It is now official! Gary Russell, Jr. of Capitol Heights, MD is heading for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China!
In a bout that ended moments ago at the World Championships in Chicago, Russell qualified for the Olympics by defeating fellow 2005 World Championships bronze medalist Ali Hallab of France, 22-14. The victory places Russell among the top eight in his class at this year's world championships at the UIC Pavilion and places him officially in the Olympic tournament.
Russell will face Sergey Vodopyanov of Russia in the world championship quarterfinals Thursday evening.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Goossen-Tutor Signs William Joppy; New Promotions Group Opens in Beltway!
BoxingTalk.com is reporting that former two-time WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy has signed a promotional deal with Goossen Tutor Promotions of California. No formal announcement from Gossen Tutor head Dan Goossen yet but that should come later today.
Goossen Tutor also promotes the WBO's number one heavyweight contender Tony Thompson.
By the way, there is a new promotional company here along the Beltway. No word yet on it's name but the company will be led by long-time trainer Asim Hanif and boxer Joe Haggler. Hanif says the goal is to promote their first boxing card before the end of this year. More details on this as it becomes available.
UPDATE: The company will be called AfterShock Events and they will have their first card on Saturday, December 15 at the All Star Legacy Gym in Ashburn, VA.
Goossen Tutor also promotes the WBO's number one heavyweight contender Tony Thompson.
By the way, there is a new promotional company here along the Beltway. No word yet on it's name but the company will be led by long-time trainer Asim Hanif and boxer Joe Haggler. Hanif says the goal is to promote their first boxing card before the end of this year. More details on this as it becomes available.
UPDATE: The company will be called AfterShock Events and they will have their first card on Saturday, December 15 at the All Star Legacy Gym in Ashburn, VA.
Robert Martin Named to US Olympic Coaching Staff!
Folks inside the Beltway amateur scene have known this was coming but it was made official today.
Congratulations to DC's own Robert Martin, who has been named to the coaching staff for the United States Olympic Boxing team! Martin will serve as the offensive coach for the squad. Martin has been very instrumental in the development of 2008 Olympian Gary Russell, Jr. and the entire Russell Family.
Martin has been coaching at the national level since 1998 and has coached national events at every level over the past decade. Most recently, he served as a coach for both the 2006 Cadet World Championships and Cuba Olympiad Training Camp.
Martin will join Head Coach Dan Campbell and defensive coach William "Willy" Price on the coaching staff.
Congratulations to DC's own Robert Martin, who has been named to the coaching staff for the United States Olympic Boxing team! Martin will serve as the offensive coach for the squad. Martin has been very instrumental in the development of 2008 Olympian Gary Russell, Jr. and the entire Russell Family.
Martin has been coaching at the national level since 1998 and has coached national events at every level over the past decade. Most recently, he served as a coach for both the 2006 Cadet World Championships and Cuba Olympiad Training Camp.
Martin will join Head Coach Dan Campbell and defensive coach William "Willy" Price on the coaching staff.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
November 8 Fight Night Card Announced!
The boxing card for the 2007 Fight Night "Fight for Children" on Thursday, November 8 at the Washington Hilton and Towers Hotel is complete and for the first time in three years, there will be Beltway Boxers on the card!
The eight-round main event features Smithsburgh, MD lightweight Dean "Pitbull" White as he takes on Leo Martinez of Columbus, OH. White (14-8-1, seven KO's) will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak that includes an eight-round unanimous decision loss to Jamie Palma on September 15 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA. Martinez (11-9, five KO's) is riding a three-fight winning streak which includes a six-round majority decision win over Jorge Lara on September 14 in Chicago, IL. One of Martinez's biggest victories was a six-round split decision over future world champion Eric Aiken in October of 2005.
The co-feature bout will be the traditional "Fight for Children" Title bout and that contest will be an interesting Battle of the Beltway. Undefeated Arlington, VA junior welterweight Bayan Jargal will match up against DC's Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly in a six-round contest.
Jargal (3-0-1, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Edward Anderson on October 6 at the Hilton McLean Tyson's Corner in McLean VA. This will be Jargal's first scheduled six-round contest. Holly (7-2, two KO's) won a six-round unanimous decision over Ken Humphreys in his last outing on June 23 at Howard University's Burr Gymnasium.
