We have reached the top three of My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts.
Number three is one we should all remember.
3. Vincent Pettway vs. Simon Brown, April 29, 1995, USAir Arena, Largo, MD
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: The most famous bout in the countdown headlines the best card in Beltway Boxing history and produces a knockout for the ages.
Honestly, there isn’t a lot more I can say about this bout that hasn’t been said or written about before. The majority of you have seen the knockout and Brown’s reaction to it. The knockout was voted “Knockout of the Year” by most boxing magazines including The Ring and Boxing Digest. The punch also made Ring’s 100 greatest knockouts of all time. And of course, who could forget the unconscious movement by Brown after the punch landed.
The bout was the perfect example of an unwritten creed that Beltway Boxers seemed to have at that time: Don’t fight each other unless it means something. Well, this bout meant everything – not only to the boxers themselves but to the area as well.
I need to talk a lot about the week leading up to the card itself. I was working for our TV show, Boxing Spotlight, and our crew was all over the place covering all the events leading up to the card. In a way, it was a difficult week for me because I had been a fan of Simon throughout his career (my father even taught him in junior high school). Also, I had gotten to know Vincent through his very vocal support of Boxing Spotlight. Now these two warriors were going to be the main event of a very big card.
Unfortunately, as great as the card and this particular bout ended up being, it was a card that wasn’t appreciated by the majority of DC/Baltimore area sports fans at that time. It was a dream bout on a dream card. Only when we look back on the card do fans really appreciate what took place that night.
If you want to read more about the impact of the entire “Beltway Brawl” card, go to the August 2005 archives.
AFTERMATH: The defense would prove to be Pettway's only successful defense of his IBF Junior Middleweight title. Pettway would lose the belt to Paul Vaden by 12th round TKO on August 12, 1995 in Las Vegas in a bout he was leading on all three scorecards going into the final round. Pettway would try again for the IBF and WBC Junior Middleweight titles when he faced Terry Norris on February 24, 1996 in Richmond, VA. The future hall of famer stopped Pettway in the eighth round.
After the Norris loss, Pettway would win four straight against lackluster competition before ending his career on August 31, 2001 at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore with a fifth-round TKO loss to Luis Rosado.
Brown would received two more shots at world titles when he moved up to middleweight. He would lose by unanimous decision to then-WBO Middleweight champ Lonnie Bradley on August 30, 1996 in Reading, PA and get stopped by IBF titleholder Bernard Hopkins in the sixth round on January 31, 1998 in Atlantic City. The Hopkins loss was the first of six in a row that Brown suffered to end his career.
One other note: Between the title bouts, Brown fought for the last time in the Beltway area on September 12, 1997. Brown faced Reuben "Ratman" Bell at the Pikesville Armory. Both fighters were dropped on this occasion and Bell was in control of the bout before having to retire with a bad hand. The bout turned out to be Bell's last -- he was killed five months later.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Ballroom Boxing Returns November 9!
Two of Maryland’s finest undefeated prospects will be showcased on the next Ballroom Boxing show on Thursday, November 9 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie.
Featherweight Tyrell Samuel (8-0, five KO’s) of Baltimore is in the main event, a six-round encounter against Damon Antoine (4-11-1, two KO’s) from Akron, OH.
Samuel is coming off the toughest bout of his young career, a six-round split decision over Carlos Vinan on the last Ballroom Boxing card on September 28. Antoine has lost two straight and three of his last four, all against undefeated competition. In his last bout, Antoine lost a four-round unanimous decision to Juan McPherson on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
One of the co-feature bouts involves welterweight Tim Coleman of Laurel, MD. Coleman (5-0, one KO) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Muhsin Corrbrey on June 15 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue. This bout will be a four-round encounter against John Campbell (1-1, one KO) of Houston, TX. Campbell was stopped in the third round in his last bout by Esteban Almarez on September 30 in Killeen, TX.
Another co-feature bout will have Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson taking on William Gill of Toms River, NJ in a six-round battle of resurgent boxers.
After an up-and-down early career, Jackson (6-4-1, two KO’s, one NC) has been unbeaten in his last five bouts (3-0-1, one NC). This includes his last outing, a third-round TKO over Curtis Mullins on May 19 in Morgantown, WVA.
One note about Jackson's record: you may have notice that he lost a win there since my last posting about him. According to published records, Jackson's second-round knockout over Henry Mayes on April 21 at the Pikesville Armory was very recently changed to a no-contest decision. Reportedly, Jackson tested positive for a banned substance after the bout.
Ironically, this will be the second time that Mayes (5-1, four KO's) has been knocked out in a bout, only to have the result changed to a no-contest. Back in May of 2005, Mayes was stopped in the first round by Alton Rice at Martin's West. However, Rice tested positive for a banned substance after that contest.
Jackson's opponent, William Gill, has also made positive strides recently in his career. After losing five in a row, Gill (5-11, four KO’s) has won his last two, both by technical knockout. In his last bout, Gill scored a fifth-round TKO over Carlos Jones on October 23 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
In an interesting cross-Beltway matchup, light heavyweight Edward Andre “Da Heat” Hemphill of Woodbridge, VA will take on Mike “Nice” Gutrick of La Plata, MD in a four-round bout.
Hemphill (6-5-1, three KO’s) is coming off a second-round TKO over Joe McCreedy on October 28 in Uncasville, CT. Hemphill has been busy – and successful-- of late. He will be participating in his third bout in less than a month and will be looking for his third straight victory. Gutrick (3-6, two KO’s) has not been active as a boxer since 2004 when he fought six times that year and went 2-4, losing his last four.
In a battle of the aged, 42-year-old Larry “The Gladiator” Brothers of Washington, DC will take on 42-year-old James Shedrick of Philadelphia in a four-round super middleweight bout.
Brothers (6-20-3, four KO’s) has fallen on real tough times recently, losing his last five bouts, including a fourth-round TKO to Anthony Bonsante on October 7 in Fairfax, VA. Shedrick (3-6, two KO’s) has also lost his last two including a five-round technical decision to Jessie Nicklow on September 14 in Woodlawn, MD. In that bout, both boxers suffered cuts that forced the bout to be stopped.
Also scheduled for the card will be the pro debut of Baltimore light heavyweight Dalemanik Roberson-El, a highly-touted amateur who was ranked fifth in the country at light heavyweight. Roberson-El is scheduled to take on Ronald Overby of Cleveland, OH (0-3).
In a four-round super bantamweight bout, Jorge Lara of Mexico will take on Newport News, VA’s James Franks. Lara (3-1) has not fought since November 4, 2005 when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Andres Estrada in Mexico. Franks (2-2, two KO’s) lost his last bout by third-round technical knockout to Ron Boyd on August 25 in Dover, DE.
Other bouts may be added to this card.
Featherweight Tyrell Samuel (8-0, five KO’s) of Baltimore is in the main event, a six-round encounter against Damon Antoine (4-11-1, two KO’s) from Akron, OH.
Samuel is coming off the toughest bout of his young career, a six-round split decision over Carlos Vinan on the last Ballroom Boxing card on September 28. Antoine has lost two straight and three of his last four, all against undefeated competition. In his last bout, Antoine lost a four-round unanimous decision to Juan McPherson on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
One of the co-feature bouts involves welterweight Tim Coleman of Laurel, MD. Coleman (5-0, one KO) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Muhsin Corrbrey on June 15 at Michael’s Eighth Avenue. This bout will be a four-round encounter against John Campbell (1-1, one KO) of Houston, TX. Campbell was stopped in the third round in his last bout by Esteban Almarez on September 30 in Killeen, TX.
Another co-feature bout will have Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson taking on William Gill of Toms River, NJ in a six-round battle of resurgent boxers.
After an up-and-down early career, Jackson (6-4-1, two KO’s, one NC) has been unbeaten in his last five bouts (3-0-1, one NC). This includes his last outing, a third-round TKO over Curtis Mullins on May 19 in Morgantown, WVA.
One note about Jackson's record: you may have notice that he lost a win there since my last posting about him. According to published records, Jackson's second-round knockout over Henry Mayes on April 21 at the Pikesville Armory was very recently changed to a no-contest decision. Reportedly, Jackson tested positive for a banned substance after the bout.
Ironically, this will be the second time that Mayes (5-1, four KO's) has been knocked out in a bout, only to have the result changed to a no-contest. Back in May of 2005, Mayes was stopped in the first round by Alton Rice at Martin's West. However, Rice tested positive for a banned substance after that contest.
Jackson's opponent, William Gill, has also made positive strides recently in his career. After losing five in a row, Gill (5-11, four KO’s) has won his last two, both by technical knockout. In his last bout, Gill scored a fifth-round TKO over Carlos Jones on October 23 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
In an interesting cross-Beltway matchup, light heavyweight Edward Andre “Da Heat” Hemphill of Woodbridge, VA will take on Mike “Nice” Gutrick of La Plata, MD in a four-round bout.
Hemphill (6-5-1, three KO’s) is coming off a second-round TKO over Joe McCreedy on October 28 in Uncasville, CT. Hemphill has been busy – and successful-- of late. He will be participating in his third bout in less than a month and will be looking for his third straight victory. Gutrick (3-6, two KO’s) has not been active as a boxer since 2004 when he fought six times that year and went 2-4, losing his last four.
In a battle of the aged, 42-year-old Larry “The Gladiator” Brothers of Washington, DC will take on 42-year-old James Shedrick of Philadelphia in a four-round super middleweight bout.
Brothers (6-20-3, four KO’s) has fallen on real tough times recently, losing his last five bouts, including a fourth-round TKO to Anthony Bonsante on October 7 in Fairfax, VA. Shedrick (3-6, two KO’s) has also lost his last two including a five-round technical decision to Jessie Nicklow on September 14 in Woodlawn, MD. In that bout, both boxers suffered cuts that forced the bout to be stopped.
Also scheduled for the card will be the pro debut of Baltimore light heavyweight Dalemanik Roberson-El, a highly-touted amateur who was ranked fifth in the country at light heavyweight. Roberson-El is scheduled to take on Ronald Overby of Cleveland, OH (0-3).
In a four-round super bantamweight bout, Jorge Lara of Mexico will take on Newport News, VA’s James Franks. Lara (3-1) has not fought since November 4, 2005 when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Andres Estrada in Mexico. Franks (2-2, two KO’s) lost his last bout by third-round technical knockout to Ron Boyd on August 25 in Dover, DE.
Other bouts may be added to this card.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Jarell Jackson Opponent a No-Show in West Virginia!
Interesting story out of Morgantown, West Virginia involving one of our Beltway Boxers. Temple Hills, MD light heavyweight Jarell Mason Jackson was scheduled to participate in a card at the Waterfront Hotel. His opponent, Will Prieto, signed the contract for the card and showed up at the weigh-in the day before.
However, on the night of the show, Prieto refused to fight Jackson. He has been suspended indefinitely by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
Jackson has a record of 7-4-1, three KO's and is 4-0-1 in his last five bouts. He last fought in the area on April 21 when he scored a crushing second round TKO over Henry Mayes at the Pikesville Armory.
Prieto wasn't the only one who didn't follow through with his commitment on this night. Travis Fulton was originally scheduled to face former WBA Heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs but he did not show and he has also been indefinitely suspended by the West Virginia Commission.
However, on the night of the show, Prieto refused to fight Jackson. He has been suspended indefinitely by the West Virginia State Athletic Commission.
Jackson has a record of 7-4-1, three KO's and is 4-0-1 in his last five bouts. He last fought in the area on April 21 when he scored a crushing second round TKO over Henry Mayes at the Pikesville Armory.
Prieto wasn't the only one who didn't follow through with his commitment on this night. Travis Fulton was originally scheduled to face former WBA Heavyweight champion Tony Tubbs but he did not show and he has also been indefinitely suspended by the West Virginia Commission.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts -- Bout # 4!
This is bout number 4 in My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts countdown.
4. Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson vs. Reggie "Showtime" Green, September 20, 1994, DC Armory
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the best crossroads bouts in recent Beltway Boxing history -- the dangerous veteran versus the undefeated upstart. And the bout had something for everyone, whether you saw the bout live on or TV.
When I think about this bout, the first thing that comes to mind is how close the bout came to not happening.
Tyson was coming off a stretch in which he fought four top-flight boxers. He lost a WBC Lightweight title bid by unanimous decision to Miguel Angel Gonzalez in December of 1992, and then in July of 1993 he fought twice within a 10-day period – a 10-round draw against former world champion Livingstone Bramble in DC, then he flew to Las Vegas where he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Rafael Ruelas.
Tyson then captured the USBA Junior Welterweight title with a split decision over former champion Roger Mayweather in Atlantic City in October of 1993.
After the Mayweather win, Tyson was off until August 18, 1994. Knowing he was going to face Green, Tyson fought a tune-up bout against Genaro Andujar in DC at the Convention Center. After the tough stretch and the inactivity, no one expected any difficulty during the Andujar bout and Tyson did stop Andujar in the fifth round, but he paid a price.
During the contest, Tyson was caught with a nasty head butt that caused a gash over his right eye. Everyone who saw the cut immediately seemed to realize that the big bout against Green was in jeopardy.
Tyson’s first reaction ended up being one of the greatest memories I have in my career of covering boxing. With Tyson’s entrance song (“Bustin’ Loose” by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers) blasting in the background, Tyson went into this wild dance around the ring. It was so uncharacteristic of him that you knew there was something amiss. Later, Tyson appeared cautiously optimistic about the cut being healed in time for the Green bout a month later.
Thankfully, everyone’s fears were unnecessary. The cut was fixed and the bout came off as part of the first of two televised cards in our area that week. With a USA Network audience watching, Tyson and Green stepped into the ring at the DC Armory fighting for Tyson’s USBA and the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title.
By this time, Green had begun to spar with the top pound-for-pound boxer at the time, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. This proved to be very beneficial going into this bout. Until this point, Green’s most notable wins were a second-round win over previously undefeated Ralph “Tiger” Jones in March of 1993 in Atlantic City, the two victories over Lyndon Paul Walker and a third-round TKO over another Beltway Boxer, Kenny Baysmore in May of 1994 at the Show Place Arena. But Tyson soon learned that the young man deserved to be in the same ring with the old pro.
The bout was a serious give-and-take affair. Both guys had a lot of moments in the contest. Green’s boxing ability seemed to surprise Tyson at times. Tyson tried to pressure Green and Green handled the pressure very well.
The bout was EXTREMELY close heading into the 12th and final round. This is where it was great to have seen the bout on TV because viewers saw, and more importantly, heard something that we didn’t get live. Between the 11th and 12th, Tyson’s handlers asked their boxer a question that sounded straight out of a “Rocky” movie.
“Do you have three minutes?”
Tyson answered, “I’ve got three minutes!”
Tyson proceeded to use those three minutes to give everything he had. During the end of those minutes, Tyson dropped Green with a right hand. Green beat the count, but the knockdown proved to be the final difference in the contest. Tyson won a split decision to capture both titles.
AFTERMATH: In my opinion, both men benefited greatly from this bout. Although he never gained another world title shot, Tyson maintained his reputation as one of the toughest battlers in the 140-pound division. Green, even in defeat, earned a similar reputation and went on to have a good career.
4. Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson vs. Reggie "Showtime" Green, September 20, 1994, DC Armory
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the best crossroads bouts in recent Beltway Boxing history -- the dangerous veteran versus the undefeated upstart. And the bout had something for everyone, whether you saw the bout live on or TV.
When I think about this bout, the first thing that comes to mind is how close the bout came to not happening.
Tyson was coming off a stretch in which he fought four top-flight boxers. He lost a WBC Lightweight title bid by unanimous decision to Miguel Angel Gonzalez in December of 1992, and then in July of 1993 he fought twice within a 10-day period – a 10-round draw against former world champion Livingstone Bramble in DC, then he flew to Las Vegas where he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Rafael Ruelas.
Tyson then captured the USBA Junior Welterweight title with a split decision over former champion Roger Mayweather in Atlantic City in October of 1993.
After the Mayweather win, Tyson was off until August 18, 1994. Knowing he was going to face Green, Tyson fought a tune-up bout against Genaro Andujar in DC at the Convention Center. After the tough stretch and the inactivity, no one expected any difficulty during the Andujar bout and Tyson did stop Andujar in the fifth round, but he paid a price.
