Daivii. The card also featured the pro debut of heavyweight Abodurin Akinyanju.

September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA. Promoter: Jackie Kallen/Ice Promotions. Matchmaker: JD Brown

This card capped Beltway Boxing 2009's best weekend as Jimmy Lange successfully defended his WBC USNBC Junior Middleweight championship with a ninth-round TKO over Contender teammate Jonathan Reid. This card also featured Tony Jeter's knockout of Keith Gross as well as the successful return of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley. Undefeated prospect Bayan Jargal was held to a draw by veteran Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall and Jennifer Salinas survived a knockdown to win her bout. There was also a strong four-round bout between Barry Trotter and Tracy Brewer that Trotter won by unanimous decision.

April 10, Du Burns Arena, Baltimore, MD. Promoter: Jake Smith/Baltimore Pro Boxing. Matchmaker: Josh Hall

The Henry Mayes-Willie Williams trilogy ended on this night in stunning fashion as Mayes captured the Maryland State Light Heavyweight title with a 10th-round TKO. Tim Coleman was in great form, stopping Carlos Cisneros in the third round. Seth Mitchell won a workmanlike six-round unanimous decision over veteran Andrew Greeley. The card also featured victories by Shelly Seivert and Robert McConnell.

Beltway Boxing 2009 -- Knockout of the Year!

These are the best knockouts that were witnessed by BATB in the Beltway Region. Therefore, Dominic Wade's pro debut knockout will not be included here.

Digital’s Choice for Knockout of the Year is:

Tony Jeter KO 1 Keith Gross – September 26, George Mason University Patriot Center, Fairfax, VA.

This was the easiest choice of the year. Columbia, MD middleweight Jeter landed what BATB described at the time as a “vicious, one-punch, referee-didn't-even-bother-to-count knockout” over Prince Fredrick, MD’s Gross, who came out charging towards Jeter from the opening bell. However, once Gross gave Jeter a little space, Jeter’s right hand came crashing down on Gross’s chin. Referee Chris Wollesen immediately waved off the bout at 1:22 of the first round.

Other knockouts of note:

Julius Kennedy TKO 2 Gevonte Davis – June 18, Michael’s Eighth Avenue, Glen Burnie, MD.

After an even first round, the bout turned suddenly in the second as Windsor Mill, MD middleweight Kennedy landed a crushing right hand that stopped Davis in his tracks. The bout was stopped at 2:36 of the round. The win was Kennedy’s third in a four-bout streak for the year.

James Stevenson TKO 2 Darrett Crockett – January 23, Martin’s West, Woodlawn, MD.

Rising Baltimore prospect Stevenson showed solid power in this contest as he dominated from the opening bell and eventually blasted Crockett across the ring with a devastating right hand. Crockett crumpled in his own corner and the bout was stopped at 1:20 of the round.

Honorable Mention: David Hopkins KO 3 David Derby – April 11, Lynchburg City Armory, Lynchburg, VA.

This was during the Internet Pay-Per-View telecast that I called, but was not technically in the Beltway. This was a vicious knockout that had to be mentioned. Roanoke, VA’s Hopkins landed a crushing right hand that dropped Derby face first to the canvas. Referee Chris Wollesen immediately stopped the contest at 2:15 of the round.

BATB Begins Year-In-Review!! Part One: The Theme!

Beltway Boxing 2009 --- The Year of the Trilogy!

Normally, when BATB puts together the year in review, we look for one theme that was the standard for the year. However, 2009 was a very unique year that saw three prominent themes.

Therefore, Beltway Boxing 2009 was the year of:

1.The Prospect

The Beltway region seems to have set itself up well for the coming decade. A number of members from the Beltway Rookie Class of 2008 made significant strides this year. Three members -- Fernando Guerrero, James Stevenson and Mark Tucker -- all won regional titles this year and other members such as Seth Mitchell and Cecil McCalla remained undefeated with solid performances.

Meanwhile, 2009 saw 24 locals make pro debuts this year, including amateur standouts Emmanuel Taylor, Dominic Wade, Alex Guerrero, Abodurin Akinyanju and 2008 US Olympian Gary Russell, Jr.

2. The Franchise Boxer

On a BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show in May of 2009 at the George Mason University Patriot Center, legendary trainer Angelo Dundee mentioned how the ills of boxing can be cured.