In other bouts on the card, undefeated Venezuelan heavyweight Wilmer Vasquez (3-0, two KO's) will take on Corey Winfield of Winston-Salem, North Carolina in a four-round bout. Also, Lancaster, PA super middleweight Nazyir Bell will make his pro debut in a scheduled six-round contest against Atlanta, GA's Breon Smiley (1-1, one KO).
The matchmaker for the card also has Beltway ties. His name is Eric Bottjer and he cut his boxing teeth as a promoter, matchmaker and writer throughout the area in the late 80's-early 90's. In the days before the internet, Bottjer created newsletters that covered the Beltway Boxing scene in much the same way as this blog. Bottjer moved on to work as matchmaker for many top-flight promoters including Don King and Cedric Kushner.
The boxers on this card will be performing in front of another sell-out crowd of movers and shakers as well as boxing legends that will include Hector Camacho, Jake LaMotta, Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini and many others.
The eight-round main event features Smithsburgh, MD lightweight Dean "Pitbull" White as he takes on Leo Martinez of Columbus, OH. White (14-8-1, seven KO's) will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak that includes an eight-round unanimous decision loss to Jamie Palma on September 15 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA. Martinez (11-9, five KO's) is riding a three-fight winning streak which includes a six-round majority decision win over Jorge Lara on September 14 in Chicago, IL. One of Martinez's biggest victories was a six-round split decision over future world champion Eric Aiken in October of 2005.
The co-feature bout will be the traditional "Fight for Children" Title bout and that contest will be an interesting Battle of the Beltway. Undefeated Arlington, VA junior welterweight Bayan Jargal will match up against DC's Reggie "The Mechanic" Holly in a six-round contest.
Jargal (3-0-1, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Edward Anderson on October 6 at the Hilton McLean Tyson's Corner in McLean VA. This will be Jargal's first scheduled six-round contest. Holly (7-2, two KO's) won a six-round unanimous decision over Ken Humphreys in his last outing on June 23 at Howard University's Burr Gymnasium.
In other bouts on the card, undefeated Venezuelan heavyweight Wilmer Vasquez (3-0, two KO's) will take on Corey Winfield of Winston-Salem, North Carolina in a four-round bout. Also, Lancaster, PA super middleweight Nazyir Bell will make his pro debut in a scheduled six-round contest against Atlanta, GA's Breon Smiley (1-1, one KO).
The matchmaker for the card also has Beltway ties. His name is Eric Bottjer and he cut his boxing teeth as a promoter, matchmaker and writer throughout the area in the late 80's-early 90's. In the days before the internet, Bottjer created newsletters that covered the Beltway Boxing scene in much the same way as this blog. Bottjer moved on to work as matchmaker for many top-flight promoters including Don King and Cedric Kushner.
The boxers on this card will be performing in front of another sell-out crowd of movers and shakers as well as boxing legends that will include Hector Camacho, Jake LaMotta, Aaron Pryor, Ray Mancini and many others.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
'Teflon' Boyd Stopped in the Fifth Round in California!
DC super featherweight Ron "Teflon" Boyd was stopped in the fifth round by undefeated Eloy Perez in a main event bout at the Monterey Conference Center in Monterey, CA.
According to Fightnews.com, Perez floored Boyd twice in the fifth with body shots, the second time for the count at the 58 second mark.
With the loss, Boyd falls to 5-3, two KO's. Perez is now 10-0-2, two KO's.
According to Fightnews.com, Perez floored Boyd twice in the fifth with body shots, the second time for the count at the 58 second mark.
With the loss, Boyd falls to 5-3, two KO's. Perez is now 10-0-2, two KO's.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Opponents Named for Peterson Brothers's November 17 Carribean Excursion!
Opponents have been scheduled for the undefeated Peterson Brothers when they jaunt to the Carribean island of Turks and Caicos on Saturday, November 17.
Anthony Peterson (24-0, 17 KO's) will fight an eight-round bout against veteran Oscar Leon of Colombia (27-6, 18 KO's). Peterson is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Marteze Logan on September 21 in Tunica, Mississippi. Leon has lost his last two bouts and has not fought since December 15, 2006 when he was stopped by Thomas Mashaba in the third round in South Africa.
(By the way, Mashaba faces former IBF Featherweight champ Eric Aiken on November 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa)
Lamont Peterson (22-0, 10 KO's) will battle Ramon "Gitano" Duran of the Dominican Republic (11-2-1, seven KO's) in another eight-round contest. Peterson is coming off a sixth-round TKO over Frankie Santos for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight title on September 7 in Biloxi, MS. Duran will try to bounce back from a first-round knockout at the hands of Lucas Martin Matthysse on May 4 in Las Vegas.
