Monday, March 31, 2008

Samuel, Snow Speak on Featherweight Title Bout!

In these exclusive BATB interviews, Tyrell Samuel and Thomas Snow give their thoughts on this Thursday's Maryland State Featherweight title bout at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #104 - Tyrell Samuel Focuses on Featherweight Title Clash!

Baltimore featherweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel (9-2, five KO's) discusses his April 3 Maryland State Featherweight title clash with Thomas "KO" Snow!





Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #103 - Thomas Snow Talks Title Clash!

Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight Thomas "KO" Snow (10-0, eight KO's) talks about his upcoming bout with Tyrell "Da Show Shock A" Samuel for the vacant Maryland State Featherweight title at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD!

Sunday, March 30, 2008

New Beltway Boxing Poll: Who Will Win the Maryland State Featherweight Title?

As you know by now, we have a big bout coming up this week. The Maryland State Featherweight title is on the line on Thursday, April 3 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD as undefeated Thomas "KO" Snow of Capitol Heights (10-0, eight KO's) battles Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel of Baltimore (9-2, five KO's).

So the poll is simple: In your opinion, who will win the bout?

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Washington Golden Gloves Champions Crowned in Waldorf!

In front of a standing-room only crowd at the Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, MD, 20 new Washington Golden Gloves Champions were crowned. There were many quality performances but some just plain stood out.

In the Open Division, Thomas Williams of the Charles Mooney Academy of Boxing won the 178-pound division by stopping David Churchwell of Olympia Boxing in the third round. Williams was incredibly accurate, forcing two standing eight counts during the bout.

Also in the Open Heavyweight division, Club One's Nick Kisner won a decision over Main Street's Alex Guerrero for the second straight time. Kisner won the last outing back in January at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD, but did not look as strong as he did in this outing. Kisner's still herky-jerky with his style, but he fought with a lot more purpose this time out and seemed to take this contest a lot more seriously.

In the bout of the night, Marquis Moore of Nomis Boxing won a tough decision over Kevin Womack of Upton in the 141-pound division. Moore came out blazing in the first round and he landed some bruising body shots, but Womack used his jab effectively in round two. Moore was just a little more accurate throughout but both men had the crowd on their feet when the bout was over.

In other Open Results:

125-pound division: Traon Bynum (Headbangers) dec. Donnell Miller (unattached)

152-pound division: David Grayton (Nomis) dec. James Stevenson (Baltimore Amateur Association)

165-pound division: Jarrett Hurd (Hillcrest) dec. Antonio Walls (Nomis)

Kevin Rivers (Headbangers - 119 pounds), Renaldo Gaines (Headbangers- 132 pounds) and Andrew Jackson (Nomis- Super Heavyweight) all won by walkover when their opponents did not show for the event.


In the Novice Division, Charles Dobbins of Club One won the 141-pound division, when the corner of his opponent, Debsainta Glasaco of Charm City, threw in the towel during the second round.

In the heavyweight division, Joe Liles of Charles Mooney Academy of Boxing won a spirited decision over Charles Johnson, Jr of Sugar Ray Leonard Center. Joel Young of the Mooney Academy won a solid decision over Tavrean Venable of Headbangers in the 132-pound class.

Other Novice Division Results:

119-pound division: Erick Cruz (Limelight) dec. Angello Rector (Sugar Ray Leonard Center)

125-pound division: Andre Morgan (Round One) dec. Joseph Rector (Sugar Ray Leonard Gym)

152-pound division: Damien Butler (Round One) dec. Kevin Borders (Old School Boxing)

165-pound division: Eric Govan (Laurel) dec. Jean Baptiste (Headbangers)

Super Heavyweight division: Bernard Adams (Brooklyn Boxing) dec. Clinton Price (Midtown Youth Academy)

Manuel Ramos (Olympia) won by walkover when Jamaul Silver (Sugar Ray Leonard Center)was unable to participate.

Tonight's winners advance to the regional championships on Friday, April 11 back in Waldorf.


RANDOM SIGHTINGS AND NEWS:

The only information I have on boxers who could not participate in this event is on super heavyweight Aboudurin Akinyanju of the Sugar Ray Leonard Gym. Akinyanju suffered a cut over his left eye during sparring and was pulled out of the event.

It was great to see a number of past and present Beltway Boxers in attendance at this event. Saw such legendary figures as Darryll "Terrible T" Tyson, Andrew Council "Of War", Marion "Jackhammer" Wilson, Lamont "Bay" Pearson and Kenny "Phone Booth" Blackston.

Also in attendance were former national Golden Glove champions The Undefeated Peterson Brothers as well as Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson, Ty Barnett, Fernando Guerrero and Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow. Guerrero and Nicklow were actually working corners tonight as Fernando was in his brother Alex's corner and Nicklow worked with Bernard Adams of Brooklyn Boxing.

