Golden Gloves Schedule Update!

There is a schedule update and a change in venue for the 2015 Washington Golden Gloves.  Due to the postponement on February 14, there may be an added day of competition on Sunday, March 15 at 3 PM at Sugar Ray Leonard Center.  That is not definite yet.

Also, the venue for the Washington Finals and Regional finals have changed again.  Both events will now be held at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  The dates remain the same -- Saturday, April 4 for the DC finals and Saturday,  April 25 for the regionals.

Thompson Stops Solis In Turkey For WBC Continental Americas Title!

Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has done it again.  Thompson defeated Odlandier "La Sombra" Solis in demonstrative fashion, scoring a ninth-round TKO today in Antalya, Turkey. This is the second win over Solis.

Thompson outworked Solis throughout the fight and got the win when Solis did not come out for the beginning of round nine.  The 43-year-old Thompson now has a record of 40-5, 27 KO's and is the WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight champion.  Solis drops to 20-3, 13 KO's.

Thompson Weighs 261 for Friday Tussle in Turkey!

Tony Thompson weighed in at 261 pounds for his 12-round rematch against Odlander Solis Friday at the Gloria Sports Arena in Antalya, Turkey.  Solis weighed in at 272 pounds.

In the first bout, Thompson was the heavier boxer but he weighed four and a half pounds less for this one.  Solis came in 15 pounds heavier than the first bout.

There is a link for a live stream of this card.  I don't know how reliable it is or whether it is free or not but for those who want to try, here it is:  http://www.360fights.com/event/solis-vs-thompson/ 
The card begins at 2 PM ET.

My Interview With The Shadow League!

Really happy about this.  I recently did an interview with my good friend Mark Gray of The Shadow League concerning the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout.    Here it is:

https://soundcloud.com/theshadowleague/tsl-sports-talk-gary-digital-williams

Baltimore's Willie Williams To Face Roy Jones, Jr. March 6 in North Carolina!

ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that Baltimore, MD cruiserweight Willie "For Real" Williams will take on former multi-division world champion Roy Jones, Jr. on Friday, March 6 at the Cabarrus Arena and Events Center in Concord, North Carolina.

Williams (14-8-2, four KO's) won a four-round unanimous decision over Michael Gutrick on November 6 in Cockeysville, MD in his last outing.  This will be the fifth bout for Williams since he returned to boxing in 2013 after a three-year absence.

Jones, the native of Pensacola, FL (59-8, 42 KO's), is looking to win his fifth world title.  Jones has won titles at middleweight, super middleweight, light heavyweight and heavyweight.  However, Jones has not won one in the cruiserweight decision.  The 46-year-old Jones (who is 10 years older than Williams) is hoping for a title shot against cruiserweight champ Marco Huck.

My Appearance on NewsChannel 8!

I was very blessed to be the guest on NewsChannel 8's Toyota SportsTalk with host Alex Parker on Monday night.  We talked about the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao contest.  Here is the link to the show where I appear in the second half.

http://www.wjla.com/articles/2015/02/feb-23rd-sportstalk-with-digital-williams-111735.html

Also, I will be on WOL-AM 1450 on Sunday, March 1 at 12:15 PM on "In and Out of Sports" with my former broadcast partner and my great friend "The Coach" Butch McAdams.

UPDATE: Alfred Grant Has Passed!

BATB has now received word that DC Boxing and Wrestling Commissioner Alfred Grant has indeed passed.  Mr. Grant was taken off of life support earlier today.  Another tough loss for our region.

DC Boxing Deputy Commissioner Alfred Grant Brain Dead after Heart Attacks!

(photo by Juan Marshall)

We will post more information on this as we receive it, however we are very sad to report that the Deputy Commissioner of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission, Alfred Grant has been declared brain dead and is on life support after suffering three heart attacks this past week.  We just learned moments ago that Mr. Grant has not officially been declared deceased, however, they are waiting on family members to arrive at the hospital.

Kelly Scores First-Round Knockout In Allentown!

DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly registered a first-round knockout over Kevin "Benjamin" Franklin of Charleston, WV Saturday night at the Econolodge in Allentown, PA.  Here's a recap from Kurt Wolfheimer of Fightnews.com:

Both fighters went toe to toe in the early going which resulted in two clashes of heads, but neither fighter showed any clear damage. Kelly rocked Franklin moments later with an overhand right. Franklin tried to fight back, but Kelly forced him to a corner with a hard right. Franklin tried to fight back but a short left hook sent him to his hands and knees. Referee Shawn Clarke completed the ten count at 2:21 of the opening round, giving Kelly the knockout victory.

Kelly bounces back from suffering his first pro loss and he is now 7-1-1, six KO's.  Franklin is 6-11, three KO's.

Washington Golden Gloves First Round Rescheduled for Saturday, February 28!

The first round of the Washington Golden Gloves has been rescheduled for Saturday, February 28 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Center in Palmer Park, MD.  The first round was postponed this past Saturday because of the inclement weather.

The bout sheet originally slated for Saturday remains intact and can be found here:  http://boxingalongthebeltway.blogspot.com/2015/02/bout-sheet-for-first-night-of.html

There are also some bouts that will be added to this week's card.  Here is that list:

Junior Division:

12-13, 85 Pounds (Championship): Deric Davis (Headbangers) vs. Ervin Canlas (Keystone)

We also have another unopposed champion: Age 13, 178 Pounds, Stephen Cobb (Club One)

Novice Division:

152 Pounds: Vance Roberts (Langdon) vs. David Baker (Laurel)

165 Pounds: Brynnen McIver (Unattached) vs. Stephaun Hobbs (The Answer)

165 Pounds: Jonathan Turlios (Last Round) vs. Tyrone Russ (Woodland)

165 Pounds: Rashad Kilpatrick (Keystone) vs. Francis Pouloszno (Sugar Ray Leonard)


Open Division: 

152 Pounds: Shynggskhan Tazhibay (Headbangers) vs. Alonzo Thompson (Cherry Lane)

165 Pounds: Jordon Payne (Woodland) vs. Kerry Brewster (No Limits

Kelly Weighs 247 For Bout In Allentown!

Danny Kelly weighed in at 247 pounds for his six-round contest tonight at the Econolodge in Allentown, PA.  Kelly's opponent,  Kevin Franklin, weighed in at 236 pounds.

Golden Gloves First Round Postponed!

Due to the inclement weather,  tonight's first round of the Washington Golden Gloves has been postponed.   There is a possibility that the card will be rescheduled for either Friday or Saturday of next week.

Davis, Martin Score First Round TKO's in Pittsburgh!

Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Kareem "Reemo" Martin registered first-round TKO's tonight at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Davis, a featherweight from Baltimore, MD needed just 47 seconds to stop Israel Suarez of Luquillo, Puerto Rico.  Davis remains undefeated at 10-0, nine KO's. Suarez is now 4-5-2, one KO.

DC welterweight Martin stopped Cole Milani of Klamath Falls, OR at 2:15 of the first round to raise his record to 4-0-1, three KO's. Milani's record drops to 2-3, two KO's.

Davis, Martin Hit Scales in Pittsburgh!

Gervonta Davis and Kareem Martin weighed in for bouts tonight at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

Davis (left) tipped the scales at 129 pounds for his six-round bout against Israel Suarez, who also weighed 129.

Martin (left)weighed in at the welterweight limit of 147 for his four-rounder against late sub Cole Milani of Klamath Falls, OR, who weighed in at 147 as well.  Milani has a record of 2-2, two KO's.

Bout Sheet For First Night Of Washington Golden Gloves!

Here is the bout sheet for the first night of the Washington Golden Gloves championships which will take place on Saturday, February 21 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.

