Jackson Falls in Continental Championships in Chile!

DC amateur flyweight Malik Jackson lost his bout at the Continental Championships in Santiago, Chile on Friday.  Jackson faced one of the true best in his weight class -- 2012 Olympian Jantony Ortiz of Puerto Rico.  No word on what the score of the bout was.

The trip is definitely valuable international experience for Jackson, who is a member of the USA Elite Men's Boxing team.  Jackson will head to Almaty, Kazakhstan in October for the AIBA Men's World Championships.  Jackson's coach at DC's Limelite Gym -- Tony Simmons -- will join Jackson on that trip as a coach on the USA team.

Mitchell Speaks To Press About September 7 in California; Reed Talks About Sept.7 in Fort Washington!

Earlier this week, WBC International Heavyweight champ Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell held a media night at Dream Team boxing gym in Clinton, MD where he worked out and talked about his bout against Chris Arreola on Saturday, September 7 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

If voice quality is an indication of how focused a boxer can be, then Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's) is a very focused man at this point.  There seemed to be more of an edge to his comments than usual.

We bring you two bits of Mitchell sound here:  First a brief one-on-one with BATB followed by Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk carrying the rest of the press conference.





We also have an interview with Mitchell's manager, Sharif Salim:



September 7 is also a big day inside the Beltway with the Keystone Boxing "Rumble at Rosecroft" taking place at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  One of the key people involved on that card also trains at Dream Team gym.  Undefeated Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed spoke with us about his six-round encounter with Rameses Gil.

Matchups Announced For August 31 Amateur Card in Baltimore!

There are a few intriguing matchups for the Baltimore Boxing "Hard Knock Life" amateur card on Saturday, August 31 at the William Myers Pavilion in Baltimore.

Regional Golden Gloves 165-pound champion Jerome Featherstone of Joppa, MD will battle Kevin Ottley, now fighting out of Baltimore, MD.  Also, 15-year-old "Bazooka" Joe Veazey will also be on the  card.  Veazey is a former Ringside World champion and National Silver Gloves titlist who is now fighting at 140 pounds.

Also on the card will be Baltimore heavyweight Sam Crossed will face DC's Darnell Daniel.  For more information, call 410-375-9175. 

Nelson Competes For Third World Title September 13 in Rhode Island!

Undefeated two-time world female middleweight champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA will vie for her third world title when she faces Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes of Marshfield, MA for the vacant WIBA Welterweight title on September 13 at the Twin River Event Center in Lincoln, RI.

Nelson (6-0-3) is the current WIBA Middleweight champion and a former WBC Middleweight titleholder.  Nelson has not fought since competing in the second of her two draws against Teresa Perozzi on February 2 in Pembroke, Bermuda.  Nelson is a replacement for Lisa Garland who suffered an injury training for her first bout since competing in DC on June 8.

Lopes (10-1, one KO) has won 10 straight contests since losing her pro debut in March of 2009.  Lopes is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision victory over Kita Watkins on April 20 in Derry, NH.

Update:  BATB has learned that the title bout for Jennifer Salinas has been pushed back from September 14 to October 5 in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.

Prayers and Well-Wishes for Bill McCaffrey!

(Photo courtesy of McCaffrey'sWorld.com)

BATB sends its most fervent prayers and well-wishes to the chair of the Maryland State Athletic Commission, Bill McCaffrey.  Mr. McCaffrey recently suffered a stroke and is now at home under hospice care.

Mr. McCaffrey is perhaps best known for his long-time commitment to publicizing Maryland sports on the professional, college, high school and recreational level.  McCaffrey has been the host of the long-running Prince George's Community Television program Inside Sports and wrote a very popular sports column that was featured in local papers throughout the state.

Once again, we wish you the best, Bill!

Jackson Benson Talks About Sept. 7 Title Bout!

WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight champion  "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson talks about his Saturday, September 7 WBC USNBC title bout against Scott "Cujo" Sigmon at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD with Juan Marshall of ProAm Fight Talk.

Sigmon Says -- September 7 is His Swan Song!

Lynchburg, VA super middleweight Scott "Cujo" Sigmon has announced that his contest on Saturday, September 7 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD will be his last in-ring bout.  Sigmon will battle Landover, MD's Phil Jackson Benson for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Middleweight title -- a belt Sigmon once owned.

Sigmon talked about his choice to stop active competition in a phone interview with Juan Marshall of Pro Am Fight Talk.  Here is the interview:

Showtime Boxing: Jhonny Gonzalez and Leo Santa Cruz Stop Their Opponents

I missed he fights last night because Time Warner cable is no longer carrying Showtime (along with CBS and several other channels). I was shocked to hear that Jhinny Gonzalez KO'ed Abner Mares. My pick was Mares, I thought he would prove to be too much for Gonzalez. You just never know. Kudos to Gonzalez, one tough kid!

Leo Santa Cruz just continues to impress. Showtime continues to move ahead of HBO in the quality of matches they have given us over the last couple of years.

A post fight interview with Abner Mares. One classy guy. He makes no excuses. He'll be back. He was asked what he needs to work on. His answer was "Everything". He got caught, it happens. It's a learning experience. One thing I notice about a lot of young fighter, is that they keep their hands too low and their chins too high. Whatever happened to keeping your chin tucked behind your shoulders? Keeping your hands up? These are the basics.

Post fight interview with Leo Santa Cruz

Thompson Drops Unanimous Decision in Germany!

There will be no third try at Wladimir Klitschko for Tony "The Tiger" Thompson.The DC heavyweight lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Kubrat "The Cobra" Pulev tonight at the Sport Und Kongress Hall in Scherwin, Germany.

