Twenty-One Beltway Boxers Head To National Silver Gloves February 5-7 In Independence, MO!

The Beltway region will send 21 boxers to the 2015 National Silver Gloves championships February 5-7 in Independence, MO.

Here is the list:

8-9, 60 Pounds:  Musa Robinson

8-9, 85 Pounds:  Thomas Coe

10-11, 60 Pounds: Jordan Roach

10-11, 65 Pounds: Lonzo Malcolm

10-11, 70 Pounds: Tyreek Williams

10-11, 95 Pounds: Jalil Hackett

10-11, 100 Pounds: Lawrence Malcolm

10-11, 105 Pounds:  Ishawn Nelson

12-13, 70 Pounds: Ragahleak Bartee

12-13, 85 Pounds: Ervin Canlas 

12-13, 90 Pounds: Keshawn Bagwell

12-13, 95 Pounds: Ibrahim Robinson

12-13, 100 Pounds:  Osei Akineyeze

12-13, 106 Pounds: Stacey Selby

12-13, 119 Pounds:  Edwin Angel 

12-13, 147 Pounds: Michael Tymas III

14-15, 90 Pounds:  Kevon Cooke

14-15, 139 Pounds: Nashid Smith

14-15, 147 Pounds: Lorenzo Simpson

14-15, 156 Pounds: Mansabory Conde

14-15, 165 Pounds: Devonte Warren

Antonio Russell Wins Pro Debut With Second-Round Knockout!

We are learning that Capitol Heights, MD super flyweight Antonio Russell has won his pro debut tonight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.

Russell stopped his opponent, Harold Reyes of Puerto Rico (1-2) at 2:10 of the second round.  Russell used a right uppercut followed by a vicious left hook to finish Reyes off.

Pryor Drops Unanimous Decision At Foxwoods!

Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor lost a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Charles Foster of New Haven, CT Friday night at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Pryor lost by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55.  Pryor's record falls below .500 at 9-10, three KO's.  Foster is now 7-0, three KO's.

Antonio Russell Weighs 116 For Pro Debut In Philadelphia!

(Courtesy of Antonio Russell's Facebook Page)

Antonio Russell (left) tipped the scales at 116 pounds for his pro debut Saturday night at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.  Late sub opponent Harold Reyes of Puerto Rico (1-1) weighed in at 120 pounds.

Pryor Weighs 176 For Foxwoods Battle!

Larry Pryor weighed 176 for his six-round bout tonight at the Foxwoods in Mashantucket, CT.  Pryor's opponent, Charles Foster, tipped the scales at 173. No word on whether Pryor's bout will make tonight's ESPN2 telecast.

Cedric Kushner, Noted Boxing Promoter, Passes!

Another one of the good people in the sport of boxing has left us.  Legendary boxing promoter Cedric Kushner passed away from a heart attack on January 29.  Mr. Kushner was 66.

Mr. Kushner, a native of South Africa, began business life as a very successful concert promoter, working for such successful acts as Fleetwood Mac, Journey and The Rolling Stones.  Once he made the transition to boxing, he continued to have success, especially promoting in the heavyweight division.  Mr. Kushner created the "Heavyweight Explosion" series and the "Thunderbox Fistful of Dollars" tournament.

The Thunderbox series was one of Mr. Kushner's connections to the Beltway region.  DC heavyweight Tony Thompson made it to the finals of the tournament, losing by decision to Maurice Harris. The ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones and the blow-by-blow announcer for the tourney was the current play-by-play announcer for the Washington Pro Football Team, Larry Michael.

Mr. Kushner also promoted two of the Beltway's all-time greats. One was three-time world champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson.  Kushner gave the go-ahead for Johnson to make his first IBF Flyweight title defense in Washington, DC in February of 1998 at the DC Armory.  Johnson took a $30,000 hit in his purse to have the bout held at the Armory and Mr. Kushner really didn't think the card (which was televised by ESPN2) would do well.  The card, however, drew a raucous crowd of 10,000 as Johnson knocked out Arthur Johnson in the first round.

