For the second straight year, there will be NO Beltway Boxers participating on the annual Fight Night charity boxing card this Thursday, November 2 at the Washington Hilton and Towers.
The closest they came to putting a Beltway Boxer on the show was to have a former conventional boxer participate in a kickboxing bout. That would be heavyweight Imani Lee who fought out of Alexandria, VA and was 8-3 with five KO's as a conventional boxer.
The card also has two guys who visited the Beltway in recent months. The main event features junior middleweight Billy Lyell of Youngstown, OH. You may remember that Lyell gave Tony Cygan his first pro loss back in January at the Pikesville Armory.
Also, undefeated heavyweight Devin Vargas of Toledo, OH will be on the card. The captain of the 2004 US Olympic team last fought in the area in December of 2005 when he knocked out Albert Newberry at Martin's West.
I know that the majority of people who attend Fight Night don't really care who's in the ring, but I am OUTRAGED that a boxing event that takes place in the Nation's Capital can't have at least one Beltway Boxer. I think it is just unfair that they have this big event in front of all these political and financial movers and shakers and the boxing community in this area can't reap the benefits of being seen by these important people. IT'S JUST RIDICULOUS!!
The ONLY reason why I am attending this card is because I gave my word to Fightnews.com to cover it. But if you are looking for results here on this blog afterwards, you will not find any.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Lange Opponent Official for December 9!
The main event is now set for the December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Center. Great Falls, VA's Jimmy Lange will battle Fontaine Cabell of Alamonte Springs, FL in a 10-round junior middleweight encounter.
Cabell (22-6-1, 17 KO's) has fought sporadically over the last three-and-a-half years and will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak in which he has been stopped by technical knockout in all three bouts, including his last outing, an eight-round technical knockout against Maximino Cuevas on April 19 in Palm Beach, FL.
This bout will be Cabell's second trip to this area. He lost by first-round TKO to "Contender: Season One" participant Ahmed Kaddour on the Laila Ali card on July 17, 2004 at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.
Lange (27-3-1, 19 KO's) is coming off his 10th round TKO over Thomas Wilt on the last Patriot Center card on October 7.
Cabell (22-6-1, 17 KO's) has fought sporadically over the last three-and-a-half years and will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak in which he has been stopped by technical knockout in all three bouts, including his last outing, an eight-round technical knockout against Maximino Cuevas on April 19 in Palm Beach, FL.
This bout will be Cabell's second trip to this area. He lost by first-round TKO to "Contender: Season One" participant Ahmed Kaddour on the Laila Ali card on July 17, 2004 at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.
Lange (27-3-1, 19 KO's) is coming off his 10th round TKO over Thomas Wilt on the last Patriot Center card on October 7.
Auerbach, Duva and the Beltway!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #13 - Auerbach, Duva and the Beltway!
How do you connect a legendary basketball icon, a boxing legend and the National Capitol area? Listen here!
How do you connect a legendary basketball icon, a boxing legend and the National Capitol area? Listen here!
My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts -- Part 1!
With all the activity around the Beltway in recent months, I haven't had an opportunity to go back into recent Beltway Boxing history. But I wanted to list my top 10 favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts. These are bouts that I personally witnessed over my almost 19-year career.
I don't claim that these are the greatest bouts of all-time, nor are they the most important bouts in our history. I list them because these bouts -- for many different reasons -- mean a lot to me.
To be honest, if you go to the August 2005 archive, you can read the one I listed as number one. However, I thought I would give the rest of my list. Of course, I welcome your thoughts.
Part one covers bouts 10, 9 and 8.
10. Reggie “Showtime” Green vs. Lyndon Paul Walker I, September 25, 1993, Novak Field House, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD.
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: This bout holds special significance because it was one of the first “title” bouts I ever called. This was for the “Metro DC Junior Welterweight” title and it was a great bout featuring contrasting styles; Green was the slick boxer who could bang facing a straight ahead banger in Walker. It took Green quite a while to figure how to get Walker off him but Green managed to win a close unanimous decision.
The two would meet five months later at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD for the Maryland State title. Green had a much easier time in that bout, knocking down Walker en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: Green went on to have a good career, winning two NABF, one USBA and one IBC title and earning two world title opportunities. Green lost to Sharmba Mitchell by majority decision for the WBA title on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC in April of 1999 and lost by 10th round TKO to Zab Judah for the IBF title in Uncasville, CT in January of 2001.
Walker never got his career on track after the two losses to Green. Walker lost bouts to great opposition including Sharmba Mitchell, Charles Murray (who also beat Green) and Ivan Robinson. His career ended in 1997 with an eight-round draw against Chuck “Pit Bull” Sturm in Baltimore.
9. Antonio “Starchild” Reese vs. “Dangerous D” Darryl Lattimore, May 20, 1994, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the two controversial bouts on this list, the matchup was a classic between a rising star and a fading, yet still dangerous veteran.
This was a much anticipated crossroads bout. Reese was undefeated going into the contest (11-0, eight KO’s) and his unique and flashy antics clashed with the no-nonsense style of Lattimore whose career got off to a great start but was in the midst of a four-bout losing streak that included tough losses to Derrell “Too Sweet” Coley and Larry Barnes.
Lattimore was on his “A” game throughout this contest, pressuring Reese and seemingly beating him to the punch in most exchanges. Reese’s undefeated string looked to be coming to an end. However, the judges didn’t see it that way and awarded Reese the majority decision. The fans booed the decision vehemently. Reese did not spend time in the ring celebrating the victory as he was quickly ushered to the locker room. I called that bout for the Boxing Spotlight series and had to literally run back to the locker room to get the interview with Reese.
AFTERMATH: Neither boxer’s career flourished after this contest. Both men won bouts on “The Beltway Brawl” card at the USAir Arena in April of 1995, but it was pretty much downhill from there.