Thompson lost by scores of 116-112, 118-110 and 117-111. Thompson is now 38-4, 26 KO's. With the win, Pulev becomes the number one contender to Klitschko and holds on to the IBF International title.  Pulev remains undefeated at 18-0, nine KO's.

McCombs Falls in First in Valley Forge!

DC light heavyweight Richard McCombs was stopped by Khalib Whitmore of Philadelphia, PA in the first round at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort in Valley Forge, PA.  No word on the time of the stoppage.

McCombs's record is now 1-5, one KO.  McCombs has never been out of the first round in his pro career.  Whitmore's record rises to 2-0, one KO.

Harrison, Douglas Remain Undefeated!

Beltway Boxing prospects Dusty Hernandez Harrison and Antoine "Action" Douglas remained undefeated with victories in their bouts tonight.

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

Harrison scored a fourth-round TKO over Guillermo Valdes at Dover Downs Casino in Dover, DE.  The bout was stopped at 45 seconds.  Harrison is now 17-0, 10 KO's.  Valdes drops to 12-5, three KO's.

Douglas won a six-round unanimous decision over Edgar Perez at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.  Douglas is now 9-0, six KO's.  Perez falls to 5-6, three KO's.

Thompson Weighs 264 For German Encounter!

Tony Thompson tipped the scales at 264 pounds for his 12-round IBF International Heavyweight title bout with Kubrat Pulev Saturday in Schewin, Germany.  Pulev weighed in at 252.

McCombs Weighs 179 For Valley Forge Bout!

Richard McCombs of DC weighed in at 179 pounds for his four-round contest against Khalib Whitmore of Philadelphia, PA tonight at the Valley Forge Casino and Resort in Valley Forge, PA.  Whitmore weighed in at 175. 

McCombs (1-4, one KO) lost his last outing on June 8 to Javonta Charles by first-round TKO in Biloxi, MS.  Whitmore (1-0) won his pro debut with a four-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers on June 15 in Valley Forge.

The bout can be seen on GoFightLive.TV for $9.99.  Dusty Harrison's bout in Dover, DE will also be on GFL but it is a separate $9.99 charge.

Harrison Weighs 147 For Battle at Dover Downs!

Dusty Hernandez Harrison hit the welterweight limit of 147 as he weighed in for his six-round contest on Friday, August 23 at Dover Downs Casino in Dover, DE.  Harrison's opponent, Guillermo Valdes hit the scales at 145.

The card will be shown live on internet pay-per-view on GoFightLive.TV.  The cost is $9.99.

Douglas Weighs 161 1/4 for Six-Round Contest on Tyson-Promoted Card!

Antoine Douglas weighed 161 1/4 for his six-round bout against Edgar Perez Friday night at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.  Perez tipped the scales at 167 pounds.

This is the ESPN2 card that is being promoted by Mike Tyson and Iron Mike Promotions.  No word on whether Douglas's bout makes the telecast.

A. Douglas Added to Mike Tyson-Promoted Card Friday in Verona, NY!

Undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas has been added to the Friday, August 23 card at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.  Douglas (8-0, six KO's) will battle Edgar Perez of Chicago, IL (5-5, three KO's) in a six-round contest.

Douglas is coming off a third-round stoppage over Ibrahiem King on June 14 in South Orange, NJ.  Perez has lost five in a row after winning five of his first six in his native Puerto Rico.

The card is the maiden promotional vehicle for International Boxing Hall of Famer and former undisputed heavyweight champion "Iron" Mike Tyson and will be televised by ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.  Douglas has made a number of recent appearances in swing bouts on the channel.

Beltway Amateurs Return From Ireland!

The 10-member group and the chaperones have returned from Belfast, Northern Ireland after participating in the Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic this past Saturday.  The Beltway Boxers faced a tough group of Irish boxers who won six of the nine bouts held that evening.

Jalen Jones won his 61 KG (135 Pounds) contest by unanimous decision over Michael Ward.  Troy Isley defeated Conor Burns by second-round TKO in a 60 KG (132 pounds) bout.  Also, Deonte Washington won a unanimous decision over John McGuigan in a 66 KG (145 pounds) contest.

Irish boxers won the other contests on the card.  At 54 KG (119 Pounds), Calon McAlorum defeated Nico Woods by unanimous decision.  Also at 54 KG, Brian McAlister won a unanimous decision over Hakeem Middleton.

At 48 KG (106 Pounds), Gordon Chambers won a unanimous decision over Jahmel Smith while James McGivern defeated Da'Nardo Smith by unanimous decision at 57 KG (126 Pounds).

The closest contest seemed to be at 64 KG (141 Pounds) as Gerard Matthews won a split decision over Jalonte Cole.  Paul Donelly of the UK team closed the card with a unanimous decision victory over Adam Mitchell at 69 KG (152 Pounds)

The card opened with a sparring session between Marcus Willis of DC and Seamus McAlister of Ireland.  Willis, unfortunately, did not make weight for this contest.

Thanks to Brent Bovell for the complete results for this card.

September 7 Main Event Now For Regional Title!

The main event for the Keystone Boxing card on Saturday, September 7 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD has taken on an added significance.  The two men involved will battle for a vacant regional title.

Landover, MD super middleweight "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson will take on Scott "Cujo" Sigmon of Lynchburg, VA in a 10-round bout for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Middleweight title.

Jackson Benson (12-1, 11 KO's) will be competing in his second straight title contest, having won the WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight title on May 11 in Millersville, MD with a seventh-round TKO over Maxell Taylor.