Speaking of Guerrero, he snuck in another bout on his schedule as he fought last night in South Carolina and won by a first-round knockout. The bout happened so quickly apparently, that Guerrero didn't remember his opponent's name. Guerrero is now 4-0, four KO's with his last three coming in the first round.

Guerrero is still a part of the April 9 show in Augusta, Georgia; as is Ty Barnett, who assured me that he WILL be on ESPN2's televised portion of that card. By the way, you will never see me spell Ty Barnett's name with an e on the end. Barnett has set me straight about the spelling of his name. Now I have to inform Boxrec.

Here are a couple of cards to keep in the future file. Keystone Boxing will be putting on a card on Saturday, May 3 at the District Heights Municipal Center located at 2000 Marbury Drive in District Heights, MD. Right now, scheduled to appear on this card are undefeated DC light heavyweight Reginald Taylor, Laurel, MD welterweight Norman Allen and DC junior middleweight Kendrick Walker. Also, two boxers will make pro debuts on this card -- Hyattsville, MD junior lightweight Lawrence Martin and cruiserweight Robert McConnell, Jr. of Upper Marlboro, MD.


The other card will not take place until September 27, but the reason for the card is what makes this one special and the reason why I mention it so soon. This will be an amateur card called the "Fight For Life" and the proceeds will go towards raising money to fight Breast Cancer. According to recent research, one out of 100 breast cancers occurs in a male (just ask the original "Shaft", Richard Roundtree).

The card will be held at the Ellen Linson Pool/Wells Ice Rink located on 5211 Paint Branch Parkway in College Park, MD. The proceeds will go to the S. Nikki Harrison Cancer Awareness Center. Ms. Harrison passed away after a bout with breast cancer and she is the sister of the event organizer, Tamara McKinney. Tickets for the event cost $25. Contact Ms. McKinney at 301-306-0705 for further details on tickets or if you would like to help sponsor this event.

Friday, March 28, 2008

'The Warrior' Orji Battles in Chicago April 11!

Another one of the Beltway's Rookie Class of 2008 will try to continue his winning ways on Friday, April 11. Laurel, MD super featherweight Ikem "The Warrior" Orji will travel to the Odeum Sports and Expo Center in Villa Park (near Chicago), IL.

Orji (1-0, one KO) will face the debuting Juan Gonzalez of Chicago in a four-round contest. Orji made his pro debut on November 9, 2007 (just past the 2007 rookie cutoff) at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD and scored a second round TKO over Jemal Tribbets of Philadelphia.

Orji will be the fourth member of the 2008 rookie class scheduled to box in the next five weeks. Seth Mitchell fought to a draw last Saturday. Mark Tucker is scheduled to fight in Florida on April 4, and Fernando Guerrero will be in Augusta on April 9. So far, all are undefeated.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Thompson FINALLY Gets World Title Shot!!

The wait is over for DC's Tony "The Tiger" Thompson!

The WBO's number-one ranked heavyweight will finally get his world title shot in July when he faces WBO/IBF/IBO champion Wladimir Klitschko in Germany.

The winner of the bout will have an immediate mandatory against the IBF's number one challenger, undefeated Alexander Povetkin.

Barnette, Guerrero Appear on April 9 Card in Augusta, GA!

Undefeated Beltway Boxers Ty Barnette and Fernando Guerrero will box in separate bouts on a Wednesday, April 9 card at the Bell Auditorium in Augusta, GA.

DC super lightweight Barnette (13-0-1, nine KO's) will take on Christopher "Kid Kayo" Fernandez of Salt Lake City, UT (15-4, nine KO's) in an eight-round co-feature bout. Barnette won a six-round unanimous decision over veteran John Brown in his last outing on January 26 in Tunica, MS. Fernandez is coming off a third-round TKO over Donnell Logan on December 15 in Salt Lake City. Barnette also scored a third-round TKO over Logan in October of 2007.

Salisbury, MD super middleweight Guerrero (3-0, three KO's) will be looking to keep his winning and knockout streak alive as he faces Valentino Jalomo of Dumas, TX (2-2-1) in a four-round encounter. Guerrero scored his second straight first-round knockout over Anthony Adams on March 1 in Tunica. Jalomo will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak, both losses coming against Craig McEwan; the last one coming by fourth-round TKO in July of 2007.

There is a possibility that one or both of these bouts may end up on national TV on April 9. The main event on this card -- a 12-round IBF/WBO title eliminator between undefeated flyweight and Augusta native Rayonta Whitfield and Manuel Vargas -- will be the main event on the season premiere of ESPN2's Wednesday Night Fights. As already noted, Barnette is in the co-feature, so it is very possible he will be shown. If the main event doesn't go the distance, Guerrero could get some air time also. Once I find out for sure, I will let you know.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Bouts Announced for Washington Golden Gloves Finals!

The bouts have been announced for the Washington Golden Gloves Championship Finals that will take place this Friday, March 28 at the Greater Waldorf Jaycees Community Center in Waldorf, MD.

