Rising cruiserweight prospect Emmanuel “Chukwu” Nwodo scored an easy first-round knockout over Ron Krull during a night of knockouts at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.
Nwodo, a native of Enugu, Nigeria, now fighting out of Baltimore, MD overwhelmed the overmatched Krull, fighting out of Panama City, FL, from the opening bell. About a minute into the round, Nwodo dropped Krull to one knee with a left hand. Moments later, Nwodo delivered a body shot that dropped Krull for the second time. Referee Chris Wollesen immediately stopped the bout at 1:35 of the round.
“I tried to see what he had, but I saw he didn’t have anything, so I ended it,” said Nwodo, who raised his record to 19-4 with 15 knockouts. Krull’s record falls to one listed during the card as 7-9, four KO’s. However, Boxrec.com lists Krull’s record at 6-26 with five KO’s.
Krull was the fourth opponent selected for Nwodo to battle on this card. Three others passed up the opportunity to take the bout, a situation that has become increasingly frustrating for the Nigerian, who saw his first action since December of 2005.
“It’s like the people up there (in the rankings) don’t want to fight,” said Nwodo, who is ranked number five by the USBA and number eight by the NABA. “It’s so frustrating that I cannot get someone of my talent to fight. I guess no one wants a loss to me.”
The Nwodo knockout was one of four delivered during the five-bout card. The co-feature bout showcased the prettiest knockout of the night as Woodbridge, VA light heavyweight Andre “Da Heat” Hemphill made short work of Alan Snyder of Gary, IN.
About 40 seconds into the opening round, Hemphill unleashed a picture-perfect left right combination that dropped Snyder heavily to the canvas. Snyder got up from the combination, but moments later, a short right hand finished the job and referee Rick Ellis stopped the contest at 1:08 of the first.
The victory broke a two-fight losing streak for Hemphill in which he lost two straight majority decisions. Based on those losses, Hemfill said he came into this bout with a definitive attitude.
“I knew I couldn’t let this go into the hands of the judges,” Hemphill said. “They call me ‘Da Heat’ and that’s what I bring to them.”
Hemphill raised his record to 4-3, three KO’s. Snyder falls to 0-2.
In the only bout that went the distance, Falls Church, VA middleweight “Money” Mike Sawyer won a tough, yet dominant four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson of Philadelphia, PA.
Sawyer, a graduate of George Mason University, gained the advantage early by using a solid body attack. But while Sawyer focused on the body, Wilson defended himself by catching Sawyer with counter shots. Wilson also caught Sawyer with head butts that opened cuts around Sawyer’s face.
Sawyer kept his composure and in the third round, took complete charge of the bout. Instead of staying inside, Sawyer picked his shots and worked well from the outside, frustrating his opponent. In the final round, Wilson displayed his frustration by delivering another head butt, drawing blood over Sawyer’s right eye. Sawyer overcame the cut and went on to win convincingly. All three judges said Sawyer pitched a shutout with judges Phil Kornberg and Jerry Payne scoring the bout 40-36. Judge Laura Catuska saw the bout 40-35. I scored the bout 40-37.
“I was very wary about his head after the first head butt in the second round,” Sawyer said. “I didn’t want to lean in and I couldn’t get my shots off like I wanted to, not because I was tired, but because I didn’t want to get head butted again.”
Sawyer remains undefeated at 2-0, one KO. Wilson remains winless at 0-3.
The card opened with two Washington-area prospects making successful pro debuts. Welterweight Ali Shah of Centerville, VA scored a third-round TKO over Shane Gierke of Columbus, OH.
While Gierke never hit the canvas during the bout, Shah battered him throughout the contest, causing referee Chris Wollesen to deliver two eight-counts in the second round. In the third, Shah landed a left-right combination that caused Gierke to do enough of an unintentional dance to force Wollesen to stop the bout at 1:46 of the round. With the loss, Gierke falls to 1-8, one KO.
In the curtain-raising bout, Gaithersburg, MD heavyweight Calvin Riley made short work of Philadelphia’s Mike Needling, scoring a first-round TKO. Riley jumped on his opponent early landing numerous right hands. Needling withered under the assault and dropped to the canvas. Needling beat the count, but referee Rick Ellis deemed him unfit to continue and stopped the contest at 2:22 of the first. Needling’s record is 0-8.
Sugar Han Promotions, led by former boxer Han “Sugar” Kim, promoted the card and Kim served as matchmaker.
PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: This was maybe the quickest card I have ever covered. The card got underway a little after 8 pm, had a 20-minute intermission and was STILL over before 10!!
Every now and then, a promoter needs a card like this to build a following for the local fighters involved. Hopefully, though, this will not be a habit, but it is a good way to get people in the seats on a regular basis.