During the contest, Tyson was caught with a nasty head butt that caused a gash over his right eye. Everyone who saw the cut immediately seemed to realize that the big bout against Green was in jeopardy.
Tyson’s first reaction ended up being one of the greatest memories I have in my career of covering boxing. With Tyson’s entrance song (“Bustin’ Loose” by Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers) blasting in the background, Tyson went into this wild dance around the ring. It was so uncharacteristic of him that you knew there was something amiss. Later, Tyson appeared cautiously optimistic about the cut being healed in time for the Green bout a month later.
Thankfully, everyone’s fears were unnecessary. The cut was fixed and the bout came off as part of the first of two televised cards in our area that week. With a USA Network audience watching, Tyson and Green stepped into the ring at the DC Armory fighting for Tyson’s USBA and the vacant NABF Super Lightweight title.
By this time, Green had begun to spar with the top pound-for-pound boxer at the time, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. This proved to be very beneficial going into this bout. Until this point, Green’s most notable wins were a second-round win over previously undefeated Ralph “Tiger” Jones in March of 1993 in Atlantic City, the two victories over Lyndon Paul Walker and a third-round TKO over another Beltway Boxer, Kenny Baysmore in May of 1994 at the Show Place Arena. But Tyson soon learned that the young man deserved to be in the same ring with the old pro.
The bout was a serious give-and-take affair. Both guys had a lot of moments in the contest. Green’s boxing ability seemed to surprise Tyson at times. Tyson tried to pressure Green and Green handled the pressure very well.
The bout was EXTREMELY close heading into the 12th and final round. This is where it was great to have seen the bout on TV because viewers saw, and more importantly, heard something that we didn’t get live. Between the 11th and 12th, Tyson’s handlers asked their boxer a question that sounded straight out of a “Rocky” movie.
“Do you have three minutes?”
Tyson answered, “I’ve got three minutes!”
Tyson proceeded to use those three minutes to give everything he had. During the end of those minutes, Tyson dropped Green with a right hand. Green beat the count, but the knockdown proved to be the final difference in the contest. Tyson won a split decision to capture both titles.
AFTERMATH: In my opinion, both men benefited greatly from this bout. Although he never gained another world title shot, Tyson maintained his reputation as one of the toughest battlers in the 140-pound division. Green, even in defeat, earned a similar reputation and went on to have a good career.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Peterson Opponents Announced for November 18!
The opponents have been named for the November 18 card at Fitzgerald's Casino & Hotel in Tunica, MS for DC's undefeated Peterson Brothers.
NABO Lightweight champion Anthony Peterson (20-0, 15 KO's) will take on former WBO Bantamweight champion Alfred "Cobra" Kotey of Ghana in an eight-round non-title bout. Peterson is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Armando Cordoba on September 1 in East Peoria, IL. Peterson is ranked fourth by the WBO and ninth by the WBA. He was also named the "Prospect of the Year" by ESPN.
Kotey (24-13-1, 14 KO's) is a 14-year veteran who won his WBO title in 1994 with a unanimous decision over Rafael Del Valle. Kotey has lost six straight bouts and seven of his last eight.
Lamont Peterson (18-0, eight KO's) currently holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title and he will square off in another eight-round non-title bout against Marteze Logan from Covington, TN.
L. Peterson is coming off a convincing sixth-round TKO victory over Omar Bernal on the same Sept. 1 card as his brother. Logan (23-25-2, six KO's) is a tough veteran who recently broke a six-bout losing streak with a fifth-round KO of Michael Moss on October 3 in Memphis, TN. Peterson is ranked ninth by the WBA at 140 pounds.
Logan, who fought and lost a bout at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on March 11, 2004 (that was the first live telecast of Ballroom Boxing that included the bout between Hasim Rahman and Al Cole), is capable of the big upset -- his biggest win was an eight-round unanimous decision against previously undefeated Americo Santos in November of 2005. Logan has fought great competition throughout his career including Mike Arnaoutis, Paul Williams, Emmanuel Augustus, Steve Forbes, Vivian Harris and Cezar Bazan.
NABO Lightweight champion Anthony Peterson (20-0, 15 KO's) will take on former WBO Bantamweight champion Alfred "Cobra" Kotey of Ghana in an eight-round non-title bout. Peterson is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Armando Cordoba on September 1 in East Peoria, IL. Peterson is ranked fourth by the WBO and ninth by the WBA. He was also named the "Prospect of the Year" by ESPN.
Kotey (24-13-1, 14 KO's) is a 14-year veteran who won his WBO title in 1994 with a unanimous decision over Rafael Del Valle. Kotey has lost six straight bouts and seven of his last eight.
Lamont Peterson (18-0, eight KO's) currently holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title and he will square off in another eight-round non-title bout against Marteze Logan from Covington, TN.
L. Peterson is coming off a convincing sixth-round TKO victory over Omar Bernal on the same Sept. 1 card as his brother. Logan (23-25-2, six KO's) is a tough veteran who recently broke a six-bout losing streak with a fifth-round KO of Michael Moss on October 3 in Memphis, TN. Peterson is ranked ninth by the WBA at 140 pounds.
Logan, who fought and lost a bout at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD on March 11, 2004 (that was the first live telecast of Ballroom Boxing that included the bout between Hasim Rahman and Al Cole), is capable of the big upset -- his biggest win was an eight-round unanimous decision against previously undefeated Americo Santos in November of 2005. Logan has fought great competition throughout his career including Mike Arnaoutis, Paul Williams, Emmanuel Augustus, Steve Forbes, Vivian Harris and Cezar Bazan.
My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts -- Bout # 5!
Since we're in the top five and since I seem to be writing a lot about each bout, I decided to give each bout in the top five its own space. This is bout number five in the countdown.
5. Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley vs. Terrence Alli, July 5, 1994, Washington Convention Center
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: The coming-out party for the boxer perceived (at that time) to be the Beltway’s brightest star.
To understand fully why this bout is on the list, you have to understand how highly Derrell Coley was thought of at this time of his career. In many people’s eyes, Coley was the flagship boxer of the area, the can’t-miss kid who was poised to lead the next wave of Beltway Boxers to championship glory.
He seemed to go about his career in the right way, taking baby steps with one minor hiccup – a 10-round draw with Lonnie Smith in May of 1993. Coley barely passed his first test, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Darryl Lattimore two months later.
But fortunes seemed to turn after Coley starched veteran Saoul Mamby in the first round in August of 1993. Coley had to wait eight months before his next bout because of managerial troubles. After Coley made the switch from Michael Marley to Barry Linde, he won two straight by devastating knockouts. The stage was set for Coley’s coming-out party.
On July 5, 1994 in front of his hometown crowd at the Washington Convention Center and a nationally televised USA Network audience, Coley faced the biggest and toughest name to date on his record, perennial world title contender Terrence Alli. The vacant NABF Welterweight title was on the line. Despite Alli claiming to be a “bad old man,” youth was served on this evening as Coley took everything Alli had to offer before stopping him in the 11th round. It was Coley’s best performance to date.
AFTERMATH: Unfortunately for Coley, the win over Alli proved to be the high point of his career. During the rest of his tenure, Coley fell victim to a combination of poor performance, poor timing and poor politics.
One example of poor performance was Coley’s first NABF title defense – a bout against a relatively unknown warrior from Mexico named Jaime “Rocky” Balboa on Sept. 20, 1994 at the DC Armory. Coming in on short notice, Balboa almost embarrassed Coley in front of another USA network audience, even dropping Coley once during the bout. Coley did just enough to salvage a draw.
In his second defense on January 31, 1995 at the Armory, Coley put on a much better performance in defeating undefeated challenger Ray Lovato. Looking back, that win may have been a sign of things to come for two reasons: One, the scoring. In a bout that I thought Coley won easily, he managed to get only a majority decision. In fact the scores were really screwed with one judge having the score 117-111 while another saw a draw. The third judge had Coley winning 115-113.
The second reason was the poor timing. Despite beating Lovato, Coley did not get a world title shot against any of the welterweight titleholders. Lovato (with Coley still the ONLY loss on his record) received a title shot against IBF champ Felix Trinidad a year later.
That situation can be explained by the poor politics Coley endured. This became evident when Coley defended his NABF title against Oba Carr on August 12, 1995 in Las Vegas in front of another nationally televised audience, this time on Showtime. This was a Don King show and Carr was a talented, exciting, DON KING fighter.
Coley was beautiful on this night, matching Carr speed for speed and punch for punch. It looked like another solid win and another step on the road to a world title. However, it wasn’t to be as Coley was victimized by one of the worst judge’s decisions I have ever seen. Carr won a close split decision and the NABF title. The loss, I believe, decimated Coley. He wasn’t the same boxer after that.
Two bouts after the loss to Carr (June 11, 1996), Coley tried for the vacated NABF title but was dominated by unknown Pat Coleman. However, the loss was changed to a no-contest when Coleman tested positive for drugs.
In his next contest, Coley had to come off the canvas twice to beat Kip Diggs for the NABF crown on March 25, 1997 in Oxnard, CA. Four fights later, on February 26, 2000, Coley finally made some real money as he faced Oscar De La Hoya for a minor title. Although he started the bout in strong fashion, the old Coley stamina wasn’t there and he was stopped in the seventh round.
Coley stopped his career after four straight wins against lackluster competition. There is continued talk that Coley will resume his career at some point.
5. Derrell "Too Sweet" Coley vs. Terrence Alli, July 5, 1994, Washington Convention Center
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: The coming-out party for the boxer perceived (at that time) to be the Beltway’s brightest star.
To understand fully why this bout is on the list, you have to understand how highly Derrell Coley was thought of at this time of his career. In many people’s eyes, Coley was the flagship boxer of the area, the can’t-miss kid who was poised to lead the next wave of Beltway Boxers to championship glory.
He seemed to go about his career in the right way, taking baby steps with one minor hiccup – a 10-round draw with Lonnie Smith in May of 1993. Coley barely passed his first test, winning a 10-round unanimous decision over veteran Darryl Lattimore two months later.
But fortunes seemed to turn after Coley starched veteran Saoul Mamby in the first round in August of 1993. Coley had to wait eight months before his next bout because of managerial troubles. After Coley made the switch from Michael Marley to Barry Linde, he won two straight by devastating knockouts. The stage was set for Coley’s coming-out party.
On July 5, 1994 in front of his hometown crowd at the Washington Convention Center and a nationally televised USA Network audience, Coley faced the biggest and toughest name to date on his record, perennial world title contender Terrence Alli. The vacant NABF Welterweight title was on the line. Despite Alli claiming to be a “bad old man,” youth was served on this evening as Coley took everything Alli had to offer before stopping him in the 11th round. It was Coley’s best performance to date.
AFTERMATH: Unfortunately for Coley, the win over Alli proved to be the high point of his career. During the rest of his tenure, Coley fell victim to a combination of poor performance, poor timing and poor politics.
One example of poor performance was Coley’s first NABF title defense – a bout against a relatively unknown warrior from Mexico named Jaime “Rocky” Balboa on Sept. 20, 1994 at the DC Armory. Coming in on short notice, Balboa almost embarrassed Coley in front of another USA network audience, even dropping Coley once during the bout. Coley did just enough to salvage a draw.
In his second defense on January 31, 1995 at the Armory, Coley put on a much better performance in defeating undefeated challenger Ray Lovato. Looking back, that win may have been a sign of things to come for two reasons: One, the scoring. In a bout that I thought Coley won easily, he managed to get only a majority decision. In fact the scores were really screwed with one judge having the score 117-111 while another saw a draw. The third judge had Coley winning 115-113.
The second reason was the poor timing. Despite beating Lovato, Coley did not get a world title shot against any of the welterweight titleholders. Lovato (with Coley still the ONLY loss on his record) received a title shot against IBF champ Felix Trinidad a year later.
That situation can be explained by the poor politics Coley endured. This became evident when Coley defended his NABF title against Oba Carr on August 12, 1995 in Las Vegas in front of another nationally televised audience, this time on Showtime. This was a Don King show and Carr was a talented, exciting, DON KING fighter.
Coley was beautiful on this night, matching Carr speed for speed and punch for punch. It looked like another solid win and another step on the road to a world title. However, it wasn’t to be as Coley was victimized by one of the worst judge’s decisions I have ever seen. Carr won a close split decision and the NABF title. The loss, I believe, decimated Coley. He wasn’t the same boxer after that.
Two bouts after the loss to Carr (June 11, 1996), Coley tried for the vacated NABF title but was dominated by unknown Pat Coleman. However, the loss was changed to a no-contest when Coleman tested positive for drugs.
In his next contest, Coley had to come off the canvas twice to beat Kip Diggs for the NABF crown on March 25, 1997 in Oxnard, CA. Four fights later, on February 26, 2000, Coley finally made some real money as he faced Oscar De La Hoya for a minor title. Although he started the bout in strong fashion, the old Coley stamina wasn’t there and he was stopped in the seventh round.
Coley stopped his career after four straight wins against lackluster competition. There is continued talk that Coley will resume his career at some point.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
My Thoughts on Open Scoring!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #14 - My Thoughts on Open Scoring!
Here are my thoughts on the Open Scoring concept and more on the Open Scoring situation in DC in 1999.
Here are my thoughts on the Open Scoring concept and more on the Open Scoring situation in DC in 1999.
New Poll: Your Thoughts on Open Scoring!
This is a general boxing poll that has some of its roots here in the Beltway.
During their convention this week, the World Boxing Council approved a rule that would allow open scoring for their world title bouts. The judge's scores would be announced after the fourth and eighth rounds. There is a condition that allows individual national commissions the option to refuse open scoring in their states.
In a statement, WBC President Jose Sulaiman said, "At this moment in time in boxing, one of the most important things is to do something for justice in scoring. We have been doing so many clinics, basic guidelines, booklets and videos, but we still have a problem. I believe that this is gigantic in sports, and will make the judges much more conscientious of their responsibility. It will make them be 100 percent concentrated, and it will also give them a sense of pride, because they have confidence in their scoring and themselves. A good judge should feel very proud. I believe that we have taken a major step in the history of boxing."
However, what everyone seems to forget that this is a step that has recently been taken before -- right here in DC. On April 24, 1999, the WBC, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) all tried versions of open scoring at the "Triple Jeopardy" card at the Verizon Center during the three world title bouts. This was done in the wake of the horrible decision in the first Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield bout.
The WBC should be credited for being consistent because in their title match on this card (Hacine Cherifi defending the middleweight title against Keith Holmes), the cards were announced after the fourth round (the bout ended in the seventh with Holmes regaining his title).
The IBF title match (Mark Johnson versus Ratanachai Sor Vorapin for the vacant Super Flyweight crown) also had the scores announced after every four rounds.
The WBA title bout (Sharmba Mitchell defending his junior welterweight title against Reggie Green) had the judge's scores announced after EVERY round.
The consensus on this was that open scoring was an abject failure, especially after the Mitchell-Green bout when fans left before the official decision was announced because they already knew who won. Mark Johnson told me that he coasted the final few rounds of his bout because he knew that he was ahead on the scorecards. Most people I talked to on that night, including boxers, managers and broadcasters were against the Open Scoring concept.
But I'm curious to know what the fans think. Please participate in the new poll and PLEASE add comments. This may help shape the future of the sport!
During their convention this week, the World Boxing Council approved a rule that would allow open scoring for their world title bouts. The judge's scores would be announced after the fourth and eighth rounds. There is a condition that allows individual national commissions the option to refuse open scoring in their states.
In a statement, WBC President Jose Sulaiman said, "At this moment in time in boxing, one of the most important things is to do something for justice in scoring. We have been doing so many clinics, basic guidelines, booklets and videos, but we still have a problem. I believe that this is gigantic in sports, and will make the judges much more conscientious of their responsibility. It will make them be 100 percent concentrated, and it will also give them a sense of pride, because they have confidence in their scoring and themselves. A good judge should feel very proud. I believe that we have taken a major step in the history of boxing."
However, what everyone seems to forget that this is a step that has recently been taken before -- right here in DC. On April 24, 1999, the WBC, the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (IBF) all tried versions of open scoring at the "Triple Jeopardy" card at the Verizon Center during the three world title bouts. This was done in the wake of the horrible decision in the first Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield bout.
