Amateur Boxing Comes to Southeast DC July 26!

Amateur boxing will be coming to the historic Barry Farms complex in Southeast Washington, DC on Friday, July 26.

The Woodland Tigers boxing team, the George Goodman Summer Basketball League along with the Potomac Valley Association of USA Boxing are presenting a card at the Barry Farms Outdoor Courts located at 1230 Sumner Road in DC.  Admission is free and the bouts start at 7 PM.

Boxers are slated to come from Baltimore, Virginia, Philadelphia, PA and New Jersey to battle against the DC talent.  The special guest ring announcer will be the voice of the Goodman League, Miles "Mr. Snapper Jones" Rawls.

Recap From Baltimore!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing, Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions card at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD:

In front of a raucous crowd of fans, Baltimore featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis remained undefeated in the main event with a second-round stoppage of Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.  Davis's punches landed a brutal cut over Casias's right eye that proved too difficult to close.  The bout was stopped at 2:26 of the second.  Davis is now 4-0, four KO's while Casias falls to 4-8.

Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams made a triumphant return after an almost three-year absence as he scored a fourth-round TKO over Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX.  Williams got off to a slow start but recovered nicely to wear down Claiborne and stop him at 2:20 of the fourth.  Williams is 13-6-2, four KO's while Claiborne drops to 4-7, three KO's.

In a bout many fans in attendance would rather forget, George "El Terrible" Sosa of Reading, PA stopped Joseph "El Diablo Noir" Judah of Brooklyn, NY after the second round.  Fans booed throughout the contest before the bout was stopped.  According to a ringside doctor, Judah suffered a shoulder injury and could not come out for the third round.  Sosa lifts his record to 8-4, eight KO's.  Judah is now 6-3, one KO.

Baltimore featherweight Glenn Dezurn won his pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.  Dezurn was very comfortable battling inside and landed more shots than his opponent.  Dezurn scored a shutout on all three cards.  Pierce's record is now 1-1.

Laurel, MD middleweight Demond Nicholson scored a second-round TKO in his pro debut when his punches opened a bad cut on the nose of his opponent, Eli Smith of Wilson, MI.  The bout was stopped at 1:35 of the second round.  Smith is now 0-3-1.

DC-born, Baltimore-based flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas won an impressive four-round unanimous decision over former world title challenger Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.  Douglas dropped Miranda with a straight left hand in the third round and went on to the convincing victory, winning 40-35 on all cards.  Douglas is 3-0, one KO.  Miranda falls to 5-6, one KO.

The matchmaker was Brian Dillon.  The ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

Before we get to the Post-Fight Wrap-Up, let me share three special moments from Saturday night with you.

1.  I know I have mentioned how special the night was personally for me.  To see a place I have announced almost every basketball event in since the building opened in 2009 transformed into a first-class boxing venue was awe-inspiring.  Especially knowing what it took to get this together.  I should say that I had very little to do with the event taking place, except to vouch for the people involved and how exciting it would be.

Coppin State representatives in attendance were very impressed.  Truth be told, the school was behind the project -- the only real issue was how to protect the basketball court that cost more than 100 million dollars.  Once that was settled, the event was going to take place.  The event fits in with the plans the university has to make the PEC available for the community.  They have already hosted graduations there as well. My personal thanks to athletic director Derrick Ramsey and Coppin State athletic hall of famer and TRUE boxing fan Winky (and wife Peaches) Camphor for their roles in helping this event take place.

2.  My credit to the promoters for honoring former IBF Junior Middleweight champion and Baltimore's own Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway with a nice video tribute during intermission. Pettway became the first world champion from Baltimore in 80 years when he won the IBF title in 1994.  People will never forget his incredible knockout win over Simon Brown at the USAir Arena in April of 1995.

However, Pettway fought more than 25 times in the Baltimore area during his career.  Simply put, Pettway's efforts during his career helped paved the way to have the event at Coppin Saturday night.  Pettway is helping future generations of Baltimore boxers in the same gym he trained in for many years -- the Mack Lewis Eager Street Gym.

3.  What made this night even more special was the return of one of the truly leading ladies of Beltway amateur boxing.  Back in September of 2012, Tracy Thorpe of the South Atlantic Association (SAA) suffered a stroke and spent quite a time in the hospital.  Well, Saturday night, Ms. Thorpe was in attendance and looked wonderful as she was recognized by both the SAA and the Maryland State Athletic Commission.  Just put a nice bow on the night.

To hear more about the actual boxing on the event, here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up:

Davis Stops Casias in Two!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Gervonta "Rambo" Davis scored a second-round TKO over Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.

Davis was lethal, landing sharp shots that opened a cut over Casias's right eye.  Referee Bill Clancy took Casias to the doctor twice before the bout was stopped at 2:26 of the second.

