Friday, February 01, 2008

Bizarre Night in the Ballroom!

Here are the results from last night's Ballroom Boxing card at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD -- one of the more bizarre nights in recent Beltway Boxing history.

Ishmail "The Arsenal" Arvin of Baltimore and Dallas, TX's Jesse Orta fought to a six-round majority draw. Judge Malik Waleed scored the bout 58-56 for Arvin but judges John Gradowski and Don Risher saw the draw at 57-57. A Maryland State Athletic Commission official said that the round-by-round scorecards of both Gradowski and Risher were exactly the same, meaning both judges saw the contest the exact same way.

This is the second straight draw for Arvin since he returned to action after a 15-month hiatus. Arvin's record is now 14-1-4, six KO's. Orta is now 7-11-2, four KO's.

The co-feature saw "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall of Pasadena, MD remain undefeated with a second-round TKO over Wilson, NC's Gary Lavender. However, the Lavender camp may file a protest. Early in the second round, Lavender fell through the ropes and hit his head on the edge of the timekeeper's table before landing on the floor. Lavender seemed to claim that Paschall gave him a push. Still holding his head, Lavender eventually got back in the ring and tried to go on. But Paschall punished Lavender, knocking him down twice in the round and the bout was stopped at 2:25 of the second.

Paschall is now 15-0-1, three KO's while Lavender loses for the second straight time in the Ballroom (back in November, Lavender was stopped in the fourth by Carlos Jones) and his record is now 5-12, five KO's.

But the most surreal moment of the night took place in the third bout of the night. Heavyweights Askia Schneider of Baltimore and "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA were slated to meet in a four-round contest. However, when Felton entered the ring, he began to move toward Schneider and began to taunt him. One of Schneider's cornerman tried to move Felton away with a little push. Felton pushed back, Schneider jumped in and a full-scale two-man brawl ensued with both men ending up on the mat. The bout never happened and was ruled no contest. Maryland State Athletic Commission members said there will be a full scale investigation and a hearing that will probably lead to fines and/or suspensions.

In other bouts on the card, "The Capitol Punisher" Spencer Harsley lost a four-round unanimous decision to debuting welterweight Stephen Bass of Hilton Head, SC. Harsley is now 1-5-2. Also, Islip, NY heavyweight Darrel "King David" Madison won a six-round unanimous decision over Philadelphia, PA's Michael Rhoades, who came in weighing 337 1/4 pounds compared to 247 1/2 for Madison, who raised his record to 9-1, three KO's. Rhoades is 3-3-3, one KO.

In the key amateur bout of the evening, Glen Burnie, MD's Nick Kisner won his very first open competition bout, taking a decision from Alex Guerrero of Salisbury, MD. Guerrero is the brother of Beltway rookie Fernando Guerrero.

Here is the COMPLETE BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up show, which not only recaps the card but also has some breaking news concerning the upcoming Beltway Boxing schedule.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #97 - Bizarre Night in the Ballroom!

"The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and I recap the Ballroom Boxing card at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD -- one of the most surreal nights in Beltway Boxing History and give breaking news on the upcoming Beltway Boxing Schedule.




And yes, starting with this post, Anonymous comments can now be left on the blog.

48 comments:

Anonymous said...

1ST OFF JONATHAN FELTON PUSHED ASKIA SCHNEIDER'S TRAINER BILL AYERS WHICH CAUSED THE ENTIRE INCIDENT. I'M NOT SURE IF YOU SEEN THE SAME BOUT BUT THAT IS FACT THERE WAS A VIDEO RECORDING OF THE INCIDENT I SUGGEST YOU WATCH THE FIGHT AGAIN AND RE-POST YOUR ARTICLE WITH FACTS.

