Odom, Hawkins Hit Scales For Friday Nationally-Televised Bouts!

Beltway Boxers Jerry Odom and Malik Hawkins weighed in for their nationally-televised bouts that will take place tonight.

(Photo by Rosie Cohe/Showtime)

Odom weighed in at 167 1/2 pounds for his eight-round bout against Ronald Ellis at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. Ellis tipped the scales at 166 1/2 pounds.  The bout will be shown as part of the Showtime ShoBox card that will begin at 10 PM ET.

Hawkins tipped the scales at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds for his four-round contest against Cody Peterson at the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in Sloan, IA.  Peterson weighed 146 pounds.  This contest will open the CBS Sports Network telecast at 11PM ET.

Jeter Promotions Signs Undefeated Pennsylvania Boxer!

Beltway-based promotional company Jeter Promotions has signed undefeated York, PA welterweight Steve Weimer (left) to an exclusive promotional contract.   Jeter Promotions is headed by Tony "Mo Better" Jeter.

Weimer (9-0, two KO's) looks to return to the ring after an almost four-year hiatus.  During the time away from boxing, Weimer earned his degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from York College.

The 26-year-old Weimer had an amateur record of 105-31 and was a three-time Pennsylvania Junior Golden Gloves champion and also won a Pennsylvania open class Golden Gloves title.  He holds an amateur win over 140-pound contender Emmanuel Taylor and held his own in a fight with future U.S. Olympian Sadam Ali.

Weimer turned professional in 2008 with a third round stoppage over Spencer Harsley.  Weimer racked up those nine pro wins in a three and a half year run, before heading off to college.  One of those wins was a first-round TKO over Juan Thompson in September of 2008 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

"I know Jeter Promotions can get me to the top,"said Weimer.  I saw what Jeter Promotions did for Tony Jeter for his career and I know what Jeter Promotions can do for mine.  Combine all that with my ability and I know I will fight consistently.  With Jeter Promotions, I know I can get to the top and be in big fights.

"Jeter Promotions is excited to add Steve to our roster.  Jeter Promotions will do for him as it did for my career.  Jeter Promotions will build him to get him rated and I can see him being in a lot of big fights in the future and eventually win a world title, " Said Jeter.

Weimer will make his first appearance under the Jeter Promotions banner at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA on Saturday, April 9.

First Washington Golden Gloves Bouts Announced!

The Washington Golden Gloves get underway on Saturday, February 20 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Community Center in Palmer Park, MD.  There will be action in both the Junior and Novice Divisions and the first bout will begin at 7:30 PM. Here is the scheduled bout sheet:

Junior Division:

9-10, 60 Pounds (Championship): Cardarius Johnson (Headbangers) vs. Justin Johnson (Tony's Gym)

11, 65 Pounds (Championship): Jeramiah Jimason (Oxon Hill) vs. Kardan Chatman (No Xcuse)

9-10, 70 Pounds (Championship): Raynard Simon (Headbangers) vs. Nicem Somerville (Cherry Lane)

9-10, 75 Pounds: Marcell Steele (Unattached) vs. Joshua Briggs (Oxon Hill)

10, 75 Pounds: Damari Philson (No Xcuse) vs. Darnell Patterson (The Answer)

11-12, 75 Pounds: Jalen Garrett (Deanwood) vs. Qwantez Watkins (Dog Pound)

14-15, 85 Pounds: Joseph Gordan (Lyfestyle) vs. Ervin Canlas (No Xcuse)

Unopposed Champions:

9, 65 Pounds: Marcus Luther (Headbangers)

12-13, 65 Pounds: Jordan Roach (No Xcuse)

12, 85 Pounds: Anthony Wheeler (No Xcuse)

15-16, 85 Pounds: Nikko Williams (Headbangers)


Novice Division:

