October Looks Loaded With Solid Contests!

As we get ready to enter October, the month already looks packed with Beltway Boxers participating in contests on the road and at home.

On Friday, October 2, Baltimore, MD lightweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel makes his return to the ring at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, PA in a six-round bout against hometown boxer Victor Vasquez.  Samuel (15-6-1, six KO's) has not fought since losing an eight-round unanimous decision to David Rodela in July of 2014 in Oxnard, CA.  Vasquez (19-9-1, nine KO's has won three straight, including his last two by fourth-round TKO.

On Saturday, October 3, two locals will compete at the Stub Hub Center in Carson, CA.  Undefeated Temple Hills, MD super middleweight D'Mitrius "Big Meech" Ballard will compete in an eight-round bout against Eddie Hunter of Kent, WA.  Ballard (9-0, seven KO's) will be in a scheduled eight-rounder for the first time in his pro career.  Ballard went a full six-rounds for the first time in winning a unanimous decision over Josue Ovando on June 30 in Philadelphia, PA.

Hunter (10-13-2, three KO's) is an experienced foe who, despite his record, has quality wins over Ronald Hearns and Lanell Bellows.  Hunter lost by second-round TKO to Dominic Wade on December 20 in Shelton, WA followed by an eight-round unanimous decision loss in a rematch against Bellows in his last bout on April 30 in Las Vegas, NV.

Also on that card, Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoove" Rivers, Jr. looks to remain undefeated as he faces Alejandro Ochoa of Bell Gardens, CA in a six-round encounter.  Rivers (12-0, nine KO's) has had back-to-back third-round TKO victories in his last two outings including a win over Luis Lizarraga, Jr. on June 30 in Philadelphia.  Ochoa (6-10-2, one KO) looks to build on a victory he earned with a six-round unanimous decision over Luis Sedano on August 8 in Montebello, CA.  Ochoa has never been knocked out in a bout.

We are hearing that both bouts will be shown on the RingTV Roku and Youtube channels beginning at 5:30 PM ET.  Both bouts are on the undercard of the vacant WBC World Super Lightweight title bout between Lucas Matthysse and Viktor Postol.

Then on Saturday, October 17, Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. will compete at Madison Square Garden in New York City in a six-round bout that will be on the undercard of the Gennady Golovkin-David Lemieux middleweight world title bout.  Roach (8-0, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision victory over Christian Santibanez on the June 30 card in Philadelphia.

The month will end for traveling Beltway Boxers on Saturday, October 31 when Randallstown, MD super welterweight Cecil McCalla takes on Tony Harrison of Detroit, MI in a 10-round contest at the NRG Arena in Houston, TX.  The bout will be shown on the NBC Sports Network.   McCalla (20-2, seven KO's) will try to break a two-bout losing streak. dropping tough 10-round decisions to Ishe Smith and Chris Van Heerden.  McCalla lost a unanimous decision to Smith on April 30 in Las Vegas and dropped a split decision to Van Heerden on January 9 in New York City.

Harrison (21-1, 18 KO's) will try to bounce back from suffering his only pro loss in his last outing.  Harrison was stopped in the ninth round by Willie Nelson on July 11 in Tampa, FL.

In the Beltway region, all roads will lead to the Eagle Bank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA for the Saturday, October 17 card promoted by DiBella Entertainment and Headbangers Promotions.

As we've said earlier, former IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson will battle undefeated 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz of the Dominican Republic in a 10-round welterweight bout that will be carried live on NBC.  The co-feature will pit Andre Dirrell of Flint, MI against Australian Blake Caparello in a super middleweight 10-rounder.

As we've also told you, a number of Beltway Boxers are slated to be on this card including Anthony Peterson, Demond Nicholson, Kareem Martin and Alantez Fox.  More locals may be added to the card.

This will be an afternoon card, slated to begin at 1 PM ET.  The two featured bouts will appear on NBC at 4 PM ET.  This may be the first major afternoon card held in the Beltway since Simon Brown defended his IBF Welterweight title against Tyrone Trice on April 1, 1990 at the DC Armory.  By the way, that was a bout carried by ABC-TV on a Sunday afternoon and it was the first world title bout I ever covered.

Night Of Knockouts Saturday In Norfolk!

BATB is learning that it was a night of knockouts Saturday night at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA.

A number of Beltway Boxers participated on the card and most were successful as 10 of the 11 bouts were stopped inside the distance.

Dusty Hernandez Harrison of DC scored a first-round knockout over James Wayka of Mounds View, MN.  Harrison is now 28-0, 15 KO's.  Wayka is 16-14-1, eight KO's.

Ashburn, VA super lightweight Seth "Killer B" Billups stopped veteran Reggie "Two-Gun" Nash of Grand Rapids, MI in the first round.  Billups is now 7-0, six KO's while Nash drops to 10-38-1, two KO's.

Super featherweight Eric "El Torito" Hernandez of Leesburg, VA continues his successful rookie campaign with a third-round TKO over Anthony Dave of Canton, OH.  Hernandez is now 3-0, two KO's while Dave remains winless at 0-9-1.

Another first-year boxer, middleweight Jeff "The Gladiator" McCalla of Randallstown, MD scored a first-round knockout over David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL.  McCalla is now 2-0, two KO's while Rohn falls to 0-5-1, two NC's.

Two Beltway Boxers were unsuccessful on the evening.  Heavyweight "The DC Diamond Cutter" Carlos Black was knocked out in the first round by Jerry "Slug" Forrest of Newport News, VA.  Black is now 1-3 while Forrest rises to 9-2, seven KO's.

Also, Winchester, VA super welterweight Bryant Bivens suffered a first-round TKO to Carlo Moore of Virginia Beach, VA.  Bivens remains winless at 0-4 while Moore wins his first pro bout and he is 1-1-1, one KO.

The main event saw hometown hero Frankie "Freight Train" Filipone score a second-round TKO over veteran Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc of Weymouth, MA in a super middleweight encounter.  Filipone is now 18-5-1, five KO's while LeBlanc drops to 13-26-4, five KO's.

The co-feature saw the successful return of popular Portsmouth, VA lightweight "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey who stopped veteran Terrence "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in the second round.  Spivey, who returned after a two-year absence, is now 43-7, 31 KO's while Roy's record is now 11-47, two KO's.

Virginia Beach cruiserweight Keith "Rocko" Robertson scored a second-round TKO over Reggie Miller of Philadelphia, PA.  Robertson is now 2-0, two KO's while Miller falls to 0-4.

Ontario, Canada super welterweight Cody Crowley registered a first-round TKO over Alan Beeman of Providence, RI.  Crowley's record rises to 5-0, three KO's while Beeman remains winless at 0-9.

In the only bout on the card to go the distance, super bantamweight Dodie Boy Penalosa, Jr. of Cebu, The Philippines won a four-round unanimous decision over Stephon McIntyre of Jonesboro, GA.  Penalosa, the son and nephew of world champions, is now 15-0, 12 KO's while McIntyre's record drops to 2-13-2.

Weights From Norfolk!

Here is the scale watch from the Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Productions/Ponytail Promotions card at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA:

Frankie Fillipone 166 vs. Jimmy LeBlanc 160

Dorin Spivey 133 vs. Terrence Roy 125

Dusty Hernandez Harrison 152 vs. James Wayka 146

Jerry Forrest 230 vs. Carlos Black 230

Eric Hernandez 142 vs. Anthony Dave (will weigh-in today)

Keith Robertson 193 vs. Reggie Miller 194

Seth Billups 136 vs. Reggie Nash 143

Dodie Boy Penalosa 125 vs. Stephon McIntyre 129

Carlo Moore 145 vs. Bryant Bivens 141

Jeff McCalla 159 vs. David Rohn 160

Cody Crowley 150 vs. Alan Beeman 146

Russell Family To Make Appearance During 'Unity In The Community' Saturday In Temple Hills!

Temple Hills, MD is having a "Unity In The Community' day on Saturday, September 26 beginning at 11:30 AM.

Among the notables that will be contributing time to this event will be the entire boxing Russell Family -- WBC Featherweight champion Gary Jr., Antonio, Antuanne and Allan.  They will be at Iverson Mall, located at 3737 Branch Avenue in Temple Hills, signing autographs beginning at 1:30 PM.

Update On Norfolk Card!

The order of the Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Brothers/Ponytail Promotions card on Saturday, September 26 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA has been shuffled.

Norfolk's Frankie "Freight Train" Fillipone will headline the card against an opponent to be announced.  Fillipone (17-5-1, four KO's) is coming off a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Jaco on April 3 in Sarasota, FL.

Also, the returning "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey will be in the co-feature contest. Spivey, of Portsmouth, VA, will face veteran Terrance "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in an eight-round contest.  Spivey (42-7, 30 KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Samuel Neequaye in August of 2013.  Roy (11-46, two KO's) last fought on August 8 and was stopped in the third round by Stephon Young in St. Louis, MO.

There are also reports that Tori Nelson is now off the card.  Nelson reported this on her Facebook page.  However, promoters say they are still looking for an opponent.

Quigley Scores First-Round Knockout In Germany!

We are hearing that Gaithersburg, MD super welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley needed just 45 seconds to knock out Zsolt Botos of the Czech Republic today in Hanau, Germany.

Quigley remains undefeated at 10-0, nine KO's while Botos falls to 6-47-1, four KO's.

Beltway Boxers Compete Saturday In Norfolk!

A number of Beltway Boxers will be competing on a pro card on Saturday, September 26 at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk, VA.  This will be a Shawstyle Promotions/Shabazz Brothers/Ponytail Promotions card.

Headlining the card will be undefeated, multi-time, multi-division world champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA, who will battle Ashleigh Curry of St. Joseph, MO in a 10-round super welterweight encounter.

Nelson, (15-0-3, one KO) is coming off a 10-round unanimous decision win over Kita Watkins on June 20 in Woodlawn, MD.  Curry (7-9-4, one KO) last fought on June 12 and won a four-round majority decision over Althea Saunders in St. Joseph.   The two ladies fought on the same card on November 6 of last year in Cockeysville, MD.  Nelson won a four-round unanimous decision over Lucretia Meacham while Curry fought to a six-round draw against Melissa St. Vil.

In one of the co-feature bouts, undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison is slated to be in a 10-round bout against an opponent to be determined.  Harrison (27-0, 14 KO's) fought on August 15 in Miami, FL and won a fifth-round TKO over Carlos Velasquez.