ASKIA SCHNEIDER AND HIS TRAINER BILL AYERS FROM BOXING FITNESS CENTER WERE THE FIRST TO ENTER THE RING. ONCE IN THE RING ASKIA'S TRAINER BEGAN TO PLACE TAPE ON HIS BOOTS AS DIRECTED BY THE REF. AS SOON AS JONATHAN FELTON ENTERED THE RING HE IMMEDIATELY WALKED OVER TO ASKIA SCHNEIDER'S CORNER AND STOOD NOSE TO NOSE WITH ASKIA WHILE THE TRAINER WAS BETWEEN THE TO FIGHTERS FIXING ASKIA'S BOOTS. ASKIA'S TRAINER THEN STOOD UP BETWEEN BOTH FIGHTERS AND ASKED JONATHAN FELTON TO GO TO HIS OWN CORNER AND LEAVE THE CORNER OF ASKIA SCHNEIDER. AT THAT TIME JONATHAN FELTON PUSHED THE TRAINER INTO ASKIA WHICH RESULTED IN THE TRAINER FALLING TO THE GROUND. BOTH FIGHTERS HAD A BRIEF STRUGGLE AND FELL TO THE GROUND AND HAD TO BE SPLIT UP BY SECURITY AND CORNER MEN OUT OF ASKIA SCHNEIDER'S CORNER. DURING THE STRUGGLE ON THE MAT JONATHAN FELTON WAS ON TOP OF ASKIA SCHNEIDER ATTEMPTING TO STRIKE HIM.

IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE FINAL RULING WAS JONATHAN FELTON WAS DQ'D AND ASKIA SCHNEIDER WAS NOT. THE FIGHT WAS RULED A NO CONTEST AND ASKIA SCHNEIDER WAS STILL AWARDED HIS PURSE.

JONATHAN FELTON'S ACTIONS STARTED THE INCIDENT AND APPEARED TO BE INTENTIONAL. IT APPEARED THAT JONATHAN FELTON WAS NOT THERE TO FIGHT AND THE DQ WAS HIS WAY OF GETTING OUT OF FIGHTING ASKIA SCHNEIDER.

AGAIN THE INCIDENT WAS RECORDED AND CAN BE REVIEWED. THESE ARE THE FACTS AND YOUR ARTICLE NEEDS TO BE UPDATED.

Anonymous said...

I was also at the fight and felton caused the brawl by pushing askias coach.

I think he wanted out of the fight. the cheers for askia as he walked to the ring with his seconds and coach were amazing. Askia looked to be ready for a fight amd felton looked intinidated. I think he got a little scared and was looking for a way out.

Im glad to hear askia was not disqualified because they stayed in their corner and were noyt were not causing any problems.

Anonymous said...

Felton just pu^^yed out.. No Heart..He pushed the other guys coach whats up with that... He should be banned for awhile..

Anonymous said...

Dude the other writer is right.. you have it wrong Felton pushed the trainer and was trying to get schneider to hit him. He was not trying to fight schneider. Schneider looked determined when he entered the ring.

Anonymous said...

Jonathan Felton was in the wrong he did more than taunt. When you put your hands on the other fighters coach then there is a problem. Immediately after both fighters left the ring Schneider's cornermen and coach stated, " we forgive him, dont DQ him we want to knock him out in the ring." Felton was scared and started the brawl to get out of fight Schneider. Shneider was ready to head back out and start the bout as planned but was not allowed by the boxing commissioner. I want to see what this kid Schneider can do if Felton is that scared to fight him he must pack a punch.

Anonymous said...

that brawl was the most exciting thing all night.. The other heavyweights were boring it looked like a watered down sparing match between friends

Anonymous said...

Felton should have his license pulled for pushing the trainer. If he didn't want to fight Schneider he should have backed out instead of causing all that drama. Felton needs to be fined and suspended for starting that mess. I am looking to forward to seeing Schneider fight a real opponent who comes to actually fight.. Oh thanks for opening this back up to the anoms Gary...

Anonymous said...

NO, Jonathan pushed the coach first. When the coach was fixing the boots of Askia, Jonathan kept knocking into him. Then when the coach stood up and he had a few word with Jonathan, Jonathan pushed him. I have never seen Jonathan act this way in the ring. Askia must have really gotten to him...

Anonymous said...

Who was the ref and where was he?