Mr. Kushner was the promoter of record of undisputed world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman when he pulled off one of the great upsets in boxing history, his knockout of Lennox Lewis in April of 2001.  Mr. Kushner was about to sign Rahman to a contract extension, however, Don King came in and signed Rahman.

Also, Mr. Kushner gave this reporter one of the first interviews he ever had with a major league boxing promoter.   I had the honor of interviewing Mr. Kushner during his time with Johnson for the "Boxing Spotlight" program.  I have never forgotten that Hitchcock-like voice of his and also how incredibly generous he was with his time.

Cedric Kushner was an exceptional figure in the boxing business and he will truly be missed.

Beltway Female Boxing History On March 20 In Woodlawn, MD; Three Title Bouts To Be Held!

Women's pro boxing takes a big step forward along the Beltway on Friday, March 20 when all three of the Beltway's female world champions will compete in title bouts on the same card at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.  This is a Shawstyle and Shabazz Brotherz Promotion.

Undefeated five-time world champion and two-time Beltway Boxer of the Year Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will move to the super welterweight division and challenge Kita Watkins of Tyler, TX for the vacant UBF (Universal Boxing Federation) title.

The last bout for both Nelson (13-0-3, one KO) and Watkins (7-11, one KO) came against the same boxer -- Victoria Cisneros.  Nelson was dominant against Cisneros on November 15, winning a 10-round unanimous decision shutout at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.  Watkins has not fought since losing a six-round unanimous decision to Cisneros in June of 2013 in Albuquerque, NM.  The two ladies share other common opponents -- Nicole Woods (win for Nelson, two losses for Watkins) Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes (win for Nelson, loss for Watkins and Shelley Seivert (win and a draw for Nelson, loss for Watkins).

The second title fight has undefeated DC flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas battling Chantel "Gorgeous Babe" Cordova of Pueblo, CO for the vacant UBF Flyweight title.

This bout means that Douglas (8-0, three KO's) will move back to her normal weight after moving up two weight classes to capture the WIBA and UBF Bantamweight titles in her last outing.  Douglas won a 10-round unanimous decision over Christina Ruiz on November 13 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD.  Cordova (13-6-2, three KO's) will be the most experienced foe Douglas has faced.  Cordova is a former NABF titleholder who is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Noemi Bosques on December 13 in Tampa, FL.

Title bout number three will mark the return of WBF Super Bantamweight champion "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas of Manassas, VA.  Salinas (15-3, four KO's) will be in a 10-round rematch with "Non-Stop" Angel Gladney of South Carolina (8-10-1, six KO's) for the vacant UBF Super Bantamweight championship.

Salinas has not fought since winning the WBF Super Bantamweight championship in November 2013 defeating Yolis Marrugo Franco in Santa Cruz De La Sierra, Bolivia.  During her time off, Salinas has become a well-known name and face in the Spanish-language media, making numerous television appearances and appearing in advertisements.  Gladney has competed in two title bouts in her last three appearances, losing both bouts to noted boxers Shelly Vincent and Maureen Shea.  Salinas and Gladney met in a five-round contest won by Salinas in July of 2012 in Charlotte, NC.

The card features a number of male Beltway Boxers including Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson, Travis "Seveer" Reeves and Devar "The Warrior" Ferhadi.  We'll tell you about their bouts a little later this week.

Golden Gloves Time Drawing Near; Registration And Physicals Are On January 31!

The 2015 Washington Golden Gloves are just around the corner as the Beltway goes for its sixth consecutive year that a local boxer has brought home a national title.

We will give you the dates for the entire series at a later date.  However, this note for coaches and boxers -- Registration and physicals will take place on Saturday, January 31 at the Hillcrest Heights Bingo Hall located on 4104 23rd Parkway in Hillcrest Heights, MD.  This event goes from 9 AM to noon.  Officials ask that you be prompt for this important date.