In other bouts featuring locals, undefeated Ashburn, VA lightweight Seth "Killer B" Billups will take on veteran Reggie "Two-Gun" Nash of Grand Rapids, MI in a four-round bout.  Billups (6-0, five KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Christopher Russell in his last outing on the June 20 Woodlawn card.  Nash (10-37-1, two KO's) is looking to break a 10-bout losing streak.  Nash has fought a number of Beltway Boxers including Harrison, Todd Wilson and Bayan Jargal and has also fought the likes of Grady Brewer, Steve Upshur Chambers and Vernon Paris throughout his career.

Leesburg, VA super lightweight Eric "El Torito" Hernandez returns to action in a four-round contest against Anthony Dave of Canton, OH.  Hernandez scored his first pro knockout in his last outing with a second-round TKO of Fernando Serrano on July 18 in Washington, DC.  Dave (0-8-1) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision loss to Hoshuan Sambolin on June 26 in Niagra Falls, NY.  Dave has also faced locals Jerrell Harris, Antonio Magruder and Billups.

In what could be an interesting four-rounder, middleweight Jeff "Gladiator" McCalla of Randallstown, MD will battle with David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Villa Park, IL.  McCalla, the younger brother of junior middleweight Cecil (1-0, one KO), made his pro debut on June 20 in Woodlawn and scored a first-round TKO over Carlos Dixon.  Rohn (0-4-1, two no-contests) lost his last bout by second-round TKO to Devin Butcher on March 20 in Woodlawn.  Rohn will face a Beltway Boxer for the sixth time in his career.  Rohn has also faced Shaborn Ryals, Jeremy Trussell, Demond Nicholson and Jarelle Scott.  Rohn did have two wins on his record (one against Scott in Rohn's pro debut) but they were both overturned because Rohn failed post-bout drug tests.

In a heavyweight bout, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest will take on another Beltway Boxer, Carlos "The DC Diamond Cutter" Black of Rockville, MD, in a four-round contest.  Forrest (8-2, seven KO's) broke a two-bout losing streak in his last contest when he scored a second-round knockout of Riley Brooks on March 28 in Springfield, VA.  Forrest is managed by DC Boxing Hall of Famer Sharif Salim.  Black (1-2) will be trying to snap a two-bout losing streak of his own which includes a four-round split decision loss to Dennis Benson on July 9 in Parkville, MD.

Other bouts on this card includes a 10-round co-feature with hometown hero Frankie "Freight Train" Fillipone against an opponent to be announced.  Fillipone (17-5-1, four KO's) is coming off a fourth-round stoppage of Aaron Jaco on April 3 in Sarasota, FL.

The card also marks the return of former lightweight contender "Dangerous" Dorin Spivey of Portsmouth, VA who will face veteran Terrance "T-Brick" Roy of Covington, TN in an eight-round contest.  Spivey (42-7, 30 KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to Samuel Neequaye in August of 2013.  Roy (11-46, two KO's) last fought on August 8 and was stopped in the third round by Stephon Young in St. Louis, MO.

Also on the card is super bantamweight Dodie Boy Penalosa, Jr. of Cebu City, the Philippines, who will be in a six-round contest.  No word yet on his opponents.  Penalosa (13-0, 12 KO's) has not fought since he scored a third-round KO over Dicky Amtiran in July of 2014.  Penalosa looks to continue the family championship legacy.  Both his father, Dodie, Sr. and his uncle, Gerry, won two world titles.

In other bouts, Bayamon, Puerto Rico featherweight Luis Orlando Del Valle (19-2, 14 KO's) will be in a scheduled eight-round contest.  Canadian super welterweight Cody Crowley (4-0, two KO's) will battle Alan Beeman of Providence, RI (0-8) in a four-round bout.  Virginia Beach, VA cruiserweight Keith "Rocko" Robertson (1-0, one KO) will be in another four-rounder against Reggie Miller of Philadelphia, PA (0-3).  Another Virginia Beach boxer, Carlo Moore (0-1-1), looks for his first win against an opponent to be named.

Guerrero Loses By First-Round TKO In Queens!

A rough night for Salisbury, MD cruiserweight Alex Guerrero on Saturday.  Guerrero was stopped in the first round by Brian Howard of Atlanta, GA at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

According to Fightnews.com,  Howard's straight right stung Guerrero halfway through round one and had him on rubbery legs. Howard landed a few more right hands to deck Guerrero, who quickly arose to his feet and took an eight-count. Guerrero was unable to recover, however, and Howard pinned him against the ropes with a follow-up barrage, forcing referee Harvey Dock to stop the contest at 1:53 of the first.

Guerrero, who is ranked number 14 in the world by the WBA and was making his DiBella Entertainment promotional debut, suffered his first defeat, dropping to 12-1, six KO's.  Howard, who had his first bout since suffering his only loss in December of 2012, is now 11-1, nine KO's.

Quigley To Face Veteran In Germany September 20!

Undefeated Gaithersburg, MD welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley (9-0, eight KO's) has an opponent for his four-round bout in Hanau, Hessen, Germany on Sunday, September 20.

The opponent is, indeed, a true veteran of the fight game.  His name is Zsolt Botos and he hails from Duchov in the Czech Republic by way of Slovakia.  Botos (6-46-1, four KO's) is 38 years old and has been boxing since 2001. Botos is winless in his last 29 contests (0-28-1) but has been the distance in 21 of those bouts.  The last bout for Botos took place on July 4 in Belgium where he lost by sixth-round TKO to Steve Suppan.

Guerrero Weighs 198 Pounds For 10-Round Bout in Queens; Amateur Boxing Today In Oxon Hill!

Alex Guerrero weighed 198 pounds for his 10-round contest against Brian Howard tonight at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY. Howard tipped the scales at 196.

There is amateur boxing action today at the Oxon Hill Boys and Girls Club this afternoon at 4 PM.  The address is 7711 Livingston Road in Oxon Hill, MD.  Admission is $20.

Kelly Stops Suarez In One In Atlantic City!

DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly scored a first-round TKO over Jimmy Suarez of Aguada, Puerto Rico Friday night at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Kelly landed a left hook and knocked Suarez down.  Suarez took the entire referee's count and the bout was over at 1:33.  Kelly's record rises to 9-1-1, eight KO's while Suarez falls to 3-6, three KO's.

Kelly Weighs 237 For Six-Rounder In Atlantic City!

Danny Kelly tipped the scales at 237 pounds for his six-round contest tonight at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  Kelly's opponent, Jimmy Suarez, weighed 235.

If you would like to watch the bout, the card will be shown on GoFightLive at www.gfl.tv for a price of $14.99.  The broadcast begins at 7 PM ET.

F. Guerrero TV Bout In Florida Scrapped!

We are hearing word that Fernando Guerrero's scheduled 10-round contest against Caleb Truax that was slated to be the main event of a Bounce TV telecast Friday night at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL has been called off.

According to Jake Donovan of BoxingScene.com, Truax failed to get his medical reports submitted through the proper channels on time and that forced his withdrawal from the card.  As of now, Guerrero is still scheduled on the card but finding an opponent at this late stage will be tough to do.

Guerrero Bros., Kelly, Quigley Travel For Important Bouts!

Another weekend means another group of Beltway Boxers will be on the road in some noteworthy bouts.

One bout we have talked about already -- Fernando Guerrero (27-3, 19 KO's) takes on Caleb Truax (25-2-2, 15 KO's) in a scheduled 10-round bout on Friday, September 18 at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.  The bout will be the main event on a BounceTV telecast.

Danny "Smooth" Kelly has an opponent for his six-round contest on September 18 at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.  Kelly (8-1-1, seven KO's) will battle Jimmy Suarez of Aguada, PR (3-6, three KO's in a six-round bout.

On Saturday, September 19, Guerrero's older brother, Alex (12-0-1. six KO's), competes for the first time under the DiBella Entertainment banner when he faces Brian Howard of Atlanta, GA (10-1, eight KO's) in a 10-round cruiserweight main event at the Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY.

Then on Sunday, September 20, undefeated Gaithersburg, MD super welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley (9-0, eight KO's) makes a trans-continental trip to Hanau, Hassen, Germany for a four-round contest against an opponent to be determined.

Aleem Weighs 165 1/2 For Eight-Rounder In Pennsylvania!

Immanuwel Aleem weighed in at 165 1/2 for his eight-round contest against Oscar Riojas at the Convocation Center at the California University of Pennsylvania.  Riojas weighed 167.

Remember, Thomas Williams will not be on this card because of an injury to his opponent.  Bouts from this card will be shown on Fox Sports 1 but there is no word on whether Aleem's contest will make the telecast.

Antonio Russell Wins By Second-Round TKO In Connecticut!

Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell remained undefeated Saturday night as he scored a second-round TKO over Manuel Rubacalva of Tamaulipas, MX at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Russell nailed Rubacalva with body shots that stopped the contest at 1:26 of the second round.  Russell's record is now 4-0, three KO's while Rubacalva falls to 2-15.

Davis Wins In One; Sigmon Gets Stopped In Eight In Las Vegas!

At the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV Saturday, Gervonta "Tank" Davis of Baltimore, MD scored a first-round TKO over Recky "The Terror" Dulay of the Philippines.  Davis dropped Dulay twice en route to a stoppage at 1:34 of the round.  Davis, in his first bout under the Mayweather Promotions banner, remains undefeated at 12-0, 11 KO's while Dulay, in his first bout in the United States, falls to 8-2, five KO's.

Also on the card, Bedford, VA's Scott "Cujo" Sigmon was stopped in the eighth round in his bout against Ronald Gavril of Las Vegas.  According to Manuel Maravilla of Fightnews.com, Gavril boxed early on using the jab and following up to the body of Sigmon landing the left hook. Continuing to have his way in the ring, Gavril unloaded combinations and power shots as Sigmon began to fade. Despite being busted up, Sigmon gamely continued to fight on, pressing forward as Gavril mixed it up. However after finishing the eighth round referee Jay Nady had seen enough as he waved off the bout.

Sigmon's record drops to 25-8-1, 14 KO's.  Gavril is now 14-1, 10 KO's and has defeated a Beltway Boxer for the second straight bout.  Gavril won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jessie Nicklow of June 21 at the MGM Grand Garden.

HUGE Friday Report: Reed Remains Undefeated While Davis And Sigmon Hit Scales in Las Vegas; Russell Steps on Scale in Connecticut; Crews Wins Outstanding Boxer Award At US Olympic Trial Qualifier;Brown Wins Gold at 132 Pounds; Moore Qualifies For Trials!

