HBO Documentary: Tapia

If you didn't catch the HBO documentary "Tapia" last night you missed a great one. "Tapia' chronicled the difficult and often messy life of Albuquerque's, Johnny Tapia.

A classic underdog in life, it was hard not to root for Johnny. Despite his troubles, at his heart he was of boxing's good guys. He was a true warrior in the ring who gave every ounce of himself;, win, lose or draw.

That said, I thought going into his fight with Danny Romero in 1997 that Romero would take the fight. I was wrong. This is the fight that took him to the top of the game. He never looked back.

More than likely, HBO will be showing "Tapia" throughout the month.  It is an honest and brutal peek into the life and hard times of a true fighting champion. Try not to miss it.

Congrats to the California Boxing Hall of Fame 2014 inductees!

Congratulations to all the fighters being inducted into the California Boxing Hall of Fame today. Enjoy your day with your family and friends. It will be a day you will never forget. Much respect to all!

Austin Trout vs Daniel Dawson

Best of luck to Austin Trout in his fight against Daniel Dawson tomorrow night at the Pechanga Casino in Temecula, California. The fight will be shown on ESPN Friday Night Fights.

Roberto Duran

My wife Jeri is always looking out for me. She found this in an Antique shop earlier this week. The June 1980 issue of Ring Mundial, a Spanish language boxing magazine, featuring the legendary fighter Roberto Duran. 1980 is arguably the best and worst year of his outstanding career. At the time of this magazine cover photo he was on top of the world. The pages from the article are all tucked away inside the frame beneath the cover photo.

The timing for this find could not be better. Roberto Duran is being inducted this weekend into Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Roberto Duran for receiving this great honor. Roberto Duran is on the short list of the all time great's pound for pound list, and certainly on mine!

Thanks to my wife Jeri De La O for thinking of me.

Mayweather-Maidana Press Tour Hits DC Monday!

Washington, DC will be part of a five-city tour to promote Floyd Mayweather, Jr.'s September 13 rematch with Marcos Maidana.  The two boxers will be at DAR Constitution Hall on Monday, July 14 at 6:30 PM.  The event is free and open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.  There will also be a free concert by DC native Wale after the main event.

Random Updates: McCalla Opponent Changed; Amateur Boxing on Washington Monument Grounds; Minor Makes Final of Women's National Golden Gloves!

The Friday, July 25 opponent for Baltimore, MD junior middleweight Cecil McCalla has changed.  Instead of Chris Van Heerden, McCalla (18-0, six KO's) will take on Oscar Godoy of Watsonville, CA in the eight-round nationally televised (Showtime ShoBox) bout at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.

Godoy (13-2, six KO's) will be fighting on the east coast for the very first time in his career. Godoy is coming off a six-round majority decision win over Victor Fonseca on March 14 in Tustin, CA.

There is a lot of amateur boxing in the area this weekend.  We have the show at DC Gateway Pavilion in Southeast DC on Saturday, July 12.  Now comes word that there will be amateur boxing on the grounds of the Washington Monument on Sunday, July 13 at 2 PM.  Both shows are free.

Congratulations to Beltway amateur Donielle Minor who has reached the finals in the Senior Novice Division of the Women's National Golden Gloves tournament in Fort Lauderdale, FL.  Minor will face Joy Rothstein of New York in the championship bout.  Earlier in the week, Amelia Moore lost her first round contest.

Hernandez Harrison To Defend WBC Youth Silver Title July 26 in Madison Square Garden!

DC welterweight Dusty Hernandez Harrison will make the first defense of his WBC Youth Silver Welterweight title on Saturday, July 26 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Harrison (22-0, 12 KO's) will face Eli Addison of Winston-Salem, NC in an eight-round contest.  Harrison stopped veteran Roberto Valenzuela in the fourth round in his last outing on May 17.

Addison (11-3, four KO's) has only fought once since 2007.  However, Addison won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Meegal Harper on May 2 in Atlanta, GA.  The biggest name on Addison's record was a loss to future world champion Timothy Bradley in March of 2006.  Addison lost an eight-round unanimous decision for the very title that he will be competing for on July 26.

Douglas, Odom July 25 Bouts Are Now For Regional Titles!

Undefeated Beltway Boxers Antoine "Action" Douglas and "The King's Son" Jerry Odom now have more to battle for in their nationally-televised (Showtime ShoBox) appearances on Friday, July 25 at Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.

The 10-round bout for Douglas (14-0, nine KO's) against Michel Soro of France (23-1, 13 KO's) will be for the vacant WBA International Middleweight title.  Douglas will be vying for his second regional title, winning the interim WBC Fecarbox Middleweight title in January.

The eight-round contest for Odom (11-0, 10 KO's) against Vilier Quinonez of Miami, FL (8-0, five KO's) is for the interim WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight title -- a title most recently held by fellow Beltway Boxer Phil Jackson-Benson.

This will be the 200th episode of Shobox.

Amateur Boxing Action Comes to Southeast DC July 12!

There will be a free amateur boxing card and concert at the Gateway DC Pavilion located at 2700 Martin Luther King Avenue in Southeast DC on Saturday, July 12 at 2 PM.

There are 10 scheduled bouts on the card and a concert by local artist V.I.C. as well as music by DJ Flava. The food is also free for this event.

The event is being put together by Babie Girl Productions and the matchmaking for the boxing is by DC Boxing Hall of Famer Julius "Juice" Gatling.  For more information, call 202-365-5021.

'Smooth' Kelly Is Latest Haymon Guy!

(Photo courtesy of Luke Runion)

Add yet another Beltway Boxer to the growing Al Haymon Family.  BATB has learned that undefeated DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly has signed a contract with the uber boxing promoter.

Kelly (6-0-1, five KO's) is coming off a solid first-round TKO over Eric Newell on June 5 in Boston, MA in front of a nationally televised (Fox Sports1) audience.  There is a possibility that Kelly may be added to the Saturday, August 9 card at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY, but nothing is set yet.  If the bout takes place, Kelly would join other Beltway Boxers on the card such as The Peterson Brothers, D'Mitrius Ballard and Lamont Roach, Jr..

The Beltway Division of the Haymon Family continues to grow as Kelly joins The Petersons, Gary Russell, Jr., Thomas Williams, Jr., Dominic Wade, Gervonta Davis, Kareem Martin, David  Grayton and Phil Jackson-Benson.

Kelly's head trainer is former world title contender and Beltway Boxing Legend Andrew Council (shown with Kelly in the above picture). Tim Valentine is his chief second and Kelly's manager is his long-time mentor Daryl Brown.

Samuel Faces Rodela July 11 in Oxnard, CA!

Baltimore lightweight Tyrell "Da Show Shock'A" Samuel returns to action on Friday, July 11 as he travels to the Performing Arts Center in Oxnard, CA for an eight-round contest against hometown hero David Rodela.

On May 9, Samuel (15-5-1, six KO's) returned to action after an almost two-year absence and won a six-round unanimous decision over Joey Tiberi in Dover, DE.  Rodela (16-9-3, seven KO's) will be looking to break a four-bout losing streak and will be making his return to the ring after an 11-month hiatus.  Rodela has faced some quality opponents during his career including Terrence Crawford and Ronny Rios.

Jargal Added To July 18 Card in New York!

Yet another Beltway Boxer will be on television this month.  Arlington, VA junior welterweight "The Mongolian Mongoose" Bayan Jargal will participate in the co-feature bout on the Friday, July 18 card at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY.

Jargal (17-5-3, 11 KO's) will take on undefeated Cletus "Hebrew Hammer" Seldin of Brooklyn, NY (13-0, 10 KO's) in the eight-round contest.  Jargal will try to break a two-bout losing streak that includes a 10-round unanimous decision loss to Zahir Raheem on January 10 in Tacoma, WA for the NABO Junior Welterweight title. Seldin is coming off a seventh-round TKO win over Wilfredo Acuna on April 24 at the Paramount.  This will be Seldin's fifth straight appearance at the Paramount and ninth in the last 10 bouts.

The bout will air on ESPN2 as will the main event that features another Beltway Boxer.  Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor of Baltimore, MD (17-2, 12 KO's) will face Karim "Hard Hitta" Mayfield of San Francisco, CA (18-1-1, 11 KO's) in the 10-round feature.

As of right now, five locals will be on TV in July -- Taylor and Jargal on the 18th followed by Antoine Douglas, Jerry Odom AND Cecil McCalla on the Showtime ShoBox card on Friday, July 25.

'Hell-Rell' Harris Travels To Benin For Minor Title July 26!

(photo by Juan Marshall)

In a month where Beltway Boxers will be in many different locations, no one will travel further for a bout in July than undefeated DC welterweight Jerrell "Hell-Rell" Harris.

On Saturday, July 26, the 19-year-old Harris (4-0, four KO's) will be in Cotonou, Benin for a 10-round battle for the vacant International Boxing Union (IBU) welterweight title.  Harris has had a unique start to his young pro career -- he reportedly won a minor title in just his second pro bout facing an 0-1 opponent.  Harris has never been past the second round.  In his last outing, Harris scored a second-round TKO over Anthony Dave on March 28 in Weirton, WVA.

Harris's opponent will be a far cry from the opponents he has been facing as well. His opponent will be Anges Adjaho, a native of Cotonou who had been fighting out of Buffalo, NY.  Adjaho (25-7, 14 KO's) has not fought since losing by fifth-round TKO to Ronald Cruz in Atlantic City in November of 2011.  Adjaho has fought some very quality opponents during his career including losing a 10 round unanimous decision against future world champion Shawn Porter in Salisbury, MD in February of 2011.  Adjaho has also lost to former world champion Joel Julio and undefeated boxer Brad Solomon.

Bus Trips Available To New York To See Beltway Boxers Live!

There are two bus trips planned to see Beltway Boxers participate on separate cards in New York City.  Here is the information on both of them.

Dusty Hernandez Harrison will be on a card at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, July 26.  The bus trip costs $60 and the tickets to the boxing card range from $50 to $500. Deadline to purchase your tickets is July 11.  Call 301-437-3293 for more details.

