Thursday, November 29, 2012

Opponents, Changes added to December 8 Card at Convention Center!

There are some more alterations to the Saturday, December 8 Keystone Boxing card at the Washington Convention Center.

Undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "Sly Aza" Fox now has an opponent -- veteran Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc from South Boston, MA.  The bout is a six-round encounter. Fox (7-0-1, three KO's) last fought on September 22 in Queens, NY and battled Frank Galarza to an eight-round draw.  LeBlanc (13-22-4, five KO's) makes his third straight visit to DC and he is coming off a fourth-round TKO victory over Josh Rupard on August 25. 

Meanwhile, DC transplant Phil Jackson Benson will now face Terrance "T-Rex" Smith of Oklahoma City, OK in an eight-round bout.  Benson, a native of Queens, NY (9-1, eight KO's) is riding a four-bout knockout streak but faces a boxer in Smith (8-13-2, five KO's) who has not been stopped in more than five years.  Also, Smith is coming off a second round stoppage (due to cuts) of former Contender participant Richard Gingras on May 24 in Lincoln, RI.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

DC Amateurs Tate and Gray Head to Queens, NY for Bouts on Pro-Am Card December 8!

Two Beltway amateurs are slated to appear on a pro-am card at Resorts World Casino in Queens, NY or Saturday, December 8.

DC's Lamont Tate, who captured the Novice 9-10, 80 Pound championship at the Ringside World Championships in August, will face Vito Mielnicki of Newark, NJ. Mielnicki also won a title at the Ringside World Championships this year, capturing the Novice 9-10, 70 Pound title.

Also, Cornell Gray of DC, who was a finalist in the Boys Open 11-12, 80 Pound division at the Ringside Championships this year, will take on Newark's Malik Nelson who captured a 2012 Ringside title in the Boys Open 11-12, 70 Pound division, defeating another DC boxer, Kali Edwards.

The main event on the pro card will feature Queens, NY's own Vinny Maddalone against Byron Polley of St. Joseph, MO in a 10-round contest.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Remembering 'Macho' Camacho!

On this Thanksgiving, I am very thankful for a lot of things -- family, friends, the Beltway Boxing Community.  However, I am also thankful that I was able to experience "Macho Time" first hand.

According to ESPN.com, Hector "Macho" Camacho, Sr. has been declared brain dead and his family is in discussions on whether to turn off his life support system.  The 50-year-old former world champion was shot in the face in his hometown of Bayamon, Puerto Rico earlier this week.

Camacho was one of the last made-for-broadcast TV boxers.  Along with the likes of Ray Mancini, Aaron Pryor and Alexis Arguello and others, Camacho was a darling of the last pre-cable TV era.  Camacho appeared many times on CBS in some of his great bouts.  And boy, he had some great bouts against the likes of Edwin Rosario, Greg Haugen, Rafael "Bazooka" Limon, Cornelius Boza-Edwards, Vinny Paz and Ray Mancini.  Camacho went 12 rounds with the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez and Felix Trindad.  In fact, in a 30-year, 86-bout career (79-6-3, 38 KO's), Camacho was never stopped or knocked out.

Along the way, Camacho gave us more flamboyance then we knew what to do with at that time, setting the standard for guys like Jorge Paez and Naseem Hamed to emulate.  Unfortunately, prior to his passing, there wasn't a whole lot of talk about whether Camacho belongs in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.  That discussion will probably grow in the wake of his death.

Camacho's out of the ring activities made many people shake their heads.  Camacho was far from a saint.  However, in the ring, Camacho's legacy speaks for himself and makes a powerful case.

Other than beating Sugar Ray Leonard in Leonard's last contest (a fifth-round TKO in Atlantic City, NJ on March 1, 1997), Camacho fought one other Beltway Boxer -- Eddie Van Kirk of Baltimore.  Camacho stopped Van Kirk in the fourth round in Las Vegas on August 1, 1992.  Camacho fought in DC twice on two Fight Night Cards at the Washington Hilton, stopping Richie Hess in 1995 and Manuel Esparza in 1999.

I met Camacho before his contest in 1995 and interviewed him.  I got the impression he really didn't want to do the interview since it was just after he weighed in for the contest.  However, he ended up being gracious with his time and of course, ended his interview with his standard (although subdued in this case) "It's Macho Time.

The next year, I did play-by-play for a televised card in Raleigh, NC in which Camacho made a personal appearance.  Camacho didn't fight on the card, but he sparred with the the returning former heavyweight champion James "Buster" Douglas, who was making his first appearance after recovering from a diabetic coma.  After the sparring session, Camacho sat down to do some analyst work on the telecast.  However, the fans couldn't stay away and Camacho spent more time with his public than doing the commentary. 

Hector "Macho" Camacho was, indeed one of a kind.  I pray that he will be remembered by boxing fans in that way.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Harrison Opponent Announced For December 8 Card; Jeter Off Show, Replaced By Fox!

There are some changes and additions to the Saturday, December 8 Keystone Boxing card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison will still be in the main event and he will face Darrell Jones of Jacksonville, FL in a six-round encounter.  Harrison (10-0, six KO's) scored a third-round TKO over Nalo Leal on the last Convention Center card on November 3.  Jones (3-9-1, one KO)  is coming off a four-round unanimous decision win over Jahaad Wingfield on September 15 in Jacksonville.

BATB has also learned, however, that Stevensville, MD middleweight and WBC Fecarbox champion Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will not be on the card.  Coming off his big victory over Jimmy Lange in late October, there was a tough time finding an opponent for this card.  Also, sources tell BATB that Jeter is focusing on his own card that he is promoting in January.  By the way, Jeter recently rose to number 25 in the most recent WBC Middleweight rankings after his win over Lange.

Undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "Sly Aza" Fox has now been added to the card.  Fox (7-0-1, three KO's) makes his return to action after his eight-round draw with Frank Galarza on September 22 in Queens, NY.  No word yet on who Fox's opponent will be.

Two other bouts have been finalized for the card.  Accokeek, MD middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd (2-0, two KO's) will take on Anthony Jones of Jackson, TN (0-5) and "The King's Son" Jerry Odom of DC (1-0, one KO) will battle Norfolk, VA's Stanley Harvey (1-2, one KO) in a super middleweight contest. Both bouts are scheduled for four rounds.

These bouts have already been announced for this card:

Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. will take on Alan Beeman of Providence, RI in a four-round contest.  Rivers (2-0, one KO) is coming off a blistering first-round, only-punch knockout of Bobby Wooten on the November 3 Convention Center card. Beeman (0-5) was also on that card and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Renaldo Gaines

Clarksburg, MD junior middleweight Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman will battle the returning Ervin "Quiet Storm" Fuller of DC.  Hayman (2-0, two KO's) has scored first-round TKO's in both of his bouts.  Fuller (1-3, one KO) is returning after a 10-year hiatus.  Fuller's last bout was a third-round TKO loss to Billy Johnson in March of 2002 in New Carrollton, MD.

DC featherweight Shadeed Floyd returns to action as he faces the dangerous David Warren Huffman of Milwaukee, WI.  Floyd (1-0, one KO) hasn't fought since making his pro debut on May 12 at the Convention Center and scoring a first-round TKO over Tayshawn Autry.  Huffman (2-8-1, one KO) is 2-1-1 in his last four bouts, including a four-round draw with Charles Mack in Reading, PA on November 10.