There was a good crowd on hand for this card, a sign of good things to come in Northern Virginia. The crowd was extremely vocal for the Virginia boxers, Sawyer, Hemfill and Ali Shah.
Zain Shah, Ali's brother, was scheduled to participate on this card, but his bout with Jason Champion was cancelled because Champion just recently fought and won in Pikesville, MD.
Interesting sponsor for this card, Angel's Bail Bonds, a local company. Ring announcer Terrence "TNT" Crawford was very creative in advertising the company.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Quick Recap From Springfield, VA!
I will have a full report on this card later today, but let me put up quick results from last night's card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.
Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo scores a first-round TKO over Ron Krull.
Andre "Da Heat" Hemfill registers first-round TKO over Alan Snyder.
"Money" Mike Sawyer wins four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson
Ali Shah wins pro debut with third-round TKO over Shane Gierke.
Calvin Riley wins pro debut with first-round TKO over Mike Needling.
Again, more on this card later today.
Emmanuel "Chukwu" Nwodo scores a first-round TKO over Ron Krull.
Andre "Da Heat" Hemfill registers first-round TKO over Alan Snyder.
"Money" Mike Sawyer wins four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson
Ali Shah wins pro debut with third-round TKO over Shane Gierke.
Calvin Riley wins pro debut with first-round TKO over Mike Needling.
Again, more on this card later today.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Sharmba Mitchell Ready For Wednesday Night!
Former two-time WBA Super Lightweight champion Sharmba Mitchell talks about his nationally televised bout Wednesday night in Cathedral City, CA.
Petersons Impressive in Victories!
DC's Peterson Brothers remained undefeated in impressive performances on national television in New Town, North Dakota. Lamont Peterson won a 10-round unanimous decision over Mario Jose Ramos to raise his record to 17-0, seven KO's. Ramos falls to 16-3-1, three KO's.
Younger brother Anthony scored a technical knockout when previously undefeated Jermaine White failed to answer the bell for the fourth round. Anthony Peterson is now 17-0, 14 KO's while White's record drops to 12-1, seven KO's.
Younger brother Anthony scored a technical knockout when previously undefeated Jermaine White failed to answer the bell for the fourth round. Anthony Peterson is now 17-0, 14 KO's while White's record drops to 12-1, seven KO's.
Friday, April 28, 2006
'Fightlady' Wanda Bruce Profiled on 'The Sweet Science!'
Just wanted to bring your attention to a very nice article that is on www.thesweetscience.com. The article profiles one of the real good people in this business (especially along the Beltway), the "Fightlady" Wanda Bruce.
Bruce started her career working with the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission before going on to a very successful career as a promoter and, currently the matchmaker for the "A Ring of their Own" all-female boxing series. Learn more about her by reading the article written by Amy Green. The link for the Sweet Science site is in the links section of the blog.
Bruce started her career working with the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission before going on to a very successful career as a promoter and, currently the matchmaker for the "A Ring of their Own" all-female boxing series. Learn more about her by reading the article written by Amy Green. The link for the Sweet Science site is in the links section of the blog.
Hunter Answers 'The DC Question'!
In part two of our interview with Barry Hunter, he answers the question that you all want to know: When will the Petersons fight again in DC?
Barry Hunter Says Petersons Are Ready!
In this interview direct from New Town, North Dakota, Barry Hunter, the trainer of Lamont and Anthony Peterson, says they are ready for their big step tomorrow night on national television.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Springfield Boxing Card Preview!
In this audio interview, I preview the April 29 boxing card at the ABC Sports Complex by talking to the card's promoter, Han "Sugar" Kim.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Ballroom Boxing Card Update!
There are some changes and additions to the Ballroom Boxing card on Thursday, May 4 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.
As of right now, Baltimore welterweight Maxell “The General” Taylor is no longer on the card. No word as to why he is not on the card.
There will be two Beltway Boxers on the card; one will be in the co-featured bout of the evening and, on paper, it looks like a good matchup. Undefeated welterweight Tim Coleman of Laurel, MD will face tough Sheldon Rudolph of Paterson, NJ in a six-round bout.
Coleman (4-0, one KO) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision victory over Marquis McConnell on April 7 in Philadelphia, PA. This bout will be Coleman’s first scheduled six-rounder.
The last time Rudolph (4-5, two KO’s) fought in this area, he put on a dominating performance in winning a six-round unanimous decision over Reggie Holly last November at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. Since that bout, however, Rudolph has lost his last two bouts; including a six-round unanimous decision to Kenny Abril on March 23 in Rochester, NY.
