Thursday, December 31, 2009

'Rumble at Rosecroft' Begins 2010 Beltway Boxing Schedule January 16!

The first Beltway Boxing card of 2010 will be on Saturday, January 16 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. This will be a Baltimore Pro Boxing card.

Slated to appear on the card in the eight-round main event will be undefeated Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson (12-0, 10 KO's). No official word yet on his opponent.

One of the six-round co-feature bouts will involve Windsor Mill, MD middleweight "Vicious" Julius Kennedy against Jayson Champion of Forest Heights, MD in a rematch of a bout that took place in April of 2006. Kennedy (7-1, three KO's) suffered his only pro loss to Champion by four-round unanimous decision in Pikesville in Kennedy's pro debut.

Kennedy is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Ariel Espinal on November 5 in Cockesyville, MD. This was part of a solid 2009 in which Kennedy went 4-0, including a six-round majority decision win over Aaron Pryor, Jr. in Columbus, OH in April.

Champion (4-4, three KO's) has not fought since losing an eight-round unanimous decision to Jessie Nicklow in June of 2008 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. Two of Champion's four losses have come to Nicklow.

The other six-round contest features Bedford, VA light-heavyweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon against the aforementioned Ariel "Iron" Espinal of Brooklyn, NY. This bout was slated to take place this month in Pennsylvania but was postponed because of the weather. Sigmon (7-1, three KO's) won by third-round TKO over Nicholas Schleich on August 29 in Lynchburg, VA. Espinal (6-11-3, two KO's) fought his last bout against Julius Kennedy.

Ferndale, MD cruiserweight "The American Child" Nick Kisner looks to make his pro debut against "The Mac Attack" Robert McConnell (4-3, two KO's) of Ellicott City, MD. Also, Omar Sims of Baltimore (3-2-3, one KO) will take on the returning Zain Shah of Centreville, VA (1-0, one KO) in a four-round junior middleweight matchup. Shah has not fought since making his pro debut in February 2006.

Undefeated and now second-year pros Emmanuel "Transformer" Taylor of of Baltimore and DC's Abodurin "Bo" Akinyanju are also slated to be on this card.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Final End-Of-Year Poll: Who is the Beltway Boxer of The Year?

Here is our final poll of the year -- Who is the Beltway Boxer of the Year for 2009?

The area had a number of boxers who did great things in 2009, but here are the nominees for this poll:

Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman, junior welterweight, Baltimore, MD, (3-0, in 2009, 17-1-1, four KO's overall, captured USBA Junior Welterweight title)

Cory "Black Ice" Cummings, super middleweight, Baltimore, MD (1-0, one KO in 2009, 17-4, 13 KO's overall, captured Maryland State Super Middleweight title)

DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, junior welterweight, Washington, DC (4-2, three KO's in 2009, 36-12-1, 21 KO's overall)

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight, Salisbury, MD (5-0, three KO's in 2009, 17-0, 14 KO's overall, won interim NABO Middleweight title)

Jimmy Lange, junior middleweight, Great Falls, VA (2-0, two KO's in 2009, 31-3-2, 22 KO's overall, captured and defended WBC USNBC Junior middleweight title)

Henry "Hurricane" Mayes, light heavyweight, Baltimore, MD (1-0-1, one KO in 2009, 8-6-3, five KO's overall, captured Maryland State Light Heavyweight title.)

Lamont Peterson, junior welterweight, Washington, DC (1-1, one KO in 2009, 27-1, 13 KO's in 2009, won WBO Interim Junior Welterweight title; lost in quest for WBO Junior Welterweight crown)

James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (7-0, five KO's in 2009, 12-0, 10 KO's overall, won three regional titles)

Mark "TNT" Tucker, light heavyweight, Eldersburg, MD (7-0, two KO's in 2009, 13-0, seven KO's, overall, won and defended USBO Light Heavyweight title)


Although the overall records are listed, this poll is focused on what the boxers did during 2009.

After the new year, I will put together my year-in review including my choices for rookie, prospect and boxer of the year as well as other pertinent information. I will also announce the fans choices during that time.

F. Guerrero Among ESPN's Best Prospects! UPDATE: 15Rounds.com Names Guerrero Prospect of The Year!

Undefeated Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero (17-0, 14 KO's) was ranked among boxing's best prospects by ESPN Boxing Editor Dan Rafael.