Philip Jackson Benson, a New York native now training in Bladensburg, MD, will take on another boxer returning after a long absence in DC's Larry "Hitman" Pryor in a scheduled eight-round bout.  Benson (9-1, eight KO's) has registered two straight first-round knockouts. Pryor (7-8, four KO's) has not fought since pulling off a big upset in his last outing, defeating previously undefeated Mark Tucker by eight-round unanimous decision on March 12, 2011 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.







Saturday, November 17, 2012

Mitchell Is Stopped In Second!

Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell's undefeated run has ended.  Johnathon Banks of Detroit, MI dropped Mitchell three times in the second round tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.
Banks dropped Mitchell with a right hand after a minute in the second followed by two more knockdowns before referee Eddie Cotton stopped the contest at 2:37 of the round.  With the loss, Mitchell is now 25-1-1, 19 KO's.  Banks, who is now the NABO Heavyweight champ as well as the WBC International titleholder is now 29-1-1, 19 KO's.

In other bouts on the card that involved local boxers, Berlin, MD middleweight Joshua Snyder was stopped in the fifth round by Demetrius Hopkins at 1:26 of the fifth.  Snyder, who took the bout on two days notice, is now 9-8-1, three KO's.  Hopkins is 32-2-1, 12 KO's.  Also, junior lightweight Terron Grant of White Plains, MD remained undefeated with a first-round stoppage of Abraham Esquivel.  The bout ended at 2:14 after Grant knocked Esquivel down three times in the contest.  Grant is now 5-0, three KO's while Esquivel is 4-3, two KO's.

World Champ Joppy Battles Against Homelessness!


(photo by Ed Mulholland)


We've seen a lot of former three-time world champion William Joppy, Jr. these days as a trainer working with boxers like Jimmy Lange.  However, Joppy has been fighting a bigger opponent than his days battling the likes of Julio Cesar Green, Roberto Duran or Felix Trinidad.  Joppy is doing his part to defeat the scourge of homelessness.

Earlier this year, Joppy started an organization called Breakfast with Boxers in which the representatives serve warm meals, stage boxing demonstrations and offers words of encouragement to residents in homeless shelters.

The 42-year-old Joppy, who retired in 2011 with a record of 40-7-2, 30 KO's, wondered what the next phase of his life would consist of after his boxing days were over.

"I asked God," Joppy said.  "The idea of feeding the homeless and giving them hope crystallized." 

Now Joppy combines his former job with his current passion -- to help the poor and the downtrodden.

"Am I my brother's keeper?  Joppy asks in a press release.  "Yes, I am."

If you would like to help Breakfast with Boxers -- either by donation or by volunteering -- you can call 703-400-3016 or go to the website www.breakfastwithboxers.com

Virginia Hosts Two Shows December 1!

The Commonwealth of Virginia has been a very busy boxing state in recent weeks.  In October, Virginia hosted one card per weekend.  Now on the first day of December, the Old Dominion will host two cards, more than 220 miles apart.

United Boxers will host another card at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA.  In the main event, undefeated Alexandria, VA junior welterweight Todd "White Lightning" Wilson returns to face veteran Jose Angel "Lucky" Roman of St. Augustine's, FL in a six-round bout.  Wilson (14-0, four KO's) last fought on June 23 and won a six-round unanimous decision over John Willoughby in Arlington, VA.  Roman (11-33-5, five KO's) will be facing a Beltway Boxer for the fourth consecutive time, dropping six-round unanimous decisions twice to James Stevenson and once to Emmanuel Taylor in his last three outings.

As announced first on BATB, undefeated Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy "Hardwork" July will face 2000 US Olympian Dante "Inferno" Craig of Cincinnati, OH in the eight-round co-feature.  July (12-0, five KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO win over Cullen Rogers on the last Winchester show on October 20th.  Craig (19-13-1, 14 KO's) will attempt to bounce back from a second-round TKO loss to Blake Caparello on July 20 in Victoria, Australia.

Also on the card, Stuarts Draft, VA welterweight Richie "The Rock" Andrews will be in a four-round rematch against Curtis Morton of Harlem, NY.  Andrews (5-2-3, two KO's) won the first bout by second-round TKO on the October 20 card at the Sportsplex when Morton (1-3-2) suffered an injury and couldn't continue.

Other boxers slated to be on the card are Baltimore supermiddleweight Maxell "The General" Taylor, Baltimore junior lightweight Ramondo Elliott, Edgar "The Tiger" Torres of Springfield, VA and Lynchburg, VA middleweight Joshua Robertson.


A number of Beltway Boxers will appear on an RBA Promotions card at the Masonic Temple in Norfolk.  In one of the bouts, undefeated Upper Marlboro, MD heavyweight Duane Mobley will face "The People's Champion" Jonathan Felton of Stafford, VA in a four-round contest.  Mobley (6-0, four KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Dennis Benson in Arlington, VA on October 6.  Felton (6-26-1, five KO's) fought to a third-round technical draw with Andy Joseph on August 18 in Greensboro, NC.  Felton has been winless in his last 14 bouts.

Baltimore heavyweight Aaron Bratton will now face the Norfolk, VA-based Benson in another four-round contest.  Bratton lost his pro debut in Reading, PA by four-round split decision to Aaron Kinch on November 10. Benson (1-5, one KO) will try to bounce back from a six-round unanimous decision loss to Jon Bolden on November 10 in Millsville, NJ.

Also on the card, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest (2-0. one KO) will battle Derek "Postman" Walker of Dublin, GA (1-7) in a four-rounder.  The main event on the card features Norfolk resident Frankie "The Freight Train" Fillipone (10-2-1, two KO's) taking on Adrian Armstrong of Springfield, MO (3-1-1, three KO's) in an eight-round contest.  The co-feature has Stephan Alexander of Norfolk (4-5, four KO's) battling Vernon Alston of Durham, NC (5-3, five KO's) in a six-round encounter.

The card will be streamed live on www.versatileboxing.com on a pay-per-view basis. The cost is $15.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Mitchell Weighs 242 For Televised AC Co-Feature!



 (Photos by Tom Hogan, Hoganphotos/Golden Boy)


Seth Mitchell weighed in at 242 pounds for his 12-round co-feature bout Saturday at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ.  His opponent, Johnathan Banks, tipped the scales at 218 1/2 pounds.  The bout will be for Mitchell's NABO heavyweight title and the vacant WBC International title.  The bout will open the HBO telecast at 10 PM ET.


Joshua Snyder weighed in at 158 pounds for his eight-round contest against Demetrius Hopkins on the undercard.  Hopkins weighed in at 154 1/2.

(correcting an earlier post)  Terron Grant IS on the card.  Grant weighed in at 130 pounds while his opponent -- Abraham Esquivel -- came in at 131 1/2.  My apologies for the error.

Beltway Amateurs Battle in Philadelphia Saturday Night!

We have a listing of the Beltway amateurs that are slated to particpate in the Saturday, November 17 battle against boxers from Philadelphia at Treasures in Philly.