The WBC USNBC title is one that Sigmon (23-4, 12 KO's) is very familiar with as he won the crown in February of 2012 with a third-round TKO over Jimmy Crawford in Greensboro, NC  before making two successful title defenses.  Sigmon vacated the title before his most notable bout against former world champ Kelly Pavlik.

DC Heavyweight Kelly Signs With GH3 Promotions!

Undefeated DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly has become the third Beltway Boxer to sign with Newark, NJ-based promotional company GH3 Promotions.

The former Pan American Games semifinalist is coming off a third-round TKO of Rayshawn Myers on June 15 in Washington, DC.

Kelly (4-0, four KO's) joins undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas and undefeated Bowie, MD super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom as GH3 signees. All three are scheduled to appear on a card at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ on Friday, September 13.

September 7 Rosecroft Card Looks Complete!

The undercard for the Saturday, September 7 Keystone Boxing card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD looks to be complete.  Four four-round bouts will round out the card.

In an all-Beltway cruiserweight bout, Albi Sadikaj of Arlington, VA makes a quick return to action when he faces Capitol Heights, MD's Devin "Mr. 2-11" Mosley.  Sadikaj won his pro debut on August 3 in Millersville, MD stopping Damion Reed in the third round.  Mosley's pro debut ended in a four-round draw against Santos Martinez on July 13 at Rosecroft.

Cheverly, MD light heavyweight Eric "Inferno" Govan will face veteran Jess "Thunder" Noriega of Lynchburg, VA.  Govan (2-0) is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Steven Tyner on June 22 in Frederick, MD.  Noriega (1-5, one KO) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Monreco Goldston on August 3 in Millersville, MD.

Undefeated DC lightweight Joshua Davis returns to action in a four-round contest against Aaron Chavez of Vero Beach, FL.  Davis (4-0, two KO's) won a four-round unanimous decision over Darus Somieari on the August 3 Millersville card.  Chavez (2-3-1) was stopped by Neuky Santelises in the first round on May 15 in New York City in his last outing.

Also on the card will be rookie DC featherweight Marcus Bates who will take on the debuting Malcolm Williams of DC.  Bates won his pro debut with a first-round TKO over Joshua Hinnant on June 8 in DC.

These bouts join the previously announced contests -- Phil Jackson Benson-Scott Sigmon,  Alantez Fox vs. Zain Shah and Mike Reed against Rameses Gil.  Those three bouts will be broadcast live on Spreaker.com at 9 PM ET.

Virginia boxers Todd Wilson and Edgar Torres, who were listed to be on this card, will not be.  Both men are slated to be on a card that will take place on Saturday, October 5 as live boxing returns to the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  We'll tell you more about that card in a couple of weeks.  Also, Accokeek, MD's Jarrett Hurd will not be on the September 7 card.

One other quick note:  Temple Hills, MD super middleweight D'Mitrius Ballard was scheduled to be on the card Monday night at the Best Buy Theater in New York City.  However, his opponent fell out at the last minute so Ballard will not compete on the card.

Two Beltway Amateur Cards Contain Added Significances On August 31!

Saturday, August 31 will be an interesting day of amateur boxing in the Beltway region with two cards that will use boxing to highlight other causes.

The noted non-profit organization Cease Fire -- Don't Smoke the Brothers and Sisters in association with Universal Madness and UMAR Sports and Learning Center of DC are hosting their sixth annual cookout and amateur boxing card at the Upshur Recreation Center located at 14th Street and Arkansas Avenue in Northwest Washington, DC.  The cookout will begin at noon and run until 8:30 PM.  The boxing is slated to begin at 3 PM.  This is a free event.  This is the Cease Fire organization's annual event to highlight their six-month moratorium to stop the killings in the city.  The organization is led by noted civic activist Al-Malik Farrakhan.

For boxers slated to participate in the event, the weigh-in will be held at the Cease Fire offices at 4708 14th Street, NW at 10 AM.  Call (202) 210-1960 for details on this event.

Also on that evening, there will be an amateur boxing show called "Hard Knock Life" at the William J. Myers Pavilion located at 4300 West Bay Avenue in Baltimore.  The card is being put on by Jake "The Snake" Smith's Baltimore Boxing Promotions and will begin at 8:15.

The card will pay tribute to Smith's father, Murray, who passed away on July 12 after a lengthy battle with cancer.  There will be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.  All proceeds from the event will go to the Baltimore Boxing amateur program that has done its share to rescue local youths from tough situations for many years.

Scheduled to appear on the 10-bout card are 2013 DC Regional Golden Gloves Middleweight champion Jerome Featherstone and multi-time national champ "Bazooka" Joe Veazey.  Tickets are $15 for bleacher seats, $35 for seats on the floor.  Individual VIP seats are $50, mini tables for four are $200.  Reserved tables for 10 are $350 and first row VIP tables are $500.  For more information, call (410) 375-9175.

UPDATE: Kisner Drops Split Decision in Chicago!

Ferndale, MD cruiserweight "Slick" Nick Kisner lost a six-round split decision to undefeated Junior Anthony Wright of Evanston, IL Friday night at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL.

Kisner won on one judge's scorecard at 58-56 but two other judges saw the bout 59-55 for Wright. Kisner was the first boxer to go the distance with Wright, who had not gone past three rounds in his young career.

Kisner loses for the first time in his pro career and is now 12-1-1, five KO's.  Wright is now 8-0, seven KO's.