Then on Saturday, August 9, there will be another trip to New York to see a number of Beltway Boxers including the Peterson Brothers, D'Mitrius Ballard and Lamont Roach, Jr. in action at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.  The price of this bus excursion begins at $91 which includes a general admission ticket to the bout.  If you want to buy your own bout ticket ($31 to $256), than the bus ride is $60.  Call 202-528-7694 or 301-675-2003 for more info on this trip.

Boxing Returns To Rosecroft July 18!

Bouts are being finalized for the next Keystone Boxing card on Friday, July 18 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.

One of the featured contests on the card involves undefeated Springdale, MD junior middleweight "The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio who will step into a six-round bout for the first time in his young career when he faces Grayson Blake of State College, PA.

Recio (6-0, five KO's) will be looking for his sixth straight knockout victory.  In his last outing, Recio stopped Daniel Gonzalez in the second round on May 31 at the Washington Convention Center.  Blake (5-2, two KO's) has not fought since February of 2013 and will be trying to break a two-bout losing streak.

In another six-round contest, White Plains, MD lightweight Terron "Kid" Grant will take on Jose Del Valle of Bayamon, Puerto Rico in a bout where the won-loss records will not tell the whole story.

Grant (9-0, four KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision win over Alberto Candelaria on April 18 at Rosecroft.  Del Valle (2-7-3) will be facing his fourth undefeated opponent in his last six outings and he will have one distinct advantage over Grant -- height. Del Valle is 6'2" and will have a seven-inch height advantage over Grant at 5'7".

Also on the card, DC lightweight Joshua Davis returns to action in another six-round encounter when he faces Thomas "The Animal" Herrera of Las Vegas, NV.  Davis (6-1, three KO's) won a tough six-round split decision over Joel Flores on March 7 at Rosecroft.  Herrera (3-11-1, one KO) makes his first trip to the East Coast and looks to break a four-bout losing streak. Herrera is a durable opponent who has never been stopped in a pro bout.

In four-round bouts already signed, undefeated Germantown, MD junior middleweight Gerome Quigley will battle Alfred Hall of Jackson, MI.  Quigley (4-0, three KO's) is coming off a third-round TKO of Damon Antoine on May 17 in Annandale, VA.  Hall (3-4-2, two KO's) has lost his last three.

Also, Forestville, MD junior welterweight Myke "The Professor" Fox will take on Shannon Kelley of Columbus, OH.  Fox (2-0) won a four-round majority decision over Benjamin Olinga on the last Rosecroft card on June 13.  Kelley (0-1) competes for the first time since losing his pro debut in November of 2012.

Also slated to participate on this card are Demond Nicholson, Patrick Harris, Marq Johns, Emanuel Johnson and Stephon McDonald.

Recap From Baltimore!

We finally have a complete BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up to bring you after some technical difficulties recently.  So here is my recap of Saturday's Ponytail Promotions card.



We also talked to Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson after his crushing first round TKO win.

Nelson Successfully Defends WIBA Title With Unanimous Decision!

Tori Nelson successfully defended her WIBA Welterweight title for the third time with a 10-round unanimous decision over a very tough Nicole Woods.

Woods was definitely not Mia St. John as she combined some good shots with some roughhouse tactics to make the bout a difficult one.  However, Nelson kept coming forward and landed a solid left hand and a very nice right uppercut at times.  Woods had to rely on her experience to grab and hold on throughout the contest.

Scorecards were 95-94 and 98-92 (twice) for Nelson who is now 10-0-3, one KO.  Woods is now 11-14-3, three KO's.

For now, good night from Baltimore!

Fillippone Stops Williams In One!

Frankie Fillippone stops Willie Williams with two knockdowns in the first before referee Brent Bovell stopped the contest at 2:47 of the first.

Fillippone is now 16-4-1, three KO's while Williams drops to 13-8-2, four KO's.

Main event is next for the WIBA Welterweight championship of the world.  Champion Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson vs. "Notorious" Nicole Woods. Ten two-minute rounds.

Reeves Wins Unanimous Decision!

In what was a somewhat awkward bout, Travis Reeves won a six-round unanimous decision over Lamont Capers.  Reeves was the definitive aggressor moving Capers backward throughout the contest.

Capers tried to get an offense going but couldn't keep Reeves off of him.  Reeves won by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 58-56.  Reeves is now 5-2-2, two KO's.  Capers drops to 4-4.

Co-feature in the ring.  The rematch between Willie "For Real" Williams and Frankie "The Freight Train" Fillipone.  Eight rounds.

Douglas Wins Six-Round Unanimous Decision!

In a bout that looked tougher than the scorecards indicated, Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas won a six-round unanimous decision over a very game Cristina Fuentes.

Douglas was active throughout, showing great lateral movement and landing solid shots with both hands.  Fuentes, however, would not stop coming and she did land some nice right hands.

However, Douglas landed the more telling shots and won by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 58-56. Douglas is now 4-0, one KO and is reportedly looking at a WIBA title bout in her next contest in the fall.  Fuentes is now 3-6-3.

Up next. Travis "Severe" Reeves of Baltimore takes on Lamont "Smooth" Capers of Tobyhanna, PA.  Six rounds, Cruiserweights.

Douglas Battles Fuentes As Action Returns!

Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas of Baltimore battles Cristina Fuentes of Laredo, TX.  Six two-minute rounds in the flyweight division as action returns to Du Burns.

Nicholson Stops Gonzalez In First Round!

Using a picture-perfect straight left hand, Demond Nicholson brought the Du Burns crowd to its feet with an explosive first round stoppage of Lester Gonzalez.

Nicholson landed some solid shots throughout the contest but Gonzalez looked like someone who would keep coming forward.  However, he came forward right into Nicholson's left hand and was dropped for the count. The bout was stopped at 2:14 of the first.

Nicholson is now 7-0, seven KO's.  Gonzalez is now 12-15-4, six KO's.

We are now at intermission.

Billups Defeats Olinga By Majority Decision!

Seth Billups captures a tough four-majority decision over Benjamin Olinga. Billups moved well going forward, which probably gave him the win.  Olinga is getting tougher with each contest and he definitely challenged Billups at times during the contest. 

Judge Gary Camponeschi scored the bout even at 38-38.  However, judges Vic DeWysocki and Don Risher saw the contest 40-36 and 39-37 respectively for Billups, who remains undefeated at 3-0, two KO's.  Olinga is now 1-7.

Next: the first scheduled six-rounder for middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson of Laurel, MD against Lester Gonzalez of San Diego, CA. 

Trussell, Rohn Battle To Majority Draw!

Jeremy Trussell and David Rohn battled to a four-round majority draw. 

Trussell came out very tentatively, perhaps with some of the caution coming from being knocked out in his last outing on April 12 at Patapsco Arena.  He didn't seem to have the offensive firepower he normally shows.  Trussell landed some good shots but not in combination like usual.  Trussell got the nod on one scorecard, 39-37.

Rohn was able to land just enough punches to make things interesting as the other two judges saw the draw at 38-38.

Trussell is now 8-1-1, six KO's.  Rohn is now 0-1-1, two NC's.

Next up is an all-Beltway battle as Seth "Killer Bee" Billups of Ashburn, VA takes on Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga of DC.  Four rounds, junior welterweights.

Dezurn Knocks Out Fuller In Two!

Glenn Dezurn, Jr. scored a crushing second-round knockout over Cody Fuller in the opening bout.

Dezurn was in complete control of the contest, landing hard shots to the body and head and moving Fuller all around the ring.

Just as we wondered whether Dezurn had enough power to put Fuller away, he answered the question emphatically with a vicious chopping right hand that dropped Fuller to the canvas crossing his legs and making him minus one tooth.  Referee Kenny Chevalier stopped the contest at 2:44 of the second.

Dezurn is now 3-0, two KO's.  Fuller falls to 1-3.

Next up: Jeremy "The Truth" Trussell of Baltimore (8-1, six KO's) battles David "Rock Steady"  Rohn of Villa Park, IL (0-1, two NC's).  Four rounds, middleweights.

Dezurn Takes On Fuller In Opening Contest At Du Burns!

Baltimore lightweight Glenn Dezurn, Jr. will open up tonight's festivities at Du Burns Arena.  Dezurn (2-0, one KO), who trains at the Alexandria Boxing Club in Alexandria, VA, takes on Cody Fuller of Tulsa, OK (1-2) in a four-round bout.

Good Evening From Baltimore!

Hi everyone from the Coppermine Du Burns Arena in the Canton /Fells Point section of Baltimore for the Ponytail Promotions card. 

Du Burns, by the way, is under new management, hence the name.

We are late getting started.  We are looking at a possible 7:45 start at this point.  We'll come back then.

Weights From Baltimore!

Here is the scale watch for the Ponytail Promotions card on Saturday, June 28 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD:

Tori Nelson 146 1/2 vs. Nicole Woods 146
(WIBA Welterweight title bout)

Willie Williams 184 vs. Frankie Filippone 172 1/2

Travis Reeves 192 vs. Lamont Capers 193

Tyrieshia Douglas 113 vs. Christina Fuentes 114

Demond Nicholson 161 1/2 vs. Lester Gonzalez 160

Seth Billups 140 vs. Benjamin Olinga 139 1/2

Jeremy Trussell 161 vs. David Rohn 161 1/2

Glenn Dezurn, Jr. 123 vs. Cody Fuller 125 1/2

The card is slated to begin at 7 PM.  We look to start live blogging about that time.

Wade Captures Unanimous Decision in Vegas!

Dominic "Lights Out" Wade of Largo, MD has won a 10-round unanimous decision over Nick "Machine Gun" Brinson of Albany, NY tonight at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV in front of a nationally televised ShoBox audience.

In completing 10 rounds for the first time in his pro career, Wade made things simple by using the basics, with everything coming off a strong left jab. Wade landed solid shots over the top with the right hand that helped him build an early lead.  Brinson tried to land some body shots but Wade was too big and too disciplined to let Brinson get any advantage.

Wade won by scores of 97-93 (twice) and 96-94 to remain undefeated at 16-0, 11 KO's.  Brinson falls to 16-2-2, six KO's.

'Glove Story' Comes To DC Black Theatre Festival June 28!