There are 20 bouts scheduled for this card, ranging from 100 pounds to the superheavyweight division. Here is the lineup:

Junior Division, 13-14, 100 pounds: Dusty Harrison (Old School) vs. Brandon Patterson (Charles Mooney Academy of Boxing)

Novice Division - female special attraction, 185 pounds: Estelle Brown (Books and Boxing) vs. Tori Nelson (Old School)

Novice Division

119 pounds: Erick Cruz (Limelight) vs. Angelo Rector (Sugar Ray Leonard Center)

125 pounds: Joseph Rector (SRL Center) vs. Andre Morgan (Round One)

132 pounds: Tavrean Venable (Headbangers) vs. Joel Young (Charles Mooney Academy)

141 pounds: Debsainta Glasaco (Charm City) vs. Charles Dobbins (Club One)

152 pounds: Kevin Borders (Old School) vs. Damien Butler (Round One)

165 pounds: Eric Govan (Laurel) vs. Jean Baptiste (Headbangers)

178 pounds: Jamaul Silvera (SRL Center) vs. Manuel Ramos (Olympia)

Heavyweight: Charles Johnson, Jr. (SRL Center) vs. Joe Liles (Charles Mooney Academy)

Super Heavyweight: Clinton Price (Midtown) vs. Bernard Adams (Brooklyn)


Open Division

119 pounds: Kevin Rivers (Headbangers) vs. Jeremy Miller (Baltimore Boxing)

125 pounds: Traon Bynum (Headbangers) vs. Donnell Miller (unattatched)

132 pounds: Douglas Greene (Club One) vs. Renaldo Gaines (Headbangers)

141 pounds: Kevin Womack (Upton) vs. Marquis Moore (Nomis)

152 pounds: James Stevenson (B.A.A) vs. David Grayton (Nomis)

165 pounds: Antonio Walls (Nomis) vs. Jarrett Hurd (Hillcrest Gym)

178 pounds: David Churchwell (Olympia) vs. Thomas Williams (Charles Mooney Academy)

Heavyweight: Nick Kisner (Club One) vs. Alex Guerrero (Main Street Gym)

Super Heavyweight: Abodurin Akinyanju (SRL Center) vs. Andrew Jackson (Nomis)


The winners from this event advance to the regional championships that will also be held in Waldorf on Friday, April 11.

The first bout for this event will take place at 8 PM. There will also be a tribute to the legendary Truman Tuttle during this event. For ticket information, call 301-843-6165.

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Mitchell Draws in California!

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell battled to a four-round split-decision draw against fellow undefeated boxer and last-minute sub Alvaro Morales of Las Vegas last night in Cabazon, CA. Mitchell fought in a swing bout after the Joel Casamayor - Michael Katsidis tussle.

According to onlookers I have talked to, Mitchell fought well on the outside but, at times, let Morales perform well on the inside.

With the draw, Mitchell is now 2-0-1, one KO. Morales, who won a bout seven days ago in Ontario, CA, is now 2-0-4.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

'Mayhem' Mitchell Tips the Scales in California; Opponent Doesn't Show

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell weighed in at 242 pounds for his bout tomorrow night in Cabazon, CA. However, Mitchell's scheduled opponent, Tony Sanchez, did not show at the weigh-in and on the Scale Watch, the dreaded "TBA" was listed.

So either Mitchell's opponent will show up early tomorrow or Sanchez was taken off the card earlier in the week and will be replaced by someone else. We'll keep you posted.

Friday, March 21, 2008

Anthony Peterson Serves As In-Studio Guest on 'Friday Night Fights'!

DC's own Anthony Peterson will be the in-studio guest on tonight's edition of ESPN2's "Friday Night Fights."

More than likely, Peterson (26-0, 19 KO's) will be asked to analyze tomorrow night's Michael Katsidis-Joel Casamayor bout, a bout that has a lot of meaning to Peterson, who is ranked number one by the WBO.

'TNT' Tucker Battles in Florida April 4!

Eldersburg, MD rookie light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker will be back in action on Friday, April 4 at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, FL against an opponent to be named later. Tucker (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut in impressive fashion with a first-round stoppage over Walter Edwards on February 29 in Pikesville, MD.

Tucker is currently training in Florida and he is not only preparing for his bout, but he is also the primary sparring partner for former IBF Light Heavyweight champ Glen Johnson as Johnson gets ready for his April 12 bout against current WBC Light Heavyweight titleholder Chad Dawson in Tampa.

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Ringside Report Gives Interesting Take on Tony Thompson!

I ask you to hit the link and read the following article very carefully. Ringside Report.com staff writer Chris Thompson (no relation) gives a very interesting take on DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson, while giving five ways on how Thompson can get on the track to a world championship.

The article "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Champions," can be found here:

"http://ringsidereport.com/rsr/news.php?readmore=1981">

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Seth Mitchell Battles in California This Saturday!

Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell will be back in action on Saturday, March 22 at the Morongo Casino Resort and Spa in Cabazon, CA. Mitchell (2-0, one KO) will take on Tony Sanchez of Riverside, CA (0-1) in a four-round bout.

The bout will be on the undercard of the Joel Casamayor-Michael Katsidis card and this will be Mitchell's first exposure on the west coast.

Update on April 12 Richmond, VA Card!

There have been a number of naysayers floating around the Saturday, April 12 boxing card at the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, VA. Well as of now, this card is taking place and a number of Beltway Boxers will figure prominently on the show.

The co-feature contest will be a 10-round contest for the USBA Regional Lightweight title between Alexandria, VA's Jamie "The Punisher" Palma and Lenny "Hitman" DeVictoria of Philadelphia. Palma (13-10-1, three KO's) will try to keep his six-bout winning streak alive against a very tough opponent in DeVictoria (11-10, three KO's).

Super Bantamweight Clarence "Untouchable" Vinson of DC is also slated to return as he competes in a scheduled 10-round bout against LeShaun "Li'l Bossman" Blair of Knoxville, TN. Vinson (16-2, seven KO's) has not fought since his 10-round unanimous decision victory over Robert DeLuz on June 23 at Howard University in DC. Blair (3-16) has lost 10 in a row.

Undefeated Arlington junior welterweight Bayan Jargal (5-0-1, three KO's) will be in a six-round contest against DC's Pernell Jackson (1-3-1, one KO) who will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak.

Charlottsville, VA's George "Wartime" Rivera also returns in a scheduled six-round junior middleweight contest against Rodney Green of Wilson, NC. Rivera (8-1, three KO's) fought this past Saturday in Richmond, VA and won a four-round unanimous decision over Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor. Green (6-4-1, two KO's) won a six-round unanimous decision over Larry Brothers on November 17 in his hometown of Wilson. The bout was Green's first in nearly a year.

Brothers (7-29-3, five KO's) is slated to be on this card as he battles Ike Ezeji of The Bronx, NY (7-15-1, two KO's) in a four-round contest. Brothers could actually give some good insight on the Rivera-Green matchup as his last two losses came in unanimous decisions against both men. Both Brothers and Ekeji will be looking to break losing streaks; Brothers has lost five in a row and 14 of his last 15. Ezeji, a native of Nigeria, has dropped nine in a row and hasn't fought since April of 2006.

Also on the card, Gaithersburg, MD's Calvin Riley will look to right his fortunes as he faces Chris Thomas of Richmond in a six-round cruiserweight contest. Riley (1-2, one KO) lost his last two bouts, both to Willis Lockett. Thomas, a native of DC (8-1, four KO's), has not fought since March of 2005 when he stopped Gary Lavender in Greensboro, NC.

The main event for this card will be an eight-round matchup for the NABF Female Middleweight title as "The Coal Miner's Daughter" Christy Martin of Orlando, FL (47-5-2, 31 KO's) will take on Bonnie Mann of Raleigh, NC (11-8, four KO's). Another co-feature bout has welterweight Hector Camacho, Jr. (44-3-1, 25 KO's) battling Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc of Boston, MA (11-14-4, three KO's) in an eight-round contest. Another son of a famous fighter, lightweight Tim Witherspoon, Jr. (0-1) will be looking for his first pro victory when he faces Jose Guzman of The Bronx (1-3-1) in a four-rounder. Witherspoon made his pro debut in September 2005 and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Tyrell Samuel.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Wilson Wins By Sixth-Round TKO; McCombs-Seal Bout Called Off!

Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson scored a sixth-round TKO over Robert Marsh last night at the "Combat Sports Challenge" at Toad's Place in Richmond, VA.

Reportedly, Wilson knocked Marsh down three times during the contest. Wilson's record is 23-6-3, 20 KO's while Marsh falls to 10-45-3, four KO's. As you may have guessed, there was a lot of urgency to put this particular bout on. I'm hearing rumors that there are big plans in store for Wilson in the very near future but in order for those plans to take place, Wilson had to have a win in this bout.

The bout between Richard McCombs and Adam Seal was called off when McCombs became ill shortly after his visit with the doctor.

Robles Loses by TKO; Rivera Wins by Decision in Allentown!

Details are sketchy, but we have learned that "JC Superstar" Juan Carlos Robles was stopped in the eighth round by Rob Calloway in his try for the WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight title last night in Allentown, PA. It is the first loss for Robles and he is now 9-1, four KO's. Calloway's record rises to 69-7-1, 55 KO's.

The co-feature saw George "War Time" Rivera win a four-round unanimous decision over Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor to bring his record to 8-1, three KO's. Taylor's record is now 12-14-2, six KO's.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Robles, Rivera Tip Scales in Allentown!

Undefeated Waynesboro, VA cruiserweight "JC Superstar" Juan Carlos Robles weighed in at 199 1/4 for his WBC Continental Americas title bout with champion "The All-American Prizefighter" Rob Calloway that will take place tonight at the Days Inn in Allentown, PA. Calloway came in at 198 pounds.