Anonymous said...

I'M BAAAACKKKKK!

First off - Ishmail Arvin. He looked like a future world champ two years ago but now seems just so so. What happened?

Second - John Felton what the hell were you thinking? What a bone head you are rushing the guy before the fight! Got news for you pally, you're going to be on the shelf for at least 6 months!

Third - Mikal Roads is fat, fat, fat! Tub o friggin lard!

Anonymous said...

ISHMAIL GOT ROBBED LAST NIGHT IN A TOUGH FIGHT

Anonymous said...

CONGRADS TO MIKE P AND NICK KISHNER FOR THERE GREAT WINS. WAY TO GO CLUB ONE.

MO BETTER

Anonymous said...

first time ever to a ballroom event truthfully i dont care who started it all i can tell you for some ring action like that i will pay more $$$ WOW lots of subplots, boost of adrenline.. way to start of the 08.. the actual matches were plain, sometimes dry.. but that 3rd bout got us THE FANS NUETRAL THAT IS REALLY HYPE.... i would be back at next show we need some excitement in the area... if that wasnt staged that was some real bad blood between the two camps... GO MICHEALS 8TH AVENUE..

Anonymous said...

I was at the fights. Clearly Felton started the problem. I've heard fans say he didn't want the fight. I do not believe that for a minute. Fighters entering the ring often do there circle around and attempt to gear themselves up ... WHERE WAS THE REFEREE??? NOWHERE. He could have stop this before anything happened. The security jumped in and there was no problem - the comission postured. Now they will take 3 months to make a decision that is already obvious. Felton was wrong. Very entertaining I must say. Now...let's see the rematch!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey big g, how are are beltway youngsters looking down kansas at the nationals??

Gary Digital Williams said...

I have received no word on the Beltway youngsters at the national silver gloves.

Anonymous said...

Quick take on the very entertaining show: It was entertaining in spite of itself . . .
Kisner escaped with a questionable decision over Geurrero, I thought, but I admire the kid's scrap either way. Both fighters appeared to be having way too much fun in the ring. I don't know, maybe that's a good thing for youngsters. Good amateur fight...
The 337-pound Rhoades (and that's just weigh-in weight!) looked like the second coming of Garing Lane. Madison actually tried to move him a couple times -- just asking for a hernia -- but realized sitting outside and pot-shotting the jab to pile up easy points was the way to go. If Rhoades ever makes it to Madison Square Garden for a fight, I want a seat in the "Rotunda."...
I'd like to see a replay of the shots Lavander was hit with, and I'll leave it at that...
I'm with everyone else: Felton looked like he wanted a way out before the fight started. Schneider came in with a lot of rep, but I didn't talk to one person who had ever actually seen him fight. Felton should have at least fought one round and then found a way to bail, right? Then, you stand a chance of at least saving your purse (not to mention reputation). Give him 90 days to think about it...
Finally, Arvin, who always, sadly, seems to fight down to the level of the competition instead of up to the level of his natural ability, got jobbed. I thought he won handily (my notebook, with score, is out in the car). -- John Scheinman

Anonymous said...

So with the DQ'd fight that never happened, there were only 4 pro bouts?

$100 for ringside seats to see 4 pro bouts and a few amateur bouts (to fill out the card)? No way.

That's sad. What ever happened to the Ballroom of 3-4 years ago? Those were the days. It's been in a consistant decline since those days.

Anonymous said...

well we all no with the ding d.wilson gone the ballroom may take a few years to develop that buzz. but hey i tell you this felton guy and his WWE personality we didnt go home disappointed thats for sure...he didnt look scared to me people i saw him as he was entering and being escorted by security out of the ring, he may of been the bad guy but he was very entertaining... ENCORE ENCORE WE WANT MORE..... LOUIS FROM MD.

Anonymous said...