The WBC should be credited for being consistent because in their title match on this card (Hacine Cherifi defending the middleweight title against Keith Holmes), the cards were announced after the fourth round (the bout ended in the seventh with Holmes regaining his title).
The IBF title match (Mark Johnson versus Ratanachai Sor Vorapin for the vacant Super Flyweight crown) also had the scores announced after every four rounds.
The WBA title bout (Sharmba Mitchell defending his junior welterweight title against Reggie Green) had the judge's scores announced after EVERY round.
The consensus on this was that open scoring was an abject failure, especially after the Mitchell-Green bout when fans left before the official decision was announced because they already knew who won. Mark Johnson told me that he coasted the final few rounds of his bout because he knew that he was ahead on the scorecards. Most people I talked to on that night, including boxers, managers and broadcasters were against the Open Scoring concept.
But I'm curious to know what the fans think. Please participate in the new poll and PLEASE add comments. This may help shape the future of the sport!
My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts -- Part 2!
Continuing my countdown of Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts, here are bouts number 7 and number 6:
7. Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson vs. Arthur Johnson, February 22, 1998, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: Despite the length of the bout, it was a rare opportunity for Beltway Boxing fans to see a world-class boxer at the top of his game.
The road to the world championship was an arduous one for Mark Johnson. He had to ply his trade 3,000 miles from home and was ducked by the majority of top-flight flyweights in the world. Finally, Johnson received his world title opportunity on May 4, 1996 in Anaheim, CA and made the most of it when he knocked out former world champ Francisco Tejedor in the first round to win the IBF Flyweight championship.
Johnson made four successful defenses of his title and became a fixture on top-10 pound-for-pound lists throughout the boxing world. But Johnson had one goal left at that point in his career: to bring a title defense to his hometown. That dream was realized on February 22, 1998 when he defended his title against number-one ranked challenger Arthur “Flash” Johnson at the DC Armory in front of a nationally televised ESPN2 audience. The bout had boxing fans along the Beltway and across the nation drooling. Here was one of the best fighters in the world putting his title up against a legitimate number one contender, a guy who had fought hard in two previous world title bouts, only to come up short. Also, Mark Johnson paid a heavy price to have the bout in DC; he gave up $30,000 of his purse.
There was a lot of electricity in the air as “Too Sharp” came to the ring on a throne, surrounded by dancing girls. Henry “Discombobulating” Jones (who Mark DEMANDED in his contract serve as ring announcer) announced him as “King Marcellus.”
Unfortunately for Arthur Johnson, the ring entrance was longer than the actual bout. Midway through the opening round, Mark clipped Arthur alongside the head with a right hand punch that Mark later referred to as a “lookaway” punch. The blow stunned Arthur and Mark quickly finished him as he knocked Arthur out at 1:11 seconds of the first round.
AFTERMATH: Immediately after the bout, Johnson and his followers called out Johnny Tapia for a bout. However, Tapia moved up in weight to the Super Flyweight division. After two more flyweight title defenses, Johnson vacated the IBF Flyweight title and challenged Ratanachai Sor Vorapin for the vacant IBF Super Flyweight belt on the “Triple Jeopardy” card on April 24, 1999 at MCI (now Verizon) Center in DC. Johnson won his second world title with a unanimous decision. Johnson defended his title twice before legal issues took him away from the sport for almost two years. On August 16, 2003, Johnson surprised boxing observers by winning his third world title – the WBO Super Flyweight crown by winning a majority decision over Fernando Montiel in Uncasville, CT.
Arthur Johnson tried one last time for a world title, moving to bantamweight to challenge IBF titleholder Tim Austin. Once again, he was unsuccessful, losing a unanimous decision.
6.Keith Holmes vs. Andrew Council I, September 23, 1994, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the most controversial bouts in recent Beltway Boxing history – in and out of the ring.
This contest was the final bout of one of the greatest weeks in Beltway Boxing history as the DC-area was the centerpiece of the boxing world. The area played host to two nationally televised boxing cards during the week of September 19th; one at the DC Armory shown on USA Network and this one at The Show Place Arena televised by ESPN2.
The card was promoted by legendary Baltimore promoter Stu Satosky in his only promotion on the DC side of the Beltway. Satosky tried to get a number of places in the Baltimore area to agree to host the show, including a couple of the colleges, but finally had to settle for the Show Place, which turned out to be a great move.
The Holmes-Council bout was originally scheduled to be the co-feature on the card, but when main event boxer Dana Rosenblatt was injured, the Beltway rivalry became the main event and it became a bout for the vacant USBA Junior Middleweight title.
There was also outside drama for this bout. Earlier in the week, Holmes had been arrested and charged with murder in a neighborhood incident. He was freed on bail the day before the bout and allowed to compete (months later, Holmes was found not guilty of the charge).
The bout itself was very competitive, with each man able to do what he does best. Holmes used his jab while Council bore in and landed punishing body shots. Unfortunately for Council, referee Chris Wollesen thought some of the body blows landed below the belt and took three points away from Council. That forced Council to alter his game plan and Holmes became more effective and went on to win a somewhat lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: This was one of those career-changing bouts. I think if Council had won, he would have had the type of career Holmes has had, because he would have received the opportunities Holmes ended up receiving.
Five bouts after this win, Holmes defeated Quincy Taylor on March 16, 1996 to win his first WBC Middleweight title. He defended the belt twice against Richie Woodhall (October 19, 1996 at the Show Place Arena) and against former IBF Junior Middleweight titleholder Paul Vaden, scoring an 11th round TKO in that bout on December 5, 1997. Afterwards, Vaden called Holmes the toughest opponent he has ever had.
Holmes would lose his belt to Hacine Cherifi in France on May 12, 1998 but defeat Cherifi in a rematch on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC on April 24, 1999. Holmes made two defenses of his second title, including a rematch against Council on September 24, 1999 in DC. Holmes had a much easier time against Council this time, knocking him down in the ninth round en route to a lopsided unanimous decision. Holmes lost easily to Bernard Hopkins during the “Middleweight Championship Series” in 2001 and has fought sporadically as a junior middleweight and a light heavyweight since then.
Council bounced back from the first loss to Holmes by scoring seven straight victories including an eye-opening ninth-round TKO over former world champion Buddy McGirt on September 30, 1995 in Atlantic City. I remember watching that bout on TV with friends and family and someone in our group had Council’s number and we called him shortly after that bout. The usually calm Council was as excited as I’ve ever heard him.
Two fights later, Council suffered a setback when he was lethargic during a challenge for the NABF Junior Middleweight title on March 5, 1996 in Norfolk, VA. He lost a unanimous decision to a promising young veteran named Ronald “Winky” Wright.
Council again bounced back with two victories before losing to perennial middleweight title contender Robert Allen by 12-round unanimous decision on April 19, 1997 in Shreveport, LA. However, his next bout was Council’s first try for a world title but he lost another lopsided decision to Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Middleweight title on November 18, 1997 at the Show Place Arena. After the title loss to Holmes, Council fought twice more before ending his career with a 10-round split decision to Troy Rowland on October 31, 2003 in Grand Rapids, MI.
7. Mark “Too Sharp” Johnson vs. Arthur Johnson, February 22, 1998, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: Despite the length of the bout, it was a rare opportunity for Beltway Boxing fans to see a world-class boxer at the top of his game.
The road to the world championship was an arduous one for Mark Johnson. He had to ply his trade 3,000 miles from home and was ducked by the majority of top-flight flyweights in the world. Finally, Johnson received his world title opportunity on May 4, 1996 in Anaheim, CA and made the most of it when he knocked out former world champ Francisco Tejedor in the first round to win the IBF Flyweight championship.
Johnson made four successful defenses of his title and became a fixture on top-10 pound-for-pound lists throughout the boxing world. But Johnson had one goal left at that point in his career: to bring a title defense to his hometown. That dream was realized on February 22, 1998 when he defended his title against number-one ranked challenger Arthur “Flash” Johnson at the DC Armory in front of a nationally televised ESPN2 audience. The bout had boxing fans along the Beltway and across the nation drooling. Here was one of the best fighters in the world putting his title up against a legitimate number one contender, a guy who had fought hard in two previous world title bouts, only to come up short. Also, Mark Johnson paid a heavy price to have the bout in DC; he gave up $30,000 of his purse.
There was a lot of electricity in the air as “Too Sharp” came to the ring on a throne, surrounded by dancing girls. Henry “Discombobulating” Jones (who Mark DEMANDED in his contract serve as ring announcer) announced him as “King Marcellus.”
Unfortunately for Arthur Johnson, the ring entrance was longer than the actual bout. Midway through the opening round, Mark clipped Arthur alongside the head with a right hand punch that Mark later referred to as a “lookaway” punch. The blow stunned Arthur and Mark quickly finished him as he knocked Arthur out at 1:11 seconds of the first round.
AFTERMATH: Immediately after the bout, Johnson and his followers called out Johnny Tapia for a bout. However, Tapia moved up in weight to the Super Flyweight division. After two more flyweight title defenses, Johnson vacated the IBF Flyweight title and challenged Ratanachai Sor Vorapin for the vacant IBF Super Flyweight belt on the “Triple Jeopardy” card on April 24, 1999 at MCI (now Verizon) Center in DC. Johnson won his second world title with a unanimous decision. Johnson defended his title twice before legal issues took him away from the sport for almost two years. On August 16, 2003, Johnson surprised boxing observers by winning his third world title – the WBO Super Flyweight crown by winning a majority decision over Fernando Montiel in Uncasville, CT.
Arthur Johnson tried one last time for a world title, moving to bantamweight to challenge IBF titleholder Tim Austin. Once again, he was unsuccessful, losing a unanimous decision.
6.Keith Holmes vs. Andrew Council I, September 23, 1994, Show Place Arena, Upper Marlboro, MD
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the most controversial bouts in recent Beltway Boxing history – in and out of the ring.
This contest was the final bout of one of the greatest weeks in Beltway Boxing history as the DC-area was the centerpiece of the boxing world. The area played host to two nationally televised boxing cards during the week of September 19th; one at the DC Armory shown on USA Network and this one at The Show Place Arena televised by ESPN2.
The card was promoted by legendary Baltimore promoter Stu Satosky in his only promotion on the DC side of the Beltway. Satosky tried to get a number of places in the Baltimore area to agree to host the show, including a couple of the colleges, but finally had to settle for the Show Place, which turned out to be a great move.
The Holmes-Council bout was originally scheduled to be the co-feature on the card, but when main event boxer Dana Rosenblatt was injured, the Beltway rivalry became the main event and it became a bout for the vacant USBA Junior Middleweight title.
There was also outside drama for this bout. Earlier in the week, Holmes had been arrested and charged with murder in a neighborhood incident. He was freed on bail the day before the bout and allowed to compete (months later, Holmes was found not guilty of the charge).
The bout itself was very competitive, with each man able to do what he does best. Holmes used his jab while Council bore in and landed punishing body shots. Unfortunately for Council, referee Chris Wollesen thought some of the body blows landed below the belt and took three points away from Council. That forced Council to alter his game plan and Holmes became more effective and went on to win a somewhat lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: This was one of those career-changing bouts. I think if Council had won, he would have had the type of career Holmes has had, because he would have received the opportunities Holmes ended up receiving.
Five bouts after this win, Holmes defeated Quincy Taylor on March 16, 1996 to win his first WBC Middleweight title. He defended the belt twice against Richie Woodhall (October 19, 1996 at the Show Place Arena) and against former IBF Junior Middleweight titleholder Paul Vaden, scoring an 11th round TKO in that bout on December 5, 1997. Afterwards, Vaden called Holmes the toughest opponent he has ever had.
Holmes would lose his belt to Hacine Cherifi in France on May 12, 1998 but defeat Cherifi in a rematch on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC on April 24, 1999. Holmes made two defenses of his second title, including a rematch against Council on September 24, 1999 in DC. Holmes had a much easier time against Council this time, knocking him down in the ninth round en route to a lopsided unanimous decision. Holmes lost easily to Bernard Hopkins during the “Middleweight Championship Series” in 2001 and has fought sporadically as a junior middleweight and a light heavyweight since then.
Council bounced back from the first loss to Holmes by scoring seven straight victories including an eye-opening ninth-round TKO over former world champion Buddy McGirt on September 30, 1995 in Atlantic City. I remember watching that bout on TV with friends and family and someone in our group had Council’s number and we called him shortly after that bout. The usually calm Council was as excited as I’ve ever heard him.
Two fights later, Council suffered a setback when he was lethargic during a challenge for the NABF Junior Middleweight title on March 5, 1996 in Norfolk, VA. He lost a unanimous decision to a promising young veteran named Ronald “Winky” Wright.
Council again bounced back with two victories before losing to perennial middleweight title contender Robert Allen by 12-round unanimous decision on April 19, 1997 in Shreveport, LA. However, his next bout was Council’s first try for a world title but he lost another lopsided decision to Bernard Hopkins for the IBF Middleweight title on November 18, 1997 at the Show Place Arena. After the title loss to Holmes, Council fought twice more before ending his career with a 10-round split decision to Troy Rowland on October 31, 2003 in Grand Rapids, MI.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
No Beltway Boxers on Fight Night...Again!!
For the second straight year, there will be NO Beltway Boxers participating on the annual Fight Night charity boxing card this Thursday, November 2 at the Washington Hilton and Towers.
The closest they came to putting a Beltway Boxer on the show was to have a former conventional boxer participate in a kickboxing bout. That would be heavyweight Imani Lee who fought out of Alexandria, VA and was 8-3 with five KO's as a conventional boxer.
The card also has two guys who visited the Beltway in recent months. The main event features junior middleweight Billy Lyell of Youngstown, OH. You may remember that Lyell gave Tony Cygan his first pro loss back in January at the Pikesville Armory.
Also, undefeated heavyweight Devin Vargas of Toledo, OH will be on the card. The captain of the 2004 US Olympic team last fought in the area in December of 2005 when he knocked out Albert Newberry at Martin's West.
I know that the majority of people who attend Fight Night don't really care who's in the ring, but I am OUTRAGED that a boxing event that takes place in the Nation's Capital can't have at least one Beltway Boxer. I think it is just unfair that they have this big event in front of all these political and financial movers and shakers and the boxing community in this area can't reap the benefits of being seen by these important people. IT'S JUST RIDICULOUS!!
The ONLY reason why I am attending this card is because I gave my word to Fightnews.com to cover it. But if you are looking for results here on this blog afterwards, you will not find any.
The closest they came to putting a Beltway Boxer on the show was to have a former conventional boxer participate in a kickboxing bout. That would be heavyweight Imani Lee who fought out of Alexandria, VA and was 8-3 with five KO's as a conventional boxer.
The card also has two guys who visited the Beltway in recent months. The main event features junior middleweight Billy Lyell of Youngstown, OH. You may remember that Lyell gave Tony Cygan his first pro loss back in January at the Pikesville Armory.
Also, undefeated heavyweight Devin Vargas of Toledo, OH will be on the card. The captain of the 2004 US Olympic team last fought in the area in December of 2005 when he knocked out Albert Newberry at Martin's West.
I know that the majority of people who attend Fight Night don't really care who's in the ring, but I am OUTRAGED that a boxing event that takes place in the Nation's Capital can't have at least one Beltway Boxer. I think it is just unfair that they have this big event in front of all these political and financial movers and shakers and the boxing community in this area can't reap the benefits of being seen by these important people. IT'S JUST RIDICULOUS!!
The ONLY reason why I am attending this card is because I gave my word to Fightnews.com to cover it. But if you are looking for results here on this blog afterwards, you will not find any.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Lange Opponent Official for December 9!
The main event is now set for the December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Center. Great Falls, VA's Jimmy Lange will battle Fontaine Cabell of Alamonte Springs, FL in a 10-round junior middleweight encounter.
Cabell (22-6-1, 17 KO's) has fought sporadically over the last three-and-a-half years and will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak in which he has been stopped by technical knockout in all three bouts, including his last outing, an eight-round technical knockout against Maximino Cuevas on April 19 in Palm Beach, FL.
This bout will be Cabell's second trip to this area. He lost by first-round TKO to "Contender: Season One" participant Ahmed Kaddour on the Laila Ali card on July 17, 2004 at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.
Lange (27-3-1, 19 KO's) is coming off his 10th round TKO over Thomas Wilt on the last Patriot Center card on October 7.