Junior Division:

Age 8-9, 70 Pounds:  Marcell Steele (Headbangers) vs. Damari Philson (No Excuse)

Age 11, 75 Pounds (Championship): Quincey Williams (Kenilworth) vs. Anthony Wheeler (Keystone)

Age 13, 78 Pounds (Championship): Joseph Gordan (Kenilworth) vs. Tyreece Johnson (Headbangers)

Age 11-12, 80 Pounds (Championship): Muhammad Robinson (Upton) vs. Jahmal Harvey (Keystone)

Age 9, 85 Pounds (Championship): Thomas Coe, Jr. (Lights Out) vs. Khaliq Harrison (Keystone)

Age 12, 95 Pounds (Championship):  Daylynn Jones (#11 Overcomers) vs. Maximus Garland (Headbangers)

Age 14-15, 95 Pounds: Lamar Odems (Kenilworth) vs. Kevon Cooke (No Excuse)

Age 13-14, 106 Pounds:  Lamont Odems (Kenilworth) vs. Chamar Flowers (Unattatched) 

Age 13, 112 Pounds: Kyron Curry (UMAR) vs. Stacey Selby (No Excuse)

Age 13-14, 120 Pounds: Donte Baytop (UMAR) vs. Malcolm Lowery (Old School)

Age 14-15, 125 Pounds: Chris Dzaringa (Mobtown) vs. Anthony Eatmon (Woodland)

Age 13-14, 139 Pounds: Jaharree Mack (Enigma) vs. Nasheed Smith (Headbangers)

Age 15-16, 152 Pounds:  Corey Russ (Woodland) vs. Jasaye Stephens (Hagerstown)

Age 15-16, 178 Pounds: Aziz McIlwain (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Caleb Andrews (Langdon)

Unopposed Junior Champions:

Age 11, 60 Pounds: Jordan Roach (No Xcuse) 

Age 11, 66 Pounds: Kardann Chatman (Unattatched)

Age 10-11, 72 Pounds: Tyreek Williams (The Answer)

Age 14, 70 Pounds: Nikko Williams (Headbangers)

Age 10, 80 Pounds: Deric Graves (Unattached)

Age 12, 90 Pounds: Dennis Zeigler (Unattached)

Age 12, 100 Pounds: Osei Akinyele (Headbangers)


Novice Division:

123 Pounds: Daquan White (Woodland) vs. Delonte Rawlings (Old School)

132 Pounds: Stephen Epps (Rosedale) vs. Michael Nelson (Keystone)

141 Pounds: Tyree Banks (NOMIS) vs. Dorian Bostic (UMAR)

141 Pounds: Evgueny Metchenov (Laurel) vs. Brandon Etheridge (Hillcrest)

152 Pounds: Yohanes Rezene (Lights Out) vs. Antoine Artis (Woodland)

165 Pounds: Aaron Liang (Raw Assassin) vs. Maurice Stokes (UMAR)

165 Pounds: Deonte Duck (Mack Lewis) vs. Quinton Taylor (Tony's Athletic Club)

165 Pounds: Rashad Quarles (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Maxwell Hulsh (NOMIS)

165 Pounds: Tavaughn Williams (Unattached) vs. Wesley Best (Enigma)

165 Pounds: Jalil Hunter (Headbangers) vs. Aaron Anderson (Mack Lewis)

165 Pounds: Deion Robertson (Keystone) vs. Verard Roberts (Langdon)


The Golden Gloves will be at the Sugar Ray Leonard Center, located at 7700 Barlowe Road in Palmer Park, MD for the next four Saturdays -- February 28, March 7 as well as the semifinals on March 14 and March 21.

The Washington Golden Gloves Finals and the Regional Golden Gloves will still be in Waldorf, MD but they will be in a brand new location -- the Waldorf Capital Clubhouse -- located at 3033 Waldorf Market Place in Waldorf.  The Washington Finals will be on Saturday, April 4 and the Regionals take place on Saturday, April 25.  The starting time for all events this year will be 7:30 PM.

Langley Remembrance Service Is Sunday At Laurel Boys And Girls Club!