Beltway Boxers Travel At End Of January!

Two Beltway Boxers will be traveling at the end of January for some important bouts.

On Friday, January 30, Frederick, MD light heavyweight Larry "Hitman" Pryor will try to keep his two-bout winning streak alive when he faces undefeated Charles Foster of New Haven, CT in a six-round contest at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.  Pryor (9-9, five KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Rayco Saunders on October 23 at the Renaissance Hotel in Washington, DC.  Foster (6-0, three KO's) scored a first-round TKO over the debuting Robert Jackson on September 20 at Foxwoods.

On Saturday, January 31, Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell is slated to make his pro debut in Philadelphia, PA at the 2300 Arena.  Russell will battle Gabriel Braxton of Atlanta, GA.  Braxton (2-7, one KO) broke a five-bout losing streak with a third-round TKO over Maurice Adams, Jr. on January 17 at the Washington Convention Center.

Also, Malik Hawkins's bout at the 2300 Arena last Saturday was cancelled at the last minute when his opponent failed a pre-fight physical.

Crews, Brown Capture USA National Championship Titles!

Franchon Crews and Tiara Brown have won championships at the USA Boxing Elite National Championships in Spokane, WA today.

Crews captured the title at 178 pounds with a unanimous decision over Heidi Henriksen of St. Louis Park, MN.  Brown won the gold at 125 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards, MA.  Congratulations to both ladies!

Cummings Falls In Second In Colorado!

Cory "Black Ice" Cummings was stopped in the second round tonight at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO by undefeated Ukranian Oleksander "The Nail" Gvozdyk.

Gvozdyk dropped Cummings three times in the second before the bout was stopped at 1:10.  Cummings's record falls to 18-8-1, 13 KO's.  Gvozdyk is now 5-0, four KO's.

Crews, Brown Head To Finals Of USA Nationals!

Two Beltway female amateurs have advanced to tonight's final of the USA Boxing Elite National Championships in Spokane, WA.

Hyattsville, MD featherweight Tiara Brown moved into the championship of the 125 Pound division with a unanimous decision over Indeya Smith of Grand Prairie, TX.  Brown will take on Ashleigh Moore of Buzzards Bay, MA.

Baltimore, MD light heavyweight Franchon Crews will be in the finals of the 178 Pound class.  Crews advanced with a first-round TKO of Brooklyn, NY's Joy Rotstein.  Crews will take on Heidi Henriksen of St. Paul, MN in the championship bout.

Cummings Hits Scales In Colorado; Hawkins Does the Same in New Jersey!

Two Baltimore boxers weighed in for bouts that will take place tonight.

Light heavyweight Cory "Black Ice" Cummings weighed in at 174 for his eight-round contest against undefeated Oleksandr Gvozdyk of the Ukraine at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, CO. Gvozdyk tipped the scales at 175.

Cummings (18-7-1, 13 KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Yusef Mack on October 25 in North Bergen, NJ. Gvozdyk (4-0, three KO's) stopped Otis Griffin in the sixth round on November 15 in San Antonio, TX.  This bout is on the undercard of the Brandon Rios-Mike Alvarado contest.

In Pennsauken, NJ, junior welterweight Malik Hawkins weighed in at 141 for his four-round contest against Josue Rivera at the GPG Event Center.  Rivera also weighed 141.

Amateur Boxing At Michael's Eighth Avenue Friday Night!

Amateur boxing comes back to Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on Friday night, January 23. The card begins at 8 PM.

The featured bout has Baltimore heavyweight Sam Crossed taking on Jeff Knight of Glen Burnie.  Crossed had a very quick knockout of four seconds in August of 2013.  Crossed replaces Joey Veazey in the main event.  Veazey suffered an injury in training.

Also on the card, Albert Burris of Baltimore takes on Lamont White in a rematch at 154 pounds.  Burris won the first bout back in December.