123 Pounds: Lorenzo Crawford (NOMIS) vs. Oscar Bonilla (Old School)

123 Pounds: Jacque Beale (Last Round) vs. Sang Kim (Unattached)

123 Pounds: Anthony Echols (Old School) vs. Jaiquan Johnson (Langdon)

123 Pounds: Jaqueem Hutcherson (Keystone) vs. Rapheal Proctor (NOMIS)

141 Pounds: Luis Martinez (Old School) vs. Trenton Smith (Tony's Gym)

141 Pounds: Sean Cormier (Kicked-Up) vs. Spencer Taylor (Champions)

141 Pounds: Ibrahim Toure (MVJ Athletics) vs. Tariq Harris (1st Class)

141 Pounds: Adonis Wilkins (MVJ Athletics) vs. Donnell Poe (Old School)

152 Pounds: Kalonni Daly (Sugar Ray Leonard) vs. Quinton Stevens (Headbangers)

152 Pounds: Felix Manzuetta (Dog Pound) vs. Camillus Santilful (St. John's)

152 Pounds: Steven Tran (Champions) vs. Mike Crain (Dog Pound)

152 Pounds: Steven Jackson (Hillcrest) vs. Davonte Warren (Odenton Fitness)

165 Pounds: Westley Best (Enigma) vs. Dwayne Wheeler (Benning Park)

165 Pounds: Victor Miles (Boxwob) vs. Alfred Williams (Unattached)

165 Pounds: Yohan Rezene (Switch Hitters) vs. Antonio Haywood (Hillcrest)

165 Pounds: Ashton Sykes (Switch Hitters) vs. Charles Thompson (Fighting For The Future)

165 Pounds: Champ Moultrie (Laurel) vs. Brandon Mullins (MVJ Athletics)

Brooklyn Boxing Website Profiles Baltimore's Calvin Ford and Waldorf's Mike Reed!

There are two very nice profiles on a website called Brooklyn Fights on one of the Beltway's top trainers -- Calvin Ford of the Upton Boxing Gym in Baltimore, MD -- and one of the Beltway's top boxers, Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed.

Xavier Porter writes solid pieces on both men and their continuing contributions to the Beltway scene.  Thank you so much, Xavier!

Here is the Ford story:   http://brooklynfights.com/boxer/coach-calvin-ford-the-mayor-of-baltimore-boxing/

And the Reed story can be found at this link:

http://brooklynfights.com/boxer/mike-reed-yes-indeed-im-ready/

Hawkins Battles Peterson February 19 in Iowa!

Undefeated Baltimore, MD super welterweight Malik "Iceman" Hawkins returns to action on Friday, February 19 when he takes on Cody Peterson of Liberty, Missouri in a four-round contest at the WinnaVegas Casino and Resort in Sloan, IA.

The last time Hawkins (5-0, four KO's) was in the ring was on December 12 when he won a four-round unanimous decision over Jose Valderrama at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore. . Peterson (1-0) made his pro debut on December 9 and won a four-round unanimous decision over Darin Hampton in Kansas City, MO.

The bout is part of a card in which bouts will be televised on the CBS Sports Network.  Reportedly, Hawkins's bout will make the telecast.  If that is the case, this will mean that there will be two Beltway Boxers on national TV on February 19. Jerry Odom will be in one of the bouts shown on Showtime that evening.

February 27 DC Card Is Now Complete!

The King's Promotions card on tap for Saturday, February 27 at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC is now complete as all slots have been filled.

The remaining bouts are as follows:

Undefeated Forestville, MD lightweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox will battle his most experienced foe to date as he battles Claudinei Lacerda of Sombrio, Brazil in a six-round contest.  Fox (8-0, two KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Adam Mate on December 4 in Fort Washington, MD.  Lacerda (17-13-1, 12 KO's) is a well-traveled veteran who will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak that includes an eight-round unanimous decision loss to Breidis Prescott on November 7 in Miami, FL.

Super lightweight Patrick Harris of Hyattsville, MD will try to remain undefeated when he faces Korey Sloane of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round contest.  Harris (7-0, four KO's) last fought on August 28 and won a six-round unanimous decision over Irvin Hernandez at the Convention Center.  Sloane (2-8-2) looks to bounce back from being knocked out in the third round by Carlos Rosario on September 19th in Chester, PA.

DC super lightweight Antonio "Teflon" Magruder returns to action for the first time in more than two years when he takes on Terrell James of Philadelphia, PA in a four-round affair.  Magruder (3-0, two KO's) last fought in October of 2013 and won a four-round unanimous decision over David Warren Huffman at the Convention Center.  James (1-2-1) was stopped in the third round in his last bout by Nathaniel Rivas in March of 2014 in Bethlehem, PA.

Nicholson To Face Kpadenou February 27 in DC!

Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson now has an opponent for the Saturday, February 27 card at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO's) will face Victor Kpadenou of Cotonou, Benin (10-10, five KO's) in a six-round bout that will be fought at a catchweight of 164 pounds.  Nicholson is coming off a first-round TKO win over Milton Nunez on October 17 in Fairfax, VA.  Kpadenou has traveled extensively throughout his career fighting in seven countries. Kpadenou last fought on January 22 and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Godson Noel in Philadelphia, PA.  However, Kpadenou has fought six times in 12-round bouts including one for the IBF International Super Welterweight title. Kpadenou lost that bout in August of 2005 by unanimous decision.

White Scores First-Round Knockout In Pennsylvania!

Washington, DC super bantamweight Jordan "Shortdog" White has scored a first-round knockout over Manuel "El Terco" Ruvalcaba of Mexico tonight at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA.

White scored the knockout at 1:24 of the round.  White is now 2-0, two KO's, both coming in the first round.  Ruvalcaba falls to 2-16.

February 27 DC Card Updated!

With all the news about what is going on in the Beltway region in March, we have to remember that we have a card late this month and it should be a good one.

We are talking about the King's Promotions card on Saturday, February 27 at the Washington Convention Center.  We've already told you about the main event which features the return of DC lightweight Ty Barnett taking on former world title contender Daniel "The Prophet" Attah in an eight-round contest.  We can also talk about other bouts added to the card.

In another eight-round contest, cruiserweight Jordan Shimmell of Hudsonville, MI will take on veteran Willis "The Prophet" Lockett of Takoma Park, MD.  Shimmell (19-1, 16 KO's) will look to bounce back from his first pro loss as he dropped a 10-round unanimous decision to Isiah Thomas for the vacant USBA Cruiserweight title on July 25 in Las Vegas, NV.  Lockett (14-15-5, five KO's) dropped a six-round unanimous decision to Ed Latimore on January 8 in Royal Oak, MI.

Capitol Heights, MD bantamweight Thomas "KO" Snow returns to action in a four-round bout against Stephon McIntyre of Jonesboro, GA.  Snow (18-2, 12 KO's) returned to action on December 4 on the last King's Promotions card in Fort Washington, MD and stopped Tibor Nadori in the second round.  McIntyre (2-18-2) just fought on February 6 and lost a six-round unanimous decision to Raeese Aleem in Dodge City, Kansas.

Fresh off his performance in the Michael and Son Super Bowl commercial where he gets knocked out by Mike Tyson, Greenbelt, MD cruiser "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed steps into a real ring to face Devon Mosley of Capitol Heights, MD in a four-round encounter.  Crossed (1-0, one KO) made his pro debut on the December 4 card in Fort Washington, MD and scored a first-round TKO over John Felty.  Mosley (0-4-1) is still in search of his first pro win.  Mosley was stopped in the first round by Hafiz Montgomery on November 20 in Philadelphia, PA.

Crofton, MD heavyweight Luther "Lights Out" Smith will be in a four-round contest against DC veteran Charlemagne Jones.  Smith (3-0, three KO's) has not needed to go past the first round in any of his pro bouts thus far. Smith stopped the debuting Malcolm Ware on November 14 in Springfield, VA.  Jones (2-4-1, two KO's) last fought on March 28 and was stopped in the first round by Mike Balogun.  Although Jones has only had eight pro bouts, he has fought sporadically since 1996.

Also, Youngstown, OH heavyweight Wesley Triplett (2-0, one KO) will face DC's Alando Pugh (1-6-1, one KO) in a four-rounder.  Triplett scored his first pro knockout with a first-round stoppage of Frank Barnes on April 18 in Campbell, OH.  Pugh will be trying to break a four-bout losing streak.

Boxers who are looking for bouts on this card include Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D' Best At It" Nicholson (15-1, 15 KO's), Forestville, MD lightweight Mykal "The Professor" Fox (8-0, two KO's),  Hyattsville, MD super lightweight Patrick Harris (7-0, four KO's) and DC super lightweight Antonio "Teflon" Magruder (3-0, two KO's).

White Weighs 120 For Four-Round Bout In Pennsylvania!

Jordan White tipped the scales at 120 pounds for his four-round contest with Manuel Rubalcava Tuesday night at the Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, PA.  Rubalcava weighed 119 pounds.

Thompson To Challenge Ortiz For Interim WBA Heavyweight Title March 5 At DC Armory!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson will get his third opportunity at a world title when he faces "The Real King Kong" Luis Ortiz of Miami, FL for Ortiz's Interim WBA Heavyweight title on Saturday, March 5 at the DC Armory. The bout will be the main event on an HBO Boxing After Dark telecast.