Wow. Its great to see so many people worked up over last nights show. It may not have been a masterpiece, but it was entertaining and by Sunday we will know whether it turns out to be more entertaining than the Super Bowl.
With the dq fight, there were only four pro fights, but excepting Paschall v. Lavender the others all went the distance. And in response to the criticims of Ballromm now vs years ago, there are a couple of things that need to be said. When we were running tv shows, we could pull in exceptional talent for regular money because everyone knew that the would be seen across the country. Now without tv, we have gone through some changes and retooled and I think over the next couple of shows you will see better and better programs, consistently strong crowds, more significant fights and better ring card girls.

Anonymous said...

Chris,

What did happen to the tv deal and is there anything else on the horizon to bring that back. That was a huge factor in the exposure for the fighters. Maybe Michael's could do another ESPN show?

-Steve

Anonymous said...

Malik Walid is a homer ref and a homer judge. First, let's start with the scoring for Arvin vs. Orta. I had Orta winning 5 out of 6 rounds! The one round Arvin won was when he nailed Orta. What did he do the next round? Nothing, didn't follow up and gave that round away. Thanks to Digital I see that Walid had Arvin winning 5 out of 6 rounds! He's a ref and judge biased towards the home guys. Point #2: Lavendar vs. Paschall. Mike pushed that guy through the ropes! Plain and simple. Then Walid starts counting, I couldn't believe it! I hope Pat Panella does the right thing and changes the fight to a no contest. Bad (or just plain biased?) refereeing by Walid. I've seen him for a number of years and he ALWAYS leans towards the other guys.

Anonymous said...

I meant to say he leans towards the home guys in the comment above. Forever Anonymous. I plead the 5th baby! Good choice Digital!

Anonymous said...

actually most hometown boxers believe Malik scores against them.

Anonymous said...

Our heavyweight Askia “TNT” Schneider was scheduled for a professional bout against Jonathan Felton on 01/31/08 at Michael’s 8th Ave, Glen Burnie, MD. The fight was ruled a “no contest” due to Jonathan Felton’s disqualification prior to the start of the bout.
The following is a brief synopsis of the events which transpired:
Askia “TNT” Schneider and Boxing Fitness Center senior trainer Bill Ayers were first to enter the ring. Following Schneider and Ayers, Felton entered the ring, immediately making his way to Schneider’s corner to taunt him. After Felton moved in close to Schneider, Ayers placed himself between the fighters to prevent an early altercation. Ayers asked Felton to return to his own corner at which time Felton shoved Ayers to the mat. A struggle ensued between Schneider and Felton with both fighters falling to the mat, requiring intervention by event security staff to separate the two fighters. As a result of this scuffle, the bout was ruled a “no contest,” and Felton was subsequently disqualified. An investigation is being conducted into this incident. Schneider was NOT DISQUALIFIED and still received his purse.

Boxing Fitness Center sincerely regrets the occurrence of this incident and apologizes to the fans that came out see Schneider in action. This situation was out of our control, and we look forward to a bout against an opponent who will not avoid fighting by getting himself intentionally disqualified. Boxing Fitness Center maintains the highest standards of professional conduct, and we look forward to a match with a fighter who has the sportsmanship and self-control to allow the fans to enjoy the entertainment they have paid to see.

Anonymous said...

I think a Scneider vs Felton bout would draw well now. Just put the security in the ring first and let them settle the matter after the bell. Mr Panella might not want it, but that kind of drama is priceless and it would draw.

Anonymous said...

ok special thanks goes to all of you who think that i am scared to fight/have no heart etc etc;..... now all i want to say is you guys are gonna turn this into a real tragedy for askia or whoever just keep the coaster going, but to those who have never met met me in person don't ever question my manhood... my mentality well maybe.... now i will fight askia on youtube in a boxing/real fight in his gym,house,car,courthouse,virgin islands,in a airport,his girlfriend or boyfriend apt,bill ayers bathroom... we can do it kimbo slice style and the point i am trying to make is don't ever say i am scared of anybody when many of you have never been in the ring or even said a dirty word to my face.... as for the 31st emotions run high sometimes, while i won't comment on that subject, pat p. knows my character... last but not least john hymen schimen how ever you spell it, you are dead wrong for putting a early 3month suspension tag on my situation when you don't even know if i have a family or not...... talk to me one on one any of you if you got the guts... THEN TELL IT TO THE PEOPLE... no need to sign my name its me for sure... get my number from asim..