This interesting note: During his weekly chat on ESPN.com, Dan Rafael was asked about whether the Petersons were getting ready for steps up in competition, Rafael answered by saying he talked to the head of the brothers's promotional company, Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis. Young said that both Petersons were ready to take stepup bouts and have them on either HBO or Showtime and that BOTH networks turned him down. Go figure.
Anthony Peterson (24-0, 17 KO's) will fight an eight-round bout against veteran Oscar Leon of Colombia (27-6, 18 KO's). Peterson is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Marteze Logan on September 21 in Tunica, Mississippi. Leon has lost his last two bouts and has not fought since December 15, 2006 when he was stopped by Thomas Mashaba in the third round in South Africa.
(By the way, Mashaba faces former IBF Featherweight champ Eric Aiken on November 12 in Johannesburg, South Africa)
Lamont Peterson (22-0, 10 KO's) will battle Ramon "Gitano" Duran of the Dominican Republic (11-2-1, seven KO's) in another eight-round contest. Peterson is coming off a sixth-round TKO over Frankie Santos for the vacant NABO Junior Welterweight title on September 7 in Biloxi, MS. Duran will try to bounce back from a first-round knockout at the hands of Lucas Martin Matthysse on May 4 in Las Vegas.
This interesting note: During his weekly chat on ESPN.com, Dan Rafael was asked about whether the Petersons were getting ready for steps up in competition, Rafael answered by saying he talked to the head of the brothers's promotional company, Brian Young of Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis. Young said that both Petersons were ready to take stepup bouts and have them on either HBO or Showtime and that BOTH networks turned him down. Go figure.
Russell Easily Advances Past Second Round Opponent at AIBA World Championships!
Gary Russell, Jr. needed just three minutes to stop Peter Moyshenzon of Israel in his second round bout at the AIBA World Championships in Chicago, IL.
According to USABoxing.org, Russell took control immediately, showcasing his patented speed and power, and dropping Moyshenzon to the canvas with a hook only 30 seconds into the bout. Russell kept the pressure on his moving opponent; giving him a second standing eight count late in the first. He took a commanding 11-1 edge into the second round of action. The 19-year-old peppered Moyshenzon with left hands throughout the first minute of the second round, building up a 21-1 advantage at the 1:03 mark to take the stoppage victory.
Russell’s victory sets up a third round bout with fellow 2005 bronze medalist Ali Hallab of France on Tuesday, October 30.
According to USABoxing.org, Russell took control immediately, showcasing his patented speed and power, and dropping Moyshenzon to the canvas with a hook only 30 seconds into the bout. Russell kept the pressure on his moving opponent; giving him a second standing eight count late in the first. He took a commanding 11-1 edge into the second round of action. The 19-year-old peppered Moyshenzon with left hands throughout the first minute of the second round, building up a 21-1 advantage at the 1:03 mark to take the stoppage victory.
Russell’s victory sets up a third round bout with fellow 2005 bronze medalist Ali Hallab of France on Tuesday, October 30.
Rahman Faces New November 15 Opponent; 'Ding-a-Ling Man' Title Hopes Dashed!
A couple of breaking news stories:
Former WBO Heavyweight champ Ray Mercer has reportedly backed out of his November 15 nationally televised (Versus Network) matchup with former world champ Hasim Rahman. No word on why Mercer backed out.
Rahman's new opponent will be veteran Sherman "The Tank" Williams of Vero Beach, FL by way of The Bahamas. Williams is 33-10-2, 19 KO's and has won his last eight bouts against non-descript competition. His last win was a first-round knockout over Wade Lewis on April 18 in Nassau.
Meanwhile, any hopes of USBA Cruiserweight champ Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson getting a shot at WBO Cruiserweight titleholder Enzo Maccarinelli seems to have been put away. A news source in Wales is reporting that Maccarinelli will be defending his title against undefeated Mohamed Azzaoui of New Zealand by way of Algeria. Azzaoui is 22-0-2 with eight KO's and just fought October 13 in Moscow, Russia where he stopped Henry Saenz in the eighth round on the Sultan Ibragimov-Evander Holyfield undercard. Azzaoui holds the IBF Pan Pacific Cruiserweight title.
The matchup between Maccarinelli and Azzaoui will be November 3 in Wales on the Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler undercard.