For the 44-year-old Thompson (40-6, 27 KO's), this will be the first time he steps into a Beltway ring since a knockout win over Brandon Cabell on January 26, 2006 in Glen Burnie, MD.  Thompson has fought in four states and five countries and has won four regional titles since that win and has challenged for world titles two previous times, losing to Wladimir Klitschko in 2008 and 2012 by knockout.

Ortiz (24-0, 21 KO's) is coming off his biggest win as a pro, knocking out Bryant Jennings in the seventh round on December 19 in Verona, NY.  Ortiz's performance made it difficult to find opponents to face him for this contest.  Five boxers turned the contest down flat and the most recent boxer -- Alexander Dimitrenko -- had agreed to the bout but then wanted more money and did not sign the contract.

There are three scheduled world titles on this card.  As originally announced, Jessie Vargas (26-1, nine KO's) and Sadam "World Kid" Ali (22-0, 13 KO's) will battle for the vacant WBO Welterweight title.  Also, Oscar Escandon (24-2, 16 KO's) will face Robinson Castellanos (23-11, 13 KO's) for the interim WBC Featherweight title.  Gary Russell, Jr. is still recovering from an injury and can't defend the title at this point.

As also mentioned earlier, Beltway prospects Lamont Roach, Jr., D'Mitrius "Big Meech" Ballard and Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. are all scheduled to appear on this card.

Four Beltway Boxers Bring National Silver Gloves Titles Home!

Four local amateurs captured National Silver Gloves championships in Independence, MO this past weekend.

Baltimore, MD's Lorenzo Simpson made history by winning his sixth straight national title in his sixth weight class.  Simpson captured the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 157-165 pound with a win over Alexsis Espino of Las Vegas, NV.  Only Nico Hernandez has won six consecutive titles and Simpson broke a tie with hall of famer Oscar De La Hoya and the Beltway's own Dominic Wade who both won five national Silver Gloves titles.

Three other Beltway Boxers won titles during the weekend.  Ragahleak Bartee of DC won his second straight national title defeating Randy Canaday of St. Louis, MO to capture the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 76-80 pound division.  Stacey Selby of DC won his second straight championship taking the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 113-119 pound class from Jose Ibarra of Shafter, CA.  Also, Jelani Hill of DC won the Boys Pee-Wee Open, 8-9, 86-90 pound division with a victory over Demarko McKinstry of Cincinnati, OH.

The DC/Baltimore contingent was part of Region 3 which stretched from Maryland to Florida.  Region 3 boxers won 14 national titles, giving the region its first team title in 20 years.

Beltway Boxing People Featured In Michael And Son Super Bowl Commercial With Mike Tyson!

If you've watched tonight's Super Bowl in the Beltway area, you probably saw an interesting ad for Michael & Son, the plumbing, electrical, heating and air conditioning company based in Alexandria, VA.

The ad features a number of Beltway Boxing people along with former undisputed heavyweight champion "Iron" Mike Tyson.  The ad stars Tyson's son, Amir facing Beltway rookie cruiserweight "The Vanilla Gorilla" Sam Crossed in the ring. The referee in the spot is our very own Brent Bovell and commentating from ringside is well known collegiate boxing coach Luke Runion.

The commercial was filmed at DC's Sphinx Club in January.

For those who missed it, here is the ad:



As a bonus, here is Tyson singing the Michael and Son jingle:

Seven Beltway Amateurs Advance To Finals of National Silver Glove Championships!

Seven local amateurs have moved into today's championship session of the National Silver Gloves Championships in Independence, MO.

Ragahleak Bartee of DC won his semifinal bout in the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 76-80 pound division, defeating Barrick Wilson of Cleveland, OH.  Bartee will face Randy Canaday, Jr. of St. Louis, MO in the finals.

DC's Stacey Selby advanced in the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 113-119 pound class with a victory over Lance Xiong of Hugo, MN.  Selby will meet Jose Ibarra of Shafter, CA in today's title bout.

In the heavyweight division, Dontae White of Parkville, MD won his bout in the Boys Junior Open, 14-15 class, defeating Shaquan Cox of Flint, MI.  White will take on Shohruhjon Murtazoev of Brooklyn, NY in the championship contest.

Benjamin Johnson of Silver Spring, MD defeated Bobbie Pettigrew of Brooklyn, NY to move into the finals of the Boys Bantam Open, 10-11, 76-80 pound class title bout.  Johnson will face Samuel Contreras of Palmdale, CA.