Reese lost a 10-round decision to Curtis “Dynamite” Peoples for the Metro Welterweight title in November of 1995 than lost two of his next five bouts. Reese returned to boxing after a five-year hiatus in December of 2004 losing an eight-round decision to Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall at the New DC Convention Center.
After the loss to Reese, Lattimore was stopped in the third round by future world champion Keith Holmes. Lattimore would win just three more times in his career. One of those victories was a 10-round decision over Robert “Boo Boo” Sawyer in November of 1995 at the Washington Convention Center. After losing to notable boxers like Adrian Stone, Mark Breland, and Mamadou Thiam, Lattimore would call it a career after being stopped in the fourth round by Emil Baku on December 1, 1999 at Martin’s West.
8. Darryll Tyson vs. Anthony Suggs, October 11, 1995, Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: A tremendous matchup of two solid punchers. The bout was for the IBC Junior Welterweight championship.
This bout will probably go down as one of the greatest bouts in the history of the “Fight Night” charity boxing series. Normally, the power brokers and movers and shakers who attend this event are not too interested in the actual boxing bouts that take place. They are there to see the legends of boxing that attend this event. This particular year (my first time attending this event), there were some big legends there including Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore and “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali.
However, Tyson and Suggs made everyone in the building stop talking to each other and focus on the ring as these guys gave and took for 10 rounds before the veteran Tyson finally stopped the determined Suggs. Add to this the fact that both men gave it their all while fighting under a clearly visible and heavy cloud of cigar smoke, and you had a classic encounter. One of the clear moments I remember from that bout was Tyson collapsing in his corner from all the smoke.
AFTERMATH: Tyson was at the tail end of a career that saw him win two USBA titles, one NABF crown and a WBC Continental Americas title, but Tyson came up short in two chances for world titles against Jimmy Paul (a 15-round encounter) and Miguel Angel Gonzalez. After the Suggs win and another victory against David Taylor in November of 1995, Tyson lost four straight between 1996 and 1998, falling to Oscar De La Hoya, Shea Neary, Diosbelys Hurtado and Zab Judah (on Fight Night 1998). In 2000, Tyson surprised many by returning to the ring after a two-year layoff and winning an eight-round split decision over Emmanuel Clottey at DC Tunnel. Tyson won three straight before losing his last two, including his final bout, a 10-round unanimous decision to former WBO champ DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley On December 12, 2004 at the new Convention Center.
Suggs had one more minor title opportunity, losing by 12th round TKO to Reggie “Showtime” Green at Fight Night 1996 for the IBC Intercontinental Junior Welterweight crown. After that loss, Suggs had an undistinguished career that ended on February 7, 2001 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Kenny Baysmore at the Lincoln Theater.
I don't claim that these are the greatest bouts of all-time, nor are they the most important bouts in our history. I list them because these bouts -- for many different reasons -- mean a lot to me.
To be honest, if you go to the August 2005 archive, you can read the one I listed as number one. However, I thought I would give the rest of my list. Of course, I welcome your thoughts.
Part one covers bouts 10, 9 and 8.
10. Reggie “Showtime” Green vs. Lyndon Paul Walker I, September 25, 1993, Novak Field House, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD.
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: This bout holds special significance because it was one of the first “title” bouts I ever called. This was for the “Metro DC Junior Welterweight” title and it was a great bout featuring contrasting styles; Green was the slick boxer who could bang facing a straight ahead banger in Walker. It took Green quite a while to figure how to get Walker off him but Green managed to win a close unanimous decision.
The two would meet five months later at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD for the Maryland State title. Green had a much easier time in that bout, knocking down Walker en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: Green went on to have a good career, winning two NABF, one USBA and one IBC title and earning two world title opportunities. Green lost to Sharmba Mitchell by majority decision for the WBA title on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC in April of 1999 and lost by 10th round TKO to Zab Judah for the IBF title in Uncasville, CT in January of 2001.
Walker never got his career on track after the two losses to Green. Walker lost bouts to great opposition including Sharmba Mitchell, Charles Murray (who also beat Green) and Ivan Robinson. His career ended in 1997 with an eight-round draw against Chuck “Pit Bull” Sturm in Baltimore.
9. Antonio “Starchild” Reese vs. “Dangerous D” Darryl Lattimore, May 20, 1994, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the two controversial bouts on this list, the matchup was a classic between a rising star and a fading, yet still dangerous veteran.
This was a much anticipated crossroads bout. Reese was undefeated going into the contest (11-0, eight KO’s) and his unique and flashy antics clashed with the no-nonsense style of Lattimore whose career got off to a great start but was in the midst of a four-bout losing streak that included tough losses to Derrell “Too Sweet” Coley and Larry Barnes.
Lattimore was on his “A” game throughout this contest, pressuring Reese and seemingly beating him to the punch in most exchanges. Reese’s undefeated string looked to be coming to an end. However, the judges didn’t see it that way and awarded Reese the majority decision. The fans booed the decision vehemently. Reese did not spend time in the ring celebrating the victory as he was quickly ushered to the locker room. I called that bout for the Boxing Spotlight series and had to literally run back to the locker room to get the interview with Reese.
AFTERMATH: Neither boxer’s career flourished after this contest. Both men won bouts on “The Beltway Brawl” card at the USAir Arena in April of 1995, but it was pretty much downhill from there.
Reese lost a 10-round decision to Curtis “Dynamite” Peoples for the Metro Welterweight title in November of 1995 than lost two of his next five bouts. Reese returned to boxing after a five-year hiatus in December of 2004 losing an eight-round decision to Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall at the New DC Convention Center.