Here is what Rafael had to say about Guerrero:

"Guerrero, a southpaw, is exciting and aggressive with good power. He had a strong amateur career that included Junior Golden Gloves, International Junior Olympics, National Golden Gloves and U.S. national titles. In a sport in which how well you draw is as important as your talent, Guerrero also has that covered. Although born in the Dominican Republic, he's lived in Salisbury, Md., since childhood and been embraced by the community. He sells out when he fights at home, a big reason why Guerrero, who needs defensive work, can become a major factor. The Barry Hunter-trained Guerrero, who has gotten good sparring from Paul Williams, went 5-0 in 2009 and closed with an impressive fourth-round knockout of Jesse Nicklow on "ShoBox" in December. Guerrero is scheduled to open 2010 on Feb. 19 on ESPN2 against Jesus Gonzalez."

Guerrero did not receive the prospect of the year award. That honor went to Daniel Jacobs of Brooklyn, NY.

However, Guerrero DID receive Prospect of the Year honors from the staff of 15Rounds.com who had this to say about Guerrero:

"Guerrero (17-0, 14 KOs) has the look of a future champion and made great strides in 2009. There are several criteria for choosing a Prospect of the Year, and Guerrero seemed to get check marks for each one. Guerrero kept a busy schedule, as a prospect should, fighting five times, scoring three knockouts and winning two decisions. Guerrero took a step-up in competition, winning a majority decision over fringe contender Ossie Duran and stopping tough journeyman Brian Norman, who had gone ten full with Jean Pascal.

Guerrero has the benefit of fighting at the high-profile middleweight class, which is ripe with opportunities for rapid advancement. The former amateur star is still young at 23-years-old, and has a fight of some significance scheduled in 2010 against former prospect Jesus Gonzales. Lastly, what gives Guerrero a huge edge over every other U.S. based prospect, is his massive drawing power in his hometown of Salisbury, Maryland, where he has fought in front of 8,000 people."

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Boxing Site Profiles 'The Golden Greek'!

David Chen of the website Leave It In the Ring.com, has put together a nice profile on one of our Beltway warriors -- "The Golden Greek" Elias Bouloubassis.

The story details not only his boxing career, but also his military service.

Here's the link:

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Tuesday, December 22, 2009

BATB Hits Another Milestone -- 2,000 Posts!

Just thought I'd share with you this milestone. The preceding post about the Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year was the 2,000th post that I have made to Boxing Along The Beltway. Not bad for an almost five-year period.

New Poll: Who is the Prospect of The Year for 2009?

Here is your second poll for our end-of-year celebration: Who is the Beltway Boxing Prospect of the Year? The one boxer who has made the biggest strides toward being a contender for world title honors.

Here are the nominees in alphabetical order:

Tim "Pit Bull" Coleman, junior welterweight, Baltimore, MD (3-0, in 2009, USBA Junior Welterweight champion, overall record: 17-1-1, four KO's)

Fernando Guerrero, middleweight, Salisbury, MD (5-0, in 2009, NABO Middleweight champion, overall record: 17-0, 14 KO's)

"The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal, lightweight, Arlington, VA (5-0-1 in 2009, overall record: 14-0-2, nine KO's)

Alexander "The Great" Johnson, light heavyweight, Oxon Hill, MD (3-0 in 2009, overall record: 8-0, one NC, three KO's)

Cecil McCalla, middleweight, Baltimore, MD (6-0 in 2009, overall record: 9-0, four KO's)

Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell, heavyweight, Brandywine, MD (7-0, in 2009, overall record: 15-0-1, nine KO's)

Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall, super middleweight, Baltimore, MD (1-1 in 2009, overall record: 19-2-1, four KO's)

Scott "Cujo" Sigmon, light heavyweight, Bedford, VA (4-0 in 2009, overall record: 7-1, three KO's)

James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson, welterweight, Baltimore, MD (7-0 in 2009, won three regional titles. Overall record: 12-0, 10 KO's)

Mark "TNT" Tucker, light heavyweight, Eldersburg, MD (7-0, in 2009, USBO Light Heavyweight champion. Overall record: 13-0, seven KO's.)


This poll has an "Other" feature as well. Once again, please vote with your heads, not your hearts. The Rookie of the year poll will stay up until Christmas Day.

Monday, December 21, 2009

Mitchell, Byarm Win By Decision; McRae Loses Decision!

Unfortunately, I was snowed in at BATB Headquarters and could not make Sunday's card at Rosecroft Raceway. I do have results.

Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell of Brandywine, MD remained undefeated with an eight-round unanimous decision over Zach Page of Akron, OH. Mitchell is now 15-0-1, nine KO's while Page falls to 19-27-2, seven KO's.

Maurice "Freight Train" Byarm of DC won his first six-round encounter by unanimous decision over Mike Miller of Akron. Byarm is now 5-0, three KO's. Miller is 6-14-2, three KO's.