Davis is now 4-0, four KO's.  Casias is now 4-8.

Post-Fight coming up.  Good night from Baltimore!

Main Event Heading to the Ring!

The main event is coming up.  This arena has gotten very loud in support of the local boxers and it should be no different when Gervonta Davis takes on Rafael Casias in a scheduled six-rounder.

Williams Wins Comeback With Fourth-Round TKO!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams has won his comeback with a fourth-round TKO over Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX. 

After a sluggish first round, Williams went to work and landed solid shots to the head and body wearing down Claiborne until eventually referee Kenny Chevalier stopped the contest at 2:20 of the fourth. 

Williams is now 13-6-2, four KO's.  Claiborne falls to 4-7, three KO's.

Intermission where we are honoring Baltimore's own former IBF Junior Middleweight champ Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway.

Sosa Stops Judah At Beginning of Third Round!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

George "El Terrible" Sosa of Reading, PA wins by stoppage at the beginning of the third round when Joseph Judah could not come out after the second round.

The fight did not impress many in the crowd as they were booing throughout.  One ringside doctor told BATB that Judah suffered an injury to his right shoulder. 

Sosa is now 8-4, eight KO's.  Judah is 6-3, one KO.

Next, the return of Willie "For Real" Williams of Baltimore vs. Kentrell Claiborne of Arlington, TX.

Dezurn Wins Unanimous Decision in Debut!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Baltimore's Glenn Dezurn wins a four-round unanimous decision in a bout that looked closer than the score indicated over Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.  Dezurn landed some real solid shots but was challenged at some times by the game Pierce.  Dezurn was overall the better boxer however and earned a 40-36 decision on all cards.  Pierce is now 1-1.

Joseph Judah is up next against George Sosa in our first six-round encounter.

Nicholson Gets Second-Round Stoppage In Pro Debut!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Demond Nicholson wins his pro debut by stoppage over Eli Smith.  Nicholson was in complete control and cut Smith in the nose, forcing the ringside physician to stop the contest at 1:35 of the second round.

Smith falls to 0-3-1.  Next is the pro debut of Baltimore's Glenn Dezurn who takes on Marquis Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ.

Douglas Dominates to Win Unanimous Decision!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Tyrieshia "Lady Tyga" Douglas of Baltimore, by way of Washington, DC, put on a solid display to win a four-round unanimous decision over a very game Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.

Douglas was dominant throughout the contest as she landed some solid straight left hands and left hooks.  One of those left hooks dropped Miranda in the third round but she managed to recover.  Douglas went on to the easy 40-35 win on all scorecards.

Douglas is now 3-0, one KO while Miranda falls to 5-6, one KO.

Up next, the pro debut of Demond Nicholson as he takes on Eli Smith of Wilson, MI.

We Are Getting Underway in West Baltimore!

The ladies are getting underway as Tyrieshia Douglas gets ready to take on Marisol Miranda, who fought for a world title in her last outing.

Good Evening From Coppin State!

Hi, again everyone, from the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD!  The pro portion of the card will get underway shortly.  Unfortunately. we did not get complete info on the amateur portion of the show, so I really don't feel comfortable giving results at this time.  I must admit, this is something special for me!

The pro card has a late change.  Albi Sadikaj's pro debut will not happen tonight as his scheduled opponent was not approved by the commission.

The card will begin with Tyrieshia Douglas taking on Marisol Miranda in a four-round contest.

We'll be back when things get underway!

The Baltimore Sun's Article on Gervonta "Rambo" Davis

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Ryan Hood of The Baltimore Sun wrote a article on Gervonta Davis in preparation of his upcoming bout against Rafael Casias tonight at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD.

Here is the link:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-gervonta-davis-0720-20130718,0,5861366.story

Scale Watch From Baltimore!

Here are the weights for tonight's Keystone Boxing, Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions card at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD:

Gervonta Davis 126 vs. Rafael Casias 126 1/2

Tyrieshia Douglas 110 vs. Marisol Miranda 112 1/2

Willie Williams 178 vs. Kentrell Claiborne 178

Glenn Dezurn 123 vs. Marquis Pierce 122

Demond Nicholson 162 1/2 vs. Eli Smith 158 1/2

Joseph Judah 148 1/2 vs. George Sosa 146

The doors are slated to open at 6 PM.  The amateur portion of the card is slated to begin at 7 PM.

We will be blogging from the Physical Education Complex as soon as I arrive and get settled.  I say that because I will be coming from finishing up work as the public address announcer for the Nike Global Challenge Basketball Tournament at Trinity Washington University in DC.  I may miss part of the amateur portion of the card but, believe me, I know where Coppin is (LOL) and will be there as soon as I can get there.