After the loss to Reese, Lattimore was stopped in the third round by future world champion Keith Holmes. Lattimore would win just three more times in his career. One of those victories was a 10-round decision over Robert “Boo Boo” Sawyer in November of 1995 at the Washington Convention Center. After losing to notable boxers like Adrian Stone, Mark Breland, and Mamadou Thiam, Lattimore would call it a career after being stopped in the fourth round by Emil Baku on December 1, 1999 at Martin’s West.
8. Darryll Tyson vs. Anthony Suggs, October 11, 1995, Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: A tremendous matchup of two solid punchers. The bout was for the IBC Junior Welterweight championship.
This bout will probably go down as one of the greatest bouts in the history of the “Fight Night” charity boxing series. Normally, the power brokers and movers and shakers who attend this event are not too interested in the actual boxing bouts that take place. They are there to see the legends of boxing that attend this event. This particular year (my first time attending this event), there were some big legends there including Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore and “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali.
However, Tyson and Suggs made everyone in the building stop talking to each other and focus on the ring as these guys gave and took for 10 rounds before the veteran Tyson finally stopped the determined Suggs. Add to this the fact that both men gave it their all while fighting under a clearly visible and heavy cloud of cigar smoke, and you had a classic encounter. One of the clear moments I remember from that bout was Tyson collapsing in his corner from all the smoke.
AFTERMATH: Tyson was at the tail end of a career that saw him win two USBA titles, one NABF crown and a WBC Continental Americas title, but Tyson came up short in two chances for world titles against Jimmy Paul (a 15-round encounter) and Miguel Angel Gonzalez. After the Suggs win and another victory against David Taylor in November of 1995, Tyson lost four straight between 1996 and 1998, falling to Oscar De La Hoya, Shea Neary, Diosbelys Hurtado and Zab Judah (on Fight Night 1998). In 2000, Tyson surprised many by returning to the ring after a two-year layoff and winning an eight-round split decision over Emmanuel Clottey at DC Tunnel. Tyson won three straight before losing his last two, including his final bout, a 10-round unanimous decision to former WBO champ DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley On December 12, 2004 at the new Convention Center.
Suggs had one more minor title opportunity, losing by 12th round TKO to Reggie “Showtime” Green at Fight Night 1996 for the IBC Intercontinental Junior Welterweight crown. After that loss, Suggs had an undistinguished career that ended on February 7, 2001 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Kenny Baysmore at the Lincoln Theater.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
'Da Heat' Hemphill Wins in Connecticut!
Woodbridge, VA light heavyweight Edward "Da Heat" Hemphill scored a third-round TKO over previously undefeated Joe McCreedy last night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.
Published reports say that the bout was a competitive fight that was dominated early by McCreedy. However, Hemphill rallied in the third round by knocking McCreedy down twice. McCreedy appeared to suffer a broken jaw in the bout. The bout was stopped at 2:47 of the round.
The win was Hemphill's second straight. In fact, Hemphill's wins have come in a two-week period. He defeated Simon Carr by four-round unanimous decision in Philadelphia on October 14.
Hemphill has had an up-and-down career but since his September 14 six-round unanimous decision loss to Willie "For Real" Williams at Martin's West, Hemphill has gone unbeaten in his last three bouts, all against previously undefeated competition. Hemphill's record is now 6-5-1, three KO's.
Published reports say that the bout was a competitive fight that was dominated early by McCreedy. However, Hemphill rallied in the third round by knocking McCreedy down twice. McCreedy appeared to suffer a broken jaw in the bout. The bout was stopped at 2:47 of the round.
The win was Hemphill's second straight. In fact, Hemphill's wins have come in a two-week period. He defeated Simon Carr by four-round unanimous decision in Philadelphia on October 14.
Hemphill has had an up-and-down career but since his September 14 six-round unanimous decision loss to Willie "For Real" Williams at Martin's West, Hemphill has gone unbeaten in his last three bouts, all against previously undefeated competition. Hemphill's record is now 6-5-1, three KO's.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Trevor Berbick -- RIP!
My condolences to the family of former WBC Heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick, who was murdered in in his native Jamaica last night.
According to various wire service reports, the 52-year-old Berbick was killed in a church courtyard after attending a party by an assailant wielding a hatchet or machete and died from a wound to the head. The incident occured in Norwich village, 146 miles east of Kingston.
Berbick had a career record of 50-11-1 with 33 knockouts. He defeated the great Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight and later won the WBC heavyweight title against Pinklon Thomas before being dethroned by a 20-year-old Mike Tyson.
Berbick fought two Beltway Boxers during his career. He surprised many by winning a 10-round split decision over DC's Melvin "Top Gun" Foster on September 13, 1994 in Westbury, NY. This bout was eight years after Berbick dropped the WBC title to Tyson and Foster was undefeated at the time of the bout.
Two years later -- October 15, 1996 -- Berbick lost a 10-round unanimous decision to future world champion Hasim Rahman at Caesars in Atlantic City.
According to various wire service reports, the 52-year-old Berbick was killed in a church courtyard after attending a party by an assailant wielding a hatchet or machete and died from a wound to the head. The incident occured in Norwich village, 146 miles east of Kingston.
Berbick had a career record of 50-11-1 with 33 knockouts. He defeated the great Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight and later won the WBC heavyweight title against Pinklon Thomas before being dethroned by a 20-year-old Mike Tyson.
Berbick fought two Beltway Boxers during his career. He surprised many by winning a 10-round split decision over DC's Melvin "Top Gun" Foster on September 13, 1994 in Westbury, NY. This bout was eight years after Berbick dropped the WBC title to Tyson and Foster was undefeated at the time of the bout.
Two years later -- October 15, 1996 -- Berbick lost a 10-round unanimous decision to future world champion Hasim Rahman at Caesars in Atlantic City.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Interesting Q&A with Hasim Rahman..Jr!!