Former WBO Heavyweight champ Ray Mercer has reportedly backed out of his November 15 nationally televised (Versus Network) matchup with former world champ Hasim Rahman. No word on why Mercer backed out.
Rahman's new opponent will be veteran Sherman "The Tank" Williams of Vero Beach, FL by way of The Bahamas. Williams is 33-10-2, 19 KO's and has won his last eight bouts against non-descript competition. His last win was a first-round knockout over Wade Lewis on April 18 in Nassau.
Meanwhile, any hopes of USBA Cruiserweight champ Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson getting a shot at WBO Cruiserweight titleholder Enzo Maccarinelli seems to have been put away. A news source in Wales is reporting that Maccarinelli will be defending his title against undefeated Mohamed Azzaoui of New Zealand by way of Algeria. Azzaoui is 22-0-2 with eight KO's and just fought October 13 in Moscow, Russia where he stopped Henry Saenz in the eighth round on the Sultan Ibragimov-Evander Holyfield undercard. Azzaoui holds the IBF Pan Pacific Cruiserweight title.
The matchup between Maccarinelli and Azzaoui will be November 3 in Wales on the Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler undercard.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Undefeated Beltway Prospects Headline Jonathan Odgen Foundation Card November 1!
Undefeated Beltway prospects Tim "Pitbull" Coleman and Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow will headline the boxing card to benefit the Jonathan Odgen Foundation on Thursday, November 1 at the brand new Martin's Valley Mansion in Hunt Valley, MD.
Coleman (13-0, two KO's) will fight for the eighth time this year as he takes on Scott Ball of Rochester, MN (8-5, six KO's). Coleman, a native of Baltimore, is coming off a real solid performance, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Doel Carrasquillo on October 12 at Du Burns Arena. Ball lost a eight-round unanimous decision to Michael Stewart on June 15 in Harrington, DE. Prior to that loss, Ball lost a six-round majority decision to Durrell Richardson on May 31 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Nicklow (13-0-1, five KO's) is still awaiting an opponent for this card. Nicklow, from Severn, MD, is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Anthony Little on August 25 in Ocean City, MD.
Other bouts scheduled for this card include a rematch between Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams (7-2, two KO's) and Ray Ruiz of Passaic, NJ (6-7-3, four KO's). Williams won the first matchup, a four-round majority decision on October 12 at Du Burns.
Undefeated Reisterstown, MD super middleweight "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis will take on DC's Jessie Horton. Bouloubassis (2-0-3, two KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Rakeem Carter on the October 12 Du Burns card. Horton (0-1) has not fought since June of 2006 when he was stopped in the first round by Nicklow at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
Cheverly, MD super middleweight Ron "The Rock" Reaves (2-1, one KO) will try to get back on the winning track by facing undefeated Jeremy Lubash of Pennsylvania (2-0, one KO.) Reaves lost a four-round unanimous decision to Charles Norwood on October 6 in McLean, VA. Lubash won a four-round unanimous decision over Heath Harris on September 22 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Also, Hagerstown, MD middleweight Henry Goss will take on the debuting Mike Dendy of Baltimore. Goss (1-2-1, one KO) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Todd Wilson on July 14 in Winchester, VA. Goss took that fight on just three hours notice.
The card benefits the Jonathan Ogden Foundation -- named for the all-pro offensive lineman from the Baltimore Ravens (who played his high school football at St. Albans in DC) -- an organization that benefits students in inner-city schools achieve their full potential through education and athletics.
Coleman (13-0, two KO's) will fight for the eighth time this year as he takes on Scott Ball of Rochester, MN (8-5, six KO's). Coleman, a native of Baltimore, is coming off a real solid performance, winning an eight-round unanimous decision over Doel Carrasquillo on October 12 at Du Burns Arena. Ball lost a eight-round unanimous decision to Michael Stewart on June 15 in Harrington, DE. Prior to that loss, Ball lost a six-round majority decision to Durrell Richardson on May 31 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.
Nicklow (13-0-1, five KO's) is still awaiting an opponent for this card. Nicklow, from Severn, MD, is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Anthony Little on August 25 in Ocean City, MD.
Other bouts scheduled for this card include a rematch between Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams (7-2, two KO's) and Ray Ruiz of Passaic, NJ (6-7-3, four KO's). Williams won the first matchup, a four-round majority decision on October 12 at Du Burns.