Cabell (22-6-1, 17 KO's) has fought sporadically over the last three-and-a-half years and will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak in which he has been stopped by technical knockout in all three bouts, including his last outing, an eight-round technical knockout against Maximino Cuevas on April 19 in Palm Beach, FL.
This bout will be Cabell's second trip to this area. He lost by first-round TKO to "Contender: Season One" participant Ahmed Kaddour on the Laila Ali card on July 17, 2004 at Prince George's Stadium in Bowie.
Lange (27-3-1, 19 KO's) is coming off his 10th round TKO over Thomas Wilt on the last Patriot Center card on October 7.
Auerbach, Duva and the Beltway!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #13 - Auerbach, Duva and the Beltway!
How do you connect a legendary basketball icon, a boxing legend and the National Capitol area? Listen here!
How do you connect a legendary basketball icon, a boxing legend and the National Capitol area? Listen here!
My Favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts -- Part 1!
With all the activity around the Beltway in recent months, I haven't had an opportunity to go back into recent Beltway Boxing history. But I wanted to list my top 10 favorite Beltway Boxing Bouts. These are bouts that I personally witnessed over my almost 19-year career.
I don't claim that these are the greatest bouts of all-time, nor are they the most important bouts in our history. I list them because these bouts -- for many different reasons -- mean a lot to me.
To be honest, if you go to the August 2005 archive, you can read the one I listed as number one. However, I thought I would give the rest of my list. Of course, I welcome your thoughts.
Part one covers bouts 10, 9 and 8.
10. Reggie “Showtime” Green vs. Lyndon Paul Walker I, September 25, 1993, Novak Field House, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD.
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: This bout holds special significance because it was one of the first “title” bouts I ever called. This was for the “Metro DC Junior Welterweight” title and it was a great bout featuring contrasting styles; Green was the slick boxer who could bang facing a straight ahead banger in Walker. It took Green quite a while to figure how to get Walker off him but Green managed to win a close unanimous decision.
The two would meet five months later at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD for the Maryland State title. Green had a much easier time in that bout, knocking down Walker en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: Green went on to have a good career, winning two NABF, one USBA and one IBC title and earning two world title opportunities. Green lost to Sharmba Mitchell by majority decision for the WBA title on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC in April of 1999 and lost by 10th round TKO to Zab Judah for the IBF title in Uncasville, CT in January of 2001.
Walker never got his career on track after the two losses to Green. Walker lost bouts to great opposition including Sharmba Mitchell, Charles Murray (who also beat Green) and Ivan Robinson. His career ended in 1997 with an eight-round draw against Chuck “Pit Bull” Sturm in Baltimore.
9. Antonio “Starchild” Reese vs. “Dangerous D” Darryl Lattimore, May 20, 1994, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the two controversial bouts on this list, the matchup was a classic between a rising star and a fading, yet still dangerous veteran.
This was a much anticipated crossroads bout. Reese was undefeated going into the contest (11-0, eight KO’s) and his unique and flashy antics clashed with the no-nonsense style of Lattimore whose career got off to a great start but was in the midst of a four-bout losing streak that included tough losses to Derrell “Too Sweet” Coley and Larry Barnes.
Lattimore was on his “A” game throughout this contest, pressuring Reese and seemingly beating him to the punch in most exchanges. Reese’s undefeated string looked to be coming to an end. However, the judges didn’t see it that way and awarded Reese the majority decision. The fans booed the decision vehemently. Reese did not spend time in the ring celebrating the victory as he was quickly ushered to the locker room. I called that bout for the Boxing Spotlight series and had to literally run back to the locker room to get the interview with Reese.
AFTERMATH: Neither boxer’s career flourished after this contest. Both men won bouts on “The Beltway Brawl” card at the USAir Arena in April of 1995, but it was pretty much downhill from there.
Reese lost a 10-round decision to Curtis “Dynamite” Peoples for the Metro Welterweight title in November of 1995 than lost two of his next five bouts. Reese returned to boxing after a five-year hiatus in December of 2004 losing an eight-round decision to Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall at the New DC Convention Center.
After the loss to Reese, Lattimore was stopped in the third round by future world champion Keith Holmes. Lattimore would win just three more times in his career. One of those victories was a 10-round decision over Robert “Boo Boo” Sawyer in November of 1995 at the Washington Convention Center. After losing to notable boxers like Adrian Stone, Mark Breland, and Mamadou Thiam, Lattimore would call it a career after being stopped in the fourth round by Emil Baku on December 1, 1999 at Martin’s West.
8. Darryll Tyson vs. Anthony Suggs, October 11, 1995, Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: A tremendous matchup of two solid punchers. The bout was for the IBC Junior Welterweight championship.
This bout will probably go down as one of the greatest bouts in the history of the “Fight Night” charity boxing series. Normally, the power brokers and movers and shakers who attend this event are not too interested in the actual boxing bouts that take place. They are there to see the legends of boxing that attend this event. This particular year (my first time attending this event), there were some big legends there including Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore and “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali.
However, Tyson and Suggs made everyone in the building stop talking to each other and focus on the ring as these guys gave and took for 10 rounds before the veteran Tyson finally stopped the determined Suggs. Add to this the fact that both men gave it their all while fighting under a clearly visible and heavy cloud of cigar smoke, and you had a classic encounter. One of the clear moments I remember from that bout was Tyson collapsing in his corner from all the smoke.
AFTERMATH: Tyson was at the tail end of a career that saw him win two USBA titles, one NABF crown and a WBC Continental Americas title, but Tyson came up short in two chances for world titles against Jimmy Paul (a 15-round encounter) and Miguel Angel Gonzalez. After the Suggs win and another victory against David Taylor in November of 1995, Tyson lost four straight between 1996 and 1998, falling to Oscar De La Hoya, Shea Neary, Diosbelys Hurtado and Zab Judah (on Fight Night 1998). In 2000, Tyson surprised many by returning to the ring after a two-year layoff and winning an eight-round split decision over Emmanuel Clottey at DC Tunnel. Tyson won three straight before losing his last two, including his final bout, a 10-round unanimous decision to former WBO champ DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley On December 12, 2004 at the new Convention Center.
Suggs had one more minor title opportunity, losing by 12th round TKO to Reggie “Showtime” Green at Fight Night 1996 for the IBC Intercontinental Junior Welterweight crown. After that loss, Suggs had an undistinguished career that ended on February 7, 2001 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Kenny Baysmore at the Lincoln Theater.
I don't claim that these are the greatest bouts of all-time, nor are they the most important bouts in our history. I list them because these bouts -- for many different reasons -- mean a lot to me.
To be honest, if you go to the August 2005 archive, you can read the one I listed as number one. However, I thought I would give the rest of my list. Of course, I welcome your thoughts.
Part one covers bouts 10, 9 and 8.
10. Reggie “Showtime” Green vs. Lyndon Paul Walker I, September 25, 1993, Novak Field House, Prince George’s Community College, Largo, MD.
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: This bout holds special significance because it was one of the first “title” bouts I ever called. This was for the “Metro DC Junior Welterweight” title and it was a great bout featuring contrasting styles; Green was the slick boxer who could bang facing a straight ahead banger in Walker. It took Green quite a while to figure how to get Walker off him but Green managed to win a close unanimous decision.
The two would meet five months later at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD for the Maryland State title. Green had a much easier time in that bout, knocking down Walker en route to a lopsided unanimous decision.
AFTERMATH: Green went on to have a good career, winning two NABF, one USBA and one IBC title and earning two world title opportunities. Green lost to Sharmba Mitchell by majority decision for the WBA title on the “Triple Jeopardy” card in DC in April of 1999 and lost by 10th round TKO to Zab Judah for the IBF title in Uncasville, CT in January of 2001.
Walker never got his career on track after the two losses to Green. Walker lost bouts to great opposition including Sharmba Mitchell, Charles Murray (who also beat Green) and Ivan Robinson. His career ended in 1997 with an eight-round draw against Chuck “Pit Bull” Sturm in Baltimore.
9. Antonio “Starchild” Reese vs. “Dangerous D” Darryl Lattimore, May 20, 1994, DC Armory, Washington, DC
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: One of the two controversial bouts on this list, the matchup was a classic between a rising star and a fading, yet still dangerous veteran.
This was a much anticipated crossroads bout. Reese was undefeated going into the contest (11-0, eight KO’s) and his unique and flashy antics clashed with the no-nonsense style of Lattimore whose career got off to a great start but was in the midst of a four-bout losing streak that included tough losses to Derrell “Too Sweet” Coley and Larry Barnes.
Lattimore was on his “A” game throughout this contest, pressuring Reese and seemingly beating him to the punch in most exchanges. Reese’s undefeated string looked to be coming to an end. However, the judges didn’t see it that way and awarded Reese the majority decision. The fans booed the decision vehemently. Reese did not spend time in the ring celebrating the victory as he was quickly ushered to the locker room. I called that bout for the Boxing Spotlight series and had to literally run back to the locker room to get the interview with Reese.
AFTERMATH: Neither boxer’s career flourished after this contest. Both men won bouts on “The Beltway Brawl” card at the USAir Arena in April of 1995, but it was pretty much downhill from there.
Reese lost a 10-round decision to Curtis “Dynamite” Peoples for the Metro Welterweight title in November of 1995 than lost two of his next five bouts. Reese returned to boxing after a five-year hiatus in December of 2004 losing an eight-round decision to Richard “Tiger” Lee Hall at the New DC Convention Center.
After the loss to Reese, Lattimore was stopped in the third round by future world champion Keith Holmes. Lattimore would win just three more times in his career. One of those victories was a 10-round decision over Robert “Boo Boo” Sawyer in November of 1995 at the Washington Convention Center. After losing to notable boxers like Adrian Stone, Mark Breland, and Mamadou Thiam, Lattimore would call it a career after being stopped in the fourth round by Emil Baku on December 1, 1999 at Martin’s West.
8. Darryll Tyson vs. Anthony Suggs, October 11, 1995, Washington Hilton Hotel and Towers
WHY IT MAKES THE LIST: A tremendous matchup of two solid punchers. The bout was for the IBC Junior Welterweight championship.
This bout will probably go down as one of the greatest bouts in the history of the “Fight Night” charity boxing series. Normally, the power brokers and movers and shakers who attend this event are not too interested in the actual boxing bouts that take place. They are there to see the legends of boxing that attend this event. This particular year (my first time attending this event), there were some big legends there including Floyd Patterson, Archie Moore and “The Greatest” himself, Muhammad Ali.
However, Tyson and Suggs made everyone in the building stop talking to each other and focus on the ring as these guys gave and took for 10 rounds before the veteran Tyson finally stopped the determined Suggs. Add to this the fact that both men gave it their all while fighting under a clearly visible and heavy cloud of cigar smoke, and you had a classic encounter. One of the clear moments I remember from that bout was Tyson collapsing in his corner from all the smoke.
AFTERMATH: Tyson was at the tail end of a career that saw him win two USBA titles, one NABF crown and a WBC Continental Americas title, but Tyson came up short in two chances for world titles against Jimmy Paul (a 15-round encounter) and Miguel Angel Gonzalez. After the Suggs win and another victory against David Taylor in November of 1995, Tyson lost four straight between 1996 and 1998, falling to Oscar De La Hoya, Shea Neary, Diosbelys Hurtado and Zab Judah (on Fight Night 1998). In 2000, Tyson surprised many by returning to the ring after a two-year layoff and winning an eight-round split decision over Emmanuel Clottey at DC Tunnel. Tyson won three straight before losing his last two, including his final bout, a 10-round unanimous decision to former WBO champ DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley On December 12, 2004 at the new Convention Center.
Suggs had one more minor title opportunity, losing by 12th round TKO to Reggie “Showtime” Green at Fight Night 1996 for the IBC Intercontinental Junior Welterweight crown. After that loss, Suggs had an undistinguished career that ended on February 7, 2001 with a fourth-round TKO victory over Kenny Baysmore at the Lincoln Theater.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
'Da Heat' Hemphill Wins in Connecticut!
Woodbridge, VA light heavyweight Edward "Da Heat" Hemphill scored a third-round TKO over previously undefeated Joe McCreedy last night at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, CT.
Published reports say that the bout was a competitive fight that was dominated early by McCreedy. However, Hemphill rallied in the third round by knocking McCreedy down twice. McCreedy appeared to suffer a broken jaw in the bout. The bout was stopped at 2:47 of the round.
The win was Hemphill's second straight. In fact, Hemphill's wins have come in a two-week period. He defeated Simon Carr by four-round unanimous decision in Philadelphia on October 14.
Hemphill has had an up-and-down career but since his September 14 six-round unanimous decision loss to Willie "For Real" Williams at Martin's West, Hemphill has gone unbeaten in his last three bouts, all against previously undefeated competition. Hemphill's record is now 6-5-1, three KO's.
Published reports say that the bout was a competitive fight that was dominated early by McCreedy. However, Hemphill rallied in the third round by knocking McCreedy down twice. McCreedy appeared to suffer a broken jaw in the bout. The bout was stopped at 2:47 of the round.
The win was Hemphill's second straight. In fact, Hemphill's wins have come in a two-week period. He defeated Simon Carr by four-round unanimous decision in Philadelphia on October 14.
Hemphill has had an up-and-down career but since his September 14 six-round unanimous decision loss to Willie "For Real" Williams at Martin's West, Hemphill has gone unbeaten in his last three bouts, all against previously undefeated competition. Hemphill's record is now 6-5-1, three KO's.
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Trevor Berbick -- RIP!
My condolences to the family of former WBC Heavyweight champion Trevor Berbick, who was murdered in in his native Jamaica last night.
According to various wire service reports, the 52-year-old Berbick was killed in a church courtyard after attending a party by an assailant wielding a hatchet or machete and died from a wound to the head. The incident occured in Norwich village, 146 miles east of Kingston.
Berbick had a career record of 50-11-1 with 33 knockouts. He defeated the great Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight and later won the WBC heavyweight title against Pinklon Thomas before being dethroned by a 20-year-old Mike Tyson.
Berbick fought two Beltway Boxers during his career. He surprised many by winning a 10-round split decision over DC's Melvin "Top Gun" Foster on September 13, 1994 in Westbury, NY. This bout was eight years after Berbick dropped the WBC title to Tyson and Foster was undefeated at the time of the bout.
Two years later -- October 15, 1996 -- Berbick lost a 10-round unanimous decision to future world champion Hasim Rahman at Caesars in Atlantic City.
According to various wire service reports, the 52-year-old Berbick was killed in a church courtyard after attending a party by an assailant wielding a hatchet or machete and died from a wound to the head. The incident occured in Norwich village, 146 miles east of Kingston.
Berbick had a career record of 50-11-1 with 33 knockouts. He defeated the great Muhammad Ali in Ali's last fight and later won the WBC heavyweight title against Pinklon Thomas before being dethroned by a 20-year-old Mike Tyson.
Berbick fought two Beltway Boxers during his career. He surprised many by winning a 10-round split decision over DC's Melvin "Top Gun" Foster on September 13, 1994 in Westbury, NY. This bout was eight years after Berbick dropped the WBC title to Tyson and Foster was undefeated at the time of the bout.
Two years later -- October 15, 1996 -- Berbick lost a 10-round unanimous decision to future world champion Hasim Rahman at Caesars in Atlantic City.
Friday, October 27, 2006
Interesting Q&A with Hasim Rahman..Jr!!
Found this very interesting article on FightBeat.com. Contributor Jake Faunce has a real good question and answer session with 15-year old Hasim Rahman, Jr. who has been training at the famous Kronk Gym in Detroit. I thought it was fascinating and I wanted to share it with you.
In boxing, it’s rare that the accomplishments of the son exceed the accomplishments of the father. The newer generation has the name, but usually lack the skills to back it up. Although it might be too early to pass judgment on Chavez Jr., Paez Jr., Hearns Jr., and others—the only fighter that looks like a sure bet to challenge his father’s mantle is Hasim Rahman Jr.
Hasim Rahman Sr. got a relatively late start in boxing at age of 20. With the news of a baby on the way, Hasim was inspired to find a way to bring his child up right, but he needed some serious cash. He walked into a boxing gym one day and started sparring. Rahman had no amateur background, but was gifted with some natural boxing skills. The trainers where impressed by his powerful right hand. Seven years later, that right hand won him the heavyweight championship of the world when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa.