Charlottsville, VA's George "War Time" Rivera (7-1, three KO's) is also on the card as he takes on veteran Clarence "Sonny Bono" Taylor of Wilmington, DE (12-13-2, six KO's) in a four-round bout. Both men weighed in at 154 pounds for that bout.

Mayes Loses by Decision in Rhode Island!

Baltimore light heavyweight Henry "Hurricane" Mayes lost a six-round unanimous decision to Joe Spina last night in Lincoln, RI. Two judges scored the bout 58-56 while one had it 59-55.

Mayes's record falls to 6-5-1, four KO's while Spina is now 21-1-1, 15 KO's.

Taylor Falls at Future Stars!

Emmanuel Taylor of Edgewood, MD lost a close 9-7 decision to Dan O'Connor of Framingham, MA in the 141-pound championship bout at the US Future Stars National Championships in Colorado Springs, CO.

Taylor was the only male Beltway amateur to reach the championship round.

Friday, March 14, 2008

Crews Wins Fourth National Title!

Franchon Crews has done it again! The 154-pounder from Baltimore has won her fourth national title at the US Future Stars tournament in Colorado Springs, CO.

Crews won a decision over Grace Parks of Bellingham, WA by the score of 8-3.

This is Crews's first title at 154 pounds. Her three previous titles came at 160.

On Friday, Emmanuel Taylor of Edgewood, MD will try for a national title against Dan O'Connor of Framingham, MA.

Wilson-Marsh Moves To Richmond This Saturday!

The matchup between Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson and Robert Marsh of Hickory, NC that was originally slated for last Saturday in Dulles, VA will now take place at Toad's Place in Richmond, VA on Saturday, March 15.

The bout will be part of the boxing portion of the 24th edition of the "Combat Sports Challenge" called "The Proving Ground." This will be a night of pro boxing as well as pro and amateur Mixed Martial Arts.

The other boxing bout of interest to Beltway fans marks the return of DC light heavyweight Richard "The Thin Man" McCombs as he takes on Caroline, VA's Adam "The Real Deal" Seal. McCombs (1-2, one KO), a cousin of former WBC Welterweight champion Maurice Blocker, has not fought since April of 2002 while Seal (2-1, one KO) will be trying to bounce back from a shocking third-round KO loss to William Bailey in February of 2007.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Taylor Advances to Future Star Finals!

Edgewood, MD 141-pounder Emmanuel Taylor won his semi-final match at the US Future Stars Tournament in Colorado Springs, CO.

Taylor defeated Charles Watson of Johnson City, TN, 14-7. Taylor will meet Dan O'Connor of Framingham, MA in the championship bout.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Crews Advances To Final!

Franchon Crews is one bout away from another national title.

At the US Future Stars tournament in Colorado Springs, Crews won her semi-final bout in the 154-pound division, defeating Lisa Kuronya of Portland, Mass, 30-27. Crews will take on Grace Parks of Bellingham, WA in the final.

In another semi-final bout, Baltimore's Gina D'Andrea lost to San Diego's Amaris Quintana in a 110-pound bout, 27-9.

Taylor Advances to Semis at US Future Stars!

Edgewood, MD 141-pounder Emmanuel Taylor has advanced to the semi-finals at the US Future Stars in Colorado Springs, CO. Taylor stopped Adrian Granados of North Riverside, IL at 1:28 of the third round.

Baltimore, MD 125-pounder Glenn Dezum was eliminated in the quarterfinals, losing a close 13-11 decision to Lesley Walker of Las Vegas.

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Crews Wins During Tough Day for Beltway in Colorado!

First,the good news from the US Future Stars National Championships in Colorado Springs, CO. Baltimore's Franchon Crews won her first bout in the tournament today, defeating Maria Torres of Norfolk, NE, 25-15. Crews, who won three national titles at middleweight, is now fighting down a weight class at 154 pounds.

The Beltway did suffer two losses today as Laurel, MD's Thomas Williams and Baltimore's Tavon Sol lost their quarterfinal matchups. Williams lost to Dorian Anthony of Lynwood, CA, 9-7. Sol was defeated by Andrew Shepard of Fort Carson, CO, 22-3.

Emmanuel Taylor and Glenn Dezum participate in their quarterfinal bouts later this evening.

Dezum, Taylor Advance; Wade Falls at Future Stars!

During tonight's evening session of the US Future Stars National Championships in Colorado Springs, CO, two Beltway amateurs advanced.

In the 125-pound division, Glenn Dezum of Baltimore stopped David Green of Monroe, LA in the first round. Also, Emmanuel Taylor of Edgewood, MD defeated Ronnie Reams of Colorado Springs by decision, 20-13.

But in the 165-pound division, Dominic Wade of Largo, MD lost by decision to Luis Arias of Milwaukee, WI, 19-12.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Smith, Faggins Lose in Caymans!