Friday was a red letter day for the Beltway as we have a lot of news to report -- all of it in the positive vein.

We start in Las Vegas, NV where Waldorf, MD super lightweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed remained undefeated with a fifth-round TKO over Antonio "Aztec God Of War" Canas of Chicago, IL at the Cosmopolitan.  According to Fightnews.com's Miguel Maravilla, Reed momentarily staggered Canas in the opening round and followed up with combinations. Canas continued to press as Reed boxed from the outside. A body shot in round five dropped Canas and after Canas regained his feet, Reed finished him off with a series of punches as referee Russell Mora stepped in to stop the fight at 1:28.   Reed is now 16-0, nine KO's while Canas falls to 10-2-1, four KO's.

Meanwhile, down the Vegas Strip at the MGM Grand Garden Hotel, Beltway Boxers Gervonta "Tank" Davis and Scott "Cujo" Sigmon hit the scales for their bouts on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto card.  Davis weighed 132 1/2 pounds for his eight-round contest against Recky Dulay, who tipped the scales at 130 pounds.  Sigmon and his opponent, Ronald Gavril, both hit the super middleweight limit of 168 pounds for their 10-round contest.

At the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT, Antonio Russell hit the scales at 119 pounds for his six-round bout against Manuel Rubacalva who weighed in at 120 pounds.  This bout will be on the undercard of the Cornelius Brundage-Jermall Charlo title bout.

On the amateur side, Beltway females completed an outstanding week of competition at the US Olympic Trial Qualifier at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel in Baltimore, MD.  Local ladies took home two golds, one silver and one bronze and all four ladies have qualified for the US Olympic Trials that will take place in October in Memphis, TN.

Hometown heroine Franchon Crews won the championship at 165 pounds by a 3-0 decision over Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA.  Crews was also named the Outstanding Boxer of the tournament.

Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD captured the 132-Pound title with a 2-1 victory over Samantha Kinchen of Lexington, KY.  Millersville, MD's Amelia Moore became the fourth local to qualify by winning the bronze medal bout at 132 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Mioshia Wagoner of Lawrence, KS.

Williams-Savigne Sept. 15 Bout Called Off Due To Injury!

The Thomas Williams-Umberto Savigne contest slated for Tuesday, September 15 at the California University of Pennsylvania has been scratched.  Savigne suffered an injury during training.

The bout was scheduled to be a televised co-feature on Fox Sports 1.  Williams will not have a replacement opponent for the bout.

Fifth Annual McKnight Invitational To Be Held Saturday In Northeast DC!

The fifth annual Dr. Arnold W. McKnight Amateur Boxing, Kickboxing and MMA Invitational will be held on Saturday, September 12 at the Deanwood Recreation Center located at 1350 49th Street in Northeast DC.

The event is held in memory and honor of Arnold McKnight, the longest-serving chair of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission, who passed away in 2007.

A number of people will be honored during the event for their contributions to boxing and the DC community:

Adrian and Brenda Davis -- the legendary duo who owned Round One gymnasium and worked with numerous boxers for decades

Former IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson -- a shining example of what can be accomplished by a local boxer.

Legendary Beltway Boxer Johnny Gant along with his daughter, renowned educator Sirraya Gant. Gant was a major force in Beltway Boxing in the 70's and had a memorable bout with Sugar Ray Leonard at the Capital Centre in the late 70's.   The Gants will come from Atlanta.

Also honored will be renowned domestic violence awareness advocate QueenAfi Gaston.  Several members of DC government are scheduled to attend including DC Mayor Muriel Bowser.

This is a free event that will also have free food, courtesy of Ben's Chili Bowl.  The event will begin at noon.

Kenney Advances To US Olympic Trials!

Alexandria, VA's Iesha Kenney is the third local to qualify for the US Olympic Trials.   Kenney won a 3-0 decision over Cierra Taylor of Rochester, NY in the second 165 Pound semifinal.

Kenney seemed to beat Taylor to the punch throughout the bout and closed the show with a flourish in the fourth and final round.

 

Kenney will meet Franchon Crews in tomorrow's final.  However,  both have qualified for the Olympic Trials along with Tiara Brown at 132 pounds.

Crews Wins By TKO To Advance To US Olympic Trials!

Baltimore's Franchon Crews was dominant in her semifinal bout at 165 pounds in front of her home crowd at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel.   Crews scored a fourth-round TKO over Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA to advance to the Olympic Trials.
 

Crews battered the game Fabela all around the ring, bloodying Fabela's nose and earning four standing eight counts (two each in the third and fourth round) before the bout was stopped.

Brown Defeats Moore To Qualify For Olympic Trials!

Oxon Hill, MD's Tiara Brown has qualified for the US Olympic Trials.   In a 132-Pound semifinal tonight at the Baltimore Harbour Hotel,  Brown won a 3-0 decision over Millersville, MD's Amelia Moore.
 

Moore got off to a very good start in the first round as she came out very offensive-minded.   However, as the bout wore on, Brown started to cut off the ring and eventually break down Moore.  Brown earned a standing eight count late in the second round and went on to the victory.

 

Reed Weighs 140 For Eight-Round Bout In Las Vegas!

Mike Reed and Antonio Canas both weighed in at the junior welterweight limit of 140 pounds for their eight-round bout Friday at the Cosmopolitan in Las Vegas,  NV.

Beltway Ladies Advance In Baltimore; Only Hall Moves On In Philadelphia!

All four local ladies advanced to the semifinals of the USA Olympic Trials Qualifier in Baltimore on Wednesday while only one man moved into the quarterfinals in Philadelphia.

Middleweight Franchon Crews of Baltimore did well in front of the hometown crowd at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel by scoring a TKO over Shmelle Baldwin of Wilmington, DE.  Also at 165 pounds, Alexandria, VA's Iesha Kenney won a 3-0 decision over Jennifer Barnes of Little Rock, AR.

At 132 pounds, Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD moved into the semis with a 3-0 decision over Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ while Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD advanced with a 2-1 win over N'Yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH.

The semifinals begin on Thursday night at 8:15 PM at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel.  The winners will clinch berths at the US Olympic Trials.  Brown will face Moore in the semifinals at 132.  Crews will take on Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA while Kenney will battle Cierra Taylor of Rochester, NY at 165.

On the men's side, it was another tough day as only one of three Beltway amateurs advanced to the quarterfinals at the Stadium Holiday Inn in Philadelphia.  Ernest Hall of Baltimore won a 2-1 decision over D'Angelo Keyes of Houston, TX in the 132-pound class.  Burke, VA's Jalonte Cole lost his bout at 132 to Martino Jules of Allentown, PA by a 3-0 score.  At 123 pounds, Malik Jackson of DC lost a 2-1 decision to Christian Williams of Chicago, IL.

Former HBO Exec Davis Named Athletic Director At Howard University!

A former HBO programming executive who negotiated some of the biggest boxing bouts in the sport's history has been named the athletic director at Washington, DC's Howard University.

Kery Davis, 57, spent 14 years at HBO where he helped put together bouts featuring some of the biggest names in the boxing business, including Lennox Lewis, Mike Tyson, Oscar De La Hoya, Bernard Hopkins, Evander Holyfield, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Roy Jones, Jr.

Davis, who played college basketball at Dartmouth College, leads a university athletic program for the very first time.  Davis told the New York Post that Howard offered a very unique opportunity.

"I probably don't do this job at any other place than Howard," Davis said.  "It was an opportunity to work at a school with a rich tradition and legacy people who are pioneers in the arts, in civil rights and in every other industry.  People I looked up to growing up.  So it struck a chord with me.  It's the right challenge at exactly the right time in my life."

Davis added that he wants to see Howard, who competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), become more competitive.

"We have to become more competitive across the board," Davis said.  "That's number one.  We also need to address how our student-athletes are performing on and off the field.  I also want to look at facilities.  I think a lot of things go hand-in-hand in attracting the kind of student-athletes we want to attract at this school."

Brown, Moore Advance In Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier; Cole, Hall, Lane Move On In Men's Qualifier!

On the second day of US Olympic Trial Qualifier competition, two Beltway women advanced in Baltimore while three men did the same in Philadelphia.

Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD and Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD both moved on to the next round in the 132-pound division at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel.  Brown won a 2-1 decision over Kimberly Carlson of Chicago, IL while Moore took a 3-0 decision over Wendy Casey of Buffalo, NY.  Brown will battle Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ in the next round while Moore takes on N'yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH.

Two more locals compete for the first time in the 165-pound class on Wednesday.  Baltimore's Franchon Crews will take on Schmelle Baldwin of Wilmington, DE while Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA faces Jennifer Barnes of Little Rock, AR.

On the men's side, Burke, VA's Jalonte Cole moved into the next round of the 132-pound division with a 3-0 division over Michael Stacks of East Boston, MA. Also at 132, Ernest Hall of Baltimore scored a first-round TKO over Matthew Guerrero of Manteca, CA.  At 178 pounds, DC's Darryl Lane won a 2-1 decision over Ali Salem of Brooklyn, NY.

Cole will take on Martino Jules of Allentown, PA in the next round Wednesday while Hall will battle with D'Angelo Keyes of Houston, TX.  Also competing today will be Malik Jackson of Washington, DC, who has moved up to the 123-pound division for this tournament and sees his first action against Cristian Williams of Chicago, IL.

Four Beltway amateurs were knocked out of competition -- three of them literally as they suffered TKO losses. William Sawin of Alexandria, VA lost by third-round TKO to Elijah Peixoto of Providence, RI at 132 pounds.  At 152 pounds, Alonzo Thompson of Laurel, MD was stopped in the third round by another Providence boxer, Joseph Reed.  Also, Severn, MD's Justin Bell-Edwards lost by third-round TKO to Edgar Berlanga of Brooklyn, NY in the 178-pound division.   Also eliminated from competition was Emmanuel Rodriguez of Berlin, MD who dropped a 3-0 decision to Julio Herrera of Las Vegas, NV at 152 pounds.

Beltway Amateurs Suffer Tough First Day at Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier; Local Women Begin Action In Baltimore Tuesday!

Day one of the Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier in Philadelphia, PA on Monday was a tough one for Beltway Boxers.  Eight locals were in action, however only three advanced to the next round.

Salisbury, MD's Brian Rodriguez-Lopez won his opening bout at 141 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Nasir Jones of Philadelphia, PA.  Rodriguez-Lopez will get a day off on Tuesday.  Two boxers moved into the next round at 178 pounds -- Darryl Lane of Washington, DC won a decision over Zamy Larry of St. Petersburg, FL, 3-0 while Justin Bell-Edwards of Severn, MD won his first bout by walkover. Lane will face Ali Salem of Brooklyn, NY in the second round on Tuesday while Bell-Edwards battles Edgar Berlanga of Brooklyn, NY.