The other Beltway Boxer on the card will be undefeated lightweight Tyrell Samuel of Baltimore. Samuel has a record of 5-0, three KO’s; those three knockouts coming in his last three bouts. In his last outing, Samuel registered a fourth-round TKO over Raul Rivera on January 26 at Michael’s. If you heard my interview with Samuel's trainer, former world champion Vincent Pettway, you know he is high on this prospect. Samuel will participate in a four-round bout against Fred Fleming of Cincinnati who is 0-2. Fleming last fought in November of 2005 when he was stopped by James Franks in the fourth round at BXF in Millersville, MD.
The rest of the card is made up of solid out-of town prospects, some which have become familiar names to fans along the Beltway. The main event on this card should be interesting as undefeated welterweight Arturo Morales of Pittsburg, CA takes on rugged “Magnificent” Martinus Clay of Wilson, NC in a six-round bout.
Morales has a record of 15-0-1 with five KO’s but has not fought since February of 2005 when he scored a third round KO over Carlos Ochoa in Stockton, CA. The possible ring rust might make things difficult for Morales against Clay, who has fought seven times since June of 2005. In his last outing Clay (11-11-1, four KO’s) stopped Artur Atadzhanov in the fifth round on April 1 in Cleveland, OH. Clay may also have a “home ring” advantage for this will be the fifth time he has fought in the Ballroom. Unfortunately for Clay, he is still looking for his first victory in Glen Burnie, going 0-2-1, with one no contest in his previous four bouts.
Another undefeated welterweight, Derek Ennis of Philadelphia, is also slated for the card. Ennis recently raised his record to 10-0 with a fourth round TKO over Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall on April 21 in Mount Pleasant, SC. Ennis was the boxer in that tough battle against Maxell Taylor in March. Both men fought one of the great battles in Ballroom Boxing history. The bout ended in a six-round draw. The opponent for the May 4 battle is still undecided.
Undefeated junior welterweight Michael Torres of Jersey City, NJ is also scheduled for the card. Torres (6-0, three KO’s) will make his first in-ring appearance of 2006. The last time Torres fought was also along the Beltway as he scored a third-round TKO over John Rudolph at the Fight Night charity boxing show at the Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers in November of 2005. Torres will battle Paul Reyes (2-6, one KO) of Fort Wayne, IN in a bout scheduled for four rounds. Reyes is coming off a four-round unanimous decision loss to Ruben Galman on February 24 in Hammond, IN.
Ballroom Boxing representatives say two more bouts will be added to the card.
As of right now, Baltimore welterweight Maxell “The General” Taylor is no longer on the card. No word as to why he is not on the card.
There will be two Beltway Boxers on the card; one will be in the co-featured bout of the evening and, on paper, it looks like a good matchup. Undefeated welterweight Tim Coleman of Laurel, MD will face tough Sheldon Rudolph of Paterson, NJ in a six-round bout.
Coleman (4-0, one KO) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision victory over Marquis McConnell on April 7 in Philadelphia, PA. This bout will be Coleman’s first scheduled six-rounder.
The last time Rudolph (4-5, two KO’s) fought in this area, he put on a dominating performance in winning a six-round unanimous decision over Reggie Holly last November at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD. Since that bout, however, Rudolph has lost his last two bouts; including a six-round unanimous decision to Kenny Abril on March 23 in Rochester, NY.
The other Beltway Boxer on the card will be undefeated lightweight Tyrell Samuel of Baltimore. Samuel has a record of 5-0, three KO’s; those three knockouts coming in his last three bouts. In his last outing, Samuel registered a fourth-round TKO over Raul Rivera on January 26 at Michael’s. If you heard my interview with Samuel's trainer, former world champion Vincent Pettway, you know he is high on this prospect. Samuel will participate in a four-round bout against Fred Fleming of Cincinnati who is 0-2. Fleming last fought in November of 2005 when he was stopped by James Franks in the fourth round at BXF in Millersville, MD.
The rest of the card is made up of solid out-of town prospects, some which have become familiar names to fans along the Beltway. The main event on this card should be interesting as undefeated welterweight Arturo Morales of Pittsburg, CA takes on rugged “Magnificent” Martinus Clay of Wilson, NC in a six-round bout.
Morales has a record of 15-0-1 with five KO’s but has not fought since February of 2005 when he scored a third round KO over Carlos Ochoa in Stockton, CA. The possible ring rust might make things difficult for Morales against Clay, who has fought seven times since June of 2005. In his last outing Clay (11-11-1, four KO’s) stopped Artur Atadzhanov in the fifth round on April 1 in Cleveland, OH. Clay may also have a “home ring” advantage for this will be the fifth time he has fought in the Ballroom. Unfortunately for Clay, he is still looking for his first victory in Glen Burnie, going 0-2-1, with one no contest in his previous four bouts.
Another undefeated welterweight, Derek Ennis of Philadelphia, is also slated for the card. Ennis recently raised his record to 10-0 with a fourth round TKO over Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall on April 21 in Mount Pleasant, SC. Ennis was the boxer in that tough battle against Maxell Taylor in March. Both men fought one of the great battles in Ballroom Boxing history. The bout ended in a six-round draw. The opponent for the May 4 battle is still undecided.