Found this very interesting article on FightBeat.com. Contributor Jake Faunce has a real good question and answer session with 15-year old Hasim Rahman, Jr. who has been training at the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit. I thought it was fascinating and I wanted to share it with you.
In boxing, it’s rare that the accomplishments of the son exceed the accomplishments of the father. The newer generation has the name, but usually lack the skills to back it up. Although it might be too early to pass judgment on Chavez Jr., Paez Jr., Hearns Jr., and others—the only fighter that looks like a sure bet to challenge his father’s mantle is Hasim Rahman Jr.
Hasim Rahman Sr. got a relatively late start in boxing at age of 20. With the news of a baby on the way, Hasim was inspired to find a way to bring his child up right, but he needed some serious cash. He walked into a boxing gym one day and started sparring. Rahman had no amateur background, but was gifted with some natural boxing skills. The trainers where impressed by his powerful right hand. Seven years later, that right hand won him the heavyweight championship of the world when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa.
Today, Rahman has been helping prepare his son for the great things that await him in boxing. Rahman Jr. spars with his dad every other day, and Sr. ain’t goin’ light on his kid. In a recent sparring session, Rahman was toying with junior, playing mind games—teaching him the type of tactics his opponents will undoubtedly use to get him out of his game. “Boxing is 90% mental, 10% physical,” you often hear said by boxing men. Recently, when Junior lost focus for a moment, Senior Rock opened up and deposited him on the canvas for a ten-count. A hard lesson, but Rahman Sr. is a hard man.
Physically, Rahman Jr. looks and moves more like a basketball player than does his father. He’s 6’1” and weighs a little over 200lbs. Doctors project Jr. will be 6’4” and weigh around 235lbs. He’s all muscles, yet is catlike agile. Father and son standing together looks like a tank parked next to a Toyota 4-Runner.
FightBeat’s Jake Faunce had an opportunity to chat with Rahman Jr., who recently went off to the Poconos to train with Wladimir Klitschko. Here is what he had to say:
JAKE FAUNCE: What you been up to lately Hasim?
RAHMAN JR: Stayin’ in shape getting ready for the amateur heavyweight tournaments, bring boxing back where it used to be.
JF: I hear you've been training with Emmanuel Steward, did you go to Detroit to train and how did it go?
RJR: In the club with Manny for a month and a half, living with him and Andy Lee. Learned a lot about boxing and after training with him I now know he's the greatest trainer of all time.
JF: Jumping right into Kronk was kind of a baptism by fire for you. It had to have been a huge learning experience?
RJR: Definitely. A big change. I had to dig down deep to keep up. It’s not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Can't be messin’ around, gotta be ready for it.
JF: How do you feel that possibly the greatest current trainer in boxing saw enough talent in you to bring you into his prestigious stable of fighters?
RJR: It’s an honor. For him to see somethin’ in me, to bring me on and stay in his house—just to get this far is an honor. But this is nothing, it’s just the beginning.
JF: You got your first big time sparring session in when you joined the Kronk team. You sparred world rated cruiserweight Jonathan Banks. How did that sparring session go?
RJR: Me and JB went 3 rounds in the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. No one was there but Andy Lee, Manny and Kermit Cintron. He didn't beat me up. A lot of fighters will go in there and beat you up, but JB was teaching me. He is the assistant trainer for the fighters, so it was a great experience.
JF: After your dad’s fight with Oleg Maskaev it was reported that you went back into Oleg’s dressing room and talked to him. What happened there?
RJR: After the fight, before they announced the winner, I was really mad. In a rage. I tried to go after Oleg, but Travis Kauffman, the heavyweight prospect, held me back. But I thought about it. This happens in boxing; its part of the game. I went back and my dad was fine. Then I went back into Oleg’s dressing room and I said to him, ‘You’re a great champion.’ But I said to him, ‘Hasim Rahman will be heavyweight champion one day, whether it be me or my father.’
JF: It must have been really hard to go back in the dressing room of the man who just defeated your father?
RJR: It took a lot to go in that dressing room and go in there and say that to him. And I know anything that happens in the ring is the will of Allah. And I know that my dad, by the end of 2007, will be the heavyweight champion of the world.
JF: If you were to compare your style to another fighter’s, who would it be?
RJR: Lennox Lewis, Wlad Klitschko, Andy Lee. Manny teaches all the same things to form a base. I’m in my base-stage right now, still haven’t broke out into what I’m gonna be yet. We already know I'm strong and have speed. My dad didn't start till he was 20 and became heavyweight champion of the world. I started at 14 and I have the best trainer in boxing, so how they gonna stop me!?
JF: You have the most hype around a 15-year-old fighter I’ve ever seen. Doug Fischer of MaxBoxing.com went as far as saying you could be the next dominant American amateur heavyweight. Recently, Emmanuel Steward praised you on a HBO telecast. The hype machine has started, what do you want it to say to people that hasn’t already been said?
RJR: He's gonna save the division. That he's gonna be the biggest name in boxing, not just I the heavyweight division, but the sport. That he has what it takes to take boxing as a sport to the next level.
JF: Is there anything you'd like to say to the boxing world Hasim?
RJR: I'd Like to say, look out for Kronk Boxing Team. We have a lot of talent. Fighters like Andy Lee, J'leon Love, Isaiah Thomas, Erik Be’ Leon, Latonya King. Look out for us…to not take shortcuts and to be ready. Put your seat belts on cuz we're comin. On behalf of Kronk Boxing, I'd like to thank Emmanuel Steward.
In boxing, it’s rare that the accomplishments of the son exceed the accomplishments of the father. The newer generation has the name, but usually lack the skills to back it up. Although it might be too early to pass judgment on Chavez Jr., Paez Jr., Hearns Jr., and others—the only fighter that looks like a sure bet to challenge his father’s mantle is Hasim Rahman Jr.