Working with the event has also limited my time here on the blog because this has been a very busy schedule.  By 6 PM today, I will have announced 16 games in three days.  So my apologies for being off the blog for awhile and thanks for those who were concerned about me!

Coppin State Card is Complete!

I'm being told that, barring any last-minute injuries or changes, this is the complete card for Saturday, July 20 at the Coppin State University Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, MD.  This is a Keystone Boxing card in association with Rize Promotions and Kash Kow Promotions.

There will be three six-round contests on the card.  In the main event, Baltimore's undefeated featherweight Gervonta "Rambo" Davis will compete in his first six-round bout and his first pro bout in his hometown as he faces Rafael Casias of Arlington, TX.  Davis (3-0, three KO's) is coming off a first-round knockout of Jonathan Gears on June 8 in Washington, DC.  Casias (4-7) will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak.  Casias lost a six-round unanimous decision to Omar Gonzalez on March 23 in San Antonio, TX.

The co-feature bout marks the return of Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams who will battle Kentrell Claiborne of Fort Worth, TX.  Williams (12-6-2, three KO's) hasn't fought since August of 2010 when he lost a six-round unanimous decision to Frankie Fillipone in Virginia Beach, VA.  Claiborne (4-6, three KO's) has won his last two bouts by knockout.

The third six-round contest will feature the youngest member of Brooklyn, NY's fighting Judah Family -- junior middleweight Joseph Judah -- who will face George "El Terrible" Sosa of New Jersey.  The 28-year-old Judah (6-2, one KO) steps into the ring for the first time since losing an eight-round contest for the vacant New York State Junior Middleweight title to Stephen Scott in Albany in July of 2011.

Sosa (7-4, seven KO's) last fought on June 15 and lost a six-round unanimous decision to Javontae Starks in Valley Forge, PA.  After winning his first seven contests, Sosa's first loss came to Beltway Boxer Emmanuel Taylor on October 12 in Philadelphia, PA by six-round unanimous decision.

Leading the four-round contests are three highly-anticipated pro debuts.  Baltimore super featherweight Glenn Dezurn steps into the pro ranks when he faces Marquise Pierce of Phillipsburg, NJ. Dezurn was a solid perfomer in the amateur ranks, competing at regional and national events.  Pierce (1-0) won his pro debut on June 6 with a four-round majority decision over Jeffrey Dorsey in Bethlehem, PA.

Also, Laurel, MD middleweight Demond Nicholson will step into the pro ranks for the first time when he squares off against Eli Smith of Wisconsin.  Nicholson was also a very good amateur who frequently traveled to regional and national competitions.  Smith (0-2-1) is coming off a draw in his last outing on April 13 against Tyler Hultin.

In another pro debut, Alexandria, VA cruiserweight Albi Sadikaj will take on Lamont Capers of Hawley, PA.  Sadikaj was a regional novice champion in the Golden Gloves.  Capers (1-2) will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak including a close four-round unanimous decision to Mario Murphy on January 12 in Fort Washington, MD.

In a welterweight contest, Lanham, MD's "Baby-Faced Assassin" Yurii Polischuk will take on the debuting Marquis Taylor of DC. Polischuk (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut by first-round TKO over Demetrius Winbush on April 20 in Upper Marlboro, MD.

Undefeated female flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas returns to action for the first time since November of 2012 when she takes on world title challenger Marisol "La Chihuahua" Miranda of Hollywood, FL.  Douglas (2-0, one KO) won a four-round unanimous decision over Sherine Thomas on November 8 in Cockeysville, MD.  Miranda last fought on August 27 and challenged Yesica Bopp for the WBO Light Flyweight title in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico.  Miranda was knocked out in the seventh round.

Murray Smith, Sr. Father of Jake, Passes!

Sad news to report from the Baltimore section of the Beltway.  Murray B. Smith, Sr. the father of Maryland and DC Boxing Hall of Famer Jake Smith, passed away on Friday, July 12 after a long battle with cancer.  He was 72.

To say that Mr. Smith was simply a supporter of his son's boxing exploits is like saying water is simply wet.  You knew Mr. Smith was in the building as he was a vocal and very friendly supporter of his son's boxing career from boxer to trainer to promoter.  Mr. Smith was a very, very nice man who also supported many athletic exploits throughout the Arbutus area of Baltimore County.  He will definitely be missed.  My deepest condolences to Jake and his family.

The viewings for Mr. Smith will be on Wednesday, July 17 from 3-5 and from 7-9 at Ambrose Funeral Home, 1328 Sulphur Spring Road in Arbutus.  