Scheduled to participate are:

Jalil Hackett
Ragaheak Bartee
Jahad Mack
Donnie Burtham 
Stephon Epps
Derron Williams
Jerrod Bowling
Cornell Hine
Quincey Williams
Daylynn Jones
Carl Phillips
Zachary Steel
Jonathan Ladson
Christian Bratton
Gregory Clark

Organizers for the event say they may add to this list.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Snyder to Face Hopkins in Atlantic City Saturday Night!

BATB has learned that yet another Beltway Boxer will participate on the Saturday, November 17th card at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ. "The Berlin Bomber" Joshua Snyder of Berlin, MD has stepped in to face Demetrius Hopkins in a scheduled eight-round contest.

Snyder (9-7-1, three KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision loss to Ossie Duran on October 13 in Newark, NJ.  Hopkins (31-2-1, 11 KO's) won an eight-round unanimous decision over Doel Carrasquillo on September 8 in Costa Mesa, CA.  Hopkins is the nephew of Bernard Hopkins.

Snyder joins Seth Mitchell and Terron Grant as locals on this card.  Thomas Williams's bout has been cancelled.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Beltway Boxers Williams, Grant Added to Broner-DeMarco, Mitchell-Banks Card November 17!

Two local boxers have been added to the Saturday, November 17th card at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ -- the card that features Seth Mitchell taking on Johnathon Banks in the co-feature and Adrian Broner defending his WBC Lightweight championship against Antonio DeMarco in the main event.  Mitchell, by the way, will defend his NABO Heavyweight title and will battle Banks for the vacant WBC International crown.

Undefeated Fort Washington, MD light heavyweight Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. will face off against Taneal Goyco of Philadelphia, PA in a six-round bout.  Williams (10-0, seven KO's) is coming off a first-round knockout over Harley Kilfian on August 4 in Mobile, AL.  Goyco (4-4-1, two KO's) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Todd Unthank-May on September 14 in Chester, PA.

Also, Terron "Kid" Grant of White Plains, MD will be in a four-round junior welterweight contest against Abraham Esquivel of Mission, TX.  Grant (4-0, two KO's) had a tough four-round split decision victory over Stephen Alexander on October 6 in Arlington, VA.  Esquivel (4-2, two KO's) has not fought since suffering a fifth-round TKO loss to Miguel Buendia in October of 2011 in Fort Worth, TX.


Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Undercard Bouts Announced for December 8 Convention Center Card!

Some of the undercard bouts have been announced for the Saturday, December 8 Keystone Boxing "Kings of the DMV" card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. 

Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. will take on Alan Beeman of Providence, RI in a four-round contest.  Rivers (2-0, one KO) is coming off a blistering first-round, only-punch knockout of Bobby Wooten on the November 3 Convention Center card. Beeman (0-5) was also on that card and lost a four-round unanimous decision to Renaldo Gaines

Clarksburg, MD junior middleweight Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman will battle the returning Ervin "Quiet Storm" Fuller of DC.  Hayman (2-0, two KO's) has scored first-round TKO's in both of his bouts.  Fuller (1-3, one KO) is returning after a 10-year hiatus.  Fuller's last bout was a third-round TKO loss to Billy Johnson in March of 2002 in New Carrollton, MD.

DC featherweight Shadeed Floyd returns to action as he faces the dangerous David Warren Huffman of Milwaukee, WI.  Floyd (1-0, one KO) hasn't fought since making his pro debut on May 12 at the Convention Center and scoring a first-round TKO over Tayshawn Autry.  Huffman (2-8-1, one KO) is 2-1-1 in his last four bouts, including a four-round draw with Charles Mack in Reading, PA on November 10.

Philip Jackson Benson, a New York native now training in Bladensburg, MD, will take on another boxer returning after a long absence in DC's Larry "Hitman" Pryor in a scheduled eight-round bout.  Benson (9-1, eight KO's) has registered two straight first-round knockouts. Pryor (7-8, four KO's) has not fought since pulling off a big upset in his last outing, defeating previously undefeated Mark Tucker by eight-round unanimous decision on March 12, 2011 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.




Monday, November 12, 2012

Dec. 7 'Bombs Away' Card In Baltimore Is Tribute to Mike Dietrich!

One of the more recent annual boxing traditions in the Beltway region has been the "Bombs Away on Pearl Harbor Day" card put on by Jake Smith and Baltimore Boxing.  Whether the card has featured pros or amateurs, there is usually a lot of excitement on this card.  The amateur card will be held on Friday night, December 7 (the 71st anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor) at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.  The card is scheduled to begin at 8:15 PM.

This year's card will be held in honor of Dundalk, MD heavyweight "The American Dream" Mike Dietrich who passed away in March of 2010 at the age of 26.  Dietrich (12-1, six KO's) fought six of his 13 bouts at Du Burns Arena including his pro debut in November 2004 and his final bout in November of 2009.  Smith will inaugurate the "Mike Dietrich Award" and legendary Baltimore trainer Frank Gilbert of the Loch Raven Gym will be the first recipient.

There will be two title bouts.  Baltimore's Jerome Featherstone will defend his East Coast Middleweight title against Maynard Sterling of Salisbury, MD.  Also, Jamal Dyer of Baltimore will battle for the East Coast Welterweight crown when he faces Jeffrey Rodriguez of Lancaster, PA.

There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle to benefit the American Red Cross.  Tickets begin at $20 and there will be VIP tables ranging from $200 to $500.  For more information, go to www.baltimoreboxing.com.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Tori Nelson Documentary Screens at Alexandria Film Festival November 18!

There have been a number of documentary films this year that have featured Beltway Boxers as the subjects.  One of those films will be screened at the Alexandria Film Festival on Sunday, November 18.  The film features Ashburn, VA boxer and two-time world middleweight champion Tori "Sho 'Nuff" Nelson.

The film -- Tori Nelson: Fighting For Her Future -- chronicles Nelson's life as she juggles her boxing career with three full-time jobs and being a single mother.  The screening will take place at 4:30 PM in the Knox Screening Room at the US Patent and Trademark Office located at 600 Dulany Street in Alexandria, VA.  This is near the King Street Metro Station and there will be free parking in the East Garage.  Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.  You can go to the following websites to purchase tickets:

www.alexandriafilm.org    www.eventbrite.com

Nelson along with the filmmaker, Jeff Riegel, are slated to attend and will have a brief question and answer session after the screening.




Debuting Heavyweight Bratton Loses Split Decision in Reading, PA!

Debuting Baltimore, MD heavyweight Aaron Bratton lost his pro debut Saturday night by four-round split decision to undefeated Newark, NJ heavy Aaron "The Animal" Finch at the River Edge in Reading, PA.

According to long-time boxing journalist JR Jowett, the bout was a bruising affair and Bratton had to deal with Finch's solid body punching.  Bratton weighed in at 256 1/2 pounds and was outweighed by Finch's 262 pounds.  Finch's record improves to 4-0-1, one KO.

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Douglas Wins By Fourth-Round TKO in New Jersey!

BATB has learned that Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas has won his bout tonight at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ tonight.  Douglas's sister, Tyrieshia, who traveled to the card, says Douglas stopped Carlos Lopez in the fourth round this evening.  We'll have details later but Douglas's record is now 2-0, two KO's. Lopez lost his pro debut.