Justin's twin brother, Jason, who lives in District Heights, MD, lost his opening bout at 165 pounds by a 3-0 decision to Joseph Hicks of Grand Rapids, MI.

In other bouts, Gregory Outlaw of Glenarden, MD lost a 3-0 decision to Richardson Hitchins of Brooklyn, NY at 141 pounds.  DC's Russell Gaskins dropped a 2-1 decision to Lawrence King of Adelanto, CA at 165 pounds.  Also at 165, Jordon Payne of Hyattsville, MD lost by a 3-0 score to Calvin Metcalif of Kansas City, MO.  At 178 pounds, Donald Wallace of Catonsville, MD lost to Sharif Rahman of Las Vegas, NV and the youngest boxing son of former world heavyweight champion Hasim Rahman by a 3-0 decision.

Also in Tuesday's action, Jalonte Cole of Burke, VA will take on Michael Stacks of East Boston, MA at 132 pounds, while Ernest Hall of Baltimore, MD competes in the same weight class against Matthew Guerrero of Manteca, CA.    Emmanuel Rodriguez of Berlin, MD debuts at 152 pounds against Julio Herrera of Las Vegas, NV.  Alonzo Thompson of Laurel, MD also starts competition at 152 pounds against Joseph Reed of Providence, RI.

The women also began their qualifier at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD on Monday.  However, no locals competed.  On Tuesday, Tiara Brown of Oxon Hill, MD -- the top seed at 132 pounds -- will debut against Kimberly Carlson of Chicago, IL.  Also, Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD will compete at 132 pounds against Wendy Casey of Buffalo, NY.   The boxing begins at 6 PM and is free.

Beltway Amateurs Head to Philadelphia For Men's Olympic Trial Qualifier Sept 7-12!

While female amateur boxers are having their final Olympic Trials qualifier in Baltimore, MD, more than 270 men will be in Philadelphia, PA for the second men's qualifier September 7-12 at the Holiday Inn Philadelphia Stadium.

This group includes a number of Beltway amateurs who vie to join fellow locals Tyrek Irby and Gary Antuanne Russell, who have already qualified for the Olympic Trials.  The top two finishers in each weight class will advance to the trials on a date and location to be finalized.

Here is the list, according to USA Boxing, of the locals who will compete in this qualifier:

Flyweight/114 Pounds

Malik Jackson, Washington, DC

Lightweight/132 Pounds

Tommy Avelar, Germantown, MD

Jalonte Cole, Burke, VA

Ernest Hall, Baltimore, MD

William Sawin, Alexandria, VA

Light Welterweight/141 Pounds

Brian Rodriguez-Lopez, Salisbury, MD

Sammie Smith, Hyattsville, MD

Keeshawn Williams, Washington, DC

Welterweight/152 Pounds

Jonathan Burrs, Frederick, MD

Gregory Outlaw, Glenarden, MD

Emmanuel Rodriguez, Berlin, MD

Deonte Stokes, Glen Burnie, MD

Alonzo Thompson, Laurel, MD

Middleweight/165 Pounds

Jason Bell-Edwards, District Heights, MD

Tavon Body, Burtonsville, MD

Russell Gaskins, Washington, DC

Jordon Payne, Hyattsville, MD

Donald Wallace, Catonsville, MD

Light Heavyweight/178 Pounds

Justin Bell-Edwards, Severn, MD

Darryl Lane, Washington, DC

Heavyweight/201 Pounds

Sam Crossed, Baltimore, MD

Super Heavyweight/201+ Pounds

Colby Madison, Owings Mills, MD

Beltway Locals Face Daunting Tasks At Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier!

A number of female Beltway amateurs will be competing for an opportunity to participate in the US Olympic Boxing Trials in October.  They will be battling stiff and experienced competition during the final qualifier that will take place September 7-11 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel in Baltimore, MD.

Female Olympic Boxing is contested in three weight classes --Flyweight (112 Pounds), Lightweight (132 Pounds) and Middleweight (165 Pounds) -- and there will be locals competing in all three categories.  The top three finishers in each weight class will advance to the Olympic Trials which take place October 26-31 in Memphis, TN.

Somer Smith of Pasadena, MD will represent the Beltway in the Flyweight Division.  Smith is a former area Junior Golden Gloves champion.  Among the boxers in Smith's weight class are current USA Boxing Youth National champion Kristyn Juarez of Los Angeles, CA, Caitlin Orosco of Anaheim, CA, a junior world champion in 2013 and Nysja Barrientes of Las Vegas, NV, who was a junior national champion in 2013.

The lightweight division will be a loaded division and two locals will be a part of the competition.  Oxon Hill, MD's Tiara Brown, a world champion in 2012 and a bronze medalist at the world championships in 2014, along with Amelia Moore of Millersville, MD will represent the Beltway.  However, they face big-time competition led by 2012 Olympian Queen Underwood of Seattle, WA.

Also competing in the lightweight division are former Olympic Trials competitor N'yteeyah Sherman of Akron, OH, current youth champion Ariel Arismendez of Tolleson, AZ and two 2013 youth champions, Rashida Ellis of Lynn, MA and Samantha Kinchen of Lexington, KY.

The middleweight division features multi-time national champion Franchon Crews of Baltimore, MD and two-time youth national champion Iesha Kenney of Alexandria, VA. The two locals will battle against such names as current youth national champion Martha Fabela of Oakland, CA, 2014 USA Boxing National Championship silver medalist Heidi Henriksen of St. Louis Park, MN and former heavyweight national champion Krystal Dixon of New Rochelle, NY.

Women's preliminary action will begin at 6 p.m., on Monday and run through Wednesday, September 9 at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel with complimentary tickets for those sessions available at www.baltimoreboxing.com. Semifinal competition will take place at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday, September 10 and Friday's championship bouts will begin at 8:15 p.m., at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel. Semifinal tickets are priced at $15 and final round admission is $25. To purchase tickets for the event, go to www.baltimoreboxing.com or call 410-375-9175.

Lamont Peterson Faces Undefeated Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz, Jr. October 17 On PBC Card in Fairfax, VA!

Former IBF Super Lightweight champion Lamont Peterson returns to action in a 12-round contest against undefeated 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Felix Diaz, Jr. of the Dominican Republic on Saturday, October 17 at the Eagle Bank Arena (formerly the Patriot Center) at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA.

The card will be televised on NBC as part of the Premier Boxing Champions series.   The will be the second PBC appearance for Peterson (33-3-1, 17 KO's) who lost a 12-round majority decision to Danny Garcia on the first PBC telecast on April 11 in Brooklyn, NY.  Diaz (17-0, eight KO's) also fought his last bout on that April 11 card and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Bracero.

The telecast gets underway at 4 PM ET with a 10-round super middleweight co-feature that matches world title contender Andre "The Resurrected" Dirrell of Flint, MI against Blake "IL Capo" Caparello of Victoria, Australia.

Dirrell, an Olympic Bronze Medalist in 2004 (24-2, 16 KO's) will try to bounce back from losing in an opportunity for the vacant IBF Super Middleweight title on May 23 in Boston, MA.  Dirrell lost a 12-round unanimous decision to James DeGale.  Dirrell is no stranger to the Beltway area as he won two of his first three bouts, including his pro debut, by knockout at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD in 2005.

Caparello (21-1-1, six KO's) has won numerous regional titles in Australia. However, he lost an opportunity for a world title to Sergei Kovalev by second-round TKO in August of 2014 in Atlantic City, NJ.

The card is co-promoted by DiBella Entertainment and HeadBangers Promotions.  BATB has learned that Beltway Boxers Anthony Peterson, Patrick Harris, Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson and Kareem "Reemo" Martin will compete on this card.  Tickets go on sale for the card on Friday at 10 AM through Ticketmaster.

Conversation Begins For Russell-Santa Cruz Matchup!

Let the talk begin.  There is conversation starting among fans and the media for a potential matchup between WBC Featherweight champion Gary Russell, Jr. and 122-pound WBC titleholder Leo Santa Cruz.

Santa Cruz defeated Abner Mares at 126 pounds on August 29 in Los Angeles, CA.  Both boxers are advised by Al Haymon.

In his weekly Boxing Scene column "Fighting Words," author and columnist David Greisman talks about the options Santa Cruz has going forward and how a bout with Russell would be the best choice.

Here is a link to the article:  http://www.boxingscene.com/fighting-words-santa-cruz-russell-drumbeat-begins--95272

Russell, Kelly Added To September List Of Traveling Locals; Davis Gets Opponent For Mayweather-Berto Undercard!

Add two more Beltway Boxers to the list of competitors competing and traveling in September.

Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Antonio Russell will compete in his first scheduled six-round contest on Saturday, September 12 at the Foxwoods Casino in Mashantucket, CT. No word yet on his opponent.  Russell (3-0, two KO's) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Jaxel Marrero on July 11 in Tampa, FL.

DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly will be in a six-round contest against Jimmy Suarez of Aguada, Puerto Rico on Saturday, September 18 at the Claridge Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, NJ.

Kelly (8-1-1, seven KO's) has scored two first-round TKO's since suffering his first pro loss last August.  Kelly stopped Curtis Lee Tate in the first round in his last outing on May 23 in Boston, MA.  Suarez (3-6, three KO's) lost by six-round split decision to Carlos Cotto on April 4 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, undefeated Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Tank" Davis now has an opponent for his September 12th bout at the MGM Grand Garden Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  Davis (11-0, 10 KO's) will battle Enrique Tinoco of Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico in an eight-round contest.  Tinoco (14-2-2, 10 KO's) is coming off a fifth-round TKO victory over Joksan Hernandez on March 28 in Ensenada, Mexico.

Also, Scott "Cujo" Sigmon's bout on the same card against Ronald Gavril has been upgraded to a 10-round contest.

Results From Convention Center!

Here are the results from the King's Promotions card at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

In the main event, lightweight Jonathan Maicelo of North Bergen, NJ won a 10-round unanimous decision over Brandon "Untouchable" Bennett of Cincinnati, OH.  Maicelo simply outworked Bennett throughout the contest getting off first in every meaningful exchange.  Maicelo, who fought for an interim world title in his previous bout, won this bout by scores of 99-91 and 97-93 (twice) to raise his record to 22-2, 12 KO's.  Bennett's record fell to 19-2, eight KO's.