Today, Rahman has been helping prepare his son for the great things that await him in boxing. Rahman Jr. spars with his dad every other day, and Sr. ain’t goin’ light on his kid. In a recent sparring session, Rahman was toying with junior, playing mind games—teaching him the type of tactics his opponents will undoubtedly use to get him out of his game. “Boxing is 90% mental, 10% physical,” you often hear said by boxing men. Recently, when Junior lost focus for a moment, Senior Rock opened up and deposited him on the canvas for a ten-count. A hard lesson, but Rahman Sr. is a hard man.
Physically, Rahman Jr. looks and moves more like a basketball player than does his father. He’s 6’1” and weighs a little over 200lbs. Doctors project Jr. will be 6’4” and weigh around 235lbs. He’s all muscles, yet is catlike agile. Father and son standing together looks like a tank parked next to a Toyota 4-Runner.
FightBeat’s Jake Faunce had an opportunity to chat with Rahman Jr., who recently went off to the Poconos to train with Wladimir Klitschko. Here is what he had to say:
JAKE FAUNCE: What you been up to lately Hasim?
RAHMAN JR: Stayin’ in shape getting ready for the amateur heavyweight tournaments, bring boxing back where it used to be.
JF: I hear you've been training with Emmanuel Steward, did you go to Detroit to train and how did it go?
RJR: In the club with Manny for a month and a half, living with him and Andy Lee. Learned a lot about boxing and after training with him I now know he's the greatest trainer of all time.
JF: Jumping right into Kronk was kind of a baptism by fire for you. It had to have been a huge learning experience?
RJR: Definitely. A big change. I had to dig down deep to keep up. It’s not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Can't be messin’ around, gotta be ready for it.
JF: How do you feel that possibly the greatest current trainer in boxing saw enough talent in you to bring you into his prestigious stable of fighters?
RJR: It’s an honor. For him to see somethin’ in me, to bring me on and stay in his house—just to get this far is an honor. But this is nothing, it’s just the beginning.
JF: You got your first big time sparring session in when you joined the Kronk team. You sparred world rated cruiserweight Jonathan Banks. How did that sparring session go?
RJR: Me and JB went 3 rounds in the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. No one was there but Andy Lee, Manny and Kermit Cintron. He didn't beat me up. A lot of fighters will go in there and beat you up, but JB was teaching me. He is the assistant trainer for the fighters, so it was a great experience.
JF: After your dad’s fight with Oleg Maskaev it was reported that you went back into Oleg’s dressing room and talked to him. What happened there?
RJR: After the fight, before they announced the winner, I was really mad. In a rage. I tried to go after Oleg, but Travis Kauffman, the heavyweight prospect, held me back. But I thought about it. This happens in boxing; its part of the game. I went back and my dad was fine. Then I went back into Oleg’s dressing room and I said to him, ‘You’re a great champion.’ But I said to him, ‘Hasim Rahman will be heavyweight champion one day, whether it be me or my father.’
JF: It must have been really hard to go back in the dressing room of the man who just defeated your father?
RJR: It took a lot to go in that dressing room and go in there and say that to him. And I know anything that happens in the ring is the will of Allah. And I know that my dad, by the end of 2007, will be the heavyweight champion of the world.
JF: If you were to compare your style to another fighter’s, who would it be?
RJR: Lennox Lewis, Wlad Klitschko, Andy Lee. Manny teaches all the same things to form a base. I’m in my base-stage right now, still haven’t broke out into what I’m gonna be yet. We already know I'm strong and have speed. My dad didn't start till he was 20 and became heavyweight champion of the world. I started at 14 and I have the best trainer in boxing, so how they gonna stop me!?
JF: You have the most hype around a 15-year-old fighter I’ve ever seen. Doug Fischer of MaxBoxing.com went as far as saying you could be the next dominant American amateur heavyweight. Recently, Emmanuel Steward praised you on a HBO telecast. The hype machine has started, what do you want it to say to people that hasn’t already been said?
RJR: He's gonna save the division. That he's gonna be the biggest name in boxing, not just I the heavyweight division, but the sport. That he has what it takes to take boxing as a sport to the next level.
JF: Is there anything you'd like to say to the boxing world Hasim?
RJR: I'd Like to say, look out for Kronk Boxing Team. We have a lot of talent. Fighters like Andy Lee, J'leon Love, Isaiah Thomas, Erik Be’ Leon, Latonya King. Look out for us…to not take shortcuts and to be ready. Put your seat belts on cuz we're comin. On behalf of Kronk Boxing, I'd like to thank Emmanuel Steward.
In boxing, it’s rare that the accomplishments of the son exceed the accomplishments of the father. The newer generation has the name, but usually lack the skills to back it up. Although it might be too early to pass judgment on Chavez Jr., Paez Jr., Hearns Jr., and others—the only fighter that looks like a sure bet to challenge his father’s mantle is Hasim Rahman Jr.
Hasim Rahman Sr. got a relatively late start in boxing at age of 20. With the news of a baby on the way, Hasim was inspired to find a way to bring his child up right, but he needed some serious cash. He walked into a boxing gym one day and started sparring. Rahman had no amateur background, but was gifted with some natural boxing skills. The trainers where impressed by his powerful right hand. Seven years later, that right hand won him the heavyweight championship of the world when he knocked out Lennox Lewis in South Africa.
Today, Rahman has been helping prepare his son for the great things that await him in boxing. Rahman Jr. spars with his dad every other day, and Sr. ain’t goin’ light on his kid. In a recent sparring session, Rahman was toying with junior, playing mind games—teaching him the type of tactics his opponents will undoubtedly use to get him out of his game. “Boxing is 90% mental, 10% physical,” you often hear said by boxing men. Recently, when Junior lost focus for a moment, Senior Rock opened up and deposited him on the canvas for a ten-count. A hard lesson, but Rahman Sr. is a hard man.
Physically, Rahman Jr. looks and moves more like a basketball player than does his father. He’s 6’1” and weighs a little over 200lbs. Doctors project Jr. will be 6’4” and weigh around 235lbs. He’s all muscles, yet is catlike agile. Father and son standing together looks like a tank parked next to a Toyota 4-Runner.
FightBeat’s Jake Faunce had an opportunity to chat with Rahman Jr., who recently went off to the Poconos to train with Wladimir Klitschko. Here is what he had to say:
JAKE FAUNCE: What you been up to lately Hasim?
RAHMAN JR: Stayin’ in shape getting ready for the amateur heavyweight tournaments, bring boxing back where it used to be.
JF: I hear you've been training with Emmanuel Steward, did you go to Detroit to train and how did it go?
RJR: In the club with Manny for a month and a half, living with him and Andy Lee. Learned a lot about boxing and after training with him I now know he's the greatest trainer of all time.
JF: Jumping right into Kronk was kind of a baptism by fire for you. It had to have been a huge learning experience?
RJR: Definitely. A big change. I had to dig down deep to keep up. It’s not as easy as it looks. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Can't be messin’ around, gotta be ready for it.
JF: How do you feel that possibly the greatest current trainer in boxing saw enough talent in you to bring you into his prestigious stable of fighters?
RJR: It’s an honor. For him to see somethin’ in me, to bring me on and stay in his house—just to get this far is an honor. But this is nothing, it’s just the beginning.
JF: You got your first big time sparring session in when you joined the Kronk team. You sparred world rated cruiserweight Jonathan Banks. How did that sparring session go?
RJR: Me and JB went 3 rounds in the Top Rank gym in Las Vegas. No one was there but Andy Lee, Manny and Kermit Cintron. He didn't beat me up. A lot of fighters will go in there and beat you up, but JB was teaching me. He is the assistant trainer for the fighters, so it was a great experience.
JF: After your dad’s fight with Oleg Maskaev it was reported that you went back into Oleg’s dressing room and talked to him. What happened there?
RJR: After the fight, before they announced the winner, I was really mad. In a rage. I tried to go after Oleg, but Travis Kauffman, the heavyweight prospect, held me back. But I thought about it. This happens in boxing; its part of the game. I went back and my dad was fine. Then I went back into Oleg’s dressing room and I said to him, ‘You’re a great champion.’ But I said to him, ‘Hasim Rahman will be heavyweight champion one day, whether it be me or my father.’
JF: It must have been really hard to go back in the dressing room of the man who just defeated your father?
RJR: It took a lot to go in that dressing room and go in there and say that to him. And I know anything that happens in the ring is the will of Allah. And I know that my dad, by the end of 2007, will be the heavyweight champion of the world.
JF: If you were to compare your style to another fighter’s, who would it be?
RJR: Lennox Lewis, Wlad Klitschko, Andy Lee. Manny teaches all the same things to form a base. I’m in my base-stage right now, still haven’t broke out into what I’m gonna be yet. We already know I'm strong and have speed. My dad didn't start till he was 20 and became heavyweight champion of the world. I started at 14 and I have the best trainer in boxing, so how they gonna stop me!?
JF: You have the most hype around a 15-year-old fighter I’ve ever seen. Doug Fischer of MaxBoxing.com went as far as saying you could be the next dominant American amateur heavyweight. Recently, Emmanuel Steward praised you on a HBO telecast. The hype machine has started, what do you want it to say to people that hasn’t already been said?
RJR: He's gonna save the division. That he's gonna be the biggest name in boxing, not just I the heavyweight division, but the sport. That he has what it takes to take boxing as a sport to the next level.
JF: Is there anything you'd like to say to the boxing world Hasim?
RJR: I'd Like to say, look out for Kronk Boxing Team. We have a lot of talent. Fighters like Andy Lee, J'leon Love, Isaiah Thomas, Erik Be’ Leon, Latonya King. Look out for us…to not take shortcuts and to be ready. Put your seat belts on cuz we're comin. On behalf of Kronk Boxing, I'd like to thank Emmanuel Steward.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Petersons Headline November 18 Mississippi Card!
The undefeated Peterson Brothers of DC will headline a November 18th card at Fitzgerald's Casino in Tunica, MS.
No word yet on who the Peterson's will face on this card. However, their promotional company -- Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis, TN -- said that this will probably be the last time Anthony and Lamont Peterson will headline a show at such an intimate venue. That should mean bigger things are planned for the brothers in 2007.
Anthony (20-0, 15 KO's) is the NABO Lightweight champion while Lamont (18-0, eight KO's) holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title.
No word yet on who the Peterson's will face on this card. However, their promotional company -- Prize Fight Boxing of Memphis, TN -- said that this will probably be the last time Anthony and Lamont Peterson will headline a show at such an intimate venue. That should mean bigger things are planned for the brothers in 2007.
Anthony (20-0, 15 KO's) is the NABO Lightweight champion while Lamont (18-0, eight KO's) holds the WBC US Light Welterweight title.
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Results from Last Night's 'Fight for a Cure'!
In this Mike Greenhill photo, Phill Brown knocks Ray Grant to the commissioner's table during last night's 'Fight for a Cure' event at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
I was unable to attend last night's charity boxing show at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD. Here's an account of the show courtesy of Fightnews.com's Mike Greenhill:
It was the annual Fight For A Cure charity pro boxing show in Baltimore, this time at Martin’s West in suburban Woodlawn, Maryland. The evening benefitted the Jonathan Ogden Foundation, started by Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden, in memory of his late father. More than a dozen Ravens teammates were on hand, including Ray Lewis, Edwin Mulitalo, Terrell Suggs, Bart Scott and others, as well as Hall-of-Fame Colts running back Lenny Moore.
In the opening bout, cruiserweight Reuel Williams of Wilmington, Delaware raised his record to 1-1 with a 4-round unanimous decision over Philadelphia’s Robert Evans, making his pro debut. Evans appeared nervous and hyper throughout the bout, especially after a 2nd-round accidental clash of heads cut him on the left eye. Scores were 39-37 from Malik Waleed and Kenny Chevalier, while John Gradowski saw 40-36. Gary Camponeschi refereed.
236-pound heavyweight Wayne Hampton rallied after losing the first two rounds big, flattening 264-pound Rohan Wallace of Washington, D.C. at 1:50 of the third in their scheduled six. Wallace had his way with power rights and lefts before Hampton caught him with two rights of his on in the third stanza, then finishing him off with a two-punch combo. Wallace hit the floor face first and was counted out by John Gradowski. Hampton is now 5-3 (3) and Wallace falls to 6-5 (4).
William Gill of Toms River, New Jersey and Landover, Maryland’s Carlos Jones, who bears a striking resemblance to rapper Busta Rhymes, put on an entertaining back-and-forth cruiserweight scrap before Gill floored Jones at 2:50 of the fifth in their set-for-six. Jones was game, but kept his left hand too low, eating more rights as the fight wore on. A head-snapping right by Gill late in the fifth put Jones down under the bottom rope, whereupon referee Kenny Chevalier waved it off without bothering to count. Jones and some of the fans briefly complained about a quick stoppage. Gill improves to 5-11 (4), while Jones drops to 5-11 (3).
287-pound Phil Brown of Upper Marlboro, Maryland drove fellow heavyweight Ray Grant, 248, Bowie, Maryland, through the ropes and onto the commissioner’s table on his way to an easy 4-round decision win. Grant was able to climb back in, but did little after that incident, lacking the power to turn the fight around. Brown rises to 2-0 (1) while Grant’s record evens out at 1-1. Gary Camponeschi saw it 40-34 and John Gradowski tallied 39-35, all for Brown. Malik Waleed officiated.
Heavyweight Lenroy Thomas, St. Petersburg, Florida, crushed Stafford, Virginia’s Jonathan Felton with one left hook that put Felton on his back at 1:22 of the second in a scheduled 4-rounder. Referee Malik Waleed halted matters without counting, seeing Felton’s eyes roll back momentarily. Thomas is 5-1 (4). Felton sinks to 2-5 (2).
The final bout of the evening saw former U.S. amateur heavyweight champion Eric Fields of Ardmore, Oklahoma run his pro ledger to 2-0 (2) with a 4th -round TKO of Charleston, South Carolina’s Steven Archie. Archie was in there trying all the way, but lacked the power to keep Fields off him. Fields caught up to him with uppercuts and vicious body shots, then pounded Archie with lefts and rights to the head, forcing referee Gary Camponeschi to step in at the 2:29 mark of the second, saving the wobbly Archie from turning into a meathead. Archie falls to 0-2.
White-Spivey Official for December 9 at Patriot Center!
Promoter Joe Hensley mentioned this in answer to a previous post, but let me put it as a news item.
The long-discussed matchup between Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White and "The Pride of Portsmouth (VA)" Dorin Spivey is now OFFICIAL! The bout will take place as part of the Saturday, December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Centerin Fairfax, VA. This should be a great contest!
Hensley also said that opponents for Jimmy Lange and Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson will be finalized by the end of the week and tickets will go on sale for this event soon after.
The long-discussed matchup between Smithsburg, MD's Dean "Pit Bull" White and "The Pride of Portsmouth (VA)" Dorin Spivey is now OFFICIAL! The bout will take place as part of the Saturday, December 9 Major League Boxing card at the George Mason University Patriot Centerin Fairfax, VA. This should be a great contest!
Hensley also said that opponents for Jimmy Lange and Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson will be finalized by the end of the week and tickets will go on sale for this event soon after.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
October 7 Patriot Center Video Now Available!
For those who missed the October 7th Major League Boxing show from the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA, you can now see video from the event on Google Video and Blogger!
Yours truly was honored to do the play-by-play for the video and "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears (on right in picture) provided expert color commentary.
The first uploaded clip is the 4 round heavyweight slugfest between Waynesboro, VA's Juan Carlos Robles and Dumfries, VA's Derek "D-Mos" Amos plus a preview of the entire night of action You can watch these videos in several ways.
Click the video link to the left entitled "Major League Boxing Intro Juan Carlos Robles vs. Derek Amos" and then click the Play arrow. Active X needs to be enabled on your computer.
You can also visit Major League Boxing's updated Blogger website:
www.MajorLeagueBoxing.blogspot.com to view this video. You can leave comments on this blog as well as on Major League Boxing's blogger webpage. We would love to hear what you have to say!
UPDATE: The bout between Dorin Spivey and Roberto Valenzuela is now available on www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com.