DC's Cardarius Johnson won his semifinal contest in the Boys Pee-Wee Open, 8-9, 51-55 pound division, defeating Lain Sellers of Lafayette, LA.  Johnson will take on Jair Aguilar of Las Vegas, NV in the finals.

Lorenzo Simpson of Baltimore, MD defeated Juan Vazquex of Omaha, NB in the semis of the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 157-165 pound class.  Simpson can make history as he goes for his sixth straight national title in his sixth weight class as he faces Alexsis Espino of Las Vegas today.

Jelani Hill of DC makes his first appearance in the Silver Gloves as he takes on Demarko McKinstry of Cincinnati, OH in the finals of the Boys Pee-Wee Open, 8-9, 86-90 pound division.

The competition will be streamed live for $9.99.  Go to this link to see the action:  http://www.ringside.com/ringside/live-stream

Eight Locals Advance In Silver Gloves National Championships!

On the first day of competition at the National Silver Gloves tournament in Independence, MO, eight Beltway amateurs advanced to the next round.

Cardarius Johnson of Washington, DC won his contest in the Boys Pee-Wee Open, 8-9, 51-55 pounds competition defeating Ryan Marti of Moscow Mills, MO.

Ragahleak Bartee of DC defeated Jovanny Aguilar of Las Vegas, NV in the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 76-80 pounds class.

Silver Spring, MD's Benjamin Johnson captured a win over Devin Skenadore of Keshena, WI in the Boys Bantam Open, 10-11, 76-80 pounds division.

DC's Stacey Selby won his bout in the Boys Intermediate Open, 12-13, 113-119 pound division defeating Javier Fernandez of San Antonio, TX.

Siete Shuler of Laurel, MD took his first round bout in the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 148-156 pound division with a win over Trenton Bailey of Louisville, KY.

Baltimore, MD's Lorenzo Simpson started his quest for a sixth straight National Silver Gloves title with a win over Leone Peters of Kashena, WI in the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 157-165 pound division.

Nasheed Smith of Washington, DC won his bout in the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 140-147 pound class, defeating Da'Velle Smith of Inkster, MI.

Malik Warren of Baltimore won his first bout in the Boys Junior Open, 14-15, 120-125 pound division defeating Pedro Parrilla of New York City.

Beltway Middleweight Division Elevates: Wade-Golovkin Set For April 23 In California; A. Douglas Battles Soliman, F. Guerrero Faces Harrison March 5 In Pennsylvania!

Twenty years ago, we had two middleweight champions from the Beltway -- Keith Holmes and William Joppy -- who were major parts in elevating the division.

Two decades later, two more local 160-pounders look to make their mark as they face big matches in the next two months.

First, the bout between Dominic "Lights Out" Wade of Largo, MD (18-0, 12 KO's) and fellow undefeated boxer and world champion "Triple G" Gennady Golovkin (34-0, 31 KO's) is a done deal and is set for Saturday, April 23 at the Forum in Inglewood, CA.  According to reports, the bout is for all of Golovkin's titles (WBA Super World Middleweight, IBF Middleweight, WBC Interim Middleweight and IBO Middleweight) and will be televised live on HBO.

However, before we even GET to April 23, we have to deal with Saturday, March 5, which now has become a HUGE night for the Beltway.

Not only do we have the Golden Boy Promotions card at the DC Armory that evening that will feature bouts televised by HBO, we now hear that on the VERY SAME NIGHT, Showtime will have a card that will feature undefeated Burke, VA middleweight and 2015 Beltway Boxing Co-Boxer of the Year Antoine "Action" Douglas in a 10-round bout against former world champion Sam Soliman of Melbourne, Australia at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA. This will be the first Showtime Championship Boxing card Douglas (19-0-1, 13 KO's) will appear on after five bouts on ShoBox.  Soliman (44-13, 18 KO's) will face a Beltway Boxer for the second straight time after losing a close 10-round split decision to Wade on June 26 in Shelton, WA.

And if that wasn't enough, ESPN.com's Dan Rafael is reporting that Fernando Guerrero of Los Angeles, CA by way of Salisbury, MD will take on Detroit, MI's Tony Harrison in a 10-round bout on that card.  Guerrero (28-3, 20 KO's) is coming off a seventh-round TKO win over Daniel Souza Santos on November 13 in Biloxi, MS.  Harrison (22-1, 18 KO's) bounced back from suffering his first pro loss with a 10-round unanimous decision win over Cecil McCalla on October 31 in Houston, TX.