Hasim Rahman Sr. got a relatively late start in boxing at age of 20. With the news of a baby on the way, Hasim was inspired to find a way to bring his child up right, but he needed some serious cash. He walked into a boxing gym one day and started sparring. Rahman had no amateur background, but was gifted with some natural boxing skills. The trainers where impressed by his powerful right hand. Seven years later, that right hand won him the heavyweight championship of the world when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa.
Today, Rahman has been helping prepare his son for the great things that await him in boxing. Rahman Jr. spars with his dad every other day, and Sr. ain’t goin’ light on his kid. In a recent sparring session, Rahman was toying with junior, playing mind games—teaching him the type of tactics his opponents will undoubtedly use to get him out of his game. “Boxing is 90% mental, 10% physical,” you often hear said by boxing men. Recently, when Junior lost focus for a moment, Senior Rock opened up and deposited him on the canvas for a ten-count. A hard lesson, but Rahman Sr. is a hard man.
Physically, Rahman Jr. looks and moves more like a basketball player than does his father. He’s 6’1” and weighs a little over 200lbs. Doctors project Jr. will be 6’4” and weigh around 235lbs. He’s all muscles, yet is catlike agile. Father and son standing together looks like a tank parked next to a Toyota 4-Runner.
FightBeat’s Jake Faunce had an opportunity to chat with Rahman Jr., who recently went off to the Poconos to train with Wladimir Klitschko. Here is what he had to say:
JAKE FAUNCE: What you been up to lately Hasim?
RAHMAN JR: Stayin’ in shape getting ready for the amateur heavyweight tournaments, bring boxing back where it used to be.
JF: I hear you've been training with Emmanuel Steward, did you go to Detroit to train and how did it go?
RJR: In the club with Manny for a month and a half, living with him and Andy Lee. Learned a lot about boxing and after training with him I now know he's the greatest trainer of all time.
JF: Jumping right into Kronk was kind of a baptism by fire for you. It had to have been a huge learning experience?
RJR: Definitely. A big change. I had to dig down deep to keep up. It’s not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Can't be messin’ around, gotta be ready for it.
JF: How do you feel that possibly the greatest current trainer in boxing saw enough talent in you to bring you into his prestigious stable of fighters?
RJR: It’s an honor. For him to see somethin’ in me, to bring me on and stay in his house—just to get this far is an honor. But this is nothing, it’s just the beginning.
JF: You got your first big time sparring session in when you joined the Kronk team. You sparred world rated cruiserweight Jonathan Banks. How did that sparring session go?
RJR: Me and JB went 3 rounds in the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. No one was there but Andy Lee, Manny and Kermit Cintron. He didn't beat me up. A lot of fighters will go in there and beat you up, but JB was teaching me. He is the assistant trainer for the fighters, so it was a great experience.
JF: After your dad’s fight with Oleg Maskaev it was reported that you went back into Oleg’s dressing room and talked to him. What happened there?
RJR: After the fight, before they announced the winner, I was really mad. In a rage. I tried to go after Oleg, but Travis Kauffman, the heavyweight prospect, held me back. But I thought about it. This happens in boxing; its part of the game. I went back and my dad was fine. Then I went back into Oleg’s dressing room and I said to him, ‘You’re a great champion.’ But I said to him, ‘Hasim Rahman will be heavyweight champion one day, whether it be me or my father.’
JF: It must have been really hard to go back in the dressing room of the man who just defeated your father?
RJR: It took a lot to go in that dressing room and go in there and say that to him. And I know anything that happens in the ring is the will of Allah. And I know that my dad, by the end of 2007, will be the heavyweight champion of the world.
JF: If you were to compare your style to another fighter’s, who would it be?
RJR: Lennox Lewis, Wlad Klitschko, Andy Lee. Manny teaches all the same things to form a base. I’m in my base-stage right now, still haven’t broke out into what I’m gonna be yet. We already know I'm strong and have speed. My dad didn't start till he was 20 and became heavyweight champion of the world. I started at 14 and I have the best trainer in boxing, so how they gonna stop me!?
JF: You have the most hype around a 15-year-old fighter I’ve ever seen. Doug Fischer of MaxBoxing.com went as far as saying you could be the next dominant American amateur heavyweight. Recently, Emmanuel Steward praised you on a HBO telecast. The hype machine has started, what do you want it to say to people that hasn’t already been said?
RJR: He's gonna save the division. That he's gonna be the biggest name in boxing, not just I the heavyweight division, but the sport. That he has what it takes to take boxing as a sport to the next level.
JF: Is there anything you'd like to say to the boxing world Hasim?
RJR: I'd Like to say, look out for Kronk Boxing Team. We have a lot of talent. Fighters like Andy Lee, J'leon Love, Isaiah Thomas, Erik Be’ Leon, Latonya King. Look out for us…to not take shortcuts and to be ready. Put your seat belts on cuz we're comin. On behalf of Kronk Boxing, I'd like to thank Emmanuel Steward.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Petersons Headline November 18 Mississippi Card!
The undefeated Peterson Brothers of DC will headline a November 18th card at Fitzgerald's Casino in Tunica, MS.
No word yet on who the Peterson's will face on this card. However, their promotional company -- Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis, TN -- said that this will probably be the last time Anthony and Lamont Peterson will headline a show at such an intimate venue. That should mean bigger things are planned for the brothers in 2007.
Anthony (20-0, 15 KO's) is the NABO Lightweight champion while Lamont (18-0, eight KO's) holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title.
No word yet on who the Peterson's will face on this card. However, their promotional company -- Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis, TN -- said that this will probably be the last time Anthony and Lamont Peterson will headline a show at such an intimate venue. That should mean bigger things are planned for the brothers in 2007.