Undefeated junior welterweight Michael Torres of Jersey City, NJ is also scheduled for the card. Torres (6-0, three KO’s) will make his first in-ring appearance of 2006. The last time Torres fought was also along the Beltway as he scored a third-round TKO over John Rudolph at the Fight Night charity boxing show at the Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers in November of 2005. Torres will battle Paul Reyes (2-6, one KO) of Fort Wayne, IN in a bout scheduled for four rounds. Reyes is coming off a four-round unanimous decision loss to Ruben Galman on February 24 in Hammond, IN.
Ballroom Boxing representatives say two more bouts will be added to the card.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Rahman Defends WBC Title in Vegas Aug. 12!
The Baltimore Sun's Lem Satterfield is reporting that a deal has been reached for WBC Heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman to defend his title against mandatory contender Oleg Maskaev on August 12 in Las Vegas, most likely at the Thomas and Mack Center.
The bout is a rematch of a November 1999 tussle in Atlantic City. Maskaev won the first bout by eighth-round knockout.
According to Satterfield, Rahman, as champion, is mandated to receive 70 percent of the purse to 30 percent for Maskaev. Arum and Maskaev's promoter, Dennis Rappaport, must successfully negotiate a deal by May 1, in accordance with WBC rules, or else a purse bid will be held, with the winner earning the right to promote the fight.
"We're very close," Arum told the Sun, referring to negotiations between him and Rappaport. "I expect that we will conclude it [this morning]. We're zeroing in on the numbers."
The bout will be shown on HBO PPV with The Wynn and Caesar's Hotels committing to buy a certain number of tickets for the bout.
Arum added that he attempted to reach a deal to have the bout at M&T Bank Stadium in Rahman's hometown of Baltimore on July 22. However, HBO had already scheduled a bout between WBC Welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir and number one contender Arturo Gatti on that night and any later date would run into the Baltimore Ravens' exhibition football season.
The bout is a rematch of a November 1999 tussle in Atlantic City. Maskaev won the first bout by eighth-round knockout.
According to Satterfield, Rahman, as champion, is mandated to receive 70 percent of the purse to 30 percent for Maskaev. Arum and Maskaev's promoter, Dennis Rappaport, must successfully negotiate a deal by May 1, in accordance with WBC rules, or else a purse bid will be held, with the winner earning the right to promote the fight.
"We're very close," Arum told the Sun, referring to negotiations between him and Rappaport. "I expect that we will conclude it [this morning]. We're zeroing in on the numbers."
The bout will be shown on HBO PPV with The Wynn and Caesar's Hotels committing to buy a certain number of tickets for the bout.
Arum added that he attempted to reach a deal to have the bout at M&T Bank Stadium in Rahman's hometown of Baltimore on July 22. However, HBO had already scheduled a bout between WBC Welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir and number one contender Arturo Gatti on that night and any later date would run into the Baltimore Ravens' exhibition football season.
Vincent Pettway Looks to the Future!
In part two of our interview with former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway, he talks about what he is doing today in training the future Beltway Boxing champions.
Vincent Pettway Celebrates 'Beltway Brawl' Anniversary!
In this interview, Beltway Boxing legend and former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway celebrates the anniversary of one of the defining moments of his career; the 11th anniversary of the "Beltway Brawl" at the USAir Arena, April 29, 1995. This was his electrifying knockout victory over another legend of the Beltway, the three-time world champion Simon Brown.
Monday, April 24, 2006
'Headbanger' Jones Loses in South Carolina!
Landover, MD veteran Carlos "The Headbanger" Jones lost a tough six-round unanimous decision against Toris Brewer this past Friday night in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.
According to a Fightnews.com report, Jones knocked Brewer down in the first round, but Brewer recovered to win the rest of the rounds. Jones is now 5-9 with three KO's. Brewer's record is 13-1 with six KO's.
By the way, the matchmaker for this card was none other than our very own Chris Middendorf, who is the matchmaker for Ballroom Boxing and Keystone Boxing. Middendorf put a number of out-of-towners on the card who have become familiar names around the Beltway. Undefeated Philadelphia junior middleweight Derek Ennis raised his record to 9-0, seven KO's with a fourth-round TKO over Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall of Rocky Mount, NC. Ennis is still scheduled to appear in the Ballroom on May 4.
The main event saw 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell win a six-round unanimous decision over "Magic" Mike Eatmon. Dirrell is now 6-0, four KO's.
In the opening bout, the rapidly-improving Muhsin Corbbrey is now 4-1, one KO as he scored his first career knockout over Shelton Barnes.