The co-feature saw Landover, MD super middleweight "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson successfully bounce back from a knockout loss in April with a third-round knockout over Jinner Guerrero of Sucumbios, Ecuador.  Benson was dominant in this performance knocking down Guerrero twice in the first two rounds.  In the third round, Benson battered Guerrero until Guerrero's camp stopped the bout at 1:08 of the round.  Benson is now 16-2, 15 KO's while Guerrero drops 8-6, four KO's.

Cincinnati lightweight and 2012 US Olympian Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring scored a third-round TKO over Ariel Vasquez of Managua, Nicaragua.  Herring used solid speed and accuracy to drop Vasquez with a body shot in the first round and knocked Herring to the canvas again in the second round.  The TKO came early in the third after Vasquez lost two points in the round for holding. Herring put on the pressure, forcing the Vasquez corner to call for a stoppage at 50 seconds of the third.  Herring remains undefeated at 13-0, eight KO's while Vasquez is 12-9-2, eight KO's.

Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson overwhelmed Antonio "Shake and Bake" Baker of Fayetteville, NC, scoring a second-round TKO at 2:59. Nicholson landed a vicious right hand that dropped Baker in the second round.  Baker tried to get up but the bout was stopped/  Nicholson raises his record to 14-1, 14 KO's while Baker drops to 8-13, four KO's.

Lightweight Robert "Playboy" Easter of Toledo, OH scored a sixth-round TKO over Osumanu "Golden Boy" Akaba of Accra, Ghana.  Easter was very patient throughout the contest, setting up the jab and breaking Akaba down.  In the sixth, Easter began to swarm Akaba, eventually forcing Akaba to take a knee.  At that point, the Akaba corner signaled a halt to the bout at 2:36.  Easter remains undefeated at 15-0, 11 KO's while Akaba falls to 32-9-1, 25 KO's.

Undefeated DC welterweight David "Day-Day" Grayton stopped Jose Valderrama of Arecibo, PR in the sixth round.   Grayton dropped Valderrama in the first round and twice more in the sixth to earn the victory at 1:42 of the round.  Grayton is now 12-0, nine KO's while Valderrama drops to 4-11, three KO's.

Welterweight Kareem "Reemo" Martin fought for the first time as a pro in his hometown of Washington, DC and was successful, winning a six-round unanimous decision over Anthony Prescott of Cherry Hill, NJ.  Martin was dominant throughout the bout, using good speed and accuracy to keep the durable Prescott off balance. Martin would win by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 to raise his record to 6-0-1, three KO's while Prescott's record drops to 5-7-2, two KO's.

Raynell Williams, a US Olympian in 2008, scored a second-round TKO over Jose Miguel Castro of Carolina, Puerto Rico. After an even first round, Williams, a native of Cleveland, OH, managed to land a solid left hand in the second dropping Castro to the canvas in the middle of the ring.  Castro beat referee Brent Bovell's count.  Williams landed another crushing shot later in the round that dropped Castro a second time.  Despite claims from Castro and his corner that Williams hit Castro in the back of the head, Bovell stopped the bout at 2:13 of the second round.  Williams remains undefeated at 9-0, five KO's while Castro goes under .500 at 5-6, three KO's.

Patrick Harris, a lightweight from Washington, DC, won a relatively easy six-round unanimous decision over Irving Hernandez of Caguas, Puerto Rico.  Harris used a good southpaw jab and good speed to earn a shutout (60-54) on all three cards.  Harris is now 7-0, four KO's while Hernandez drops to 3-13-2, one KO.

Toledo, OH light heavyweight Leo "Young Bam" Hall went the distance for the first time in his young pro career, winning a six-round unanimous decision over veteran Edgar Perez of Carolina, Puerto Rico.  Hall, who had never been past three rounds as a pro, was in complete control of the bout but could not put the normally-durable Perez down.  Hall would win an easy shutout decision on all three cards to raise his record to 7-0, six KO's while Perez would lose for the sixth straight time to drop his record to 6-16, three KO's.

In the curtain-raising contest, rookie welterweight Shynggyskhan Tazhibay of Rockville, MD by way of Karaganda, Kazakhstan scored a second-round TKO over the debuting Coleman "Cowboy" Phelps of Danville, VA.  Tazhibay dropped Phelps midway through the first round and stopped Phelps at 1:36 of the second.  Tazhibay is 2-0, two KO's.

BATB interviewed Demond Nicholson after his victory.  

Weights From The Convention Center!

Here is the scale watch for the King's Promotions card Friday night at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center:

Main Event: Brandon Bennett 136 vs. Jonathan Marcelo 135

Phil Jackson Benson 169 vs. Jinner Guerrero 165

Jamel Herring 133 vs. Ariel Vasquez 134

Demond Nicholson 162 vs. Antonio Baker 161

Robert Easter 135 vs. Osumanu Akaba 135

David Grayton 146 vs. Jose Valderrama 147

Kareem Martin 147 vs. Anthony Prescott 147

Raynell Williams 133 vs. Jose Miguel Castro 134

Patrick Harris 134 vs. Irvin Hernandez 134

Leo Hall 176 vs. Edgar Perez 183

Shynggyskhan Tazhibay 147 vs. Coleman Phelps 146

If you can't make it to the Convention Center, the Boxing Along The Beltway Google App For Android will have the blow-by-blow call of the card beginning at 5:55 PM ET.  IOS listeners can hear the call on Spreaker.com by going to this link: https://www.spreaker.com/show/boxing_along_the_beltway or on IHeartRadio by going to this link:  http://www.iheart.com/show/22903291/

Final Press Conference For Convention Center Card Today At Hooters!

There will be a press conference open to the public for the King's Promotions card today at noon at Hooters located at 825 7th Street, in Northwest Washington, DC.

The card will be held on Friday, August 28 at the Washington Convention Center in DC.

Womack, Jr. Falls By Third-Round KO in New York!

Baltimore, MD welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. lost by third-round knockout to Tresean Wiggins of Newburgh, NY Tuesday night at MCU Park in Brooklyn, NY.

Wiggins was able to trap Womack in a corner and swarm him until he dropped.  The bout was halted at 1:12 of the third.

Womack has now lost three straight and is now 7-8-3, five KO's.  This was Womack's second bout in 11 days, third bout in a month and seventh contest this year.  Wiggins's record is now 7-1, six KO's.

Beltway Boxers Competing In Important September Bouts!

September will be a huge month for traveling Beltway Boxers as five locals will be in important, high-profile bouts.

On Friday, September 11, undefeated Waldorf, MD super lightweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed travels to Las Vegas, NV for an eight-round bout against Antonio "Aztec God of War" Canas at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Reed (15-0, eight KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Luis Joel Gonzalez on June 13 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Canas (10-1-1, four KO's, one NC) fought to a no-contest when his opponent, Rafael Hernandez, was cut by an accidental head butt in the third round.  Canas went down twice in the second round of the contest.

Two Beltway Boxers will be on the Floyd Mayweather-Andre Berto card at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.  Undefeated Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Tank" Davis (11-0, 10 KO's) will be in an eight-round contest against an opponent to be determined.

Also, Lynchburg, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon will face Ronald "Thrill" Gavril of Las Vegas by way of Romania in an eight-round contest.  Sigmon (25-7-1, 14 KO's) scored a fifth-round TKO over Jonathan Reid on June 20 in his last outing in Greensboro, NC.  For Gavril (13-1, nine KO's, this will be the second straight bout against a Beltway Boxer.  Gavril won an eight-round unanimous decision over Jessie Nicklow on June 21 at the MGM Grand.

On Tuesday, September 15, Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. will be in a 10-round co-feature contest against Umberto Savigne of Miami, FL by way of Cuba at the California University of Pennsylvania.  The bout will be televised by Fox Sports 1.  

Williams (18-1, 12 KO's) won a 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Gbenga on December 12 in Chicago, IL.  Savigne (12-2, nine KO's) will look to bounce back from a second-round TKO loss to Craig Baker on February 20 in Pittsburgh, PA.

Then on Friday, September 18,  Fernando Guerrero will battle Caleb "Golden" Truax in a 10-round middleweight contest at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL that will be a main event contest televised by Bounce TV.

Guerrero, a Salisbury, MD resident now training in Los Angeles, CA (27-3, 19 KO's) scored a big win in his last outing with a 10-round split decision over Abraham Han on April 18 in Carson, CA.  Truax (25-2-2, 15 KO's) lost by 12th round TKO to Daniel Jacobs in an attempt to win the WBA Middleweight title on April 24 in Chicago, IL.

Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier Update!

Here are the official particulars for the Women's Olympic Trial Qualifier that will be held in Baltimore, MD.

The dates for actual competition for the event will be Tuesday, September 8 through Thursday, September 11.  The qualifier will now be held at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel, located at 101 West Fayette Street in downtown Baltimore.

The opening rounds for the event will be on September 8th and 9th with the semifinals on the 10th and the finals on the 11th.  Each night's action begins at 8:15 PM ET.  Complementary tickets for the opening rounds are available on Baltimoreboxing.com. Individual tickets for the semi finals starting at $15 and finals from $25 can also be purchased at Baltimoreboxing.com or by calling 410-375-9175. VIP tables, including complementary hors d'ourves and the best seats in the house, are available for the finals from $350.

This will be the final Olympic Trial qualifier for the women.  Among the local boxers slated to compete are Franchon Crews, Tiara Brown and Amelia Moore.

Baltimore Boxing Promotions, led by Jake Smith, are the local hosts of the "Pathway To Glory" event.  UnderArmour, a company based in Maryland, is one of the main sponsors due to its association with USA Boxing.

Corley Loses Unanimous Decision In Mexico!

Former WBO Super Lightweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Nery "Pantera" Saguilan of Guadalajara, Mexico Saturday in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.

According to Fightnews.com writer Gabriel F. Cordero, the 41-year-old Corley may have been robbed of a win.  Here's Cordero's account of the bout:

"The 41-year-old southpaw Corley came out aggressively and outworked Saguilan in round one. Saguilan upped the pressure in round two, but Corley still held his own and did more for the first four rounds. Saguilan started coming on in round five, but Corley had more left in the late rounds. Scores were 115-114, 115-113, 115-113 for Saguilan. We had Corley a clear winner."

Corley's record falls to 42-24-1, 25 KO's.  Saguilan's record rises to 34-4-1, 12 KO's and Saguilan holds on to his WBC Fecarbox Super Lightweight title.

Results From North Hall at Eastern Market!