Undefeated Reisterstown, MD super middleweight "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis will take on DC's Jessie Horton. Bouloubassis (2-0-3, two KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Rakeem Carter on the October 12 Du Burns card. Horton (0-1) has not fought since June of 2006 when he was stopped in the first round by Nicklow at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
Cheverly, MD super middleweight Ron "The Rock" Reaves (2-1, one KO) will try to get back on the winning track by facing undefeated Jeremy Lubash of Pennsylvania (2-0, one KO.) Reaves lost a four-round unanimous decision to Charles Norwood on October 6 in McLean, VA. Lubash won a four-round unanimous decision over Heath Harris on September 22 in Pittsburgh, PA.
Also, Hagerstown, MD middleweight Henry Goss will take on the debuting Mike Dendy of Baltimore. Goss (1-2-1, one KO) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Todd Wilson on July 14 in Winchester, VA. Goss took that fight on just three hours notice.
The card benefits the Jonathan Ogden Foundation -- named for the all-pro offensive lineman from the Baltimore Ravens (who played his high school football at St. Albans in DC) -- an organization that benefits students in inner-city schools achieve their full potential through education and athletics.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Russell Jr. Opens AIBA Tournament With a Victory!
Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Russell, Jr. won his first round match in the 2007 AIBA World Championships at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL.
Russell fought in the very first bout of the tournament, defeating Rudolf Dydi of Slovakia, 13-6. According to USABoxing.org, Russell took a 3-1 lead after the first round, but Dydi began to engage more in the second. Dydi pulled the bout to a 5-4 lead at the halfway mark, but that is as close as he would get. Russell enjoyed a strong third round of action, holding Dydi scoreless while nearly doubling his point total to go into the final stanza with a 9-4 edge. Russell held Dydi at bay through the final two minutes to move out to a 13-6 final victory, and grab the first win of the tournament for both he and the United States team.
Russell will face Israel’s Peter Moyshenzon in second round action on Friday, October 26.
Russell fought in the very first bout of the tournament, defeating Rudolf Dydi of Slovakia, 13-6. According to USABoxing.org, Russell took a 3-1 lead after the first round, but Dydi began to engage more in the second. Dydi pulled the bout to a 5-4 lead at the halfway mark, but that is as close as he would get. Russell enjoyed a strong third round of action, holding Dydi scoreless while nearly doubling his point total to go into the final stanza with a 9-4 edge. Russell held Dydi at bay through the final two minutes to move out to a 13-6 final victory, and grab the first win of the tournament for both he and the United States team.
Russell will face Israel’s Peter Moyshenzon in second round action on Friday, October 26.
Barry Hunter Named WBO Trainer of the Year; Rahman to Take On Mercer Nov. 15!
Boxingtalk.com has put out two major scoops concerning Beltway Boxing personnel.
First, Boxingtalk is reporting that the WBO will name Barry Hunter its Trainer of the Year! Hunter works with two boxers (lightweight Anthony Peterson and heavyweight Tony Thompson) who are the number one ranked boxers in their respective weight classes in the WBO.
Boxingtalk's Brad Cooney has an interview with Hunter that can be found here:
="http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article13859.html"
Meanwhile, Boxingtalk is also reporting that former heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman will return to the ring on Thursday, November 15 to take on another former world champion, "Merciless" Ray Mercer. The bout is scheduled to be held in Reading, PA and will be shown on the Versus Network. The report also says that if Rahman beats Mercer, a date with IBF Heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitchsko could be in his future.
First, Boxingtalk is reporting that the WBO will name Barry Hunter its Trainer of the Year! Hunter works with two boxers (lightweight Anthony Peterson and heavyweight Tony Thompson) who are the number one ranked boxers in their respective weight classes in the WBO.
Boxingtalk's Brad Cooney has an interview with Hunter that can be found here:
="http://www.boxingtalk.com/pag/article13859.html"
Meanwhile, Boxingtalk is also reporting that former heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman will return to the ring on Thursday, November 15 to take on another former world champion, "Merciless" Ray Mercer. The bout is scheduled to be held in Reading, PA and will be shown on the Versus Network. The report also says that if Rahman beats Mercer, a date with IBF Heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitchsko could be in his future.
Washington Times Continues Gary Russell Series!
In another installment in its "Gary's Quest" series, Washington Times reporter Mike Jones writes that there are issues between Gary Russell, Jr. and the Olympic way of doing things.
Jones reports that Russell has dealt with homesickness as well as some nagging injuries as Russell and the rest of the US Olympic Team get ready for the AIBA World Championships that start today in Chicago.