Luther "Sugarman" Smith and Calvin "Pekoe" Faggins both lost by knockout this past Saturday in the Cayman Islands. Smith (22-7-2, 12 KO's) was stopped by Charles Whittaker in the first round while Faggins (3-4-1, one KO) lost to Mario Galan in the second round.

One other note, "Money" Mike Sawyer who serves as the manager for both Smith and Faggins, also worked the corner of New York fighter Anthony Osbourne in his 10-round unanimous decision win over 60-year-old former world champion Saoul Mamby, who started his career during the Nixon Administration and won his WBC Junior Welterweight title when Jimmy Carter was President.

Williams, Sol Advance at US Future Stars!

Laurel, MD 178-pounder Thomas Williams advanced to the next round of competition at the US Future Stars National Amateur Championships via walkover over Siji Shabazz of Las Cruces, NM.

Baltimore, MD 201+ pounder Tavon Sol won his first bout by a 23-13 decision over J'Von Wallace of Fort Worth, TX.

The Beltway area saw its first defeat of the tournament when Kevin Rivers of Oxon Hill, MD lost to Paul Romero of Phoenix, AZ in the first round of the 119-pound bracket.

Beltway amateurs Emmanuel Taylor, Dominic Wade and Glenn Dezum are scheduled to compete in tonight's evening session.

Williams Wins First-Round Bout at US Future Stars!

Laurel, MD 178-pounder Thomas Williams won his first-round contest at the US Future Stars National Championships in Colorado Springs, CO.

Williams, the son of former Beltway heavyweight contender Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, defeated Jerry Martin of Norfolk, VA 14-5 in his opening bout. No other Beltway amateurs were scheduled to compete on this, the first day of competition.

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Baltimore Boxing Announces Next Amateur and Pro Cards!

Baltimore Boxing Promotions has two cards coming up in the next two months at the Pikesville National Guard Armory.

On Saturday, March 29, it will be an all-amateur card that is slated to feature the return of Hasim Rahman, Jr. to Baltimore. Also scheduled for the card will be Jeremy Miller and Dusty Harrison.

The next pro card will be on Friday, April 18. Undefeated Baltimore middleweight Jesse "The Beast" Nicklow is slated to headline in an eight-round contest against veteran Chad "Taz" Greenleaf of Parkesburg, WVA. There are two other matchups already set up. Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams will battle New Castle, DE's Richard Stewart in an eight-round rematch, this time for the East Coast Championship. Also undefeated Montgomery, AL super middleweight John "No Mercy" Mackey will take on William Prieto of Lorain, OH in an eight-round bout.

Also slated for this card are Beltway Boxers Tony "Mo Better" Jeter, Shelly Seivert, Mark "TNT" Tucker, Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier and the return of "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich.

Dulles Boxing Card Called Off!

Tonight's "Law and DisOrder" card at the All Star Legacy Gym in Dulles, VA had to be called off. Emergency Medical Technicians have to be at all boxing events and, unfortunately, no EMT's arrived at tonight's card.

The postponed card has a tentative reschedule date of Saturday, March 29. If you have tickets for tonight's card, they will be honored on the 29th.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Weights for Tonight in Dulles!

Here is the scale watch for tonight's "Law and DisOrder" After Shock Events card at the All Star Legacy Gym in Dulles, VA:

Darnell Wilson 210 pounds vs. Robert Marsh 210

Derek Amos 208 vs. Adam Harris 197 1/2

Tracey Brewer 162 vs. Patrick Bozeman 171 1/2

Dana Dunston 199 1/2 vs. Kenneth Farr 201 1/2

Andre Nichols 122 vs. Jhovany Collado 123

Davii Otgonbayar 199 vs. Steve Reid 192

It looks like Bayan Jargal's bout may not take place. Jargal's opponent, Jason Jordan, did not appear at today's weigh-in.

Major Main Event in the Ballroom April 3!

The main event for the next Ballroom Boxing card on Thursday, April 3 at Michael's Eighth Avenue in Glen Burnie, MD has been announced and folks, I hope you are all strapped in for this one.

Baltimore's Tyrell "Da Show Shock'a" Samuel will battle Thomas "KO" Snow of Capitol Heights in a 10-round bout for the Maryland State Featherweight Title!

This is a bout that has been discussed off and on for at least a year. In fact, in a Beltway Boxing poll in early 2007 that asked what bout did Beltway Boxing fans most want to see, this bout placed third behind Anthony Peterson-Dorin Spivey and Darnell Wilson - Emmanuel Nwodo (which, of course, actually did take place).

There were those who believed that a bout between these two talented prospects was happening too soon. Quite frankly, I was in that camp at one point.

But the two straight losses that Samuel (9-2, five KO's) suffered in his last two fights (including a fourth-round TKO loss to Eric Hernandez in his last Ballroom appearance almost a year ago), coupled with the many negative comments that Snow (10-0, eight KO's) seems to receive about the competition he has faced in his career make this bout a viable and somewhat necessary contest and a true Beltway Bout of the Year candidate.