However, "The Big Ticket" Dwayne McRae of Laurel, MD lost his bout by four-round unanimous decision to Burnell Stewart of Pennsylvania McRae is now 5-2, three KO. Stewart wins his pro debut.

Kudos to promoters Jake Smith and Buddy Harrison for putting this card on. Unfortunately, I didn't get results from the amateur side of this card.

Also, congratulations to the Maryland State Athletic Commission for sanctioning the 22nd card of the year. the most cards the state has sanctioned since 1996. I can't remember the last time this has happened but the State of Maryland had at least one boxing card every month this year. Credit should also go to the great promoters and matchmakers Maryland had all year long.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Tonight's Card Postponed Until Sunday!

Tonight's pro-am card slated for Rosecroft Raceway has been postponed for obvious reasons. The card will try to take place Sunday (tomorrow) with the doors opening at 6 PM and the first amateur bout at eight PM.

Surprise! Gary Russell, Jr. on Minnesota Card; Scores Third-Round Knockout!

We were so focused about the matchup between Fernando Guerrero and Jessie Nicklow, we never received any other information about the card.

However, Jesse Kelley of Minnesotaboxing.com tells us that Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Gary Russell, Jr. was a late addition to this card in Hinkley, MN. The 2008 Olympian remained undefeated with a third-round TKO over Rodrigo Romero of Las Vegas. Russell finished the job with a left-right combo that forced the stoppage of the bout at 38 seconds of the round.

Russell is now 6-0, three KO's. Romero is 1-3.

Guerrero Stops Nicklow in Fourth Round!

Starting with a solid right hook in the fourth round, Salisbury, MD's undefeated prospect Fernando Guerrero went on to defeat Baltimore, MD's Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow by TKO at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN in front of a nationally televised Showtime (ShoBox) audience.

Nicklow got off to a good start, throwing good power shots in the first round, but as the bout wore on, Guerrero began to take control of the contest, eventually wearing down Nicklow and leading to the knockdown in the fourth. Nicklow fought back bravely but eventually referee Mark Nelson waved the bout off at 2:09 of the round.

Guerrero remains undefeated at 17-0, 14 KO's while Nicklow falls to 19-2-2, seven KO's.


BATB talked to Minnesotaboxing.com's Jesse Kelley, who was ringside at tonight's card.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #194 - Guerrero-Nicklow Recap With Minnesotaboxing.com's Jesse Kelley!

Jesse Kelley of Minnesotaboxing.com gives a ringside recap of the Fernando Guerrero-Jesse Nicklow bout at the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN

Friday, December 18, 2009

As of Right Now..Tomorrow's Card is Still ON!

UPDATE: The card is still on, according to promoter Jake Smith of Baltimore Pro Boxing. However, the card will be truncated. There will only be three pro bouts -- all heavyweights.

Seth Mitchell vs. Zach Page in an eight-rounder will still be the main event. The bout between Maurice Byarm and Mike Miller will now be a six-round contest. Also, the contest between Dwayne McRae and Bernell Stewart will be a four-round contest. The Emmanuel Taylor-James Hope bout and the Abodurin Akinyanju-Wayne Hampton contest are now off the card. There will also be five amateur bouts.

Here are the weights for the scheduled bouts tomorrow:

Seth Mitchell 244 vs. Zach Page 202 1/2

Dwayne McRae 252 1/2 vs. Burnell Stewart 220 1/2

Maurice Byarm 252 1/2 vs. Mike Miller 268

I am also being told that there is a contingency plan to have the card on Sunday, if necessary.


While I'm on this evening, watch for a post that will contain an audio interview with Jesse Kelley of Minnesotaboxing.com who will be ringside covering tonight's Fernando Guerrero-Jessie Nicklow battle from the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN.

Guerrero, Nicklow Tip Scales in Minnesota!



(photo by Tom Casino/SHOWTIME)

Fernando Guerrero (right) and Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow hit the scales last night in final preparation for their nationally-televised bout that will air tonight on Showtime at 11 PM ET from the the Grand Casino in Hinkley, MN.

Guerrero weighed in at 162 pounds while Nicklow tipped the scales at 160 1/2 pounds. The contracted weight for the bout was 163 pounds.


Both men made final comments:

FERNANDO GUERRERO

On their record as amateurs, when Nicklow beat him twice in five fights: “I didn’t think I lost, at all. He was wrestling instead of fighting, so I guess he’s a better wrestler than me.”

“He doesn’t have a lot of options. All he can do it come forward.”

JESSE NICKLOW

“We’re good friends, but when we get in the ring, we’re not friends.”

“We know how to beat him. We know things that he likes and doesn’t like.”