Here is the complete recap from Sam Geraci of Fightnews.com:

In his first test to date, undefeated cruiserweight Junior Wright (8-0, 7 KOs) of Evanston IL, managed to pull-off a majority decision over Nick "The Slick" Kisner (12-1-1, 5 KOs) of Baltimore, MD. When the scores were initially read, Kisner was awarded the decision, but judge Mauro Di Fiore's score was inaccurately given to ring announcer Thomas Treiber in favor of Kisner. Several minutes later, the correct scores were given: 58-56 for Kisner and 59-55 twice for Wright. Although Fightnews scored the bout in Wright's favor, this was an ugly and difficult bout to score with neither fighter landing many clean shots that could have gone either way.

In the first, Wright cut off the ring and looked to back Kisner to the ropes to pound the body and land his dynamic right hand while Kisner looked to counter with the left hook from a distance. Although Wright continued to back Kisner to the ropes, anytime Wright closed the distance, Kisner either countered with his left or held. The round probably could have gone either way, but Kisner appeared to pull it off.

Throughout the second, Wright plowed forward without his jab but managed to back Kisner to the ropes to land several significant body shots. Although Wright managed to land the most significant blows of the round, at times, Kisner managed to thwart Wright's attack by firing shots off the ropes and then clinching. Another close round, but Wright's aggression and body shots might have done enough.

Throughout the third, Kisner frustrated Wright, who did not have any answers for Kisner's elusive style followed by clinching. Even though Wright lost every second of the round, he managed to score with a big right in the final fifteen seconds followed by a small flurry against the ropes that should have done enough to steal the round because Kisner failed to land anything of significance.

In the fourth, Wright continued to plow forward and then get countered but did manage to score with several solid rights that probably did enough to steal another ugly and uneventful round. In the final minute of the round, however, Wright was caught with a solid counter left hook that might have cost him the round.

In the fifth, there were more ugly exchanges followed by holding with referee Celestino Ruiz forced to be the most active participant in the bout. Again, the round was ugly and it could have gone either way as Wright landed the more meaningful shots while coming forward at all times and Kisner countered effectively at times. In the final minute, Wright did begin to find a home for his left hook, which probably gave him the round.

In the sixth, Wright's durability and left hook carried the round. In fact, the sixth was probably the only round for which there should not have been any debate.

Both Wright and Kisner are talented fighters who deserve another opportunity to prove themselves, but please, let's not let them fight each other again!

Kisner Weighs 199 For Chicago Contest!

Undefeated Baltimore, MD cruiserweight "Slick" Nick Kisner weighed in at 199 pounds for his six-round contest Friday night against fellow undefeated boxer Junior Anthony "Hurricane" Wright of Evanston, IL at US Cellular Field in Chicago, IL.  Wright weighed in at 195.

Kisner (12-0-1, five KO's) last fought on May 11 and won a four-round unanimous decision over Willie Chisolm in Millersville, MD.  Wright (7-0, seven KO's) stopped Chris Thomas in the third round on April 13 in Merriville, IN.

The bout is on a card that will be televised on ESPN2 and the contest is listed as a swing bout that could make the telecast.

BATB Podcast Announcement Part Two -- Live From...!

Here is the second part of the announcement concerning the Boxing Along The Beltway podcast heard on Spreaker.com and now on IHeartRadio.com.

IHeartRadio's selection of the BATB Podcast has opened a lot of doors.  The Spreaker plan I was using was costing me 39 dollars a year with the opportunity to broadcast live for 45 minutes at a time.

Now, because of the IHeartRadio connection, I have been automatically upgraded to the ultimate plan -- that normally costs $119.99 a month -- for FREE!  Included in that plan is the ability to create unlimited live broadcasts, although there is a limit of five hours in order for the broadcast to be archived on Spreaker and later heard on IHeartRadio.

And that leads to the meat of this announcement: Depending on the internet capability of each arena we go to, and with the approval of the promoters, BATB plans to bring you live blow-by-blow audio broadcasts of pro boxing cards throughout the area!
We will test this new feature on Saturday, September 7 from the "Rumble at Rosecroft" at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.

For this test run, we plan to bring you three bouts from the card: the main event between "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson Benson and Scott "Cujo" Sigmon, the co-feature of Alantez "SlyAza" Fox and Zain "Tiger" Shah and the bout between Mike "Yes Indeed" Reed and Rameses Gil.  The broadcast will begin at 9 PM ET on Spreaker.com.  There will be a delayed broadcast on IHeartRadio.  Calling the action will be myself, "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and Juan Marshall.  This will be a FREE audio broadcast.  All you do is click on the link and you can join us.

There is a twofold reason for bringing just three bouts for this first broadcast:
 One:  This is a pilot and I want to make sure it will be feasible to do more in the future as far as sound quality is concerned.

Two: I will be coming from RFK Stadium where I will be the public address announcer for the Nation's Football Classic between Howard University and Morehouse College.  The game doesn't start until 3:30 PM and I wasn't completely sure that I would make it on time for the start of the card (7:30 PM), so I decided to play it safe. If this broadcast works out, I do plan to bring entire cards live, although the five-hour time frame for archiving the broadcast could be a minor issue.

The BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up Show, normally a self-contained show, will be a part of the live broadcast, time permitting.

So that's the announcement and I am really excited about it! This is something I've wanted to do for a long time.  If you can't make it live to Rosecroft on Saturday, September 7, we invite you to join us right here live starting at 9 PM ET.  Here is the link:

Boxing Along The Beltway on Spreaker.com

I ask for your support and prayers in this new endeavor!  Thanks!

Beltway Amateurs Compete in Ireland August 17!