Here are the results of the Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card at North Hall at Eastern Market in Washington, DC:

The main event saw undefeated Gaithersburg, MD welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley stop Dontre "Pound For Pound" King of Cambridge, MD at 19 seconds of the second round.

Quigley nailed King with two left hands to the face in the first and second rounds, dropping King twice to the canvas.  On the first knockdown, King reacted as if he had been thumbed in the eye.  The second knockdown was a clear punch and King could not beat referee Marshall Cunningham's count and the bout was stopped.

Quigley beat King for the second time in his career and gained a stoppage victory over the only man to take him the distance.  Quigley is now 9-0, eight KO's while King falls to 7-19-2, three KO's.

The co-feature saw a Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year candidate as heavyweight Luther "Lights Out" Smith wowed a partisan crowd with a devastating first-round knockout of Schyuler Marshall of South Carolina.  Smith landed a brutal left-right combination that sent Marshall toppling backwards to the canvas.  Marshall tried to get up but could not do it before referee Malik Waleed stopped the bout at 39 seconds.

Smith is now 2-0, two KO's while Marshall's record drops to 1-6-1, one KO.

Glenarden, MD lightweight Drayvontay Speed-Rawls used tremendous hand speed to generate two knockdowns of Brian Raglin of Indianapolis, IN, eventually stopping Raglin at 2:18 of the first round.  Speed-Rawls landed two solid left hands to drop Raglin, who beat the count on the second knockdown but was in no condition to continue.

Speed-Rawls gets his first pro knockout and raises his record to 3-0, one KO.  Raglin is now 0-10 and has yet to make it to the distance in a contest.

In the only bout on the card to go the distance, Edgar "The Tiger" Torres of Springfield, VA won a four-round unanimous decision over veteran Andre Baker of Lumberton, NC.  Torres dropped Baker with right hands to the head and body in the second round and went on to win relatively easily.  Torres won by scores of 40-35 (twice) and 40-36 to raise his record to 6-0-1, three KO's while Baker falls to 10-43-2, two KO's.

Heavyweight Stan Williamson of Columbia, MD opened the card with a third-round stoppage of debuting Marquis Benson of Indianapolis, IN.  The 6'7" Williamson towered over his opponent and, once he found the range, was able to land destructive combinations to wear Benson down, finally getting the stoppage at 30 seconds of the third.  Williamson is now 4-0, four KO's.

Two boxers who are signees of GH3 Promotions of New Jersey put on very impressive performances on this card.  Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell of Atlantic City, NJ stopped Quincey "Pretty Boy Vegas" Miner of Kansas City, MO at 2:35 of the first round.  Harvell battered Miner throughout the round, eventually dropping him with a solid right hand.  Miner could not beat referee Mark D'Atillo's count and the bout was stopped.

Harvell, who now trains in Virginia, raised his record to 15-1, eight KO's.  Miner is now 3-10.

The newest GH3 signee (joining, among others, Beltway Boxers Antoine Douglas, Jerry Odom and Jerrell Harris), O'Shaquie "Ice Water" Foster of Houston, TX, put on a dazzling display of speed and power en route to stopping Frank Jordan of Elizabeth, NJ at 1:26 of the first round.

Foster, a former amateur standout, used tremendous hand speed to set up a nice left hand to the body-right hand to the head combination to drop Jordan early in the first.  Moments later, Foster landed another blistering right hand to put Jordan back down on the canvas for the count.   Foster remains undefeated at 7-0, four KO's while Jordan is 0-5.

In an exhibition bout, the returning Orazio "Razor" Robinson of Manassas, VA stopped Theophulis Newkirk of Wilson, NC in the first round.  This was the first time Robinson had fought in front of a live crowd in over nine years.

The matchmaker for the card was ranked middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter.  The ring announcer was "The Auctioneer" Brad Dudley.

Here is the card in its entirety, with the Post-Fight Wrap-Up included.

Corley Weighs 136 1/2 In Mexico; Irby Drops Decision In Venezuela!

DeMarcus Corley and his opponent, Nery Saguilan, weighed 136 1/2 for their 10-round bout tonight in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.  Apparently, the bout is for Saguilan's WBC Fecarbox Lightweight title.

In amateur action, Tyrek Irby lost his opening bout at the AMBC Championships in Maiquetia, Venezuela.  Irby dropped a 3-0 decision to Canadian champion Arthur Biyanslanov at 141 pounds.  If Biyanslanov goes on to win the championship in the 141-pound weight class, Irby can still qualify for the AIBA Men's World Championships in Qatar in October.

Complete Card For Saturday At Eastern Market!

Here is the entire Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card for Saturday, August 22 at North Hall at Eastern Market in Washington, DC:

BATB has already talked about the main event -- a six-round contest between undefeated Gaithersburg, MD welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley (8-0, seven KO's) and Dontre "Pound For Pound" King of Cambridge, MD (7-18-2, three KO's.)

Crofton, MD heavyweight Luther "Lights Out" Smith will take on Schyuler Marshall of South Carolina in a four-round contest. Smith (1-0, one KO) made his pro debut on March 28 in Springfield, VA and scored a first-round knockout over Jonathan Williams.  Marshall (1-5-1, one KO) lost by first-round TKO to Fred Latham on March 6 in Charleston, SC.  This is Marshall's second trip to DC.  Back in February of 2013, Marshall was knocked out in the first round by Danny Kelly at the DC Armory on the Lamont Peterson-Kendall Holt undercard.

In another four-round heavyweight bout, Stan Williamson of Columbia, MD will battle with the debuting Marquis Benson of Indiana.  Williamson (3-0, three KO's) competes for the first time in 2015. Williamson scored a second-round knockout of Jawon Love on October 11 in Springfield, VA.

The card also marks the return of Woodbridge, VA middleweight Orazio "The Razor" Robinson who will compete in a four-round bout against Theophulis Newkirk of Wilson, NC.  Robinson (5-3-2, four KO's) steps in the ring for the first time since losing a six-round majority decision to Jose Angel Rodriguez in March of 2006 in Glen Burnie, MD.  Newkirk (0-1) lost his pro debut via first-round TKO to Malik Hawkins on June 13 in Charlotte, NC.

Undefeated Springfield, VA super welterweight Edgar "The Tiger" Torres returns to action in a four-round bout against veteran Andre Baker of Lumberton, NC.  Torres (5-0-1, three KO's) won a tough, four-round majority decision over Norman Allen on the March 28 card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  Baker (10-42-2, two KO's) was also on the March 28 Springfield card in his last outing and lost by second-round TKO to Brandon Quarles.

Glenarden, MD super lightweight Drayvontay Speed-Rawls will be in a four-round contest against Brian Raglin of Indianapolis, IN.  Rawls (2-0) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Jorge Soto on July 24 in Baltimore, MD.  Raglin (0-9) will look to go the distance for the first time in his pro career.  In his last outing, Raglin was stopped in the first round by Deonte Wilson on June 20 in Milwaukee, WI.

Returning to the Beltway region will be light heavyweight Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell of Atlantic City, NJ who will square off against Quincy "Pretty Boy Vegas" Miner of Kansas City, MO in a six-round contest.  Harvell (14-1, seven KO's) avenged his only loss in his last outing, winning a four-round unanimous decision over Edgar Perez on June 6 in Springfield, VA.  Miner (3-9) is coming off a second-round TKO loss to Ray Ginley on October 11 in Winston-Salem, NC.  This will be Miner's third trip to DC.  Miner lost by second-round disqualification to Jonathan Cepeda in August of 2014 at North Hall and also was stopped by D'Mitrius Ballard in the second round in April of 2014 at the DC Armory.

Also on the card, undefeated Houston, TX lightweight O'Shanique "Cold Water" Foster will take on Frank Jordan of Elizabeth, NJ in a four-round encounter.  Foster (6-0, three KO's) has not fought since he won a four-round unanimous decision over Devin Parker in July of 2014 in Opelousas, LA.  Jordan (0-4) has been stopped in all four of his bouts, including a third-round TKO by Brayon Rendon on March 15 in Jersey City, NJ.

If you can't make the card, BATB will have live blow-by-blow coverage on August 22 beginning at 7:35 PM ET.

Alex Guerrero Signs With DiBella Entertainment!

(Photo by Earl Campbell Photography)

Undefeated Salisbury, MD cruiserweight Alex Guerrero has signed a promotional agreement with DiBella Entertainment.

The current NABA USA Cruiserweight champion, Guerrero (12-0-1, six KO's) looks to return to the ring for the first time since winning his title by eight-round stoppage over Anthony Ferrante on November 21 in Wilmington, DE.  Guerrero is currently ranked number 13 in the WBA rankings and is the older brother of middleweight contender Fernando Guerrero.

"Signing with DiBella Entertainment and Dave Escalet is a defining point in my career," Guerrero said in a press release.  "I know they are of the highest caliber and can get their job done.  Now I can focus on just getting my job done.  The agreement has motivated me by giving my training a clear direction.  DiBella Entertainment has plenty of fight dates and Lou knows the boxing business as well as anyone out there.  I recently got married, I signed with one of the top promoters in the fight game, I have my longtime trainer by my side and I am healthy.  This is just a great time in my life and my career."

Guerrero joins fellow Beltway Boxer Alantez "SlyAza" Fox as a boxer promoted by DiBella Entertainment.

Corley To Compete In Mexico Saturday!

Former WBO Super Lightweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley is globetrotting once again.

After three straight bouts in the United States (including his win over Daniel Attah in DC at the Washington Convention Center in September of 2014), Corley travels to Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico for a bout against Nery "Pantera" Saguilan on Saturday, August 22.

Corley (42-23-1, 25 KO's) is coming off a six-round stoppage loss to Manuel Perez on May 16 in Denver, CO.  Corley was never knocked down in the bout but the altitude in Denver during the outdoor contest seemed to affect him and he could not come out for the seventh round.

During his 19-year career, the 41-year-old Corley has competed in 13 foreign countries.

Saguilan (33-4-1, 12 KO's) is the reigning WBC Fecarbox Super Lightweight titleholder and is ranked number seven by the WBC.  Saguilan won the title in his last outing, scoring a second-round knockout over Wilfredo Buelvas on May 30 in Mexico City. No word yet on whether Saguilan's title will be on the line in this contest.

Johnnie Johnson, Coach At Hagerstown Boxing Club, Passes!

Sad news to report.  Johnnie Johnson, a long-time coach and trainer at the Hagerstown Boxing Club in Hagerstown, MD, passed away on August 14 at the age of 77.