Neither man has gone 10 rounds in their careers. Snow once went nine rounds with veteran Mike Salyers in December of 2006 and Samuel went eight rounds in a nationally televised loss to Eric Hunter in his last outing on August 3.

We will talk more about this bout in the weeks to come!

Friday, March 07, 2008

Smith, Faggins On the Scale in the Cayman Islands!

DC junior middleweight Luther "Sugarman" Smith weighed in at 154 1/2 for his scheduled 10-round bout with Charles Whittaker tomorrow in the Cayman Islands. Whittaker tipped the scales at 155 1/2.

Alexandria, VA featherweight Calvin "Pekoe" Faggins weighed in at 135 pounds and his opponent, Mario Galan weighted in at 136 1/2.

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Beltway Amateurs Win Gold at Arnold Sports Festival!

Twelve Beltway Amateurs won gold medals at the recent Arnold Sports Festival this past weekend in Columbus, OH.

The Arnold Festival, named after the current Governor of California (you know who) is a three day event that features a number of sports including boxing.

Congratulations to the following young Beltway Boxers who won gold medals:

Jerome Williams, Washington, DC -- 9/10 age group, 50 pounds

Jordan White, Waldorf, MD -- 9/10 age group, 65 pounds

Gary Antwaan Russell, Capitol Heights, MD -- 11/12 age group, 80 pounds

Kareem Martin, Clinton, MD -- 11/12 age group, 119 pounds

Richard Simon, Clinton, MD -- 11/12 age group, 125 pounds

Romello Webster, Washington, DC -- 13/14 age group, 101 pounds

Preston Holmes, Oxon Hill, MD -- 13/14 age group, 132 pounds

Antonio Russ, Capitol Heights, MD -- 15/16 age group, 101 pounds

Antonio Magruder, Suitland, MD -- 15/16 age group, 114 pounds

Kristian Harris, Fort Washington, MD -- 15/16 age group, 119 pounds

Kevin Ecke, Hagerstown, MD -- 15/16 age group, 138 pounds

Marquis Moore, Fort Washington, MD -- Open, 141 pounds


Also, Hasim Rahman, Jr., now fighting out of Las Vegas, NV, won the gold in the 15/16 age group, 201 pound division.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Staunton News Leader Profiles 'JC Superstar!'

The Staunton (VA) News Leader has a profile of undefeated cruiserweight "JC Superstar" Juan Carlos Robles as he gets ready for his Saturday, March 15 bout against Rob Calloway for Calloway's WBC Continental Americas Cruiserweight championship in Allentown, PA. The profile is written by Shaun Cox.


Here's the link:

"http://www.newsleader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080304/SPORTS/80304007/1006">

Breaking News! Darnell Wilson Added to March 8 Card in Dulles, VA!

Takoma Park, MD cruiserweight Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson has just been added to this Saturday's After Shock Events card at the All Star Legacy Gym in Dulles, VA! Wilson (22-6-3, 19 KO's) will take on Robert Marsh of Hickory, NC (10-44-3, four KO's) in a special six-round attraction on this card. Marsh has fought the likes of current IBF Cruiserweight champ Steve Cunningham as well as Jaidon Codrington, Robert Allen and Prince Badi Ajamu during his career.

Tickets for the card can be purchased by going to www.aftershockevents.com. The link is here on the site.

The head of After Shock Events -- promoter Asim Hanif Nichols -- talks about the card and more in this audio interview:

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #102 - Asim Hanif Talks About March 8 Card in Dulles, VA!

Asim Hanif Nichols of After Shock Events discusses his March 8 card at the All Star Legacy Gym in Dulles, VA, including breaking news on the addition of Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man" Wilson to the card!

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Victories for Buchanan and Guerrero!

Two of our traveling Beltway Boxers were victories last night on separate cards.

Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan won by eight-round unanimous decision over veteran Ross "The Boss" Thompson on the undercard of the titanic Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez matchup at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Buchanan is now 16-1, 11 KO's while Thompson falls to 26-11-2, 16 KO's.

At the Fitzgerald's Hotel and Casino in Tunica, MS, undefeated rookie super middleweight Fernando Guerrero of Fruitland, MD scored a first-round TKO over Anthony Adams. Guerrero forced the referee to deliver numerous standing eight counts during the bout before the ref stopped the bout at 1:30. Guerrero is now 3-0, three KO's and has had two straight first-round stoppages. Adams is now 7-19-1, one KO.

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Buchanan, Guerrero in Action Tonight!

Two Beltway Boxers will be in action tonight in two different parts of the country.