Please read this article carefully. This, in my opinion, is a very fair article that gives both sides of this story. However, there are some things mentioned that could rub some people the wrong way. The story can be found here:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071023/SPORTS/110230083/1005"
Jones reports that Russell has dealt with homesickness as well as some nagging injuries as Russell and the rest of the US Olympic Team get ready for the AIBA World Championships that start today in Chicago.
Please read this article carefully. This, in my opinion, is a very fair article that gives both sides of this story. However, there are some things mentioned that could rub some people the wrong way. The story can be found here:
"http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20071023/SPORTS/110230083/1005"
Ringside Report Talks to 'The Tiger!'
The website Ringside Report, headed by my good friend "Bad" Brad Berkwitt, has a nice interview with the WBO's number one heavyweight contender, Tony "The Tiger" Thompson.
The interview was conducted by RSR's lead interviewer, Dan Hernandez and can be found by going to this link:
"http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1982"
The interview was conducted by RSR's lead interviewer, Dan Hernandez and can be found by going to this link:
"http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1982"
Beltway News and Notes!
A couple of items to pass along:
DC super featherweight Ron "Teflon" Boyd will try once again to win in California. Boyd (5-2, two KO's) will take on undefeated Eloy Perez (9-0-2, one KO) of Salinas, CA in an eight-round contest on Friday, October 26 in Monterey, CA. The bout will be Boyd's first scheduled eight-round contest.
The last time on the west coast, Boyd was stopped in the first round by John Molina on August 18 in San Jacinto, CA. The stoppage came shortly after Boyd dropped Molina in the early stages of the round.
The 2007 AIBA (Amateur International Boxing Association) World Championships begin tomorrow afternoon at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL. We will be following the progress of our very own Gary Russell, Jr. as he tries to cement his trip to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
Remember, although Russell is a member of the US Olympic Team, he has to finish in the top eight in his weight class in one of the next three major international events in order to actually compete in the Olympic Tournament. Russell won a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships. Russell and two-time Olympic team member Rau'shee Warren are the only two members of the US team who have previously competed in the senior world championships.
We also have this interesting rumor: There seems to be a holdup in the proposed WBO Cruiserweight championship match between champion Enzo Maccarinelli and challenger Ezra Sellers. According to published reports, the WBO approved the matchup, however, the boxing commission in the country of Wales did NOT. This bout was scheduled to take place as the co-feature to Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler super middleweight unification bout on November 3.
Could this mean that USBA Cruiserweight champion Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson might get a world title shot after all? Possibly, but I doubt it. If the bout was being held in the United States, I would think it would be more feasible. But given the time and, especially, the travel involved, it would be a major risk to take this bout at this time, just a little over two weeks away.
If I'm wrong, you'll be the first to know.
DC super featherweight Ron "Teflon" Boyd will try once again to win in California. Boyd (5-2, two KO's) will take on undefeated Eloy Perez (9-0-2, one KO) of Salinas, CA in an eight-round contest on Friday, October 26 in Monterey, CA. The bout will be Boyd's first scheduled eight-round contest.
The last time on the west coast, Boyd was stopped in the first round by John Molina on August 18 in San Jacinto, CA. The stoppage came shortly after Boyd dropped Molina in the early stages of the round.
The 2007 AIBA (Amateur International Boxing Association) World Championships begin tomorrow afternoon at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago, IL. We will be following the progress of our very own Gary Russell, Jr. as he tries to cement his trip to the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China.
Remember, although Russell is a member of the US Olympic Team, he has to finish in the top eight in his weight class in one of the next three major international events in order to actually compete in the Olympic Tournament. Russell won a bronze medal at the 2005 World Championships. Russell and two-time Olympic team member Rau'shee Warren are the only two members of the US team who have previously competed in the senior world championships.
We also have this interesting rumor: There seems to be a holdup in the proposed WBO Cruiserweight championship match between champion Enzo Maccarinelli and challenger Ezra Sellers. According to published reports, the WBO approved the matchup, however, the boxing commission in the country of Wales did NOT. This bout was scheduled to take place as the co-feature to Joe Calzaghe-Mikkel Kessler super middleweight unification bout on November 3.
Could this mean that USBA Cruiserweight champion Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson might get a world title shot after all? Possibly, but I doubt it. If the bout was being held in the United States, I would think it would be more feasible. But given the time and, especially, the travel involved, it would be a major risk to take this bout at this time, just a little over two weeks away.