Tickets are $30 for general admission and $35 at the door.  Call 410-375-9175  for more information.

Beltway Amateurs Off To A Tough Start At USA Nationals!

Beltway amateurs lost three bouts on the first day of competition at the USA Nationals in Spokane, WA.

Matthew Abregu of Leesburg, VA lost a 2-1 decision to Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA at 152 pounds.  At the same weight class, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD fell by a 3-0 decision to Burim Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.

In the 141-Pound division, Eric Hernandez lost a 3-0 decision to Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.

No Beltway amateurs are in action today.

Hawkins Competes In New Jersey January 24!

Baltimore, MD super lightweight Malik Hawkins competes for the second time as a pro on Saturday, January 24 at the GPG Event Center in Pennsauken, NJ.

The pro debut for Hawkins lasted just 16 seconds as he knocked out Terrell Coles on November 13 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore.  Hawkins will take on Josue "El Guerrero" Rivera of Philadelphia, PA (2-6, two KO's) in a four-round contest.

Rivera was stopped in the first round by Christian Molina on October 4 in Valley Forge, PA.  Rivera has competed in DC twice, losing twice by knockout to Cornelius Whitlock and Moshea Aleem.

Roach, Jr. Dominates En Route To Fourth-Round TKO!

Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. has started his second pro year in exceptional fashion stopping Herbert Quartey of Accra, Ghana at 2:34 of the fourth round at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA. The bout was shown nationally on Fox Sports 1.

Roach, Jr., the 2014 Beltway Boxing Rookie Of The Year, dropped Quartey, the cousin of former world champion Ike Quartey, with a right hand in the first round and maintained control throughout the contest.  Roach eventually dropped Quartey two more times in the fourth round before the bout was stopped.

Roach, Jr. raises his record to 6-0, three KO's.  Quartey, who was announced as being from Silver Spring, MD (we can't confirm that), is now 12-11, nine KO's.

Beltway Amateurs Begin Competition In USA Nationals!

A number of Beltway amateurs are in Spokane, WA for the USA National Championships.  The first members of the contingent are in action today.

Eric Hernandez of Leesburg, VA begins action at 141 pounds when he squares off against Douglas Northern of Philadelphia, PA.

Later tonight, Leesburg's Matthew Abregu will compete in the 152-Pound division against Arthur Saakyan of Montebello, CA.  Also, Jonathan Burrs of Frederick, MD will see action at 152 pounds against Burum Beqiri of Grand Rapids, MI.

Roach Weighs 131 1/2 For Six-Round Nationally-Televised Bout in Philadelphia!

(Photo by Ross Molovinsky)

Lamont Roach, Jr. weighed 131 pounds for his first six-round contest tonight at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA.  Roach's opponent, Herbert Quartey of Accra, Ghana, weighed in at 133 after originally weighing in at 134.

The bout will open the Fox Sports 1 telecast at 8 PM ET and is a part of the 50th birthday celebration of Bernard Hopkins.

Charlie Tuttle, Noted Amateur Boxer, Passes!

(photo courtesy of Beall Funeral Home website and the Tuttle Family)

The Beltway Boxing community is mourning the passing of a member of one of its first families.  Charlie Tuttle passed away on January 13 at the age of 54.

Mr. Tuttle was a very successful amateur boxer who was inducted into the DC Boxing Hall of Fame in 1999.  Mr. Tuttle's father, Truman, was a founding father of the Washington Golden Gloves tournament and his brother, Fred was also a great amateur and pro boxer.

For the last few years, Charlie helped out with the current crop of boxers during the tournament.  You could see him moving all around the arena coordinating the order of boxers to compete, always with enthusiasm and a smile on his face.  He was truly a nice man and will definitely be missed.

Charlie Tuttle's funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 20 at Beall Funeral Home located at 6512 NW Crain Highway in Bowie, MD.  The visitation is from 10 AM to Noon and the service will begin at noon.