Anthony (20-0, 15 KO's) is the NABO Lightweight champion while Lamont (18-0, eight KO's) holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Results from Last Night's 'Fight for a Cure'!
In this Mike Greenhill photo, Phill Brown knocks Ray Grant to the commissioner's table during last night's 'Fight for a Cure' event at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
I was unable to attend last night's charity boxing show at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD. Here's an account of the show courtesy of Fightnews.com's Mike Greenhill:
It was the annual Fight For A Cure charity pro boxing show in Baltimore, this time at Martin’s West in suburban Woodlawn, Maryland. The evening benefitted the Jonathan Ogden Foundation, started by Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, in memory of his late father. More than a dozen Ravens teammates were on hand, including Ray Lewis, Edwin Mulitalo, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and others, as well as Hall-of-Fame Colts running back Lenny Moore.
In the opening bout, cruiserweight Reuel Williams of Wilmington, Delaware raised his record to 1-1 with a 4-round unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Robert Evans, making his pro debut. Evans appeared nervous and hyper throughout the bout, especially after a 2nd-round accidental clash of heads cut him on the left eye. Scores were 39-37 from Malik Waleed and Kenny Chevalier, while John Gradowski saw 40-36. Gary Camponeschi refereed.
236-pound heavyweight Wayne Hampton rallied after losing the first two rounds big, flattening 264-pound Rohan Wallace of Washington, D.C. at 1:50 of the third in their scheduled six. Wallace had his way with power rights and lefts before Hampton caught him with two rights of his on in the third stanza, then finishing him off with a two-punch combo. Wallace hit the floor face first and was counted out by John Gradowski. Hampton is now 5-3 (3) and Wallace falls to 6-5 (4).
William Gill of Toms River, New Jersey and Landover, Maryland’s Carlos Jones, who bears a striking resemblance to rapper Busta Rhymes, put on an entertaining back-and-forth cruiserweight scrap before Gill floored Jones at 2:50 of the fifth in their set-for-six. Jones was game, but kept his left hand too low, eating more rights as the fight wore on. A head-snapping right by Gill late in the fifth put Jones down under the bottom rope, whereupon referee Kenny Chevalier waved it off without bothering to count. Jones and some of the fans briefly complained about a quick stoppage. Gill improves to 5-11 (4), while Jones drops to 5-11 (3).
287-pound Phil Brown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland drove fellow heavyweight Ray Grant, 248, Bowie, Maryland, through the ropes and onto the commissioner’s table on his way to an easy 4-round decision win. Grant was able to climb back in, but did little after that incident, lacking the power to turn the fight around. Brown rises to 2-0 (1) while Grant’s record evens out at 1-1. Gary Camponeschi saw it 40-34 and John Gradowski tallied 39-35, all for Brown. Malik Waleed officiated.
Heavyweight Lenroy Thomas, St. Petersburg, Florida, crushed Stafford, Virginia’s Jonathan Felton with one left hook that put Felton on his back at 1:22 of the second in a scheduled 4-rounder. Referee Malik Waleed halted matters without counting, seeing Felton’s eyes roll back momentarily. Thomas is 5-1 (4). Felton sinks to 2-5 (2).
The final bout of the evening saw former U.S. amateur heavyweight champion Eric Fields of Ardmore, Oklahoma run his pro ledger to 2-0 (2) with a 4th -round TKO of Charleston, South Carolina’s Steven Archie. Archie was in there trying all the way, but lacked the power to keep Fields off him. Fields caught up to him with uppercuts and vicious body shots, then pounded Archie with lefts and rights to the head, forcing referee Gary Camponeschi to step in at the 2:29 mark of the second, saving the wobbly Archie from turning into a meathead. Archie falls to 0-2.
White-Spivey Official for December 9 at Patriot Center!
Promoter Joe Hensley mentioned this in answer to a previous post, but let me put it as a news item.
The long-discussed matchup between Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White and "The Pride of Portsmouth (VA)" Dorin Spivey is now OFFICIAL! The bout will take place as part of the Saturday, December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Centerin Fairfax, VA. This should be a great contest!
Hensley also said that opponents for Jimmy Lange and Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson will be finalized by the end of the week and tickets will go on sale for this event soon after.
The long-discussed matchup between Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White and "The Pride of Portsmouth (VA)" Dorin Spivey is now OFFICIAL! The bout will take place as part of the Saturday, December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Centerin Fairfax, VA. This should be a great contest!
Hensley also said that opponents for Jimmy Lange and Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson will be finalized by the end of the week and tickets will go on sale for this event soon after.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
October 7 Patriot Center Video Now Available!
For those who missed the October 7th Major League Boxing show from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA, you can now see video from the event on Google Video and Blogger!
Yours truly was honored to do the play-by-play for the video and "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears (on right in picture) provided expert color commentary.
The first uploaded clip is the 4 round heavyweight slugfest between Waynesboro, VA's Juan Carlos Robles and Dumfries, VA's Derek "D-Mos" Amos plus a preview of the entire night of action You can watch these videos in several ways.
Click the video link to the left entitled "Major League Boxing Intro Juan Carlos Robles vs. Derek Amos" and then click the Play arrow. Active X needs to be enabled on your computer.
You can also visit Major League Boxing's updated Blogger website:
www.MajorLeagueBoxing.blogspot.com to view this video. You can leave comments on this blog as well as on Major League Boxing's blogger webpage. We would love to hear what you have to say!
UPDATE: The bout between Dorin Spivey and Roberto Valenzuela is now available on www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com.
Oct. 23 UPDATE: The contest between Purcell Miller and Larry Marks is now available on www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com. The main event between Jimmy Lange and Thomas Wilt should be available sometime tomorrow.