“If we can get a place like the Center here and put a Jimmy Lange in every little town in the country than boxing will flourish.”

While Lange restarted that trend here in the Beltway in 2005, the idea of the franchise boxer was enhanced in 2009 by Lange, Fernando Guerrero, Scott Sigmon and Mark Tucker. Lange maintained his stronghold in Northern Virginia drawing 3,000 plus to his two championship bouts. Guerrero was a major force along the Eastern Shore of Maryland with two cards in Salisbury. One card was an outdoor event drawing 8,000 to Arthur Perdue Stadium. Sigmon opened boxing in the Lynchburg, VA area headlining two cards, one of which was an internet pay-per-view. Tucker headlined five cards in Carroll County, MD that drew enthusiastic crowds.

3. The actual “Trilogy.”
Beltway Boxing 2009 will also be known as the year of the literal trilogy. This year featured three situations where boxers ended up fighting each other three times. One trilogy had two of its three bouts in 2009 where the other trifectas had boxers battling three times during the calendar year.

Baltimore light heavyweights Henry Mayes and Willie Williams fought two of their three bouts in 2009 and also took their trilogy to three different locations in Maryland. Their first clash was in October of 2008 at the Wicomico Civic Center in Salisbury where the two fought to a six-round draw. The two then fought at Martin’s West in Woodlawn in January. Nothing was settled there as the two battled to an eight-round draw. Mayes and Williams saved their best for their third and final bout in April where Mayes captured the Maryland State Light Heavyweight title with a ninth-round knockout of Williams.

Tyrell Samuel’s trilogy with Gustavo Dailey got off to an inauspicious beginning in July when the Baltimore native and Maryland State Super Featherweight champion lost a six-round split-decision in Westminster to the Philadelphian who was 3-5 at the time. Samuel redeemed himself back in Westminster in September with a solid eight-round unanimous decision. When the rubber match came in November in Baltimore, Samuel was victorious again despite suffering a cut over his right eye that stopped the bout with the scorecards in his favor.

Also, Baltimore junior middleweight Omar Sims and Wilson, NC’s Jamar Freeman made the Shipley Arena in Westminster their personal home for three bouts in 2009. Their first bout in April went to a six-round draw, but Freeman won the next two in June and December by six-round unanimous decisions.


More to come during the week including Knockout of the Year, Card of the Year and Bout of the Year as well as Rookie, Prospect and Boxer of the Year (Fans Choice and Digital's Choice)

Beltway Silver Gloves Team Heading to Wilmington, NC January 6!

The Beltway has a large contingent heading to the South East Coast Regional Silver Gloves Championships in Wilmington, NC January 6-9. Here is the list of locals:

Here is a list of the DC area team that will be advancing to the South East Coast Regionals Tournament. The tournament will he held in Wilmington, NC from January 6-9th and the National Silver Gloves will be in Independence, Missouri from Feb. 4th - 6th. Good luck to all the boxers. Any changes in the roster will be updated as received.


*denotes past National Silver Gloves Champions

10 & 11-year old division

60lbs. Mckinley Fulton (Upton)
70lbs. Anwar Henson (Headbangers)
75lbs. Ameer Brown (Sugar Ray Leonard)
80lbs. Mansabory Conde (Club One)
85lbs. Joseph Veazey (Baltimore Boxing)
90lbs. Gregory Ross, Jr. (NoXcuse)
95lbs.Keegan Grove (Old School)
105lbs. Kashif Brown (Sugar Ray Leonard)
150lbs. Dominic McKnight (Upton)


12 & 13-year old division

70lbs. Devonte Jefferson (Headbangers)
75lbs. Jordan White (LB 4 LB) - *2009 National Silver Gloves Champion
80lbs Zimmie Dickinson (Dream Team) - *2008 and 2009 National Silver Gloves Champion
85lbs. Mack Allison (Upton)
90lbs. Gary Russell (Keystone)
95lbs. Ronnell Jackson (NoXcuse)
106lbs. James Tyler (Old School)
112lbs. Tommy Avelar (Sugar Ray Leonard)
125lbs. James Scott (Charm City)
201+lbs. Calvin Countess (Charm City)