Oct. 23 UPDATE: The contest between Purcell Miller and Larry Marks is now available on www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com. The main event between Jimmy Lange and Thomas Wilt should be available sometime tomorrow.
Oct. 24 UPDATE: The main event -- Jimmy Lange vs. Thomas Wilt -- is now available on Google Video and www.majorleagueboxing.blogspot.com.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Fightnews.com Report on Pikesville!
For those who couldn't get the audio post-fight show from Pikesville last night, here is a written account of the pro events courtesy of one of my Fightnews.com writing partners, Julian Burgower.
Sometimes in the sport of boxing there are decisions that make you scratch your head, get you angry or make some people cry out in protest. Such was not the case in the eight-round majority draw between Mike"The Persecutor" Paschall and Dhafir “No Fear” Smith, fought at the Pikesville Armory in Baltimore, MD, last night.
Paschall, 165, came into the bout with an undefeated record of 10-0 (2), and seemed to take the first few rounds by slightly outworking the veteran Smith, 163, did not seem to want to open up and throw many punches. As the rounds wore on, Paschall started more and more showboating, jumping in and out with wild clubbing swings and fighting out of a style reminiscent the stance of a Muay Thai kickboxer.
In the fifth round of the scheduled eight, Smith, Philadelphia, PA, was able to become more affective in his aggressiveness and slow down Paschall’s movement in stalking down the Pasadena, MD native and connecting with hard shots to the head.
The seventh round showed Paschall settling down and attempting to fight more than showboat, which probably saved him from losing the fight, as he connected with wild haymaker-type shots that won him the round, although they were not especially damaging to Smith.
Both fighters came out of their corners in the eighth and final round knowing that it would decide the outcome of the fight, and both threw caution to the wind. The wind though, appeared to die down in Paschall’s sails faster than it did in Smith’s, who was able to close the show stronger and with more zest, cutting Paschall’s left eye in the process.
The pro-Paschall hometown crowd booed as the scores of 77-75 (Paschall), 76-76 (twice) were announced, resulting in a majority draw decision. Fightnews scored the contest 76-76, with Paschall dropping his record to 10-0-1 (2) and Smith 15-13-1 (4).
In the co-feature bout of the evening, Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow pounded out an easy unanimous decision victory over Anthony Osbourne in the middleweight class. Nicklow pressed the action throughout the fight, with Osbourne giving Nicklow and the judges very little in return, including a point deducted in the third round for excessive holding. Osbourne, who has lost 15 out of his last 16 fights, showed little interest in boosting the number in the win column of his professional record, resulting in a points win for Nicklow by scores of 59-54 and 60-53 (twice). Nicklow bolstered his record to 7-0 (2) as Osbourne drops to 5-19-1 (1).
William Bailey, of Norfolk, VA, was forced to retire after the end of the fourth round against Willie "For Real" Williams in a six round affair citing a shoulder injury. Bailey, 5-11 (4), who appeared to be in control of the fight, did not answer the bell for the fifth, giving Baltimore’s Williams, 6-1 (2), at TKO win at :01 of that round.
Also in action, “Irish” Glen Williams garnered a TKO victory over Dalante Marshall at 2:35 of the second round in a four-round heavyweight contest that looked more like a tough-man contest than a professional boxing match. Marshall opted to lay on the ropes and refuse to throw punches even after referee John Gradowski continually instructed him to fight back. Marshall appeared not to be hurt and actually to be protesting the legality of Williams’ punches by refusing to fight and turning in a totally unprofessional performance.
The card was promoted by Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing and also featured several amateur bouts to begin the show. Baltimore Boxing’s next show will be dubbed “Bombs Away! On Pearl Harbor Day, which will also be featured at the Pikesville Armory.
The results of the amateur card:
Steve Wheeler (Baltimore Boxing) dec. Tacuma Farmer (Honeycomb)
Dayvon Gross (Upton Boxing) dec. Dan Ankers (York, PA)
Jeremy Miller (Baltimore Boxing) RSC-3. Devon Durocher (Brooklyn Boxing)
Sometimes in the sport of boxing there are decisions that make you scratch your head, get you angry or make some people cry out in protest. Such was not the case in the eight-round majority draw between Mike"The Persecutor" Paschall and Dhafir “No Fear” Smith, fought at the Pikesville Armory in Baltimore, MD, last night.
Paschall, 165, came into the bout with an undefeated record of 10-0 (2), and seemed to take the first few rounds by slightly outworking the veteran Smith, 163, did not seem to want to open up and throw many punches. As the rounds wore on, Paschall started more and more showboating, jumping in and out with wild clubbing swings and fighting out of a style reminiscent the stance of a Muay Thai kickboxer.
In the fifth round of the scheduled eight, Smith, Philadelphia, PA, was able to become more affective in his aggressiveness and slow down Paschall’s movement in stalking down the Pasadena, MD native and connecting with hard shots to the head.
The seventh round showed Paschall settling down and attempting to fight more than showboat, which probably saved him from losing the fight, as he connected with wild haymaker-type shots that won him the round, although they were not especially damaging to Smith.
Both fighters came out of their corners in the eighth and final round knowing that it would decide the outcome of the fight, and both threw caution to the wind. The wind though, appeared to die down in Paschall’s sails faster than it did in Smith’s, who was able to close the show stronger and with more zest, cutting Paschall’s left eye in the process.
The pro-Paschall hometown crowd booed as the scores of 77-75 (Paschall), 76-76 (twice) were announced, resulting in a majority draw decision. Fightnews scored the contest 76-76, with Paschall dropping his record to 10-0-1 (2) and Smith 15-13-1 (4).
In the co-feature bout of the evening, Jessie “The Beast” Nicklow pounded out an easy unanimous decision victory over Anthony Osbourne in the middleweight class. Nicklow pressed the action throughout the fight, with Osbourne giving Nicklow and the judges very little in return, including a point deducted in the third round for excessive holding. Osbourne, who has lost 15 out of his last 16 fights, showed little interest in boosting the number in the win column of his professional record, resulting in a points win for Nicklow by scores of 59-54 and 60-53 (twice). Nicklow bolstered his record to 7-0 (2) as Osbourne drops to 5-19-1 (1).
William Bailey, of Norfolk, VA, was forced to retire after the end of the fourth round against Willie "For Real" Williams in a six round affair citing a shoulder injury. Bailey, 5-11 (4), who appeared to be in control of the fight, did not answer the bell for the fifth, giving Baltimore’s Williams, 6-1 (2), at TKO win at :01 of that round.
Also in action, “Irish” Glen Williams garnered a TKO victory over Dalante Marshall at 2:35 of the second round in a four-round heavyweight contest that looked more like a tough-man contest than a professional boxing match. Marshall opted to lay on the ropes and refuse to throw punches even after referee John Gradowski continually instructed him to fight back. Marshall appeared not to be hurt and actually to be protesting the legality of Williams’ punches by refusing to fight and turning in a totally unprofessional performance.
The card was promoted by Jake “The Snake” Smith’s Baltimore Boxing and also featured several amateur bouts to begin the show. Baltimore Boxing’s next show will be dubbed “Bombs Away! On Pearl Harbor Day, which will also be featured at the Pikesville Armory.
The results of the amateur card:
Steve Wheeler (Baltimore Boxing) dec. Tacuma Farmer (Honeycomb)
Dayvon Gross (Upton Boxing) dec. Dan Ankers (York, PA)
Jeremy Miller (Baltimore Boxing) RSC-3. Devon Durocher (Brooklyn Boxing)
BATB Post-Fight Show from Pikesville!
Mike Paschall gets a majority draw, Jessie Nicklow wins by easy unanimous decision and Willie Williams scores a unique TKO. Henry "Discombobulating" Jones and I discuss this and more in the first Boxing Along The Beltway Post-Fight Show from the Pikesville Armory.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #12 - Post-Fight Wrap-up from Pikesville!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #12 - Post-Fight Wrap-up from Pikesville!
Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Immediately following his unanimous decision over Anthony Osbourne tonight at the Pikesville Armory, undefeated Pasadena, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow had these comments about the victory.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #11 - Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #11 - Jessie Nicklow Comments on Pikesville Victory!
Friday, October 20, 2006
Weights for Tonight in Pikesville!
Here is the scale watch for tonight's Baltimore Pro Boxing card at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD:
Mike Paschall 166 vs. Dhafir Smith 162
Jessie Nicklow 156 3/4 vs Anthony Osbourne 155 3/4
Willie Williams 173 vs William Bailey 181
Delenta Marshall 240 vs. Glenn Williams 215
Mike Paschall 166 vs. Dhafir Smith 162
Jessie Nicklow 156 3/4 vs Anthony Osbourne 155 3/4
Willie Williams 173 vs William Bailey 181
Delenta Marshall 240 vs. Glenn Williams 215
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Former World Champs Slated to Appear on Dec. 9 Patriot Center Show!
Two former world champions who are Beltway Boxing legends are slated to be a part of the next Major League Boxing card on Saturday, December 9 at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.
Former three-time world champion and future hall of famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson is scheduled to participate in an eight-round contest. Also, former WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz is scheduled to make a long-awaited return in a six-round bout.
Jimmy Lange is scheduled to headline the card participating in a 10-round contest. Also slated to be on the card will be Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer and Tommy Wilt.
Remember, there are two cards in the area on Dec. 9. Clarence Vinson is scheduled to headline the show at the Lincoln Theatre in DC on that evening.
Former three-time world champion and future hall of famer Mark "Too Sharp" Johnson is scheduled to participate in an eight-round contest. Also, former WBO Cruiserweight champ Boone Pultz is scheduled to make a long-awaited return in a six-round bout.
Jimmy Lange is scheduled to headline the card participating in a 10-round contest. Also slated to be on the card will be Andrew "The Doo Man" Farmer and Tommy Wilt.
Remember, there are two cards in the area on Dec. 9. Clarence Vinson is scheduled to headline the show at the Lincoln Theatre in DC on that evening.
Corey Comments Continued!
Apparently, we are not the only ones concerned about the safety of Corey "T-Rex" Sanders. Remember in my audio post, I mentioned I talked to a reporter from Trinidad about this situation?
That reporter -- Ian Prescott of the Trinidad Express -- wrote an article in today's edition that quotes me and other posters on this blog. The article also has a photo of Corey during the weigh-in.
Here is the address to that article. Please read!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161036953
That reporter -- Ian Prescott of the Trinidad Express -- wrote an article in today's edition that quotes me and other posters on this blog. The article also has a photo of Corey during the weigh-in.
Here is the address to that article. Please read!
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_sports?id=161036953
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Comments on Corey Sanders!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #10 - Comments on Corey Sanders!
In this commentary, I express my feelings on Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and his desire to continue his boxing career.
UPDATE: For more comments on this story, go to www.washingtonpost.com and check out Dan Steinberg's DC Sports Bog
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/10/trex_on_mike_tyson.html
In this commentary, I express my feelings on Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and his desire to continue his boxing career.
UPDATE: For more comments on this story, go to www.washingtonpost.com and check out Dan Steinberg's DC Sports Bog
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2006/10/trex_on_mike_tyson.html
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Sanders-Tyson Workout Photo!
Here is a picture (courtesy of Joe Bada) of Corey "T-Rex" Sanders and Mike Tyson during a workout for their exhibition bout on Friday. Draw your own conclusions.
(click to enlarge the photo)
'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
(sound quality isn't as good. You may need to turn up your speakers.)
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #9 - 'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
In an exclusive BATB interview, DC Heavyweight Corey "T-Rex" Sanders talks about his return to boxing in Trinidad last Friday as well as his involvement in the "Mike Tyson World Tour" on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #9 - 'T-Rex' Talking Trinidad and Tyson Tour!
In an exclusive BATB interview, DC Heavyweight Corey "T-Rex" Sanders talks about his return to boxing in Trinidad last Friday as well as his involvement in the "Mike Tyson World Tour" on October 20 in Youngstown, OH.
BATB 'Post-Game Show' Planned for October 20 Pikesville Card!
Just wanted to let you know what I'm planning. Listen closely to this audio post.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #8 - Hear 'Post-Game Show' After October 20th Pikesville Card!
If all goes well, we will have a wrap-up show after the October 20th boxing card at the Pikesville Armory. Details found by listening here.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #8 - Hear 'Post-Game Show' After October 20th Pikesville Card!
If all goes well, we will have a wrap-up show after the October 20th boxing card at the Pikesville Armory. Details found by listening here.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Amateur Bouts Added to October 20 Pikesville Show!
Jake Smith of Baltimore Pro Boxing has added three amateur bouts to his October 20th card at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD.
Steve Wheeler of Baltimore Boxing will take on Tacuma Farmer of Honey Comb Boxing gym at 178 LBS
Dayvon Gross from Upton battles Criss Milton from BXF at 152 LBS
Devon Durocher of Brooklyn Boxing goes up against Jeremy Miller of Baltimore Boxing at 130 LBS
The pro main event will be "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall taking on Dhafir "No Fear" Smith in Paschall's first scheduled eight-round contest.
Steve Wheeler of Baltimore Boxing will take on Tacuma Farmer of Honey Comb Boxing gym at 178 LBS
Dayvon Gross from Upton battles Criss Milton from BXF at 152 LBS
Devon Durocher of Brooklyn Boxing goes up against Jeremy Miller of Baltimore Boxing at 130 LBS
The pro main event will be "The Persecutor" Mike Paschall taking on Dhafir "No Fear" Smith in Paschall's first scheduled eight-round contest.
Russell Jr. Wins National PAL Championship!
Belated congratulations to Capitol Heights, MD's Gary Russell Jr. who won his first national PAL Bantamweight title at the 2006 National PAL Championships in Oxnard, CA on October 7.
The two-time US National champion defeated the 2006 Junior Olympic titleholder Roberto Marroquin of Dallas, TX by the score of 16-7 to win the PAL Bantamweight crown.
This event was the first qualifier for the 2007 USA Boxing National Championship as well as the 2008 US Olympic Team Box-Offs (pending approval from the United States Olympic Committee.)
Unfortunately (according to USAboxing.org), Russell suffered injuries during that competition that prevented him from participating in the 2006 World cup in Baku, Azerbaijan this week.
ADDITION: Also, congratulations to Emmanuel Taylor of Edgewood, MD who won the lightweight title in the Junior National Championships on October 6 at the same event. Taylor, the younger brother of pro Maxell "The General" Taylor, defeated Edwin Valdez of Los Angeles, CA 7-3 to take the title.
The two-time US National champion defeated the 2006 Junior Olympic titleholder Roberto Marroquin of Dallas, TX by the score of 16-7 to win the PAL Bantamweight crown.
This event was the first qualifier for the 2007 USA Boxing National Championship as well as the 2008 US Olympic Team Box-Offs (pending approval from the United States Olympic Committee.)
Unfortunately (according to USAboxing.org), Russell suffered injuries during that competition that prevented him from participating in the 2006 World cup in Baku, Azerbaijan this week.
ADDITION: Also, congratulations to Emmanuel Taylor of Edgewood, MD who won the lightweight title in the Junior National Championships on October 6 at the same event. Taylor, the younger brother of pro Maxell "The General" Taylor, defeated Edwin Valdez of Los Angeles, CA 7-3 to take the title.
'T-Rex' Sanders Fights in Trinidad...LAST FRIDAY!
This is one of the strangest situations I have come across in quite some time. For the last two days, I have been trying to get a hold of DC heavyweight Corey "T-Rex" Sanders to talk about his participation as Mike Tyson's "opponent" on his "World Tour" exhibition on October 20 in Youngstown, Ohio. Sanders has been a sparring partner for Tyson off and on for more than a year, since he stopped boxing in 2004. Sanders had eye problems that presumably forced him to stop actively boxing.
Now comes word from Fightnews.com that Sanders fought a 10-round pro bout on October 14 (last Saturday) in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Sanders lost a unanimous decision to undefeated Kerston Manswell of Trinidad, despite scoring a knockdown in the seventh round.
Obviously, Sanders got permission and clearance from somewhere to resume his career. Hopefully, I will get in touch with him sometime this week.
Now comes word from Fightnews.com that Sanders fought a 10-round pro bout on October 14 (last Saturday) in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Sanders lost a unanimous decision to undefeated Kerston Manswell of Trinidad, despite scoring a knockdown in the seventh round.