If you remember back in 2010, the University of Maryland performed an opera called Shadowboxer based on the life of Joe Louis.  On Saturday, June 28, another boxing-themed production will come to DC and the DC Black Theatre Festival.

The play is called Glove Story and it's a fictional account of two former middleweight champions -- one black and one white -- who fought each other three times during the 1950's and 1960's amidst the backdrop of the growing Civil Rights Movement.

This play is written by former Sports Illustrated writer and current TV producer Ken Pisani and has been received favorably on the west coast.  This reading will be held at 8 PM at the ARC Theater located at 1901 Mississippi Ave in Southeast DC.  Admission is free.

Wade Weighs 162 For ShoBox Bout in Las Vegas!

Dominic Wade tipped the scales at 162 pounds for his 10-round contest with Nick Brinson at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  Brinson weighed in at 161 pounds.

The contest is slated to be the second bout televised Friday night on Showtime's ShoBox broadcast that gets underway at 9:25 PM ET.

Peterson Defends IBF Junior Welterweight Title Against Santana August 9 in Brooklyn!

IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson has an opponent for his Saturday, August 9 title defense at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Peterson (32-2-1, 16 KO's) will face Edgar "El Chamaco" Santana of New York City by way of Puerto Rico in this title defense -- one of three title bouts on this card.

Santana (29-4, 20 KO's) has won his last three bouts by knockout, including a first-round stoppage of Michael Clark in his last outing on November 22 in Dover, DE for the NABA Junior Welterweight title.

The promoters of the card -- Golden Boy Promotions -- are hoping that Peterson will win his defense and that WBC and WBA Super World champion Danny Garcia will win his defense against Rod Salka on the same night.  This would lead to a unification contest later in the year.

The third title bout will be for the vacant WBA Middleweight championship -- Daniel Jacobs will face Jarrod Fletcher.  All three bouts will be televised by Showtime.

Update On July 25 ShoBox Card!

Three Beltway Boxers will be a part of a Showtime ShoBox card on Friday, July 25 at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, NY.

Undefeated Burke, VA middleweight Antoine "Action" Douglas will headline the card in a 10-round bout against Michel Soro of France.  Douglas (14-0, nine KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO over veteran Luca Messi on April 4 in Parsippany, NJ.  Soro, a native of the Ivory Coast (23-1, 13 KO's) makes his first appearance in the United States.  In his last bout, Soro scored a fifth-round TKO over Alexey Ribchev on June 7 in Villeurbanne, Rhone, France.

Bowie, MD super middleweight "The King's Son" Jerry Odom risks his undefeated streak against fellow undefeated boxer Vilier Quinonez in a scheduled eight-round contest.  The last bouts for both men came against the same boxer -- Edgar Perez.  Odom (11-0, 10 KO's) went the distance for the first time in his pro career winning a four-round unanimous decision over Perez on April 26 in Springfield, VA.  Quinonez (8-0, five KO's) would face Perez just a few days later on May 1 in Hialeah, FL and score a first-round TKO.

By the way, after those two losses, Perez would go on to score a big upset in his next bout on June 14 in Springfield by winning a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lavern Harvell.

Undefeated Randallstown, MD junior middleweight Cecil McCalla takes perhaps the biggest step of his career when he faces Chris "The Heat" Van Heerden of Meyerton, Gauteng, South Africa in another eight-round bout.  McCalla (18-0, six KO's) returns to the Turning Stone Casino after winning a six-round unanimous decision over Antonio Chaves Fernandez on April 18. Van Heerden (21-1-1, 11 KO's) won a 10-round split decision over Ray Narh on April 16 in Santa Monica, CA.

One Beltway Boxer who was scheduled to be on the card was undefeated Forestville, MD junior middleweight Alantez "SlyAza" Fox who was slated to battle John Thompson.  According to ESPN.com's schedule, Thompson now has another opponent.

'Too Sweet' Coley Analyzes Russell-Lomachenko!

I came across a very nice perspective on the recent Gary Russell, Jr-Vasyl Lomachenko contest from someone who has competed at the highest level of the boxing business.

Beltway Boxing legend and former NABF and IBC Welterweight champion Derrell "Two Sweet" Coley put together a short video with his comments about the bout.  They are very insightful and I wanted to share them with you.

'Anonymous' Leaves The Blog For The Time Being!

It has become too much.  The hatred, the backbiting.  Just too many gutless wonders who have so much to say to put down our Beltway Boxers yet don't have the guts to put their names behind what they say.

Therefore, on what may..or may not..be a temporary basis, I am getting rid of the anonymous posts on this blog.  For the forseeable future, you will have to register to comment on posts on this blog.  This will force you to put your name behind what you say.

If you don't have the guts to do that, than you are not the fan we want on this blog anyway.

Russell Drops Majority Decision For WBO Featherweight Title!

"Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. has dropped a 12-round majority decision to Vasyl Lomachenko for the WBO Featherweight championship tonight at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.

Lomachenko was a lot more dominant than the judges's scorecards indicated.  He was exceptional going to Russell's body and landing the harder shots throughout.  Lomachenko negated Russell's speed advantage.  Russell seemed get off to good starts in rounds but the two-time Ukrainian Olympic gold medalist was able to get the timing down midway through each round and was able to land solid power shots.

Judges Max DeLuca and Pat Russell scored the bout 116-112 for Lomachenko negating a ridiculous 114-114 score from Lisa Giampa.  The BATB scorecard saw the bout 117-111 for Lomachenko.

Russell loses for the first time as a pro and is now 24-1, 14 KO's.  Lomachenko is now 2-1, one KO.

Derek Brent, Son of 'Chop Chop' Corley, Loses Pro Debut in PA!

It was a tough debut loss for the son of a Beltway Boxing legend Friday night in Scranton, PA. Cruiserweight Derek Brent, the son of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, lost a four-round unanimous decision to Brian "Wildman" Donahue of Philadelphia, PA.

According to noted boxing writer JR Jowett, Brent was knocked down in the first round by a Donahue right hand.  However, Brent came back in the second and dropped Donahue with a right-left combination that also cut Donahue's right eye.

Brent did a good job countering in the third round but started to tire as the bout moved into the final round.  Donahue took control of the final round as Brent continued to wither from the wrestling and shoving.  Brent lost by scores of 38-36 (twice) and 39-36.

Donahue's record is now 3-9-2.

Russell Family Featured In USA Today 'For The Win' Column!

Thought this was very well done.  USA Today's Column "For The Win" put together a nice look at "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. and his family.  For many reading this column, it was a nice introduction to him.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/06/this-crushing-knockout-is-one-reason-gary-russell-jr-might-be-americas-next-great-boxer

Russell, Lomachenko Weigh 125 1/2 For WBO Title Bout!

(Photo by Big Joe Miranda)

Gary Russell, Jr. and Vasyl Lomachenko weighed in at the same weight of 125 1/2 for their WBO Featherweight title bout that takes place Saturday night at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.

The bout will be shown on Showtime with the telecast beginning at 10 PM ET.

Also on the card, Newport News, VA heavyweight Jerry "Slug" Forrest will take on 2012 US Olympian Michael Hunter of Las Vegas, NV in a scheduled eight-rounder.  Forrest is managed by local manager Sharif Salim. 

Forrest (7-1, six KO's) weighed in at 224 1/2 while Hunter (4-0, three KO's) tipped the scales at 207.

Beltway Boxers Shah, Womack Head to New Jersey July 12!

Two locals will compete on a card at the Riverwoods Community Center in West Deptford, NJ on Saturday, July 12.

Centreville, VA middleweight Zain "Tiger" Shah will be in the co-feature bout taking on undefeated Thomas "Cornflake" LaManna of Millville, NJ in a six-round contest.  Shah (5-3, three KO's) will be trying to break a three-bout losing streak against the likes of Brandon Quarles, Alantez Fox and Harry Joe Yorgey.   LaManna (14-0, seven KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Ahsandi Gibbs on April 12 in Atlantic City, NJ.

Also on the card will be Baltimore, MD junior welterweight Kevin "The Scarecrow" Womack, Jr. who will battle Anthony Prescott of Cherry Hill, NJ in a four-round bout.  Womack (4-5-1, two KO's) is winless in his last six (0-5-1) and has lost his last two by stoppage.  Prescott (3-3-1, one KO) is 2-2 in his last four bouts.

The card is being promoted by Silver Spoon Promotions led by returning heavyweight Chazz Witherspoon who will compete in the main event.  Witherspoon has not fought since being stopped by Seth Mitchell in the third round in April of 2012 in Atlantic City.  Witherspoon's third cousin, Tim Witherspoon, Jr. will also be on the card, competing for the first time since losing to Dusty Hernandez Harrison by eight-round unanimous decision on January 31 in West Orange, NJ.

Amateur Boxing Comes To Laurel June 28!

Jeter Promotions along with the Laurel Boxing Club are putting together an amateur boxing card on Saturday, June 28 at the Gardens Ice House located at 13800 Old Gunpowder Road in Laurel, MD.

Scheduled to appear on the card will be Club One Fitness's own Amelia Moore in what will be her final tuneup before her participation in the Women's National Golden Gloves in Fort Lauderdale, FL on July 7-12.

All tickets are $35 and the card is scheduled to begin at 7 PM.  For more information, call 410-729-3900.

Experts Answer Question, 'Who Wins Between Russell and Lomachenko?'

Saturday night's WBO Featherweight title bout between "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. and Vasyl Lomachenko has been a nice topic of debate.

As he normally does with all upcoming major bouts, The Ring's Lem Satterfield polls a group of boxing experts to get their take on who wins the contest.  This link will take you to which boxer most feel will get the nod on Saturday night.

Who Wins, Russell or Lomachenko?

Peterson To Defend IBF Title August 9 in Brooklyn!

IBF Junior Welterweight champion Lamont Peterson will return to action in a title defense on Saturday, August 9 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.  No word yet on whom Peterson's opponent will be.

The bout will be the co-feature to the IBF Welterweight title bout between champion Shawn Porter and challenger Kell Brook.  The card will be televised by Showtime.