Anonymous said...

Don't you think that you should have thought about your family when you were in the ring? Now you want someone else to think for you.

Anonymous said...

ddqmihsave the huffing and puffing for the big bad wolf...just box the next time like you are supposed to

Anonymous said...

Mr. Felton,

The burning question is why did you do that?

Although certainly not on the how to box list, it definitely woke up the crowd and kept them engaged. That being said, and I mean no disrespect have you ever considered WWE?

Anonymous said...

HEY LEAVE FELTON ALONE, THE POLICE AND THE FEDS WILL TAKE CARE OF PEOPLE LIKE HIM.... LET THE BAD BOY FALL INTO HIS OWN TRAP LIKE VICK AND CO.

Anonymous said...

I personally don't know Jonathan Felton, and he might be a very nice young man outside the ring, as he says. However, he apparently does not know that when you enter a ring you go to your own corner, until the bout starts and then do you talking with your gloves. Although I understand that emotions can run hight, this was a real rookie move coming from a 15 bout fighter that should have known better. As far as fighting Askia in a bathroom, ect, again you are just proving that you don't have a clue about the sport of boxing, it is done in a ring, in front of spectators and officials so, 1. you can't jump on them and play WWF, and 2. So you get paid Money $$$ so you can support yourself and your family. I do hope there is a rematch and I hope it does not end in a DQ or a decision so that there is no doubt to anything. I sincerely hope that you keep your fights in the ring, there is so little seating in most bathrooms.

Anonymous said...

Hey Felton You are all talk now if you weren't scared then you should have proven it in the ring. You disqualified yourself. And as far as it goes about fighting Askia draw up another contract at Michaels and put your money where your mouth is.. All i hear is talk after the fact and that is cheap.. You deserve to be suspended and after the suspension is up let's see if you truely can stand toe to toe with him or if your run all around the ring all night. Better yet why don't you just shove the trainer again and get disqualified for a second time..
Dude either put up or shut up.. You need to prove to us, the fans, what your about not tell it to us. And last but not least your a boxer Askia is a boxer stop acting like a child and saying you'll fight in bathrooms and so on. Sign another contract and prove where your suppose to in the ring..

Anonymous said...

I thought the trainer looked like he could beat your a**. Felton your in the wrong sport. WWE or ECW would love to have you..

Anonymous said...

To whom may be concerned,
"Jonanthan Felton," I don't want to fight you for free, on the street or in your bathroom. I want to fight you in the ring where the world can see that I'm the better fighter.. Is it that serious that I got into your head, that you had to act like a fool??? It is ashame that you conducted yourself in that manner, that you would disgrace yourself like that...

Look we will meet again, " In the ring!!" You let me know when your issues are squared away with the boxing commission and we will sign a new contract and settle this dispute.

Until then I wish you the best of luck and keep your head up..

sincerely,
Askia "TNT" Schneider

Anonymous said...

I know the little fellow and he would have hurt you worst than Askia your lucky ,you pushed him in the ring and not outside it. hope you get yourself together.I think a main event would be in order us fans would love to see it.elilm

Anonymous said...

We all have bad days give the guy a break. Do any of us always handle things perfectly, Felton may have had alot of other things on his mind beside the fight that may have factored into his emotions. He is aware of fighters trying to get into each others head before a fight. I think the Mr. Pat should give the guy a break after all he has never behaved like this before.I think Mr Felton is entitled to a little break. i do not think he will let another fighter get into his head again.I mean if this was something that happened before than a Suspension perhaps would be in order , but a first offense should be a harsh warning . And allow the fans the fight that they paid to see. Thanks And Mr Felton we forgive you.

Anonymous said...

I would pay BIG BUCKS to see Felton and Askia's coach go a few rounds

Anonymous said...