Mr. Johnson, a former pro boxer, was a United States Army veteran who worked with the Harper's Ferry Job Corps as its Recreational Director.   Mr. Johnson also became a trainer after his pro career ended and operated the Hagerstown Boxing Club for many years.

Among the boxers Johnson worked with were former IBO Cruiserweight champion David Izegwire, Dean White, David Sewell, George Rivera, Juan Carlos Robles and Maxell Taylor.  Mr. Johnson also worked with former world heavyweight champion and 2015 International Boxing Hall of Famer Riddick Bowe through his friendship with legendary trainer Eddie Futch.

Mr. Johnson is survived by his daughter, Robin and four sons, Greg, Anthony,  Chad and Robert as well as seven grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at a viewing on Thursday, August 20 at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Boulevard in North Hagerstown, MD from 3-5 PM.  The internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers,  memorial donations may be made to the Hagerstown Boxing Club,  245 Prospect Avenue,  Hagerstown, MD 21740. 

BATB sends its deepest condolences to the family as well as the many people Mr. Johnson touched by his good works.

Quigley Battles King In Six-Round Main Event Rematch At Eastern Market!

For the third consecutive time, undefeated Montgomery Village welterweight Gerome "GQ" Quigley will headline a Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card.  Quigley will be in a six-round contest on the card at North Hall at Eastern Market on Saturday, August 22.

Unlike his last two events, Quigley (8-0, seven KO's) will not be in a Virginia State Welterweight title bout.  However, the reigning champion will be facing an opponent he knows well.  Quigley will be in a rematch against the only boxer to take him the distance -- Dontre "Pound For Pound" King of Cambridge, MD.  The two men met on April 18, 2014 in a four-round bout at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  Quigley won the bout by a shutout on all three cards (40-36).

Since that bout, Quigley has knocked out his last five opponents while King (7-18-2, three KO's) is in the midst of a four-bout losing streak. Both men appeared on the last Jeter/RBA card on June 6 at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  Quigley knocked out Benjamin Olinga in the fourth round to defend his Virginia State title while King lost to Brian Mendoza by third-round knockout.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, BATB will broadcast this card live from North Hall beginning at 7:35 PM ET on August 22 on the Boxing Along The Beltway Google App For Android as well as Spreaker.com and IHeartradio.com.

Harrison Scores Fifth-Round TKO In Miami!

DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison remained undefeated with a fifth-round TKO over Carlos Winston Velasquez of Managua, Nicaragua Saturday night at Wynwood Stadium in Miami, FL.

Harrison dropped Velasquez in the third round and went on to the victory to raise his record to 27-0, 14 KO's.  Velasquez's record drops to 23-21-1, 13 KO's.

Irby Competes For Team USA In Venezuela August 17-22!

Oxon Hill, MD's Tyrek Irby is heading to Maiquetia, Venezuela to compete with Team USA at the 2015 AMBC American Confederation Boxing Championships August 17-22.

Irby, who has already qualified for the US Olympic Trials, will try to earn a spot at the 2015 AIBA Elite Men's World Championships which will be held in Doha, Qatar October 8-17.  The top five finishers in each of the 10 weight division will advance to Qatar.

Chisholm Weighs 157 For Four-Round Bout In Atlantic City!

Parris Chisholm tipped the scales at a hefty 157 for his four-round bout against late sub David Ratliff tonight at the Playground in Atlantic City, NJ.

Chisholm, normally a welterweight, put on pounds for this contest because Ratliff was a late change of opponent for this bout.  Ratliff (0-1) was originally slated to face someone else on the card but that bout fell through.  Ratliff lost his pro debut by first-round TKO to Charles Dallas on June 20 in Riverdale, GA and weighed in for this bout at 163 1/2.

Harrison Weighs 147 For Eight-Round Contest In Miami!

(Photo courtesy of Buddy Harrison)

Dusty Hernandez Harrison (right) tipped the scales at the welterweight limit of 147 for his eight-round contest Saturday night at Wynwood Stadium in Miami, FL.  Harrison's opponent, Carlos Winston Velasquez, weighed in at 146.

Hurd Scores Seventh-Round TKO; Womack Drops Six-Round Decision In Newark, NJ!

(Photo by Ed Diller/DiBella Entertainment)

Accokeek, MD super welterweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd stopped previously undefeated Jeff Lentz of Lanoka Harbor, NJ in the seventh round tonight at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Here is how Matt Richardson and John DiSanto of Fightnews.com saw the bout from ringside:

 Hurd repeatedly stunned Lentz with wide punches from the outside. But instead of stepping back to look for the appropriate openings, he got excited and swung wildly. If he fought a little more patiently he may have been able to secure the knockout victory much earlier in the contest. Still, the dominance exhibited by Hurd was obvious and by the seventh he was in full control. After connecting with a combination that snapped Lentz’s head back and sent him into the ropes Dock appropriately stepped in to call an end to the fight with Lentz still standing. There was only one second left in the round. 

Hurd remains undefeated and raises his record to 16-0, 10 KO's while Lentz falls to 5-1, one KO.

Also on the card, Baltimore, MD welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. lost a six-round unanimous decision to undefeated Mikkel LesPierre of New York City. Once again, here is the Fightnews.com description:

The New York southpaw dominated the action with a steady body attack and frequent right hooks upstairs. LesPierre’s best punch of the fight was a jarring right hook just before the bell ended round five. Womack came out aggressively in the final round, but LesPierre regained control with his heavier blows. Womack was hurt midway through the round with a hard left by LesPierre, but held on until the final bell. Official scores were 60-54 and 59-55 twice, all for LesPierre.

With the loss, Womack's record evens to 7-7-3, five KO's while LesPierre's record climbs to 10-0-1, four KO's.

Updates For The August 28 Card In Washington, DC!

We have updates for the King's Promotions card for Friday, August 28 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

The opponent for Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson has changed.  Nicholson (13-1, 13 KO's) will now take on Antonio "Shake and Bake" Baker of Fayetteville, NC in the eight-round bout.  Baker (7-12-1, four KO's) broke a four-bout losing streak with a six-round unanimous decision win over Marcos Primera on November 13 in Charlotte, NC.  Baker has faced the likes of Jermain Taylor, Peter Manfredo, Jr. and Chad Dawson during his career.

Undefeated Hyattsville, MD super lightweight Patrick Harris (6-0, four KO's) now has an opponent for his six-round encounter.  Harris will take on veteran Irvin Hernandez of Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico (3-12-2, one KO).  Hernandez will be trying to break a nine-bout winless streak.

Two of the boxers from Ohio now have opponents for the card.  Undefeated 2012 US Olympian Jamel "Semper Fi" Herring (12-0, seven KO's) will battle Ariel "La Guerra" Vasquez of Managua, Nicaragua in a 10-round lightweight contest.  This will be the first scheduled 10-rounder for Herring, who is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Hector Velazquez on June 26 in Shelton, WA.

Vasquez (12-8-2, eight KO's) broke a five-bout winless streak with a first-round knockout over Marlon Bendana in Honduras in May of 2014.  Vasquez, who is making his first trip to the United States, has not fought since winning that bout.

Another undefeated lightweight, Robert Easter of Toledo, OH (14-0, 11 KO's) will also be in a 10-round bout against veteran Osumanu "The Golden Boy" Akaba of Prichard, AL by way of Accra, Ghana (32-8-1, 25 KO's).  Easter scored a second-round TKO over Miguel Angel Mendoza on June 20 in Las Vegas, NV in his most recent bout.

Most of Akaba's bouts have taken place either in Ghana or in the United Kingdom.  Akaba is 0-3 in his United States contests but he faced quality opponents Edner Cherry, Bahodir Mamadjonov and Luis Franco.  In his last outing, Akaba scored a fifth-round TKO over Jesus Lora on March 28 in Tolu, Colombia.

Another Ohio boxer slated to be on the card -- Jamontay Clark  -- is now off the card.  BATB listed earlier information on this card and that can be found at this link:

http://boxingalongthebeltway.blogspot.com/2015/07/boxing-returns-to-washington-convention.html

Hurd, Womack, Jr. Hit Scales in Newark, NJ!

Two Beltway Boxers weighed in for bouts that will take place Friday, August 14 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Jarrett Hurd hit the scales at the super welterweight limit of 154 for his eight-round contest against Jeff Lentz, who tipped the scales at 155.

Also in a bout just added to the card, Kevin Womack, Jr. (7-6-3, five KO's) of Baltimore, MD will be in a six-round contest against undefeated Mikkel LesPierre of New York City (9-0-1, four KO's).  Womack is coming off a six-round unanimous decision loss to Ladarius Miller on July 25 in Las Vegas, NV.  This will be Womack's third bout in a month and sixth bout since May 8.

LesPierre scored a third-round TKO over Larry Darnell Ventus on July 8 in New York City.  LesPierre's draw came against Beltway Boxer Cornelius Whitlock in New York in December of 2012.

Both men weighed in at 142 pounds.

Harrison Has Opponent For August 15 Bout In Miami!

Washington, DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison will take on Carlos Winston "El Guerrero" Velasquez of Managua, Nicaragua in an eight-round contest on Saturday, August 15 at Wynwood Stadium in Miami, FL.

The undefeated Harrison (26-0, 13 KO's) won his last contest over Chris Gray by eight-round unanimous decision on April 17 in Mashantucket, CT.

Velasquez (23-20-1, 13 KO's) is riding a two-bout winning streak, capturing two victories in Honduras. However, Velasquez is 0-3 when competing in the United States.  That includes his first trip to the US in October of 2013 when he lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Ty Barnett in DC at the Washington Convention Center.

Former Boxer Tim Coleman Possibly Involved In Las Vegas Murder!

(Photo courtesy of Boxingscene.com)

Former USBA Super Lightweight champion Tim "Pitbull" Coleman is under investigation by Las Vegas, NV police for his possible involvement in a murder that may have been committed by his wife.

The 31-year-old Baltimore, MD native has been arrested and charged for his possible involvement in an unrelated 2014 incident of breaking and tampering with a vehicle, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.  The Las Vegas Sun is reporting that Coleman was arrested on August 8 and remains in jail on $10,000 bond.

Coleman's wife, 28-year-old Margarita Balandova, has been arrested and charged with felony murder, robbery and invasion in the stabbing death of 84-year-old Mary Luebeck.  Prosecutors told the Sun that they plan to seek an indictment against Coleman in the murder case.