Peterson (32-2-1, 16 KO's) made the second successful defense of his title in his last outing on January 25 at the DC Armory when he won a 12-round unanimous decision over Dierry Jean.

Ceremony Honors Louis on 76th Anniversary Of Original 'Fight of the Century' At Arlington Cemetery!

This coming Sunday, June 22 will mark the anniversary of one of the biggest events to ever take place in boxing.  This was the first boxing bout that transcended the sport into the general culture.

The rematch between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling on June 22, 1938 at Yankee Stadium in New York had seemingly the entire hopes of the United States set squarely on the "Brown Bomber's" shoulders.  Louis was the world champion -- having beaten James J. Braddock exactly one year earlier -- June 22, 1937 -- for the title in Chicago.  However, Louis told anyone who would listen that he didn't think he was the real champion unless he avenged his lone loss to Schmeling, which took place at Yankee Stadium on June 19, 1936.

Louis, of course, would destroy Schmeling in the rematch as famed sports announcer Clem McCarthy would say, "The fight is over! On a technical knockout!  Max Schmeling is beaten in ONE ROUND!"

Now, 76 years later, there will be a ceremony honoring Joe Louis near his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA.  The event not only honors the anniversary of this particular bout, it also honors Joe Louis the American hero and sports icon.

The takes place on Sunday, June 22 at 1 PM and it is free and open to the public.  Among the guests will be Claude Roxborough, Sr., a Washington, DC attorney and a descendant of one of Joe Louis's managers, John Roxborough.  Cassandra White of Babie Girl Productions is organizing the event and yours truly has the honor of serving as the master of ceremonies.

Updating June 28 Baltimore Card!

The Ponytail Promotions card slated for Saturday, June 28 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD is coming together with more bouts being added.

There will be a second women's contest on the card as undefeated Baltimore, MD flyweight Tyrieshia "Lady Tiga" Douglas will battle Christina Fuentes of Laredo, TX in a six-round encounter.  Douglas (3-0, one KO) has not fought since July 20 when she won a four-round unanimous decision over Marisol Miranda at Coppin State University in Baltimore.  Fuentes (3-5-3) is a two-time former world title challenger who is coming off a four-round unanimous decision over Mikayla Nebel on March 14 in Hamilton Township, NJ.

Undefeated Laurel, MD middleweight Demond "D Best At It" Nicholson will participate in his first scheduled six-round bout when he takes on Lester "El Cubanito" Gonzalez of San Diego, CA by way of Havana, Cuba. Nicholson (6-0, six KO's) has only been out of the first round once and that was when he stopped his opponent in the second round in his pro debut.  Gonzalez (12-13-4, six KO's) is looking to break a seven-bout losing streak.

Baltimore, MD featherweight Glenn Dezurn, Jr. returns to action on this card as he faces Cody Fuller of Tulsa, OK in a four-round contest.  Dezurn (2-0, one KO) is coming off a first-round TKO over Carlos Alcala on October 18 in Fort Washington, MD.  Fuller (1-2) won a four-round majority decision over Rockne Harris on April 5 in Fort Worth, TX.

Ashburn, VA lightweight Seth Billups is also on the card as he faces the very busy Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga of DC in a four-round contest.  Billups (2-0, two KO's) fought on the last Ponytail Promotions card on May 17 in Annandale, VA and stopped Anthony Dave in the first round.  Olinga (1-6) just fought on the June 13 card at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD and lost a four-round majority decision to Myke Fox.

Already announced for this card are the main event --Tori "Sho Nuff" Nelson of Ashburn defending her WIBA Welterweight championship against "Notorious" Nicole Woods of Stone Mountain, GA as well as two other bouts -- a six-round bout between Willie "For Real" Williams of Baltimore and Frankie "The Freight Train" Fillipone of Norfolk, VA and a four-rounder between Baltimore's Jeremy "The Truth" Trussell and David Rohn of Villa Park, IL.

Baltimore boxers James "Keep Em' Sleepin'" Stevenson and Travis Reeves are still looking for opponents for this card.

Officials Named For Russell-Lomachenko Title Bout!

The WBO has named Jack Reiss as the referee for the WBO Featherweight title bout between contenders "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. and Vasyl Lomachenko that will take place on Saturday, June 21 at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.

Reiss, a referee out of Los Angeles, CA, has worked more than 2000 pro bouts and this will be his 44th world title contest.  He was also the third man in the ring during the entire run of the boxing reality series, "The Contender."

The judges for the bout will be Lisa Giampa, Pat Russell and Max DeLuca.  The bout will be part of the Showtime Championship Boxing telecast on Saturday that begins at 10 PM ET.

Recap From Springfield!

We gave you one of the results from Saturday's Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  Here are the rest of those results.

Debuting, 6'7" Columbia, MD heavyweight Stan Williamson stopped Keanu Braithwaite of North Carolina at 34 seconds of the second round.  Williamson's height was definitely formidable as the much shorter Braithwaite showed more of his back to Williamson than his front.  Early in the second round, referee Billy Johnson had enough of the proceedings and stopped the contest.  Braithwaite was also making his pro debut.

Williamson's cousin, Bobby Gunn, Jr. of Hackensack, NJ remained undefeated by making short work of debuting Evan Coben of Elkton, MD.  Gunn battered Coben around until Malik Waleed stopped the bout at 1:32 of the first round.  Gunn is now 4-0, four KO's.

Fernandina Beach, FL heavyweight Chris Vendola scored a first-round TKO over the debuting Valriquas Bullock of North Carolina.  The 44-year-old Vendola raised his record to 6-5, six KO's.

Also, undefeated Atlanta, GA welterweight D'Andre Smith stopped Nathan Petty of Louisville, KY at 1:44 of the third round to raise his record to 5-0, four KO's.  Petty is now 1-10.

A postscript to Edgar Perez's upset victory over previously undefeated Lavarn Harvell -- Perez received a bonus of $500 for his accomplishment.

Father's Day Is Every Day Along The Beltway!

There is a thought pattern that father-son tandems don't work well in boxing.  For years, that has proven to be incorrect along the Beltway.  In just these two weeks,  Father-Son teams are poised to make great strides in their careers.

Mike Reed did that with his dad, Buck Pinson in his corner Saturday night in Atlantic City and we look for the Russell Family to make history this Saturday in Carson, CA.

There are so many father-son tandems in this area that I don't want to name them for fear that I will miss one.  To all of them -- and all of you -- Happy Father's Day!!

Perez Upsets Harvell In Springfield!

Due to the small amount of Beltway Boxers on the card tonight at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA, we are not providing complete live blogging tonight.

However, one result on this card deserves a more immediate post because we had a major upset tonight.  Edgar Perez of Chicago, IL by way of Puerto Rico, won a six-round unanimous decision over previously undefeated Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell of Atlantic City, NJ.

Perez dropped Harvell twice with crushing right hands.  The first knockdown came late in the first round and the second came with about a minute left in the third.  Harvell was pretty dominant in the second half of the bout but the deficit was too big to overcome on the scorecards.  Perez won by scores of 57-55 (twice) and 56-55.

Harvell loses for the first time in his career and is now 13-1, seven KO's.  Perez is now 6-10, three KO's and has broken a 10-bout losing streak.

Isley Wins Junior Olympic Nationals; Veazey Claims Silver!

Congratulations to Troy Isley of Alexandria, VA who is the Junior Olympic National Champion at 154 pounds!

Isley, fighting at a weight class two divisions heavier than usual, won a 3-0 decision over Manuel Rodriguez of Indio, CA to claim the title in Charleston WVA.  Isley was also named the Outstanding Boxer of the tournament among the heavier weight classes.

Congratulations also to Joe Veazey of Pasadena, MD who won a silver medal in the 145 pound division.  Veazey lost his final to Janelson Figueroa of Detroit, MI by a 3-0 decision.

Reed Wins Unanimous Decision In Atlantic City!

Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed of Waldorf, MD has kept his undefeated streak alive with a six-round unanimous decision over Alberto Morales of Miami, FL by way of Nicaragua at the Bally's Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ.

Reed dropped Morales in the final round with a straight left hand and went on to win a 60-53 decision on all cards.  My thanks to Rich Quiniones, who is covering the fight for BoxingNews 24 and GoFightLive for providing us with the details.

Reed is now 10-0, six KO's.  Morales drops to 11-4-1, eight KO's.

Weights From Springfield, VA!

Here is the scale watch for tonight's Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions Card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA:

Stan Williamson 241 vs. Keanu Braithwaite 239

Bobby Gunn, Jr. 145 vs. Evan Codin 149

Lavarn Harvell 178 vs. Edgar Perez 178

D'Andre Smith 153 vs. Nathan Petty 151

Chris Vendola vs. Valriquas Bullock (both will weigh today)

The card is slated to begin at 7 PM.

Veazey, Isley Advance to Finals of Junior Olympic Nationals!

Two Beltway Boxers have advanced to tonight's final round of the Junior Olympic National Championships in Charleston, WVA.

Joe Veazey of Pasadena, MD is in the championship of the 145-pound division by virtue of his 3-0 decision over Alan Lican of Grande Island, NE.  Troy Isley of Alexandria, VA advanced at 154 pounds with a 3-0 decision over Ray Shipp of St. Louis, MO.

Veazey will face Janelson Figueroa of Detroit, MI while Isley battles Manuel Rodriguez of Indio, CA in today's finals.

Kashif Muhammad-Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD lost his semifinal bout at 176 pounds via a 3-0 decision to two-time Junior Open champion Suray Mahmutovic of Sacramento, CA.

Hurd Stops Robertson In One!

"Swift" Jarrett Hurd stops Joshua "Juice" Robertson at 1:51 of the first round in our main event at Rosecroft.

Midway through the round, Hurd landed a right hand that drove Robertson to the ropes.  Hurd increased the pressure until Referee Brent Bovell stopped the contest.

Hurd remains undefeated at 12-0, seven KO's.  Robertson's record evens at 6-6, two KO's.

Remember, Saturday night, we are at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Rivers Wins Unanimous Decision!

Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr. wins our co-feature with a six-round unanimous decision over a very tough Xavier "The Mongoose" Montelongo, Jr.