(Photo courtesy of Brent Bovell)

Ten Beltway amateurs are in Belfast, Ireland at this time getting ready to compete in the 2013 Belfast-Beltway Boxing Classic to be held on Saturday, August 17 at the Europa Hotel.  The locals will be competing against a number of Ireland's talented young boxers.

This is the fifth edition of this event and the second straight year the Beltway contingent has traveled to Northern Ireland.  Here is a list of the boxers making the trip:

Jalonte Cole

Troy Isley

Da'Nardo Johnson

Jalen Jones

Hakeem Middleton

Adam Mitchell

Jahamel Smith

Deonte Washington

Marcus Willis

Nico Woods

Best wishes and a safe return home!

Mitchell-Arreola Bout Moves to September 7!

Lem Satterfield of RingTV.com is reporting that the 10-round heavyweight contest between NABO and WBC International Heavyweight champion Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell of Brandywine, MD and Chris Arreola of Escondido, CA has been moved to Saturday, September 7, one day later than originally scheduled.  The venue remains the same -- the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA -- and the bout will be the main event on Showtime Championship Boxing.

Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com that the bout was originally slated for Friday, September 6 to avoid going head-to-head with HBO's scheduled broadcast of Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr.'s contest with Brian Vera.  However, Chavez, Jr. suffered an eye injury that forced that contest to be postponed.  Schaefer contacted the Fantasy Springs Casino and they agreed to switch the date.

Recap From The Convention Center!

Courtesy of ProAm Fight Talk With Juan Marshall, here is a recap of tonight's Top Flight Promotions card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC:

DC light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson scored a second-round KO over Simon Ruvalcaba of Lake Tahoe, NV.  Johnson stopped his opponent at 38 seconds of the round to raise his record to 14-1, six KO's.  Ruvalcaba is now 4-12-2.

Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles made short work of Boston, MA's Jimmy "The Dream" LeBlanc, stopping the veteran at 42 seconds of the second round. Quarles bounces back nicely from suffering his only pro loss and is now 10-1-1, three KO's.  LeBlanc falls to 13-25-4, five KO's, one NC.

DC middleweight Demond Nicholson stopped Teron Walker of Danville, VA at 1:35 of the first round using nice head and body shots.  Nicholson is now 2-0, two KO's while Walker drops to 0-4.

DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby remained undefeated with a second-round TKO of James Jones of Nashville, TN.  Newby dropped Jones twice with body shots before the bout was stopped at 2:40 of the second round.  Newby is now 9-0, five KO's while Jones is 1-4.

Junior welterweight Antonio "Teflon" Magruder needed just 35 seconds to stop the debuting Anthony Dave of Canton, OH.  Magruder is now 2-0, two KO's.

In the only bout to go the distance, DC lightweight Joshua "Marvelous Moe" Parker won a four-round majority decision over Luis Rodriguez of Miami, FL.  Parker won the bout by scores of 39-37 (twice).  One judge saw the draw at 38-38.  Parker is now 3-0, two KO's while Rodriguez falls in his pro debut.

Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd opened the card with a third-round knockout of DC's Issa Coulibaly.  A Hurd right hand dropped Coulibaly to the canvas for the count at 1:59 of the round.  Hurd is now 8-0, five KO's while Coulibaly falls to 1-5.

Brian Dillon served as matchmaker while the ring announcer was Henry "Discombobulating" Jones.

Polischuk Loses Unanimous Decision in Pennsylvania!

Lanham, MD welterweight Yurii Polischuk has lost a four-round unanimous decision to Arturo Trujillo tonight at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA.

According to Jason Pribila of SecondsOut.com, Trujillo dropped Polischuk in the second round and put Polischuk on the defensive for the rest of the fight.  Polischuk lost by scores of 40-35 across the board.

This is the first pro loss for Polischuk, whose record evens at 1-1, one KO.  Trujillo is now 2-0, one KO.

Polishchuk Weighs 146 For Bout in Bethlehem, PA!

Yurii Polischuk of Lanham, MD weighed in at 146 pounds for his four-round welterweight contest against Arturo Trujillo of Easton, PA that will take place on Saturday, August 10 at the Sands Casino Resort in Bethlehem, PA.  Trujillo also tipped the scales at 146 pounds and both men are 1-0, one KO.

Russell Wins Unanimous Decision in Indio!

Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. has won a relatively easy 10-round unanimous decision over Juan Ruiz of Santa Clarita, CA at the Fantasy Springs Hotel and Casino in Indio, CA.  Russell won by shutout on all three judges's cards, 100-90 to raise his record to 23-0, 13 KO's.

In another result on the card, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest who has fought in the Beltway numerous times as an amateur and a pro, suffered his first professional loss as he was knocked out in the second round by former University of Southern California tight end Gerald Washington of San Jose, CA.  According to Fightnews.com, Washington landed a right hook that knocked Forrest out at 1:32 of the round.  Washington remains undefeated at 9-0, six KO's while Forrest, who is managed by Sharif Salim, falls to 7-1, six KO's.

For those of you who wonder why some of the young Beltway pros don't make steps like the one Forrest tried, the result of Forrest's try could be a good answer.

Weights From Washington, DC!

Here is the scale watch for the Top Flight Promotions card on Saturday, September 10 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center:

Brandon Quarles 155 vs. Jimmy LeBlanc 153

Alexander Johnson 173 vs. Simon Ruvalcaba 185

Greg Newby 170 vs. James Jones 173

Jarrett Hurd 155 vs. Issa Coulibaly 159

Joshua Parker 136 vs. Luis Rodriguez 135

Antonio Magruder 139 vs. Anthony Dave 135

Demond Nicholson 159 vs. Teron Walker 169

Follow Juan Marshall's blogging of live results and photos from the Convention Center on ProAm Fight Talk on Saturday!