14 & 15-year old division

90lbs. Brady Sensibaugh
95lbs. Lawrence Singh (Headbangers)
100lbs. Aujee Tyler (Headbangers) - *2009 National Silver Gloves Champion
106lbs. Malik Jackson (Lime Lite)
112lbs. Patrick Harris (Headbangers)
119lbs. Gervonta Davis (Upton) - *2006 and 2008 National Silver Gloves Champion
125lbs. Lamont Roach (NoXcuse)
132lbs. Parris Chisholm (Headbangers)
139lbs. Dusty Harrison (Old School) - *2006 National Silver Gloves Champion
156lbs. Da' Quan Johnson
178lbs. Joey McConnell (Old School)

The winners will advance to the National Silver Gloves in Independence, MO February 4-6. Best wishes to all the locals.

'Cujo' Sigmon Voted Among Top Stories in Bedford and Lynchburg, VA!

Not to be outdone, Bedford, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon has been selected as one of the top stories in Bedford, VA and THE top story by the Lynchburg News and Daily Advance in Lynchburg, VA.

Here's what the Bedford Bulletin said about their hometown hero:

"Boxing made a grand re-entry to our area thanks, in large part, to a couple of Bedford Guys. Local pugilist Scott "Cujo" Sigmon headlined fights at the Lynchburg Armory in April and in August. Both cards drew capacity crowds, as local fans were eager to give their support to a sport that has been absent from this region since 1977. Liberty High grad Joe Hensley was also key, from his position as fight promoter. But it was Cujo that won over the crowd as he won a decision over Toris "The Bull" Brewer in April. Then he dismantled "Nasty" Nick Schliech, before knocking him out in the third round in August. Both nights included great contests..."

By the way, Sigmon is indeed dropping down from light heavyweight to super middleweight this year.

Carroll County Times Names 'TNT' Tucker Top Story of 2009!

The Sports staff of the Carroll County Times has called the rise of undefeated Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker it's top story of 2009, beating out such stories as the Ravens's run to the 2009 AFC championship and the rise of the prospects for the Baltimore Orioles in the paper's top 10.

Here is what the Times's staff says about Tucker:

Mark “TNT” Tucker took Carroll County, and the light heavyweight boxing scene by storm this year.

Introducing professional boxing to the county with a series of bouts held at the Carroll County Agricultural Center and staged by his production company, Tucker rapidly emerged as the United States Boxing Organization champion with a unanimous victory over Jim Strohl on Sept. 25.

After just 13 professional fights, the undefeated Eldersburg resident is right where he wants to be at the tender age of 22: a champion.

“Looking back on my career as a pro, it was pretty fast,” Tucker said. “It all pays off at the end. It was great looking back on it. It’s awesome.

“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s all worth it. ... I’m looking forward to defending my title. I think I’ll be able to win some world championships.”

Drawing 2,000 or more fans to Shipley Arena at each fight, Tucker built an adoring fan base that chanted his name as he entered the ring to his traditional theme song, “A Country Boy Can Survive.”

With a strong jab and sound conditioning, Tucker routinely built leads on judges’ scorecards. He has also recorded seven career knockouts.

“Mark’s been a champion a long time, in my mind,” said Mark Tucker Sr, Tucker’s father and trainer. “Now, it’s official. It ain’t been easy, and it ain’t over. This is just the beginning.”

Tucker defended his title with a unanimous decision over George Armenta in December. With former world champion Buddy McGirt in his corner, Tucker overcame two injured hands to gut it out for the win.

“Mark has a lot of talent, a lot of raw talent,” McGirt said. “He needs a lot of sharpening up, but things are happening fast.”

BRINGING IT UP TO DATE: Tucker is about to take his show on the road, and will soon compete for a more prestigious championship belt.

Tucker will fight for the International Boxing Organization’s vacant Intercontinental title against Ronson Frank (13-0, seven knockouts) of Rosedale, N.Y. The fight is tentatively scheduled for March 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.

“For this next fight, he has to be on his Ps and Qs,” McGirt said. “Ronson Frank is tall, rangy and he can fight.”

It represents a power move for Tucker.

“Everybody’s asking me when I’m going to start being on HBO and pay-per-view, and I definitely feel like I’m ready to move up,” Tucker said. “I’m really psyched for that and ready to go. I’m excited. “Maybe we can start going on to bigger and better things, and start making some real money.”