There will be a remembrance service to honor boxing coach and trainer Thomas Langley on Sunday, February 22 at the Laurel Boys and Girls Club, located at 701 Montgomery Street in Laurel, MD.  The doors will open at 2 PM and the service starts at 3 PM.

The Laurel Boys and Girls Club was where Mr. Langley taught and coached boxing for more than 30 years.  Mr. Langley requested that no official funeral service be held.  There will be speakers there to tell stories about Mr. Langley.

Beltway Boxers And Personalities Invade Pennsylvania This Weekend!

Beltway representatives will be all over the Keystone State of Pennsylvania this coming weekend.  BATB has already told you that Gervonta Davis and Kareem Martin will be participating on a card at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on Friday, February 20.

Also appearing on that card will be DC Boxing Hall of Fame ring announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones, who is the first continually-working African-American ring announcer in the sport.  Jones will announce the undercard as he is being honored by promoter Tom Brown for Black History Month.  Jones will also be traveling to Syracuse, NY for a card on Saturday, February 28.  We have also learned that longtime Beltway matchmaker Chris Middendorf was chiefly responsible for getting the Beltway talent on this card.

On Saturday, February 21, DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly will compete in a six-round contest against Kevin Franklin of Charleston, WVA at the Econolodge in Allentown, PA.  Kelly (6-1-1, five KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss -- a six-round unanimous decision to Avery Gibson on August 22 in Temecula, CA.  Franklin (6-10, three KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision loss to Mike Sheppard on November 22 in Ellenboro, WVA.

Gary Russell, Jr. To Challenge Jhonny Gonzalez for WBC Featherweight Title March 28!

According to numerous reports, Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. will get his second opportunity at a world championship when he faces WBC titleholder Jhonny Gonzalez of Mexico on Saturday, March 28 at a venue to be named.

In his first chance at a world title, Russell (25-1, 14 KO's) lost a 12-round majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the vacant WBO title on June 21 in Carson, CA. Since the loss, Russell has fought once, defeating Christopher Martin by 10-round unanimous decision on December 20 in Shelton, WA.

Gonzalez (57-8, 48 KO's) is on his second tour as WBC champion and is coming off a 11th-round TKO of former world champion Jorge Arce on October 4 in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico.

The bout will be televised on Showtime Championship Boxing.

Irby Continues To Impress During World Series Of Boxing!

(photo courtesy of World Series of Boxing)

DC junior welterweight Tyrek Irby continues to be a pleasant surprise for his USA Knockouts team in the World Series of Boxing.

This past Sunday night at the Miccosukee Sports & Entertainment Dome in Miami, FL, Irby clinched a 4-1 victory for the Knockouts over the Azerbaijan Baku Fires.  Irby defeated Gaybatulla Gadzhialiyev by a 3-0 decision.  The win was Irby's second in WSB competition.

The Knockouts are second in Group B with an overall record of 4-1.  Astana Arlans Kazakhstan is undefeated in that group at 5-0.

Thomas Langley, Noted Beltway Coach And Trainer, Passes!

(photo courtesy of Tony Jeter)

We have received very sad news.  Long-time Beltway Boxing trainer and coach Thomas Langley has passed away at the age of 69 after a long illness.

Mr. Langley, a member of the DC Boxing Hall of Fame, ran the Laurel Boys and Girls boxing program for more than 30 years and worked with a countless number boxers in the area including Eddie Van Kirk, Percy Harris, Jake Smith, Mike Lee and most recently, Tony Jeter (shown in the photo with Langley) and female amateur standout Amelia Moore.

"I started boxing in 1992 and he was the one that started me," Jeter told BATB.  "He stayed with me the whole time and he helped me and so many others."

"He truly was a great guy and the one person who always stood by me."

Mr. Langley was an outstanding man whom I loved talking with and seeing at all the cards in the area.  Mr. Langley did not look for the publicity that some crave but his impact on this region will truly, truly be missed!  BATB sends its deepest condolences to the Langley family as well as all the boxers he worked with.