Again, I mentioned these guys only because over the last two years, these names have become familiar to fans along the Beltway. Hopefully, they will be challenging more of our Beltway Boxers.
According to a Fightnews.com report, Jones knocked Brewer down in the first round, but Brewer recovered to win the rest of the rounds. Jones is now 5-9 with three KO's. Brewer's record is 13-1 with six KO's.
By the way, the matchmaker for this card was none other than our very own Chris Middendorf, who is the matchmaker for Ballroom Boxing and Keystone Boxing. Middendorf put a number of out-of-towners on the card who have become familiar names around the Beltway. Undefeated Philadelphia junior middleweight Derek Ennis raised his record to 9-0, seven KO's with a fourth-round TKO over Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall of Rocky Mount, NC. Ennis is still scheduled to appear in the Ballroom on May 4.
The main event saw 2004 Olympic bronze medalist Andre Dirrell win a six-round unanimous decision over "Magic" Mike Eatmon. Dirrell is now 6-0, four KO's.
In the opening bout, the rapidly-improving Muhsin Corbbrey is now 4-1, one KO as he scored his first career knockout over Shelton Barnes.
Again, I mentioned these guys only because over the last two years, these names have become familiar to fans along the Beltway. Hopefully, they will be challenging more of our Beltway Boxers.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Keith Holmes -- Recording Star!!
Found a very interesting item today. A good friend of mine, Cha Ross-Estes, is very well connected to the entertainment scene along the Beltway and across the country. Her very entertaining website is www.cha-tv.com.
Recently, she put a very interesting interview on her site with former two-time WBC Middleweight champion Keith Holmes. Apparently, Holmes has put a lot of recent time away from the ring into a rap recording venture. Holmes has already completed an album called "Legacy", and according to the interview, he is working on a second album.
The interview also links to Holmes' record label, Sacoowreckords (www.sacoowreckords.com). If you go to that site, you can hear a little bit of the single from the album called "Party" and you can see the music video for that song on the site as well.
Holmes also told Cha-TV's Kisha Davis that he is not finished with boxing and he plans to come back in May or June as a light heavyweight.
Recently, she put a very interesting interview on her site with former two-time WBC Middleweight champion Keith Holmes. Apparently, Holmes has put a lot of recent time away from the ring into a rap recording venture. Holmes has already completed an album called "Legacy", and according to the interview, he is working on a second album.
The interview also links to Holmes' record label, Sacoowreckords (www.sacoowreckords.com). If you go to that site, you can hear a little bit of the single from the album called "Party" and you can see the music video for that song on the site as well.
Holmes also told Cha-TV's Kisha Davis that he is not finished with boxing and he plans to come back in May or June as a light heavyweight.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Postscript From Pikesville!
In this audio commentary, I add some thoughts to last night's card at the Pikesville Armory.
Jackson Stuns Mayes in Pikesville!
Suitland, MD super middleweight Jarell Mason Jackson scored a stunning second round technical knockout over previously unbeaten Henry “Hurricane” Mayes of Baltimore, MD at the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD.
Mayes opened the bout as the aggressor, throwing wicked body shots in the first round. Late in the round, however, Jackson started to catch Mayes in the face with straight right hands.
The two boxers exchanged advantages throughout the second round until the final 10 seconds when suddenly Jackson landed a wicked straight left hand that sent Mayes falling face forward toward the ropes and almost out of the ring. Referee Malik Waleed counted to five before waiving the bout off at 2:55 of the second.
Jackson came into Pikesville with a lot of confidence despite his overall won-loss record; which now stands at 6-4-1, two KO’s. Jackson said his record is very misleading.
“You have to almost disregard some of my previous fights,” Jackson said. “I took some fights on short notice that I shouldn’t have. Now, my training is much better and I’m ready to go.”
Mayes’ record now falls to 5-1, 1 no contest with four KO’s. The no contest bout was originally a knockout loss to Alton Rice in May of 2005 but the loss was changed to a no contest when Rice tested positive for a banned substance.
In the co-feature bout, undefeated Pasadena, MD middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow used an impressive body shot display to handily defeat Don “The Wildman” Shrock of Middleton, OH in a four-round bout.
For Nicklow, the body shots started from the opening bell. Shrock should great toughness in absorbing the blows, but was unable to keep up with the offense of Nicklow, who registered a shutout (40-36) on all three of the judge’s cards.
Nicklow raises his record to 4-0, one KO while Shrock falls to 2-5, one KO.
In a very entertaining light heavyweight four-rounder, Norfolk, VA’s Bobby Jordan, Jr. registered a unanimous decision over Baltimore’s Willie “For Real” Williams.