“I think he’s at the top of his game, but there are still a few mistakes he’s making.”

“I feel really good about this fight. I’m relaxed and just happy to come on SHOWTIME and show everybody what I can do.”

On quitting his construction job for this fight: “I was told that if I want to work there, I can’t fight tonight. So I said, ‘I’ll finish the day, and that’s it.’”

On only fighting once this year: “I was in the gym the whole time. The longest time I’ve been off was two weeks. I’m 100 percent, physically. There’s not going to be any layoff.”

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Canadian Boxer Sebastian Hamel Passes at Age 30; Fought Two Beltway Boxers!

BATB sends its deepest condolences to the family of Montreal, Quebec, Canada resident Sebastian Hamel who passed away this past Tuesday. Hamel just turned 30 on November 8.

Hamel, a welterweight, fought two Beltway Boxers during his pro career (10-21-1, one KO). One of his wins came against Jaime Palma on May 9, 2008 in Fredericksburg, VA. Palma won a four-round unanimous decision.

Hamel's last bout was against James Stevenson on August 27 in Hagerstown, MD. Hamel lost by third-round stoppage.

Hamel also fought the likes of Cortez Bey, Michael Stewart and Ricardo Williams during his career.

Monday, December 14, 2009

Update on December 19 Card at Rosecroft Raceway!

The Baltimore Pro Boxing card on Saturday, December 19 will no longer be an all-heavyweight card. This is because undefeated Baltimore welterweight Emmanuel "Transformer" Taylor (4-0, four KO's) has been added to the card and will face James Hope of Rock Hill, SC (4-3, four KO's) in a four-round bout.

In other changes to the card, DC rookie heavyweight Maurice "Freight Train Byarm (4-0, three KO's) will take on Akron, OH veteran Mike Miller (6-13-2, three KO's) in a four-round bout. Miller has not fought since winning via second-round disqualification against Kareem Wilson on November 14 in Millersville, MD.

Also, Abodurin "Bo" Akinyanju of DC (2-0, two KO's) will now face Wayne "Hammerhead" Hampton of Capitol Heights, MD (5-5, three KO's) in another four-round bout.

The main event remains the same: Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell battles Zack Page in an eight-round contest. Also, "The Big Ticket" Dwayne McRae will take on Bernell Stewart of Ohio.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

'Beast' Nicklow Discusses Dec. 18 ShoBox Scrap!

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #193 - Confident Nicklow Talks ShoBox Scrap With Guerrero!

Baltimore junior middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow talks about his Friday, December 18 nationally televised Showtime bout against Salisbury's Fernando Guerrero in Hinckley, MN!


'Arsenal' Arvin Hits Madison Square Garden January 23!

Baltimore junior middleweight Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin has a big date coming up as he travels to Madison Square Garden in New York City on Saturday, January 23 to face veteran contender Pawel Wolak of Mount Arlington, NJ by way of Poland in an eight-round contest.

Arvin (15-1-14, seven KO's) has not fought since his controversial victory over Anthony Thompson on August 15, 2008 in DC. Wolak, ranked number 15 in the world by the IBF (25-1, 17 KO's), is coming off a fifth-round stoppage of Carlos Nascimento on October 10 at Madison Square Garden. This will be Wolak's fourth bout in the Garden.

Day 2 Results From DC-Area Silver Gloves!

Here are the results from the DC-Area Silver Gloves on its second day of competition:

8 & 9-year old division Tournament Bouts

60lbs. Chamar Flowers (Headbangers) def. winner of Joshua Hill


10 & 11-year old division Championship Bouts

60lbs. Mckinley Fulton (Upton) def. Byron Hill (D-Block)

70lbs. Anwar Henson (Headbangers) def. Gregory Burton (Langdon Rec.)

75lbs. Ameer Brown (Sugar Ray Leonard) def. Shadid Bond (Charm City)

85lbs. Joseph Veazey (Baltimore Boxing) def. Devon Crosby (Club One Fitness)

12 & 13-year old division Championship Bouts

75lbs. Jordan White (LB 4 LB) def. Demetrius Young (Sugar Ray Leonard)

85lbs. Rayvon Drayton (LB 4 LB) def. Mack Allison (Upton)


14 & 15-year old division Championship Bouts

95lbs. Lawrence Singh (Headbangers) def. Mykal Fox (Dream Team)

100lbs. Aujee Tyler (Headbangers) def. Carlton Gray (Dream Team)

112lbs. Patrick Harris (Headbangers) def. Christopher Forbes (Sugar Ray Leonard)

119lbs. Gervonta Davis (Upton) def. Devonta Tolbert (Tony's Gym)


14 & 15-year old division Tournament Bouts

139lbs. Dusty Harrison (Old School) def. Demetrius Martin (D-Block)


*******There are two more championship bouts scheduled for next week:
14 & 15 139lbs. Dusty Harrison (Old School) vs. Kareem Martin (Headbangers)

14 & 15 106lbs. Marquell Tyler (Headbangers) vs. Jalonte Cole (NoXcuse)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Peterson Loses Unanimous Decision in WBO Title Bout!