The Sun is reporting that a police report says Coleman told detectives that his wife left their house alone early July 29 and returned hours later shoeless with blood on her clothes. Coleman told police that Balandova told him she had killed someone and that he took the clothes and burned them.

 Balandova blamed Coleman for the slaying, and she told police she walked through Luebeck's house looking for him.

Coleman (19-4-1, five KO's) was once one of the more talented prospects in the 140-pound division. Coleman was named the BATB Prospect of The Year in 2007. Coleman won the USBA Super Lightweight title with a 12-round split decision over Mike Arnaoutis in December of 2009 and his first defense -- a third-round stoppage of Patrick Lopez in October 2010 -- earned him the BATB Boxer of the Year award in 2010.

Since then, however, Coleman has fallen on hard times in and out of the ring.  Coleman lost his last three bouts in atrocious performances against Vernon Paris, Kendall Holt and Zahir Raheem.  Coleman then appeared on the first season of the Knockout boxing reality series and got into an altercation with noted boxing matchmaker Rick Glaser.

Beltway Wins 10 Titles At Ringside Championships!

Beltway amateurs captured nine championship titles on the final day of competition at Ringside Championships on August 8 in Independence, MO. Congratulations to the following boxers:

Raghleak Bartee, Washington, DC -- Boys Intermediate Open 13-14, 76-80 Pounds.

Joseph Gordon, Washington, DC -- Boys Intermediate Novice 13-14, 76-80 Pounds.

Benjamin Johnson, Washington, DC -- Boys Pee-Wee Novice 8-10, 71-75 Pounds.

Lamont Odoms, Washington, DC -- Boys Intermediate Novice 13-14, 102-106 Pounds.

Jordan Roach, Upper Marlboro, MD -- Boys Bantam Novice 11-12, 61-65 Pounds.

Sundiata Sudah, Washington, DC -- Men's Masters, age 35-99

Michael Tymas III, Washington, DC -- Boys Intermediate Open 13-14, 139-145 Pounds.

Nikko Williams, Washington, DC -- Boys Junior Novice 15-16, 76-80 Pounds.

Quincey Williams, Washington, DC -- Boys Bantam Open 11-12, 76-80 Pounds.

Along with Moniya Walker of DC winning an unopposed title in the Girls Junior Novice 133-138 division, Beltway Boxers returned home with a total of 10 titles.

Beltway Amateurs Vie For Titles Saturday At Ringside Championships!

Eleven Beltway amateurs will compete in title bouts at the Ringside World Championships Saturday in Independence, MO.  Here is the list:

Benjamin Johnson (Washington, DC) Pee-Wee Novice, 71-75 Pounds

Jordan Roach (Upper Marlboro, MD) Bantam Novice, 61-65

Quincey Williams (Washington, DC) Bantam Open, 76-80

Nikko Williams (Washington, DC) Junior Novice, 76-80

Joseph Gordon (Washington, DC) Intermediate Novice, 76-80

Tyreece Johnson (Washington, DC) Intermediate Novice, 81-85

Lamont Odoms (Washington, DC) Intermediate Novice, 102-106

Ragahleak Bartee (Washington, DC) Intermediate Open, 76-80

Deric Davis (Clinton, MD) Intermediate Open, 86-90

Michael Tymas III (Washington, DC) Intermediate Open, 139-145

Sundiata Subah (Washington, DC) Men's Masters

The Beltway does have one unopposed champion -- Moniya Walker of DC won the title in the Girls Junior Novice 133-138 division.

Results Of Amateur Action From Berry Farms; More Amateur Boxing Coming In August!

Here are the results from a great night of amateur boxing outdoors at Berry Farms in Southeast DC:

The featured bout saw Jalonte Cole of ABC Boxing win over Tommy Avelar of Sugar Ray Leonard in an open 132 Pound bout. Solid performances by both men.

However, the co-feature stole the show and brought the large crowd on hand to its feet. Former Junior Olympic National champion Troy Isley of ABC defeated Avelar's younger brother, Brian in a very exciting 150 Pound contest.  This was a great give-and-take bout that really could have gone either way.

In other bouts on the card:

Nasir Shelton of the Big 6 Boxing Gym in Providence, RI defeated Muhammad Robinson of Upton Gym in Baltimore in a 75 Pound bout.

Lonzo Malcolm (Untouchable Boxing) defeated Cuttino Oliver (Upton) -- 75 Pounds.

Kaliq Harrison (Keystone Boxing) won over Jamir Robinson of Philadelphia, PA -- 80 Pounds

Tyreek Williams (R4W Boxing) over Isiah Mcillaly -- 75 Pounds

Keith Cooke (No Xcuse) over Malcolm Lowrey -- 119 Pounds

Timothy Crawford (Sugar Ray Leonard) over Ralph Alexander (Keystone Boxing) -- 201+ Novice

James Early (Woodland Tigers) over Rashaun Adams (Philadelphia, PA) 132 Open

Nathaniel Copeland (Old School) over Jahid Hines (Upton) 201+ Novice

Jamal Harvey (Oxon Hill) over Quadir Matthews (Upton) 80 Pounds

The Potomac Valley Association of USA Boxing honored Upton Boxing Gym's head trainer Calvin Ford for his civic work during the recent uprising in Baltimore.  Ford's gym, which was located three blocks from the CVS that was set on fire, became a haven for the neighborhood as it was kept open during that tough period.

The event also had one of the most unique intermission performances -- three young ladies from Southeast DC showed amazing intelligence as they were able to recall facts from black history, the US Constitution and all 44 US Presidents!

There will be more amateur boxing action in the Beltway in August.  On Saturday, August 15, there will be a Keystone card at the Oxon Hill Development Center located at 7711 Livingston Road in Oxon Hill, MD.  Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.  You can call (240) 353-0564 for more information.

Then on Saturday, August 29, there will be the annual cookout/amateur boxing card held by the organization Cease Fire..Don't Smoke The Brothers and Sisters that will take place at the Upshur Recreation Center located at 14th and Arkansas Avenue in Northwest DC.  The cookout will begin at noon and the boxing starts at 3 PM.  Universal Madness and boxer Alphonso Hatcher are helping put this free event on. There will be health checkups and also there will be a pledge of a six-month moratorium to stop the killings.

For more information on this event, call (202) 528-7694.

Chisholm Competes In New Jersey August 15!

Washington, DC welterweight Parris Chisholm returns to action on Saturday, August 15 at The Playground in Atlantic City, NJ.

The former Junior Olympic champion (2-0, one KO) is coming off a first-round knockout of Jerry Parker on June 13 in Charlotte, NC.  Both of Chisholm's bouts have been in North Carolina against debuting boxers.

Chisholm's opponent for the August 15 card will be Ronnie Jordan of Ohio (1-5-1).  Jordan has lost four straight bouts including a four-round unanimous decision loss to Cedric Patterson on October 10 in Highland Heights, KY.

Boxing Heads Back To Berry Farms Friday Night!

There will be an amateur boxing card in the Berry Farms neighborhood in Southeast Washington on Friday, August 7 at 6 PM.

The scheduled site will be at 1220 Sumner Road in Southeast DC, the location where the famed Goodman League Summer Basketball tournament is held.  However, in case of rain, the card will be moved indoors.

Among the boxers slated to appear on the card are Jalonte Cole, Keyshawn Williams, Tiara Brown, Malik Jackson, Jason and Justin Bell and Kevon and Keith Cooke.

Beltway Officials To Work Olympic Trial Qualifiers In September!

BATB has received word that two Beltway officials will be working at the Men's and Women's Olympic Trial Qualifiers September 6-12.

Highly-decorated amateur referee and judge Brent Bovell of DC will be traveling to Philadelphia, PA to work the men's qualifier.  Bovell is one of only two referees from the Beltway region that has qualified to work Olympic boxing matches (the other was US Naval Academy boxing coach Jim McNally who has retired as a referee).  Bovell has also made positive strides as a pro referee and judge in recent years.

Another DC native, LaTasha Washington, will work at the women's qualifier in Baltimore, MD.  Washington, a former amateur boxer, has made significant movement as a referee and judge over the past few years.  Washington worked the USA Junior Olympics tournament in Charleston, WVA in June.

This has been a very positive year of advancement and recognition for Beltway amateur officials.  In May, Timothy Ryan of Baltimore was named an Outstanding Referee at the National Golden Gloves in Las Vegas, NV.

Beltway Boxers To Be Part of September Fireworks In Vegas, Pittsburgh!

It looks like some of our Beltway Boxers will be a part of some big events in the early weeks of September.

BATB can confirm that undefeated Waldorf, MD super lightweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed will be participating on a card at the The Cosmopolitan at Las Vegas (NV) on Friday, September 11. Reed (15-0, eight KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Luis Joel Gonzalez on June 13 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The bout will be part of a TruTV telecast.  No word yet on who the opponent for Reed will be or whether the bout will make the telecast.

The card will also take place the night before the Floyd Mayweather contest on Saturday, September 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.  Mayweather announced earlier today that he will face Andre Berto in this bout.  There may be a Beltway Boxer on this card as well.  Baltimore, MD featherweight Gervonta "Tank" Davis has been spending a lot of time with the Mayweather camp in recent weeks and it looks like Davis (11-0, 10 KO's) might make an appearance on this card.  No official word on that yet, however.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, September 15, Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. will return to action in Pittsburgh, PA with a bout against Umberto Savigne of Miami, FL.  The bout will be a co-feature and will be carried on Fox Sports 1 as part of its new Premier Boxing Champions "Toe-To-Toe Tuesdays" series.

Williams (18-1, 12 KO's) bounced back from suffering his first pro loss and won a 10-round unanimous decision over Michael Gbenga on December 12 in Chicago, IL.  Savigne (12-2, nine KO's) will try to bounce back from a second-round TKO loss to Craig Baker on February 20 in Pittsburgh.

We'll have updates on these bouts as they come in.

Women's Olympic Trials Qualifier Stays In Baltimore; Men's Qualifier Moves To Philadelphia Sept. 6-12!

USA Boxing has announced that the second and final Women's Olympic Trials qualifier will remain in Baltimore, MD on September 6-12 at the Baltimore Waterfront Marriott, located at 700 Aliceanna Street. However, the Men's Olympic Trials qualifier has been moved to Philadelphia, PA and will take place during the same week.

The men's qualifier was originally scheduled to be held in Baltimore. However, the Elite Men's boxers competing in the qualifier box without headgear and the state of Maryland does not allow amateur boxers to compete without headgear.  There were hopes that Washington, DC could host the qualifier but DC also has the same rule.