Jordan pressured Williams early, landing shots inside. To Williams’ credit, he took shots well and showed a lot of heart in delivering shots back. However, Jordan controlled the action and got his shots off first the majority of the time. Judges Don Risher and Bill Holmes scored the bout 39-37 while Judge Gary Camponeshi’s scorecard was the same as the unofficial Fightnews scorecard, registering a shutout for Jordan.
Jordan remains undefeated at 2-0-1, one KO while Williams evens his record with the loss at 1-1.
Other bouts on the card saw Capitol Heights, MD junior middleweight Jason Champion spoil the pro debut of Baltimore’s “Joltin” Julius Kennedy by winning a four-round unanimous decision.
Instead of coming out jolting, Kennedy, a native of Guyana, came out tentative and allowed Champion the opportunity to seize control of the bout early. Champion landed combinations out of the southpaw stance and never gave Kennedy a chance to really get going. Judges Malik Waleed and John Gradowski scored the bout 39-37, the same as Fightnews, while Judge Don Risher saw the contest as a shutout for Champion, 40-36.
Champion’s record is now 2-1, one KO.
In the curtain-raising contest, a long-time Baltimore area fan favorite created his personal brand of history. Junior middleweight “Diamond” Matt Hill of Reisterstown, MD won a four-round unanimous decision over Richard “The Pit” Heath of Jacksonville, NC.
After Heath started off in strong fashion, landing strong rights and lefts in the first two rounds, Hill began to turn things around as Heath began to tire in the third round. Hill became the aggressor landing straight left hands. Throughout the second half of the bout, Heath held Hill’s right arm while trying to punch with his free left hand. The repeated infraction forced referee John Gradowski to deduct a point. The deduction proved to be the difference in the contest and allowed Hill to win the contest. Judges Camponeshi and Holmes saw the bout 38-37 while Judge Waleed scored the bout 38-36.
With the win, Hill raised his record to 8-28-2, four KO’s. The win was significant for Hill because it marked the first time that he has won two bouts in a row. Throughout his career, Hill has tested many top prospects including Luis Collazo, Paul Williams, Jimmy Lange and Israel Cardona. In many cases, has proven to be a very durable and entertaining boxer.
With the loss, Heath falls to a record announced to the crowd as 4-7 with two KO’s. Boxrec.com has Heath’s record as 2-8, two KO’s.
Among the boxing dignitaries attending the show were three former world champions; Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, IBF Junior Middleweight titleholder Vincent “The Ambassador” Pettway and WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz.
Also attending the show were former USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont “Bay” Pearson and Baltimore-area prospects Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin, Tyrell Samuel, Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall, Mike “Little Rock” Ricasa and Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom. Also in attendance was legendary matchmaker and promoter Don Elbaum.
Mayes opened the bout as the aggressor, throwing wicked body shots in the first round. Late in the round, however, Jackson started to catch Mayes in the face with straight right hands.
The two boxers exchanged advantages throughout the second round until the final 10 seconds when suddenly Jackson landed a wicked straight left hand that sent Mayes falling face forward toward the ropes and almost out of the ring. Referee Malik Waleed counted to five before waiving the bout off at 2:55 of the second.
Jackson came into Pikesville with a lot of confidence despite his overall won-loss record; which now stands at 6-4-1, two KO’s. Jackson said his record is very misleading.
“You have to almost disregard some of my previous fights,” Jackson said. “I took some fights on short notice that I shouldn’t have. Now, my training is much better and I’m ready to go.”
Mayes’ record now falls to 5-1, 1 no contest with four KO’s. The no contest bout was originally a knockout loss to Alton Rice in May of 2005 but the loss was changed to a no contest when Rice tested positive for a banned substance.
In the co-feature bout, undefeated Pasadena, MD middleweight Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow used an impressive body shot display to handily defeat Don “The Wildman” Shrock of Middleton, OH in a four-round bout.
For Nicklow, the body shots started from the opening bell. Shrock should great toughness in absorbing the blows, but was unable to keep up with the offense of Nicklow, who registered a shutout (40-36) on all three of the judge’s cards.
Nicklow raises his record to 4-0, one KO while Shrock falls to 2-5, one KO.
In a very entertaining light heavyweight four-rounder, Norfolk, VA’s Bobby Jordan, Jr. registered a unanimous decision over Baltimore’s Willie “For Real” Williams.
Jordan pressured Williams early, landing shots inside. To Williams’ credit, he took shots well and showed a lot of heart in delivering shots back. However, Jordan controlled the action and got his shots off first the majority of the time. Judges Don Risher and Bill Holmes scored the bout 39-37 while Judge Gary Camponeshi’s scorecard was the same as the unofficial Fightnews scorecard, registering a shutout for Jordan.
Jordan remains undefeated at 2-0-1, one KO while Williams evens his record with the loss at 1-1.