If I'm wrong, you'll be the first to know.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Barnette Scores Third Round Knockout in Mississippi!
Undefeated DC junior welterweight Ty Barnette scored a third-round KO over Donnell Logan this past Saturday in a main event bout in Tunica, Mississippi. The time of the knockout was 2:59 of the round.
Barnette is now 11-0-1, eight KO's. Logan falls to 9-13-2, four KO's.
Barnette is now 11-0-1, eight KO's. Logan falls to 9-13-2, four KO's.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Washington Informer Profiles Dusty Harrison!
Washington Informer Assistant Sports Editor and Columnist Carla Peay uses her "From Press Row" column to profile 13-year-old amateur boxing champion Dusty Harrison.
It's a nice profile that can be found by going to this link:
"http://www.washingtoninformer.com/SPCarlaPeay2007Oct18.html"
It's a nice profile that can be found by going to this link:
"http://www.washingtoninformer.com/SPCarlaPeay2007Oct18.html"
Sugar Ray Leonard Movie In Works!
The LA Daily News is reporting that plans are being made for a feature film based on the life story on perhaps the greatest Beltway Boxer of all time -- Sugar Ray Leonard.
The movie is scheduled to be written by acclaimed author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger, who wrote one of the greatest sports books of all time -- the Texas high school football odyssey Friday Night Lights.
Bissinger plans to conduct interviews with Leonard's friends, family, associates and opponents over the next six months. The movie is scheduled to be produced by Red Bird Cinema, whose founders include actor Kevin Pollack and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. Production on the movie is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2008.
The movie is scheduled to be written by acclaimed author H.G. "Buzz" Bissinger, who wrote one of the greatest sports books of all time -- the Texas high school football odyssey Friday Night Lights.
Bissinger plans to conduct interviews with Leonard's friends, family, associates and opponents over the next six months. The movie is scheduled to be produced by Red Bird Cinema, whose founders include actor Kevin Pollack and St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa. Production on the movie is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2008.
Buchanan Wins Eight-Round Unanimous Decision in El Cajon!
Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan scored a relatively easy eight-round unanimous decision over Ted Muller last night at the Sycuan Casino Showcase Theater in El Cajon, CA.
Buchanan dropped Muller in the first round with a left hook to the body. Muller managed to hang in the bout, but could not give much of an offense. All three judges scored the bout 79-71.
Buchanan is now 15-1, 11 KO's while Muller falls to 19-13-2, nine KO's.
The following is an excerpt from a ringside report on the Buchanan bout from Jerry Magee of the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper:
Henry Buchanan came into the ring at the Sycuan Resort and Casino last night as Shawne Merriman's uncle. He left it having established something of an identity of his own.
Buchanan, a super middleweight known as “Sugar Poo,” can fight. He impressed this point on Teddy Muller, a 35-year-old campaigner from Moline, Ill., and a crowd that could be counted in the hundreds by belaboring Muller and coming away with an emphatic 8-round decision.
All three judges – Fritz Werner, Alejandro Rochin and Tony Crebs – had Buchanan a 79-71 winner.
What Buchanan did satisfied Merriman, the Chargers linebacker whom Buchanan identified as his inspiration. Buchanan wears Merriman's Chargers number, 56, on his trunks.
“For a guy who hadn't fought in nine months, that was a helluva fight against a guy who has a chin,” said Merriman. “He just beat him to a pulp.”
Willie Tucker, a Sycuan executive, said that Buchanan showed enough promise that Sycuan is desirous of bringing him back again soon.
“He's good,” Tucker said. “He's got a lot of potential. He's young, he's strong and he's got a good uppercut.”
How soon Buchanan can box again, however, must be questioned. He said he suffered an injury to his right hand in the opening round. The injury, however, did not prevent Buchanan from scoring the evening's only knockdown in this round with a cutting left hook to the body.
At the end of this round, Muller was wincing visibly, but the Illinois veteran who has the letters “Warrior” tattooed diagonally on his back demonstrated that he is indeed a Warrior.
He took some severe punishment from the winner in almost every round, but he was still there at the finish.
“We can do it again in an hour if he wants,” Muller said. Muller said he did not wish to take anything away from Buchanan, but he would not place him on the same level as a couple of his recent opponents, Peter Manfredo Jr. and Librado Andrade.
“He doesn't have the same energy as Manfredo and he definitely is not on Andrade's level,” Muller said. “But don't let me take anything away from the man. If your mouth wins fights, he's undefeated, but I've fought better.”