Quarles Interviewed Prior to Saturday Contest in DC!

Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles is the subject of a nice interview with Geoff Booth of the website RingNews24.  Quarles will be in action this Saturday, August 10 against Jimmy LeBlanc at the Washington Convention Center in DC.

Here's the interview:

Quarles: I would love to beat the hot prospect

Don't forget, Juan Marshall will have complete coverage of Saturday's card primarily on his blog ProAm Fight Talk!

Thompson Interviewed by Bulgarian Newspaper!

DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson continues his love affair with the foreign press.  Thompson, who will step into the ring August 24 against Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in Germany, recently gave an interview to Ognian Georgiev of Bulgaria Today about his upcoming bout and opponent.  Fightnews.com reprinted the article.

Thompson: I'm coming over there to knock that guy out

Russell Weighs In at 127 For Indio Contest!

Gary Russell, Jr. weighed in at 127 pounds for his bout with Juan Ruiz tonight at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.  Ruiz weighed in at 126 pounds.  The bout will be shown on the Showtime Extreme network that carries the undecard bouts on this card.

The Ring's Lem Satterfield recently spoke to Russell about the criticism he has received throughout the boxing world about his career path.   Here is the link to that article:

Russell Unfazed by Criticism

BATB Podcast Now Heard on IHeartRadio!

The following is the first part of what I consider to be a major announcement for this blog.  For the last year, I have been using a great podcast recording service called Spreaker to record interviews, commentary and of course, the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up.  I have recorded a number of shows for the podcast and it has been well received and I thank you for that!

Recently, Spreaker aligned its company with the very popular internet radio service IHeartRadio, giving podcasters like me the opportunity to, as the slogan says, "broadcast to millions."  I applied for inclusion with the program -- and was accepted!  What this means is that some of the more recent podcasts I have done (including a weekly brief commentary podcast that I don't post here) is now being heard in the Talk section of IHeartRadio along the likes of Ryan Seacrest, Fox Sports and ABC News.

I'm looking for some big things with this new opportunity -- including the second part of this announcement which I will unveil in the next couple of weeks.  There is a minor detail that I have to iron out before I reveal this part but I believe this is something that you will enjoy and it will, as I said before, alter what we have been doing from an audio standpoint considerably.

DC Super Middleweights Make Moves Outside The Ring!

Two undefeated DC super middleweights have announced big moves outside of the ring.

"The King's Son" Jerry Odom has signed with GH3 Promotions of New Jersey.  Odom (4-0, four KO's, one NC) last fought on May 18 at the UDC Physical Activities Center in DC and scored a first-round TKO over Drew Morias.  Odom, the outstanding boxer at the 2012 National Golden Gloves, has yet to get out of the first round in his pro career.

Odom just finished his first semester of college at Full Sail University in Winter Park, FL.  Odom is majoring in Media Communications.  Odom is slated to make his GH3 debut on Saturday, September 13 at the Robert Treat Hotel in Newark, NJ where he will join another GH3 signee from the Beltway -- undefeated middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas.

BATB has also learned that Dominic Wade has reportedly signed a managerial contract with well-known manager Al Haymon.  No details on the terms yet.  We hope to talk with Wade in the next few weeks.  Wade (12-0, nine KO's) last fought on February 22 at the DC Armory and scored a second-round TKO over Marcus Brooks.

'Doo Man' Farmer Returns Under The Radar; Wins Six-Round Split Decision in Delaware!

My apologies for this late result.  However, we were unaware that Front Royal, VA junior welterweight Andrew "Doo Man" Farmer made his return to the ring on August 2 and won a six-round split decision over Hector Marengo of Puerto Rico at the Bob Carpenter Center in Newark, DE.

Farmer fought for the first time since February of 2010 when he won an eight-round unanimous decision over Damon Antoine in Winchester, VA.  Farmer defeated Marengo by scores of 58-55 (twice).  One judge scored the bout for Marengo 57-56.

Farmer is now 17-2, seven KO's.  Marengo drops to 5-5-4, three KO's.

Update On August 10 DC Card!

The Saturday, August 10 Top Flight Promotions card at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC is coming together with more bouts being firmed up.

DC light heavyweight Alexander "The Great" Johnson will battle Simon Ruvalcaba of Lake Tahoe, NV in a six-round encounter.  Johnson (13-1, five KO's) returned to action on July 13 with a six-round unanimous decision over Greg Hackett in Fort Washington, MD.  Ruvalcaba (4-11-2) is coming off a fourth-round TKO loss to Steve Rolls on March 22 in Ogden, UT.

DC junior welterweight Joshua "Marvelous Moe" Parker returns to action in a four-round contest against the debuting Luis Rodriguez of Miami, FL.  Parker (2-0, two KO's) fights for the first time in 2013 after scoring a third-round TKO over Antonio Moody on November 3 at the Convention Center.

Laurel, MD middleweight Demond Nicholson also makes a quick return to action after his successful pro debut as he faces Teron Walker of Danville, VA.  Nicholson scored a second-round TKO over Eli Smith on July 20 in Baltimore, MD.  Walker (0-3) lost a four-round unanimous decision to Tyson Harrison on June 28 in Ruffin, NC.

DC junior welterweight Antonio "Teflon" Magruder also returns after his successful pro debut to face the debuting David Anthony of Columbus, OH.  Magruder scored a first-round TKO over Alan Beeman on June 15 at the Convention Center.