Despite being off for almost a year, Rivers showed why he is one of the more technically sound boxers in the area as he landed a dazzling array of punches at his opponent.  Montelongo stayed tough and fought back well.  However, Rivers was in command throughout the bout.

Rivers won by scores of 60-54 (twice) and 59-55 to remain undefeated at 9-0, six KO's.  Montelongo is now 6-2-1, two KO's.

Main event is next:  Jarrett Hurd vs. Joshua Robertson.

Harris Wins Pro Debut in 45 Seconds!

Patrick Harris's pro debut lasted 45 seconds as he hammered George Palmer into a forced stoppage.

Harris would have had a candidate for Beltway Knockout Of The Year -- if Palmer actually went down.  Harris landed crushing head shots that rocked Palmer all over the ring.  How Palmer stayed upright is the biggest question mark of the night so far.  Referee Kenny Chevalier saved Palmer from taking any more damage.

Palmer is 0-2

Next is the co-feature: Kevin Rivers, Jr. vs. Xavier Montelongo.

Johns Crushes Green In First!

Marq "Monster" Johns scores the first knockout of the night as well as a Beltway KO of the Year candidate.  Johns stops Tony Green, Jr. in the first round.

Johns dropped Green twice during the bout.  The first was with a right hand that made Green stumble towards his own corner and take a knee.

The second one came as Green was trying to throw a right.  Johns countered with a brutal left hand that sent Green crashing to the canvas.  The bout was stopped at 2:22 of the first.

Johns is now 3-0-1, three KO's.  Green is now 0-2.

Up next: the debut of Patrick Harris against George Palmer.

Fox Captures Majority Decision Over Olinga!

Myke "The Professor" Fox wins a four-round majority decision over Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga.

The much-taller Fox stayed on the outside throughout the contest using his long jab to keep Olinga off balance.  At times, Olinga got inside and had some success going to the body.  Olinga had enough success to earn a draw on one card, 38-38.

However, Fox's solid ring generalship was the big difference as the other two judges scored a shutout at 40-36.

Fox is now 2-0 while Olinga is 1-6.

Next bout: Marq Johns vs. Tony Green, Jr.

Johnson Wins Pro Debut By Unanimous Decision!

Emanuel "Jab" Johnson won his pro debut by unanimous decision over Mason Wickett.

For a boxer who calls himself "Jab," Johnson didn't use a lot of them, preferring to slug on the inside with Wickett.  Johnson outworked Wickett and earned a 39-37 decision on all three cards.  Wickett is now 0-6.

Next up: Myke Fox vs. Benjamin Olinga.

Adams Wins Majority Decision In Pro Debut!

Much like his father before him, Moe "Lil Showoff" Adams, Jr. did not have an easy time in his pro debut.  However, Adams won a four-round majority decision over a tough Arthur Parker.

Adams started off very quickly, using his left jab very well.  However, late in the second and throughout the third round, the southpaw Parker found a home with his left hand.  Adams finished the bout very strongly in the fourth round with solid right hooks.

Brent Bovell saw the draw at 38-38.  Both John Gradowski and Don Risher scored for Adams, 39-37.

Parker is now 1-11-1, one KO.

Emanuel Johnson takes on Mason Wickett next.

Adams-Parker Heading to the Ring!

Maurice "Lil Mo" Adams and Arthur Parker are in the ring for our first bout of the night.

Good Evening From Rosecroft!

Hi again everyone, from Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD for the Keystone Boxing card.  We expect a nice-sized crowd for this seven-bout card that will probably start closer to 8:30.

When the card starts, the first bout will feature the debut of junior bantamweight Maurice Adams, Jr. of Cheverly, MD as he takes on Arthur Parker of Lancaster, PA (1-10-1, one KO). Four rounds.

Here's the order of the rest of the card:

Bout #2: Emanuel Johnson (pro debut), Brandywine, MD vs. Mason Wickett (0-5), Pine Bluff, AR. Four rounds, lightweights.

Bout #3: Myke Fox (1-0), Forestville, MD vs. Benjamin Olinga (1-5), Silver Spring, MD. Four rounds, lightweights.

Bout #4: Marq Johns (2-0-1, two KO's), Fort Washington, MD vs. Tony Green, Jr., Phoenix, AZ (0-1).  Four rounds, junior lightweights.

Bout #5: Patrick Harris (pro debut), Washington, DC vs. George Palmer, Sand Springs, Oklahoma (0-1). Four rounds, junior welterweights.

Co-feature: Kevin Rivers, Jr. (8-0, six KO's), Palmer Park, MD vs. Xavier Montelongo (6-1-1, two KO's), Rancho Cucamonga, CA.  Six rounds, junior lightweights.

Main Event: Jarrett Hurd (11-0, six KO's), Accokeek, MD vs. Joshua Robertson (6-5, two KO's), Lynchburg, VA.  Six rounds, junior middleweights.

We'll be back when the first bout gets underway and we'll provide results throughout the evening.

Reed Weighs 141 For New Jersey Contest!

Mike Reed weighed in at 141 pounds for his eight-round contest with Alberto Morales Saturday night at Bally's Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ.  Morales tipped the scales at 143.

Quarles Off June 14 Card in Springfield, VA!

BATB has learned that the "Pride of Alexandria" Brandon Quarles is now off the Saturday, June 14 card at the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.

Quarles's scheduled opponent has backed out of the bout.

This leaves just debuting 6'7" heavyweight Stan Williamson as the lone Beltway Boxer on the card.

Veazey, Isley, Muhammad-Brown Victorious At Junior Olympic Nationals!

Thursday was a much better day for local amateurs at the Junior Olympic Nationals in Charleston, WVA as three boxers advanced to the semifinals.

At 145 pounds, Joey Veazey of Pasadena, MD won a 2-1 decision over Miguel Contreras of Bakersfield, CA.  Troy Isley of Alexandria, VA won his first bout at 154 pounds and scored a first-round TKO (yes, they use that language in the amateurs now) over Nicholas Silva of Lowell, MA.  The stoppage came at 1:57.

Isley, a 2014 Junior Open champion, has moved up two divisions from junior welterweight to compete in this tournament.

Meanwhile, Kashif Muhammad-Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD advanced to the semis at 176 pounds with a 3-0 win over Jeremiah Nguyen of Belleville, IL.

Weights From Rosecroft!

Here is the scale watch for the Keystone Boxing Promotions card on Friday, June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD:

Jarrett Hurd 158 1/2 (right) vs. Josh Robertson 159 1/2

Kevin Rivers, Jr. 124 1/2 vs. Xavier Montelongo 126

Marq Johns 126 vs. Tony Green, Jr. 125

Myke Fox 136 1/2 vs. Benjamin Olinga 139 1/2

Emanuel Johnson 135 vs. Mason Wickett 132

Maurice Adams, Jr. 117 1/2 vs. Arthur Parker 122

Patrick Harris 139 vs. George Palmer 141 1/2 (both weighed in this morning).

General Admission tickets are completely sold out and about 200 ringside tickets are available.

Nelson Defends WIBA Welterweight Crown Against 'Notorious' Woods June 28 in Baltimore!

Just 41 days after successfully defending her WIBA Welterweight championship, undefeated Tori "ShoNuff" Nelson of Ashburn, VA once again puts her title on the line against "Notorious" Nicole Woods of Stone Mountain, GA in a 10-round contest on Saturday, June 28 at Du Burns Arena in Baltimore, MD.  The card is being promoted by Ponytail Promotions.

Nelson (9-0-3, one KO) made short work of former world champion Mia St. John, scoring a second-round TKO on May 17 in Annandale, VA.  Nelson will be defending her title for the third time in her bout against Woods (11-13-3, three KO's), who has fought a tremendous list of opponents throughout her career including Cecelia Braekhus, Bonnie Mann, Belinda Laracuente and Melissa Hernandez.

The two women have a common opponent in Aleksandra Magdziak Lopes.  Nelson won her WIBA Welterweight title against Lopes on September 13 in Lincoln, RI via 10-round unanimous decision.  Two months later on November 23 in Boston, MA, Woods battled Lopes to a six-round majority draw.

Two other bouts have been finalized for this card.  Baltimore light heavyweight Willie "For Real" Williams will take on Frankie "The Freight Train" Fillipone of Norfolk, VA in an eight-round contest for the vacant United States Boxing Union title.  This bout is a rematch of an August 28, 2010 bout won by Fillipone by six-round unanimous decision in Virginia Beach, VA.  Since that bout, Williams (13-7-2, four KO's) has only fought twice while Fillipone (15-4-1, two KO's) has competed 13 times.

Also, Baltimore middleweight Jeremy "The Truth" Trussell (8-1, six KO's) will look to bounce back from suffering his first pro loss as he faces David Rohn of Villa Park, IL (1-1)in a four-round contest.  Both men suffered knockout losses on the same card at the Patapsco Arena in Baltimore, MD on April 12.  Trussell was stopped in the sixth round by Taneal Goyco while Rohn fell to Demond Nicholson in the first round.

Undefeated Baltimore welterweight James "Keep Em' Sleepin'" Stevenson (21-0, 14 KO's) will be on the card in an eight-round contest against an opponent to be determined.

Speaking of Nicholson, he is one of a host of Beltway Boxers slated to appear on this card.  The list includes Tyrell Samuel, Andrew Farmer, Tyrieshia Douglas, Glenn Dezurn, Jr. Seth Billups, Alexandru Marin, Nuwan Jayakody, Kevin Womack, Jr. and Travis Reeves.  

'Tranzformer' Taylor Returns Against Mayfield July 18 On ESPN2!

Baltimore, MD junior welterweight Emmanuel "Tranzformer" Taylor will try to bounce back from his recent loss to face Karim "Hard Hitta" Mayfield of San Francisco, CA on Friday, July 18 at the Paramount Theatre in Huntington, NY.  The bout will be the main event on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights.

The Paramount Theatre was the site of the last loss for Taylor (17-2, 12 KO's)  -- a 10-round unanimous decision to Chris Algeri on February 14.  This will be Taylor's fourth straight time on national television -- his third on ESPN2 and once on Showtime.  Mayfield (18-1-1, 10 KO's) will also look to bounce back from a loss.  Mayfield lost a 10-round unanimous decision to Thomas Dulorme for the vacant NABF Junior Welterweight title on March 29 in Atlantic City.