Oct. 24 UPDATE: The main event -- Jimmy Lange vs. Thomas Wilt -- is now available on Google Video and www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Fightnews.com Report on Pikesville!
For those who couldn't get the audio post-fight show from Pikesville last night, here is a written account of the pro events courtesy of one of my Fightnews.com writing partners, Julian Burgower.
Sometimes in the sport of boxing there are decisions that make you scratch your head, get you angry or make some people cry out in protest. Such was not the case in the eight-round majority draw between Mike"The Persecutor" Paschall and Dhafir “No Fear” Smith, fought at the Pikesville Armory in Baltimore, MD, last night.
Paschall, 165, came into the bout with an undefeated record of 10-0 (2), and seemed to take the first few rounds by slightly outworking the veteran Smith, 163, did not seem to want to open up and throw many punches. As the rounds wore on, Paschall started more and more showboating, jumping in and out with wild clubbing swings and fighting out of a style reminiscent the stance of a Muay Thai kickboxer.
In the fifth round of the scheduled eight, Smith, Philadelphia, PA, was able to become more affective in his aggressiveness and slow down Paschall’s movement in stalking down the Pasadena, MD native and connecting with hard shots to the head.
The seventh round showed Paschall settling down and attempting to fight more than showboat, which probably saved him from losing the fight, as he connected with wild haymaker-type shots that won him the round, although they were not especially damaging to Smith.
Both fighters came out of their corners in the eighth and final round knowing that it would decide the outcome of the fight, and both threw caution to the wind. The wind though, appeared to die down in Paschall’s sails faster than it did in Smith’s, who was able to close the show stronger and with more zest, cutting Paschall’s left eye in the process.
The pro-Paschall hometown crowd booed as the scores of 77-75 (Paschall), 76-76 (twice) were announced, resulting in a majority draw decision. Fightnews scored the contest 76-76, with Paschall dropping his record to 10-0-1 (2) and Smith 15-13-1 (4).
In the co-feature bout of the evening, Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow pounded out an easy unanimous decision victory over Anthony Osbourne in the middleweight class. Nicklow pressed the action throughout the fight, with Osbourne giving Nicklow and the judges very little in return, including a point deducted in the third round for excessive holding. Osbourne, who has lost 15 out of his last 16 fights, showed little interest in boosting the number in the win column of his professional record, resulting in a points win for Nicklow by scores of 59-54 and 60-53 (twice). Nicklow bolstered his record to 7-0 (2) as Osbourne drops to 5-19-1 (1).
William Bailey, of Norfolk, VA, was forced to retire after the end of the fourth round against Willie "For Real" Williams in a six round affair citing a shoulder injury. Bailey, 5-11 (4), who appeared to be in control of the fight, did not answer the bell for the fifth, giving Baltimore’s Williams, 6-1 (2), at TKO win at :01 of that round.
Also in action, “Irish” Glen Williams garnered a TKO victory over Dalante Marshall at 2:35 of the second round in a four-round heavyweight contest that looked more like a tough-man contest than a professional boxing match. Marshall opted to lay on the ropes and refuse to throw punches even after referee John Gradowski continually instructed him to fight back. Marshall appeared not to be hurt and actually to be protesting the legality of Williams’ punches by refusing to fight and turning in a totally unprofessional performance.
The card was promoted by Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing and also featured several amateur bouts to begin the show. Baltimore Boxing’s next show will be dubbed “Bombs Away! On Pearl Harbor Day, which will also be featured at the Pikesville Armory.
The results of the amateur card:
Steve Wheeler (Baltimore Boxing) dec. Tacuma Farmer (Honeycomb)
Dayvon Gross (Upton Boxing) dec. Dan Ankers (York, PA)
Jeremy Miller (Baltimore Boxing) RSC-3. Devon Durocher (Brooklyn Boxing)
Sometimes in the sport of boxing there are decisions that make you scratch your head, get you angry or make some people cry out in protest. Such was not the case in the eight-round majority draw between Mike"The Persecutor" Paschall and Dhafir “No Fear” Smith, fought at the Pikesville Armory in Baltimore, MD, last night.
Paschall, 165, came into the bout with an undefeated record of 10-0 (2), and seemed to take the first few rounds by slightly outworking the veteran Smith, 163, did not seem to want to open up and throw many punches. As the rounds wore on, Paschall started more and more showboating, jumping in and out with wild clubbing swings and fighting out of a style reminiscent the stance of a Muay Thai kickboxer.
In the fifth round of the scheduled eight, Smith, Philadelphia, PA, was able to become more affective in his aggressiveness and slow down Paschall’s movement in stalking down the Pasadena, MD native and connecting with hard shots to the head.
The seventh round showed Paschall settling down and attempting to fight more than showboat, which probably saved him from losing the fight, as he connected with wild haymaker-type shots that won him the round, although they were not especially damaging to Smith.
Both fighters came out of their corners in the eighth and final round knowing that it would decide the outcome of the fight, and both threw caution to the wind. The wind though, appeared to die down in Paschall’s sails faster than it did in Smith’s, who was able to close the show stronger and with more zest, cutting Paschall’s left eye in the process.
The pro-Paschall hometown crowd booed as the scores of 77-75 (Paschall), 76-76 (twice) were announced, resulting in a majority draw decision. Fightnews scored the contest 76-76, with Paschall dropping his record to 10-0-1 (2) and Smith 15-13-1 (4).
In the co-feature bout of the evening, Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow pounded out an easy unanimous decision victory over Anthony Osbourne in the middleweight class. Nicklow pressed the action throughout the fight, with Osbourne giving Nicklow and the judges very little in return, including a point deducted in the third round for excessive holding. Osbourne, who has lost 15 out of his last 16 fights, showed little interest in boosting the number in the win column of his professional record, resulting in a points win for Nicklow by scores of 59-54 and 60-53 (twice). Nicklow bolstered his record to 7-0 (2) as Osbourne drops to 5-19-1 (1).