Other bouts on the card saw Capitol Heights, MD junior middleweight Jason Champion spoil the pro debut of Baltimore’s “Joltin” Julius Kennedy by winning a four-round unanimous decision.
Instead of coming out jolting, Kennedy, a native of Guyana, came out tentative and allowed Champion the opportunity to seize control of the bout early. Champion landed combinations out of the southpaw stance and never gave Kennedy a chance to really get going. Judges Malik Waleed and John Gradowski scored the bout 39-37, the same as Fightnews, while Judge Don Risher saw the contest as a shutout for Champion, 40-36.
Champion’s record is now 2-1, one KO.
In the curtain-raising contest, a long-time Baltimore area fan favorite created his personal brand of history. Junior middleweight “Diamond” Matt Hill of Reisterstown, MD won a four-round unanimous decision over Richard “The Pit” Heath of Jacksonville, NC.
After Heath started off in strong fashion, landing strong rights and lefts in the first two rounds, Hill began to turn things around as Heath began to tire in the third round. Hill became the aggressor landing straight left hands. Throughout the second half of the bout, Heath held Hill’s right arm while trying to punch with his free left hand. The repeated infraction forced referee John Gradowski to deduct a point. The deduction proved to be the difference in the contest and allowed Hill to win the contest. Judges Camponeshi and Holmes saw the bout 38-37 while Judge Waleed scored the bout 38-36.
With the win, Hill raised his record to 8-28-2, four KO’s. The win was significant for Hill because it marked the first time that he has won two bouts in a row. Throughout his career, Hill has tested many top prospects including Luis Collazo, Paul Williams, Jimmy Lange and Israel Cardona. In many cases, has proven to be a very durable and entertaining boxer.
With the loss, Heath falls to a record announced to the crowd as 4-7 with two KO’s. Boxrec.com has Heath’s record as 2-8, two KO’s.
Among the boxing dignitaries attending the show were three former world champions; Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion Riddick “Big Daddy” Bowe, IBF Junior Middleweight titleholder Vincent “The Ambassador” Pettway and WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz.
Also attending the show were former USBA Super Featherweight champ Lamont “Bay” Pearson and Baltimore-area prospects Ishmail “The Arsenal” Arvin, Tyrell Samuel, Mike “The Persecutor” Paschall, Mike “Little Rock” Ricasa and Adam “Boom Boom” Bloom. Also in attendance was legendary matchmaker and promoter Don Elbaum.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Weights for Pikesville April 21!
Here are the weights for tomorrow night's card at the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD (Beltway Boxers in Bold).
Henry Mayes 166 1/4 vs. Jarell Mason Jackson 168 3/4
Jessie Nicklow 156 1/2 vs. Don Shrock 160
Willie Williams 172 1/2 vs. Bobby Jordan 171 3/4
Julius Kennedy 151 vs. Jason Champion 151 1/2
Matt Hill 149 3/4 vs. Richard Heath 148 1/4
Henry Mayes 166 1/4 vs. Jarell Mason Jackson 168 3/4
Jessie Nicklow 156 1/2 vs. Don Shrock 160
Willie Williams 172 1/2 vs. Bobby Jordan 171 3/4
Julius Kennedy 151 vs. Jason Champion 151 1/2
Matt Hill 149 3/4 vs. Richard Heath 148 1/4
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Peterson Brothers Step 'Through The Ropes' Tonight!
Undefeated DC prospects Anthony and Lamont Peterson are scheduled to appear tonight on the nationwide boxing radio show "Through the Ropes" hosted by my Fightnews.com colleague Marc Lichtenfeld. The show is heard every Thursday night at 9 pm ET over the Sports Byline Network.
Of course, the Peterson Brothers will be talking about their April 28 ShoBox card in North Dakota. I am also scheduled to appear on the show during the 9 pm half hour.
To hear the show, go to Fightnews.com and find the Through the Ropes article.
Of course, the Peterson Brothers will be talking about their April 28 ShoBox card in North Dakota. I am also scheduled to appear on the show during the 9 pm half hour.
To hear the show, go to Fightnews.com and find the Through the Ropes article.
'Hurricane' Mayes Blows into Pikesville on April 21!
Baltimore, MD super middleweight prospect Henry “Hurricane” Mayes headlines a five-bout card on Friday, April 21 at the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD.
After suffering a surprising first-round knockout at the hands of Alton Rice in May of 2005, Mayes (5-1, four KO’s) has bounced back nicely, winning his last two outings by knockout. In his last bout, Mayes scored a first round knockout over Nick “Flash” Collins on March 24 in Pikesville.
Mayes’ opponent for this scheduled six-round encounter will be Jarell Jackson of Temple Hills, MD. Jackson (5-4-1, one KO) is unbeaten in his last two bouts (2-0-1, one KO). The knockout came in his last bout on Feb. 18 in Fairfax, VA as Jackson stopped Carlos Jones in the sixth round.