By the way, Douglas signed a promotional contract with Greg Cohen Promotions of New Jersey last month.  Cohen also handles former world champ Hasim Rahman.

Russell Devastates Castaneda In Three!

Another night, another brutal knockout for Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. 

In front of a national television audience, Russell threw a brutal right hand and crushed Roberto Castaneda of Mexico midway through the third round tonight at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

Russell's knockout blow came at 1:45 of the third and earned a great description by Showtime analyst Steve Farhood:

"He folded him along the dotted lines."

Russell is now 21-0, 12 KO's.  Castaneda falls to 20-3-1, 15 KO's.

Friday, November 09, 2012

A. Douglas Weighs 162 For New Jersey Contest!

Antoine Douglas weighed in at 162 pounds for his four-round contest against Cesar Lopez Saturday night at the New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ.  Lopez also weighed in at 162.

Russell Weighs 126 3/4 for ShoBox Scrap in California!

Gary Russell, Jr. weighed in at 126 3/4 for his 10-round main event bout against Roberto Castaneda tonight at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.   The bout will be the main event on tonight's ShoBox card on Showtime Television.  Castaneda tipped the scales at 125.

This card also marks the pro debuts of many of the members of the 2012 US Olympic Team including Rau'Shee Warren (a three-time Olympian who was a teammate of Russell's in 2008), Errol Spence,  Marcus Browne, Dominic Breazeale and Terrell Gausha.  The broadcast begins at 10 PM ET

Recap from Cockeysville!

Once again, here are the results from the Jonathan Ogden Foundation card at Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, MD:

Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson remained undefeated with a four-round unanimous decision over veteran Damon Antoine of Akron, OH.  Stevenson landed hard shots to the stomach and head but the durable Antoine managed to survive all four rounds.  Stevenson earned a shutout (40-36) on all three cards and his record rises to 18-0, 11 KO's while Antoine falls to 10-43-2, five KO's.

The co-feature saw Baltimore-based flyweight Tyrieshia "Baby Girl" Douglas capture a four-round unanimous decision over Ottawa, Canada's Sherine "Rosie" Thomas.  Douglas used quick hands and crunching body shots to wear down her opponent throughout the contest.  Douglas also won by shutout to raise her record to 2-0, one KO.  Thomas was listed as 2-1, one KO.

After a three-year absence, Baltimore lightweight Ramondo Elliott scored the only knockout of the night with a blistering first-round KO of Shane Reynolds of Cincinnati, OH.  Elliott dropped Reynolds with a straight right hand then sent him down for good with a right-left combination.  The bout was stopped at 1:43 of the first.  Elliott is now 2-1, one KO while Reynolds is 1-1, one KO.

Lancaster, PA lightweight Rolando "Ironman" Chinea battled Ian James of Brooklyn, NY to a four-round majority draw.  James had an advantage early but couldn't fully capitalize. Chinea finished the bout much stronger in the fourth round.  Judge David Greer had it for Chinea, 38-37 but judges John Gradowski and Don Risher, saw that bout a draw.  Chinea is now 3-0-1, two KO's while James is now 2-5, one KO.

Lynchburg, VA female bantamweight Kelan Robey won a four-round split decision over Philadelphia, PA's Unique Harris.  Both ladies fought very hard but Robey managed to eek out the win.  Judges Gradowski and Greer saw the bout 39-37 for Robey and Risher saw the bout 39-37 for Harris.  Robey wins her pro debut and Harris drops to 0-2.

The opening bout was a battle of Baltimore that was won by undefeated super middleweight Dan Cannaday who defeated Lee Snow.  Both guys were awkward but Cannady was the better boxer overall, winning the bout by scores of 40-36 (twice) and 39-37.  Cannaday is 3-0, one KO while Snow is 2-3, one KO.

The card was promoted by United Boxers.  Chris Middendorf served as matchmaker.

Here is the post-fight wrap-up that includes an interview with Tyrieshia Douglas.



Thursday, November 08, 2012

Stevenson Wins Unanimous Decision!

Baltimore welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin' Stevenson wins a four-round unanimous decision over Akron, OH's Damon Antoine.  Good body and head shots for Stevenson against a very durable Antoine.  Judges had it a shutout.  Stevenson is now 18-0, 11 KO's while Antoine is now 10-43-2, five KO's.

Post fight is coming soon!  Thanks and good night from Cockeysville!

Douglas Wins Unanimous Decision!

Tyrieshia "Baby Girl" Douglas wins a four-round unanimous decision over Sherine "Rosie" Thomas of Ottawa, Canada. 

Douglas showed fast hands and punished Thomas to the body.  Douglas won by shutout on all three cards and is now 2-0, one KO.  Thomas is now 2-1.

Main event up next. James Stevenson vs. Damon Antoine.

Douglas and Thomas in the Ring!

Tyrieshia Douglas and Sherine Thomas are now ready to go.

Elliott Scores Knockout In First!

Raymondo Elliott of Baltimore took just 1:43 of the first round to knock out Shane Reynolds of Cincinnati, OH in Elliott's first bout in three years.

Elliott dropped Reynolds with a straight right hand.  When Reynolds got up, he was quickly met with a solid right-left combination that put him out for good.

Elliott is now 2-1, two KO's.  Reynolds is now 1-2, one KO.

Intermission then it's Tyrieshia Douglas vs. Sherine Thomas.

Chinea and James Battle to Four-Round Draw!

Lancaster, PA lightweight Rolando Chinea and Brooklyn, NY's Ian James battled to a four-round draw.  James battled hard in the first two rounds. Chinea didn't take full control of the bout until the final round when he battered James around the ring in the final round, but it wasn't enough to get the win.

Chinea is 3-0-1, two KO's.  James is 2-4-1, one KO's.

The return of Baltimore's Raymondo Elliott against Shane Douglas.

Chinea-James Underway!

While we were interviewing Venroy July, the bout between Rolando Chinea and Ian James got underway.  Good, hard-hitting contest.

July to Face Craig in Winchester, VA Dec. 1!

BATB has learned that undefeated Suitland, MD cruiserweight Venroy "Hardwork" July will face former US Olympian Dante Craig on Saturday, December 1 at the Winchester Sportsplex in Winchester, VA.  The bout is slated for eight rounds.

We'll have more details about that bout in the days to come.  We interviewed July about that bout. Here is that interview:



Robey Wins Split Decision!

Kelan Robey won a split decision over Unique Harris.  Really awkward bout.  Robey punched well.  Both ladies landed  solid shots.  Robey wins her pro debut.  Harris is 0-2.

Robey was trained by Scott "Cujo" Sigmon. This bout was also the pro referee debut for decorated local amateur referee Brent Bovell.

Cannaday Wins Unanimous Decision!

Baltimore's Dan Cannaday captured a four-round unanimous decision over fellow Charm City boxer Lee Snow.  Both boxers were awkward in spots, but Cannaday landed the harder shots and boxed very well overall. 

Cannaday remains undefeated at 3-0, one KO.  Snow is now 2-3, one KO.

Now up:  Female bantamweights.  The debuting Kelan Toney of Lynchburg, VA taking on Unique Harris of Philadelphia. 