If the schedule holds up, Beltway Boxers will be on national television on three consecutive Fridays -- July 18, July 25 and August 1.  The question mark is the July 25 ShoBox show scheduled to feature Antoine Douglas, Jerry Odom, Alantez Fox and possibly Cecil McCalla.   The only real question seems to be where the card will take place.

Then on August 1, Thomas Williams will be on ESPN2 against Gabriel Campillo in a 12-round contest from the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.

Locals Have Rough Start at Junior Olympic Nationals!

A tough beginning for Beltway Amateurs at the 43rd Junior Olympic Nationals at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WVA. 

Shadid Bond of Edgewood, MD lost his first-round contest at 119 pounds to the 2014 Junior Open champion Victor Morales of Vancouver, WA by a 3-0 decision.  Also, Calvin Hart of Williamsburg, VA fell in the 114-pound bracket, dropping a 3-0 decision to Aaron Morales of Eufala, OK.

In today's afternoon session, Kashif Muhammad-Brown of Upper Marlboro, MD competes in the 176-pound division against Jeremiah Nguyen of Belleville, IL.   In the evening session, Joe Veazey of Pasadena, MD takes on Miguel Contreras of Bakersfield, CA at 145 pounds.

The Ring Profiles Mike Reed As He Prepares For Top Rank 'Audition!'

The Ring's Lem Satterfield has written an article on undefeated Waldorf, MD junior welterweight Mike "Yes, Indeed" Reed as he prepares for his Saturday, June 14 bout against Alberto Morales at Bally's Event Center in Atlantic City, NJ.

Reed (9-0, six KO's) looks at this bout as an "audition" for the promoters of the card, Top Rank.

Here is the link to the article:

http://ringtv.craveonline.com/news/343013-mike-reed-set-for-top-rank-audition-vs-alberto-morales

Junior Olympics Get Underway in West Virginia!

The 2014 Junior Olympic National Championships get underway today at the Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WVA.  A number of local boxers are participating starting with two boxers seeing action in tonight's evening session. 


Calvin Hart of Williamsburg, VA starts at 114 pounds when he takes on Aaron Morales of Eufala, OK.


Shadid Bond of Edgewood, MD will make his first appearance at 119 pounds in a bout against Victor Morales of Vancouver, WA.

Other Beltway Boxers that will participate in the tournament:

145 Pounds: Joe Veazey, Baltimore, MD

154 Pounds: Troy Isley, Alexandria, VA

176 Pounds: Kashif Muhammad Brown, Upper Marlboro, MD.

June 14 Springfield Card Coming Together!

The Saturday, June 14 Jeter Promotions/RBA Promotions card is coming together for the ABC Sports Complex in Springfield, VA.  However, the namesake behind Jeter Promotions will not be participating on the card.

Stevensville, MD middleweight and WBC Fecarbox Middleweight champion Tony "Mo Better" Jeter suffered a cut in training and will stick to the promotional aspect of the card.  The only other Beltway name on the card is "The Pride of Alexandria (VA)" Brandon Quarles who will take on Anthony Walls of Ohio in a six-round contest.

Quarles, the Virginia State Middleweight champion (13-2-1, five KO's) is coming off a six-round unanimous decision over Norman Allen on April 26 at the ABC Sports Complex.  Walls (0-8) is fighting in his first six-round contest.

Undefeated Atlantic City, NJ light heavyweight Lavarn "Baby Bowe" Harvell takes on Edgar Perez of Chicago, IL in another six-round contest.  This will be the first appearance for Harvell (13-0, seven KO's) in exactly one year since he won a six-round unanimous decision over Paul Vasquez in South Orange, NJ.  Perez (5-10, three KO's) was stopped in the first round by Vilier Quinonez on May 1 in Hialeah, FL.  Perez was the first boxer to go the distance with Jerry Odom on April 26 at the ABC Sports Complex.

Undefeated Hackensack, NJ junior welterweight Bobby Gunn, Jr. returns to Virginia for a four-round encounter with the debuting David LaPenna of Delaware.  Gunn (3-0, three KO's) has yet to go past the first round in his pro career.

Gunn's cousin, Stan Williamson, will make his pro debut on this card.  Williamson, who lives in Columbia, MD and is 6'-7", will face the equally debuting Keanu Braithwaite of North Carolina.  Also, Atlanta, GA welterweight D'Andre Smith (4-0, three KO's) will take on Nathan Petty of Louisville, KY (1-9) in a four-round contest.

Also on the card, Chris Vendola of Fernandina Beach, FL (5-5, five KO's) will take on the debuting Valriquas Bullock of North Carolina in a four-round contest.  Vendola has never gone the distance in a contest, having scored five knockouts as well as being knocked out five times.

Gary Russell, Jr. Prepares For WBO Featherweight Title Bout!

Undefeated Capitol Heights, MD featherweight "Mr." Gary Russell, Jr. held an open workout this evening in front of family and fans in preparation for his bout for the vacant WBO Featherweight championship when he takes on Vasyl Lomachenko on Saturday, June 21 at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA.  The bout will air on Showtime.

After his workout, Russell (24-0, 14 KO's) talked to us about the upcoming contest.

Aleem, Sigmon Results From Saturday!

Over the past weekend, a couple of Virginia boxers who have competed in and around the Beltway participated in bouts and we have these results.

Richmond, VA super middleweight Immanuwel Aleem, who trains in Maryland with George Peterson, scored a fourth-round TKO over Cameron Allen on Friday night at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.  Aleem remains undefeated at 9-0, five KO's.  Aleem is in the same camp as David Grayton, who also scored a knockout on that same card.

In Greensboro, NC, Scott "Cujo" Sigmon of Bedford, VA battled to an eight-round majority draw with undefeated DeAndre Robinson-Neal of Columbia, SC at the Coliseum Pavilion.  According to reports, Neal was ahead in the bout during the first four rounds.  Sigmon suffered a bad cut over his left eye because of a headbutt in round five that seemed to turn the tide of battle.  Sigmon was able to sweep the last three bouts and earn the draw.  Neal won one card at 78-75 while the other two judges saw the draw at 76-76.

The draw is the first for both men in their careers.  Sigmon is now 24-5-1, 13 KO's.  Neal remains undefeated at 12-0-1, five KO's.

'Swift' Hurd Promotes June 13 Rosecroft Main Event!

Wanted to share a very nicely put together video by the camp of undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd as he gets ready for his main event contest versus Joshua "Juice" Robertson of Lynchburg, VA on Friday, June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.

Hernandez Harrison Added to July 26 Card At Madison Square Garden!

(Photo courtesy of All-In Entertainment)

Undefeated DC welterweight and WBC Youth Welterweight champion Dusty Hernandez Harrison has been added to the Saturday, July 26 card at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Harrison appeared at the press conference for the event this week.

The card is headlined by Gennady Golovkin's WBA Super World Middleweight title defense against Daniel Geale.  This will be the third time that Harrison (22-0, 12 KO's) will have appeared on a Golovkin undercard.  Unlike his last appearance at MSG where he won the WBC Youth Title, Harrison will compete in the main arena and not the Theater at MSG on this occasion.

Harrison is coming off a fourth-round TKO over Roberto Valenzuela on May 17 in Chester, WVA.  No word yet on who Harrison's opponent will be.

Cummings Drops Close Eight-Round Unanimous Decision In Miami!

Cory "Black Ice" Cummings lost an eight-round unanimous decision to Azea Augustama of Hollywood, FL by way of Haiti tonight at the Casino Jai Alai in Miami, FL.

According to Phil Doherty of Fightnews.com, Cummings dropped Augustama in the second round and Augustama suffered cuts on both eyes in rounds three and four.  However, Augustama, who represented Haiti in the 2008 Olympics, battled back to get a 76-75 decision on all three scorecards.

Cummings, who fought for the first time in three years, sees his record fall to 17-6-1, 13 KO's while Augustama's record rises to 17-1, nine KO's.

Cummings Weighs 177 For Miami Contest!

Cory Cummings tipped the scales at 177 pounds for his eight-round contest against Azea Augustama tonight at the Miami Casino Jai-Alai in Miami, FL. Augustama weighed in at 178 pounds.

The bout will be shown on the NUVO TV Network tonight at 7 PM ET.

Grayton Scores Sixth-Round TKO in California!

David "Day-Day" Grayton remained undefeated tonight at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA as he scored a sixth-round TKO over German Valdez of Mexico.

According to Miguel Maravilla of Fightnews.com, Grayton sent Valdez to the canvas in the closing seconds of round two with a body shot as he got up and went to this corner. Grayton followed up on his attack landing a looping right in the sixth round that knocked down Valdez once again as referee Jack Reiss stopped the fight at 59 seconds of round six.

Grayton improves his record to 8-0, seven KO's while Valdez falls to 3-5-1, one KO.

Thompson Drops 12-Round Unanimous Decision In Paris!

Tony "The Tiger" Thompson has lost a 12-round unanimous decision to Carlos Takam tonight at Marcel Cerdan Sport Palace in Paris, France.

According to reports, Takam outworked Thompson for the bulk of the bout, choosing to play it safe for the final two rounds.  Thompson had some success counterpunching but could not seize control of the contest.

Thompson's record drops to 39-5, 26 KO's.  Takam, who captured the WBC Silver Heavyweight title with the win, is now 30-1-1, 23 KO's.

Thompson Weighs 270 For WBC Silver Title Bout in France!

Tony Thompson tipped the scales at 270 pounds for his 12-round contest tonight at the Marcel Cerdan stadium in Levallois-Perret, Paris, France.  Thompson's opponent, Carlos Takam, weighed in at 257.  The bout will be for the vacant WBC Silver Heavyweight title.

Zachary McIntosh, Hagerstown Amateur Boxer, Passes in Motorcycle Accident!

This has been a very tough week.  We hear word that amateur boxer Zachary MacIntosh passed away today in a motorcycle accident.  He was 29 years old.