Obviously, Sanders got permission and clearance from somewhere to resume his career. Hopefully, I will get in touch with him sometime this week.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Spend 'An Evening Ringside' on October 23!
There will be a very special charity boxing card held on Monday, October 23 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
The card is called "An Evening Ringside" and it is a charity event to benefit the Jonathan Ogden Foundation, an organization headed by the Baltimore Ravens all-pro offensive tackle and native Washingtonian (St. Albans High School) that helps Baltimore high school students acheive their full potential through athletics and education.
If you like the big men of boxing, then this event will be for you, for there will be no one on the card who fights under the light heavyweight class.
Scheduled on the card are the following matchups:
Heavyweight--six rounds: Wayne "Hammerhead" Hampton of Capitol Heights, MD (4-3, two KO's) vs. Rohan "Buffalo Soldier" Wallace of DC (6-4, four KO's).
Light heavyweight -- six rounds: Carlos "The Headbanger" Jones of Landover, MD (5-11, three KO's) vs. William Gill of Toms River, NJ (4-11, three KO's).
Heavyweight -- four rounds: Phillip Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD (1-0) vs. Horace "The Reason" Grant of DC (1-0, one KO).
Heavyweight -- four rounds: "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA (2-4, two KO's) vs. Lenroy "TNT" Thomas of St. Petersburg, FL (3-1, two KO's)
Heavyweight -- four rounds: Eric Fields of Ardmore, OK (1-0) vs. Steven Archie of Charleston, SC (0-1)
Also, La Plata, MD cruiserweight Mike "Nice" Gutrick is scheduled to appear on the card.
As this is a charity show, ticket prices are a little bit more than usual, but this is a good cause. A Ringside Table for 10 is $2500. A Terrace Table for 10 is $2000 and individual seats (Terrace Table only) is $200. Tickets are available by calling (410) 771-3014.
The card is being promoted by Keystone Boxing of Temple Hills, MD in association with 10Kount Promotions of Baltimore and Lowenstein Event Management.
More on this event as it becomes available.
The card is called "An Evening Ringside" and it is a charity event to benefit the Jonathan Ogden Foundation, an organization headed by the Baltimore Ravens all-pro offensive tackle and native Washingtonian (St. Albans High School) that helps Baltimore high school students acheive their full potential through athletics and education.
If you like the big men of boxing, then this event will be for you, for there will be no one on the card who fights under the light heavyweight class.
Scheduled on the card are the following matchups:
Heavyweight--six rounds: Wayne "Hammerhead" Hampton of Capitol Heights, MD (4-3, two KO's) vs. Rohan "Buffalo Soldier" Wallace of DC (6-4, four KO's).
Light heavyweight -- six rounds: Carlos "The Headbanger" Jones of Landover, MD (5-11, three KO's) vs. William Gill of Toms River, NJ (4-11, three KO's).
Heavyweight -- four rounds: Phillip Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD (1-0) vs. Horace "The Reason" Grant of DC (1-0, one KO).
Heavyweight -- four rounds: "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA (2-4, two KO's) vs. Lenroy "TNT" Thomas of St. Petersburg, FL (3-1, two KO's)
Heavyweight -- four rounds: Eric Fields of Ardmore, OK (1-0) vs. Steven Archie of Charleston, SC (0-1)
Also, La Plata, MD cruiserweight Mike "Nice" Gutrick is scheduled to appear on the card.
As this is a charity show, ticket prices are a little bit more than usual, but this is a good cause. A Ringside Table for 10 is $2500. A Terrace Table for 10 is $2000 and individual seats (Terrace Table only) is $200. Tickets are available by calling (410) 771-3014.
The card is being promoted by Keystone Boxing of Temple Hills, MD in association with 10Kount Promotions of Baltimore and Lowenstein Event Management.
More on this event as it becomes available.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
This is RIDICULOUS!!
Let me be honest,folks! I'm getting very tired of the Middendorf-bashing that has gone on as of late. Recent article posts have had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with Chris Middendorf!! He was not involved in any way with the October 7 card! Yet people have taken this opportunity to bash him for no reason!
I'm even more tired of reading criticism by folks who don't have the GUTS to put their name behind it! That's not what this blog is intended for and I'm not putting up with it any longer.
Therefore, from this moment, all anonymous posts that bash Middendorf will be immediately deleted. If you have some evidence of something wrong he has done and will put your REAL name behind it, you may post and give Middendorf a chance to respond!
Otherwise, let me tell everyone what I have told a few folks: KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!!
I'm even more tired of reading criticism by folks who don't have the GUTS to put their name behind it! That's not what this blog is intended for and I'm not putting up with it any longer.
Therefore, from this moment, all anonymous posts that bash Middendorf will be immediately deleted. If you have some evidence of something wrong he has done and will put your REAL name behind it, you may post and give Middendorf a chance to respond!
Otherwise, let me tell everyone what I have told a few folks: KEEP YOUR OPINIONS TO YOURSELF!!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Mike Paschall Talks About his First Eight-Round Bout!
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #7 - Mike Paschall Talks About his First Eight-Round Bout!
Undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall (10-0, two KO's) talks about his career and his October 20th bout against Dhafir "No Fear" Smith at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD.
Undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall (10-0, two KO's) talks about his career and his October 20th bout against Dhafir "No Fear" Smith at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD.
'Sparkplug' Neal Seriously Injured in Forklift Accident!
I'm hearing reports that Burke, VA junior middleweight "Sparkplug" Tommy Neal was seriously injured in a forklift accident about a week ago.
The good news I'm hearing is that he is back at home recovering. The bad news I'm hearing is that his pro boxing career -- which started back in August -- may be seriously in doubt.
Neal made an impressive pro debut on August 19 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA when he won an easy four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson. He showed great composure in that bout and didn't press the issue. He was very patient.
Neal was slated to be a part of the next Scott Farmer card at ABC on November 18.
I send my best wishes to Tommy and his family.
The good news I'm hearing is that he is back at home recovering. The bad news I'm hearing is that his pro boxing career -- which started back in August -- may be seriously in doubt.
Neal made an impressive pro debut on August 19 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA when he won an easy four-round unanimous decision over Montez Wilson. He showed great composure in that bout and didn't press the issue. He was very patient.
Neal was slated to be a part of the next Scott Farmer card at ABC on November 18.
I send my best wishes to Tommy and his family.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Keith Holmes Talks About Light Heavyweight Debut!
Former WBC Middleweight champion Keith Holmes talks about his light heavyweight debut, a 10-round unanimous decision over Baltimore's Cory "Black Ice" Cummings on October 7 in Chicago.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #6
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #6
'Persecutor' Faces Man With 'No Fear' on October 20!
Undefeated Baltimore super middleweight Mike "The Persecutor" Paschall headlines the next Baltimore Pro Boxing card on Friday, October 20 at the Pikesville Armory in Pikesville, MD. Paschall is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over William Gill on September 14 at Martin's West in Woodlawn, MD.
For Paschall (10-0, two KO's), this next bout will be a milestone as this will be his first scheduled eight-round contest. In this bout, Paschall will face a tough, experienced opponent that is familiar to Beltway Boxing fans in Upper Darby, PA's Dhafir "No Fear" Smith (15-14-3, three KO's). Smith is unbeaten in his last three bouts (2-0-1), including his last contest a six-round unanimous decision win over Henry "Hurricane" Mayes on August 12 at the Ocean City Convention Center.
Smith has fought numerous times along the Beltway including bouts at the Show Place Arena, BXF and Michael's Eighth Avenue and has fought the likes of Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan, Ian Gardner, James McCallister and Max Alexander.
Other bouts scheduled for the card include undefeated middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow of Severn, MD (6-0, two KO's) taking on Anthony Osbourne of New York (5-18-1, one KO) in a six-round encounter.
Baltimore cruiserweight Willie "For Real" Williams (4-1, one KO) will take on veteran William "The Storm" Bailey of Chesapeake, VA (5-10-2, two KO's) in another six-round bout and DC heavyweight Dalonta Marshall (0-1) will battle Glen Williams of St. Petersburg, FL (2-3-1, two KO's) in a four-round contest.
More on this card as we get closer to October 20.
For Paschall (10-0, two KO's), this next bout will be a milestone as this will be his first scheduled eight-round contest. In this bout, Paschall will face a tough, experienced opponent that is familiar to Beltway Boxing fans in Upper Darby, PA's Dhafir "No Fear" Smith (15-14-3, three KO's). Smith is unbeaten in his last three bouts (2-0-1), including his last contest a six-round unanimous decision win over Henry "Hurricane" Mayes on August 12 at the Ocean City Convention Center.
Smith has fought numerous times along the Beltway including bouts at the Show Place Arena, BXF and Michael's Eighth Avenue and has fought the likes of Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan, Ian Gardner, James McCallister and Max Alexander.
Other bouts scheduled for the card include undefeated middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow of Severn, MD (6-0, two KO's) taking on Anthony Osbourne of New York (5-18-1, one KO) in a six-round encounter.
Baltimore cruiserweight Willie "For Real" Williams (4-1, one KO) will take on veteran William "The Storm" Bailey of Chesapeake, VA (5-10-2, two KO's) in another six-round bout and DC heavyweight Dalonta Marshall (0-1) will battle Glen Williams of St. Petersburg, FL (2-3-1, two KO's) in a four-round contest.
More on this card as we get closer to October 20.
Great Photos From October 7!
If you weren't able to be at the Patriot Center for the October 7 card, let me point you in the direction of some great photos of the show from three Beltway sources.
One of the best boxing photographers in the world is Mike Greenhill. His work has been featured all over the boxing world including Ring Magazine, The Boxing Times and Boxing Digest. Greenhill also took the photos that accompany my story on Fightnews.com. To visit the link and see the photos go here: http://www.ufcfightnews.com/oct7-dc.htm
We also have two women who are rapidly coming into their own as top notch photographers. One is Linda Siadys. She has only been shooting boxing photos for a short time but her work is wonderful.
Siadys's site, (http://lindasiadys.smugmug.com/Sports/228494), not only has photos from the October 7 event but also shots from many of the recent Beltway Boxing events including shows at Michael's Eighth Avenue and the DC Mayor's Cup.
The other lady who is doing a great job is Janet Nash. She has been a fixture at many of the boxing shows in the area as well as many of the gyms taking photos of the boxers around the area. Her work has been seen on Fightnews as well as in the pages of Boxing Digest, where it sometimes accompanies the words written by her husband, Charles. Unfortunately, Nash doesn't have a website at this point, but I just wanted to give her the kudos she deserves.
So if you want to get the flavor of this event, these are the best places I know to go!
One of the best boxing photographers in the world is Mike Greenhill. His work has been featured all over the boxing world including Ring Magazine, The Boxing Times and Boxing Digest. Greenhill also took the photos that accompany my story on Fightnews.com. To visit the link and see the photos go here: http://www.ufcfightnews.com/oct7-dc.htm
We also have two women who are rapidly coming into their own as top notch photographers. One is Linda Siadys. She has only been shooting boxing photos for a short time but her work is wonderful.
Siadys's site, (http://lindasiadys.smugmug.com/Sports/228494), not only has photos from the October 7 event but also shots from many of the recent Beltway Boxing events including shows at Michael's Eighth Avenue and the DC Mayor's Cup.
The other lady who is doing a great job is Janet Nash. She has been a fixture at many of the boxing shows in the area as well as many of the gyms taking photos of the boxers around the area. Her work has been seen on Fightnews as well as in the pages of Boxing Digest, where it sometimes accompanies the words written by her husband, Charles. Unfortunately, Nash doesn't have a website at this point, but I just wanted to give her the kudos she deserves.
So if you want to get the flavor of this event, these are the best places I know to go!
Random Observations From the Patriot Center!
Here are my thoughts about last night's card at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #5
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #5
Sunday, October 08, 2006
'C Performance' Gives Lange TKO Victory!
In a grueling, competitive contest, Great Falls, VA middleweight Jimmy Lange scored a 10th-round technical knockout over a game Thomas Wilt of Altoona, PA in front of 3,814 fans at the George Mason University Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.
Lange earned the victory by using a solid left jab and body shot combinations early to pile up points. However, in the middle of the bout, Wilt started to effectively pressure the hometown hero using solid jabs of his own.
Undaunted, Lange picked up the pace of the bout returning to the body shots late in the contest until finally in the 10th, Lange landed a solid straight right hand that dropped Wilt to the canvas. Seconds later, Lange moved in and continued to land straight right hands until referee Joe Cooper stopped the bout at 2:45 of the final round.
Despite the victory, Lange said he wasn’t totally satisfied with his performance.
“It wasn’t a difficult fight, it was a tedious fight,” Lange said. I was slipping a lot of his punches. It was a professional boxing match, not a four-round blowout.”
“I was making a lot of mistakes,” Lange continued. “And that’s just more experience. I think I made the right step in getting more experience. I think it was a C performance. I wasn’t necessarily happy with it but I’m not going to beat my head against the wall about it either.”
Lange, who had legendary trainers Angelo Dundee and Tommy Gallagher in his corner, raised his record to 27-3-1, 19 KO’s while Wilt falls to 20-6, four KO’s.
In one co-feature bout, former world title contender Larry “The Laser” Marks of New Castle, DE won an eight-round unanimous decision over DC’s Purcell “Hard Rock” Miller in a super middleweight contest.
Marks landed solid blows at the start of the contest, mixing clean shots with some taunting moves to earn an early advantage. Miller had a difficult time with Marks’s power and also suffered some unintentional head butts.
Miller rebounded in the fourth round with some solid jabs and right hands, but Marks took complete control of the contest in the fifth when he landed a right hand that made Miller stumble in the ropes. Referee Chris Wollesen ruled the ropes kept Miller from going to the canvas and signaled a knockdown. From there, Marks cruised to the relatively easy victory.
Judge Vaughn LaPread scored the bout 80-71, while judges Greg Coleman and Jerry Payne saw the bout 79-72. I saw the contest for Marks at 78-74.
Marks’s record rises to 29-8, 16 KO’s while Miller’s record falls to 22-5-1, 18 KO’s.
In the other co-feature, “The Pride of Portsmouth, VA” Dorin Spivey won a lopsided eight-round junior welterweight decision over Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela of Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX.
Spivey used solid body punch combinations and a dropping down defense slightly reminiscent of his trainer, former multi-time world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, throughout the contest Despite suffering a bloody nose, Spivey went on to the victory.
Judge Gail Carpenter gave Spivey a shutout victory, 80-72 while judges LaPread and Payne scored the bout 78-74 and 79-73 respectively. I saw a much closer win for Spivey 77-76.
Spivey’s record is now 34-4, 28 KO’s while Valenzuela drops to 37-26, 33 KO’s.
In other bouts on the card, super middleweight Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante of Shakopee, MN made the night perfect for former “Contender” participants as he won by fourth-round TKO over Larry “The Gladiator” Brothers of DC.
Bonsante started slowly in the contest as the veteran Brothers landed some quality shots in the first round. However, Bonsante picked up the pace nicely and turned the tide by landing his right hand. Finally in the fourth round, Bonsante landed a crisp uppercut with the right hand that crumpled Brothers to the canvas. Referee Wollesen stopped the contest at 2:34 of the fourth.
Bonsante raised his record to 27-8-3, 15 KO’s while Brothers falls to 6-20-3, four KO’s.
In the opening contest, undefeated heavyweight Juan Carlos Robles of Waynesboro, VA won a four-round unanimous decision over Derek Amos of Dumfries, VA. Robles used heavy hands throughout the contest to batter the game Amos and win a lopsided decision.
Robles’s record is now 4-0, two KO’s while Amos is 14-23, nine KO’s.
The scheduled heavyweight bout between Jed Phipps of Baltimore and Rohan Wallace of DC was cancelled because Phipps failed his physical. The matchups between heavyweights Horace Grant and Jonathan Felton and middleweights Mike Sawyer and Randy McRorie were cancelled because of the 11:30 pm curfew.
Among the notables sighted were former WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy, welterweight contender Paul “The Punisher” Williams, Beltway Boxing legends Darryll Tyson, Reggie Green and Boone Pultz and Beltway prospects Thomas Snow, Kay Koroma and Phill Brown.
Joe Hensley of Major League Boxing was the promoter while Nick Tiberi served as matchmaker.
Later today, I will have some random observations and comments about this card.