Snow-Cannaday In The Ring!

After numerous intros and Nikolai Volkoff singing God Bless America,  the all-Baltimore matchup between Lee Snow and Dan Cannaday is in the ring.

Good Evening From Cockeysville!

Hi again from Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, MD for the Jonathan Ogden Foundation benefit boxing card.  Not sure when the actual boxing will begin.  Everyone is either eating or checking out the silent auction prizes.

Some of the notables seen so far include Venroy July, Emmanuel Taylor, amateur champ Calvin Countess and WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Nikolai Volkoff, who lives in Baltimore County.

All of the bouts will be four-round contests.  Here is the order:

Bout 1, super middleweights:  Lee Snow vs. Dan Cannaday.

Bout 2, female bantamweights:  Kelan Toney vs. Unique Harris.

Bout 3, lightweights:  Rolando Chinea vs. Ian James.

Bout 4, junior lightweights: Raymondo Elliott vs. Shane Reynolds.

Bout 5, female flyweights: Tyrieshia Douglas vs. Sherine Thomas.

Main event, welterweights: James Stevenson vs. Damon Antoine.

I'm now being told we are moments away from starting.  I'll keep you posted with results.

Weights From Cockeysville, MD!

Here is the scale watch from tonight's Jonathan Ogden Foundation card at Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, MD:

James Stevenson, 146.5 vs Damon Antoine, 144.5

Lee Snow, 164 vs. Dan Cannaday, 160.5

Tyrieshia Douglas, 112.5 vs. Sherine Thomas, 114.5

Raymundo Elliott, 126 vs. Shane Reynolds, 130.5

Rolando Chinea, 134.5 vs. Ian James, 136.5

Kelan Robey, 123.5 vs. Unique Harris, 119.5

Jeremy Trussell's bout was knocked off the card when his opponent did not have proper medical documents.  

We WILL be blogging live tonight from Cockeysville starting around 8 PM ET with a post-fight wrap-up to follow after the card.

Wednesday, November 07, 2012

Harrison, Jeter In Feature Bouts on December 8 Card in DC!

Keystone Boxing promotions ends a busy 2012 with what looks like an all-star Beltway card called "Kings of the DMV" on Saturday, December 8 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC.

As announced on NewsChannel 8's Sports Talk this evening, Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will be in the co-feature bout and undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison will be in the main event.  Also slated to be on the card are Kevin Rivers, Jr., Jarrett Hurd, Dillon Hayman and Shadeed Floyd just to name a few.  We'll have more on this card in the weeks ahead.

RIP Carmen Basilio!



Boxing has lost another legend.  "The Upstate Onion Farmer" Carmen Basilio has passed away at the age of 85.

Basilio was one of the hardest and most exciting boxers in the history of the sport.  From 1948-1960, the native of Canastota, NY fought truly some of the greats of the game.  Basilio may have been best known for his duo of bouts against Sugar Ray Robinson.  Basilio won the middleweight championship against Robinson on September 23, 1957 in Yankee Stadium in New York City by 15-round split decision.  Robinson won the rematch in Chicago Stadium in Chicago, IL by another 15-round split decision on March 25, 1958.

To give an idea of how exciting Basilio was, Ring Magazine chose a Basilio bout the Fight of the Year four consecutive years from 1955-1958!  Basilio's12th round TKO victory over Tony DeMarco to win the welterweight title won the award in 1955, his 9th round TKO title defense over Johnny Saxton in September of 1956 took the award that year and the two bouts against Robinson were Ring's choices in 1957 and 1958.

The International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota started as a tribute to Basilio and he made frequent appearances there.  Basilio was also a regular visitor to DC and attended the early years of the Fight Night charity boxing event.

In my first year of attending Fight Night in 1995, I had the honor of interviewing Basilio for my TV show Boxing Spotlight and to say he was gracious and a joy to interview would be an understatement.  Basilio was still one of my most favorite people to interview in my career.  A wonderful man indeed.  My condolences to his family.

'Mo Better' Jeter Guests on NewsChannel 8 Tonight!

Fresh off his big win on October 27th over Jimmy Lange, Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter will be a guest on NewsChannel 8's Sports Talk program tonight at 9 PM.  This is a call-in show and the number is 703-387-1020.   Call in early because this is a half-hour show.

Stevenson, T. Douglas Headline Ogden Foundation Card in Cockeysville Thursday Night!

Undefeated Baltimore, MD welterweight James "Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson and DC female flyweight Tyrieshia "Baby Girl" Douglas are the feature attractions for the seventh annual "An Evening Ringside" at the Jonathan Ogden Foundation benefit card at Martin's Valley Mansion in Cockeysville, MD.

Stevenson (17-0, 11 KO's) will face tough veteran Damon Antoine of Akron, OH (11-42-2, five KO's) in a four-round contest.   Both men are coming off recent victories.  Stevenson won a six-round unanimous decision over Angel Rios on October 20 in Winchester, VA.  One week later on October 27, Antoine won a four-round unanimous decision over Shakur Ashanti at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.

Douglas (1-0, one KO) will battle Sherine "Rosie" Thomas of Ottawa, Canada (2-0) in a four-round contest.  Douglas made her pro debut on August 4 and scored a first-round TKO over Ashley Langston at the Renaissance Hotel in DC.  Thomas makes her US debut after winning two four-round decisions in Canada.

In other bouts on the card, Baltimore junior lightweight Raymondo Elliott returns to action after a three-year absence to face Shane Reynolds of Cincinnati, OH in a four-round contest.  Elliott (1-1, one KO) hasn't fought since winning by second round TKO over Clinton B. Douglas in April of 2009 in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  Reynolds (1-0, one KO) won his pro debut on October 13 by stopping Brandon Brinkley in the second round in Winston-Salem, NC.

In what should be an interesting four-round all-Baltimore super middleweight contest, undefeated Dan Cannaday (2-0, one KO) will face Lee Snow (2-2, one KO).  Cannaday is coming off a four-round TKO victory over Issa Coulibaly on September 22 at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD.  Snow also stopped Coulibaly in the fourth round in his last outing on June 16 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore.

Baltimore middleweight Jeremy Trussell will make his pro debut against the equally-debuting Ashton Terry of Lynchburg, VA.  In another female contest, Lynchburg's Kelan Robey makes her pro debut in a bantamweight contest battling Philadelphia, PA's Unique Harris (0-1)

Also on the card, undefeated Lancaster, PA junior welterweight Rolando Chinea (3-0, two KO's) will face Ian James of Brooklyn, NY (2-4-1, two KO's).  Chinea made his pro debut at this very same event last year and scored a first-round TKO.

The foundation, named for Ogden, the former Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman and native of Washington, DC (St. Alban's High School), was started in 1996 to assist young people in disadvantaged communities develop self-esteem through athletics and education.  Ogden, by the way, makes his first appearance on the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot this year.  There will be a live and silent auction and numerous members of the Ravens usually attend.  The boxing card is being promoted by United Boxers.



Monday, November 05, 2012

Amateur Cards Aplenty in November!

There are a number of amateur cards that will feature Beltway Boxers in November.