Buchanan, 29, now is 15-1 with 11 KOs. Muller is 19-13-2 with 9 KOs.
Buchanan dropped Muller in the first round with a left hook to the body. Muller managed to hang in the bout, but could not give much of an offense. All three judges scored the bout 79-71.
Buchanan is now 15-1, 11 KO's while Muller falls to 19-13-2, nine KO's.
The following is an excerpt from a ringside report on the Buchanan bout from Jerry Magee of the San Diego Union-Tribune Newspaper:
Henry Buchanan came into the ring at the Sycuan Resort and Casino last night as Shawne Merriman's uncle. He left it having established something of an identity of his own.
Buchanan, a super middleweight known as “Sugar Poo,” can fight. He impressed this point on Teddy Muller, a 35-year-old campaigner from Moline, Ill., and a crowd that could be counted in the hundreds by belaboring Muller and coming away with an emphatic 8-round decision.
All three judges – Fritz Werner, Alejandro Rochin and Tony Crebs – had Buchanan a 79-71 winner.
What Buchanan did satisfied Merriman, the Chargers linebacker whom Buchanan identified as his inspiration. Buchanan wears Merriman's Chargers number, 56, on his trunks.
“For a guy who hadn't fought in nine months, that was a helluva fight against a guy who has a chin,” said Merriman. “He just beat him to a pulp.”
Willie Tucker, a Sycuan executive, said that Buchanan showed enough promise that Sycuan is desirous of bringing him back again soon.
“He's good,” Tucker said. “He's got a lot of potential. He's young, he's strong and he's got a good uppercut.”
How soon Buchanan can box again, however, must be questioned. He said he suffered an injury to his right hand in the opening round. The injury, however, did not prevent Buchanan from scoring the evening's only knockdown in this round with a cutting left hook to the body.
At the end of this round, Muller was wincing visibly, but the Illinois veteran who has the letters “Warrior” tattooed diagonally on his back demonstrated that he is indeed a Warrior.
He took some severe punishment from the winner in almost every round, but he was still there at the finish.
“We can do it again in an hour if he wants,” Muller said. Muller said he did not wish to take anything away from Buchanan, but he would not place him on the same level as a couple of his recent opponents, Peter Manfredo Jr. and Librado Andrade.
“He doesn't have the same energy as Manfredo and he definitely is not on Andrade's level,” Muller said. “But don't let me take anything away from the man. If your mouth wins fights, he's undefeated, but I've fought better.”
Buchanan, 29, now is 15-1 with 11 KOs. Muller is 19-13-2 with 9 KOs.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Buchanan Weighs 170 for Tonight's California Bout!
Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan weighed in at 170 pounds for tonight's 10-round main event bout against Ted Muller at the Sycuan Resort and Casino in El Cajon, CA. Muller also came in at 170.
Both boxers will wear pink gloves tonight in observation of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Both boxers will wear pink gloves tonight in observation of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Rahman Wins in First Round; Sanders Loses Eight-Round Decision!
Former world heavyweight champion Hasim "The Rock" Rahman made short work of Cerrone Fox by scoring a first round TKO last night in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
According to Fightnews.com, Rahman wobbled Fox with his first right hand and then proceeded to land an extensive series of them until Fox went down in a heap in his own corner.
Referee Dale Grable didn’t bother counting and waved it off at 2:27.
Rahman's record is 44-6-2, 35 KO's. Fox falls to 8-7, eight KO's.
Meanwhile, Corey "T-Rex" Sanders lost an eight-round decision to undefeated Steffan Kretschmann in Berlin, Germany tonight. Sanders has now lost five in a row over a five-year period and is now 23-12, 15 KO's. Kretschmann goes the distance for the first time in his career and is now 10-0, nine KO's.
According to Fightnews.com, Rahman wobbled Fox with his first right hand and then proceeded to land an extensive series of them until Fox went down in a heap in his own corner.
Referee Dale Grable didn’t bother counting and waved it off at 2:27.
Rahman's record is 44-6-2, 35 KO's. Fox falls to 8-7, eight KO's.
Meanwhile, Corey "T-Rex" Sanders lost an eight-round decision to undefeated Steffan Kretschmann in Berlin, Germany tonight. Sanders has now lost five in a row over a five-year period and is now 23-12, 15 KO's. Kretschmann goes the distance for the first time in his career and is now 10-0, nine KO's.
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