According to HeraldMailMedia.com, Mr. MacIntosh died when the motorcycle he was riding crashed on US 40 East of Hagerstown, MD. Maryland State Police was quoted as saying the motorcycle was traveling at a high rate of speed.

Mr. Macintosh, who lived in Point of Rocks, MD, was a boxer for the Hagerstown Boxing Club and competed in the 2011 and 2012 Washington Golden Gloves tournament.  BATB sends its deepest condolences to the officials of the club and to the family and friends of Mr. Macintosh.

Tucker Arrangements Announced!

The funeral arrangements for Mark Tucker, Sr. have been announced.

There will be a viewing on Friday, June 6 at the Zumbrun Funeral Home located at 6028 Sykesville Road in Sykesville MD from 6-8 PM.

The funeral will be on Saturday, June 7 at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 10755 Scaggsville Road in North Laurel, MD. Visitation at 10 AM followed by the service at 11 AM.

Kelly, Roach, Jr. Score First-Round TKO's in Boston!

(Photo by Luke Runion)

Two Beltway Boxers made short work of their opponents tonight at the House of Blues in Boston, MA, notching first-round TKO's.

In a swing bout that appeared on Fox Sports 1 tonight, DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly (left) used a strong right hand to drop Bethlehem, PA's Eric "Black Steel" Newell and stop him at 2:45 of the first.

With the win, Kelly remains undefeated at 6-0-1, five KO's.  Newell drops to 7-3-2, two KO's.

Earlier in the evening in a non-televised bout, Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. scored his first pro knockout as his opponent, Miguel Antonio Rodriguez of Philadelphia, PA could not come out for the second round.  Roach, Jr. is now 2-0, one KO.  Rodriguez is 1-7.

Grayton, Jackson-Benson Sign With Haymon; Wade Headlines June 27 Card In Las Vegas!

Two more Beltway Boxers have signed with uber-manager Al Haymon.

Undefeated DC welterweight David "Day-Day" Grayton (7-0, six KO's) actually worked under the Haymon banner in his last bout on April 19 in DC where he scored a first-round TKO over Howard Reece at the DC Armory. The announcement became official shortly after that contest. Grayton returns to action Friday night when he battles German Valdez in a six-round contest at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

Now comes word that WBC Fecarbox Super Middleweight champion "The Real Deal" Phil Jackson-Benson of Landover, MD is the newest Haymon signee (can we call them "Haymon Guys" or would Paul Heyman of the WWE get mad?).

Jackson-Benson, the 2013 Beltway Boxing Co-Boxer of the Year (13-1, 12 KO's), has not fought since stopping Scott Sigmon on September 7 for the vacant WBC USNBC Super Middleweight title at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD. This was due to an earlier contract hassle which has now been resolved.

Meanwhile, BATB has learned that undefeated Largo, MD supermiddleweight Dominic "Lights Out" Wade (another Haymon signee) will headline a ShoBox card on Friday, June 27 at the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV.  The opponent for Wade (15-0, 11 KO's) is slated to be Nick Brinson of Albany, NY (16-1-2, six KO's).  No official word on how long the bout is scheduled for.

A clarification needs to be made here.  This is NOT the card that was originally scheduled to be at the DC Armory on that same date.  However, this is the card that forced the card that was originally scheduled for June 27 to find a new date (which is slated to be Friday, July 25 at a venue to be determined).

Kelly, Roach Hit Scales in Boston!

Beltway Boxers Danny Kelly and Lamont Roach, Jr. weighed in for their bouts on Thursday at the House of Blues in Boston, MA.

Kelly weighed in at 242 pounds for his six-round contest against Eric Newell, who tipped the scales at 265 pounds.

Roach came in at 133 pounds while his opponent, Miguel Rodriguez weighed 134 pounds.  They will compete in a four-round bout.

Mark 'Spiritbear' Tucker, Father of 'TNT' Tucker, Passes!

Very sad news to report.  Mark "Spiritbear" Tucker, Sr. (right) who promoted boxing cards at the Carroll County's AG Center's Shipley Arena in Westminster, MD for his son, Mark "TNT" Tucker, passed away on June 3.  He was 54.

Mr. Tucker, Sr. had been battling a heart ailment for about two years. Under the banner of the Maryland Boxing Club, he promoted exciting cards headlined by his son, a light heavyweight and former NABO Youth and USBO Light Heavyweight champion.  Tucker also trained his son and worked his corner in his bouts except for Tucker's last contest in February of this year. Brother Nazeem Richardson came from Philadelphia, PA and worked Tucker, Jr.'s corner on that evening.

Mark Tucker, Sr. and I had a wonderful working relationship and I considered him a good friend in this business.  My email address is full of not only updates on those cards but some very inspirational messages he would send to me and others.  When Mark returned to promoting his son in November of 2013 after an almost two year absence, it was a great joy to see.  It had been a tough time for the family because his other son was in a car accident.  Fortunately he has recovered.   So to see him back in action was great.

I will definitely miss driving up to Westminister to see him and the cards he put on.  More than that, however, I will miss a man who was as nice a person to me as anyone has been in this business.  My deepest condolences to the Tucker Family.

Hurd Battles Robertson In Main Event June 13 at Rosecroft!

Undefeated Accokeek, MD junior middleweight "Swift" Jarrett Hurd will headline the next Keystone Boxing card on Friday, June 13 at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington, MD.  Hurd (11-0, six KO's) will battle Joshua "Juice" Robertson of Lynchburg, VA (6-5, two KO's) in a six-round battle.

Hurd is coming off a tough six-round split decision win over Chris Chatman on January 17 at Rosecroft.  This will be Hurd's 11th appearance on a Keystone Boxing card moving him past former world title contender Lamont Pearson for the most appearances on a Keystone card.  Robertson scored a first-round TKO over fellow Lynchburg boxer Jamaal Davis on April 26 in Springfield, VA.

The co-feature marks the return of Palmer Park, MD super featherweight Kevin "K-Smoov" Rivers, Jr.  who will face Xavier Montelongo of East Los Angeles, CA in another six-round contest.  Rivers (8-0, six KO's) competes for the first time in almost a full year -- his last contest was on June 15 at the Washington Convention Center when he scored a second-round TKO over Rasool Shakoor.  Montelongo (6-2-1, two KO's) will try to bounce back from a six-round unanimous decision loss to Heberto Persico on May 16 in Mazatlan, MX.

Also, DC lightweight Joshua Davis (6-1, three KO's) is slated to be on the card.  Davis won a six-round split decision over Joel Flores on March 7 at Rosecroft.  Davis will take on Michael Doyle of Prichard, AL in a six-round contest.  Doyle will look to break a six-bout losing streak.  


Also on the card will be lightweight Myke "The Professor" Fox of Forestville, MD who will be in a four-round, all-Beltway battle with DC's Benjamin "Wildcat" Olinga.  Fox (1-0) made his pro debut on the last Keystone card on April 18 and won a four-round unanimous decision over David Ruiz.  Olinga (1-5) will try to break a three-bout losing streak including a four-round unanimous decision loss to Yurii Polischuk on April 26 in Springfield, VA.

Fort Washington, MD super bantamweight Marq "The Monster" Johns will battle Tony Green of Phoenix, AZ in a four-round encounter.  After debuting with a four-round draw, Johns (2-0-1, two KO's) has scored back-to-back second-round TKO's. All of Johns's bouts have been at Rosecroft.  Green (0-1) has not fought since making his pro debut in June of 2012 by four-round unanimous decision to Carlos Castro in Phoenix.

Three boxers will make pro debuts on this card.  Former regional Golden Gloves champion Maurice Adams, Jr. of DC will face Arthur Parker of Lancaster, PA in a four-rounder.  Adams was a member of the 2011 DC Region Golden Gloves team in the 114-pound division.  Adams is also the son of former Beltway middleweight Maurice "Mighty Mo" Adams who fought on a number of Keystone cards in the late 90's-early 2000's.  This makes the first time in Keystone's 54-card history that they have promoted a father and a son on their cards.

Also debuting will be Johns's brother, Waldorf, MD super featherweight Emanuel "Jab" Johnson who will face off against Chris Johnson of South Bend, IN (0-1) in a four-rounder.  Chris Johnson made his pro debut on the April 12 Rosecroft card and lost a four-round majority decision to DeAndre Davis.

The card will also mark the highly-anticipated pro debut of DC lightweight Patrick Harris.  Harris ended his amateur career in 2013 by winning the USA Nationals and being named the Outstanding Boxer in the Washington Golden Gloves Tournament.  Harris is still looking for an opponent for this contest.

Williams Faces Former World Champ Campillo August 1 in Shelton, WA!

NABO Light Heavyweight champion Thomas "Top Dog" Williams, Jr. of Fort Washington, MD will have a big bout coming up when he takes on former WBA Light Heavyweight champion Gabriel "El Chico Guapo" Campillo of Madrid, Spain on Friday, August 1 at the Little Creek Casino Resort in Shelton, WA.

The bout will be the main event on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights and it will be the first 12-round contest for the undefeated Williams (17-0, 12 KO's), who is ranked sixth by the WBO, ninth by the IBF and 10th by the WBC.

This will also be the fifth straight time Williams has competed on national television with the last three times on ESPN (Williams has also appeared on Showtime Extreme and Fox Sports 1.) Williams scored back-to-back knockouts in his last two appearances on ESPN.  In his last outing, Williams scored a third-round knockout of Enrique Ornelas on April 24 in Rancho Mirage, CA.  Williams won his NABO title on January 24 at the Little Creek Casino Resort with a wild first-round TKO over Cornelius White in the contest where both men were knocked down in that round.

Campillo (23-6-1, 10 KO's) won the WBA Light Heavyweight title in June of 2009 with a 12-round majority decision over Hugo Hernan Gray in Argentina.  Campillo would lose the title to Beibut Shumenov in January 2010 by 12-round split decision in Las Vegas, NV.  In his last contest, Campillo scored a seventh-round TKO over Ricky Dennis Pow on May 9 in the Canary Islands.  That was Campillo's first bout since suffering a ninth-round TKO loss to recent world title challenger Andrzej Fonfara on August 16 in Chicago, IL.

Funeral Arrangements Announced For Maggie Corley!