We start with a two-day event that will take place on Friday and Saturday, November 9 and 10 at the Sugar Ray Leonard Boxing Center in Palmer Park, MD.  This is not a tournament -- this is a two-day event of boxing promoted by Julius "Juice" Gatling.  If you would like to have a boxer on this show, call 240-353-0564.

On Saturday, November 10, there will a special charity amateur card at DuBurns Arena in Baltimore, MD that will also feature a canned food drive.  If you bring in a canned food item, you can attend the event for free.  Otherwise, tickets are $10, $20 and $30.

Then on Saturday, November 17, a number of Maryland-based amateurs will travel to Treasures in Philadelphia, PA to face a group of boxers from Philadelphia.  BATB doesn't have the entire list of locals, but has been told by the promoters that former National Golden Gloves champion Michael Reed of Waldorf, MD will be on this card.  Treasures is located at 5547 Germantown Avenue in Philadelphia.  The card will begin at 1 PM.


Russell To Face Castaneda in Indio, CA November 9!

Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. has a change of opponent for his Friday, November 9 bout at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.  Russell (20-0, 12 KO's) will now face Mexican boxer Roberto Castaneda (20-2-1, 15 KO's) in a scheduled 10-round contest that will be televised on Showtime's ShoBox program.

Russell is coming of a third-round TKO over Christopher Perez on June 30 in Indio.  Castaneda's last outing was his first in the United States and Castaneda lost by six-round TKO.  The bout will headline a card that will feature the pro debuts of many members of the 2012 US Olympic team.  Castaneda is a late sub for ranked contender Vyacheslav Gusev, who broke his rib in training.

Sunday, November 04, 2012

Guerrero Stops Candelo in Six; Cochran Fight Cancelled!

Salisbury, MD middleweight Fernando Guerrero scored a six-round technical knockout over former world title challenger JC Candelo of Baytown, TX Saturday night at the Humble Civic Center in Humble, TX.

Guerrero knocked Candelo down to the canvas in the fourth round and the bout was stopped after only 12 seconds of the sixth when Candelo couldn't continue because of injury.  Guerrero has won four straight since suffering his only loss and is now 25-1, 19 KO's.  Candelo's record falls to 32-12-4, 21 KO's.

The bout for Alexandria, VA featherweight Jerren "Hardknocks" Cochran was cancelled. Cochran's opponent never showed at the weigh-in.

Recap From The Convention Center!

Here are the results from the Keystone Boxing card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

DC welterweight Dusty Harrison remained undefeated with a third-round TKO over Nalo Leal of Spokane, WA.   Harrison dropped Leal with a right hand in the first round and continued his dominance until dropping Leal with another right hand over the top to finish the contest.  The bout was stopped at 31 seconds of the third.  Harrison is now 10-0, six KO's while Leal falls to 4-17-1.

New York, NY light heavyweight Phil Jackson-Benson stopped William "Bad News" Prieto of Lorain, OH at the end of the first round with a brutal body shot.  Prieto did not beat referee Sharon Sands's count and the bout was stopped.  Jackson-Benson, who is now trained by Adrian Davis, is now 9-1, eight KO's while Prieto is now 5-11, two KO's.

This card had three knockouts which will get serious consideration at the end of the year for Beltway Boxing Knockout of the Year.  Palmer Park, MD junior lightweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. scored a first-round knockout over Bobby "The Prodigy" Wooten of Wilson, NC in just 31 seconds with the only punch he threw in the bout.  Wooten came out of his corner and immediately held on to Rivers.  As Wooten had a grip on Rivers's left hand, Rivers crushed Wooten with his right hand and spent him sprawling.  Wooten couldn't beat the count.  Rivers is 2-0, one KO while Wooten is 0-2.

The second candidate may be middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd of Accokeek, MD, who dropped Coy Lambert of Columbia, SC face first with a brutal straight left hand to end a very competitive bout at 2:08 of the fourth round. Hurd is now 2-0, two KO's while Lambert is 1-5, one KO.

The third candidate came from the debuting middleweight Devar Ferhadi of Frederick, MD who landed a brutal body shot to Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS that made Madden scream in pain as he fell to the canvas.  The bout was stopped at 1:41 of the first round.  Madden is 0-2.

Also on the card, Clarksburg, MD junior middleweight Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman scored a first-round stoppage over Christopher Baynes of Reidsville, NC by way of Barbados.  Hayman never knocked Baynes down, but pressured him enough to get the bout stopped at 1:51 of the first round.  Hayman is now 2-0, two KO's while Baynes is 0-2.

District Heights, MD junior lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines bounced back from his loss to David Warren Huffman to score a four-round unanimous decision over Alan Beeman of Providence, RI in the only bout to go the distance on the card and one of the better bouts overall this year along the Beltway.  This was a great give-and-take bout despite the scorecards giving Gaines a shutout victory. 40-35.  Gaines scored a knockdown in round two.  Gaines is 3-1 while Beeman is 0-5.

The opening contest saw DC junior welterweight Joshua "Marvelous Moe" Parker deliver a third-round TKO over the debuting Antonio Moody of Reidsville, NC. Parker got the bout stopped at 1:55 of the third after some heavy shots to the head and body.  Parker is now 2-0, two KO's.

My thanks to Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk for the photos for each post and the use of his laptop for the evening!









Saturday, November 03, 2012

Harrison Stops Leal In Third!


Dusty Harrison ends the night with a right hand over the top on Nalo Leal and referee Kenny Chevalier stops the contest at 31 seconds of the third round.

The "DMV Boxing Organization" champion is now 10-0, six KO's and Leal is now 4-17-1.

That's all for now from the Convention Center.  No Post-Fight Wrap-Up due to issues with my phone.  Thanks and good night from the Nation's Capital!

Harrison Dominant Through First Two Rounds!

We are through the first two rounds of Dusty Harrison's first- ever eight-round contest and Harrison looks dominant.  Harrison dropped Nalo Leal in the first with a right hand over the top and he has punished Leal throughout.  Leal is taking shots, but unless something changes, Leal will be worn down.

Jackson-Benson Stops Prieto Late in First!





New York City light heavyweight Phil Jackson-Benson dropped William "Bad News" Prieto with a body shot at the end of the first round.  Prieto could not beat referee Sharon Sands's count and the bout ended at the end of the first.  Jackson-Benson is now being trained by Adrian Davis.

Benson is now 9-1, eight knockouts.  Prieto is now 5-7-1, two KO's.

Intermission and then the main event; Dusty Harrison vs. Nalo Leal.

Rivers Delivers, One-Punch, Yes, One-Punch Knockout!


With the ONLY punch he threw in the contest, Palmer Park, MD junior lightweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. dropped Bobby "The Prodigy" Wooten of Wilson, NC at 31 seconds of the first round.

Wooten pressured and grabbed Rivers and held on for dear life.  Right before referee Vic DeWysocki could separate the boxers, Rivers took care of the situation himself with his only punch of the bout; a brutal right hand while Wooten was holding on to Rivers's left hand.  Wooten went stumbling across the ring and could not beat DeWysocki's count.

Rivers scores his first pro knockout and is now 2-0, one KO.  Wooten is 0-2.

Co-feature is next:  Phil Jackson-Benson vs. William Prieto


Hayman Scores First-Round TKO!