Lange earned the victory by using a solid left jab and body shot combinations early to pile up points. However, in the middle of the bout, Wilt started to effectively pressure the hometown hero using solid jabs of his own.
Undaunted, Lange picked up the pace of the bout returning to the body shots late in the contest until finally in the 10th, Lange landed a solid straight right hand that dropped Wilt to the canvas. Seconds later, Lange moved in and continued to land straight right hands until referee Joe Cooper stopped the bout at 2:45 of the final round.
Despite the victory, Lange said he wasn’t totally satisfied with his performance.
“It wasn’t a difficult fight, it was a tedious fight,” Lange said. I was slipping a lot of his punches. It was a professional boxing match, not a four-round blowout.”
“I was making a lot of mistakes,” Lange continued. “And that’s just more experience. I think I made the right step in getting more experience. I think it was a C performance. I wasn’t necessarily happy with it but I’m not going to beat my head against the wall about it either.”
Lange, who had legendary trainers Angelo Dundee and Tommy Gallagher in his corner, raised his record to 27-3-1, 19 KO’s while Wilt falls to 20-6, four KO’s.
In one co-feature bout, former world title contender Larry “The Laser” Marks of New Castle, DE won an eight-round unanimous decision over DC’s Purcell “Hard Rock” Miller in a super middleweight contest.
Marks landed solid blows at the start of the contest, mixing clean shots with some taunting moves to earn an early advantage. Miller had a difficult time with Marks’s power and also suffered some unintentional head butts.
Miller rebounded in the fourth round with some solid jabs and right hands, but Marks took complete control of the contest in the fifth when he landed a right hand that made Miller stumble in the ropes. Referee Chris Wollesen ruled the ropes kept Miller from going to the canvas and signaled a knockdown. From there, Marks cruised to the relatively easy victory.
Judge Vaughn LaPread scored the bout 80-71, while judges Greg Coleman and Jerry Payne saw the bout 79-72. I saw the contest for Marks at 78-74.
Marks’s record rises to 29-8, 16 KO’s while Miller’s record falls to 22-5-1, 18 KO’s.
In the other co-feature, “The Pride of Portsmouth, VA” Dorin Spivey won a lopsided eight-round junior welterweight decision over Roberto “El Viejo” Valenzuela of Agua Prieta, Sonora, MX.
Spivey used solid body punch combinations and a dropping down defense slightly reminiscent of his trainer, former multi-time world champion Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, throughout the contest Despite suffering a bloody nose, Spivey went on to the victory.
Judge Gail Carpenter gave Spivey a shutout victory, 80-72 while judges LaPread and Payne scored the bout 78-74 and 79-73 respectively. I saw a much closer win for Spivey 77-76.
Spivey’s record is now 34-4, 28 KO’s while Valenzuela drops to 37-26, 33 KO’s.
In other bouts on the card, super middleweight Anthony “The Bullet” Bonsante of Shakopee, MN made the night perfect for former “Contender” participants as he won by fourth-round TKO over Larry “The Gladiator” Brothers of DC.
Bonsante started slowly in the contest as the veteran Brothers landed some quality shots in the first round. However, Bonsante picked up the pace nicely and turned the tide by landing his right hand. Finally in the fourth round, Bonsante landed a crisp uppercut with the right hand that crumpled Brothers to the canvas. Referee Wollesen stopped the contest at 2:34 of the fourth.
Bonsante raised his record to 27-8-3, 15 KO’s while Brothers falls to 6-20-3, four KO’s.
In the opening contest, undefeated heavyweight Juan Carlos Robles of Waynesboro, VA won a four-round unanimous decision over Derek Amos of Dumfries, VA. Robles used heavy hands throughout the contest to batter the game Amos and win a lopsided decision.
Robles’s record is now 4-0, two KO’s while Amos is 14-23, nine KO’s.
The scheduled heavyweight bout between Jed Phipps of Baltimore and Rohan Wallace of DC was cancelled because Phipps failed his physical. The matchups between heavyweights Horace Grant and Jonathan Felton and middleweights Mike Sawyer and Randy McRorie were cancelled because of the 11:30 pm curfew.
Among the notables sighted were former WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy, welterweight contender Paul “The Punisher” Williams, Beltway Boxing legends Darryll Tyson, Reggie Green and Boone Pultz and Beltway prospects Thomas Snow, Kay Koroma and Phill Brown.
Joe Hensley of Major League Boxing was the promoter while Nick Tiberi served as matchmaker.
Later today, I will have some random observations and comments about this card.
Former World Champ Holmes Defeats Cummings!
In a Beltway crossroads battle that snuck under the radar, Former WBC Middleweight champion Keith Holmes of DC won a 10-round unanimous decision over Baltimore's Cory "Black Ice" Cummings last night at the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL. The bout was on the undercard of the WBA heavyweight battle between champion Nicolai Valuev and Monte Barrett.
Now fighting as a light heavyweight, Holmes reportedly won just enough rounds to defeat Cummings by judges scores of 97-93, 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Holmes raised his record to 40-4, 25 KO's. After winning his first 15 bouts, Cummings has now lost his last two and now has a record of 15-2, 12 KO's.
Now fighting as a light heavyweight, Holmes reportedly won just enough rounds to defeat Cummings by judges scores of 97-93, 99-91 and 98-92. With the win, Holmes raised his record to 40-4, 25 KO's. After winning his first 15 bouts, Cummings has now lost his last two and now has a record of 15-2, 12 KO's.
Purcell Miller Discusses Tonight's Loss!
DC's Purcell "Hard Rock" Miller talks shortly after his tough eight-round loss to Larry Marks last night at the George Mason University Patriot Center.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #3
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #3
Jimmy Lange Talks After Important Victory!
In a Boxing Along The Beltway exclusive from the George Mason University Patriot Center, Jimmy Lange talks about his 10th round TKO victory over Tommy Wilt.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #2
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #2
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Buchanan Eliminated in Super Middleweight Tourney!
Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan's quest to gain elite status among rising super middleweight prospects ended last night in Santa Ynez, CA.
The Capitol Heights, MD native was outclassed by Jean Paul Mendy of France and lost a non-competitive 10-round unanimous decision in front of a nationally televised ShoBox audience. It was Buchanan's first pro loss.
The bout was Buchanan's first against a southpaw and it showed, badly. Quite frankly, Buchanan looked ill-prepared for the bout. There were rumors that Buchanan and trainer Junious Hinton weren't always on the same page in training for this bout.
Whatever the problem was, the only positive things that can be said about this bout are these:
1. Buchanan continues to show a good chin, which he's shown throughout his young career.
2. Buchanan has a YOUNG career. He's just 14-1, 11 KO's and just 28. He still has time.
The Capitol Heights, MD native was outclassed by Jean Paul Mendy of France and lost a non-competitive 10-round unanimous decision in front of a nationally televised ShoBox audience. It was Buchanan's first pro loss.
The bout was Buchanan's first against a southpaw and it showed, badly. Quite frankly, Buchanan looked ill-prepared for the bout. There were rumors that Buchanan and trainer Junious Hinton weren't always on the same page in training for this bout.
Whatever the problem was, the only positive things that can be said about this bout are these:
1. Buchanan continues to show a good chin, which he's shown throughout his young career.
2. Buchanan has a YOUNG career. He's just 14-1, 11 KO's and just 28. He still has time.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Weights for Patriot Center Tomorrow Night!
Here is the scale watch for tomorrow night's Patriot Center show(Beltway Boxers in bold):
Jimmy Lange 157 1/2 vs. Thomas Wilt 156 1/2
Purcell Miller 164 1/2 vs. Larry Marks 165
Dorin Spivey 141 3/4 vs. Roberto Valenzuela 142 1/2
Anthony Bonsante 159 vs. Larry Brothers 157
Jed Phipps 220 1/2 vs. Rohan Wallace 269
Mike Sawyer 163 vs. Randy McRorie 159
Derek Amos 199 1/2 vs. Juan Carlos Robles 199
Horace Grant 252 1/2 vs. Jonathan Felton 221 1/2
Jimmy Lange 157 1/2 vs. Thomas Wilt 156 1/2
Purcell Miller 164 1/2 vs. Larry Marks 165
Dorin Spivey 141 3/4 vs. Roberto Valenzuela 142 1/2
Anthony Bonsante 159 vs. Larry Brothers 157
Jed Phipps 220 1/2 vs. Rohan Wallace 269
Mike Sawyer 163 vs. Randy McRorie 159
Derek Amos 199 1/2 vs. Juan Carlos Robles 199
Horace Grant 252 1/2 vs. Jonathan Felton 221 1/2
Thoughts on This Weekend!!
In this audio commentary, I give some thoughts about this big weekend of local boxing action.
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #1
Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #1
Weights for Buchanan-Mendy!
Here are the weights for tonight's semi-final bout in the ShoBox Super Middleweight tournament between Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan and Jean Paul Mendy:
Henry Buchanan 166 Jean Paul Mendy 165.
The bout originates from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA and can be seen on Showtime at 11 PM ET. Remember, this is a free preview weekend for Showtime so those without the premium cable networks can see this bout.
Henry Buchanan 166 Jean Paul Mendy 165.
The bout originates from the Chumash Casino Resort in Santa Ynez, CA and can be seen on Showtime at 11 PM ET. Remember, this is a free preview weekend for Showtime so those without the premium cable networks can see this bout.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Tamara Dobson -- 'Cleopatra Jones' -- Dies!
This has nothing really to do with boxing but it does have a Beltway angle. Even if it didn't, I'd post this anyway though.
Yesterday, I turned 43 years old. In the last few months, the world lost two icons that were very important to me. I posted a piece about the passing of trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and the importance of that.
Now comes word that Tamara Dobson -- known to the world as "Cleopatra Jones"-- passed away this past Monday in her hometown of Baltimore. She died from complications of pnuemonia and multiple sclerosis.
If you are my age, you probably have seen Dobson's two Cleopatra Jones movies -- "Cleopatra Jones" and "Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold" -- and you know how much she meant to the African-American community.
Dobson, like her slightly more famous contemporary, Pam Grier, was a major sex symbol to men and a symbol of empowerment for women. Here was this 6'2" stunningly beautiful woman using her kung fu and her intelligence to defeat the criminals. Her movies weren't brilliant cinematic works, but the impact that Dobson made in that role should never be overlooked or forgotten.
Yesterday, I turned 43 years old. In the last few months, the world lost two icons that were very important to me. I posted a piece about the passing of trumpeter Maynard Ferguson and the importance of that.
Now comes word that Tamara Dobson -- known to the world as "Cleopatra Jones"-- passed away this past Monday in her hometown of Baltimore. She died from complications of pnuemonia and multiple sclerosis.
If you are my age, you probably have seen Dobson's two Cleopatra Jones movies -- "Cleopatra Jones" and "Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold" -- and you know how much she meant to the African-American community.
Dobson, like her slightly more famous contemporary, Pam Grier, was a major sex symbol to men and a symbol of empowerment for women. Here was this 6'2" stunningly beautiful woman using her kung fu and her intelligence to defeat the criminals. Her movies weren't brilliant cinematic works, but the impact that Dobson made in that role should never be overlooked or forgotten.
Weigh-In For October 7 Card Open to Public!
If you happen to be in the area of Fairfax, VA tomorrow, you might want to head over to Champps Restaurant in the Fair Oaks Mall. That is where the official weigh-in for the October 7 Patriot Center card will be held.
The weigh-in is scheduled to begin at noon and is free and open to the public. All the boxers slated to be on the card will be there as is Angelo Dundee, who will be in Jimmy Lange's corner on Saturday night.
This will be a good way for fans to maybe talk to some of the boxers also.
The weigh-in is scheduled to begin at noon and is free and open to the public. All the boxers slated to be on the card will be there as is Angelo Dundee, who will be in Jimmy Lange's corner on Saturday night.
This will be a good way for fans to maybe talk to some of the boxers also.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Lange Discusses His October 7 Opponent!
In the second part of our interview with Jimmy Lange, he discusses his opponent on October 7, Thomas Wilt.
Jimmy Lange Talks About 'The Most Important Bout' of His Career!
Great Falls, VA's Jimmy Lange talks about the main event bout on October 7 at the Patriot Center and why Angelo Dundee will be working his corner.
Weekend News and Notes!
This is a big weekend for boxing fans along the Beltway. Not only do we have the card at the Patriot Center on Saturday, October 7, but there are other items as well
Friday, October 6-- ShoBox will have the semifinals of the Super Middleweight Tournament that includes our own Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan as he faces Jean Paul Mendy.
If Buchanan wins, he goes to the finals which will be held in January. By the way, this is a free preview weekend on Showtime, so more people should have an opportunity to witness this one.
If amateur boxing is more your style and you would like to make a trip to Ocean City, than Jake Smith's card at the Ocean City Convention Center on October 7 is the card to go to. According to Smith, the main event on this card will feature Steve Wheeler of Baltimore against DC's Mario Flores.
A special guest for the show will be former five-time world champion "The Pazmanian Devil," Vinny Paz.
One other note: Just wanted to let you know that I have been trying for the last seven days to get an audio interview with Buchanan and I couldn't get a hold of him.
As it turns out, it's a moot point because Blogger.com is having difficulties with its audio system. I did record an interview with Jimmy Lange about Saturday's card, but it has yet to post. Hopefully it will do so before Saturday. But I didn't want people to think I forgot about Buchanan's bout.
Friday, October 6-- ShoBox will have the semifinals of the Super Middleweight Tournament that includes our own Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan as he faces Jean Paul Mendy.
If Buchanan wins, he goes to the finals which will be held in January. By the way, this is a free preview weekend on Showtime, so more people should have an opportunity to witness this one.
If amateur boxing is more your style and you would like to make a trip to Ocean City, than Jake Smith's card at the Ocean City Convention Center on October 7 is the card to go to. According to Smith, the main event on this card will feature Steve Wheeler of Baltimore against DC's Mario Flores.
A special guest for the show will be former five-time world champion "The Pazmanian Devil," Vinny Paz.
One other note: Just wanted to let you know that I have been trying for the last seven days to get an audio interview with Buchanan and I couldn't get a hold of him.
As it turns out, it's a moot point because Blogger.com is having difficulties with its audio system. I did record an interview with Jimmy Lange about Saturday's card, but it has yet to post. Hopefully it will do so before Saturday. But I didn't want people to think I forgot about Buchanan's bout.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
New Poll: Joppy vs. Holmes!
One of the biggest regrets that I can think of in almost 19 years of covering Boxing Along The Beltway is that we never saw a bout between two of our premier champions: William Joppy and Keith Holmes. As you all know, both men held shares of the middleweight championship at the same time (Joppy -- WBA, Holmes -- WBC) The bout seemed to be a natural matchup that would have done solid box office in this area.
We were promised it numerous times. Both men turned it down for monetary reasons. Don King, who promoted both men at the time, first wanted it and then said it couldn't happen, especially in DC. So the bout never happened.
The new poll allows you to speculate on who would win a bout between Holmes and Joppy when both men were in their primes. Please make comments on this as you vote. This should make for some good discussion.
The results of the poll "Who is/was the greatest Beltway Boxer of the Post-Sugar Ray Leonard era (1985-present)?"
Mark Johnson -- 23 votes
Simon Brown -- 15 votes
Hasim Rahman -- 7 votes
Vincent Pettway -- 5 votes
Keith Holmes -- 4 votes
William Joppy -- 3 votes
Sharmba Mitchell -- 1 vote
DeMarcus Corley -- 0 votes
60 votes received. Thank you!!
We were promised it numerous times. Both men turned it down for monetary reasons. Don King, who promoted both men at the time, first wanted it and then said it couldn't happen, especially in DC. So the bout never happened.
The new poll allows you to speculate on who would win a bout between Holmes and Joppy when both men were in their primes. Please make comments on this as you vote. This should make for some good discussion.
The results of the poll "Who is/was the greatest Beltway Boxer of the Post-Sugar Ray Leonard era (1985-present)?"
Mark Johnson -- 23 votes
Simon Brown -- 15 votes
Hasim Rahman -- 7 votes
Vincent Pettway -- 5 votes
Keith Holmes -- 4 votes
William Joppy -- 3 votes
Sharmba Mitchell -- 1 vote
DeMarcus Corley -- 0 votes
60 votes received. Thank you!!
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