The funeral arrangements for Maggie Corley, the mother of former WBO Junior Welterweight champion DeMarcus "Chop Chop" Corley, have been announced.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, June 5 at the New Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4417 Douglas Street in Northeast DC.  The funeral will be from 9 AM to 11 AM.

'Black Ice' Cummings Competes In Final Night of 'Knockout' TV Series!

One other Beltway Boxer will be traveling this week. Baltimore, MD light heavyweight and former Maryland State Super Middleweight champion Cory "Black Ice" Cummings will be participating in an eight-round contest against Azea Augustama of Hollywood, FL by way of Haiti on Saturday, June 7 at the Casino Miami Jai Alai in Miami, FL.

The bout will be part of the live event that finishes the first season of a boxing reality series called "Knockout" that appeared this year on NUVO TV.  The show was a tournament-style series that showed boxers training with well-known trainers like Floyd Mayweather, Sr., Ruben Guerrero and Yoel Judah.

Cummings (17-5-1, 13 KO's) has not fought since losing a 10-round unanimous decision to William Joppy in March of 2011 at the Patriot Center in Fairfax, VA.  Augustama (16-1, nine KO's) is coming off an eight-round unanimous decision over Jermain Mackey on January 18 at the Casino Miami Jai Alai.

The card will be shown live on the NUVO TV network at 7 PM ET.

Busy Week of Travel Approaching For Beltway Boxers!

A number of Beltway Boxers will be on the road this week in some interesting scheduled bouts.  Here is the rundown.

As we mentioned earlier, DC heavyweight Danny "Smooth" Kelly and Upper Marlboro, MD lightweight Lamont Roach, Jr. will be on a card at the House of Blues in Boston, MA on Thursday, June 5. Kelly (5-0-1, four KO's) will face Eric Newell of Bethlehem, PA (7-2-2, five KO's) in a six-round encounter while Roach (1-0) faces Miguel Rodriguez of Mexico (1-6) in a four-round bout.

By the way, there will be a feature on Roach tonight on NBC Sports Final at 11:35 PM ET.

On Friday, June 6, DC heavyweight Tony "The Tiger" Thompson (39-4, 26 KO's) travels to the Palais des Sport Marcel Cerdan, Levallois-Perret, Hauts-de-Seine in France for a 12-round contest against Carlos Takam (29-1-1, 23 KO's) of France for the vacant WBC Silver Heavyweight title.

Back in the US, David "Day-Day" Grayton of DC (7-0, six KO's) will take on German Valdez of Mexico (3-4-1, one KO) in a six-rounder at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

On Saturday, June 7, DC welterweight Jerrell "Hell-Rell" Harris is scheduled to be on a card at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Center on the campus of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC.  Harris (4-0, four KO's) is coming off a second-round TKO over Anthony Dave on March 28 in Weirton, WVA. No word yet on his opponent.

On June 7 In Greensboro, NC, Scott "Cujo" Sigmon of Lynchburg, VA (24-5, 13 KO's) will take on undefeated Deandre Neal of Columbia, SC (12-0, five KO's) in an eight-round main event at the Greensboro Coliseum.  Sigmon's last outing was a 10-round unanimous decision win over Jessie Nicklow on March 1 in Lynchburg.  Neal won an eight-round unanimous decision over Coy Lanbert on December 14 in Columbia.

Aftermath of Saturday Night -- Where do we go from here?

As promised, there is more to say about what took place Saturday night at the Washington Convention Center.

Let me first address the anonymous naysayers that filled the blog this past week when talking about this card.  Once again, many of you believe you know what you are talking about when, in reality, those of us who understand the business are like the Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre character "Dr. Science" who, as his announcer says, "He knows more than you do..THAT'S RIGHT!"  

That's what the bulk of Saturday night came down to.  Obviously, matchmaker Brian Dillon was the "Dr. Science" in this situation because he evidently knew a LOT more than the folks criticizing the card did.  I can honestly and without reservation say that Dillon worked his behind off to make that card work and he brought together some very competitive matches that the fans in attendance (and there were more than the 20 or 30 people thought) enjoyed.

I've said this before and I will say it again:  We can't judge a card strictly on the won-loss records of the people involved.  More often than not, these opponents tend to deliver, which is why they seem to be able to find a bout on a moment's notice.

Also, I need to address some unwarranted comments towards Ty Barnett.  Someone needs to explain why there are these personal attacks toward him.  As far as the bout was concerned, and I believe the majority of you understand this, Barnett got caught with a good punched and he was knocked out.  IT HAPPENS!  We don't like to see it happen to our locals but it does.  The fool that ran into the ring, apparently, doesn't understand that and therefore, should not be allowed into another boxing venue in this area again.  This personal attack on Barnett is totally uncalled for and I don't understand how the two connect.

My biggest fear is the impact this incident will have on the Beltway Boxing scene. Fortunately, because we have had big events in the area recently without incident (because security is tighter) we may be okay. The club shows, however, may suffer because we may have lost a venue for the smaller shows in the Convention Center.

There are two security teams that work shows in the Baltimore area and if either teams were at the Convention Center, this never would have taken place. Those are the guys that did Scott Wagner's Ballroom Boxing security. One person from the Ballroom Boxing security group later formed his own security team and did Jake Smith's cards in Woodlawn, Pikesville and Baltimore. We never had an incident like Saturday night with those guys working security and even when the fans got riled up, those teams nipped those situations in the bud.

I mention this because there is one major lesson that Top Flight Promotions and other starting promotional companies need to learn: You can't promote boxing cards on the cheap. Thanks to Dillon, they got away with doing that in the ring Saturday because, despite not being able to spend a lot of money, the bouts, again, were solid and competitive.   This is why I have never promoted because I don't have deep pockets and I still have short arms.

This also means you can't promote cheaply outside the ring. I'm sure there are some great people working for Top Flight. They are probably, however, not heavily trained in the business of security. There were also little things, that I will discuss with them only (if asked), that will make their promotion better. 

I am hoping that this incident will not stop Top Flight from promoting cards. They are necessary to the growth of this boxing area and their cards have been quality ones in the past.  Do they hold some responsibility for what took place last night? Yes they do and I stand by the comments I made in the original Post-Fight Wrap-Up.  My hope and belief is that they will learn from some of the mistakes that were made Saturday night.

Post-Fight Wrap-Up From DC!

Here is the BATB Post-Fight Wrap-Up from Saturday night's card at the Convention Center.  I will have more to say about what took place after the card later this weekend.  But I start my rant on this podcast.

A Trifecta of Boxing Books by Author Jerry Fitch

By Randy De La O

I hit the trifecta when I ordered these three books recently from my friend, boxing historian and author, Jerry Fitch. All three books were personally autographed to me by Jerry. That was appreciated.

I have finished reading "Cleveland's Greatest Fighters of All Time". If I was not aware of Cleveland's place in boxing history before, I am now. Jerry's research, knowledge and personal history is evident throughout the book. Beginning with Johnny Kilbane, each chapter gives us an intimate insight into the fighters life, inside and outside the ring.

Next up for me is "James Louis Bivens - The Man Who Would be Champion". The last book in the trio is "Fifty Years of Fights, Fighters and Friendships". You can order the books through Amazon.com or you can order the books directly through Jerry Fitch.

Despite having read only one of the three books I am going to recommend all three on the strength of "Cleveland's Greatest Fighters of All Time". If anything changes I will let you know.

You can order Jerry's books on Amazon.com or directly from Jerry at JerryFitch@aol.com

Rivera Knocks Out Barnett In Ninth; Barnett Loss Leads To Embarrassing Aftermath!

Cosme "Chino" Rivera stunned the crowd in the Washington Convention Center by scoring a devastating ninth-round knockout over Ty Barnett.  The aftermath of the loss was the most embarrassing moment I have witnessed in 30 years of covering Beltway Boxing.

First, let's talk about the bout itself.  For the most part, Barnett was in control of the contest, landed good jabs and mixing body shots in.  Barnett used strong ring generalship through the early parts of the contest. 

Rivera came back in the fifth and landed a solid right hand across the face of Barnett.  Blood flowed from Barnett's mouth.

In the sixth and seventh rounds, Barnett moved in with body shots that were effective.  However, Rivera landed another solid right hand that did some damage to the cut mouth of Barnett.  In the eighth, Rivera pressed his attack and had his best round of the night until the ninth round.  As the two men threw simultaneous right hands, Rivera's got there first and knocked Rivera stiff and out.  Referee Michelle Myers counted to 10 and the bout was over at 2:52.

Then, the foolishness began as a stupid "fan" dove in the ring and attacked Rivera.  Security and EMTs subdued him but the incident turned what was a solid night of boxing into an absolute embarrassment.

I'll have more to say on this later this weekend.

Recio Stops Gonzalez In Two!

Larry Recio scored a second-round TKO over an extremely game Daniel Gonzalez.

Recio hit Gonzalez with every punch in the book but Gonzalez kept coming forward.  The problem for Gonzalez was that he had little offense accompanying his movement.

By the second round, the similar pattern forced referee Vic DeWysocki to stop the contest at 2:10.

Recio remains undefeated at 6-0, five KO's.  This is his fifth straight win by knockout.  Gonzalez falls to 9-32-2, three KO's.

Main event is next -- Ty Barnett (22-3, 14 KO's) in a scheduled 10-rounder against former world title challenger Cosme "Chino" Rivera (36-18-3, 24 KO's).

Jayakodi Wins Unanimous Decision!

In front of a large contingent of supporters, Nuwan Jayakodi has won a six-round unanimous decision over a very game David Warren Huffman.

Fans waved Sri Lankan flags as Jayakodi and Huffman battled throughout the six-round contest.  Jayakodi landed more solid shots in the contest, however, Huffman also fought well in one of his better outings in recent memory, even trashtalking Jayakodi after a spirited exchange to end the contest.

Jayakodi won by scores of 58-56, 59-55 and 60-55 to lift his record to 3-4-1, two KO's.  Huffman is now 4-20-1, one KO.

Up next, "The Cuban Assassin" Larry Recio (5-0, four KO's) takes on Daniel Gonzalez of Billings, MT (9-31-2, three KO's).