The co-feature will match middleweight newcomer Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow of Severn, MD against Don Shrock of Middleton, OH. The undefeated Nicklow (3-0, one KO) won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Larry Brothers on March 24 in Pikesville. Shrock (2-4, one KO) is coming off a third-round knockout loss to Masedonio Molina on March 18 in Toledo, OH. The Nicklow-Shrock bout is scheduled for either four or six rounds.
Veteran junior middleweight “Diamond” Matt Hill of Reisterstown, MD will also appear on the card. Hill (7-28-2, four KO’s) pulled off a minor upset win in his last outing when he captured a four-round unanimous decision over Marquis McConnell on the March 24 Pikesville show. Hill will try to win two straight bouts for the first time in his career when he faces Richard Heath of North Carolina in a four-round contest. Heath (2-7, two KO’s) has lost his last three bouts including a six-round unanimous decision to Jay Krupp on March 30 in Charleston, SC.
Also on the card, Baltimore light heavyweight newcomer Willie “For Real” Williams (1-0, one KO) will take on Bobby Jordan of Norfolk, VA (1-0-1, one KO) and Baltimore amateur standout Julius Kennedy will make his pro debut against Jason Champion of Capitol Heights, MD (1-1, one KO). There will also be four amateur bouts on this card.
The promoter is Baltimore Pro Boxing, headed by Jake Smith. The matchmaker is Josh Hall.
After suffering a surprising first-round knockout at the hands of Alton Rice in May of 2005, Mayes (5-1, four KO’s) has bounced back nicely, winning his last two outings by knockout. In his last bout, Mayes scored a first round knockout over Nick “Flash” Collins on March 24 in Pikesville.
Mayes’ opponent for this scheduled six-round encounter will be Jarell Jackson of Temple Hills, MD. Jackson (5-4-1, one KO) is unbeaten in his last two bouts (2-0-1, one KO). The knockout came in his last bout on Feb. 18 in Fairfax, VA as Jackson stopped Carlos Jones in the sixth round.
The co-feature will match middleweight newcomer Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow of Severn, MD against Don Shrock of Middleton, OH. The undefeated Nicklow (3-0, one KO) won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Larry Brothers on March 24 in Pikesville. Shrock (2-4, one KO) is coming off a third-round knockout loss to Masedonio Molina on March 18 in Toledo, OH. The Nicklow-Shrock bout is scheduled for either four or six rounds.
Veteran junior middleweight “Diamond” Matt Hill of Reisterstown, MD will also appear on the card. Hill (7-28-2, four KO’s) pulled off a minor upset win in his last outing when he captured a four-round unanimous decision over Marquis McConnell on the March 24 Pikesville show. Hill will try to win two straight bouts for the first time in his career when he faces Richard Heath of North Carolina in a four-round contest. Heath (2-7, two KO’s) has lost his last three bouts including a six-round unanimous decision to Jay Krupp on March 30 in Charleston, SC.
Also on the card, Baltimore light heavyweight newcomer Willie “For Real” Williams (1-0, one KO) will take on Bobby Jordan of Norfolk, VA (1-0-1, one KO) and Baltimore amateur standout Julius Kennedy will make his pro debut against Jason Champion of Capitol Heights, MD (1-1, one KO). There will also be four amateur bouts on this card.
The promoter is Baltimore Pro Boxing, headed by Jake Smith. The matchmaker is Josh Hall.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Saleta Added to Springfield Card!
Promoter Han "Sugar" Kim just informed me that Polish heavyweight Prezemyslaw Saleta will be in the co-featured bout on Saturday, April 29 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.
The 38-year-old Saleta (43-7, 21 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Ed Perry on February 17 in Reading, PA. The native of Krakow, Poland has had a tough time when he has stepped up in competition over his career, losing by knockout to undefeated Sinan Samil Sam and former WBC champion Oliver McCall. Saleta has split two bouts with newly-crowned WBO champ Luan Krasniqi, winning the first bout in 2002 by ninth-round TKO and losing the second by first-round TKO in 2003.
As of late, Saleta is better well known for having a very attractive ladyfriend.
No word yet on who Saleta's opponent will be for this bout.
The 38-year-old Saleta (43-7, 21 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Ed Perry on February 17 in Reading, PA. The native of Krakow, Poland has had a tough time when he has stepped up in competition over his career, losing by knockout to undefeated Sinan Samil Sam and former WBC champion Oliver McCall. Saleta has split two bouts with newly-crowned WBO champ Luan Krasniqi, winning the first bout in 2002 by ninth-round TKO and losing the second by first-round TKO in 2003.
As of late, Saleta is better well known for having a very attractive ladyfriend.
No word yet on who Saleta's opponent will be for this bout.
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