No one really cares about the coaches going a few rounds thats just a stupid comment. Let's just see the rematch between Felton and Schnider. Hopefully the rematch could happen in April or whenever the card after April would be..

Anonymous said...

Schneider and his team came into the ring with the look and professionalism as a "World Heavyweight Champion". Felton came into the ring with a gold chain around his neck that looked like it weighed as much as the trainer he shoved to the mat. I think that showed he had no intention of the fight taking place. No boss, in any profession, wants to hear about how bad your day was if you go to work and can't perform a job that you are getting paid to do.

Anonymous said...

I heard that Askia beat the crap out of the guy that knocked out Felton. Durring his sparring sessions. Maybe word got back to him about that.Heard he busted him up the first time he sparred the guy than knocked him out of the ring the second time by someone that was at that those sparring sessions

Anonymous said...

Hey dudes i heard someone say Tony Thompsom said Askia was a guy with alot of potential that he sparred with Askia a few years back in Ca.at a trainning camp.A real tough kid.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jonathan!

You called me "hymen"?
Oh, come on now. I'll be happy to talk to you to your face if you promise not to punch me in mine (or my soft, white underbelly). Yeah, maybe 90 days was calling for a bit of a stiff penalty, but I hope you have other income besides the ring, because it's a hard road in there and the pay isn't commensurate with what the fighters lay out to get it. You agree with that, I'm sure. Right? The fact is, a lot of people PAID -- check it -- PAID to watch YOU box. Think about that. They're out there working for a living, too, although maybe not in even as close a demanding business as you're involved in. I give you and all boxers proper respect and people who know me know that. I play around and have fun, because we try to keep this brutal sport as "fun" as possible, but I know it's serious business. That said, you did not respect the rules of the game and BOXERS -- just like yourself -- came up to me at the show and said you were looking for a way out of fighting. That's your peers, not mine. The last thing I want to do is take money out of the pocket of anyone who needs it. Again, maybe calling for a 90 days ban was too much. I can admit being wrong when I'm wrong. But people in any business need to respect that business because integrity means everything. That's why fixed fights undermine the sport and that's why pre-fight brawls undermine the sport and that's why bad judging undermines the sport and that's why mismatches undermine the sport and that's why greed undermines the sport. When the Bowe and Golota camps went at it at Madison Square Garden and Lou Duva got knocked out and fans were brawling -- all on HBO -- that is not good for the game. What you did was not good either, although far less damaging. I think people, including me, want you to do well and see this is a blip in a successful career. What I wrote were my impressions of what I and others saw. We have that right, even though we may be wrong. I'm glad you came out and chalked it up to overexcitement and defended your character. Everybody deserves a second chance. Calling me "Hymen" though is B.S. It's Scheinman. I at least sign my name in here. I will happily talk to you face to face. If you think I'm out there rooting against you, you don't know me very well either. Keep the peace except in the ring. - J.S.

Anonymous said...

HEY PEOPLE I AM A JAIL OFFICER , AND WITH THAT SAID TYSON, VICK, AI, AND THAT FULTON DUDE ALL SHARE THAT THUGGED OUT MENTALITY AND THAT MEANS ONE DAY A LONG STINCT OR A SHORT ONE IN PRISON WITH THAT TYPE OF CREW LEADING HIM... SAVE THAT STUFF FOR THE HIPHOP AWARDS. GEEZ

Anonymous said...

Seth Mitchell will knock both heavyweights in the same night

Anonymous said...

Jonathan Felton if you ever step in the ring with Seth Mitchell, you will get your ass knocked out!

Anonymous said...

Dear Ms Jonathan Felton, Please do not accept a fight with Seth Mitchell. If you do, you will get punished ans emmbarrassed. Seth would knock the dog Sh$% out of you.

Anonymous said...

Seth, if it is you sputtering on the threads, it doesn't show much class or maturity and doesn't reflect well on anyone considering adding you to their stable. SHOW SOME RESPECT and stop acting like a 10 year old punk. You are a good fighter, don't trip over your own stupidity on the way to the top.