William Bailey, of Norfolk, VA, was forced to retire after the end of the fourth round against Willie "For Real" Williams in a six round affair citing a shoulder injury. Bailey, 5-11 (4), who appeared to be in control of the fight, did not answer the bell for the fifth, giving Baltimore’s Williams, 6-1 (2), at TKO win at :01 of that round.
Also in action, “Irish” Glen Williams garnered a TKO victory over Dalante Marshall at 2:35 of the second round in a four-round heavyweight contest that looked more like a tough-man contest than a professional boxing match. Marshall opted to lay on the ropes and refuse to throw punches even after referee John Gradowski continually instructed him to fight back. Marshall appeared not to be hurt and actually to be protesting the legality of Williams’ punches by refusing to fight and turning in a totally unprofessional performance.
The card was promoted by Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing and also featured several amateur bouts to begin the show. Baltimore Boxing’s next show will be dubbed “Bombs Away! On Pearl Harbor Day, which will also be featured at the Pikesville Armory.
The results of the amateur card:
Steve Wheeler (Baltimore Boxing) dec. Tacuma Farmer (Honeycomb)
Dayvon Gross (Upton Boxing) dec. Dan Ankers (York, PA)
Jeremy Miller (Baltimore Boxing) RSC-3. Devon Durocher (Brooklyn Boxing)
BATB Post-Fight Show from Pikesville!
Mike Paschall gets a majority draw, Jessie Nicklow wins by easy unanimous decision and Willie Williams scores a unique TKO. Henry "Discombobulating" Jones and I discuss this and more in the first Boxing Along The Beltway Post-Fight Show from the Pikesville Armory.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #12 - Post-Fight Wrap-up from Pikesville!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #12 - Post-Fight Wrap-up from Pikesville!
Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Immediately following his unanimous decision over Anthony Osbourne tonight at the Pikesville Armory, undefeated Pasadena, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow had these comments about the victory.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #11 - Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #11 - Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Weights for Tonight in Pikesville!
Here is the scale watch for tonight's Baltimore Pro Boxing card at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD:
Mike Paschall 166 vs. Dhafir Smith 162
Jessie Nicklow 156 3/4 vs Anthony Osbourne 155 3/4
Willie Williams 173 vs William Bailey 181
Delenta Marshall 240 vs. Glenn Williams 215
Mike Paschall 166 vs. Dhafir Smith 162
Jessie Nicklow 156 3/4 vs Anthony Osbourne 155 3/4
Willie Williams 173 vs William Bailey 181
Delenta Marshall 240 vs. Glenn Williams 215
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Former World Champs Slated to Appear on Dec. 9 Patriot Center Show!
Two former world champions who are Beltway Boxing legends are slated to be a part of the next Major League Boxing card on Saturday, December 9 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.
Former three-time world champion and future hall of famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson is scheduled to participate in an eight-round contest. Also, former WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz is scheduled to make a long-awaited return in a six-round bout.
Jimmy Lange is scheduled to headline the card participating in a 10-round contest. Also slated to be on the card will be Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer and Tommy Wilt.
Remember, there are two cards in the area on Dec. 9. Clarence Vinson is scheduled to headline the show at the Lincoln Theatre in DC on that evening.
Former three-time world champion and future hall of famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson is scheduled to participate in an eight-round contest. Also, former WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz is scheduled to make a long-awaited return in a six-round bout.
Jimmy Lange is scheduled to headline the card participating in a 10-round contest. Also slated to be on the card will be Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer and Tommy Wilt.
Remember, there are two cards in the area on Dec. 9. Clarence Vinson is scheduled to headline the show at the Lincoln Theatre in DC on that evening.
Corey Comments Continued!
Apparently, we are not the only ones concerned about the safety of Corey "T-Rex" Sanders. Remember in my audio post, I mentioned I talked to a reporter from Trinidad about this situation?
That reporter -- Ian Prescott of the Trinidad Express -- wrote an article in today's edition that quotes me and other posters on this blog. The article also has a photo of Corey during the weigh-in.
Here is the address to that article. Please read!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161036953
That reporter -- Ian Prescott of the Trinidad Express -- wrote an article in today's edition that quotes me and other posters on this blog. The article also has a photo of Corey during the weigh-in.
Here is the address to that article. Please read!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161036953
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Comments on Corey Sanders!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #10 - Comments on Corey Sanders!
In this commentary, I express my feelings on Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and his desire to continue his boxing career.
UPDATE: For more comments on this story, go to www.washingtonpost.com and check out Dan Steinberg's DC Sports Bog
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/10/trex_on_mike_tyson.html
In this commentary, I express my feelings on Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and his desire to continue his boxing career.
UPDATE: For more comments on this story, go to www.washingtonpost.com and check out Dan Steinberg's DC Sports Bog
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/10/trex_on_mike_tyson.html
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Sanders-Tyson Workout Photo!
Here is a picture (courtesy of Joe Bada) of Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and Mike Tyson during a workout for their exhibition bout on Friday. Draw your own conclusions.
(click to enlarge the photo)
'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
(sound quality isn't as good. You may need to turn up your speakers.)
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #9 - 'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
In an exclusive BATB interview, DC Heavyweight Corey "T-Rex" Sanders talks about his return to boxing in Trinidad last Friday as well as his involvement in the "Mike Tyson World Tour" on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #9 - 'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
In an exclusive BATB interview, DC Heavyweight Corey "T-Rex" Sanders talks about his return to boxing in Trinidad last Friday as well as his involvement in the "Mike Tyson World Tour" on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
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