We mentioned the main event featuring Alexandria, VA middleweight Brandon Quarles (9-0-1, two KO's) taking on Jimmy LeBlanc of Boston, MA (13-24-4, five KO's) in an eight-round contest.  Also, undefeated DC light heavyweight "Mr. Amazing" Greg Newby (8-0, four KO's) faces James Jones of Nashville, TN in a six-round contest and Beltway junior middleweights "Swift" Jarrett Hurd (7-0, four KO's) and Issa Coulibaly of DC (1-4) battle in a four-round contest.

Vero Beach, FL middleweight James McGirt, Jr. (22-3-1, 11 KO's) is still on the card but no word yet on his opponent.

Mack Lewis Foundation Holds Open House; Harrison Hands Out School Supplies!

Mention the name Mr. Mack Lewis around the Beltway region and watch the smiles come to people's faces.  "Mr. Mack," as we all called him, was a boxing treasure in Baltimore as his gym produced exceptional boxers and, even more important, many excellent men throughout his more than six decades in the sport.  Mr. Mack's passing in November of 2010 at the age of 92 left a void that will be difficult, if not impossible to fill.

Many people in Baltimore are making sure that Mr. Mack's legacy lives on.  The Mr. Mack Lewis Foundation is having its first open house on Saturday, August 10 at the gym located at 913 North Bond Street in Baltimore.  The open house is free and will run from 11 AM to 5 PM.  There will be boxing demonstrations, free food and free school supplies handed out.  The foundation is looking to start tutoring programs and other educational programs at the gym in the near future.

A number of Mr. Mack's disciples are training boxers in the gym led by former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent "The Ambassador" Pettway.  

Closer to DC, undefeated welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison will be handing out school supplies during the second annual Branch Avenue Day on August 10 from noon to 3 at Sam's Car Wash.  Harrison will be joined by local rapper Lightshow.

Beltway Boxers Win At Ringside Tournament!

A number of boxers from the Beltway region won titles at the recent Ringside Boxing tournament in Kansas City, MO. Here are some results:

11-12 division, 75 Pounds, Novice:  Maximus Garland, Waldorf, MD won over Romelio Orozco, Longmount, CO
9-10 division, 65 Pounds, Open:  Tyreek Williams, Oxon Hill, MD over Quran Banks, Columbus, OH

15-16, division, 165 Pounds, Open: Kashif Muhammad Brown, Jr., Upper Marlboro, MD over Joshua Gardner, Moore, OK

Also, Jerrod Bowling of Washington, DC (unattached) won the 178 Pounds Open title.

Ringside results were very hard to understand during the week and there may be some local champions that I did not receive.  Please post if any others from the Baltimore area or Northern Virginia won titles.

Recap From Millersville!

Here is a recap from the Jeter Promotions card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, MD:

Stevensville, MD middleweight Tony "Mo Better" Jeter successfully defended his WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title with a second-round TKO of Tyrel Brown of Gibson, OK. The bout was stopped at 1:15 of the second.  Jeter raises his record to 16-3-1, 11 KO's.  Brown falls to 7-4. seven KO's.

In the co-feature, Baltimore, MD welterweight James Keep 'Em Sleepin'" Stevenson remained undefeated with a second-round stoppage of Joshua Robertson of Lynchburg, VA.  Stevenson earned the stoppage at 2:58.  Stevenson is now 19-0, 12 KO's while Robertson drops to 5-2, one KO.

Washington, DC lightweight Joshua Davis won a four-round unanimous decision over the debuting Darus Somieari of Roanoke, VA.  Davis won by shutout (40-36) on two judge's card and 39-37 on the other to raise his record to 4-0, two KO's.

In a battle of veteran Beltway junior middleweights, Dontre "Pound For Pound" King of Cambridge, MD scored a first-round TKO of Laurel, MD's Norman "The Shadow" Allen.   King dropped Allen in the first minute of the round and went on to the win stopping Allen at 2:48.  King is now 7-14-1, three KO's while Allen falls to 6-10, three KO's.

Salisbury, MD super middleweight Monreco Goldston won a four-round unanimous decision over Jess "Thunder" Noriega of Lynchburg, VA.  All three judges scored the bout 39-37 for Goldston who is now 2-0.  Noriega is now 1-5, one KO.

Baltimore, MD junior middleweight Jeremy "The Truth" Trussell made his long-awaited pro debut a successful one with a third-round TKO over the equally-debuting Nycholas Ellerbie of Ashburn, VA.  Trussell stopped Ellerbie at 1:16 of the third.

Arlington, VA cruiserweight Albi Sadikaj also made a successful debut with a third-round stoppage of Damion Reed of Danville, VA.  The bout was stopped at 2:13 of the third.  Reed is now 2-13-1, one KO.

As you know, I was not at the card in Millersville.  Let me thank Juan Marshall for the yeoman job he did last night in covering the card for both his blog and mine.  It was a tough position I put him in and I apologize publicly for that.  We will make adjustments for next week's card in DC that will have you go to ProAm Fight Talk first before you come here for the results.  Also, thanks to DC Boxing Hall of Famers "The Fight Doctor" Jerome Spears and Henry "Discombobulating" Jones for their assistance.

Not being at the card made me deeply appreciate the live blogging that we do for the bouts.  I was able to keep abreast of what was going on with the show in a very timely matter.

In a few weeks, I will make an announcement that will alter much of what we do at many of the cards going forward. Much of this is set but there are some last-minute details to work out, so I can't make the announcement yet.  The announcement will be made by the end of this month.