Ring Announcer Jones Honored With February Events!

With February being African-American History Month, we have many people in the Beltway Boxing scene who have and continue to make history.

One such person is Beltway ring announcer Henry "Discombobulating" Jones -- The first prominent African-American ring announcer in professional boxing.  Not only is Jones being honored for that achievement, 2016 marks Jones's 25th anniversary as a ring announcer.

Both of these accomplishments will be celebrated at a special event that will take place on Saturday, February 13 at Takoma Station Tavern located at 6914 Fourth Street in Northwest Washington, DC. This will be a "Roast and Toast" that will go from 4-8 PM and will be hosted by "The Coach" Butch McAdams  of WOL radio.  Admission is free, however love offerings will be accepted at the door.

Then on Friday, February 19, Jones will be honored as part of a Black History Month Fight Night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.  Jones will be honored alongside New Jersey State Boxing Chairman Larry Hazzard, Sr. and former New York State Boxing Chair Melvina Latham.  This is the same card that Beltway Boxer Jerry Odom will face undefeated Ronald Ellis of Lynn, MA and will be televised by Showtime.

There will be a bus trip going to this event that will leave from Rosecroft Raceway, located at 6336 Rosecroft Drive in Oxon Hill, MD at 2 PM and will return at 6 AM the next day. Tickets are $80 which includes food and drink on the bus, a $20 voucher and a general admission ticket to the card.  Call (301) 841-5584 or (240) 350-4274 for more information.

Washington Golden Gloves Physicals and Registration Is February 6!

The final registration and physicals for the 2016 Washington Golden Gloves take place on Saturday, February 6 from 9 AM to noon at the Hillcrest Heights Bingo Hall located at 4104 23rd Parkway in Hillcrest Heights, MD.  Please be prompt.

A few items on interest:

Headgear will be worn throughout the competition.

Coaches:  Make sure all applications are legible.

Make sure the name of the boxing club, the coach's name and phone number are on the application.

Please circle male or female and novice, open or junior on the entry form.

A physical exam must be sent along with the entry form by February 6.

For more information on the entry form, call 301-843-6165.

The drawings/pairings for the first round of competition will be held the following Saturday, February 13 at the Hillcrest Heights Bingo Hall.  Competition gets underway on Saturday, February 20 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD and will continue every Saturday until March 19.

The Washington Finals will be held at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD on Saturday, April 2 and the Regional Golden Gloves will be held on Saturday, April 30 at Rosecroft.

Quarles Travels To Roanoke, VA For Six-Round Contest February 6!

Alexandria, VA middleweight "The Pride of Alexandria" Brandon Quarles returns to action in a six-round contest against veteran Marcos "The Terminator" Primera on Saturday, February 6 in Salem, VA.

Quarles (17-3-1, nine KO's) last fought on October 23 and scored a sixth-round TKO over Dennis Sharpe on October 23 in Washington, DC.  Primera (20-33-3, 13 KO's) has fought quality competition throughout his career including former world champions Austin Trout, Jermain Taylor and Luis Collazo.

Emil Baku, Former Beltway Boxer, Passes!

Sad news on the Beltway Boxing scene.  Former Beltway middleweight Emil Baku passed away on January 18 after a long bout with cancer.  Baku was 43 years old.

Mr. Baku, born Emil Israfilbekov, was born in Baku, Azerbaijan and, along with his younger brother, Rufat, had solid amateur careers in the former Soviet Union before receiving political asylum in the US.

Mr. Baku (22-2, 17 KO's) competed as a middleweight from 1995-2003 and, at one time, was one of the top middleweights in the United States, ranked number 12 by the USBA.

In 2012, Mr. Baku was diagnosed with stage four Glioblastoma Astrocytoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.  When BATB wrote about this situation in March of 2014, his condition had worsened and he was given only two months to live.  Mr. Baku sought and received aggressive treatment in Brazil until he could not battle the disease any longer.

The funeral services for Baku will be held on Saturday, February 6 at Druid Ridge Cemetery located at 7900 Park Heights Avenue in Baltimore.  The services begin at noon.

Emil Baku was a fun boxer to watch and was a fixture on cards throughout Maryland who defeated the likes of Beltway Boxers Darryl Lattimore and Kenny Blackston during his career. BATB sends its deepest condolences to the Baku/Israfilbekov family and all who knew and worked with them.