Capitol Heights, MD super middleweight Henry "Sugar Poo" Buchanan will take on Ross "The Boss" Thompson in an eight-round contest on the undercard of the Israel Vasquez-Rafael Marquez bout at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA. Buchanan weighed in at 170 pounds and comes into the bout with a record of 15-1, 11 KO's. The Buffalo, NY-based Thompson weighed in at 177 pounds and is 26-10-2, 16 KO's. In his last two bouts, Thompson went the distance in losses to Kelly Pavlik and Antwun Echols, but that was almost three years ago.

In Tunica, MS, undefeated Fruitland, MD super middleweight Fernando Guerrero will battle Anthony Adams of Laurel, MS in a four-round contest. Guerrero comes into the bout at 2-0, two KO's while Adams is 7-18-1, one KO.

Adams has an interesting record. He has been knocked out 11 times during his career and fought one guy -- Bradley Thompson -- a total of eight times! Adams has a record of two wins, four losses, one draw and one no contest against Thompson.

Joppy Announces Retirement!

Fightnews Canada is reporting that former three-time WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy has announced his retirement. Joppy told Dave Spencer after his 10th round TKO loss to IBF Super Middleweight champion Lucian Bute last night in Montreal that the fire is not there anymore.

“Maybe it was father time, but I saw shots in there, body shots, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger. It just wasn’t there," Joppy said after the bout.

“That was my last professional fight; I’m not motivated about boxing no more. I love the game of boxing, don’t get me wrong, but I’m moving on.”

Joppy won three WBA middleweight titles during his 15-year career and participated in 15 world title bouts. He was only stopped twice in his career, against Bute and against Felix Trinidad. His career ends with a record of 39-5-1, 30 KO's. All five of his losses came in title fights against Bute, Trinidad, Bernard Hopkins, Jermain Taylor and Julio Cesar Green.

Without question, William Joppy will go down as one of the true greats in Beltway Boxing history!

Joppy Loses by KO in Montreal!

Former WBA Middleweight champion William Joppy lost his bid for a fourth world title as he was stopped by IBF Super Middleweight titleholder Lucian Bute in the 10th round at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Canada.

According to Dave Spencer of Fightnews Canada, Bute was threading his left hand down the middle all night and chased Joppy down late in the 9th after landing a crunching left and followed up with three hooks to the body, bringing the fighter down to his knees in the centre of the ring as the round ended.

Foregoing the stool, Joppy slumped over the top rope between rounds as his corner tried to revive him. It didn’t work as Bute who towered over his much shorter opponent continued the assault in the 10th, bringing him down twice more before referee Marlon Wright stepped in and stopped the bout. Bute moves to 22-0 with his 18th knockout while Joppy falls to 39-5-1, 30 KO's with the loss.

Night of Knockouts in Pikesville!

It was perhaps the shortest night of boxing action ever seen in the Beltway -- Six bouts, six first-round knockouts -- a total of 7 minutes and 39 seconds of actual ring time at the Pikesville National Guard Armory Here are the results:

Undefeated Baltimore, MD middleweight Jessie "The Beast" Nicklow scored a crunching knockout over veteran Richard "Tiger" Lee Hall of Rocky Mount, NC. The bout ended at 2:06 of the first. Nicklow is now 16-0-1, six KO's while Hall is 10-22-2, six KO's.

The co-feature saw light heavyweight Mark "TNT" Tucker of Eldersburg, MD score a knockout in his pro debut over Walter Edwards of Wilson, NC. Edwards could not come out for the second round, making the knockout at the end of the first. Edwards is now 0-2.

Severna Park, MD middleweight Shelley Seivert scored the first knockout of her pro career, stopping Leslie Lubaczewski of Bramwell, West Virginia in 34 seconds. Seivert is now 2-1, one KO while Lubaczewski is 0-3. Seivert is now being trained by former Beltway super bantamweight contender Derrik Holmes.

Heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell of Brandywine, MD celebrated his signing with Golden Boy Promotions by knocking out Maurice Winslow of Wilson, NC in 46 seconds. Mitchell is 2-0, one KO. Winslow is 1-5-1, one KO.

Glen Burnie, MD welterweight Lenwood "Mr. Composure" Dozier stopped Wilson's Louechie Wiggins in 27 seconds in the opening bout, setting the pace for the rest of the evening.

In an all-Florida matchup, undefeated welterweight Richard "El Tigre" Abril of Naples (by way of Cuba) stopped Marcos Hernandez of Miami (by way of the Dominican Republic in 46 seconds.

The BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up is about 11 minutes longer than the actual ring action tonight and it features interviews with two of the boxers on the card. Thanks also to former Beltway welterweight and fan favorite Del "The Hatchett" Matchett for joining myself and "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears on the wrap-up.

Gabcast! Boxing Along the Beltway #101 - Night of First-Round KO's in Pikesville!

This BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up makes history because it will be longer than the in-ring action we talk about from the Pikesville National Guard Armory in Pikesville, MD. "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and special guest commentator Del "The Hatchett" Matchett join me to discuss the card and talk to two of the winners, Shelly Seivert and Mark "TNT" Tucker.