The funeral service will take place on Thursday, July 18 at St. Augustine Church located at 5990 Old Washington Road in Elkridge, MD beginning at 11 AM.  The repast will follow the service at Gianni's Italian Bistro, 3720 Washington Boulevard, Halethorpe, MD.

Recap From Rosecroft!

Here is the recap from the Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd scored a second-round TKO over Joshua Burns of Garland, TX.  Hurd broke Burns down until the bout was stopped at 2:39.  Hurd is now 7-0, four KO's.  Burns falls to 4-16-7, two KO's.

Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed was also impressive in notching a third-round TKO over Roberto "The Heat" Lopez of Orlando, FL.  Lopez was stopped for the first time in his career as Reed's record rises to 4-0, three KO's.  Lopez is now 4-6-2, one KO.

DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby remained undefeated with a tough, four-round unanimous decision over PJ Cajigas of Chicago, IL.  Newby came back from a questionable first-round knockdown to drop the game Cajigas in the second and controlled the bout from that point.  Newby is now 8-0, four KO's while Cajigas is 0-2-1.

Super middleweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson of DC won a six-round unanimous decision over Greg "Hot-Shot" Hackett of Philadelphia, PA.  Johnson showed veteran confidence and ability in winning a shutout on all three judges's cards in his first bout since December of 2012.  Johnson is now 13-1, five KO's while Hackett is now 2-12.

Largo, MD middleweight Jerrell "Supa" Scott lost a four-round unanimous decision to David "Rock Steady" Rohn of Chicago, IL in the pro debut for both boxers.  Rohn knocked Scott down twice while Scott scored one knockdown.

Capitol Heights, MD cruiserweight Devon "Mr. 2-11" Mosley and Santos Martinez of Adrian, MI battled to a four-round split decision draw.  There was a lot of holding and hitting in the contest as both guys tried to establish something inside.  Mosley earns a draw in his pro debut while Martinez has a record of 2-3-1, two KO's.

Capitol Heights heavyweight Deverine "6-9" Miner lost a four-round unanimous decision to Glenn "Showtime" Thomas of East Stroudsburg, PA.  By the third round of the bout, Miner looked like he wanted to just stop fighting.  Miner managed to finish his pro debut but there is no guarantee we will see him again.  Thomas evened his record at 1-1.

The matchmaker for the card was Brian Dillon and the ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

Here is the Post-Fight Wrap-Up with Juan Marshall and I:

Hurd Wins By Second-Round TKO in Main Event!

Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd closes the card here at Rosecroft with a second-round TKO over Joshua Burns of Garland, TX.

Hurd looked solid as he broke Burns down with solid shots to the head and body.

Burns had very little offense ny the second round, forcing referee Brent Bovell to stop the contest at 2:39 of the second.

Hurd remains undefeated at 7-0, four KO's.  Burns is 4-16-7, two KO's.

Solid card throughout.  Post-Fight Wrap coming up.  For now, good night from Rosecroft!

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Reed Scores Third-Round TKO Over Lopez!

Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed put on a great performance in scoring a third-round TKO over Roberto "The Heat" Lopez of Orlando, FL.

Reed scored with punches from all angles and dominated the action throughout.

Lopez never went down but referee Kenny Chevalier saw enough to stop the contest at 2:40.  Lopez was stopped for the first time in his career.

Reed is now 4-0, three KO's.  Lopez falls to 4-6-2, one KO's. 

Main event is next -- Jarrett Hurd vs. Joshua Burns.

News Update: Harrison, Lange, Jackson Benson!

Quick updates as we get ready for our co-feature:

Dusty Hernandez Harrison will battle Guillermo Vargas of Miami, FL in a six-round contest on August 23 in Dover, DE.  Vargas is 12-4, five KO's.

Great Falls VA junior middleweight Jimmy Lange was slated to return to the ring on Saturday, September 21 at the Patriot Center.  BATB has been officially told that entire card will not happen.  Lange still has not fully recovered from the knee injury that he suffered before his loss to Tony Jeter.  Lange is looking to return some time in the first quarter of 2014.

WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight champ "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson- Benson will not participate on the August 3 Jeter Promotions card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  No official word on why Jackson-Benson is off the card but injuries are not a factor.

The card now becomes "Double Trouble 2" with Jeter defending his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title and James Stevenson participating in a title contest.

Newby Wins Tough Unanimous Decision Over Cajigas!

"Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby won a tough four-round unanimous decision over a game PJ Cajigas.  Newby survived a first-round knockdown and came back to drop Cajigas with a right hand.

From there, the two fought gallantly until the bout was over.  The fight ended with a furious final 10 seconds.  Newby won by a 39-36 decision on all cards. Newby is now 8-0, four KO's while Cajigas is 0-2-1.

Intermission, followed by the co-feature, Mike Reed vs. Roberto Lopez.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)