Baltimore's Jeremy Trussel Wins Pro Debut!

Jeremy Trussel stops Nycholas Ellerbie 1:16 in round three. 

James Stevenson Keeps a Perfect Record!

James Stevenson improves to 19-0, 12 KO's. Stevenson gets the TKO 2:58 in round number two.

Jeter Keeps WBC Fecarbox Title!

Tony "Mo Better" Jeter stops Tyrel Brown 1:15 of round two.

Albi Sadikaj Gets his First Win!

Albi Sadikaj starts his professional career off with a 2:24 third round stoppage over Damion Reed.

Joshua Davis Gets His Fourth Victory in Millersville, MD!

  

Joshua Davis faced the debuting Darus Somieari. In that bout Davis started slow but finished strong. He picked up the pace as each round ended. Two judges scored the bout 40-36, and the third judge scored it 39-37 all for the unanimous decision win for Davis.

Davis moves to 4-0, 2KO's as Somieari starts his career off 0-1.

Monreco Goldston Gets The Unanimous Decision!

Slow start for both fighters in round one, but Goldston landed more shots to win  the round. In round two, Goldston landed the harder punches but Noriega kept coming forward. In the last and final round Noriega started out punching Goldston and looked to still round four. The judges saw the bout differently scoring it 39-37 all for Goldston.

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Goldston improves to 2-0, 1KO while Noriega falls to 0-5.

Up next Joshua Davis vs Darus Somieari.

Dontre King Wins by TKO!

Dontre King landed a solid right hand to the head of Norman Allen that dropped him to the canvas in the opening minute of round one. Allen never recovered and referee Kenny Chavalier stopped the bout at 2:48 of round one. 

King moves to 7-14-1 while Allen falls to 6-10.

Up next Monreco Goldston  vs Jess Noriega

Professional Bouts at Club One Fitness Starting Shortly!

(Photo by Juan Marshall)

First up, Cambridge, MD's Dontre King facing Forestville, Md's Norman Allen in a four round contest. (L) Allen    

Referees for tonight.

Kenny Chavalier 

Brent Bovell

Blogging Live From Millersville, MD!

(Photo courtesy of Ross Molovinsky)

From Millersville, MD the amateur portion of the card will start shortly to open up the show for the Jeter Promotions professional fight card. 

(Photos by Juan Marshall)

Scale Watch From Millersville, MD!

(Photo courtesy of Juan Marshall)

Here are the weights for the Jeter Promotions Double Trouble card at Club One Fitness in Millersville, Md.

Tony Jeter 159.5 lbs vs Tyrel  Brown 168.5 lbs

James Stevenson 151.5 lbs vs Joshua Robertson 153.5 lbs

Joshua Davis 135.5 lbs vs Darus Somieari 132 lbs

Monreco Goldston 166 lbs vs Jess Noriega 166.5 lbs

Dontre King 147.5 lbs vs Norman Allen 151.5 lbs

Jeremy Trussel 160.5 lbs vs Nycholas Ellerbe 156 lbs

Albi Sadikaj 193.5 vs Damion Reed (will weigh in Saturday)

Mitchell to Face Arreola Sept. 6 in California on Showtime!

BATB has learned that the next bout for Brandywine, MD heavyweight Seth "Mayhem" Mitchell will be a 12-round contest against Chris "The Nightmare" Arreola of Escondido, CA on Friday, September 6 at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.  The bout will be shown on a special Friday edition of Showtime Championship Boxing.

No word on if Mitchell (26-1-1, 19 KO's) will defend his NABO or WBC International titles that he won in his last outing -- a 12-round unanimous decision win over Johnathon Banks on June 22 in Brooklyn, NY.  Arreola (35-3, 30 KO's) will try to bounce back from his 12-round unanimous decision loss to Bermane Stiverne on April 27 in Ontario, CA.  Arreola suffered a broken nose in that contest but says his nose is just fine now.

Mitchell is ranked number two by the WBC, Arreola is ranked third and lost to Stiverne who is ranked number one.

'Bolivian Queen' Salinas Has Title Bout, Documentary in Works!

Manassas, VA super bantamweight "The Bolivian Queen" Jennifer Salinas has been very busy of late in and out of the ring.  Salinas, who is of Bolivian ancestry and lived in the country as a young lady, has made numerous charitable donations of boxing equipment to Bolivian boxers.  Now, those boxers will have an opportunity to see her fight live.

On Saturday, September 14, Salinas (14-3, four KO's) will battle Yolis Marrugo Franco of Cartagena, Colombia (15-8-3, seven KO's) for the vacant WBF (World Boxing Federation) Super Bantamweight title in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.  Salinas won a six-round unanimous decision over DJ Morrison on March 30 in DC in her last outing. This is Salinas's second try at a world title -- she lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Jackie Nava for the interim WBC Super Bantamweight title in Mexico in November of 2010.  Franco has not fought since winning a six-round decision over Olga Salas on September 8 in Cartagena.

If Salinas wins, she will be the fourth female Beltway Boxer to win a world title joining Isra Girgrah Wynn, Lisa Foster Cohen (both super featherweights) and current WIBA Middleweight champion Tori Nelson.

Also, Salinas is one of the subjects of a new documentary entitled "Our Fight."  The film, produced by local filmmaker Marco Sanzetenea and directed by Sergio Bastani, compares and contrasts Salinas and a young Bolivian amateur named Elias Roca and their struggles to succeed in the sport.  The film has been completed and plans are being made to show the film in festivals around the world.

Here is a trailer for the film:

OUR FIGHT - Trailer 2 English from sergiobastani on Vimeo.