Clarksburg, MD junior middleweight Dillon "The Stalker" Hayman scored a solid first-round TKO over a game Christopher "Rude Boy" Haynes of Reidsville, NC.  Hayman pressured Haynes throughout the contest, never knocking him down but doing enough to force referee Kenny Chevalier to stop the contest at 1:51 of the round, despite Baynes's protests.

Hayman is now 2-0, two KO's.  Baynes is 0-2.

Kevin Rivers, Jr. is up next against Bobby Wooten.

Hurd Crushes Lambert in Fourth!


We may have dueling knockout of the year candidates on this card.  First there was Devar Ferhadi's crushing body shot earlier tonight.  Now comes "Swift" Jarrett Hurd of Accokeek, MD who ended his bout with Coy Lambert of Columbia, SC with a brutal straight left that dropped Lambert face first onto the canvas.  Referee Vic DeWysocki stopped the count at 2:08 of the fourth of what was a very competitive contest.

Hurd is now 2-0, two KO's.  Lambert is 1-5, one KO.

Now comes Dillon Hayman vs. Christopher Baynes.

Gaines Wins Unanimous Decision!


District Heights, MD junior lightweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines wins a four-round unanimous decision over Alan Beeman of Providence, RI.  Despite the judges scorecards scoring the bout a shutout, 40-35, it was a great bout as both men showed great punching power and solid chins as they hit each other with crunching shots.  This was a tremendous contest; one of the best of the year.

Gaines gets a nice bounce-back win and is now 3-1.  Beeman is now 0-5.

Jarrett Hurd is in the ring to take on Coy Lambert.

Ferhadi Wins Pro Debut By Screaming Knockout!


Devar "The Warrior" Ferhadi of Frederick, MD made a solid debut with a crushing first-round knockout over Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS.  Madden came to fight and pressured Ferhadi and landed some solid blows to Ferhadi's head and body.

Ferhadi turned the tables about a minute into the round with a solid right hand.  Then Ferhadi ended the bout quickly with a vicious right to the body that made Madden scream in pain as he fell to the canvas.  Referee Vic DeWysocki waived the bout off at 1:41 of the round.

Madden falls to 0-2.  Next up, Renaldo Gaines takes on Alan Beeman.

Parker Stops Moody in Three!

(photos by Juan Marshall, ProAm Fight Talk)


Joshua "Marvelous Moe" Parker stops Antonio Moody at 1:55 of the third round.  Parker battered Moody throughout the contest with heavy shots to the head and body.   Moody never went down but took enough punishment to force referee Sharon Sands to stop the contest.  Parker is now 2-0, two KO's and Moody loses his pro debut.

Next up, the pro debut of super middleweight Devar Ferhadi of Frederick, MD  as he takes on Anthony Madden of Biloxi, MS (0-1).

By the way, the bout between Renaldo Gaines and Alan Beeman will indeed take place.

First Bout In the Ring in DC!

The card is getting ready to begin.  Joshua Parker taking on Antonio Moody of Reidsville, NC.  Parker 1-0, one KO's and Moody making his pro debut.

Good Evening From The Convention Center!

Hi again from the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC for the Keystone Boxing card.  I am actually sharing a laptop this evening so I will try to keep you abreast on what's going on this evening.

Crowd right now is somewhat sparse.  This is a very busy evening in the city with the Wizards home opener and DC United suddenly having to move its playoff match here tonight in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Here is the bout order:

Four rounds, junior welterweight:  Joshua Parker vs. Antonio Moody

Four rounds, super middleweight: Devar Ferhadi vs. Anthony Madden

Four rounds, junior lightweight: Renaldo Gaines vs. Alan Beeman

Four Rounds, middleweight: Jarrett Hurd vs. Coy Lambert

Four rounds, junior middleweight: Dillon Hayman vs. Christopher Baynes

Four rounds, junior lightweight: Kevin Rivers, Jr. vs. Bobby Wooten

Six rounds, light heavyweight: Phil Jackson Benson vs. William Prieto

Eight rounds, welterweight: Dusty Harrison vs. Nalo Leal

We are getting word that the Gaines-Beeman fight may not take place due to some medical paperwork involving Beeman.  We'll keep you posted.  Also, visit ProAm FightTalk for photos from tonight's card.

Wilson Loses Unanimous Decision in Germany!

Darnell "The Ding-a-Ling Man" Wilson lost an eight-round unanimous decision to undefeated Edmund Gerber tonight in Westfalen, Germany.  According to Fightnews.com, Wilson staggered Gerber badly in the first round but could not finish the job.  Wilson ended up losing by scores of 79-73 (twice) and 79-74.

Wilson's record is now 24-16-3, 20 KO's.  Gerber remains undefeated at 22-0, 14 KO's.


Harrison Receives National Press Heading Into 10th Pro Bout!

The fact that undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison will be fighting in his 10th pro bout at just 18 years old is receiving some national attention. Ryan Maquinana, who covers boxing in Northern California, recently did an interview for BoxingScene.com with Harrison which includes an interesting note about Harrison's possible next opponent in December should he get by Nalo Leal tonight at the Washington Convention Center.

Here's the interview:

http://www.boxingscene.com/teenager-dusty-harrison-goes-win-no-10--58934

Guerrero, Cochran Hit Scales in Humble, TX!

Fernando Guerrero and Jerren Cochran weighed in for their Saturday bouts at the Humble Civic Center in Humble, TX. 

Guerrero tipped the scales at 162 1/2 pounds and his opponent, JC Candelo weighed in at 160.  Guerrero's bout is the main event of the card and will be televised on Fox Sports Net and Fox Deportes.

Cochran weighed in at 126 pounds, but his opponent -- late sub Kermit Hendricks -- did not weigh in yesterday.

Friday, November 02, 2012

Keely Thompson and Spouse Indicted on Federal Charges!

Trainer and former Beltway Boxer Keely Thompson along with his wife, Bianca, have been indicted on 31 federal counts alleging that they used private and District of Columbia funds earmarked for the Keely's District Boxing and Youth Center in DC for their own personal use.  Bianca Thompson served as the center's deputy director.

According to the indictment, Keely's District Boxing and Youth Center was a non-profit organization with locations in Northwest and Northeast Washington. The operations were funded with grant money. The organization received more than $1.5 million in government and private funding between 2004 and 2010. The money was to be used to provide youth development and physical fitness programs to at-risk children living in the District of Columbia.

According to WUSA-TV, however, officials say the following:

 "Instead, the Thompsons allegedly used much of it for personal goods, entertainment and services, including over $100,000 for gambling at Bally's Casino in Atlantic City, and on board a Norwegian Cruise Line, as well as on vehicle leases on a BMW 525i and Lincoln Navigator, furniture for their home, and various other personal items.  According to court documents, the Thompsons also issued themselves over $100,000 in handwritten checks from the charitable company's bank account with no accounting records or receipts. They also are accused of spending over $135,000 on a 2009 fundraiser at a District hotel that raised approximately $23,000 for the charitable company."

The Washington Post reports that after Thompson was arrested by FBI agents in November 2010 on a charge of wire fraud, Thompson showed interest in negotiating a plea deal but then changed his mind which led to the indictment.

Weights From DC!

Here is the scale watch for Saturday's Keystone Boxing Card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center:

Dusty Harrison 146 vs. Nalo Leal 146

Phil Jackson Benson 172 vs. William Prieto 176

Kevin Rivers, Jr. 127 vs. Bobby Wooten 126

Dillon Hayman 150 vs. Christopher Baynes 150

Jarrett Hurd 156 vs. Coy Lambert 156

Renaldo Gaines 133 vs. Alan Beeman 131

Devar Ferhadi 171 vs. Anthony Madden 170

Joshua Parker 140 vs. Antonio Moody 140

I may have some difficulty with blogging tomorrow because my phone is on the fritz.  If we can't blog, we'll definitely have results after the card is over.


'Ding-A-Ling Man' Wilson Weighs 242 For Battle in Germany

Heavyweight Darnell "The Ding-A-Ling Man' Wilson, who fought most of his pro career out of Takoma Park, MD, hit the scales at 242 pounds for his eight-round contest on Saturday at Gerry Weber Stadion in Halle/Westfalen, Germany.  His opponent, undefeated Edmund Gerber of Germany by way of Kazakhstan, came in at 231 pounds.

Wilson (24-15-3, 20 KO's) relocated to Florida a few years ago and will be looking to break a three-bout losing streak.  Gerber (21-0, 14 KO's) is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Michael Sprott on September 15 in Bamberg, Bayern, Germany

Post-Fight Night Notes!

Here are some extra notes from Fight Night at the Washington Hilton Hotel:

This was the 23rd edition of this charity event but the first without its founder, Joseph E. Robert, Jr., who passed away on December 7.  Raul Fernandez of the Fernandez Foundation served as chairman this year with Joseph E. Robert, III acting as honorary chair.

MC Hammer gave a live performance of some of his great hits including "Too Legit to Quit."  Hammer performed "U Can't Touch This" with the Washington Redskins Cheerleaders.

During the live auction, the main prize was a Washington Nationals package that included two 2013 season tickets where the seats are in a luxury box, a trip to spring training, two chats with Nats General Manager Mike Rizzo, participation in a pre-game batting practice session and a chopper motorcycle with the Nats logo and autographed by the starting lineup.  The winning bid was $100,000.

Former world champion Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini was inducted into the Fight Night Hall of Fame.  Copies of his new autobiography, "The Good Son" were given to each attendee as the major prize in each goodie bag.

Among the many luminaries in the crowd were the last three DC Mayors -- Anthony Williams, Adrian Fenty and current mayor Vincent Gray -- along with At-Large councilmember Michael Brown (a former member of the DC Boxing and Wrestling Commission), and Ward 2 councilmember Jack Evans.  Also spotted were DC School Superintendent Kaya Henderson and former University of Maryland basketball legend, Olympic gold medalist, NBA player and US Representative in Congress, Tom McMillen.

Next year's Fight Night is slated to be held on November 14.  The chairman will be Kevin Plank, the CEO of Under Armour, who will be the main sponsor of the event.


Jargal Stops Aiken in One; Newby, Forrest Victorious at Fight Night!

Arlington, VA lightweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal scored an easy first-round TKO over late sub and former IBF Featherweight champion Eric "Mighty Mouse" Aiken of Washington, DC Thursday night at the annual Fight Night charity boxing event at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC.

Jargal dropped Aiken twice in the round with right hands before referee Joseph Cooper stopped the contest at 2:24 of the round.  The win was Jargal's third Fight Night victory of his career and gave him the "Fight For Children" title for this year.  Jargal's record is now 17-3-3, 11 KO's.  Aiken suffers his second straight first-round knockout loss and 16-10-1, 12 KO's.  Hopefully, that will be Aiken's final won-loss record; he should not be allowed to fight again.

In other bouts on the card, DC light heavyweight Greg Newby showed very accurate punching and good power en route to a third-round stoppage over Steven "Too Sharp" Tyner of Akron, OH.  Newby's battering opened cuts in Tyner's nose and mouth that the ringside physician could not stop.   Newby is now 2-0, two KO's while Tyner falls to 3-8-2, two KO's.

In the opening contest, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest won a four-round unanimous decision over a very game Brice Ritani of Las Vegas, NV by way of New Zealand.  Forrest also showed solid accuracy against a bigger boxer who just wasn't going anywhere.  Forrest did manage to open cuts on the nose of Ritani. All three judges saw Forrest pitching a shutout, 40-36.  Forrest is now 2-0, one KO while Ritani loses for the first time in his career and he is now 3-1-1, three KO's.

Thursday, November 01, 2012

November 3 Convention Center Card Forming Up!

The Keystone Boxing Promotions card that will take place on Saturday, November 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC is rounding into shape with the exception of the main event.

Undefeated DC welterweight Dusty Harrison is still looking for opponents for his first scheduled eight-round contest.  Harrison (9-0, five KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO over Shane Gierke on September 29 at the Convention Center.  This is Harrison's fifth straight appearance at the Convention Center and seventh of his young career.

DC super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. returns to action in a four-round contest against Bobby Wooten of Wilson, NC. Rivers (1-0) made his pro debut a successful one on the September 29 card, winning a four-round unanimous decision over David Warren Huffman.  Wooten (0-1) lost his pro debut via second-round TKO to Noel Echevarria on May 19 in Charlotte, NC.

District Heights, MD super featherweight Renaldo "Misunderstood" Gaines (2-1) will try to bounce back from his August 25th loss to Huffman by facing Alan Beeman of Providence, RI (0-4) in another four-round bout.

Hillcrest Heights, MD light heavyweight Jarrett Hurd (1-0, one KO) will face Coy Lambert (1-4, one KO) of South Carolina in a four-rounder.  Hurd stopped Mike Arnold on September 29 in DC in the first round.  Lambert has lost his last two contests.

Welterweight Dillon "The Stalker" Heyman of Frederick, MD returns to action after making his pro debut on May 12 at the Convention Center, stopping Arnold in the first round.  Heyman (1-0, one KO) will battle Christopher Baynes of Reidsville, NC (0-1).

DC lightweight Joshua "Marvelous Mo" Parker will try to build on his successful pro debut as he faces the debuting Antonio Moody. Parker (1-0, one KO) stopped Joseph Dixon in the second round on August 25 at the Convention Center.

Frederick, MD super middleweight Devar Ferhadi will make his pro debut against Biloxi, MS's Anthony Madden (0-1).

There will also be a six-round co-feature between Brooklyn, NY super middleweight Phillip Jackson Benson (8-1, seven KO's) and William Prieto of Lorain, OH (5-6-1, two KO's).  Benson last fought on August 25 at the Convention Center and scored a first-round KO over Anthony Pietrantonio.  Prieto is winless in his last six bouts.


Weights From The Washington Hilton!

Here is the scale watch for the Fight Night charity boxing card at the Washington Hilton and Towers Hotel in DC:

Bayan Jargal 137 vs. Eric Aiken 134

Greg Newby 173 vs. Steven Tyner 174

Jerry Forrest 239 vs. Brice Ritani-Coe 279

Due to electronic and logistical issues, we will not be able to blog live or do a post-fight podcast after the card.