DC's Lamont Peterson lost a tough unanimous decision to undefeated Timothy "Desert Storm" Bradley for Bradley's WBO Junior Welterweight championship tonight in front of a nationally-televised Showtime audience at the Agua Caliente Resort and Casino in Rancho Mirage, CA.

Peterson survived a knockdown in the third round and came back to show incredible amounts of heart and grit as he tried to land punches on Bradley. But it wasn't to be as Bradley showed great boxing skill and defense to earn a decisive victory.

Judge Denny Nelson scored the bout 118-110. Jose Cabion saw the bout 119-108 while Fritz Werner scored a shutout for Bradley 120-107.

Peterson loses for the first time in his pro career and he is now 27-1, 13 KO's. Bradley is now 25-0, 11 KO's.

This note must be made: Both of these men showed how important class is. In an age where the opposite of class -- where self-gratification and showing how important "I" am is prevelant in all of sports -- it was so refreshing to see two young men walk in the ring with class and leave the ring with even more class. Personally, I will be rooting for Timothy Bradley in everything he does from here on out. And of course, the heart Lamont Peterson showed tonight hopefully will lead to more big fights down the road. He truly deserves that. Boxing fans should be very proud tonight.

Jargal Wins Unanimous Decison in Reno; Peterson and Bradley Hit Scales in California!

BATB has learned that the "Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal remained undefeated with a six-round unanimous decision over Guadalupe Diaz last night in Reno, NV. No word on the scores but with the win, Jargal, who fights out of Arlington, VA, remains undefeated with a record of 14-0-2, nine KO's. Diaz is 5-7-3, one KO.

As mentioned last night on the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up, Lamont Peterson weighed in at 139 pounds for his nationally-televised, world title challenge against WBO Junior Welterweight champ Timothy Bradley in Rancho Mirage, CA. Bradley tipped the scales at 138 pounds.

Tucker Regains USBO Title With Unanimous Decision in Westminster!

Undefeated Eldersburg, MD light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker made his first successful title defense of his USBO Light Heavyweight title with a 10-round unanimous decision victory over Silver Spring, MD's George "El Gallo" Armenta in front of a packed house at Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD.

In what was a great bout, both men landed solid shots throughout the contest. Early on in the bout, Tucker held an advantage using his long right jab. By the middle rounds, Armenta found a way to get inside and do damage, testing Tucker's chin as no one had throughout his young career. Tucker weathered the storm and was able to get a victory.

Judge Gary Camponeschi saw the bout 98-92. John Gradowski scored the bout 98-96 and Don Risher scored it 96-94. BATB scored the bout 96-94, but for Armenta.

With the win, Tucker is now 13-0, seven KO's. Armenta falls to 13-5, 11 KO's. After the contest, there was an announcement that Tucker will challenge for the IBO Light Heavyweight championship on March 27 in Newark, NJ.

In other bouts on the card, Baltimore middleweight Omar "The Machine" Sims lost a six-round unanimous decision to Jamar "The Truth" Freeman of Wilson, NC in the third bout between them. Freeman got off to a faster start and was able to garner the relatively easy victory. The scores were: Dave Braslow and Risher (59-55), Gradowski (60-54). Freeman remains undefeated at 5-0-2, one KO. Sims is now 3-2-3, one KO.

Annapolis, MD middleweight Vincent "The Beast" Batteast won his first pro bout with a four-round unanimous decision over Frederick, MD's Allan "Pit Bull" Perkins. Batteast scored a knockdown over Perkins in the second round with a short, sharp left hand. The knockdown proved to be the difference as all three judges (Braslow, Risher, Malik Waleed) scored the bout 38-37. Batteast's record is all even at 1-1-1. Perkins falls to 1-2.

The curtain-raising bout saw Philadelphia, PA cruiserweight Garrett Wilson win a four-round split decision over Adam Willet of Bellport, NY. Wilson is now 7-2, two KO's. Willet is 1-1.

TNT Promotions and the Maryland Boxing Club promoted the show. The matchmaker was Rick Glaser.

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up from Westminster:

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #192 - Full Report of Championship Night in Westminster!

"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the championship card at Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD!